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Kil
Evil Skeptic
USA
13477 Posts |
 Posted - 12/30/2001 : 16:09:56
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I have a few New Year thoughts about SFN.
We went through two changes of servers last year. If not for @tomic, we would still be a stone age site, or worse, we might not exist at all. Hopefully things will now run smoothly and Larry will get some sleep next year. Since he was still rebuilding the site when the server screwed up, maybe the best we can hope for him is a few cat naps. I dunno. Anyhow, thanks to @tomic for keeping our vision of a thriving populist skeptic site alive.
I would also like to thank the contributors to the SFN forum. The discussions have, for the most part, been lively and intelligent. It pleases me that I can send people to our forum without embarrassment. We have managed to maintain a civil tone, even through heated debates. I have yet to see a thread degenerate into the kind of flame wars some other forums must endure. As a moderator, it makes me happy that I have not felt the need to edit or delete a single post in any of my areas. (As an administrator, they are all my areas in a way, but hey, it's a ceremonial position of a founding member. If you count the number of my posts, I'm barely a skeptic friend...)
For the new year, I would like to invite our members to contribute articles to be published on our home page. If there is a topic that you would like to write about that you think would be of interest to other skeptics, or a subject that might bring critical thinking to a wider audience, or you have something to say that would make a better essay than a post, go for it. Most articles posted on our website are reported to "The Skeptic News." That, in turn, brings more people to the site. If becoming a contributing writer, or perhaps a staff writer sounds interesting to you, let me know.
Here is hoping that the New Year brings good health and prosperity to you all.
Thanks,
David
The Evil Skeptic
Uncertainty may make you uncomfortable. Certainty makes you ridiculous.
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Snake
SFN Addict
USA
2511 Posts |
Posted - 12/30/2001 : 22:41:08 [Permalink]
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quote:
(As an administrator, they are all my areas in a way, but hey, it's a ceremonial position of a founding member. If you count the number of my posts, I'm barely a skeptic friend...)
You Kil as the member who also held the AOL Atheist nightly chat room open, sitting on your ass until someone gleefully triped in, shame on you.........now get out there and write something.
Respectfully yours,
nlm
Rap Crap is to music what Paint by Numbers is to art.
Edited by - snake on 12/31/2001 15:33:00 |
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hatten_jc
New Member
Sweden
44 Posts |
Posted - 12/31/2001 : 04:35:17 [Permalink]
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quote:
I have a few New Year thoughts about SFN.
We went through two changes of servers last year. If not for @tomic, we would still be a stone age site, or worse, we might not exist at all. Hopefully things will now run smoothly and Larry will get some sleep next year. Since he was still rebuilding the site when the server screwed up, maybe the best we can hope for him is a few cat naps. I dunno. Anyhow, thanks to @tomic for keeping our vision of a thriving populist skeptic site alive.
I would also like to thank the contributors to the SFN forum. The discussions have, for the most part, been lively and intelligent. It pleases me that I can send people to our forum without embarrassment. We have managed to maintain a civil tone, even through heated debates. I have yet to see a thread degenerate into the kind of flame wars some other forums must endure. As a moderator, it makes me happy that I have not felt the need to edit or delete a single post in any of my areas. (As an administrator, they are all my areas in a way, but hey, it's a ceremonial position of a founding member. If you count the number of my posts, I'm barely a skeptic friend...)
For the new year, I would like to invite our members to contribute articles to be published on our home page. If there is a topic that you would like to write about that you think would be of interest to other skeptics, or a subject that might bring critical thinking to a wider audience, or you have something to say that would make a better essay than a post, go for it. Most articles posted on our website are reported to "The Skeptic News." That, in turn, brings more people to the site. If becoming a contributing writer, or perhaps a staff writer sounds interesting to you, let me know.
Here is hoping that the New Year brings good health and prosperity to you all.
Thanks,
David
The Evil Skeptic
Uncertainty may make you uncomfortable. Certainty makes you ridiculous.
yeas the last year 2001 where intresting indeed.
The ancient Chines hade a curse that whent "May you live in intresting time" and that curse defenitive where one the hole world hade on them specily USA and Afganistan.
Many wars and troubel but also great thing in scienst where achive during 2001 cloning are is no more a SF thing and medicen have advance there knowing in Steem cells.
But also Bio weapon have been use in USA and that saad.
the next year 2002 i truely hope as intresting time is bouth negativ and possitive mostly negativ i hope that 2002 is ONLY intrestning in the possitiv ways fore alof us.
Never underestimate a human's capacity for active stupidity.
