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Conspiracy theories, misinformation 19:37 - Nov 11 with 8392 viewsfooters

Penny for your thoughts, TWTD, on what is a very sensitive topic.

Should we be able to post conspiracy theories on here?

It comes down to a matter of opinion about what is 'free thinking' and what can be or is actually quite dangerous.

Our freedom of expression should be allowed as much as possible, but where do we draw the line when ideas are peddled which could affect the wellbeing of others?

Should posts require substantiation, with relevant evidence and facts, or should it be free reign?

This seems to be a growing issue in the modern world, especially with the prevalance of social media.

Do you have any ideas or a potential solution to this problem? Or isn't it a problem at all?

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 19:42 - Nov 11 with 3090 viewsSpruceMoose

The line should be drawn when something risks the health, safety or reputation of others.

As much evidence should be provided as possible when making claims, dubious or otherwise.

A zero tolerance approach to repeat offenders should be standard given the fake news climate we currently live in.

Somehow space still needs to be provided to explore half baked ideas and concepts though.

It's hard.

Just my thoughts.
[Post edited 11 Nov 2020 19:53]

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 19:48 - Nov 11 with 3052 viewsm14_blue

It’s a massive issue for the whole world at the moment, especially as the most powerful man in the world has been propagating these theories for the last 4 years.

It’s about to get even more crucial too as we approach the vaccine roll out.

So to answer your question, I have no idea.

Glad I’m not Phil.
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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 19:54 - Nov 11 with 3037 viewsKeaneish

I have issues with the term ‘conspiracy theory’ given its roots. I prefer the term,’criminal cover up’. With that in mind, and in answer to your question, I believe it opportune to quote the greatest upholder of criminal cover ups in modern history. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Donald Rumsfeld...

“...as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know.”

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 19:56 - Nov 11 with 3029 viewsfactual_blue

Rather than ban individuals, Phil should post (pinned to the top of the board) a list of users who are serial conspiracy theory nutters.

Then we can put them on ignore, or answer every post of theirs 'you're a certificated liar'.

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 19:57 - Nov 11 with 3025 viewsJ2BLUE

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 19:42 - Nov 11 by SpruceMoose

The line should be drawn when something risks the health, safety or reputation of others.

As much evidence should be provided as possible when making claims, dubious or otherwise.

A zero tolerance approach to repeat offenders should be standard given the fake news climate we currently live in.

Somehow space still needs to be provided to explore half baked ideas and concepts though.

It's hard.

Just my thoughts.
[Post edited 11 Nov 2020 19:53]


Spot on.

I think it should a common sense approach as well. If people are arguing climate change is a hoax or that the earth is flat then let the thread run.

If someone is posting that the pandemic is a hoax or vaccines are for some other nefarious purpose then that should be met with zero tolerance and a ban IMO. We are at war with this virus. If you run disinformation campaigns for the enemy you deserve to be banned.

The third category is potentially libelous accusations with no proof. These should be removed in line with our justice system where people are innocent until proven guilty. Repeat offenders should be banned, especially if they are politically motivated. I think we all know the accusations which follow Hillary Clinton around and they seem to be thrown at anyone else who is a Democrat as well.


TL, DR - Stupidity - leave it up, libel - remove and potentially ban, dangerous misinformation - instant ban


All IMO only.

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:00 - Nov 11 with 3016 viewsGuthrum

To some extent, it isn't a problem, as there are many people on here who are willing and able to debate the theories put forward. Dubunking them if necessary.

It may not change the conspiracy subscriber's mind, but it stands a better chance of sowing doubt than outright censorship does. And in terms of swaying the undecided, then one would hope they are more moved by rationality and evidence than fantasy. Plus TWTD is only one avenue among many by which people will be exposed to this stuff (and less pernicious than most).

