I just want to point out that this philosophy is a really poor way to approach a conversation on hubski. Hubski allows me to get insight into so many areas and opinions that are not my own or that I would have never considered to contemplate. I always approach my conversations wanting to get as much as I can out of the person I am talking to not reject as much as I can with prejudice.
Go ahead and point it out - but keep in mind: you approached ME. I didn't seek you out for a conversation on HFT. I responded in a decidedly lukewarm way because, honestly, your familiarity with HFT is not likely to impact my antagonism towards HFT. Put another way - "I will entertain your statements on HFT but yours is not knowledge I am seeking." Your audience isn't necessarily hostile, but it's not necessarily inviting, either. Would you have preferred I hid that attitude from you?
No matter what the topic I think trying to keep an open mind even if you have entrenched views is important. I'm doing my best to dispel falsehoods that I see said about electronic trading, point out the benefits that electronic trading has had for society, and engage anyone who has an honest question.
You know, I'm not appreciating getting beat up on this. I'm keeping an open mind. I said I'd listen. I told you my viewpoint. And here you are, kicking me in the shins for having that viewpoint. I didn't ask you to "dispel falsehoods." I don't have any questions. I don't feel any particular attraction to listening to your take on HFT; I've done plenty of reading on my own and had lots of my own experience with markets which - to put it bluntly - you're doing your best to denigrate. So basically, I said "go ahead, but recognize that I'm skeptical" and you're saying "you're an ass for being skeptical." Skepticism intact. If this is how you evangelize, I suggest you work on your bedside manner.