Long ago, when mingle2 was called Just Say Hi, before we even had a 'science and philosophy' section, it seemed to me that anyone who wanted to challenge 'feel good' claims using skepticism, objectivity, or science (which to me are three separate things) would be met with scorn or derision. 'Skeptic' was used as a dirty word, and rationalism was wrongly associated with a sterile, unfeeling approach to life and truth.

People liked their 'positive sounding', 'good feeling' words and ideas , and anyone who sought to temper these views were seen as crochety narrow minded elitists.

I feel that things have changed here, especially in the Sci-Phi(tm) section. I think this has a lot to do with a handful of people who are willing to put up with name-calling and insults (open or veiled) to engage from a 'skeptical' or 'rational' poing of view. Most of those people are right here in the Atheist/Agnostic section - even if they don't post very often here.

So I just wanted to say thank you, to all of you who value truth, skepticism, careful thinking, objectivity, rationalism, etc - for how you've contributed to the improvement of quality of discourse here at m2. And most especially: thank you for your efforts to be courteous and respectful of others while doing so.

lets stick it to the man!

I don't understand, yet I'm highly amused.

lol just me being random, but i too enjoy these forums, this is the only place where i get to express topic of interest, in the real world all i get to hear is gossip