[JimBob]

We go through this about once a year. Some irrelevant poster such a coberst comes along and we get all messed up because he is being a horse's patute. We would never be impolite to suggest he find some other place to post so we let it go on way too long then fell remorse for being human and try to find a solution that doesn't cause hurt feelings. The moderators always ddecide that as this is a science forum we should keep it science and not add a philisophical area because the required bandwidth is too costly. We average about 1.4 MILLION hits a month. To expand this site to include a forum for philosophy is beyond the mandated behind the funds raised for this site.

In this case a strict adherence to the acceptable use policy should apply. This is a discussion forum. Any other use or refusal to participate in discussion or personal attacks to the persons posting rebuttal should result, after one warning, to immediate banning from the site.

No new section, no new rules, no exceptions for anyone.

[Ethos]

No new section, no new rules, no exceptions for anyone.

Now that's what I like about you JimBob, direct to the point, and usually very logical. Take note, I did said "usually", and not "always".

[lyner]

OK. So I say that these things should be just chat (which they tend to be) and not new theories (which they are definitely not).
If we can't afford Philosophy then that's OK  with me.

[demografx]

Does anyone know where I can bone up on Socrates?  []


             

       Shown here pondering his next Internet forum avoidance

[paul.fr]

OK then. Perhaps we need another Forum with a title like 'general philosophy' for 'serious chat' which is not just light banter. There is an essentIal difference between that and the catch-all 'new theories' but both are serious topics.

I always had the impression that New Theories was not so much a place for New Theories, but more of a place to house the nutters and way out there people.

As for just chat, I think you really only need one or two topics as they all end up the same no matter what the title says. I also prefer to pronounce Just chat in a french accent...because most of it is!

[lyner]

Perhaps, if the word 'theories' were to be in inverted commas?? Then where would be the place for REAL new Scientific Theories?

[Variola]

As for just chat, I think you really only need one or two topics as they all end up the same no matter what the title says. I also prefer to pronounce Just chat in a french accent...because most of it is!

It also provides a sharp relief to the more 'intelligent' debate on these forums. It is a place to unwind, and is (usually) free from posters trying to intellectually outdo each other in order to score points. People take themselves far too seriously.
Like any area, people do not have to read it or join in. I don't read the physics forum, that does not mean others don't value it.
 

[Ethos]

It is a place to unwind, and is (usually) free from posters trying to intellectually outdo each other in order to score points. People take themselves far too seriously. 

Excellent point Variola,...If a member feels the need to captivate others with their intellect, let them put up or shut up in the proper venue. A truly gifted individual will never find it necessary to continually prove themselves, it will become quite obvious to others by the way they handle intelligent discussion. It's called give and take, something we could all practice a bit more...............Ethos

[lyner]

So we should shift a fair number of the posts on this forum elsewhere, perhaps?

[Variola]

So we should shift a fair number of the posts on this forum elsewhere, perhaps?

What would that achieve?
Jimbob has the Coberst situation sorted.
The main forums need more posters, hopefully the regular posters on there can make the effort to create a warm friendly atmosphere so others can post up without feeling they are being peed on intellectually.

[lyner]

That makes sense.

[demografx]

I always had the impression that New Theories was not so much a place for New Theories, but more of a place to house the nutters and way out there people.

Hey, Paul, I wish to protest, "foul"! My little "nutter group and way out people" has been going strong for over 2 years now, and has attracted interest from Harvard (biophysics), and other dead-serious researchers and institutions (no, not that kind) worldwide. And it's helped a number of people with suicidal ideation, and depression, and has also given great hope to hundreds of sufferers that all the new theories discussed will some day become concrete treatment reality (it has for me already).

[paul.fr]

Demo, with respect, you are barking up the wrong tree. My comment was said in jest, although there is truth in it.

Take a look around "new theories", how many of the posts are new theories? Not many, this is a dumping ground for the wackier topics and wackier posters. Most of them know it, but are happy to be able to post and be left alone.

At no point have I mentioned your pois topic, so an apology would be nice.

[demografx]

Isn't POIS part of the New Theories "family" you dismiss, Paul? You made no distinction at all.

I always had the impression that New Theories was not so much a place for New Theories, but more of a place to house the nutters and way out there people.

The above still reads to me like a wholesale dismissal of New Theories, which includes POIS.

From your last post, however, it seems that it's not what you meant to convey, and I appreciate that.

[Ethos]

Take a look around "new theories", how many of the posts are new theories? Not many, this is a dumping ground for the wackier topics and wackier posters. Most of them know it, but are happy to be able to post and be left alone.

I agree Paul, and so is the case with just about every theory that was either generated by a serious scientist or by a well meaning wacko. This is the nature of theory, not withstanding the fact that most of these should probably be defined as a hypothesis, or even just interesting speculation. Are we going to encumber ourselves with the prospect of have to divide up these three areas of creative thought? I certainly hope not! 

There is plently of room for all three, Theory, Hypothesis, and mere Speculation in this venue. The fact remains that behind most every Theory, there was likely some speculative thought that evolved into an Hypothesis which then later became an accepted Theory.

......................Ethos

[demografx]

Interestingly, the word 'theory' is generally considered to derive from the Greek "contemplation, speculation".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory

[paul.fr]

Isn't POIS part of the New Theories "family" you dismiss, Paul? You made no distinction at all.

Demo. I made no distinction, because I don't have to! I can say with confidence that my local village store is a place to buy rubbish food at inflated prices. That doesn't stop me going there for milk and bread, and the odd interesting item.

The above still reads to me like a wholesale dismissal of New Theories, which includes POIS.

Again, with respect. You may read what you want in to any post, it does not mean you are right. Wasn't it only last week you overreacted in the pois topic and removed your posts? Please don't go looking for hidden meaning in mine, if I have something to say I will say it, there is no need to second guess what I mean.

From your last post, however, it seems that it's not what you meant to convey, and I appreciate that.

It seems nothing. You assumed I was saying something, which I wasn't, I clarified that and you didn't have the grace to apologise.

Oh, yes. I would appreciate it if you would stop sending me Personal Messages containing you post replies, I see no need for it and will report it to the moderators the next time it happens.
And can you please stop referring to this as "The POIS Forum" it clearly is not.

I again state that :
"I always had the impression that New Theories was not so much a place for New Theories, but more of a place to house the nutters and way out there people."
"this is a dumping ground for the wackier topics and wackier posters. Most of them know it, but are happy to be able to post and be left alone."

I trust you can now see that I did not say every post and every person that posts here is wacky. You only have to look at this post by soul surfer to realise that.
http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=11668.0

[paul.fr]

I agree Paul...

You are the first! Why is it, that the first time I say something someone agrees with, it's in new theories?  []

[Variola]

I have a new theory....

Forum posters with nothing better to do pick arguments out of the air in an attempt to attract more people into posting on their 'pet' topics.

Good or bad theory do you think??  [)]

[demografx]

Paul, I'll admit to owning up to slightly defensive reading if you'll do the same for your less-than-clear articulation. I received two (2) unsolicited PM's, one from a mod, who read your statement exactly as I did.

I do apologize for sending you PM's out of COURTESY. You can rest assured I'll never do THAT again.