"John Atkinson" wrote

Because the thead in which I invited Arny Krueger to debate me
in New York next May was getting cluttered, I have reposted the
relevant messages here. For Mr. Krueger's and my convenience,
please post any further comments on this proposed debate in this
thread.

Arny Krueger responded to my invitation on December 7, in message
"Of course that's a long way from home, but let's see if I can put
something together."

The ball is thus in his court.

John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile

OK, you've kicked the tires. What is the substance and
motivation of your offer, really? Are you prepared to
enter into an enforcable written agreement? Obviously,
you cannot consummate any agreement between hostile
parties on USEnet.


"No restrictions on what subjects", "let's see if I can
put something together"... of course neither of you
really mean what you're offering.

I don't see how you can say that, Mr. Powell. If he accepts my
invitation, I will provide Mr. Krueger with a public forum,
specifically a lecture room with an audience, to debate me on
any subject either of us thinks appropriate.

"either of us thinks appropriate"... so this wouldn't
necessarily be an unilateral agreement (Law,
pertaining to a contract in which obligation rests on one
party only), right? You said, "No restrictions," that would
mean that Arny doesn't require your approval of his
agenda, no? Which is it, censorship (your approval) or
autonomy for Arny?


As I said, I also think it appropriate for both us to take
questions from the audience. And as I also said, I will
pay Mr. Krueger's expenses, specifically a return coach
air ticket from Detroit and 2 nights accommodation in the
Show hotel.

Fine, great idea. It would be appropriate for you to have a
Talent Contract (work for hire) with Arny. And if your offer is
sincere there should also be a hold harmless addendum
shielding Arny from any concerns that the incident could be
used to advance a litigation. You've often alluded to litigation
in past posts.

And since you also mentioned recording the spectacle, it
should be made public that the multimedia format you
intend to release is “fair use and royalty free” to anyone.

Oh, and let's not forget the money. He turned down $1K
last time. Seems like you should step up to the plate with
some real money this time, if you expect your offer to be
taken seriously.


All this I think reasonable. I see no reason why this debate
could not take place next May along the lines I have
suggested.

"Reasonable"... no two people can agree on what
that constitutes. It usually requires 12 opened minded
people confined to a tiny little room .

In a debate with Arny, how can you assure Arny/anyone
that your representation will be forthright and not just
representing the interest of your employer, your first duty?
I don’t think your handlers want a loose cannon on stage
or negative repercussions afterwards... so what makes
this offer legitimate and not merely a dog and pony show
or just a R.A.O. stunt to kick-the-tires again (1999
Debacle )?