Jun 21, 2024 08:33 PM
(This post was last modified: Jun 21, 2024 08:52 PM by C C.)
I believe AT (alternative theories) was originally introduced to accommodate Ostro's fixation with CTMU. Or, to generalize, any kind of constant low-level spamming, proselytizing or promotion of fringe proposals. The failed outcome, of course, being that AT is more or less the very last place where Ostro posts his passion.
In contrast, Tony Lang is operating in the correct lane. Essentially "blogging" about the idea from his book in the appropriate sub-forum. He doesn't post links to it, thereby avoiding classification as direct spam. ("What is a living individual and is it naturally universally mobile?")
So the omen here, ironically, does not revolve so much around Tony Lang (who, again, is utilizing AT as arguably intended). But with respect to our being vigilant about growing public perception that Scivillage might be a choice place to set up shop at for anybody with a manuscript or offbeat concept or conspiracy to hawk. And those being newcomers who do not operate in the correct sub-forum.
These would especially be people (or bots) who don't participate or contribute to the overall message board in any other way. Possessing the characteristic of overwhelmingly advertising a particular product or narrow product range.
IOW, don't mistake updates in Astronaut topics for such or even the conspiracies of ___ skeptics, wherein applicable posters are noted for submitting a wide spectrum of heterogeneous material and replies across multiple subject areas.
The only time I would even use the "Wrong forum" option in the menu of the REPORT button is in situations where the individual is doing things like the above (i.e., single-mindedly blogging about what they are either marketing or shilling for, and contributing nothing else to the overall message board).
And the concern in that context is that such items should be moved exclusively to "Alternative theories". Even if what is being monotonously promoted is a personal food recipe for asparagus that has nothing to do with crank science theories. By that, I mean that Alternative Theories should be the exclusive relocation ground for "promotional blogging" threads and topics, so that any future epidemic of such does not clog-up the rest of the message board.
But the problem with the "Wrong forum" option in REPORT, is that there is no space to clarify the "why" and the proposed specific sub-forum such instances be moved to. Obviously the remedy is to instead use the "Other" option which does provide an information space.
So a suggestion for this might be: Select "Other" and write "Wrong forum, Move to Alt Theories due to promotional blogging." Or if there's not enough room, drop the "Wrong forum" intro. Not that it wouldn't be great to have enough space to add filler like "fervently preoccupied with this" and "the member does nothing else on the board but this".
In contrast, Tony Lang is operating in the correct lane. Essentially "blogging" about the idea from his book in the appropriate sub-forum. He doesn't post links to it, thereby avoiding classification as direct spam. ("What is a living individual and is it naturally universally mobile?")
So the omen here, ironically, does not revolve so much around Tony Lang (who, again, is utilizing AT as arguably intended). But with respect to our being vigilant about growing public perception that Scivillage might be a choice place to set up shop at for anybody with a manuscript or offbeat concept or conspiracy to hawk. And those being newcomers who do not operate in the correct sub-forum.
These would especially be people (or bots) who don't participate or contribute to the overall message board in any other way. Possessing the characteristic of overwhelmingly advertising a particular product or narrow product range.
IOW, don't mistake updates in Astronaut topics for such or even the conspiracies of ___ skeptics, wherein applicable posters are noted for submitting a wide spectrum of heterogeneous material and replies across multiple subject areas.
The only time I would even use the "Wrong forum" option in the menu of the REPORT button is in situations where the individual is doing things like the above (i.e., single-mindedly blogging about what they are either marketing or shilling for, and contributing nothing else to the overall message board).
And the concern in that context is that such items should be moved exclusively to "Alternative theories". Even if what is being monotonously promoted is a personal food recipe for asparagus that has nothing to do with crank science theories. By that, I mean that Alternative Theories should be the exclusive relocation ground for "promotional blogging" threads and topics, so that any future epidemic of such does not clog-up the rest of the message board.
But the problem with the "Wrong forum" option in REPORT, is that there is no space to clarify the "why" and the proposed specific sub-forum such instances be moved to. Obviously the remedy is to instead use the "Other" option which does provide an information space.
So a suggestion for this might be: Select "Other" and write "Wrong forum, Move to Alt Theories due to promotional blogging." Or if there's not enough room, drop the "Wrong forum" intro. Not that it wouldn't be great to have enough space to add filler like "fervently preoccupied with this" and "the member does nothing else on the board but this".
