What is ISF's "Mission"?

The Atheist · 5th October 2016, 06:14 PM

It just occurred to me that The Repository gives its description as: A section of articles relating to the forum and its mission...

Does anyone have a clue as to what that mission is?

NoahFence · 5th October 2016, 06:15 PM

We bring the derp.

gerdbonk · 5th October 2016, 06:37 PM

The Internet: the final frontier. These are the threads of the International Skeptics forum. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new nonsense, to seek out new evidence and new arguments, to boldly gab where no one has gabbed before.

Hokulele · 5th October 2016, 06:51 PM

To free Amanda Knox.

Seriously, I wonder how much the forum's numbers would be affected by banning that topic?

DevilsAdvocate · 5th October 2016, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by Hokulele

To free Amanda Knox.

Seriously, I wonder how much the forum's numbers would be affected by banning that topic?

In the current thread, there are 15 people with more than 20 posts. There are 23 people with more than 8 posts. So, not too much.

Puppycow · 5th October 2016, 07:01 PM

We don't need no stinking "mission".

Jrrarglblarg · 5th October 2016, 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by Hokulele

To free Amanda Knox.

Seriously, I wonder how much the forum's numbers would be affected by banning that topic?

People I've never seen anywhere else in the forum post there. It's creepy. I stay out.

NoahFence · 5th October 2016, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by Jrrarglblarg

People I've never seen anywhere else in the forum post there. It's creepy. I stay out.

Yea? Sounds like fun. Is it too late to care one way or the other?

LSSBB · 5th October 2016, 08:03 PM

As long as ISF's mission isn't to promote the missionary position, I'm good.

DevilsAdvocate · 5th October 2016, 08:17 PM

You want to be a missionary?
You got that missionary zeal?
Let a stranger change your life
How’s that make you feel?

stanfr · 5th October 2016, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

It just occurred to me that The Repository gives its description as: A section of articles relating to the forum and its mission...

Does anyone have a clue as to what that mission is?

what--you didn't know?? The ISF owns stock in mission foods:
http://www.missionmenus.com

Why do you think there are so many references to tortillas on this site?

The Atheist · 5th October 2016, 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by Hokulele

To free Amanda Knox.

Who?

Loss Leader · 5th October 2016, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

It just occurred to me that The Repository gives its description as: A section of articles relating to the forum and its mission...

Does anyone have a clue as to what that mission is?

I can't find it written anywhere. I'm sure it's a good mission or at least pretty good or at least okay.

rjh01 · 7th October 2016, 03:57 AM

The mission of this forum is to educate me.

Sideroxylon · 7th October 2016, 04:16 AM

Originally Posted by rjh01

The mission of this forum is to educate me.

This post will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck.

Mycroft · 7th October 2016, 08:04 AM

The mission: to bring skeptics together with kooks so that they may make fun of one another.

a_unique_person · 8th October 2016, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

It just occurred to me that The Repository gives its description as: A section of articles relating to the forum and its mission...

Does anyone have a clue as to what that mission is?

I'm sorry but don't we have to have a vision before we can define or mission?

The Atheist · 8th October 2016, 06:12 PM

Hey, I'm asking the questions here!

What's your vision? Do we need 'shrooms yet?

Trebuchet · 8th October 2016, 06:29 PM

I'm pretty sure The Last Prophet has some visions. Perhaps we should ask him, or his representative here.

marplots · 8th October 2016, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by Jrrarglblarg

People I've never seen anywhere else in the forum post there. It's creepy. I stay out.

It smells like cats.

arthwollipot · 8th October 2016, 11:04 PM

I'm pretty sure that statement about "the forum and its mission" (like the whole Repository section) predates the rebranding and relates only to the JREF. Hence, it can be considered historical and no longer relevant.

The Atheist · 8th October 2016, 11:51 PM

Originally Posted by arthwollipot

I'm pretty sure that statement about "the forum and its mission" (like the whole Repository section) predates the rebranding and relates only to the JREF. Hence, it can be considered historical and no longer relevant.

Thank you, Captain Obvious!

That's why I started the thread: What is ISF's "mission"?

I don't believe there is one.

arthwollipot · 8th October 2016, 11:53 PM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

Thank you, Captain Obvious!

That's why I started the thread: What is ISF's "mission"?

I don't believe there is one.

Not as far as I know. Do you think it needs one?

asydhouse · 9th October 2016, 12:06 AM

Mission? Derision and bitchin', mostly, it seems… with occasional visions and a sprinkling of fishin's from flatulant chris'ians.

