Criticizing the form of an argument is often taken as a sign that one has
nothing substantive to say about its content.

Deb’s point, as usual, is spot on: initial media reports are frequently
erroneous.  The urge to communicate something – anything – means unverified
reports are repeated until they achieve a patina of credibility.  The lack
of information is filled by speculation, rumor, and – yes – bias.  And we
fall for it time and again, jumping to conclusions and often assuming the
worst.

This is good to bear in mind.  Next week the annual AAM convention will
meet in Portland, and no doubt the hallways will be teeming with stories
of  budget cuts and layoffs.  Truth will mix with half-truth and un-truth,
opinion, cynicism, and second-, third- and eighth-hand reports.  Make no
mistake, many museums are facing tough times, including those in my state.
But when you hear that the sky is falling, remember those 170,000 “looted”
artifacts, and keep a grain of salt always at hand.

As for all the political discussion, the 20-20 hindsight of a group of
armchair generals is just all so very.  But over on ASTC-L, they are
actually discussing museum issues.  Definitely worth stopping by.

Eugene Dillenburg
Exhibit Developer
Science Museum of Minnesota

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).