"Looking elsewhere is sometimes convenient and why would be forced to consider things we think we are not interested in? At the same time, how can we be sure that ignoring content isn't going to deprive us from an opportunity to become a bit less ignorant?"
Indeed. Sitting here listening to nothing but the intrusive hum of the fan.
Do you remember our first exchange? Some years ago at dpreview, concerning this image:
http://www.pbase.com/mike_worley/image/128811013I had posted it, with some paragraphs of text, explaining what and where it was, how it was unusual to see it unobscured by fog, and that when you do see it, it does appear to float, as many people have said.
You responded that the image was no better than anyone could have captured with a P&S.
Doubtlessly true. I responded to say that the image hadn't been submitted as fine art, or for critique, but only to illustrate what I had just written.
Our next exchange was somewhat later when I told you that your submission to Radiant Vista had been selected as picture of the week.
Now, if either of us had gotten into a snit and put the other on the "ignore" list, you would have been ignorant of that news. At least until someone else told you.
Mike