Foster Thoughtful Exploration
Every post should contribute meaningfully to the discussion. Whether you’re asking a question, sharing a theory, or responding to someone, take a moment to ensure your contribution adds depth to the conversation.
What this means:
Before posting, ask yourself if your comment will spark thought or encourage others to explore the topic further. Clear questions and well-formed ideas will invite more engagement.
Why it matters:
Thoughtful, engaging posts keep the forum interesting and productive. Empty or unclear posts can clutter discussions and discourage deeper exploration.
Examples:
What to do:
“The grandfather paradox raises questions about free will. If you prevent your own birth, could events be fixed in time?”
What not to do:
“Paradoxes are confusing.”
Maintain Focus and Clarity
Keep your posts on topic and easy to understand. Whether starting a new thread or replying to an existing one, ensure your post contributes directly to the conversation and is clear.
What this means:
Stick to the subject at hand and avoid derailing discussions. If you have an unrelated idea, start a new thread. Make sure your points are easy to follow.
Why it matters:
Staying focused keeps discussions meaningful, while clarity ensures everyone can engage without confusion.
Examples:
What to do: “String theory might provide an explanation for this time paradox. How do you think alternate dimensions interact?”
What not to do: “This reminds me of something unrelated from my day.”
Respectful Engagement
Disagreements happen, but they should always be respectful. Engage with ideas, not the individuals behind them, and avoid personal attacks or dismissive comments.
What this means:
Critique ideas thoughtfully and constructively, without making it personal. Keep the conversation focused on the topic, not the person.
Why it matters:
Respectful debates make the forum a welcoming place for everyone, encouraging deeper discussions without fear of personal attack.
Examples:
What to do: “I see your point, but I think there’s another theory that might explain this better.”
What not to do: “That’s a stupid idea.”
Quality Over Quantity
It’s better to post a few thoughtful contributions than many superficial ones. Take your time to think before posting and ensure your comment adds value to the discussion.
What this means:
Focus on well-crafted, meaningful posts rather than posting just for the sake of it. Consider how your input will help the conversation move forward.
Why it matters:
Quality posts lead to richer conversations. High-volume but low-substance posts dilute discussions and can overwhelm other members.
Examples:
What to do: “Here’s a detailed explanation of how this theory might work.”
What not to do: “I agree,” without further explanation.
Support Shared Responsibility
The community thrives when everyone helps maintain a positive environment. If you see something inappropriate, report it and help guide newer members to contribute meaningfully.
What this means:
Moderation is a shared effort. While moderators manage the forum, all members should help keep discussions respectful and constructive.
Why it matters:
A strong, positive community is built on mutual respect and responsibility. Helping others learn the ropes creates a more welcoming space for all.
Examples:
What to do: “You might find more answers in the Theories section!”
What not to do: “You’re doing it wrong. This isn’t the place for that.”
Contribute with Context
When sharing external links or content, provide context so others can understand why it’s relevant to the conversation. Don’t drop links without explanation.
What this means:
If you’re sharing an article or link, explain why you’re posting it and how it relates to the discussion.
Why it matters:
Context helps others engage with the material you’re sharing, leading to more informed and thoughtful discussions.
Examples:
What to do: “Here’s an article on paradoxes that relates to what we’re discussing.”
What not to do: “Check this out” [link].
Stay Organized
Use the right sections for different types of discussions and keep threads on topic. If you want to discuss something unrelated, use the appropriate area for off-topic conversations.
What this means:
Help keep the forum organized by posting in the right places and staying on topic within a thread. Off-topic conversations should have their own space.
Why it matters:
Organization helps people find the discussions they’re interested in, and it keeps the forum easy to navigate.
Examples:
What to do: “I’ll start a new thread in the off-topic section for this conversation.”
What not to do: “Let’s talk about something unrelated to this topic here.”
Be Open to New Ideas
Approach all discussions with an open mind, even if they challenge your own beliefs. Welcome new perspectives and ideas, and focus on learning from others.
What this means:
Keep an open mind when engaging with others’ ideas, even if you disagree. The goal is to explore, not to win arguments.
Why it matters:
Open-mindedness fosters collaboration and deeper exploration, creating an atmosphere where all members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Examples:
What to do: “I hadn’t considered that point of view before. Can you explain it more?”
What not to do: “That’s impossible, you’re wrong.”
Honor Past Contributions
When engaging with older threads, be respectful of previous discussions and build upon them instead of repeating what’s already been said.
What this means:
If revisiting an older discussion, acknowledge what’s already been discussed and add something new to the conversation.
Why it matters:
Respecting the forum’s history and previous contributions keeps conversations fresh and prevents redundancy.
Examples:
What to do: “I saw this discussed earlier—here’s a new perspective.”
What not to do: “Let’s keep talking about this without adding anything new.”
The Duck Directive
Every theory must be accompanied by an MS Paint drawing of a duck. No exceptions.
What this means:
For reasons only known to the ducks, any theory posted must include an MS Paint image of a duck. Failure to do so may cause the theory to implode.
Why it matters:
While we love serious discussions, a little fun never hurt anyone. Plus, ducks are the true overseers of all time travel anomalies (probably).
Examples:
- What to do: “Here’s my theory on how parallel universes interact. [Duck drawing attached].”
- What not to do: “Here’s my theory on time loops.” (No duck?! Unacceptable.)