Is Physicsforums Crackpot Bingo a Fun Way to Spot Suspected Crackpots?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "Crackpot Bingo," a humorous game designed to identify characteristics of posts deemed as crackpot theories within the forum. Participants share their experiences and reactions to the game while reflecting on the nature of discussions surrounding unconventional ideas in science.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express enjoyment of the game, sharing their own "Bingo" wins and joking about the prizes.
  • One participant notes the irony in calling others crackpots while reacting negatively to being called ignorant.
  • Another participant comments on the prevalence of colorful but unclear theories presented in the forum, suggesting that visual representations can sometimes obscure clarity.
  • There is a discussion about the spelling of "Einstein" on the bingo card, with some participants debating whether it should be spelled differently for comedic effect.
  • One participant humorously claims to be "20% of a crackpot" based on the bingo criteria.
  • A participant mentions a prior existence of the bingo concept, referencing a website that appears to have similar ideas.
  • There is a critique of the notion of being "open-minded," with some participants arguing that it is often used by those who are resistant to criticism of their unconventional ideas.
  • One participant raises a question about a specific bingo square related to a mathematical claim, suggesting it may relate to a previously discussed unconventional theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally engage in light-hearted banter and share similar sentiments about the game, but there are disagreements regarding the implications of calling others crackpots versus being called ignorant. The discussion remains unresolved on the broader implications of these terms in scientific discourse.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions of "crackpot" and "ignorance," and how these terms apply to discussions in the forum. The humor in the game may also mask deeper issues regarding the treatment of unconventional theories.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to members of the forum who enjoy humor in scientific discourse, those interested in the dynamics of online discussions about unconventional theories, and participants in meta-discussions about community standards and behaviors.

micromass
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Is there a suspected crackpot somewhere, then it's time to play bingo!
Check the crackpot post if something in the below table occurs and then mark the corresponding square. The first to form a row, a column or all four corners wins!

PFcrackpotbingo.gif


:biggrin:
 
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LOL! Good one!
 
BINGO!

What do I win?
 
Pengwuino said:
BINGO!

What do I win?

You win a crackpot that you can pet. :biggrin:
 
Pengwuino said:
BINGO!

What do I win?
It's not fair counting your own posts!

Just kidding!
 
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evo said:
it's not fair counting your own posts!

Just kidding!

nazi!
 
Excellent jt!
 
I find it odd that you guys actively make fun of and call people crackpots yet all hell breaks loose when you call someone ignorant.
 
  • #10
My favorite "new theories" that come through here are the ones that are explained through colorful but incomprehensible pictures and diagrams. A picture is worth a thousand words- and sometimes a whole bunch of equations, too.
 
  • #11
I think I almost completed the corners. :smile:

Mod is nazi... check
3 exclamation marks... check
Signature with 3 theories that are not explained... check
The time spent on those theories is not mentioned yet...

Errr... Pengwuino, how much time did you spend thinking up your signature? o:)
 
  • #12
I'm no crackpot, but I checked each square just to make sure. It turns out that I am 20% of a crackpot in 4 different ways.
 
  • #13
Isn't einstein spelled wrong in 2,2?
 
  • #14
No, the card is right. It is spelled Einstein.
 
  • #15
Ivan92 said:
No, the card is right. It is spelled Einstein.

That's the point :wink: The card would be better if it is spelled einstein :biggrin:
 
  • #16
micromass said:
That's the point :wink: The card would be better if it is spelled einstein :biggrin:
No it wouldn't. A. einstein really was wrong and everyone did laugh at him. His theory of phlogiston powered anti-photons would have been universally rejected if only it were more widely known.
 
  • #17
hahaha the "be open minded" thing happens *all the time*! It usually goes something like "you have been taught to conform only to the western way of thinking! open your mind!"
 
  • #18
zomgwtf said:
I find it odd that you guys actively make fun of and call people crackpots yet all hell breaks loose when you call someone ignorant.

Ignorance is okay. Claiming you're right contrary to mainstream science and breaking forum rules is not.

I like Serena said:
I think I almost completed the corners. :smile:

Mod is nazi... check
3 exclamation marks... check
Signature with 3 theories that are not explained... check
The time spent on those theories is not mentioned yet...

Errr... Pengwuino, how much time did you spend thinking up your signature? o:)

Stop oppressing me! IM THE NEXT FEYNMEN!

wisvuze said:
hahaha the "be open minded" thing happens *all the time*! It usually goes something like "you have been taught to conform only to the western way of thinking! open your mind!"

Yes, it's funny that people call us open minded when they're the ones entirely closed minded to that idea that they could be wrong or that we demand some actual math to back up what they're saying.

Oh and Einstein was a patent clerk, ergo, said crackpot who works at Starbucks and has a 10th grade education is the next Einstein.
 
  • #19
I don't get (5.4). Is it some math crackpot thing like the guy who invented base 12 to solve the world hunger problem caused by the inherent difficulty of dividing wealth in base 10.
 

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