Well, I've been thinking about this. As much as I think that rigid rules would help this forum in many ways, I'm beginning to believe that the same rigidity could be its downfall. Let's face it - at least according to common perception - 'Education' isn't the broadest topic. And I know that you can extend it to incorporate so many different things, but I don't think a newcomer's going to see it that way.

So here's what I propose: I think that the best chance of survival for the Education forum would be for it to become something of an intellectual haunt in the same way that the Musicians' corner is a haunt for musicians. If we were to base it on Musicians' corner - which does have rules, albeit very general ones - then it would become to I.E. what M'sC is to the Music forum. I.E. could be for the very defined, popular topics; the education forum could be for more specific questions, or intellectual discussions that don't quite fit in to I.E...

Basically, it would be a hangout for the more intellectually-minded seekers. Call it Machiavellian, but this would establish a reputation that would be appealing to a lot of seekers - since everyone likes to think of themselves as intelligent. Now obviously, to maintain a higher standard of threads than those in Loungin', say, the forum-specific rules would need to make this very clear. But I think it could work.

Just an idea.

The problem IE used to have, particularly before it was even called IE, is that a lot of people knew the perception of the forum and had a "head up their own arse" attitude where they thought they were gods gift to any intelligent discussion on Neoseeker. I'd rather that didn't happen here and it remained at the pleasant attitude that exists at the moment.

I do agree though, rigid rules would have a negative impact on the forum. I think having a sticky post that the forum is not specifically school and homework but any subject is all that should be needed. That and a renaming. I feel the name of the forum is the biggest reaso why people are hesitant to branch out. I wasn't a fan of Academia, but I think Education doesn't quite sum up the scope of the forum. Renaming it something as obvious as "Pursuit of Knowledge" while slightly pretentious, would be much better.

Well, tbf - at least to my current knowledge - I.E. doesn't have that problem anymore. What caused it to change? Maybe we can learn from it.

Actually, IE does have that problem, minimally. Some members there just cannot even fathom the word "compromise". I wouldn't want this forum to become a forum that is much worse.

But conflict is the essence of progress, Rome.

And besides, any completely one-eyed posters in I.E. usually get their asses handed to them. Or ignored. Just like real life. I don't have a problem with it.

Until everyone realises that there's no mod to ban us, and not nearly enough topics to warrant a thread index.

We're still waiting on Sphinx's rules. That was kinda the reason I brought up what the rules should be so we can decide them democratically - I'm not convinced that Sphinx is going to get around to it.

Sorry about the delay, I'm bogged down with my final coursework essays for my final year at uni so I'm fairly preoccupied with that right now. I'll try and see if I can get it done this weekend.

edit > I've pmed Oz with what I've done, just awaiting feedback. Hopefully its ok.

This message was edited by Sphinx on May 02 2008.

Well, I don't know how that's going, so I've taken the liberty of having a brief go at it myself. Nothing spectacular, but better than nothing.

quote Attempt

Hi, and welcome to the Education Forum!

This is a forum designed to specifically cater to threads concerning education. The word education is fairly broad here, and the forum covers all aspects of learning and the pursuit of knowledge in a general sense: loosely, this forum will be of great benefit to you if you wish to learn a new subject area or discuss education-related topics that are of interest to you.

One of the main things we do want to avoid is the forum becoming overrun with school and homework threads. As such, topics that promote learning, be it through teaching or discussion of experiences, are particularly encouraged. However, wide-ranging and thought-provoking subjects that tie in with the theme of education are also perfectly acceptable.

The Forumwide Rules of Conduct, Etiquette and Acceptable Behaviour apply at all times.

However, I think you'll all agree with me when I say that it would be great if everyone had a say in the formulation of these rules, so that we've covered all bases and everyone can be happy with them. So input is greatly appreciated.

I sent my thing off to Oz and he was making a few modifications but hasn't got back to me yet. I'll drop him a PM and see how it's going.

I think this forum could use more ongoing discussions that sparks debates, rather your favorite this and favorite that type of thread, and help threads like this as a forum for homework help.

I had a massive post written out

I was basically saying that I think this forum has a lot of potential, but I myself am pretty useless at coming up with ideas to increase activity. I was initially going to suggest making this forum a subforum of IE, but I am against it the more I think about, but maybe some people will have a positive view of that suggestion?

Also, maybe this thread could be stickied? I realise it doesn't take much to find it in a forum with low activity, but having a feedback and suggestion thread stickied always encourages members to post in it imo