OT: COVID-19 thread #4

[waffle]

and lo...thanks to the interweb...you can find SOMETHING that supports your particular POV

The interweb is the most incredible iterative testing tool ever invented. You like stories that HIT YOU right in the center of the ol lizard brain stem. BANG! That's what I am talking about!

However, you like it because it appeals to you. It has been tested to appeal to you. You read/click/are exposed to ads because it is TUNED to appeal to you thanks to the wonder of rapid message testing.

It almost DOESN'T MATTER what the message is...what matters is that it resonates. And if it resonates PUMP PUMP PUMP...and that equates to

Wait for it....

MONEY

SO in the end your gullibility is being monetized in a very real way. Your mental proclivities are GOLD BABY

The message? Who really cares about the message? How 20th century!

[waffle]

the interweb is 1% information

99% REVENUE

you are not an informed consumer...you are a target

Every single action you take. Everything you read. Everything you like. Everything you buy. Everything you are EXPOSED to goes into the mill that is the decision making engine that runs the interweb.

In the end ? You are just the one with the credit card.

You can be a informed consumer? But let's face it, that's rare. FB gets that.

[waffle]

I am pretty sure I could get rich pumping false info on the web. Using analytical tools to TEST which messages work and which don't. And the group I would target? How to term them? Doubters. They doubt the government. They doubt scientists. They doubt news sources. They doubt anything or anyone who claims to know better than they do.

Then I would tell them what they wanted to hear. Repeatedly.

What you want is a captured audience that is predictable. That you get strong positive feedback from your messaging. That then DO the actions that make you money.

CERTAIN people have realized that people on the "outside' have REALLY strongly held beliefs, and I cannot emphasize how much that CERTAINTY drives their actions.

That, my friends, is an opportunity

I actually don't think most people who are taking advantage of this opportunity are "doubters" themselves. In fact I am PRETTY DARN SURE that some of the big name folks that pump disinformation aren't actually members of that select populace. They are just using them to....Get Rich

Economics is weird. It is fluid. It finds ways to maximize profit. The interweb has just accelerated that.

IN THE END the doubters are just making money for someone. And that someone knows it.

[waffle]

and back to Covid

many of the people pumping disinformation are using the strongly held beliefs of a % of the population to make money. In fact they are REINFORCING those beliefs to...

Make more money

Simple as that.

The internet is about money. It isn't about the sharing of information.

EDIT - as denizens of the interweb, which we all obviously are, we have to be AWARE of this. We are the target, not the audience. If we understand that we can be MUCH better consumers of interweb information. What is pumped to us is just a database/algorithm somewhere testing testing testing.... Accept that..it isn't actually such a bad thing as long as you GET IT

[Almost Retired]

I don't have the time to fly over to the UK to verify this. plus I'm trying to reduce my carbon footprint, but anyway...here's this:
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/09/ready-breakthrough-cases-surge-vaccinated-individuals-accounted-87-covid-hospitalizations-past-week-wales-uk-99-new-cases-60-years-old/

[waffle]

you don't realize it

but you are just proving my point

thanks!

[waffle]

did you read their byline?

"we report the truth - and leave the Russian Collusion Fairy Tale To the Conspiracy Media"

I mean, you couldn't have done a better job. NICE

[waffle]

the interweb is a decision tree.

You like this? Try this. Don't like that? How about THIS . Ah, you REALLY liked that...then you should like THIS...You did? Nice! How about some more of this!

Pretty soon you are WAY out on some limb of the decision tree. Someone is making money off of it and your idea of reality and the idea of someone else who is out on a very distant branch are now NOT IN THE SAME UNIVERSE and you are incapable of having a sensible conversation, probably ever.

I was an early engineer of what became the interweb. I am mostly ashamed.

[The Force.]

If there were any evidence to substantiate Ivermectin, it would be a huge win, sadly there isn't as which has been shown to you that studies on it were plagiarized and forged.

There is plenty of evidence to substantiate Ivermectin. It's not a cure all but there are several studies citing it's efficacy in fighting COVID-19.

https://ivmmeta.com/

[waffle]

OOOOOOORRRRRR

you could just get the freaking vaccine. Novel Idea, I know

[waffle]

possible side effects of Ivermectin:

Headache, dizziness, muscle pain, nausea, or diarrhea may occur. If you are being treated for "river blindness" (onchocerciasis), you may experience reactions to the dying parasites during the first 4 days of treatment, including joint pain, tender/swollen lymph nodes, eye swelling/redness/pain, weakness, vision changes, itching, rash, and fever. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce dizziness upon standing, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: neck/back pain, swelling face/arms/hands/feet, chest pain, fast heartbeat, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions
Before taking ivermectin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems.

If you have traveled or lived in West or Central Africa, you may be infected with certain parasites (such as Loa loa, African trypanosomiasis) that could cause problems with ivermectin treatment. These effects could rarely result in serious (possibly fatal) effects on the brain (such as encephalopathy). Consult your doctor for more information.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If you have a weakened immune system (such as due to HIV infection), you may need repeat treatments with this medicine. Talk to your doctor for more details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Ivermectin passes into breast milk. Though there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Consult your pharmacist or physician.

