The day the ID died

[Alpha]

So, to summarise thus far,

Problems

• The topics are intimidating (T.G. Oskar)
• Discussions tend not to be constructive (chad)
• That all ideas are not equally respected (DragonHeart; OceanEyes28; Rocky)
• Flaming (Rocky)
• Adversarial nature of discussion necessitates being defensive (OceanEyes28)
• People hate the player, not the game (Merlin)

Solutions?

• A space to suggest topics (Myself)
• Keep posting topics until people find something they can identify with -- the adversarial nature is to some extent a central aspect of ID (T.G. Oskar)
• More strict application of rules (chad; Rocky)
• Stopping ridiculous post dissection (DragonHeart)
• Remaking GC threads in ID if people want to discuss them intellectually (Silver)

I'm not sure what to do about it. But I think the best response is probably to encourage change in individual behaviour. Maybe through rules, or perhaps through norms whereby if someone is deliberately confrontational or disrespectful in ID, they are ignored. Similarly, if someone makes a respectful reply to another's ideas, we should take the time to give them a quality reply.

People will only post if they enjoy it, correct? So let's help people enjoy it. At the same time, we will help facilitate better, more original ideas, and a positive atmosphere.

If you think someone makes a good point (that it is well-reasoned, or well-expressed, for instance), then say so. Give out rep. Acknowledge them in your post.

This, to me, seems like the logical conclusion from the problems and solutions identified. Let's encourage a more respectful ID culture.