I was recently following a discussion on the forums that I thought could have been very interesting. The people involved all seemed very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, it quickly degraded into chaos. I believe that Argument between peers is a good thing, but the arguments need to be well crafted and actually constructive. It is interactions like this make me want to give up on being involved with the paranormal. oh well...

UPDATE:
Thanks for the kind comments. As for listing which forum, I don't feel right doing that. I'm mostly just making a general comment about the
role and form of "argument" within the paranormal community. Again, I
think argument is a good thing. People should post their ideas, observations
and findings. Other people should give feedback, ask questions, make
suggestions and form new ideas. However the content and tone of that feedback
needs to be in the spirit of cooperation and respect, even if you don't agree
with what is posted, you can let people know that in a way that is kind and for
the greatest good. I'm not saying we need to sit in a circle and hold hands
before every post, but we do need to be respectful. In the end we can always
agree to disagree. Keep in mind that these forms are not necessarily about
changing the mind or views of the person you are arguing with. They are a way
to get your ideas and feedback out to a wider audience in the hopes that some
of those who are watching might (if you make a strong, coherent argument) get
behind what you are saying. That is how change happens. We face so much opposition to this work from
outside our community that it would be nice if places like IAH could be a haven
from reticule and actually be an open forum for productive discussion.

I now owe everyone 2 cents.

Mark

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