Tests before joining the forum....

[Hatuey]

I am proposing having all new members pass a test before joining the forum. This test should have questions on basic U.S. history, geopolitics and concepts related to these (identifying the characteristics of capitalism & socialism for example). I know a lot of people will not agree with me but I believe that this forum is becoming infested with people who'd much rather create one liners than actually debate topics. I also believe that such a test would raise the level of discourse taken on this forum and would decrease the number of trolls on it. I submit this thread for the consideration of vague and our mods. I also ask for the thoughts of forum members.

 

[danarhea]

I am proposing having all new members pass a test before joining the forum. This test should have questions on basic U.S. history, geopolitics and concepts related to these (identifying the characteristics of capitalism & socialism for example). I know a lot of people will not agree with me but I believe that this forum is becoming infested with people who'd much rather create one liners than actually debate topics. I also believe that such a test would raise the level of discourse taken on this forum and would decrease the number of trolls on it. I submit this thread for the consideration of vague and our mods. I also ask for the thoughts of forum members.

Would you also require a loyalty oath? Pardon my facetiousness, but the forum represents a cross section of America, as well as other nations. Not everybody knows all of the differences between socialism and capitalism, but being a member would allow them to learn, if they have an open mind. And the best way to weed out trolls? Simple. Infractions, if they troll, and if they keep trolling, then bans. But who is to say that someone is a troll, just because they don't have as much knowledge as the next guy? Nobody.

I am very strongly against any kind of test of this nature.

 

[Dirty Harry]

I am proposing having all new members pass a test before joining the forum. This test should have questions on basic U.S. history, geopolitics and concepts related to these (identifying the characteristics of capitalism & socialism for example). I know a lot of people will not agree with me but I believe that this forum is becoming infested with people who'd much rather create one liners than actually debate topics. I also believe that such a test would raise the level of discourse taken on this forum and would decrease the number of trolls on it. I submit this thread for the consideration of vague and our mods. I also ask for the thoughts of forum members.

Good Idea. You go first.

 

[Arch Enemy]

I am proposing having all new members pass a test before joining the forum. This test should have questions on basic U.S. history, geopolitics and concepts related to these (identifying the characteristics of capitalism & socialism for example). I know a lot of people will not agree with me but I believe that this forum is becoming infested with people who'd much rather create one liners than actually debate topics. I also believe that such a test would raise the level of discourse taken on this forum and would decrease the number of trolls on it. I submit this thread for the consideration of vague and our mods. I also ask for the thoughts of forum members.

Hatuey,

I think the ignore button works wonders.

 

[CrusaderRabbit08]

I know a lot of people will not agree with me but I believe that this forum is becoming infested with people who'd much rather create one liners than actually debate topics.

I live for the one liners :mrgreen:

 

[Hatuey]

Would you also require a loyalty oath? Pardon my facetiousness, but the forum represents a cross section of America, as well as other nations. Not everybody knows all of the differences between socialism and capitalism, but being a member would allow them to learn, if they have an open mind. And the best way to weed out trolls? Simple. Infractions, if they troll, and if they keep trolling, then bans. But who is to say that someone is a troll, just because they don't have as much knowledge as the next guy? Nobody.

I am very strongly against any kind of test of this nature.

A loyalty oath to what? Notice how I made no reference to party allegiance as long as a person passes some simple questions first. Why shouldn't we have such test? I mean we already restrict membership of the forum to members who speak English and people genuinely interested in politics.

 

[Ockham]

I am proposing having all new members pass a test before joining the forum. This test should have questions on basic U.S. history, geopolitics and concepts related to these (identifying the characteristics of capitalism & socialism for example). I know a lot of people will not agree with me but I believe that this forum is becoming infested with people who'd much rather create one liners than actually debate topics. I also believe that such a test would raise the level of discourse taken on this forum and would decrease the number of trolls on it. I submit this thread for the consideration of vague and our mods. I also ask for the thoughts of forum members.

Here's the OP's ultimate misconception:

That knowledge of and education in history, sociology, economic theory and geopolitics excludes one of being an absolute ass. In fact, I'd argue that the more one is educated - the more smarmy, dick-ish and arrogant one becomes which hardly raises the level of discourse. But, perhaps this is more about credibility and substance and not attitude. Ok. In that case, there's a wonderful thing called the internet where all sorts of information is available of every type, of every opinion and bias. I find it interesting that because others do not agree with our opinion of a subjective concept, they are automatically ignorant. In some cases, I grant you - that IS the case and as it has already been described it is also worth repeating: one can choose to not respond to such things OR, the ignore button works wonders. I must also point out it's extremely arrogant of you to suggest testing new members.

Common sense dictates if the forum or moderators hated the one liners - they'd consider it "trolling" and give out warnings or suspensions for their use. Apparently that hasn't happened so actions tend to speak louder than words in this case.

