What are the effects of crackpot addiction on scientific discourse?

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The discussion revolves around the enjoyment and addiction to reading and analyzing crackpot theories posted on forums like Physics Forums (PF). Participants express a mix of amusement and superiority when encountering these convoluted ideas, while also recognizing the need to maintain the integrity of the forum by limiting such posts. There is a suggestion for a dedicated space, like a "Crackpot Corner," to archive these theories without compromising the forum's standards. Despite the humor found in these discussions, there's a consensus that true crackpots are unlikely to accept rational arguments against their claims. Ultimately, the community finds entertainment in these eccentric theories while grappling with the challenge of managing their presence online.
  • #91
berkeman said:
You just type @ and start typing their username, and
Thank you very much --- see if I can remember that for next time.
 
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  • #92
After a Mentor discussion and consensus, he be gone. :-)
 
  • #93
Had a look at the Earth forum and the only thread recent enough was started by Astronuc :D. The crackpot thread was deleted too fast.

The first part is too good to hide:
I'm conducting a Transdisciplinary research in the last 6 years on this issue, and what I found was the biggest "Scientific Dogma" of the history.
 
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  • #94
mfb said:
The first part is too good to hide:
Excellent. I was being a good boy and not preserving any of it for posterity --- almost kicked myself when the "he be gone" message came through.
 
  • #95
Lol very funny :)

allthough i didn't expect the pack hunting from such scientific minds :)

lol crackpots lol what is the world coming to .
 
  • #97
mfb said:
Well, it's all about collecting crackpot points! ;)
OMG LMAO!

anyone know how to make a crackpot detector ? ... ;)
 
  • #98
mainliner said:
a crackpot detector ?
Hit the forum search (upper right on the screen) for "crackpot index" for four or five that have been done over the past few years.
 
  • #99
Bystander said:
Hit the forum search (upper right on the screen) for "crackpot index" for four or five that have been done over the past few years.
lol well its nice to see you've all got it well organised .
 
  • #100
mainliner said:
lol well its nice to see you've all got it well organised .
Oh, we're ready for them but NOTHING slows them down a bit.
 
  • #101
phinds said:
Oh, we're ready for them but NOTHING slows them down a bit.
conscious observation is the key to collapsing the crackpot ;)
 
  • #102
Wasn't Einstein considered a crackpot?
 
  • #103
Only by crackpots seeking credibility by claiming legitimate intellects as being among their "illegitimate" heritage.
 
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  • #104
mainliner said:
conscious observation is the key to collapsing the crackpot ;)
No. It doesn't slow them down a bit. There consciousness doesn't work the way ours does.
 
  • #105
mainliner said:
Wasn't Einstein considered a crackpot?
No, he was not. He WAS considered to be putting forth a radical theory that some folks thought was wrong but that's NOT the same as being a crackpot.

The only attribute that he had that I am aware of that is on the crackpot list is that he considered himself to be Einstein.
 
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  • #106
phinds said:
No. It doesn't slow them down a bit. There consciousness doesn't work the way ours does.
i was practicing my mocking techniques ;)

the most i know about physics is on tv every week ... "the big bang theory" :)

I'll be there to confuse matters for myself if anything lol :)
 
  • #108
Dammit, the forum software is being mean! I did not get any alerts when Bystander and Shyan posted their finds. And now they're both gone. Well, the velocity thread is still around, but it has been gelded before I could see the fun bits. :(
 
  • #109
Bandersnatch said:
Dammit, the forum software is being mean! I did not get any alerts when Bystander and Shyan posted their finds. And now they're both gone. Well, the velocity thread is still around, but it has been gelded before I could see the fun bits. :(
oops...isn't it only for gold members?
 
  • #110
No, usually it works just fine. But thanks for reminding me I should support PF. :)
 
  • #111
Crack pot alert!
 
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  • #112
Here's my favorite:

old-cracked-pots-sold-gary-smith.jpg


Oh I laugh every time...
 
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  • #113
Oh, there I go posting again without reading the content of the thread... I thought it was support for people addicted to cracked pots. My bad.

BTW, Dark matter is actually just Gruyere.

-Dave K
 
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  • #114
I thought the moon was made of cheese
 
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  • #115
Cheese it - the mentors are coming!
 
  • #116
And i thought scientists didn't have a sense of humour :)

you do realize the forces of crackpotery humour you so "spookily" admire could have huge effects on the world as we know it :)( still giggling to myself about this crackpotery index )
 
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  • #117
Live one in General Physics...
 
  • #118
jim mcnamara said:
Cheese it - the mentors are coming!
is there a mentor section?
 
  • #119
Borg said:
Live one in General Physics...
link !
 
  • #120
What would u recommend for bait ?

lol