Welcome to "Off the Beaten Track"

[CharlieH]

 

 

Dive into the world of alternative ideas and unconventional thinking! Off the Beaten Track is a space for open discussions on topics that stray from the mainstream—whether they’re alternative perspectives, unexplored theories, or even the occasional conspiracy.

Here, you’re free to share your thoughts, ideas, and questions without the need to conform to widely accepted narratives. Supporting links to claims are welcome but not required. It’s entirely up to each individual to explore, verify, or embrace the ideas presented.

This is a forum for curiosity, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue. So, whether you're questioning the official story, offering a new take, or just exploring the "what ifs," you’ve found the right place.

Step off the beaten track, and let the conversations begin!

 

 

Forum rules apply of course, but most importantly be respectful to others opinions and views.

[novacova]

Great alternative 

[Old Curmudgeon]

8 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Step off the beaten track, and let the conversations begin!

 

Great idea!

 

Thank you for thinking of something like this here.

[richard_smith237]

Great idea - but can some ground rules be set ? (no flat earthers / no moon-landing conspiracists / no crackpots).

 

 

Starting off:

Lost advanced civilisations that existed thousands of years before known ancient cultures like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley with highly sophisticated and advanced knowledge of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics.

 

[quake]

10 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Great idea - but can some ground rules be set ? (no flat earthers / no moon-landing conspiracists / no crackpots).

 

 

Starting off:

Lost advanced civilisations that existed thousands of years before known ancient cultures like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley with highly sophisticated and advanced knowledge of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics.

 

 

ok I will  give it a go.

If there had been an advanced civilization before us.

I think they would have naturally discovered  nuclear energy.

That in itself would have left traces of it.

There are none.

So I don't think anyone was more advanced than us, before on this planet.

 

 

 

 

 

[hotandsticky]

14 minutes ago, quake said:

 

ok I will  give it a go.

If there had been an advanced civilization before us.

I think they would have naturally discovered  nuclear energy.

That in itself would have left traces of it.

There are none.

So I don't think anyone was more advanced than us, before on this planet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think the evidence (or lack of it) is simplified into the fact that we have not unearthed (despite a lot of digging) a time capsule with the equivalent of a Blue Peter annual, a Rolf Harris CD of 2 Little Boys or a photo of the all white French national football team taken in 1970.

[Hummin]

18 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Great idea - but can some ground rules be set ? (no flat earthers / no moon-landing conspiracists / no crackpots).

 

 

Starting off:

Lost advanced civilisations that existed thousands of years before known ancient cultures like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley with highly sophisticated and advanced knowledge of astronomy, architecture, and mathematics.

 

I think you expect to much from this forum. I mean, 

 

10 minutes ago, quake said:

 

ok I will  give it a go.

If there had been an advanced civilization before us.

I think they would have naturally discovered  nuclear energy.

That in itself would have left traces of it.

There are none.

So I don't think anyone was more advanced than us, before on this planet.

 

 

 

 

 

But, what about the pyramids?  

 

The only sensible, the pyramids is older than they are, and the Greek philosopher and historian Herodotus where wrong about the time it took to build one pyramid. 

 

100 000 men 3 months shifts 20-27 years for building the great pyramids seems impossible even for today's technology. The logistics doesn't add up for the time being.

[CharlieH]

Guys, post you topics in the forum, this is just the welcome topic

[quake]

55 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

I think the evidence (or lack of it) is simplified into the fact that we have not unearthed (despite a lot of digging) a time capsule with the equivalent of a Blue Peter annual, a Rolf Harris CD of 2 Little Boys or a photo of the all white French national football team taken in 1970.

 

We hereby award you,  the one and only.

 

[quake]

1 hour ago, Hummin said:

I think you expect to much from this forum. I mean, 

 

But, what about the pyramids?  

 

 

Just primitive structures and  natural materials, nothing special.

Constructed by humans , lots of them.

 

But we all know who was the man,  on the construction site.

good luck with the amazing pyramids.

