[Robert]

Greeting Members,

As forum administrator it is my job to build a happy ToeQuest community that can work together for a common goal. Since this website caters to both traditional views on science as well as, and to the extent that it can be scientifically-based and rationally explained, new thinking on scientific matters, I have a quite a job on my hands to keep the peace. When I first started these forums over two years ago, I thought it would be illuminating to open the doors to this "new thinking" on science matters. However, I see three sources of friction and distress in our community that I'll outline below:

1. Traditional Views on Science. Members in this category tend to close their minds to some of these areas of "new thinking". They see this thinking as non-scientific, irrational, baseless claims to extraordinary explanations of our reality. The book by Thomas Kuhn, "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions", probably illustrates this best in regard to a "paradigm shift" where scientists move from disdain through doubt to acceptance of a new theory. I'd like to ask members of this group to open your minds to potential insights that can be gained from the new thinking or new theories put forward by other members. I'd also like to ask that when responding to posts, you do not criticize another member for baseless ideas, but offer encouragement for exploring new possibilities and offer some constructive criticism.
2. New Thinking in Science. Members in this group see reality from a different perspective and come up with new ideas and explanation. I think it is good to think "Out-of-the-Box" and explore other explanations. It is my belief that this new thinking will provide clues that could accelerate our quest for the TOE. However, along with this new way of thinking often comes a strong emotional attachment to ones ideas and sometimes an unwillingness to let go of concepts even in the face of conflicting evidence. So I'd like to ask members in this group to make sure your thinking is scientifically sound, and to not be resistent to changing your beliefs when confronted with conflicting evidence. Or, find ways to rationally explain any contradictions.
3. Religious Views on Science. Members come from a variety of religious backgrounds. Although this is a potentially explosive area, I have some forums dedicted to religious discussion simply because, if there is an intellegent design to the universe, it is important that it be included in the Theory of Everything. There should be no realms where the Theory of Everything does not apply. Religion can give one tremendous strength and perseverance to make great accomplishments in life, regardless of whether a diety exists or not. However, If your religion prevents you from exploring, investigating, and discussing new ideas and thoughts, which may contradict your religious beliefs, then ToeQuest may not be appropriate for you. All members should show respect for anothers religion and not denigrate a specific religion. However, it is appropriate to discuss religion in a general sense as it applies to the discovery of (or blocking the discovery of) the Theory of Everything.

Summary
To summarize, I'd like to encourage all members to be more open to new ideas or new thinking and also, more open to constructive criticism. This helps us to refine our thinking, our theories and ideas on the Theory of Everything. All members should be respectful to other members and show tolerance for different approaches on scientific matters. This especially applies when you are a guest on another member's thread (i.e. you did not start the thread). If you disagree with the tone or content of a posting please refer it to a administrator or moderator to review and take action if necessary.

If you haven't done so already, please review the posting guidelines. Also, if you need to report a bad post to me, review this thread for instructions on how to do so. And finally, if you don't like the way you are treated by another member, review this thread for instructions on how you can remove points from their reputation causing them to loose power within the community.

Regards,
--Robert