Conspiracy theories are difficult to argue against, because they are often founded not on outright falsehoods (tho that is an increasing trend), but on the gaps in our knowlege extrapolated to cast uncertainty upon the whole. The more those gaps can be filled, the less room there is for these things to grow.

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:02 - Nov 11 with 3000 viewsMullet

What defines a conspiracy theory as opposed to the scientifically illiterate, paranoid, or weak-minded who can't face reality?

How much evidence is needed and what's the statute of limitations should someone be proved right?

Ultimately, those that post the type of stuff you're talking about don't cover themselves in glory. Nor do they tend to convert people who aren't already one youtube video away from parroting nonsense anyway do they?

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:03 - Nov 11 with 2989 viewsKeno

Good question

Where there is genuine grounds for debate and the people starting the thread are happy to debate it (without the usual load of crap that arises) then I dont see why not

Where the intend is obviously to troll or just plain stupidity we can do without it, and we all tend to know who the generators of those are.

Things like Anti-Vaxx, Trump Hero Worship, Holocaust denial and Pro-Norwich should be immediately returned and poster banned.

And it should not be forgotten the only conspiracy theory that merits any discussion is Bisley Boy.

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:07 - Nov 11 with 2961 viewsGuthrum

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:03 - Nov 11 by Keno

Good question

Where there is genuine grounds for debate and the people starting the thread are happy to debate it (without the usual load of crap that arises) then I dont see why not

Where the intend is obviously to troll or just plain stupidity we can do without it, and we all tend to know who the generators of those are.

Things like Anti-Vaxx, Trump Hero Worship, Holocaust denial and Pro-Norwich should be immediately returned and poster banned.

And it should not be forgotten the only conspiracy theory that merits any discussion is Bisley Boy.


Is it merely a coincidence that Bisley is the home of Jilly Cooper??

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:08 - Nov 11 with 2962 viewsPJH

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:03 - Nov 11 by Keno

Good question

Where there is genuine grounds for debate and the people starting the thread are happy to debate it (without the usual load of crap that arises) then I dont see why not

Where the intend is obviously to troll or just plain stupidity we can do without it, and we all tend to know who the generators of those are.

Things like Anti-Vaxx, Trump Hero Worship, Holocaust denial and Pro-Norwich should be immediately returned and poster banned.

And it should not be forgotten the only conspiracy theory that merits any discussion is Bisley Boy.


Is it ok if I still believe that Lee Harvey Oswald was not the only shooter on 22nd November 1963, if he fired a shot at all(which I doubt)?
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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:09 - Nov 11 with 2953 viewsKeaneish

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:02 - Nov 11 by Mullet

What defines a conspiracy theory as opposed to the scientifically illiterate, paranoid, or weak-minded who can't face reality?

How much evidence is needed and what's the statute of limitations should someone be proved right?

Ultimately, those that post the type of stuff you're talking about don't cover themselves in glory. Nor do they tend to convert people who aren't already one youtube video away from parroting nonsense anyway do they?


Unlike Mullet to be so polarising.

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:17 - Nov 11 with 2918 viewsCoachRob

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:00 - Nov 11 by Guthrum

To some extent, it isn't a problem, as there are many people on here who are willing and able to debate the theories put forward. Dubunking them if necessary.

It may not change the conspiracy subscriber's mind, but it stands a better chance of sowing doubt than outright censorship does. And in terms of swaying the undecided, then one would hope they are more moved by rationality and evidence than fantasy. Plus TWTD is only one avenue among many by which people will be exposed to this stuff (and less pernicious than most).

Conspiracy theories are difficult to argue against, because they are often founded not on outright falsehoods (tho that is an increasing trend), but on the gaps in our knowlege extrapolated to cast uncertainty upon the whole. The more those gaps can be filled, the less room there is for these things to grow.