 

[GammaGlobulin]

Finally, TV has a great place for us to share important ideas.

A thank-you and shout-out to the creators of this forum.

Few among us could be as pleased as I to have just discovered this forum.

 

[Red Phoenix]

12 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

Great idea - but can some ground rules be set ? (no flat earthers / no moon-landing conspiracists / no crackpots).

Oh boy, this Free Speech alternative sub-forum has barely been launched, and you are already advocating to apply restrictions to what subjects can be discussed!  

 

[BarBoy]

21 hours ago, CharlieH said:

whether they’re alternative perspectives, unexplored theories, or even the occasional conspiracy.

sounds a bit like AN!

[rumak]

Only a few minutes in,  and the first wannabe dictator shows his face :

 

"Great idea - but can some ground rules be set ? (no flat earthers / no moon-landing conspiracists / no crackpots)."

 

Hopefully posts like that will be erased .  Posts welcoming all free thinking spirits would be great .    And yes.... the one main rule should be RESPECT 

[rumak]

8 minutes ago, Red Phoenix said:

Oh boy, this Free Speech alternative sub-forum has barely been launched, and you are already advocating to apply restrictions to what subjects can be discussed!  

 

 

You beat me to it Red !

[rumak]

22 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Step off the beaten track, and let the conversations begin!

 

Oh boy .... AN is going to have its hands full if this Forum manages to make it past the first round LOL .    I SUGGEST that a Special Prosecutor,  uh,  i mean Moderator for this one forum might be needed to oversee the fisticuffs . ( Red Phoenix ? )    

Rattlesnake would also be great,  but I know that he does not have the time .

Forget about Rumak , much too easily riled and prone to charging in like Mike Tyson.

 

Could be exciting to see if the NYT, CNN, Washington Compost , and all the rest of MSM who have seen the Bud Light :   alternative media is way more influential then they believed ,  and changes must be made .  

[richard_smith237]

2 hours ago, Red Phoenix said:

Oh boy, this Free Speech alternative sub-forum has barely been launched, and you are already advocating to apply restrictions to what subjects can be discussed!  

 

There’s free speech & there’s utter stupidity- sadly the two are not mutually exclusive !!! 
 

 

[richard_smith237]

2 hours ago, rumak said:

Only a few minutes in,  and the first wannabe dictator shows his face :

 

"Great idea - but can some ground rules be set ? (no flat earthers / no moon-landing conspiracists / no crackpots)."

 

Hopefully posts like that will be erased .  Posts welcoming all free thinking spirits would be great .    And yes.... the one main rule should be RESPECT 

Apologies if I overstepped the mark in requesting some basic common sense…

 

But, I do believe free speech also comes with responsibility.

 

Free thinking spirits, great - I love alternative ideas - but de we also want to go down road distracted by trolls & crackpots ???

 

Now it’s been explained that this is a subforum - the nuttier threads / topics are easier to avoid. 

 

[CharlieH]

15 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

There’s free speech & there’s utter stupidity- sadly the two are not mutually exclusive !!! 
 

 

 

Every individual has the inherent right to hold and express their beliefs, regardless of how unconventional or "crackpot" others might perceive them to be. The diversity of thought enriches our discourse, offering unique perspectives that challenge the status quo. While some may disagree or ridicule, it is essential to respect each person's right to share their views, as this openness fosters a more vibrant and tolerant society. Ultimately, the expression of differing opinions is a cornerstone of free thought and democracy.

 

That is the reason this forum was created; it was clear there was a need and as long as respect for others thoughts and beliefs remains, moderation here will be minimal.

 

If a persons view is "hes a crackpot" great ! ignore it and scroll on by.

[connda]

1 hour ago, CharlieH said:

 

Every individual has the inherent right to hold and express their beliefs, regardless of how unconventional or "crackpot" others might perceive them to be. The diversity of thought enriches our discourse, offering unique perspectives that challenge the status quo. While some may disagree or ridicule, it is essential to respect each person's right to share their views, as this openness fosters a more vibrant and tolerant society. Ultimately, the expression of differing opinions is a cornerstone of free thought and democracy.

