First, there is no argument. There are only my posts on how I see things. Opinion. Second, I "claimed" nothing. I did say that I think people do not deep down believe that someone like Natalee is a more worthy person than someone who was more average at that age, since most people are in fact "average", and they would essentially be believing people like Natalee are better than THEY are. And yes, I think most people are too self absorbed to really believe that.

I also do not think that measuring a person's worth based on fame and money even works in relation to this case, as we're talking about an 18 year old girl. I think her story is more "interesting" to the public and therefore more sellable for several reasons, including the fact that she was pretty, blond, smart, white, and disappeared in a tropical location under suspicious circumstances.

It's not that complicated, nor is it an argument, and as I've said, this is not something I can or do look at objectively. I absolutely do not claim that my "inside knowledge" makes my viewpoint unique. I do not have "inside knowledge", I simply knew Natalee and her friends. This only matters in relation to this thread because it means I am not an objective observer, and is certainly not "unique".

I'm not trying to do anything. You are making this 547389574839578349 more complicated than it actually is, because what this boils down to is my posting my opinions. I am not trying to make an argument, look at this objectively, make an informed point, or find some sort of great truth. I am simply saying that I do not believe almost everyone genuinely thinks at their core that it is less of a loss of life when the missing person isn't blond, pretty, or smart. That's all there is to it.

"Argument" does not mean "fighting over who is right."

Your opinions are making a point - you are arguing in favor of your opinions. Your process of reasoning is an argument by definition.

We are clearly having language difficulties.

Why? Support this, because all available information points the other way (information which you seem to be ignoring).

Why is the case more "sellable" than others? Go a level deeper than you are now - why are those factors sellable?

You took "insider knowledge" as a bad thing. It isn't. And it's likely more unique than universally applicable - again, running away from it.

So your opinions are so simple that they don't apply to the argument?

The "IT'S JUST MY OPINION!" defense is, and always will be, assailable and (frankly) wrong. There are no exceptions for opinions - they still have to make sense, still have to be logical, still have to be rooted in fact.

That's good (because we're not approaching any of those things). But my confusion comes in because it seems like you are - or were, at least. That could well be my bad, or not.

Then defend this point, because heck, it sure appears we've provided a mountain of evidence to the contrary.

You can't just say "I believe ______ to be true" then just smile, wave and we'll go "that's an interesting opinion!" Your point doesn't seem to pass the smell test. Now, my nose is well-shaped and generally effective, but it's been wrong before - colossally wrong on rare occasions. I'm genuinely interested in hearing other viewpoints, but you don't seem interested in providing them.

In fact, you're arguing over the definition of "argument" instead, and telling more about what you're NOT saying than what you ARE.

Buddy, there is no discussion from my side. I believe what I believe, and do not feel the need to spend the afternoon responding by writing a novel to counter the novel you just wrote. You need to have this debate with someone else, because I'm simply not interested. Opinions do not HAVE to be anything but opinions, and you can think they're stupid, misinformed or what have you, but hey...we still all have the right to them.

I just want you to understand what you're doing here, because I have no beef with you otherwise, and you seem like a fine contributor and all that:

You're taking your ball and going home.

Um...what am I doing here? Posting, like everyone else? Damn. Show's over dude, move on.

BOY YOU SURE ARE SO ABOVE THIS!!!!!

PROTIP: Everything I posted was in response to you. Punch yourself in the ovary and get over it.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WxlN78MfKy...to+douglas.jpg

I'm not above anything, I just explained repeatedly I was posting opinion, and it was simple as that. You just had to keep it going, and then question why I'm here, because I didn't wish to have a discussion with you. It's GreekChat. I have as much right to be here as you.

Also, you're kind of a dick.

I don't want you to leave, I'm not saying you're not worthwhile or whatever (in fact I said the opposite). No idea where that's coming from, but it's worth clarifying - I have no problem with you and never questioned your right to be here.

This is some internet drama, because I had the audacity to challenge your opinion?

QED, clearly.

Yeah, yah did. And finished it with your eloquent ovary punching line. So "QFP" all you want. I still think you're kind of a dick.

Does QED = QFP? :confused::confused::confused::confused:

I hope for the sake of her family that the remains that they have found are hers. It will be comforting to be able to lay her to rest both literally and figuratlively.

Only if you're not a dick.

Nope lol

Yeah, I didn't think so, LOL. QFP was not discussed in any classes I took, but QED was.

Well, she did announce it instead of just ignoring you. LOL. You're not surprised.

There are some discussions that are best had only with people who do not need to be able to personally attest to something; and with people who don't need every assessment to match their personal opinion.