Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ Barney
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Anyway, I disagree with Kelfazin. I think Frazer has it better...if a theory is really interesting then get a panel of actual practising Scientists to look at it! To turn the ATM forum into another "Peer review" system would seem to defeat the point of it. It is a forum, not a technical scientific admissions process (although there's no harm in introducing some of those concepts as I think they are widely misunderstood).
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Fraser actually suggested the peer review idea as a hope for the new ATM function
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fraser
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.
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(bold mine)
My thinking in this area is that we could have people that have some form of credentials (whether formal or practical, I'm not sure. A lot of us know who the local experts are regarding different subjects for example) in whatever area the ATM theory is relating to. These "peers" would review a theory to see if has merit, then release it to the ATM section for public "attack."
Just thinking aloud here for a minute, there could be a new Peer Review forum where an ATM'er would post their theory. Maybe the reviewers have moderator permission on that forum, and they lock the new forum to moderator input only...not sure. Then if the theory has merit it is moved by the peers to the general ATM forum where the regulars can attack the theory with glee and fervor. Depending on the forum software, maybe the ATM forum can be locked so only mods can create a new topic. That would make it so only reviewed theories pass into general discussion.