 

That is the reason this forum was created; it was clear there was a need and as long as respect for others thoughts and beliefs remains, moderation here will be minimal.

 

If a persons view is "hes a crackpot" great ! ignore it and scroll on by.

Kudos owners and moderation crew.  This is a wonderful idea that accomplishes a couple of good things:

First - it's a shot at establishing a 'free speech' area where alternative ideas can be proposed and explored.  It should be rather evident by now that "trusted and commonly accepted news media sources" are nowadays neither trusted nor accepted.  When, for example, "Food Network" shows beat prime-time MSM talking heads in the ratings game, ya know that people are no longer buying "the commonly accepted narratives of everything" where all else is called "disinformation." People want to discuss ideas freely, and the trend toward censorship in the last few year are pushing even middle-of-the-road citizens to seek alternative sources of information.

Second - it's a "safe space" sorta in a reverse manner.  If those who only accepted "the commonly accepted narratives of everything" as presented by the MSM and are triggered by alternative perspectives, then they can avoid this particular sub-forum (although I doubt that they will...more likely they will flame this forum - sadly - but I hope they will instead join in and attempt to have a civil exchange of idea - hummm 🤔 perhaps we should have a Sub-Forum calledl "The Forum Of Mutual Respect and Civility"  ).

Third - There should be less contention in the main forum.  Now instead of making "alternative perspectives" disappear due to not meeting the criteria for having to be supported by a "trusted source," moderation can now move the topic (Moved to "Off The Beaten Track") and moderators can suggest to members that their specific posts may be a better"fit" in this forum. 

So kudos!  I applaud the decision to provide this "alternative" sub-forum. This is an Excellent Idea which time has finally come, and a forward looking approach to the sharing of otherwise controversial ideas. 

[connda]

1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

Free thinking spirits, great - I love alternative ideas - but de we also want to go down road distracted by trolls & crackpots ???

Here's the issue though.  If someone disagrees with a view or an opinion of others, especially if those ideas are not part of the "the commonly accepted narratives of everything" and are not sourced from "trusted media sources" , it's been pretty common to see those views discounted and disparaged by calling those who proffered the ideas in extremely negative terms, i.e., "trolls & crackpots," flat-earthers, wing-nuts, and far worse. 
It happens on this site often enough sadly.  There are a sub-group of forum members who will regress to ad-hominid, personal character attacks, and the use of pejoratives and name-calling when they dispute an opinion of other members. Instead of debating the ideas, they chose to malign the author of the idea. So what some may call "trolls & crackpots" may be perfectly rational to myself and others like me.  Disparaging other's ideas by calling them pejorative names isn't debate, it's an exercise in hostile rhetoric.  I do hope this sub-forum isn't plagued by that right out of the gate.  😟
So here's an idea for moderation team - how about a rule that states, "No name calling in the 'Off The Beaten Track' sub-forum - debate the ideas, do not attack the author's character."  Let's keep it civil. 

Debate is good!  It has become a lost art. Do they even have "Debate Clubs" in schools anymore?  I wonder? 🤔

[connda]

1 hour ago, CharlieH said:

 

Every individual has the inherent right to hold and express their beliefs, regardless of how unconventional or "crackpot" others might perceive them to be. The diversity of thought enriches our discourse, offering unique perspectives that challenge the status quo. While some may disagree or ridicule, it is essential to respect each person's right to share their views, as this openness fosters a more vibrant and tolerant society. Ultimately, the expression of differing opinions is a cornerstone of free thought and democracy.

 

That is the reason this forum was created; it was clear there was a need and as long as respect for others thoughts and beliefs remains, moderation here will be minimal.

 

If a persons view is "hes a crackpot" great ! ignore it and scroll on by.

Very well stated CharlieH.  I'm in 100% agreement.  My respect!  And a wonderful beginning for this new sub-forum! 

[rumak]

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

There’s free speech & there’s utter stupidity- sadly the two are not mutually exclusive !!! 