Time for you to take care of of this yourself and not inflict your view on everyone else. If you insist on inflicting this on others, start your own forum and do what you want with your fiefdom.

 

[kansaswhig]

I am proposing having all new members pass a test before joining the forum. This test should have questions on basic U.S. history, geopolitics and concepts related to these (identifying the characteristics of capitalism & socialism for example). I know a lot of people will not agree with me but I believe that this forum is becoming infested with people who'd much rather create one liners than actually debate topics. I also believe that such a test would raise the level of discourse taken on this forum and would decrease the number of trolls on it. I submit this thread for the consideration of vague and our mods. I also ask for the thoughts of forum members.

Maybe if I was more liberal, I would be smarter...

 

[TheGirlNextDoor]

I am proposing having all new members pass a test before joining the forum. This test should have questions on basic U.S. history, geopolitics and concepts related to these (identifying the characteristics of capitalism & socialism for example). I know a lot of people will not agree with me but I believe that this forum is becoming infested with people who'd much rather create one liners than actually debate topics. I also believe that such a test would raise the level of discourse taken on this forum and would decrease the number of trolls on it. I submit this thread for the consideration of vague and our mods. I also ask for the thoughts of forum members.

I would be in favor of this. As long as every single member of DP have to take the same test - no matter when you became a member of the site.

 

[Hatuey]

Here's the OP's ultimate misconception:

That knowledge of and education in history, sociology, economic theory and geopolitics excludes one of being an absolute ass. In fact, I'd argue that the more one is educated - the more smarmy, dick-ish and arrogant one becomes which hardly raises the level of discourse. But, perhaps this is more about credibility and substance and not attitude. Ok. In that case, there's a wonderful thing called the internet where all sorts of information is available of every type, of every opinion and bias. I find it interesting that because others do not agree with our opinion of a subjective concept, they are automatically ignorant. In some cases, I grant you - that IS the case and as it has already been described it is also worth repeating: one can choose to not respond to such things OR, the ignore button works wonders. I must also point out it's extremely arrogant of you to suggest testing new members.

Common sense dictates if the forum or moderators hated the one liners - they'd consider it "trolling" and give out warnings or suspensions for their use. Apparently that hasn't happened so actions tend to speak louder than words in this case.

Time for you to take care of of this yourself and not inflict your view on everyone else. If you insist on inflicting this on others, start your own forum and do what you want with your fiefdom.

Putting aside all your hypocritical ad hominem on arrogance and smart dickishness, did you actually read what I posted? I made a suggestion, conceded that not everybody would agree with me.

But what if somebody is an ass as long as they provide more than simple one lines and sound bytes? I would prefer a Karl Rove to a Rush Limbaugh any day. Sometimes you have to take the lesser of two evils just to keep some sort of balance.

If you do not like people voicing their suggestions and opinions, why exactly are you posting in the suggestions forum? Do you have any suggestions? Or was your post just your Ockham's razor attempt at responding to my suggestion?

 

[Ockham]

Putting aside all your hypocritical ad hominem on arrogance and smart dickishness, did you actually read what I posted? I made a suggestion, conceded that not everybody would agree with me.

You consider it ad hominem, I consider it an accurate representation of your post. Did I read what you posted? Obviously... and your suggestion as I stated was extremely arrogant.

But what if somebody is an ass as long as they provide more than simple one lines and sound bytes? I would prefer a Karl Rove to a Rush Limbaugh any day. Sometimes you have to take the lesser of two evils just to keep some sort of balance.

I can agree to that - I mean if given a choice, an ignorant ass is worse than an informed ass. But I think you were going for more than that as the test would be a measure of quality posts. It's just that being a jackass can run the range of IQ's from 89 to 155.

If you do not like people voicing their suggestions and opinions, why exactly are you posting in the suggestions forum? Do you have any suggestions? Or was your post just your Ockham's razor attempt at responding to my suggestion?

Trying to accuse me of being anti-opinion is a tired tactic to put me on the defensive? Not a good start - and of course I have no problem with opinions. My response to your suggestion was already stated: Don't inflict your arrogance on others, take charge of your own issues, and in case you missed it I'll state it real simply: I don't think much of your suggestion. Just in case you didn't read between the lines.

 

[CaptainCourtesy]

Two things:

1) I can tell you quite confidently that this is not going to happen... for several reasons. Firstly, I believe that the software required to do this would be problematic. Secondly, developing a reasonable and fair test would be quite time consuming. And lastly and most importantly, one of the best things about DP is how it can be used as a tool to educate folks on things political. Most of us have learned something from DP. I welcome novices who, during their time here become more educated on world affairs. I would not want to limit this, nor do I think vauge would, nor do I think the moderation team would.

2) This thread had better not devolve into personal attacks or infractions will be imminent.