Skepticism, Science & Pseudoscience

SwissTony

(2,560 posts) Sun Jun 10, 2012, 03:57 PM Jun 2012

>>>> Locking. Thus crap doesn't belong here<<<<< Can I ask why?

This refers, in the first instance, to the chemtrails thread Odin has blocked. But it's actually a more general question.

First of all, let me make it very clear that IMO the chemtrail sh*t is just that. Pure and utter sh*t.

But we currently also have a thread titled "Goblins kill primary school girl". Is that any worse than chemtrails. We've got other threads just as ridiculous. But isn't that the purpose of a group called "Skepticism, Science & Pseudoscience (Group)"? At least the chemtrail story has a bit of pseudoscience to back it up (OK, I use the phrase lightheartedly). But this is a group for skeptics!!!! I'm sure we can put up with (and even enjoy) the BS.

How is acceptable/unacceptable decided here? I know some stuff has officially been declared as suitable only for Creative Speculation. But still...

Odin, this is not a personal attack on you. That's the last thing I have in mind. I'd just to know where the line lies. And why.

8 replies

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>>>> Locking. Thus crap doesn't belong here<<<<< Can I ask why? (Original Post) SwissTony Jun 2012 OP

Read the TOS MicaelS Jun 2012 #1

Talking about chemtrails has been enough to get DUers tombstoned EvolveOrConvolve Jun 2012 #2

Here's my official opinion in my capacity as lead host here. laconicsax Jun 2012 #3

point taken IcyPeas Jun 2012 #5

No worries, it's just a locked thread. n/t laconicsax Jun 2012 #6

We all get threads locked sometimes, Don't take it personally. Ian David Jun 2012 #7

If I was in charge, this is why *I* would have locked it (or alerted on it) Ian David Jun 2012 #8

Thanks for your input, good people. SwissTony Jun 2012 #4

MicaelS

(8,747 posts)

1. Read the TOS

Reply to SwissTony (Original post)

Sun Jun 10, 2012, 05:51 PM

Jun 2012

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=termsofservice

Don't go overboard with the crazy talk.

Democratic Underground is not intended to be a platform for kooks and crackpots peddling paranoid fantasies with little or no basis in fact. To accommodate our more imaginative members we tolerate some limited discussion of so-called "conspiracy theories" under the following circumstances: First, those discussions are not permitted in our heavily-trafficked Main forums; and second, those discussions cannot stray too far into Crazyland (eg: chemtrails, black helicopters, 9/11 death rays or holograms, the "New World Order," the Bilderbergers, the Illuminati, the Trilateral Commission, the Freemasons, alien abduction, Bigfoot, and the like).

EvolveOrConvolve

(6,452 posts)

2. Talking about chemtrails has been enough to get DUers tombstoned

Reply to SwissTony (Original post)

Sun Jun 10, 2012, 06:11 PM

Jun 2012

Some of these conspiracy theories are rooted in anti-semitism and racism, and there just isn't a place for it at DU (as it should be).

The post was made in the context of "I don't think I believe this shit, but they make good arguments" rather than as a lighthearted fun-poking piece. There's a distinction to be made there, I think.

laconicsax

(14,860 posts)

3. Here's my official opinion in my capacity as lead host here.

Reply to SwissTony (Original post)

Sun Jun 10, 2012, 09:09 PM

Jun 2012

The key difference between that thread and IanDavid's goblin thread is that IcyPeas posted to promote the idea that chemtrails are being used by Monsanto to control the weather whereas IanDavid posted to highlight the dangers associated with unscientific thinking.

If anyone wants to discuss the idea that chemtrails are being used by Monsanto to control the weather they are free to do so here provided that they aren't actually trying to promote it. The attitude that it's fine to make posts promoting complete bullshit because we can handle it is part of what lead to the invasion (yes, that's hyperbole) of the skeptics group on DU2 by anti-science lunatics.

From the group's SoP

Posts that endorse, promote, or support pseudoscientific, anti-vaccination, alt-med, or creationist beliefs, products, or materials are not considered acceptable for this group.

Edited to add: I'm not going to lock this thread because I feel that meta-discussion of a group is most productive when done in the group by those most familiar with the issues

IcyPeas

(22,749 posts)

5. point taken

Reply to laconicsax (Reply #3)

Tue Jun 12, 2012, 05:41 PM

Jun 2012

I won't post anything on this subject again. I just came across the trailer for the documentary and NPR is even doing a piece on it tomorrow. I wasn't trying to "promote" anything. Or maybe my wording wasn't accurate. But point taken. I will not do it again.

best,