For those who do not know...

[trotsky]

there is a special safe place on DU where you can post all you want about how horrible Gardasil is, or how evidence-based medicine killed Bernie Mac, or how the latest herb or supplement will cure jock itch - ALL totally unaccosted by any contrary evidence or opinions.

It's called the Astrology, Spirituality & Alternative Healing Group and it is located right here.

You're welcome!

[Celebration]

1. Well, it's only for people with stars

And it is mostly about astrology. But you are right there are a few topics on some really cool, unscientific energetic treatments. Most of the people there don't have much interest in vaccine topics. No surprise there since vaccines are not an alternative form of healing.

[trotsky]

3. But since you aren't wasting your money on evidence-based medicine,

can't you afford to kick $5 over to someone who doesn't have a star?

Look, the common refrain in here is the misery over nasty, mean "sweepers" coming in and posting facts all over the alarmist and anti-"western" medicine threads. I'm just pointing out that there is a place right here on DU where those topics can be posted and NO ONE can speak to the contrary.

The Health Forum is just that... a Forum. Those of us who support evidence-based medicine can weigh in on whatever topic we wish.

[Celebration]

4. Honestly, that group is *mostly* astrology

I think the reason for all the vaccine threads here is because Gardasil is very new, and it has been controversial for oh so many reasons. I feel that it has been an interesting topic for health. I actually have learned a lot about the various types of HPV, etc. I pretty much stay away from starting a vaccine thread here, unless there is some breaking news, but I don't mind it when other people start one. At times, though, it is nice to have a break from them, I admit.

You need to give the readers here a little more credit. Everyone is capable of making their own decisions. I doubt that anyone here changes their behaviour solely due to "alarmist" threads.

[trotsky]

5. "Alternative Healing" is right in the name.

It's a totally appropriate place for the threads that bash or distrust evidence-based medicine. The point is, there is so much whining and complaining when such threads are met with opposition here - but it doesn't have to be that way. Post those threads in the group, where they won't be criticized. Or suck it up and accept that people are going to come into those threads armed with facts and real data.

I doubt that anyone here changes their behaviour solely due to "alarmist" threads.

So does that give someone a pass to post whatever they want, no matter how fast & loose it plays with the facts?

[Celebration]

6. Well, people should NOT whine and complain

When they encounter opposition here. That is stupid.

[trotsky]

7. Great to hear!

So I assume you'll be jumping in to tell them such? And roundly condemn attempts to tar opposition as being paid by pharmaceuticals?

[Celebration]

10. No, I doubt it

I will say that as a general proposition but don't like to personally attack people for their posting style, even when I find it lacking. They probably don't like mine either. I just try to stick to the subject at hand and lead by example. That is the best I can do.

[Orrex]

8. Well...

So does that give someone a pass to post whatever they want, no matter how fast & loose it plays with the facts?

It does if they can post 4,000 links in support of their wildly ill-informed belief system.

(For the sake of clarity, that's not a swipe at you, itsjustme.)

[trotsky]

9. I can have those 4000 links go right back to my own website, right?

That counts as a legitimate source?

[Orrex]

11. Uh, no.

That counts as 4,000 legitimate sources.

Honestly, if you can't figure out the rules, you're never going to be able to play the game.

[lizerdbits]

2. But

How can I be a victim of oppression if there's no one to point out my confusion of correlation with causation?

[BuddhaGirl]

12. thanks for the PSA

but to me the Health forum is a place where I can read about alternative and conventional medicine. Those two constitute "health" to me. :-)

[Warpy]

13. "Big medicine is out to get us!!!"

That's the garbage that belongs in alt. med.

This forum needs a little better policing, IMO.

[BuddhaGirl]

14. and on the flip side

posters that are critical of alternative medicine should show more respect.

[trotsky]

15. Why?

And does "respect" mean "don't post the facts that show it's bullshit"?

[Liberal Veteran]

16. It means you aren't allowed to ridicule a post that says...

...peppermint oil diluted 10000 times in water and then sprayed with unicorn farts will cure cancer that was cause by taking a toxic evil western medicine like lisinopril.

[trotsky]

17. *SNORT*

:spray:
Thanks a lot!

[BuddhaGirl]

18. respect means the post should not ridicule

and that goes for both sides, obviously.

[trotsky]

19. Beliefs and ideas can be ridiculed.

People cannot. That's a pretty standard rule of thumb on DU. If someone crosses the line, alert, and the mods will delete the post. How about we use the system that's already in place rather than trying to guess as to whether someone will feel "ridiculed"? And if they can't handle their idea being ridiculed, then it belongs in a group where it's safe from opposing viewpoints.

[varkam]

20. Exactly. There's a difference between "That's a stupid idea" and "You're stupid"