KASS Kelly, as always.

I like cliques. I like to associate with people I like and respect and have something in common with, and I like to exclude others from my circle. That's valuing my time.

Kelly

Thank you for your response. I always think it’s important to define terms. I used the term clique particularly because I think the result of irrational condemnations leads to exactly that. “Small groups.”    I am not new to Objectivism.

But of course, small or large is relevant comparatively speaking. My hope is that people can learn to identify essentials in a more mature way.  And, prioritize more effectively. Hopefully we are all here for the same primary reason. To better ourselves and think more rationally, and we should appreciate each other as allies.

As more people are going to join the Objectivist movement we are going to see a new culture form. Leadership is going to be very important because many people have a hard time thinking clearly and for themselves. It’s unfortunate that many people do not have the time and diligence to truly study all the issues and information and as a result they take a short cut, by accepting the first argument they hear. This is something that I often see in regards to the Fact and Value article. The prosecution is heard and the defense is never listed to.  

Welcome to SOLO!

My dictionary defines "clique" as, "A small, exclusive group of friends or associates." SOLO does not exclude anyone except ultra-obnoxious bad-faithers. It is not a clique. It is open to members of all the other "cliques" you mention and the ones you don't.

Part of the reason for factions is entirely non-ominous—each has a "flavour," an ethos that appeals to some and turns off others, according to temperament. The very volatility that accompanies SOLO's openness is a turn-off for some, who prefer a more genteel, disciplined environment. Plenty of places for them. What's ominous is when word goes out from on high, "Don't speak to so-and-so. If you do, that will constitute sanction and you'll be shunned yourself." Used to be way too much of that sort of crap, but I think its erstwhile practitioners have wised up a bit. Let's hope.

Linz