Thread: crackpots

After just reading a thread in the astronomy/cosmology section...
and after being a member for a few months now...
I've noticed that when someone posts their latest "theory" to explain something that has baffled science for years, it seems that they are defending their view against all the other members of the forum except the other crackpots, even when their view may contradict another crackpot's view.

Why don't the crackpots debate each other?

Has anyone else noticed this?

Cheers


N.B. The term "crackpot" is not meant to be derogatory....

Has anyone else noticed this?

nope

Originally Posted by SealOtter

Has anyone else noticed this?

nope

Maybe I'm just seeing things then...
but I see you've only been a member for a week....

cheers

depends on the crackpot. I end up very pissed at every other crackpot but myself (even then I don't escape), so that proves your observation wrong.

You wouldn't be referring to my malteaser theory would you?

It has three very well defined logical laws attached!

Why should alternate ideas be crackpot? just because a person has about as much knowledge in a field as next door's cat?

What would science be without crackpots?

Did you really consider how much you might hurt those who are Zealous in thier efforts to find the truth?

I demand sir a total retraction of your boot from the metaphorical ass of those who are less well blessed than yourself in the cranial capacity department! :wink:

"Everything is possible if you don't know what you're talking about."

-Ajain

Feels strange to quote myself, but

Originally Posted by william

N.B. The term "crackpot" is not meant to be derogatory....

We all have some crackpotty ideas from time to time, but anyone who's spent enough time in a certain thread :wink: may have noticed a certain few that stick to their crackpotty ideas even in the face of overwhelming evidence which debunks the idea.

And some of you - who have already commented on this thread - were just in such a debate in the astronomy thread. You all made "redrum" mad and he left the forum (notice I didn't post on that thread so I'm not at fault).

Shame shame

cheers

William,

I think if you actually look at what Redrum did, you'll find he started a topic, appeared to leave for a while, returned and then mouthed off a string of obscenities. He did not elaborate on his points or debate. Having only glanced at the thread briefly that is my conclusion. You should take part in such debates, rather than shy away. If you feel someone is being unfairly kicked then don't stay on the sidewalk. Maybe he just isn't cut out for this forum yet?

Naturally we all wish he'd stayed and stood his ground, that is the first test of having a theory accepted.

Rgds, billco

Originally Posted by billco

William,

I think if you actually look at what Redrum did, you'll find he started a topic, appeared to leave for a while, returned and then mouthed off a string of obscenities. He did not elaborate on his points or debate. Having only glanced at the thread briefly that is my conclusion. You should take part in such debates, rather than shy away. If you feel someone is being unfairly kicked then don't stay on the sidewalk. Maybe he just isn't cut out for this forum yet?

Naturally we all wish he'd stayed and stood his ground, that is the first test of having a theory accepted.

Rgds, billco

Hi billco,
I did see what he did and don't condone it.

Most rational people, if they disagree, usually work out the solution in a rational manner - even if they don't agree in the end. Crackpots tend not to do this. The kid in me just wants to see a "good fight" between crackpots.

More specifically, I'd like to see Redrum (or another) and Mike NS duke it out....

I'm regarded as a crackpot[well eccentric at least], it was a quality IBM loved as my weird ideas and designs were non-conventional and [mostly] very successful. Astrophysics is a bit beyond me now, I guess I just love winding one or two people up [mentioning no names].

After you read this, does it remind you of any of our members...?

http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/crackpot.html

It reminds me of one... especially with the use of the words "scientific establishment".



cheers

It's sort of like an IQ test, any less than 800 and you can't join 8)

Time for bed!

I'm not smart enough to be a "crackpot"...I'm just plain ole crazy. :-D

As for the redrum thread, this forum is a social environment...and as in any social setting, there are rules. If someone is going to be so bold as to claim in their subject "A MUST READ" in all capitals, and then present "known science" as their own...even I with my "discovery channel" level knowledge of astrophysics could recognize this....they deserve a little burning. Then to respond with nothing but obsenites, instead of defending their position...well I have no pity. If he thinks he punishing us by leaving...then let him go.

If his not willing to learn and accept others are going to critize him then what good is he in science? first thing I learnt is unless you know what your talkin about don't post on these forums. :wink:

MacGyver1968 my knowledge of astrophysics isn't much better then yours, sept I watch both national geographic and the discovery channal.

Well, it's sometimes not even necessary to know what your talking about to post. Sometimes asking a question or asking for clarification or making a funny comment can further the life of thread. I just think you should know your limits. I'll never start a thread concerning "6 dimensional timespace warping anomalies" but I will start one about "why don't dogs get cavities?" because that's in my league. I love science and I like to talk about science...I may not be the sharpest tool in this here shed, but I can contribute.

Originally Posted by Enchanting_lullabye

If his not willing to learn and accept others are going to critize him then what good is he in science? first thing I learnt is unless you know what your talkin about don't post on these forums. :wink:

MacGyver1968 my knowledge of astrophysics isn't much better then yours, sept I watch both national geographic and the discovery channal.

I think Scientists are a bit like comedians, we laugh at them for the first half of their career!

I love science also, I came here to learn about more complex stuff. Because I'm inthe 9th grade and I find the science so unbelieveably easy, I get bored being top of the class and the teacher won;t let me do harder work. I mean I'd put up with boring electives if they let me into a harder class.

Originally Posted by Enchanting_lullabye

I love science also, I came here to learn about more complex stuff. Because I'm inthe 9th grade and I find the science so unbelieveably easy, I get bored being top of the class and the teacher won;t let me do harder work. I mean I'd put up with boring electives if they let me into a harder class.

well hey !

It has three very well defined logical laws attached!

what was the 3 parts again? as i remember they dont have to be true and isnt completly logical