> I spent many years trying to learn to argue "correctly" in my martiage -- unemotionally, citing my sources, etc. I can do that. But it matters not how well I do it, I am still dismissed.
You're not being dismissed because your accurate, concise description is being ignored, you're being dismissed because you haven't provided an accurate, concise description.
When I want to argue a controversial point, I link to one of my many articles on diverse topics. Example:
I have made good faith efforts for many years which ascribed to the rules you are trying to dictate, to no avail. No matter how well I argue the latest supposed reason for dismissing me, it makes no difference. There is another excuse behind that one. You are only the latest in a very long string of people to dismiss me, then justify that dismissal as somehow my fault. It isn't anything new to me, not at all. It's a very old story in fact.
> I have made good faith efforts for many years which ascribed to the rules you are trying to dictate, to no avail.
Look, no offense, but you're obviously not going to win over intelligent readers with your diligent avoidance of anything substantive. You are quite obviously trying for sympathy but without providing anything concrete or testable. It's a symptom of Munchausen Syndrome.
> You are only the latest in a very long string of people to dismiss me, then justify that dismissal as somehow my fault.
It's not "somehow" your fault. It is your fault. You want sympathy but without earning it. This is why you have to keep changing forums -- people catch on too quickly.
You're a textbook case of Munchausen Syndrome -- imaginary ailments, ailment you go to great lengths to (a) complain about but (b) conceal, a marked persecution complex, the usual accompanying histrionic syndrome ("It's dangerous to try to describe my condition"), and a general inability to picture yourself realistically.
> And diagnosing someone with Munchausen after a few minutes of internet argument -- that's scientific? Since when?
Since psychology began to masquerade as a science. Want to get better, fairer treatment? Visit a hospital instead of a computer science forum. But I suspect you've already been turned away from any number of hospitals.
You're the one who chose to post your rant on the least likely of forums, one that discusses computer science issues. So either stop complaining about your treatment by unsympathetic computer scientists, or choose another forum.
I came here to learn to program, so I can more effectively share what I know. It is a legitimate interest in HN. I was not ranting. Merely defending myself against rabid attacks, as often happens when I try to talk about this.
Seriously, why does my supposed "mental illness" have you so wrapped around the axle? Such a strong, persistent negative response is the sort of thing I usually see from people with CF or with a child with CF who feel personally threatened by my views.
Anyway, I am about to go to lunch. I will be gone for a bit.
> I came here to learn to program, so I can more effectively share what I know.
Ah, yes, that would explain why you immediately asked about computer programming, instead of commencing your rant about your unfair treatment by doctors.
As to the legitimate topic, for analysis work and to avoid a lot of unnecessary minutiae, and to maximize your productivity, I recommend Python. There is lots online about Python, including a great number of analytical/scientific/technical libraries. There is even a free partial stand-in for Mathematica called "Sage" that can help you do some very sophisticated work in analysis, mostly written in Python:
Unfortunately, it didn't do much for me. Getting well took longer and was more arduous than I anticipated.
I have no doubt I am not at my best right now. But it takes two to communicate effectively and you have so far taken zero responsibility for your repeated ad hominems.
I am about to log off. I will check the links you posted some other time.
You're not being dismissed because your accurate, concise description is being ignored, you're being dismissed because you haven't provided an accurate, concise description.
When I want to argue a controversial point, I link to one of my many articles on diverse topics. Example:
http://arachnoid.com/trouble_with_psychology
Where's yours? And do you think you have the right to claim unjust treatment if you haven't ever clearly explained your case?
> Finding a meeting ground is challenging, and most people make no attempt to meet me halfway.
No, and I can see why -- if someone tries to meet you halfway, you move the goal posts, then complain about how badly you've been treated.