[tar-ancalime]

It seems to me that to implement lmp's plan would simply be to codify what happens spontaneously whenever there is a bandwagon. One person (or sometimes two) starts the accusations, others agree, and before you know it the votes are in and we've followed a de facto leader.

Afterwards, what do we do? We analyze the actions of the original accuser to try to discern motives, inside knowledge, etc.; then we do the same for the followers and in some cases for the non-followers. I really don't see a difference between this process and what lmp is proposing, except for one: Under lmp's plan we'd be absolutely conscious of what we're doing at every step.

It just doesn't seem to matter that much whether we implement this plan or not. lmp, please correct me if I'm missing some important point (it wouldn't be the first time).

And Celuien, I am shocked at the report you give me of the peformance of those knives. Shocked. Did you leave them out in a dewy morning as I instructed? Did you bathe them in raw egg (an absolutely necessary step)?

Of course you did. You are the most careful of craftsmen. It's just that, with all the hundreds of knives I have sold, I've never had another bad report. Well, I am flummoxed. But to show my good faith and to try to make amends, I am willing to refund you a full ONE-FOURTH of the price you paid. I'm sure this will more than make up for any inconvenience.