the laziest response

[m_d_h]

The laziest response in an Internet argument is skeptically asking for a citation in support of what I've written.  If you disagree with what I've said, and want to show me some facts in response, do so, but asking me to show my work when you have not done so yet ... lame!  It's the same as guys on the hookup apps who ask for a pic when they haven't shown one yet.  If you want to get into a battle of citations, great, you go first.

It is also somewhat offensive in that your first move is to not trust me, your first move is to accuse me of making shit up.  Why should I play along with that line of attack?

And then if I do show my work, the most likely response will be silence, they've already moved on, they didn't want a real debate, or they would've countered with an actual argument.  The second most likely response is a conclusory claim that my source isn't reputable.  Again, without anything specific in rebuttal.  If I were to show my work, which derives from a database maintained by the Federal Reserve, they'd just say the Federal Reserve can't be trusted #EndTheFed LOL.

So, my best advice is to avoid arguing with strangers on the Internet.

Comments

[ahunter3]

Depends... if you're asserting something factual, as opposed to opinion or perspective, and it isn't generally accepted (e.g. the sun rises in the east), it isn't unreasonable to ask for a cite. Opinions and viewpoints don't need to be backed up by a cite, as the author is entitled to one on their own power.

[m_d_h]

Well, I don't think I was asserting something factual that isn't generally accepted -- anybody who looked up the information would find what I was asserting. And all the person said was "Citation?". So lazy! If instead they wrote, "I've studied this issue also, and I found the exact opposite, which dataset did you consult?" then I would've felt like a true debate was at hand.