1 hour ago, connda said:

Here's the issue though.  If someone disagrees with a view or an opinion of others, especially if those ideas are not part of the "the commonly accepted narratives of everything" and are not sourced from "trusted media sources" , it's been pretty common to see those views discounted and disparaged by calling those who proffered the ideas in extremely negative terms, i.e., "trolls & crackpots," flat-earthers, wing-nuts, and far worse. 
It happens on this site often enough sadly.  There are a sub-group of forum members who will regress to ad-hominid, personal character attacks, and the use of pejoratives and name-calling when they dispute an opinion of other members. Instead of debating the ideas, they chose to malign the author of the idea.

 

All excellent points and observations, Connda .....   Unfortunately there are very very few forums where a simple "discussion"  does not evolve into an egofest ..... with confirmation bias the dominant force.

Modern day man is so intent on fighting battles ,  many without any experience of the subject other than what they read from their "trusted sources ".  

Wouldn't it be nice ( and possibly even rewarding)  if at least some people would just

let a few different ideas creep in with which to ponder ?   After all..... we are all anonymous here,  so nobody will know if you might actually alter an opinion or two .   🙂

 

 

 

[KannikaP]

On 12/16/2024 at 10:33 AM, CharlieH said:

Dive into the world of alternative ideas and unconventional thinking!

This will suit BarBoy down to the ground. And the GGs!

[Patong2021]

10 hours ago, CharlieH said:

 

Every individual has the inherent right to hold and express their beliefs, regardless of how unconventional or "crackpot" others might perceive them to be. The diversity of thought enriches our discourse, offering unique perspectives that challenge the status quo. While some may disagree or ridicule, it is essential to respect each person's right to share their views, as this openness fosters a more vibrant and tolerant society. Ultimately, the expression of differing opinions is a cornerstone of free thought and democracy.

 

That is the reason this forum was created; it was clear there was a need and as long as respect for others thoughts and beliefs remains, moderation here will be minimal.

 

If a persons view is "hes a crackpot" great ! ignore it and scroll on by.

 

That's a nice sentiment. However, the individual does not have the inherent right to disseminate and to promote  false information and unfounded  claims, regardless of how much that person may attempt to cloak and seek cover for the activity under the guise of offering a different perspective or alternative  view. Along with rights come responsibilities. 

 

It is often stated that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, but it is also  used as a convenient tool to justify the promotion of malicious claims, intentionally misleading information and hateful characterizations. It is no great secret that multiple groups have used social media including this forum to promote their political agendas and to cause harm to others. 

 

I get it that there may be an ulterior motive to sequester the most idiotic and irresponsible  postings to one zone that might also be  termed as the crazies place. If I was an advertiser, I certainly would not want to be associated with a media point that was promoting positions  that could hurt my brand.  

[blaze master]

21 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

I get it that there may be an ulterior motive to sequester the most idiotic and irresponsible  postings to one zone that might also be  termed as the crazies place. If I was an advertiser, I certainly would not want to be associated with a media point that was promoting positions  that could hurt my brand.

 

We have your ip address. 

[cdnvic]

The forum rules still do apply here. The moderation is looser, the allowed subject matter is broader. For instance, you can post stuff here you can't in the health forum, but if you tell someone to inject a bleach solution, or call them an idiot for not doing it, your post is still getting removed at the very least.

 

Think of this forum as being an after work pub. The formalities of the office are no longer there, but basic standards of decent behaviour are still expected.

 

And yes, flat earth, hollow earth, alien overlords, and similar subjects are welcome here.

[Airalee]

16 hours ago, Red Phoenix said:

Oh boy, this Free Speech alternative sub-forum has barely been launched, and you are already advocating to apply restrictions to what subjects can be discussed!  

 

It’s code for “don’t question the “safe and effective” vaccine narrative and if you didn’t want to get jabbed you are a menace to society.  Any doctor who you can bring up who questioned mass vaccination (and mandates) no matter how heralded they were before the pandemic is now nothing but a quack….forever.