Item — HN Reader

"Besides, no shadowy conspiracy is needed to explain that which can be explained easily by incentives and social order."

This is exactly my point. Take care with the word propaganda, even if you mean to imply the latter most will assume you're intending to communicate the former and write you off entirely.

2 comments

I think that's good advice.

propaganda is exactly the word that should be used, but people are afraid of losing mindshare by telling the truth. It's as if everyone subconsciously understands that you have to soften your language in order to not be labeled an extremist.

does anyone really believe the media is independant in 2016?

Not at all. Let's examine this point by point (I'm taking great care here because personally I want to help Snowden supporters make a compelling case)

- You should use the most effective word, not the most satisfying word.

- You won't push anybody away by telling the truth, you push people away by being too emotional and appearing unreliable (e.g. exhibiting all-or-nothing thinking, and using emotionally-charged language that impedes logic)

- Lots of people trust the media (~40%) [1].

[1] http://www.gallup.com/poll/185927/americans-trust-media-rema...