Posted by phillybob on October 8, 2001, at 13:43:48
In reply to Pissed off at Sal, posted by stjames on August 7, 2001, at 18:47:08
I do not have a problem with someone posting URL's of medical studies OR suggestions on remedies.
That's what PB is about, I believe.
However, I do cringe when the advice is given authoritatively as if one is responding as all-knowing.
What makes such presumptuous advice most egregious is when the person giving the advice also uses URL's of studies. This has the effect of giving even more credence to the advice giver, especially if the person reading the advice does not wish to attempt interpretation of the medical-speak of the study linked and/or seek other response inputs.
I know that there are plenty of disclaimers on the board, but I think a more helpful and encompassing solution might be to have a standard brief disclaimer AUTOMATICALLY listed in a smaller font WITHIN the body of the message (top or bottom).
Some people are often doing this themselves. For example, Cam's info has always been presented as an offering of knowledge based upon his stated experiences and job-related exposures. Others use "YMMV" (your mileage may vary), etc.
caveat emptor smacking one in the face, though, might be a good idea.
poster:phillybob
thread:1736
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20010718/msgs/2163.html