Since you have been studying this subject area for 25+ years you ARE one of the experts! Of the two groups of people - the first group want to talk to you, share/learn/listen etc. The second group are not interested in that at all; their concern is entirely their own, and they want to use the (I hate to call it) 'discussion' to further their own opinions.
They will do this irrespective of what you do. If you agree with them they'll say 'Oh yes, I'm right' and if you disagree with them they'll still say 'Oh yes, I'm right'. So - might I hazard to suggest that the issue is dealing with PITA (pain in the arse) people, irrespective of what the discussion is about. You cannot win with them, simply because they'll drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience. Once you feel that the discussion, of whatever type is moving in that area simply make any kind of excuse and move away - no-one ever lay on their deathbed saying 'damn, I should have talked to more w*nkers'. It doesn't matter what they say, cos they're going to say it anyway, and most everyone else is going to ignore them.
Another thought - if they're not respecting you, why should you bother to be respecting them? Just a quick 'Thanks for your viewpoint' and dump them.
However, if you want to be nice about it (cos you're just you, and nice is part of the territory) I'd simply suggest a 'That's a very interesting theory. You might wish to follow that up by reading abc by xyz. Much though I'd like to continue this discussion I really do need to .'
no subject
They will do this irrespective of what you do. If you agree with them they'll say 'Oh yes, I'm right' and if you disagree with them they'll still say 'Oh yes, I'm right'. So - might I hazard to suggest that the issue is dealing with PITA (pain in the arse) people, irrespective of what the discussion is about. You cannot win with them, simply because they'll drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience. Once you feel that the discussion, of whatever type is moving in that area simply make any kind of excuse and move away - no-one ever lay on their deathbed saying 'damn, I should have talked to more w*nkers'. It doesn't matter what they say, cos they're going to say it anyway, and most everyone else is going to ignore them.
Another thought - if they're not respecting you, why should you bother to be respecting them? Just a quick 'Thanks for your viewpoint' and dump them.
However, if you want to be nice about it (cos you're just you, and nice is part of the territory) I'd simply suggest a 'That's a very interesting theory. You might wish to follow that up by reading abc by xyz. Much though I'd like to continue this discussion I really do need to .'