Discussion: Finding balance
in: Orienteering; General
Nov 22, 2010 3:17 PM
#
This is a pre-post for another thread I'm getting to, but I wanted to highlight an issue that sometimes gets in the way of any discussion: finding the balance point of an issue.
On any topic there's likely to be a continuum of opinion - from Pro-ABC to neutral to Pro-XYZ.
The balanced middle ground is where we want to aim - but isn't always evident.
But in working with a group looking at changes in Zoning (allowing and restricting what one can do with their land), I'm going to refer to a great line by one of the planners - if he's doing his job well, everybody will be a little bit unhappy.
That is, if things are unbalanced such that one group is exceedingly happy, it is likely that another group will be exceedingly unhappy - and that isn't a great place to be;-)
Just a thought as we get into the season of reflecting.
Me - I think 2010 has been a great year to build off, and look forward to some snow, some Ski-O, and then a nice spring.
On any topic there's likely to be a continuum of opinion - from Pro-ABC to neutral to Pro-XYZ.
The balanced middle ground is where we want to aim - but isn't always evident.
But in working with a group looking at changes in Zoning (allowing and restricting what one can do with their land), I'm going to refer to a great line by one of the planners - if he's doing his job well, everybody will be a little bit unhappy.
That is, if things are unbalanced such that one group is exceedingly happy, it is likely that another group will be exceedingly unhappy - and that isn't a great place to be;-)
Just a thought as we get into the season of reflecting.
Me - I think 2010 has been a great year to build off, and look forward to some snow, some Ski-O, and then a nice spring.
Nov 22, 2010 5:26 PM
#
re: The balanced middle ground is where we want to aim ...
Sometimes, maybe even often or many times, but not always. Sometimes, those who are Pro-XYZ are just plain wrong, and there are plenty of bumper stickers from the Pro-ABC folks to prove it.
Sometimes, maybe even often or many times, but not always. Sometimes, those who are Pro-XYZ are just plain wrong, and there are plenty of bumper stickers from the Pro-ABC folks to prove it.
Nov 23, 2010 7:41 AM
#
This is exploited sometimes - argumentum ad populum. The quest by the media to always give voice to dissension as though there were equal arguments on both sides.
Nov 23, 2010 10:44 AM
#
In orienteering, we spend too much time looking for the balanced middle ground.
Often pro-ABC and pro-XYZ are just stating personal preferences and the middle ground will suit nobody: there may be no "continuum". Sometimes its better to have an clearly labelled ABC-meet so the ABCers are delighted and the XYZers know not to go. Worst is to pretend to cater for all, but actually only cater for one extreme.
So I'm quite happy to run an elite race in great inaccessible terrain with no frills. Or to do an informal event where I'm stopped every five minutes to be asked where we are. But I *do* want to know ahead of time what I'm going to.
Often pro-ABC and pro-XYZ are just stating personal preferences and the middle ground will suit nobody: there may be no "continuum". Sometimes its better to have an clearly labelled ABC-meet so the ABCers are delighted and the XYZers know not to go. Worst is to pretend to cater for all, but actually only cater for one extreme.
So I'm quite happy to run an elite race in great inaccessible terrain with no frills. Or to do an informal event where I'm stopped every five minutes to be asked where we are. But I *do* want to know ahead of time what I'm going to.
This discussion thread is closed.