Sorry about my lousy English ? can we talk in Swedish :) |
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Trish
SFN Addict
USA
2102 Posts |
Posted - 12/31/2001 : 06:10:35 [Permalink]
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quote:
For the new year, I would like to invite our members to contribute articles to be published on our home page. If there is a topic that you would like to write about that you think would be of interest to other skeptics, or a subject that might bring critical thinking to a wider audience, or you have something to say that would make a better essay than a post, go for it. Most articles posted on our website are reported to "The Skeptic News." That, in turn, brings more people to the site. If becoming a contributing writer, or perhaps a staff writer sounds interesting to you, let me know.
Sounds interesting - but not sure I am qualified in any particular vein.
It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them. -Mark Twain |
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Snake
SFN Addict
USA
2511 Posts |
Posted - 12/31/2001 : 16:00:01 [Permalink]
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quote:
Sounds interesting - but not sure I am qualified in any particular vein.
This comment is in no way directed toward anyone on this web site. Just my frustrations with the school system here.
Qualified?
Who said anything about qualifications?
Judging by how the so called experts and professionals out there now, in any job, present themselves and from what I hear about high school students not being able to read or write, and that personally talking to people out there, in the world, and seeing people on TV not speaking proper English, when they should know better, etc., etc., .........
Who needs qualifications?
If a football, baseball or basketball player can make millions and in most cases don't seem to know how to add 2+2, how bad a job could someone who reads and posts on this site do with being a contributing writer?
Rap Crap is to music what Paint by Numbers is to art. |
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Trish
SFN Addict
USA
2102 Posts |
Posted - 12/31/2001 : 18:28:25 [Permalink]
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quote:
Who needs qualifications?
If a football, baseball or basketball player can make millions and in most cases don't seem to know how to add 2+2, how bad a job could someone who reads and posts on this site do with being a contributing writer?
Rap Crap is to music what Paint by Numbers is to art.
Don't you actually need to know something about a subject before embarking upon the adventureous course of writing about said something? I know, research should suffice. I do have an interest in the whole intercessory prayer thing - especially after reading that hideous attempt to prove gawd scientifically in 'Why God Won't Go Away'. All of it mental gymnastics.
It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them. -Mark Twain |
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Kil
Evil Skeptic
USA
13477 Posts |
Posted - 12/31/2001 : 21:06:08 [Permalink]
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quote:
Don't you actually need to know something about a subject before embarking upon the adventureous course of writing about said something? I know, research should suffice. I do have an interest in the whole intercessory prayer thing - especially after reading that hideous attempt to prove gawd scientifically in 'Why God Won't Go Away'. All of it mental gymnastics.
We are not "Skeptical Inquirer." A good opinion piece would be fine. I write about anything I feel like writing about. I do check and list sources if there are any. Sometimes I just tell a story. Sometimes things just happen in my life that might be of interest to other skeptics. That is what the Kil Report is.
The open letters I wrote to Steve Garvey saved a few people some money. I received hundreds thank you letters. The lead FTC attorney on the Enforma case, after reading the first two letters, sent me updates. And what did I know?
The Evil Skeptic
Uncertainty may make you uncomfortable. Certainty makes you ridiculous. |
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Snake
SFN Addict
USA
2511 Posts |
Posted - 12/31/2001 : 21:34:14 [Permalink]
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quote:
We are not "Skeptical Inquirer." A good opinion piece would be fine. I write about anything I feel like writing about. I do check and list sources if there are any. Sometimes I just tell a story. Sometimes things just happen in my life that might be of interest to other skeptics. That is what the Kil Report is.
The open letters I wrote to Steve Garvey saved a few people some money. I received hundreds thank you letters. The lead FTC attorney on the Enforma case, after reading the first two letters, sent me updates. And what did I know?
The Evil Skeptic
Yes, couldn't have said that better. In fact I thought that's what this site is about, oppinions.
As far as knowing something about a subject, well, as I said, even on the evening news I hear what are supposed to be facts, quoted incorrectly. Answers on the game show Jeopardy are not always right, imagine that! There are many other examples where things are supposed to be 'professional' but aren't. That's what I meant, go for it....how much worse could you do, lol.
Rap Crap is to music what Paint by Numbers is to art. |
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ljbrs
SFN Regular
USA
842 Posts |
Posted - 12/31/2001 : 22:03:27 [Permalink]
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I hope all of you have a lovely New Year's Eve, safe at home on *Amateur Night*!
Hic!
Happy New Year!!!
ljbrs 
"Nothing is more damaging to a new truth than an old error." Goethe |
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PhDreamer
SFN Regular
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2002 : 22:36:01 [Permalink]
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I just ordered this book: The Case for Faith : A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310234697/qid=1010122295/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_67_2/102-5932201-4830545
How the hell do you do that thing where you make the text into the hyperlink??
