I became increasingly frustrated with Whatever when things written in black and white were ignored, seemingly because they didn't fit with Whatever's view. However, s/he did show some guts in trying to take on people who knew alot more than him/her. I don't like to believe the troll idea because I have no evidence for it and I think that we should give the benefit of the doubt.
I feel the problem was more to do with Whatever not realising how to gather information in a critical way, to question the arguments and facts of those who agreed with him or s/he agreed with. It's one of the things that you learn as you go along when you work in science. No-one really teaches you it and you learn from experience. If someone, years ago had taught me how to read critically the papers I needed to use, I would have wasted alot less time as a baby scientist chasing my own tail.
I really think that Whatever wants to know more, wants to learn and the idea of banning someone who wants to learn is a bit off. However, I do see why it was necessary in this case. So, how do we go about getting Whatever posting again, without the most awful frustration? Is it possible that a full copy of the Rules and Regs be e-mailed to him/her, with a personal message from admin explaining about critical reading? A sort of tutorial in how to research a subject?
I've had a little experience in this sort of thing when teaching undergrads and postgrads - it's usually dilutions that have them and me tearing my hair out (them because they can't understand them and me because they can't understand them). I finally came to the conclusion that, although they should have a good understanding of it, there was no use in jumping up and down. So, I gave up three lunchbreaks on the trot for anyone interested in a dilution masterclass and the whole damned lot turned up. It was worth the effort cos by the time they got to their research projects in my lab, they were proficient and I was calmer, although a few pounds lighter!
Is there any way we could arrange something similar for Whatever? I moan and whine incessantly about the abysmal understanding of science shown in the media, on the streets, even in my work!! I'm sure that others on here feel the same way. Maybe this is the scientists' chance to do something about it in a small way.
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