Interactions
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To help your doctor or pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

Some of the products that may interact with this drug include: barbiturates (such as phenobarbital, butalbital), benzodiazepines (such as clonazepam, lorazepam), sodium oxybate (GHB), valproic acid.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

[waffle]

and the Covid vaccine has the advantage of 300 million + doses in JUST THE U.S. so plenty of data work with...just sayin

[dougthonus]

If there were any evidence to substantiate Ivermectin, it would be a huge win, sadly there isn't as which has been shown to you that studies on it were plagiarized and forged.

There is plenty of evidence to substantiate Ivermectin. It's not a cure all but there are several studies citing it's efficacy in fighting COVID-19.

https://ivmmeta.com/

You'll have to excuse me if I'm skeptical of a propaganda website for Ivermectin.

Several of the studies have been retracted after being found to be outright forgeries.
https://www.statnews.com/2021/08/25/ivermectin-for-covid-19-abundance-of-hype-dearth-of-evidence/
https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/93658
https://retractionwatch.com/2021/08/10/ivermectin-meta-analysis-to-be-retracted-revised-say-authors/

[drosestruts]

this whole thread is some real Sisyphus pushing a boulder up a hill ****

[dougthonus]

I don't have the time to fly over to the UK to verify this. plus I'm trying to reduce my carbon footprint, but anyway...here's this:
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/09/ready-breakthrough-cases-surge-vaccinated-individuals-accounted-87-covid-hospitalizations-past-week-wales-uk-99-new-cases-60-years-old/

News from a site that has a sub heading called "ProTrump News", clearly unbiased.

FYI, if you go look to the source document they link directly, it contradicts the information from the article.

90% of people in Wales had at least partial vaccination, and 85% were fully vaccinated, without thinking about it too deeply, it is likely a pretty good percentage of the rest have immunity via exposure (and I'm sure also a good chunk of the vaccinated people also have super immunity via exposure).

The number they quote of percentage of hospitalizations from vaccinated people is not actually in the report (and explicitly is stated as not in the report).

[waffle]

yet it gets clicks. Just to school the not clued in, clicks = $$$. It may seem fuzzy and indirect but clicks do in fact = $$$

This is what I am talking about. I am 100% sure I could, TODAY, start making money feeding the contrarian/paranoid/"doubting" portion of our populace. Real money, retirement level money. But I'd feel dirty. Some people don't. You, with your requirement to believe in the "other" side of the story, the REAL story, are paying for their kids' braces and country club dues.

This is not just an argument for arguments' sake. There is a less than zero % chance that BY NOT squashing this virus when we had the chance that we are laying fertile soil for the next, EVEN BETTER, virus. Just read about TB....

[Almost Retired]

possible side effects of Ivermectin:

Headache, dizziness, muscle pain, nausea, or diarrhea may occur. If you are being treated for "river blindness" (onchocerciasis), you may experience reactions to the dying parasites during the first 4 days of treatment, including joint pain, tender/swollen lymph nodes, eye swelling/redness/pain, weakness, vision changes, itching, rash, and fever. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce dizziness upon standing, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: neck/back pain, swelling face/arms/hands/feet, chest pain, fast heartbeat, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions
Before taking ivermectin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems.

If you have traveled or lived in West or Central Africa, you may be infected with certain parasites (such as Loa loa, African trypanosomiasis) that could cause problems with ivermectin treatment. These effects could rarely result in serious (possibly fatal) effects on the brain (such as encephalopathy). Consult your doctor for more information.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If you have a weakened immune system (such as due to HIV infection), you may need repeat treatments with this medicine. Talk to your doctor for more details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Ivermectin passes into breast milk. Though there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Consult your pharmacist or physician.

Interactions
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To help your doctor or pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

Some of the products that may interact with this drug include: barbiturates (such as phenobarbital, butalbital), benzodiazepines (such as clonazepam, lorazepam), sodium oxybate (GHB), valproic acid.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

And yet over 4 BILLION doses of Ivermectin have been taken over the past 30 or 40 years. Remdesevir is much more dangerous in percentage terms. And EVERY drug comes with a monograph listing the possible side effects. Even Tylenol.

[LateNight]

Gateway Pundit is not *at all* reputable. These sites are basically just popular because they know how to use twitter to trend. Same as “Real American” (etc) on the left.

I get that people don’t like the traditional news media, but as someone who has worked at a blog like the ones above - they are not high quality. In fact, balanced pieces don’t do well - because only hyperbolic stuff trends on Twitter. While some sites do a better job than others, but Gateway Pundit is not one of them. They were the other site named in the InfoWars (ALEX JONES) harassment lawsuit. They have zero interest in reporting anything factual or nuanced - they just want to rile up people.

[waffle]

to quote my previous post, give me your #1, bestest, iron clad reason for not taking the vaccine.

Not 1000 reasons. Just the #1.

Don't point me to other sites, dubious studies, etc.

[ThreeMileAllan]

this whole thread is some real Sisyphus pushing a boulder up a hill ****

Yeah for both sides.


I dont get it. It's not hard. Get the vaccine. I don't have the energy anymore to deal with propaganda bs.

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