Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Do you agree that those very different times were measurements of the same TypeScript fannkuch-redux program? Yes. > How should we now assess your "suspiciously like entirely different algorithms were used in each implementation" comment? The suspicion was incorrect. That's why it was presented as a suspicion, not as fact. I have no reason to defend it if it's incorrect, but I still defend that it was valid to rais…
Please add a correction to your original comment, to prevent readers from being misled. (If it's closed to edits, I'm sure HN staff will open it when you ask). > I still defend that it was valid to raise questions Of course, it's valid to question a measurement that looks strange but your comment went further than that -- your comment, without evidence, assumed a cause; and, without evidence, implied that assumed cau…
Corrections are for facts. I put forth a theory. People being misled by a theory are not something I have limited power to affect. People representing theories read on the internet as fact have larger problems that that will solve.
This discussion is the correction, and a better one than someone would be willing to read. Were it within the 2 hour edit window, I would through in an edit, I've done so numerous times in the past. I will ask Hn to amend it's rules so I can correct a statement I made about something I suspected.
> Of course, it's valid to question a measurement that looks strange but your comment went further than that -- your comment, without evidence, assumed a cause
This is incorrect. I had evidence, I had numbers that did not line up with my understanding of how things should have been given my knowledge of the subject. I presented that as a theory, by using the word "suspect". All I implied is that if that theory was correct, which I made sure to not assert as fact, then it might affect some other languages. I did not assume a cause, I assumed a possible cause, and presented it as such.
I am very particular with my language. I try not to state things as fact when they are not. I try my absolute hardest (and I believe I succeed) to always speak in good faith, where I'm trying to raise a point I think is worthwhile or ask a question where I think there is benefit. I'm actually rather bothered by how some people interpreted my words and intentions, and that includes you. I'm bothered by how you've interpreted my words. Since you're not the only one (although I do believe you're in the minority), I'll assume there's something I could have done better to represent my point. I don't think all the blame lays with me though. There should be some way for me to posit a question and advance a theory without people assuming bad faith, so my question to you is, what way is that? How could I have expressed concern over the results without triggering that interpretation from you? Because I don't think doing personal research on a problem is an acceptable prerequisite for raising a question. In this case, I could have spent hours looking into something I was unfamiliar with and come away with more answers, but many people may not have the knowledge to do so but have enough to think something is wrong. Should they just keep their mouths shut? Are we in a time where raising a concern that turns out to be unfounded (or in this case, just more complicated and slightly misdirected) is unacceptable under any circumstance? I refuse to accept that.