The Atheist · 9th October 2016, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by arthwollipot

Not as far as I know. Do you think it needs one?

Nope.

Simple answer would be to remove the words from the forum.

arthwollipot · 10th October 2016, 12:52 AM

Originally Posted by The Atheist

Nope.

Simple answer would be to remove the words from the forum.

They're part of the historical archive. Why would you want to censor history?

Dani · 10th October 2016, 02:11 AM

The Mission is some number other than 42.

psionl0 · 12th October 2016, 02:31 AM

As always, should any member of the ISF be caught or killed, the moderators will disavow any knowledge of their actions.

kali1137 · 13th October 2016, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by gerdbonk

The Internet: the final frontier. These are the threads of the International Skeptics forum. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new nonsense, to seek out new evidence and new arguments, to boldly gab where no one has gabbed before.

This right here is the best. I can get behind this mission. I can also get behind staying away from Amanda Knox threads.

Jrrarglblarg · 2nd November 2016, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by NoahFence

We bring the derp.

So far, this works best. It's accurate, pithy, and easy to remember.

LondonJohn · 7th November 2016, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by Hokulele

To free Amanda Knox.

Seriously, I wonder how much the forum's numbers would be affected by banning that topic?

To discuss Hillary Clinton's emails.

Seriously, I wonder how much the forum's numbers would be affected by banning that topic?

(Funny how so many "sceptics" get themselves so vexed over a particular issue being debated on "their" forum, eh.......

)

Hokulele · 7th November 2016, 04:11 PM

Q.E.D.

luchog · 8th November 2016, 10:37 AM

I suggest we appoint a focus committee to brainstorm a new mission statement.

bluesjnr · 8th November 2016, 11:31 AM

Mission?

YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE MISSION!

Hlafordlaes · 8th November 2016, 12:31 PM

Sounds impossible to me, too.

Navigator · 11th December 2016, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by Mycroft

The mission: to bring skeptics together with kooks so that they may make fun of one another.

I think that this has always been part of the intent, but as far as missions go, it alone lacks crucial thinking...it is simple an ego driven, oneupmanship, illusion of gathering internet points which don;t actually exist. Nonetheless it serves as an antidote to ennui for the small-minded to battle in their silly mind-games..a good containment area for that aspect of human interactions.

Originally Posted by arthwollipot

I'm pretty sure that statement about "the forum and its mission" (like the whole Repository section) predates the rebranding and relates only to the JREF. Hence, it can be considered historical and no longer relevant.

I disagree. The impetus related to the intent of that connection is still viable.

Originally Posted by gerdbonk

The Internet: the final frontier. These are the threads of the International Skeptics forum. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new nonsense, to seek out new evidence and new arguments, to boldly gab where no one has gabbed before.

Pretty much this.

Mycroft · 11th December 2016, 12:24 PM

The Mission could include:

1) Promoting critical thinking.

2) Identifying questionable sources and developing skills in identifying questionable sources.

3) Educating about logical fallacies and how to identify them and avoid using them.

4) Extolling the virtues of critical thinking and evidence-based belief systems.

5) ...?

I think one of the reasons for declining usage is that the internet has so many more outlets now than it did years ago. Twitter, instagram, facebook...forums are kind of old-school now.

ISF could also become a repository for information and articles that debunks a lot of the nonsense found on these other platforms.

icerat · 14th December 2016, 12:23 PM

Been thinking about this recently.

1) Promoting critical thinking

is it I think. Your other points all follow from that.

Mycroft · 14th December 2016, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by icerat

Been thinking about this recently.

1) Promoting critical thinking

is it I think. Your other points all follow from that.

Of course, yes, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be enumerated.

I bet a fair number of users would be willing to volunteer and write some articles and compile resources.

rjh01 · 16th December 2016, 03:53 AM

Originally Posted by icerat

Been thinking about this recently.

1) Promoting critical thinking

is it I think. Your other points all follow from that.

Welcome back from lurk status. Do you have any plans for this forum, such as promoting it? Or changing its "mission"? I hope you realise that the number of active users and posts have both gone down steadily from when you took it over. I can give you figures.

5th October 2016, 06:14 PM	#1
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 32,031	What is ISF's "Mission"? It just occurred to me that The Repository gives its description as: A section of articles relating to the forum and its mission... Does anyone have a clue as to what that mission is?
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

5th October 2016, 06:37 PM	#3
gerdbonk Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula Posts: 22,784	The Internet: the final frontier. These are the threads of the International Skeptics forum. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new nonsense, to seek out new evidence and new arguments, to boldly gab where no one has gabbed before.
	__________________ I'll bet you didn't notice that I was Totally Exonerated^TM when I wrote this. Disavow any knowledge of my twitter here.

