The goal of this forum is to exchange and discuss thought-provoking ideas in an intelligent fashion within a relatively free and open environment.

Below are the rules and general etiquette expected of all members. Understand that the rules are ultimately enforced by and at the discretion of the moderators, so it’s important to do your best to make sure any posts are within the scope of the rules.

Please note that these rules are subject to change, so check back often!


The Rules


This is a content driven forum

If you really must say “I like XYZ”, then state why. If you agree with something, state why. Add things that people six months from now will read and be enlightened. Basically, only speak if what you say adds something to the discussion. If you don’t know, don’t pretend you do. There is no shame in not knowing something. Speak about what you know, listen to what you don’t.

Furthermore, we value a high signal-to-noise ratio here. This means that the number of informative, germane statements that you make should far outweigh the number of statments that simply state an opinion or are of a social nature.

Support all statements and arguments with facts

This is especially important when starting or participating in any disucssion that will get heated. All members will corroborate any statement made that is potentially questionable with reliable outside sources.

A fact is by definition something that is indisputable. Theories, analogies and hearsay are not substitutes for facts.

If you find quoting necessary, please limit the quote to the necessary components. It is almost always preferable to exclude images from your quotes.

Use proper English

We found there was a correlation between the inability to type properly and the likelihood of posting static. We also assume someone who is willing to take the time to neatly formulate his opinion will also take the time to reflect upon it. As such everyone will do their best to use proper capitalisation, syntax and grammar.

Do not post articles or images without context

Posting random news articles without context is not allowed. If people want to read the news, they’ll go to a news site, not a forum. Tell us why we should care.

When quoting from sources to support an argument, only quote what’s necessary and make sure it is clear what you’re either endorsing or disputing. Do not post an entire article on the gamble that your point will come across. You have to make your own points, then support it with the article.

No plagiarism


General Etiquette


Unless you feel you have contributed to the forums in an informative or insightful manner, do not ask for the password to the music archive.

Don’t post questions when you haven’t even done a basic search with Google or the search engine of your choice. Only put out public calls for help if you can’t find the answer or if you are soliciting opinions. If you really want to involve the forum in a simple search, start a thread telling us of your adventure and what you learned.

Make an attempt to determine if what you’re saying is actually new. Don’t reply to something on page 2 of a 4 page thread unless you’ve checked to see if it’s dealt with on page 3 or 4.

Try not to be too emotional, for it is the path to eternal darkness. 99% of the comparisons that use words such as “Hitler” or “Nazi” are inappropriate and only demonstrate one is short of arguments. Bush is not Hitler, Sharon is not Hitler, Chirac is not Hitler, Yasser Arafat is not Hitler, even Bin Laden is not Hitler. Don’t waste our time. If your comparison belongs to the 1% and makes sense, please argue.

An uploads section is available on the server to anyone who wants one. Please do not hotlink to other sites. PM Gord if you would like a folder.

When quoting members or external sites, please present your posts in a readable fashion.