How can we improve RAT in 2012

[Renatus]

I am going to deal with only one aspect of this discussion.

-We should stop attacking others view in an non-scientific way. Give a good feedback on the subject, where you feel encouraged to underline your view with (scientific) reasoning.

Actually, I think that’s already taken care of, by underlining that every answer should be referenced. Now I know that I do not always do that. I only can when at home of course. Also, how do we keep amateurs on board while trying to ‘upgrade’ the scientific level of the discussion? Should we add yet another rule or tell amateurs to read up before they can add to the discussion?

There can be a temptation, in this and in other forums, to shoot from the hip when one reads something with which one does not agree. The approach that I try to adopt (not always successfully) is to check my facts before posting. I also like to cite references, where I can. This can have its disadvantages: RAT is a very fast-moving forum and I sometimes find that, by the time I am ready to post, the discussion has progressed to a point where I can no longer make a useful contribution. Still, better this than to go off at half-cock. I also have the benefit of having acquired over the years quite a large collection of books and copy articles to which I can refer. Nevertheless, I would propose a guideline (not a rule) that, where possible, those wishing to contribute to a debate take time to reflect before they post, that they cite references for their assertions and that, where they are advancing a personal opinion or theory, or where they cannot give an authority for what they believe, they say so in terms, so that everyone knows the basis upon which they are posting.