DU skeptics have always prided themselves on our open door policy while posters in the astrology group prefer to ban any and all dissent/ers.
We've discussed this subject before and most skeptics decided that we didn't need another echo chamber on DU and we were not afraid to have our ideas challenged.
The problem now is that disruptors are not challenging our ideas, they're taking advantage of our policy and using our group to take potshots at us.
Every time *their beliefs are mocked in the main forums they blame us, we're their favorite whipping boy. The ones who follow us here are stalkers and are not interested in discourse, *they want revenge. That type of behaviour is obviously a violation of DU rules, but even if their comments are eventually deleted they still have poisoned the well.
Skeptics have honoured their requests to stay out their group but *they refuse to extend the same courtesy to us.
Perhaps it is time to take that choice away from them, posting in this group is a privilege, not a right.
Changing our mission statement does not mean we have to ban all non-skeptics, we can still have discussions with respectful visitors.
Look at the difference in the two mission statements:
Skinner ADMIN (1000+ posts) Fri Nov-12-04 09:58 PM
Original message
Welcome to the Skepticism, Science and Pseudoscience Group
Edited on Tue Nov-01-05 09:29 AM by Skinner
This Group is for the discussion of issues related to skepticism, science and pseudoscience, and the role of rationalism in society. Non-skeptics are invited to participate, provided that they do so in a respectful, non-disruptive manner.
Skinner ADMIN (1000+ posts) Fri Nov-12-04 09:47 PM
Original message
Welcome to the DU Astrology, Spirituality & Alternative Healing Group
Edited on Mon Nov-15-04 12:36 PM by Skinner
This Group is for those who wish to positively explore issues having to do with Astrology, metaphysics & spirituality, homeopathy/alternative medicine and healing, Ascension, and other subjects having to do with holistic physical and spiritual growth & traditions.
This group is intended as a positive place for those who desire a deeper discussion of these stated topics and is not intended as a place to argue the merits of beliefs or choices.
Discussion of Alternative and Complementary Healing Methods is in no way intended to take the place of mainstream medical care/tests but to serve as a place to come together to discuss and share other options, experiences and modalities of healing. Members are advised to seek the advice of a medical doctor before experimenting with any alternative healing methods.
We should start a new thread to discuss our options, if we agree to change our ms we can ask Skinner to review and hopefully approve the new one.
I believe that if we can have our own safe house on DU, many long absent skeptics will return.
What say you?
* I am only referring to the disruptors, I know that most posters in the asah group are not guilty of this behaviour, consider my statements qualified.