The following is a discussion (loosely defined) between two people I follow on Twitter. In this particular instance, one person kept their cool and acted professional; the other did not. You can decide for yourself as I am not going to add any input. What I have done is put things in chronological order. Oh, one little correction. I will add input to the question regarding filet mignon. The study was funded through checkoff dollars.
@JeffFowle: Pork provides protein, B-vitamins and thiamin #agchat #profood
@CulinaryHatchet: But there are much better sources of these http://bit.ly/aeO7OP RT@JeffFowle: Pork provides protein, B-vitamins and thiamin #agchat#profood
@JeffFowle: RT @GABeefBoard: 1/2 of Americans think filet mignon is the best way to say "I love U." #iheartbeef #NCBA
@CulinaryHatchet: Where is data? RT @JeffFowle: RT @GABeefBoard: 1/2 of Americans think filet mignon is the best way to say "I love U." ?!#iheartbeef #NCBA
@JeffFowle: Pig heart valves have been used 2 replace damaged human heart valves #agchat #profood
@CulinaryHatchet: What do ANY of ur tweets have 2 do w/ #profood? RT @JeffFowle: Pig heart valves have been used 2 replace damaged human heart valves #agchat
@CulinaryHatchet: @JeffFowle you are the #cliff clavin of #ag twitter, why don't you just tweet on #cliffclavin channel and not #profood? #agchat
@CulinaryHatchet: @JeffFowle = "storehouse of useless trivia, bearing little relation to the conversation going on at" #profood http://bit.ly/9Lcmml
@JeffFowle: Isn't #profood about a holistic approach to viewing food & agriculture, communication, education and production?
@CulinaryHatchet: No. RT @JeffFowle: Isn't #profood about a holistic approach to viewing food & agriculture, communication, education and production?
@Culinary Hatchet: @JeffFowle "#ProFood is primarily focused on driving entrepreneurial interest in solving the complex food system challenges we face"
@CulinaryHatchet: Does any1 think @JeffFowle 's daily #cliffclavin stream of wikipedia trivia have anything to do w/ #profood?
@CulinaryHatchet: So, read it so you can be constructive on #profood instead of daily spam RT @JeffFowle: @meredithmo I appreciate the link. Thank you.
OK, can I take back the statement about me not adding any commentary? Good. The above interaction is a shining example of how we should not interact with one another, whether in person or on-line. Condescension isn't becoming of anyone, and that is what took place with the "cliffclaven" tweet. It showed a total lack of respect. That is not how constructive dialog takes place. What took place above reduces the very needed visibility we need regarding agriculture to nothing but petty commentary.
The above interaction is also a shining example of how to respond and engage people. It is through thoughtful questions and measured and dignified responses, to name just the couple that are pertinent here.
Luckily, there are a couple of good tweets in there regarding the definition and purpose of Profood.
My apologies to @CulinaryHatchet, but I had to put this down. I know what she is trying to accomplish and what Jeff does....the destination is the same. The shipping channel to take us there is where the discussion is; not in silly name calling. #Ag deserves better.
We are at a point in time in history when all facets of agriculture be brought to bear. We need to look at different methods and approaches; better food policy that supports actual farmers, better trade, and access to capital, and how it is we are going to get safe, healthy food to everyone. And yes, this is not always a supply problem. It could be due to conflict, local politics, or access, to name a few.
These are all complex issues that hard working farmers, entrepreneurs, and policy makers are contending with as I type. So, let's do them all a favor and be respectful of one another and respect the knowledge that is brought to the table. Everyone is IN THE SAME BOAT. Practically speaking, from someone who was a merchant mariner is his previous life, civility on-board ship is the only way to go.
Best,
NJT
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