Nialler

It strikes me that there have been quite a few of the above here recently, and that their MO is usually very transparent:

"Hi, my name is BornAgain, and I am approaching this issue with an open mind. I have read both sides of the issue and I am confused. Can you help my by proving the Theory of Evolution?"

The thread will then follow a tortuous route of presentation of evidnce, links to good resources, answered by blanket denials and links to <a href="http://www.shoddyscience.rejectthescientificmethod.com." target="_blank">www.shoddyscience.rejectthescienti ficmethod.com.</a>
There will also be copious references to what a theory is and isn't, all explained in a very semi-literate style.

My point is that it makes for very tedious reading, and is a dreadful waste of the energies of a lot of intelligent people. I have learnt a huge amount from reading all but the "trolled" threads, and I thank all of you defenders of science for your insights. As an engineer, I don't claim to have any contribution to make regarding biology and the other disciplines which become invoked when engaging in these debates, but you still have my deep appreciation for the task you perform, Sisyphian as it is.

To save yourselves bother in the future, I would suggest that any of these trollers be given the URL for the Talk Origins FAQ's, and the thread be closed.

scigirl

Lol! That is hilarious! Thanks for that "link" Nialler,

You forgot to include "THE TRUTH" (TM) in the url though. Must be in all caps if it comes from a fundie!



I suppose it's a waste of time to argue with trolls. I guess I do it for all of the "lurkers" who perhaps haven't made up their minds yet and want to know the facts.

scigirl

Darwin's Finch

Scigirl:
Good to see you back! Will Douglas continue your debate, or is that over?

Liquidrage

I see this from a few sides.

One is I truely believe some people like replying to trolls.
Early on it gives them a reason to show their knowledge and later on to put down the troll for being ignorant.

From the other side a troll's a troll. It's a waste of bandwidth replying to them. They're not going to get it.

Lets look at some of the recent troll issues.
I've seen 2 different trolls use the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics as proof that evolution is flawed.

This creates a tit for tat approach.

Non-theists start posting statements and links that show how the second law of Thermodynamics does not conflict with with evolution.
Often there are links presented to talk.origins

The troll sees this and then goes,
"HAHA, here's my link that says it does."

This goes back and forth with each side claiming the other has proved nothing.

The problem is unless the troll actualy studies the law of Thermodynamics(or whatever it is they're claiming to know) then no matter what we or anyone posts the troll is logically free to pick whichever result best fits their preconcieved notions.

It becomes a tug of war of trust since the troll is not capable of decision due to their lack of knowledge on the subject.

So I agree with your original point.
Lock the threads and post a link.
Though I don't know if talk.origins should be the one since it hasn't worked when used in the past.
Though I think talk.origins is a great site it seems to go over most troll's heads.

scigirl

Hello Finch,

I am currently writing a rebuttal to his last post about feathers & such. It may take a while, but i want it to be a good one. Any ideas would be appreciated. . . . .

scigirl

scigirl

I'm currently preparing a rebuttal to his last post about feathers and such. Any ideas would be appreciated. . . .

scigirl

If this post appears twice, sorry! I think I cross posted with liquid anger or something!

Darwin's Finch

Scigirl:
My user name notwithstanding, I have no expertise in biology (chose the name just to make clear to others that I don't straddle the fence), and I would not presume to make suggestions to you. You're doing just fine on your own! <img src="graemlins/notworthy.gif" border="0" alt="[Not Worthy]" />

scigirl

D'oh! I was hoping you could provide a detailed genetic explanation as to why the various finches evolved.

Sigh, oh well! You do have a great screen name though-second only to the Babelfish!

scigirl

Kaina

Personally, I really enjoy reading the thrashing that creationist trolls get when they post their drivel here. I like to read the articulately worded information (and sarcasm and insults) from the regulars who reply. It's fun! And maybe once in a while, one of these trolls is really looking for information, or may actually decide that they don't know everything. One can hope, at least.

theyeti

LOL! Yeah, it's funny when the name gives them away and yet we're supposed to think that they're sincere in looking for information. Let's see, recently we've had "The Truth", "Yep you guys know everything", "Wow", "You Betcha", and the worst one of all, "Douglas J. Bender". (Just kiddin' Douglas ).

We can't really do that. Everyone should get a fair shake, even if the Troll-o-meter starts beeping like crazy. This is supposed to be an open discussion forum, and we have to let everyone have their say, no matter how kooky they appear at first. It does happen that on occasion we get an intelligent and well informed anti-evolutionist, and in those cases there are some very good discussions, so we have to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. The proselytizers and incoherent babblers get sent to RR&P of course.

theyeti