Lake Chad: 1972 - 1987 and Today  

This photo is over twenty years old. What does lake Chad look like today?

I'm surprised someone looking to convince people would rely on a photo that old.

You really need to go back to the work bench on that one.

I'm not looking to "convince" anyone of anything.

If you're going to leave whiny comments, at least give yourself a nickname.

If you are interested in what it looks like today, go to Google Earth or Google Maps and check it out - you'll find it has shrunk a bit more - its not that hard...

See the updated post for more.

Whiny? The post went from "F" to "A-".

Not wanting to convince or persuade?

Why do it?

Even if it's "only" to convey information: There is a reason.

"Peak Oil" folks get so wrapped up in their stuff, they bristle even at constructive criticism.

Suggesting there is a "reason" behind everything is a trap the tinfoil world often falls into - its worth being wary of it.

Have you considered there might not be a "reason" at all ?

That perhaps this is just me recording the information I come across as I study various things ?

Or that I'm doing it purely for (my) entertainment, with any interesting feedback just being a bonus ?

I don't know your reason, that's for you to spell out. Although, I think the reason is obvious enough: Attribute the lake's shrinkage to global warming.

To imply my criticism and response is "tinfoilism" is more revealing of your sensitivity than my point of view.

You contradict yourself in your own comment.

"Suggesting there is a 'reason' is a trap the tinfoil world fails into..."

Then,

"Or am I doing it for (my) own intertainment..."

You could be. I assume you derive pleasure from your endeavors. Although, it's reasonable to want others to take note of your efforts.

Why are you so sensitive?

Your response to my mild comment, suggests "the tinfoil world" is more open to criticism than the "Peak Oil" world.

The response suggests you are out of practice receiving a critique.

Your added data made your post more informative. I appreciate the further graphics and time line.

With Respect,
Jim from Oregon

Hi Jim,

You misunderstood my comments - I wasn't accusing you of tinfoilism, simply noting that it is best not to try and find some deeper and hidden motivation for everything that goes on.

I then outlined my motivations - study and entertainment. If you go back to my very first post, you'll discover that it was also a form of investment analysis, but I've been out of the market for 2 years now, so that is no longer the case.

Sometimes my phrasing is a bit confusing to North Americans (whereas British people would understand it much more often than not).

Big Gav,
Okay. That was a quick answer. Thank You. I hope you will publish my Iraq comment.

With Respect,
Jim from Oregon

You got lucky - I rarely respond to comments during the day.

I'll respond to your Iraq comment later tonight.

A couple of notes - while you might like to leave comments "critiquing" my posts, from my point of view I'd rather see either useful supplementary material or a well referenced comment that demonstrates why you disagree - plain, unreferenced comments that simply state the opposite to the position I've outlined are simply annoying - I have a few choices, none of them appealing:

1. To spend some time (of which I have very little to spare) once again writing a detailed description of the situation as I see it (after 4 years of intensive study).

2. To just let the comment sit there, unargued with

3. To just delete the comment

It is also a little rude to go to someone's "place" and just utter bald disagreement with what they say on a regular basis.

So - you could :

1. Present some convincing research if you want to disagree with me.

2. Create your own blog, reference my post and just outright disagree with it there and not bother to build a detailed case

3. Disagree with me via email, in which case you'll get replies, although they may take some time.

I will follow your suggestions regarding comments on your blog.

Thank You.

Respectfully,
Jim from Oregon

No worries.