We have the phrase 'not even wrong' that can be applied to many of these conspiracies and pseudoscientific theories as you rightly point out. I think the people on the forum do a good job of weeding out the nonsense but if people peddling these fantasies could understand that Facebook and Twitter are not four-star rated journals that would be a start.
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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:17 - Nov 11 with 2914 views26_Paz

I think there should be free reign. If stuff is that crazy people on here will debunk

The Paz Man

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:21 - Nov 11 with 2899 viewsIpswichBoyBlue

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:08 - Nov 11 by PJH

Is it ok if I still believe that Lee Harvey Oswald was not the only shooter on 22nd November 1963, if he fired a shot at all(which I doubt)?


Easy mate. I say there is no way man has landed on the moon, but i wouldn't dream of saying it on here.
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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:21 - Nov 11 with 2899 viewsKeno

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:17 - Nov 11 by 26_Paz

I think there should be free reign. If stuff is that crazy people on here will debunk


"If stuff is that crazy people on here will debunk"

but only if those posting are prepared to accept the debunk

Unfortunately that is not usually the case

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:22 - Nov 11 with 2890 viewsKeno

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:08 - Nov 11 by PJH

Is it ok if I still believe that Lee Harvey Oswald was not the only shooter on 22nd November 1963, if he fired a shot at all(which I doubt)?


You obviously haven't seen the Red Dwarf episode that explains it all clearly

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:22 - Nov 11 with 2886 viewsKeno

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:07 - Nov 11 by Guthrum

Is it merely a coincidence that Bisley is the home of Jilly Cooper??


Ha!!

Obviously not!!

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:24 - Nov 11 with 2870 viewsfactual_blue

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:08 - Nov 11 by PJH

Is it ok if I still believe that Lee Harvey Oswald was not the only shooter on 22nd November 1963, if he fired a shot at all(which I doubt)?


Yes, you are at liberty to believe that, utterly wrong though it is.

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:27 - Nov 11 with 2863 viewsGuthrum

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:17 - Nov 11 by CoachRob

We have the phrase 'not even wrong' that can be applied to many of these conspiracies and pseudoscientific theories as you rightly point out. I think the people on the forum do a good job of weeding out the nonsense but if people peddling these fantasies could understand that Facebook and Twitter are not four-star rated journals that would be a start.


As I've said before, we now live in a world awash with unregulated information and many people have not been trained (or educated) to deal with that, assessing its likely accuracy before taking on board.

Anyone aged over about 40 grew up in a world where there was only books, newspapers and TV - all of which had to get past editors and publishers before being seen. Anyone much younger than that went to school in the era when league table chasing and exam passing often left little time and incentive to equip children with the necessary tools. It isn't the people's fault, the world of information has changed very rapidly, far faster than the understanding of how to cope with that.

Edit: Additionally - and particularly this year - we're living in a time when the truth is getting less and less believable!
[Post edited 11 Nov 2020 20:29]

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:27 - Nov 11 with 2856 viewsPJH

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:24 - Nov 11 by factual_blue

Yes, you are at liberty to believe that, utterly wrong though it is.


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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:29 - Nov 11 with 2850 viewsBanksterDebtSlave

https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/12-crazy-conspiracy-theo

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:37 - Nov 11 with 2804 viewsJ2BLUE

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:17 - Nov 11 by 26_Paz

I think there should be free reign. If stuff is that crazy people on here will debunk


Genuinely lolled @ this.

Truly impaired.
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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:42 - Nov 11 with 2780 viewsTrequartista

Whatever we do, transfer "definite info" must be protected.

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:43 - Nov 11 with 2771 viewsSpruceMoose

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:37 - Nov 11 by J2BLUE

Genuinely lolled @ this.


It's got to be a troll, right?

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Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:44 - Nov 11 with 2761 viewsfooters

Conspiracy theories, misinformation on 20:42 - Nov 11 by Trequartista

Whatever we do, transfer "definite info" must be protected.


I am remaining impartial on the wider debate, but def infos absolutely must stay.

As should anything ITFC, including behind the scenes bollx and ME's tax arrangements.

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