See my analogy -- by suggesting that "instead of studying Wright brothers' airplane do whatever other things you like to do, including nothing" something is communicated, but.... I guess I would say I agree denotationally, but I am unable to decipher the connotation, though I feel pretty sure there is one.
Human communication isn't just about communicating, it is also about signalling; in this case signalling loyalty to some virtual tribe, also known as "mindkilling".
Another analogy: If I said repeatedly "don't ever bother listening to Obama", and after requests for clarification I explained that I did not mean to express any political argument whatsoever, only completely neutrally and rationally suggested that "doing what you want, including nothing, will bring you more utilons that listening to Obama", would you say that this manner of speach is acceptable by LW social norms?
but I am unable to decipher the connotation, though I feel pretty sure there is one.
That saying "reading Freud is a waste of time" is perfectly fine because reading Freud really is a waste of time (except for signalling affiliations). It isn't required that a further statement also be made about which psychologist should be read instead. That is a separate piece of information that may also be communicated.
If you happen to disagree that reading Freud is a waste of time that still doesn't make the claim not communication. It is communicating so...
A long time ago, in the colder seasons, I asked for suggestions for a Shit Rationalists Say video. Due to other concerns it took me this long to put it together, and the meme has long since passed. However, here it is.
Shit Rationalists Say
It is my first time in front of a camera, so I'm shakey. But I learned, and there it is.