Why are personal and crack theories not allowed?

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    Crack Theories
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The discussion centers on the prohibition of personal and "crackpot" theories in a skeptics forum. Participants argue that such theories distract from meaningful scientific discourse and are often presented by individuals lacking formal physics training. The repetitive nature of these discussions is highlighted, with new users frequently resurrecting previously debunked ideas. The consensus is that the forum should focus on well-established, mainstream scientific theories rather than fringe concepts, as there are established processes like peer review that already filter scientific discourse. This approach is seen as essential for fostering genuine learning and advancing scientific understanding.
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Why are personal and "crack" theories not allowed?

I always wondered about this rule. This is a skeptics section of the forum and if you have something to say, well wouldn't it be reasonable to question it and take it apart than to rather disown it? I asked a question earlier about Forces by Proxy, but conclusively another PF Mentor locked the topic and refuses to discuss it with me. How am I supposed to learn anything?
I believe yes, this forum serves to be truthful in every manner, but how is that achieved if the only truths that one will accept are those that exist; how will that even further scientific endeavors?
 
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Basically, its a case of been there, done that. Those who truly espoused such ideas tend to be immune to logic and evidence. The personal and crackpot theories were for the most part a huge distraction. Someone with no physics training but who wanted to appear smart and edgy would come here to argue about The Next Great Idea™ found on some wacko web site. A week later that person might finally gave up. Then someone else with a complete lack of physics knowledge would find the exact same thing on the net and come here to debate it month later. The fact that it had been discussed ad nauseum a short time earlier was irrelevant.
 


D H said:
Basically, its a case of been there, done that. Those who truly espoused such ideas tend to be immune to logic and evidence. The personal and crackpot theories were for the most part a huge distraction. Someone with no physics training but who wanted to appear smart and edgy would come here to argue about The Next Great Idea™ found on some wacko web site. A week later that person might finally gave up. Then someone else with a complete lack of physics knowledge would find the exact same thing on the net and come here to debate it month later. The fact that it had been discussed ad nauseum a short time earlier was irrelevant.

...darn
 


Trademark FTW
 


There is no need to address fringe theories where he have perfectly acceptable mainstream theories that are well-tested. Beyond that, there is a process of peer-review and publication that peforms the function of filtering. There is no need for us to duplicate the effort here. If one wishes to learn about science, then learn the real stuff.
 
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