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I wanted to make a last post as moderator to let you all know that after almost eight years I’ve decided to retire from the staff. Business is booming and I was argued out long ago. I could probably tolerate a few more debates, just barely , but the biggest issue is the time. Even a small forum like S&D can require a great deal of work at times. Most people probably have no idea how much work the staff does behind the scenes. And I will tell you, running PF is not an easy thing to do. There have been many very heated debates behind the scenes, and some in front, over the years. But no matter how heated the debates became, we all had the common goal of making PF the best it can possibly be. The entire staff deserves your appreciation and respect. They are a phenomenal group of people. It has been an honor to serve with each and every one.
As a last hurrah it seems appropriate to offer some final observations and comments. I made S&D my mission because I saw a discontinuity between the logic typically applied to scientific or other academic discussions, and the logic applied to unpopular or fringe discussions. But rather than seeking to resolve any particular question, the goal was to identify, evaluate, quantify [if possible], and classify claims. What can factually be said about a claim? Is there compelling anecdotal evidence for a specific claim or is it more akin to an Elvis sighting or tabloid gossip? Is there any logical but anecdotal evidence for a genuine mystery? In many or most cases the goal was to provide perspective, not answers. If a claim is easily debunked beyond any reasonable doubt, then it can be dismissed. If not, then here is what can be said about. That has been the approach from the start.
Unfortunately, as a result of the aforementioned approach, I have spent a good part of eight years arguing about what I didn’t say. The urge for all of us to make assumptions based on impressions is all but overwhelming. If something sounds like nonsense, or if we believe it to be nonsense, we tend to draw conclusions about anyone discussing it. Our minds close and objectivity goes out the window. I am guilty of this just as much as anyone else. It was a constant battle to remain absolutely objective when labels came into play. But there have also been many times when, at first glance, something seemed to be nonsense, when in fact there was a logical explanation; or at least potentially so. I have learned that claims can sound like utter nonsense one minute, and the next, with a slight change of perspective, it all makes perfect sense. It is far too easy to pass judgement too quickly.
Can the sea glow bright blue at night for tens or hundreds of miles in all directions? Yes, if the proper bacteria are present. Can vaginas grow teeth? Yes…nuff said. Do ninety-foot waves come out of nowhere on relatively calm seas? Can we sweat blood? Can ball lightning enter through the wall of an aircraft in flight and then roll down the aisle? Can some animals detect cancer through smell? Yes, yes, yes! From the Sliding Rocks of Racetrack Playa to the Bung Fai Phaya Naga of Thailand, from the ELVES in the upper atmosphere to the Hobbits in Indonesia, from The Bloop of the Pacific to the Earthlights of Japan, the world - the universe - is a strange and magical place. I have no doubt that there are many amazing discoveries yet to be made. Perhaps we have touched on a few of them here.
I will be around at times but I wanted to officially say goodbye and thank everyone for their participation over the years. It has been quite a ride.
Always seek the truth and be amazed by everything you find. It makes life rich.
As a last hurrah it seems appropriate to offer some final observations and comments. I made S&D my mission because I saw a discontinuity between the logic typically applied to scientific or other academic discussions, and the logic applied to unpopular or fringe discussions. But rather than seeking to resolve any particular question, the goal was to identify, evaluate, quantify [if possible], and classify claims. What can factually be said about a claim? Is there compelling anecdotal evidence for a specific claim or is it more akin to an Elvis sighting or tabloid gossip? Is there any logical but anecdotal evidence for a genuine mystery? In many or most cases the goal was to provide perspective, not answers. If a claim is easily debunked beyond any reasonable doubt, then it can be dismissed. If not, then here is what can be said about. That has been the approach from the start.
Unfortunately, as a result of the aforementioned approach, I have spent a good part of eight years arguing about what I didn’t say. The urge for all of us to make assumptions based on impressions is all but overwhelming. If something sounds like nonsense, or if we believe it to be nonsense, we tend to draw conclusions about anyone discussing it. Our minds close and objectivity goes out the window. I am guilty of this just as much as anyone else. It was a constant battle to remain absolutely objective when labels came into play. But there have also been many times when, at first glance, something seemed to be nonsense, when in fact there was a logical explanation; or at least potentially so. I have learned that claims can sound like utter nonsense one minute, and the next, with a slight change of perspective, it all makes perfect sense. It is far too easy to pass judgement too quickly.
Can the sea glow bright blue at night for tens or hundreds of miles in all directions? Yes, if the proper bacteria are present. Can vaginas grow teeth? Yes…nuff said. Do ninety-foot waves come out of nowhere on relatively calm seas? Can we sweat blood? Can ball lightning enter through the wall of an aircraft in flight and then roll down the aisle? Can some animals detect cancer through smell? Yes, yes, yes! From the Sliding Rocks of Racetrack Playa to the Bung Fai Phaya Naga of Thailand, from the ELVES in the upper atmosphere to the Hobbits in Indonesia, from The Bloop of the Pacific to the Earthlights of Japan, the world - the universe - is a strange and magical place. I have no doubt that there are many amazing discoveries yet to be made. Perhaps we have touched on a few of them here.
I will be around at times but I wanted to officially say goodbye and thank everyone for their participation over the years. It has been quite a ride.
Always seek the truth and be amazed by everything you find. It makes life rich.
Einstein said:The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed.
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