Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site unc.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!cbdkc1!desoto!packard!ihnp1!ihnp4!houxm!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!tektronix!hplabs!pesnta!amd!amdcad!decwrl!decvax!mcnc!unc!fsks From: fsks@unc.UUCP (Frank Silbermann) Newsgroups: net.singles Subject: Re: Opening Lines Message-ID: <433@unc.UUCP> Date: Fri, 14-Jun-85 01:24:30 EDT Article-I.D.: unc.433 Posted: Fri Jun 14 01:24:30 1985 Date-Received: Mon, 17-Jun-85 08:19:18 EDT References: <5894@ucla-cs.ARPA> <403@unc.UUCP> Reply-To: fsks@unc.UUCP (Frank Silbermann) Distribution: net Organization: CS Dept., U. of N. Carolina at Chapel Hill Lines: 42 In article woods@hao.UUCP (Greg) writes: >>> I think the most effective opening "lines" are not "lines" at all. I am >>>assuming here that by "line" you mean a standard line to use on anyone. I >>>personally doubt if such lines would be effective in starting anything more >>>than a one-night stand (if that). Truly good "opening lines" are appropriate >>>to the given situation and person, or, more likely, the conversation that >>>is taking place at the time. In article <403@unc.UUCP> fsks@unc.UUCP (Frank Silbermann) writes: >>So why don't you set up a few hypothetical situations, and then give >>the readers some sample opening remarks that would be appropriate. >>Alternatively, you could post some rules of thumb on how to decide >>what sort of opening remarks would be appropriate, given some situation. >> >>What you've told us so far is of no help at all. In article dsn@tove.UUCP (Dana S. Nau) writes: >Oh, come off it! Your request for "sample opening remarks in hypothetical >situations" completely ignores the point he's trying to make. What point is that? That it's a useless discussion? Suppose the authors who wrote your textbooks took his attitude. You buy a C book hoping it will give you good sample programs so that you can get ideas to improve your own, and all it says inside is: I think the most effective sample programs are not sample programs at all. I am assuming here that by sample program you mean a standard program to use for any specs. I personally doubt if such programs would be effective in starting anything more than a trivial toy program (if that). Truly good programs are appropriate to the given situation, or, more likely, the problem that needs to be solved at the time. I'd say that such an book was pretty useless. Or is his point that trying to improve one's human relation skills is a waste of time? Just as reading other peoples best programs can help improve your own programming skills, hearing other peoples most successful conversation-starters can improve your own ability to meet people. Frank Silbermann