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Vladimir_Nesov comments on Woo! - Less Wrong
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Comments (57)
The term is actually derived from the verb to "woo".
The definition "A woo is a label for a commonly used argument or strategy to persuade" encompasses any commonly used and persuasive argument, including both valid and invalid arguments, or arguments that may or not be valid depending on how they're used (such as the Consensus Woo).
I think however an attribute attached to each Woo of its intrinsic validity would be a good idea. That kind of data could then be used to rate experts according to how often they use bad arguments, and hence contribute to the calculation of Eliezer's Correct Contrarian Cluster.
Etymology of a word doesn't get to decide the connotations elicited by it in the reader.
ata asked me "why the name" so I answered. I of course agree with you that connotations are more important than etymology. Frankly however, I was hoping for deeper feedback. If connotations were the only problem I was dealing with here, then I'd be very satisfied.
I get the impression you underestimate the importance of such trivial (to fix) defects.
The "why" questions may hide plenty of depth. Why did you choose this label? If you answer with etymology, then etymology must be for you the most important not-obvious-to-the-reader consideration about this decision, singling it out from all the other reasonable options. Otherwise, why would you give this particular detail of the process of reaching the decision? (Most likely, because of rationalization-causing bias, but then it's not the real answer to the "why" question.)
I concede. The name is changed to "pitch". HT loqi who suggested the name + everyone else who gave feedback.
I'm open to your suggestion that I've underestimated its importance. What's your alternative suggestion then? (I elaborated below in my reply to Jack on the issues with naming.)