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Old 08-May-2008, 03:22 PM
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Default Does good need to come out of off-topic babbling? If so what are the requirements

Does good need to come out of off-topic babbling? If so what are the requirements for an off topic babble.
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Old 08-May-2008, 03:28 PM
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That it not be dumb.
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Old 08-May-2008, 03:51 PM
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That it not bear a strong resemblance to a thread that a moderator just closed is another good criterion.
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Old 08-May-2008, 04:25 PM
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That a forum based on astronomy predominately recognises the humanity and community of those who post to and read the topics here.
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Old 08-May-2008, 05:45 PM
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Good does not need to come, it just might!
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Old 08-May-2008, 05:47 PM
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I think a first idea would be to not call a large fraction of the population of the planet dumb
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Old 08-May-2008, 08:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by korjik View Post
I think a first idea would be to not call a large fraction of the population of the planet dumb
Actually, given the state of human affairs on this planet and the poor choices humanity has made as a whole that have led to them, an ET might actually have a legitimate case in making such a remark.
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Old 08-May-2008, 08:58 PM
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Quote:
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Actually, given the state of human affairs on this planet and the poor choices humanity has made as a whole that have led to them, an ET might actually have a legitimate case in making such a remark.
I make no judgment on the accuracy of the statement. I only judge wether it is appropriate on this forum
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Old 08-May-2008, 09:06 PM
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Considering the fact that most animal populations never live to a "ripe old age," I'd say we're doing better than average. If that's good, and our contributions here help steer thoughts on various topics in the right direction and away from ill-informed decisions that will adversely affect many others, I'd say that's a good thing indeed.
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Old 08-May-2008, 11:41 PM
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I make no judgment on the accuracy of the statement. I only judge wether it is appropriate on this forum
I would say it's appropriate in just about any setting, including a 1st grade classroom.

Disucussion of our errors as a whole is beneficial.

Many threads started right here in OTB are about just that. From GW to Pants too low to bullying to staring at a kid too long.

I was just driving home now, and at a four way stop, a kid approached crossing me at an intersection. He seemed indecisive about whether or not he wanted to cross in front of me or turn. Meanwhile, I was holding up traffic watching this kid waiting for him to make a definitive move before pulling out from the stop.
I couldn't help but think, if I had been in Massachusetts, I would have been pulled over and harassed by the Police State for staring at that kid too long.
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Old 09-May-2008, 02:04 AM
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It seems to be not about how much good a thread does, but just that the thread not be all about negativity.
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Old 09-May-2008, 04:14 AM
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There are three necessary requirements for a good off-topic babble.

This has been one of them.
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Old 09-May-2008, 06:29 AM
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Our two requirements are fear and surprise...and ruthless efficiency....
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Old 09-May-2008, 06:35 AM
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"Senator, I knew Count Dracula; the Count was a friend of mine..."

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Old 09-May-2008, 06:40 AM
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... and you're no Count Dracula!
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Old 09-May-2008, 09:55 AM
Stuart van Onselen Stuart van Onselen is offline
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Of course people are dumb! Good grief, don't you realise that half of them are so stupid they fail to reach the mean IQ?
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Old 09-May-2008, 10:53 AM
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Who made the IQ guy mean. He must learn to be calm, thats probably why half the people don't want to reach him.
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Old 09-May-2008, 02:31 PM
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For that matter the number of people who are exactly average is extremely small compared to the entire population. Why do we make this tiny group our basis for comparison?
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Old 09-May-2008, 04:26 PM
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It seems Tommac has given up askikng his Cosmology questions.
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Old 09-May-2008, 05:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Neverfly View Post
I would say it's appropriate in just about any setting, including a 1st grade classroom.

Disucussion of our errors as a whole is beneficial.

Many threads started right here in OTB are about just that. From GW to Pants too low to bullying to staring at a kid too long.

I was just driving home now, and at a four way stop, a kid approached crossing me at an intersection. He seemed indecisive about whether or not he wanted to cross in front of me or turn. Meanwhile, I was holding up traffic watching this kid waiting for him to make a definitive move before pulling out from the stop.
I couldn't help but think, if I had been in Massachusetts, I would have been pulled over and harassed by the Police State for staring at that kid too long.
Saying "what do you think of people who wear their pants around your knees?" is appropriate. Saying "Dont you think people who wear their pants around their knees are dumb?" is not appropriate.
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Old 09-May-2008, 07:08 PM
Stuart van Onselen Stuart van Onselen is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by korjik View Post
"what do you think of people who wear their pants around your knees?"
I'd tell them to push off and let me wear my own darn pants! I don't want to wear their pants, on my knees or anywhere else.
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Old 09-May-2008, 07:11 PM