Reply #377: There's an easy and simple way to handle this. . . [View All]

DU could set up a new forum. One for supporters and refuters of conspiracy theories, or other "urban legends." Anything whatsoever related to any item that might be in the nature of a "conspiracy theory" would be limited to posting in these threads only, and only registered users with valid email addresses could post to these
forums. IP tracking could also be applied to anyone who posts there
with rejection of anonymous users whose IP address cannot be determined in order to prevent troll activity. This would also help the moderators to find potentially inflammatory material, which would be aggregated to a single location. The threads posted in these forums should be required to follow the proper form for legitimate debate, one of which is found here:

http://www.britishdebate.com/resources/hb_oxfordguide.asp

Posters could also be required to use a sort of template for the
posting of their "for" or "against" item, thusly:


1. Summary of poster's argument:

2. Assertions

Assertion #1

Supporting Evidence

Assertion #2 (if any)

Supporting Evidence

Assertion #3 (if any)

Supporting evidence

3. Conclusion:

With anyone who flames or refuses to use the template having their
post removed by mods.

This would do two things: first, anyone with a conspiracy theory would be forced to research it thoroughly and not simply post something out of emotion or hotheadedness; then, anyone who wanted to
refute that conspiracy theory would be able to present their argument in a logical, non-flaming way.

I believe that FAUX and the MSM are stirring this tempest at DU in
order to destroy us. They hope to either turn us against each other,
thus collapsing the "big tent," or turn this place into a heavily
monitored/moderated shadow of its former self. We cannot allow them to win on this one. Only if we show responsible action now can we truly turn this thing around.

And DU remains a place where everyone (who isn't a troll) is welcome.

Just my two cents worth. . .