Which is the best site to share your scientific ideas

In summary, the conversation mainly discusses the lack of good websites for discussing personal ideas or theories in the fields of maths and physics. It is pointed out that such open sites often attract crackpots and that scientific ideas are typically communicated through published papers or presentations at conferences. The importance of understanding established theories and being able to read scientific literature is emphasized, and resources for avoiding crackpottery on the forum are provided.
  • #1
parshyaa
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mainly maths and physics. individual sites will also help
 
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  • #2
There are no good sites for this. It is simply not how science works.
Moreover, any open site that allow you to freely discuss your ideas will inevitable attract lots and lots of crackpots.
The reason why PF works so well and has quite a few professional physicists posting on a regular basis is precisely because members are NOT allowed to discuss their own idea/theories.
 
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  • #3
parshyaa said:
mainly maths and physics. individual sites will also help
I think you need to know the difference between "personal" and "scientific" ideas. Personal ideas is something one comes up with without going through any theoretical or experimental test, and hence have not acquire agreement from related experts. On the other hand, an idea is deemed scientific if it at least has gone through consistency test to compare its implication with the other theories or experimental result and it should agree with them.
 
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  • #4
f95toli said:
...
Moreover, any open site that allow you to freely discuss your ideas will inevitable attract lots and lots of crackpots.
...
Does PF have a sticky post to explain what and who exactly a crackpot is in scientific debates ? General readers may not be able to really understand it except its narrow English meaning.
 
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  • #5
Scientific ideas are mainly communicated to a wider audience by writing scientific papers which get published in peer-reviewed journals, or by presenting talks and posters at conferences which are attended by peer scientists.

You may have a look at arXiv.org (pronounced "archive" because the "X" is supposed to be the greek letter "Chi") to see examples of how such papers look like.

If someone thinks that (s)he has a worthwhile idea, (s)he needs to check
a) if the idea is compatible with established theory and experiments (like blue_leaf77 wrote in post #3) and
b) if someone else already had the same idea.

For both these things, you need to be able to understand the current state of affairs by reading textbooks and papers. If you can't do this already, you cannot attract scientific interest because it is very likely that your idea is in conflict with established science or too general to be considered scientific.

Instead of trying to come up with something new, you should aim to understand. New ideas mostly come from trying to progress what's already there or from identifying problems with it.
 
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  • #6
Pepper Mint said:
Does PF have a sticky post to explain what and who exactly a crackpot is in scientific debates ? General readers may not be able to really understand it except its narrow English meaning.
If you read the Terms and Rules section of the forum (in the INFO tab, also a required reading when signing up), you'll find ample information on what to avoid when using PF, including what is considered personal speculation/theory (i.e. crackpottery).
Specifically, here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/physics-forums-global-guidelines.414380/
in the General Content Guidelines section;
Also in the Help/How-to section:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/physics-forums-faq-and-howto.617567/#post-4664231
There's also ZapperZ's Insights article on the topic:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...y-forum-like-we-need-a-computer-virus.765736/
All of the above pertain directly to rules of PF, but together paint a very good picture of what is not a valid scientific discussion.

Finally, John Baez's tongue-in-cheek 'Crackpot index' can be found here:
http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/crackpot.html
It's funny, but also very accurately descriptive of typical crackpottery.
 
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  • #7
parshyaa said:
mainly maths and physics. individual sites will also help

Elsewhere.

BTW, if you have to ask, there's a very good chance that you do not have a "scientific idea".

Zz.
 
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1. What factors should I consider when choosing a site to share my scientific ideas?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a site to share your scientific ideas. These include the site's reputation and credibility, the target audience and their interests, the type of content you want to share, the site's features and user-friendliness, and the level of engagement and interaction among users.

2. Are there any specific sites that are best for sharing scientific ideas?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best site for sharing your scientific ideas will depend on your specific goals and audience. Some popular options include ResearchGate, Academia.edu, and LinkedIn, but it's important to research and compare different sites to find the best fit for your needs.

3. Can I share my ideas on multiple sites or should I focus on one?

It is generally recommended to focus on one main site for sharing your scientific ideas, as this will help you build a strong presence and following within that community. However, you can also share your ideas on multiple sites to reach a wider audience, as long as you are actively managing and engaging with each platform.

4. Is it important to establish a personal brand when sharing scientific ideas?

Yes, establishing a personal brand can be beneficial when sharing your scientific ideas. It helps to create a consistent and recognizable identity for yourself and your work, making it easier for others to find and follow your ideas. It also adds credibility and authority to your work.

5. Are there any potential risks associated with sharing scientific ideas on public sites?

Yes, there are some potential risks to consider when sharing scientific ideas on public sites. These include the possibility of someone stealing or misusing your ideas, receiving negative feedback or criticism, and potential conflicts with your employer or collaborators. It's important to carefully consider the risks and take precautions such as copyright protection and carefully managing your online presence.

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