Anyway, I was interested in some more in-depth apologetics than is offered on infidels, so I bought it. I'd like to know, Kil, @tomic, if you guys would be interested in posting a review of this book after I am well and thoroughly done with it. No hurry, it would be the end of the month at the earliest. Thanks.
Adventure? Excitement? A Jedi craves not these things. - Silent Bob |
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Trish
SFN Addict
USA
2102 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2002 : 00:09:35 [Permalink]
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I just ordered this book: The Case for Faith : A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310234697/qid=1010122295/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_67_2/102-5932201-4830545
How the hell do you do that thing where you make the text into the hyperlink??
Anyway, I was interested in some more in-depth apologetics than is offered on infidels, so I bought it. I'd like to know, Kil, @tomic, if you guys would be interested in posting a review of this book after I am well and thoroughly done with it. No hurry, it would be the end of the month at the earliest. Thanks.
Adventure? Excitement? A Jedi craves not these things. - Silent Bob
Look in the FAQ for the text with hyperlink.
A book review section sounds really good. Especially with as much reading as some of us do.
PhD, I'd really like to know what you think of that book. Have thought of reading it myself.
It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them. -Mark Twain |
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Snake
SFN Addict
USA
2511 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2002 : 00:22:39 [Permalink]
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A book review section sounds really good. Especially with as much reading as some of us do.
And for those of us who don't read anything. Would be a good way to know what it's about but not have to take the time to read.
Thanks
Rap Crap is to music what Paint by Numbers is to art. |
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Trish
SFN Addict
USA
2102 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2002 : 06:18:41 [Permalink]
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quote:
We are not "Skeptical Inquirer." A good opinion piece would be fine. I write about anything I feel like writing about. I do check and list sources if there are any. Sometimes I just tell a story. Sometimes things just happen in my life that might be of interest to other skeptics. That is what the Kil Report is.
The open letters I wrote to Steve Garvey saved a few people some money. I received hundreds thank you letters. The lead FTC attorney on the Enforma case, after reading the first two letters, sent me updates. And what did I know?
Your points are well made. I guess it's a severe lack of self confidence in my own abilities that I need to overcome yet. Well, I will think more on something, and perhaps write up a report on that book.
Will anyone read these for content and grammar before they are published? If so, who and where should we send these things?
It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them. -Mark Twain |
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Snake
SFN Addict
USA
2511 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2002 : 19:47:41 [Permalink]
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Your points are well made. I guess it's a severe lack of self confidence in my own abilities that I need to overcome yet.
Really? Gee, if I could 'overcome' that, with the mother and family I had and now be a big EGOTIST, than I don't see why anyone else couldn't.
quote:
Will anyone read these for content and grammar before they are published? If so, who and where should we send these things?
Hum! How are you going to overcome your self confidence problems if you have to have someone check your work. LOL. Go for it! The Hell with what anyone thinks.
Rap Crap is to music what Paint by Numbers is to art. |
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Zandermann
Skeptic Friend
USA
431 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2002 : 20:19:44 [Permalink]
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quote:
Will anyone read these for content and grammar before they are published? If so, who and where should we send these things?
Unless someone with more "authority" here is already set up to do this, I'd be happy to proofread/edit submissions. During my 'sabbatical' from teaching, I worked as a writer/copyeditor. |
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Kil
Evil Skeptic
USA
13477 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2002 : 20:51:05 [Permalink]
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quote:
Anyway, I was interested in some more in-depth apologetics than is offered on infidels, so I bought it. I'd like to know, Kil, @tomic, if you guys would be interested in posting a review of this book after I am well and thoroughly done with it.
quote:
A book review section sounds really good. Especially with as much reading as some of us do.
Yes. In fact, a book review section is a great idea. Do it and we will set something up.
quote:
Will anyone read these for content and grammar before they are published? If so, who and where should we send these things?
quote:
Unless someone with more "authority" here is already set up to do this, I'd be happy to proofread/edit submissions. During my 'sabbatical' from teaching, I worked as a writer/copyeditor.
Dawn Huxley is our editor. She will do a final check for content and grammar. I often have my stuff checked before I send it to her. Maybe I will start sending my stuff to Zandermann first. The way I write, I need all the help I can get...
Send whatever you have to me. One of my jobs is to sort through the e-mail we receive and make sure it gets to the right person. My address is the default address on our site. Mail to: kil@skepticfriends.org
The Evil Skeptic
Uncertainty may make you uncomfortable. Certainty makes you ridiculous. |
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