As far as I can tell, the general community consensus in the previous post was that a discussion section to replace the Open Thread would be a good idea, due to the many problems with Open Thread, but that it would be problematic to host it off-site. For this reason, our current proposal involves modifying the main site to include a separate “Discussion” section in the navigation bar (next to “Wiki | Sequences | About”). What are now Open Thread comments would be hosted in the Discussion section, in a more user-friendly and appropriate format (similar to Reddit’s or a BBS forum’s). If my impression was mistaken, please do say so.
I think (and my impression is that many others think) this is a great idea if, and only if, some mechanism exists to maintain high standards in the new section, whether through integrating the karma system or otherwise.
The Discussion system will render the Karma Coward option redundant. People wanting to post at low-risk to guage standards can do that in the Discussion, without diluting top-level content. Also,
I would not have continued LessWrong if I hadn’t seen its extremely high standards. They’re what makes LessWrong extremely special, and invaluably unique, to the world I would say. There are plenty of other forums out there where people can post non-heavily deliberated material.
We’re not being “elitist pricks”, we’re creating an option that hitherto simply wouldn’t exist otherwise.
I think (and my impression is that many others think) this is a great idea if, and only if, some mechanism exists to maintain high standards in the new section, whether through integrating the karma system or otherwise.
That’s important, and something I forgot to mention. Posts/comments in the discussion section would indeed count for karma. Thanks much.
Tom,
The Discussion system will render the Karma Coward option redundant. People wanting to post at low-risk to guage standards can do that in the Discussion, without diluting top-level content. Also,
I would not have continued LessWrong if I hadn’t seen its extremely high standards. They’re what makes LessWrong extremely special, and invaluably unique, to the world I would say. There are plenty of other forums out there where people can post non-heavily deliberated material.
We’re not being “elitist pricks”, we’re creating an option that hitherto simply wouldn’t exist otherwise.
Karma counts in the new section as well, just not 10x for posts