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Originally Posted by Jens
I also have a little bit of trouble with the rule that you have to answer questions. It's a good rule, generally, but one might misunderstand that you have to give a correct answer to every question, which means theoretically that a person who doesn't like you could get you banned just by asking a series of really hard questions. I don't think it would be a bad idea to add something like, "If you don't know the answer, admit it."
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Already considered and answered
here, as well as in Item 8 of the
Advice for ATM theory supporters.
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8. You’re going to be asked tough questions. When someone asks you a question – answer it. If you don’t know the answer – say so.
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Bottom line is, if you've presented an idea, be prepared to defend it. Questions about the idea need to be answered. If you can't answer a question, then the "I don't know." response is of course perfectly fine. But if too many "I don't knows" start to pile up, then it's probably time to reconsider the posting of your idea, with the option of withdrawing it for further work. Items 19 and 21 of the referenced thread are pertinent here:
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19. Be willing to modify your views.
21. You need more data. All scientists need more data.
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Remember, if it's your idea, then it's also exclusively your responsibility to explain and defend it.
As Item 1 in the referenced thread says:
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1. You’re going to be challenged to defend your statements with evidence.
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The challenge: a question about your idea. The defense: an answer with evidence.