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

[synapse]

OK, so if you do this application, its only going to be a test to see whether or not they are patient?

[Uronacid]

OK, so if you do this application, its only going to be a test to see whether or not they are patient?

Essentially, you can't tell people that they aren't allowed, but you can force people to make an effort to get in so they don't want to get kicked out. That way, even if they aren't intelligent, they'll still be encouraged to act intelligent.

Why not just create more and more thoughtful topics instead of creating a "smart forum" (I realize that's not exactly the name it will have if it's going to happen) and/or using applications to see whether or not someone is smart enough to post in those forums?

If we want to see more thought-provoking discussion, it'll happen gradually knowing the CB community and the sort of posts we generally see and read. Creating a forum such as this isn't going to change that.

I agree, the best solution would be to make thoughtful posts. Stupid people are driven away by intelligence. That's just the way life is. Stupid people don't want to feel stupid so they mingle with crowds of equal or lesser intelligence. It's simple group dynamics.

On a side note. My idea of an application wouldn't be to decided whether or not someone was intelligent. It's it's just a filter. Essentially, the application is a time waster. Anyone can apply, and everyone will get accepted. It just take more time and effort to apply.

Here's my logic in this:

If you create an application then people who put time and effort into applying will be less likely to act like jackasses in those forums because it took effort to get there. The application would not be a test. It would just be something to discourage trouble makers from entering these "smart" forums.

I don't think anyone should be restricted from any forum. I would rather manipulate people into believing that they don't belong.

[superstitious]

Stupid people are driven away by intelligence.

And intelligent people are driven away by stupidity.

I like this idea A LOT, actually. I think it could potentially inspire people to post with more substance. The fun stuff is, well, fun but provocative and thought provoking conversation is good as well without it having to be in a debate type forum.

Not sure what I think about the "application" idea. I do think that the idea is viable if the thought process is that if people would care enough to fill out an application, they would be more likely to care about how/what they're posting.