The publishing blogger of Slate Star Codex, Scott Alexander / Scott Siskind, pushes back hard at the latest New York Times piece about him and his work.
First, contra Alexander, I suspect there's at least one psychologist or psychiatrist in this world who is a currently practicing clinical psychologist who blogs about psychological issues and does so under his or her real name. I KNOW there are such people who write books.
So, on that count, he's full of shit.
Second, anybody who favorably links to "Mencius Moldbug" is also questionable. Even if he was "denounced," repeatedly linking to him without regular denouncement leaves you questionable. Per the Times, so does who's on your blogroll.
Third, beyond the Times playing "gotcha" by using a real name in its initial reporting, IF Alexander was being read avidly by Bay Area tech-libertarians who are within, say 4 degrees of Kevin Bacon to Peter Thiel, hellz yes, I want to know who's writing that. That also includes if he's a water carrier for opposing so-called "cancel culture."
Fourth, the Times story provides more background on why Alexander yanked the original SSC. It wasn't a crude takedown AND the Times author notes his full name was easy to find. Shades of Actual Flatticus aka Chris Chopin, whom this guy Siskind sounds more and more like. (Per comments on his Substack above, the fanbois are as thick as the late Chopin had on Twitter.)
Fifth? As far as fears of harassment? It was Cade Metz, the NYT author, who got that. NOT Siskind.
Sixth, the name "Slate Star" seems designed to appeal to the "Gray (Slate!) Tribe" idea.
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