Word for the day: Schadenfreude

[michaelgem]

Word for the day: Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude is the word I was trying to come up with the other day in describing the pleasure apparently derived by a few as they observe the unfair criticism by some of GIA’s cut grading system.

Used in a sentence: When it comes to witnessing the unfair criticism of GIA’s cut grading system, some people are all about scha·den·freu·de (shäd''n-froi''da).

http://www.answers.com/topic/schadenfreude

Because this is a word from the German with no equivalent in English, it is an important word to add to the vocabulary. It is a noun describing what George Will sees as a national pastime:

Columnist George Will, who seems to enjoy the seven deadly sins almost as much as he does baseball, decided to add a pleasurable eighth — schadenfreude.

"Sins can be such fun. Of the seven supposedly deadly ones, only envy does not give the sinner at least momentary pleasure. And an eighth, schadenfreude — enjoyment of other persons'' misfortunes — is almost the national pastime."

As I have said, the unfair criticism of the GIA cut grading system is founded on a lack of understanding, and in some cases an unwillingness to understand. A lack of understanding of how the various metrics and algorithms of their system work together to insure a grade in agreement with human observation. Also a grade that can reasonably be estimated by gemologist-appraisers whose job requires it.

Similarly, the AGS system, the Russian system, my system and the systems of others have various metrics and algorithms, which work together to insure a grade in agreement with human observation.

I have stressed that, to be meaningful, human observation by “direct assessment” of the properties of diamond beauty must be done in “typical real world illumination and viewing circumstances”.

Not now, but as I get the time, I will show why justifications and arguments denigrating GIA''s system, while supporting similar systems like AGS''s, are deceptive and untrue. So far, only a few appear to see through this deception, as others appear to be preoccupied with, you guessed it, schadenfreude.

Don’t look for me to respond to the cry of demagoguery or the inevitable responses from usually adversarial posters.

When I do get the chance to continue this discussion, it will be fact based, without attitude, and evenhanded with respect to GIA, AGS and others. The article in the new issue of the “Journal of Gemmology”, entitled “Accordance in Round Brilliant Diamond Cutting” is just such an evenhanded discussion concerning the “Ideal” in standard round brilliant diamond cutting.

Cheers,

Michael Cowing

 

[Nicrez]

The fact that they are the leading laboratory in the US and pretty much internationally says something, doesn''t it? Also the leading school for Gemology.

(by leading I mean most used and recognized even among lay-people)

 

[pricescope]

Michael, with respect, I'm afraid, your post doesn't contain any scientific/factual information but rather expressed your personal emotions toward your opponents. In such important discussion like that, we ask to post or refer to scientific data and refrain from personal arguments and labeling.

Not now, but as I get the time, I will show why justifications and arguments denigrating GIA's system, while supporting similar systems like AGS's, are deceptive and untrue. So far, only a few appear to see through this deception, as others appear to be preoccupied with, you guessed it, schadenfreude.

Yes, please do that when you'll have time. Also, please refer to particular opponents/names who "denigrating GIA's system, while supporting similar systems like AGS's"

Nicrez, sorry but brand recognition and authority status in the trade work in the sales and marketing but cannot be considering an argument in scientific debate.

We afraid that the way this post is presented will only cause inflammatory arguments instead of constructive discussion. For that reason, we are closing this thread and suggest sticking/referring to scientific data in the future discussions on that matter.

Previous debates on the subject took place in this thread: Letter to the Editor of the Australian Gemmologist