I have an interesting idea for DU. Maybe someone can "flesh it out".

The problem, as I see it, is that at this point, many of us are so partisan that we no longer are evaluating things with as much intellectual honesty as we normally do.

How do I know this?

Because I too am guilty.

Yes, it's true. Before you say: "No! Bonobo, not you! Never you!," let me admit that it's true. And I think it is true of almost everyone who has chosen sides already.

So my idea is that everyone that has made up their mind should have to choose an avatar to indicate their candidate of choice. Along with this, the partisan posters will have to suffer some kind of "reduced DU influence" such as less recs to make or less posts they can start or something.

Now here comes the good part: People who have not yet chosen will be given some kind of additional DU power, whether that is the power to give a SUPER-REC or to one-sidedly vote for a thread to be weighted more heavily in some way (given more real estate?)

Anyway, I have not worked out any details as you can see, but I am beginning to think we could increase DU's "Truthiness" quotient by allowing content that is fair to be given additional influence and doing the opposite for the more spam-like propoganda.

Anyone want to help flesh it out? Is there ANY potential merit to an approach like this...?

Flawed, but interesting.

I feel Obama would be my second choice but have invested zip other than negative feelings toward that choice.

for arguing during a primary?

I have to check out the thread.


Back to your normal broadcast.

than unusual on DU lately. A number of times, I've found myself nodding my head in agreement when I've read some of the comments posted by people I abnormally find rather toxic in the non-primary seasons. I take it as proof that if one looks hard enough, there is still a lot of rational, well thought out information being discussed on the forum.

anyhow why can't people have their own opinion without being penalized because really thats what your idea boils down to----imo.

my avatar. But I agree we all have to admit we are in the heat of the momment.

the unusual for here. It is primary time, like every four years. Same as in 2004 Same as in 2000. This time though, we must make sure no one closes off a building for an election 'recount'. Or that all the votes get counted with no time constraints - thank you SCOTUS, hands off please.

hmmm....