Okay, while the dust is still settling in the ATM section, I'd like to talk to you all about some future directions for the ATM section.
First let me explain my (and Phil's reasons) for the 30-day closure rule in the ATM section:
- It was being used as a marketing tool by ATM theorists. Unlike a science journal, anyone could post whatever they liked, and as long as it wasn't obcene or illegal, we were happy to host it. Sadly, this generousity was abused.
- There was no discipline. It wasn't about the best theories, it was just a free for all. Whoever could post the most, could dominate the conversations. That's why we tried to enforce the "You must answer direction questions" rules, but it was still overwhelming.
- By hosting the ATM theories, people might assume that we endorse them, when really we just haven't had time to properly debunk them. If there were enough resources to stay on top of all the ATM theories, and give them the investigation it requires, we probably wouldn't have taken this measure yet.
- It was often a hostile and unfriendly place. Almost all of our bans in the forum came from people in the ATM section.
- It was burning out moderators and community members. As I mentioned in #3, we have a duty to make a stand for the scientific method. I've had too many emails by frustrated and valued members who were burned out, and just didn't want to stick around any more.
Okay, so why did we choose the solution to shut down ATM threads that had gone longer than 30 days?
- We wanted to keep the threads available, so that we can have a historical record of the theories presented.
- We closed down every thread to show that we were being even handed in our treatment with everyone. Obviously someone's always going to scream conspiracy or censorship, but I like to think we're even handed here.
- We wanted something quick and effective that would address most of our issues without having to burn our volunteers out further.
- We still wanted a place for people to present their ATM theories. I know many of you think that we're part of an organized conspiracy to prop up science and shut down questioning mainstream science. We could have gone a lot further, and I think most forum members would appreciate it. But I would never remove ATM, it just needs to be tamed.
So what's next? In my mind, this is just the first step for a reformed ATM section. I'd like to open this up to the community and especially the ATM theorists to talk about what the future might hold for ATM. How can we work together to make a section that allows people to present theories that run against mainstream science. But instead of it all being a series of frustrating and circular arguments, how can we actually get some real work done?
Let me give you some ideas that have been knocking around my head, and we can all use that as a starting point.
My dream ATM section would have the following characteristics:
- Different treatment depending on the amount of homework ATMers are willing to do. For example, if you're just going to jump in and post a crazy idea without any evidence, that's great, but it's going to get debunked, closed and allowed to drift down into the archive. But if you're really willing to do your homework, and present your ideas in a cohesive manner, I'd like to repay that kindness and make sure the idea gets a fair shake.
- Some framework in which ideas can be judged equally and objectively. Perhaps through a form that people fill out.
- A way to replicate the peer review process in science as much as possible. The hope is that reasonable theories will be greatly improved.
- It would provide a bridge between ATM and mainstream science, maybe even bringing together a council of scientists who would review promising ideas. Sort of like American Idol, but for science.
- It would be transparant, so people can't claim that there's some kind of conspiracy going on.
- Any casual visitor to the section would be able to follow the threads and watch how bad theories are debunked, and good theories are strengthened. I want this to be a positive learning experience for anyone watching.
- I want it to be nice.
Anyway, those are just my ideas. It's my hope to give the ATMers a chance to pitch their ideas as well, as well as the whole community. Keep in mind that I'm mostly speaking for me. Phil and the mods will have ideas of their own.