5th October 2016, 06:51 PM	#4
Hokulele Deleterious Slab of Damnation Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The Biggest Little City in the World Posts: 29,577	To free Amanda Knox. Seriously, I wonder how much the forum's numbers would be affected by banning that topic?
	__________________ "Oh god...What have you done, zooterkin? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!?!?!" - Cleon

5th October 2016, 06:59 PM	#5
DevilsAdvocate Philosopher Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 7,347	Originally Posted by Hokulele To free Amanda Knox. Seriously, I wonder how much the forum's numbers would be affected by banning that topic? In the current thread, there are 15 people with more than 20 posts. There are 23 people with more than 8 posts. So, not too much.
	__________________ I don't need to fight to prove I'm right. - Baba O'Riley

5th October 2016, 07:01 PM	#6
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 27,231	We don't need no stinking "mission".
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

5th October 2016, 06:15 PM	#2
NoahFence Banned Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Patriot Nation Posts: 22,131	We bring the derp.

5th October 2016, 07:20 PM	#7
Jrrarglblarg Guest Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 12,673	Originally Posted by Hokulele To free Amanda Knox. Seriously, I wonder how much the forum's numbers would be affected by banning that topic? People I've never seen anywhere else in the forum post there. It's creepy. I stay out.
Jrrarglblarg Guest Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 12,673

5th October 2016, 07:54 PM	#8
NoahFence Banned Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Patriot Nation Posts: 22,131	Originally Posted by Jrrarglblarg People I've never seen anywhere else in the forum post there. It's creepy. I stay out. Yea? Sounds like fun. Is it too late to care one way or the other?

5th October 2016, 08:03 PM	#9
LSSBB Devilish Dictionarian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: An elusive house at Bachelors Grove Cemetery Posts: 20,058	As long as ISF's mission isn't to promote the missionary position, I'm good.
	__________________ "You must not let your need to be right be more important than your need to find out what's true." - Ray Dalio, Principles

5th October 2016, 08:17 PM	#10
DevilsAdvocate Philosopher Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 7,347	You want to be a missionary? You got that missionary zeal? Let a stranger change your life How’s that make you feel?
	__________________ I don't need to fight to prove I'm right. - Baba O'Riley

5th October 2016, 08:20 PM	#11
stanfr Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,068	Originally Posted by The Atheist It just occurred to me that The Repository gives its description as: A section of articles relating to the forum and its mission... Does anyone have a clue as to what that mission is? what--you didn't know?? The ISF owns stock in mission foods: http://www.missionmenus.com Why do you think there are so many references to tortillas on this site?
stanfr Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,068

5th October 2016, 09:06 PM	#12
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 32,031	Originally Posted by Hokulele To free Amanda Knox. Who?
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

5th October 2016, 09:39 PM	#13
Loss Leader I would save the receptionist. Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 27,922	Originally Posted by The Atheist It just occurred to me that The Repository gives its description as: A section of articles relating to the forum and its mission... Does anyone have a clue as to what that mission is? I can't find it written anywhere. I'm sure it's a good mission or at least pretty good or at least okay.
	__________________ I have the honor to be Your Obdt. S^t L. Leader

7th October 2016, 03:57 AM	#14
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Flying around in the sky Posts: 27,391	The mission of this forum is to educate me.
	__________________ This signature is for rent.

7th October 2016, 04:16 AM	#15
Sideroxylon Featherless biped Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Aporia Posts: 26,422	Originally Posted by rjh01 The mission of this forum is to educate me. This post will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck.

7th October 2016, 08:04 AM	#16
Mycroft High Priest of Ed Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 19,859	The mission: to bring skeptics together with kooks so that they may make fun of one another.
	__________________ Hamilton 68: Tracking Russian internet propaganda

8th October 2016, 05:22 PM	#17
a_unique_person Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Waiting for the pod bay door to open. Posts: 44,424	Originally Posted by The Atheist It just occurred to me that The Repository gives its description as: A section of articles relating to the forum and its mission... Does anyone have a clue as to what that mission is? I'm sorry but don't we have to have a vision before we can define or mission?
	__________________ *Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity.* Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. “Perception is real, but the truth is not.” - Imelda Marcos

8th October 2016, 06:12 PM	#18
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 32,031	Hey, I'm asking the questions here! What's your vision? Do we need 'shrooms yet?
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

8th October 2016, 06:29 PM	#19
Trebuchet Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Port Townsend, Washington Posts: 34,378	I'm pretty sure The Last Prophet has some visions. Perhaps we should ask him, or his representative here.
	__________________ Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant.

