Instruction Manual for Life [cc]

arachnophile01 Says:

Nov 11, 2009 - it wasn't 'till the last time i wtched this that i got "i had to prop it up with books" as refrence to apoligetics. theists also have to prop thir beliefs up with books explaining the bible

TheraminTrees Says:

Nov 12, 2009 - Hm — you feel my videos all seem to have a common element of walking a thin, sometimes precarious, line between emotional appeal and logic. 'Emotional appeal' is sitting oddly with me. But like all new observations, I'll hold that one and see if, over time, I can see what you're seeing. Perhaps it reflects my interest in intellectual and emotional aspects of experience.

TheFrenchInquisition Says:

Nov 12, 2009 - 1) Gentle reminder that "The few videos I've had the time to watch" is not all your vids but an observation on what I've experienced so far. 2) As for emotional appeal it means only that. I'll elaborate on my viewer experiences if you think it would be helpful. Let me know. 3) It's a tough line for most to walk and it usually goes awry - but you seem to do well with it, particularly in this video, which is why I left the comment on it. Does clarity help here? Hope so!

TheraminTrees Says:

Nov 12, 2009 - 1) fair enough — I was contracting for word space there, but I see my contraction significantly changes the sense. I did take note of your original sense and responded with that in mind.

TheFrenchInquisition Says:

Nov 12, 2009 - 1) Got it, thanks! Yeah, small space. 2) What I mean by "emotional appeal" are things like "I felt betrayed" - something we can all relate to on some level - but usually said to manipulate rather than state. So walking that line between emotion and logic on hot subjects can be tough, but one I think you pulled off rather well in this video. Does that clarification help when you're considering the original feedback?

bottlezone Says:

Nov 12, 2009 - Love this vid... how do I watch it without the CC though? It gets in the way of some of it.

safetypin00 Says:

Nov 12, 2009 - This is amazing. It actually made me cry.

pasivi Says:

Nov 13, 2009 - Thank you guys.

TheraminTrees Says:

Nov 13, 2009 - CC is turned off by hitting the bottom right upward-pointing arrow on the video controls — the flip-up menu allows you to turn off CC.

onecentnickel Says:

Nov 14, 2009 - That was a truly remarkable video. Thank you for making this. I loved every moment.

Theprinceofponeage Says:

Nov 15, 2009 - I suppose I would agree, but since the underlying statements of the video are grounded in logic, the subtle emotional appeal doesn't particularly bother me... I think it is appropriate, I have an emotional reaction to the havoc that religion has had on society ...

TheFrenchInquisition Says:

Nov 15, 2009 - I cringed when the subject of feeling betrayed came up, I realized I was steeling myself for the manipulation to come. That's what people do, right? It didn't come. It was a statement of fact instead. That impressed me. It's a hard line to walk and most screw it up. Thanks for your reply :)

Zoetherat Says:

Nov 15, 2009 - The analogy the video makes works because the biggest factor that determines a person's religion is which religion they were taught to believe in. Most ppl don't believe in their religion based on objective evidence and critical thinking. If they did, then most ppl wouldn't end up believing what their parents believe.

Skindoggiedog Says:

Nov 16, 2009 - @Ermengarde11 Nah, I think it really detracted from it by naming them. Previously I saw it as something I'd love the entire world to see. When I saw those internet people named at the end it killed it for me. Suddenly became local and personal rather than global. Could still have the people at the end, hell, even put just first names to them, or a country name or .. whatever. Naming actual people just ... yeah. Didn't work for me.

karadan100 Says:

Nov 16, 2009 - That was a fantastic video. Thank you.

nowhere8 Says:

Nov 16, 2009 - It's amazing how a simple analogy can carry such a powerful message. Good stuff

TheraminTrees Says:

Nov 16, 2009 - Why thank you onecentnickel

usacomputertec Says:

Nov 16, 2009 - I see that when you mention peace to Atheists their reaction is to give you a thumbs down. Therefore are Atheists against peace?

politicalgoddess Says:

Nov 16, 2009 - My parents did the same. But the cupboard I made was worth it. :) Beautiful story and wonderful artistry ...carry on and spread the message of wisdom with your great talent. Loved the analogy.

the343totalitarian Says:

Nov 17, 2009 - I dont see any comment about peace anywhere, but despite what you may say, the same way the definition of Christianity comes from Christians, atheism comes from atheists. All we say is that we dont believe in god. I dont see anything of the preference of peace or war in that statement. Also, thats like me pointing out Bush, and saying that because he is a Christian, it must mean that he likes wars because he is a Christian.

artworkslive Says:

Nov 19, 2009 - a very thoughtful look into the human condition....well done. also, the content and music were beautifully paired-gave me goosebumps...

TheraminTrees Says:

Nov 19, 2009 - 'I see that when you mention peace to Atheists their reaction is to give you a thumbs down. Therefore are Atheists against peace?' —usacomputertec, the comment that contained the word 'peace' also told every to be quiet and stop debating. I can well imagine THAT getting thumbed down for its arrogance. But you prefer to twist it into some bizarre idea that atheists are against peace. You will never reach people by distorting them like this — but continue to alienate/misrepresent if you wish.

TheFrenchInquisition Says:

Nov 20, 2009 - I was just waiting for the punch to the gut that thankfully never came, as I explained above. But I have to say when the betrayal thing came up, I identified with Christmas Eve when I was 8: My sister said Santa drove a red pick up, not a sleigh. Ten minutes conversation later, suddenly there was no Santa. When I FINALLY believed it, I was livid-royal-stupid angry. I asked my father why he'd lied to me all these years. Wouldn't talk, or open gifts. I think they sat until after NYE, actually :)

frezzyfree101 Says:

Nov 20, 2009 - this is what i think too, every one should have their own ideas not just following the big ones

johnnycochicho Says:

Nov 21, 2009 - Very Very nice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!