Forum rules: Are we allowed to freely ask questions?

[Tanelorn]

Are we allowed to freely ask any relevant questions here without having to occasionally receive abrasive replies?
I have sometimes asked questions which some might have considered silly and one or two advisors did not hold back any punches.
Is it because they think that this is tantamount to asking why a personal theory is incorrect?
When does a misconception due to a lack of knowledge and understanding become a personal theory? Why can't we ask such questions to reach a better understanding?

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I would first make sure you are following our guidelines
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/physics-forums-global-guidelines.414380/

If you feel you've been wronged the best thing to do is report the post and the staff will review the situation.

 

[Tanelorn]

I just did, thanks Greg.
I probably would not report someone, just step back for a while.
I have many questions, will just have to keep them to myself for now.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I just did, thanks Greg.
I probably would not report someone, just step back for a while.

We encourage reporting, it may not just be you feeling this way.

 

[Nugatory]

When does a misconception due to a lack of knowledge and understanding become a personal theory? Why can't we ask such questions to reach a better understanding?

Asking about what is already known/understood in order to reach a better understanding is always OK; generally a misconception only becomes a personal theory when the misunderstander starts building on top of it or refuses to let go of it after repeated explanations.

However, there's a wide grey area here, and it's easy to imagine hypothetical posts that would be allowed (with careful monitoring) by some mentors but not others. When you believe that mentor is being unreasonably harsh, you should report it - that puts it in front of all us for reconsideration.

 

[Nugatory]

I probably would not report someone, just step back for a while.

Unpleasant situations that go unreported go uncorrected, and that's good for neither you nor the community.

Please, please, please, don't hesitate to click that report button - we need you to do that if we're to do our jobs.

 

[Tanelorn]

Thanks Nugatory,
I am getting old and although I studied Physics at one time, my memories have faded, but I have always been very interested in Astronomy and Cosmology. My problem is I am also very weak with advanced math, so I have to stick with concepts and meanings.

Thanks again.