Smart section Options

[*Steven*]

I think we need a sub forum for things considered smart. I know it might not consist of the smartest responses, but it will be an area of intellectual stimulation. I derived this idea from Josh's and Nate's comments regarding trolling and lack of news-worthy topics. Nate made a news topic yesterday and I believe there has only been a few response (myself and JC, I believe, I could be missing some). Regardless, I believe that a sub forum for that kind of subject would be cool.

For instance, it could be something like interests named say, "Thoughtful Discussion" (with emphasis on thoughtful). It could consist of say:
News
Debate
Technology
School

[hi-C]

^ Ditto. My main concern with this is how to resolve the elitism that will envitably come about with the creation of this subforum. I mean, it's implicit in the name, isn't it? "Smart Section?"

[Uronacid]

With an application, how can one deem who is smart enough to participate? How can you decide who gets in and who is too dumb? I mean, obviously some people are dumb and everyone can see that, but you can't tell them that they're not smart enough to be in there.

No no, you just have an application that anyone can fill out. Just make sure it takes effort. It doesn't have to determine if you're smart or not. They just take the time to fill out this application, and we let them in.

I think that it would filter out the majority of idiots because most of them are too lazy to take the time to fill out the application.

I think the smart and dumb and those in between should be able to participate in the same discussions together if they want to.

I agree, and that's why I think that if we did go with an application solution then anyone should be able to apply and enter into the more engaging conversations. I don't think the application should be a test, think of it as a filter. People who put the effort into filling the application out are actually showing interest. It's not perfect, but I think it would filter out most of the garbage.

^ Ditto. My main concern with this is how to resolve the elitism that will envitably come about with the creation of this subforum. I mean, it's implicit in the name, isn't it? "Smart Section?"

That is on of my concerns.