Discussion of Voynich MS-related theories

[nickpelling]

Not having a theory is not an achievement or a sign of wisdom, it is merely not having a theory. So, for example, saying that one has studied the Voynich for more than 20 years and produced no theory is not an indication or brilliance, but rather one of failure.

It is extraordinarily easy to be researching under the heavy shadow of a theory (or indeed several theories) without even realising it.

For example, anyone who is trying to work out some kind of linguistic or phonetic take on Voynichese has already taken on (implicitly) ten or fifteen theories about various Voynichese behaviours in order to get to that point. Deciding that Voynichese behaviour X, Y or Z is not important is already three theories. (Fill in X, Y, and Z how you like).