Respect in the face of ignorance?

[Rayaan]

I'm curious as to the general concensus on these 'ere forumz...

I'm curious, too.

In light of recent events, with people expressing their thoughts on the forums I thought I'd try and express mine even though a lot of you probably don't care for it.

I care a little bit though. But it doesn't make a difference to me actually.

If someone's being downright ignorant, making claims which they refuse to back up, being evasive when asked simple questions, making statements which are just plain misinformed, or simply making comments which are too stupid to be taken seriously how should we respond?

Respond intelligently. Also, be patient and do not rush to make the first reply.

I know some of us want the forums to be a much more 'pleasant place' and that there is apparently some kind of 'mob mentality' which occurs on occasion. I'd agree with this to an extent.

I agree to a certain extent also.

But what are we supposed to do when a troll comes along?

Hug them.

What are we supposed to do when someone comes onto the forum and doesn't know what they are talking about?

Try to make them understand what they're talking about.

What are we supposed to do when someone makes a claim and then doesn't back it up after being asked to repeatedly?

Ask them exactly 13 times to back up a claim. If they don't, however, then don't ask them anymore.

I think there are times when being firm is really required, and to be honest I don't want this forum turning into a place where we are overly respectful to idiotic views and ridiculous reasoning.

A little bit of firmness is a good thing. Don't be too soft or overly respectful every single time.

Finding the right balance is what I think is necessary.

Yeah, finding a balance is an important thing, which is easier said than done like many other things in life.

I'm not trying to stir the pot or anything and if a mod/admin reads this post and thinks so then I ask them to immediately remove the thread because the last thing I wish to cause is drama.

Your intention is pretty clear. So, they'll know that you're not trying to cause drama.

I just myself want to know what the views are of everyone on this site if possible.

Most likely not from everyone on this site. Maybe from quite a lot of us at least. But, I think you understand that already.

Some think the forums are heading in a 'bad direction', but maybe they aren't, maybe the way the forums are is simply a result of what happens when humans are actually allowed to have freedom in what they say?

Things change from time to time, and yes, maybe the forum is not heading in a bad direction. But ultimately, we can't predict the future.

When people come on here and insult what a lot of us hold as core beliefs (whether they do it inadvertently or not) is it surprising or even bad that a lot of us on here are going to cause a backlash against them? (when I say 'core beliefs' I use the term lightly, I actually more mean simple ideas which a lot of us as atheists share, for instance evolution and the big bang)

It depends on the style and the manner in which you 'backlash' against them. Also, it's a matter of degrees.

Or maybe what happens as a result of this (perhaps) ignorance is too extreme, and we are just behaving like a group of thugs?

That's a possible reason. However, I wouldn't say that you guys are acting like a group of thugs. That sounds like a bad comparison.

I've made a poll to try and gauge what people think.

Good.

What are your thoughts on the general vibe the forum is giving out?

For me, the vibe is generally fun and pleasant most of the time. And it's always better to try to improve the vibe for everyone else.