8th October 2016, 06:43 PM	#20
marplots Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 29,167	Originally Posted by Jrrarglblarg People I've never seen anywhere else in the forum post there. It's creepy. I stay out. It smells like cats.

8th October 2016, 11:04 PM	#21
arthwollipot Observer of Phenomena Pronouns: he/him Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ngunnawal Country Posts: 77,363	I'm pretty sure that statement about "the forum and its mission" (like the whole Repository section) predates the rebranding and relates only to the JREF. Hence, it can be considered historical and no longer relevant.
	__________________ This is Australia. It's possible to start a fire with a lukewarm audience reaction to your standup routine.

8th October 2016, 11:51 PM	#22
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 32,031	Originally Posted by arthwollipot I'm pretty sure that statement about "the forum and its mission" (like the whole Repository section) predates the rebranding and relates only to the JREF. Hence, it can be considered historical and no longer relevant. Thank you, Captain Obvious! That's why I started the thread: What is ISF's "mission"? I don't believe there is one.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

8th October 2016, 11:53 PM	#23
arthwollipot Observer of Phenomena Pronouns: he/him Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ngunnawal Country Posts: 77,363	Originally Posted by The Atheist Thank you, Captain Obvious! That's why I started the thread: What is ISF's "mission"? I don't believe there is one. Not as far as I know. Do you think it needs one?
	__________________ This is Australia. It's possible to start a fire with a lukewarm audience reaction to your standup routine.

9th October 2016, 12:06 AM	#24
asydhouse Master Poster Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Swansea in the UK Posts: 2,371	Mission? Derision and bitchin', mostly, it seems… with occasional visions and a sprinkling of fishin's from flatulant chris'ians.
	__________________ asydhouse art website http://www.asydhouse.co.uk/asydhouse...Syd_house.html

9th October 2016, 05:47 PM	#25
The Atheist The Grammar Tyrant Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 32,031	Originally Posted by arthwollipot Not as far as I know. Do you think it needs one? Nope. Simple answer would be to remove the words from the forum.
	__________________ The point of equilibrium has passed; satire and current events are now indistinguishable.

10th October 2016, 12:52 AM	#26
arthwollipot Observer of Phenomena Pronouns: he/him Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ngunnawal Country Posts: 77,363	Originally Posted by The Atheist Nope. Simple answer would be to remove the words from the forum. They're part of the historical archive. Why would you want to censor history?
	__________________ This is Australia. It's possible to start a fire with a lukewarm audience reaction to your standup routine.

10th October 2016, 02:11 AM	#27
Dani Master Poster Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sometimes Posts: 2,170	The Mission is some number other than 42.

12th October 2016, 02:31 AM	#28
psionl0 Skeptical about skeptics Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: 31°57'S 115°57'E Posts: 19,252	As always, should any member of the ISF be caught or killed, the moderators will disavow any knowledge of their actions.
	__________________ "The process by which banks create money is so simple that the mind is repelled. Where something so important is involved, a deeper mystery seems only decent." - Galbraith, 1975

13th October 2016, 07:58 AM	#29
kali1137 Master Poster Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Purgatory, PA Posts: 2,277	Originally Posted by gerdbonk The Internet: the final frontier. These are the threads of the International Skeptics forum. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new nonsense, to seek out new evidence and new arguments, to boldly gab where no one has gabbed before. This right here is the best. I can get behind this mission. I can also get behind staying away from Amanda Knox threads.

2nd November 2016, 07:01 PM	#30
Jrrarglblarg Guest Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 12,673	Originally Posted by NoahFence We bring the derp. So far, this works best. It's accurate, pithy, and easy to remember.
Jrrarglblarg Guest Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 12,673

7th November 2016, 08:26 AM	#31
LondonJohn Penultimate Amazing Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 19,411	Originally Posted by Hokulele To free Amanda Knox. Seriously, I wonder how much the forum's numbers would be affected by banning that topic? To discuss Hillary Clinton's emails. Seriously, I wonder how much the forum's numbers would be affected by banning that topic? (Funny how so many "sceptics" get themselves so vexed over a particular issue being debated on "their" forum, eh....... )

7th November 2016, 04:11 PM	#32
Hokulele Deleterious Slab of Damnation Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The Biggest Little City in the World Posts: 29,577	Q.E.D.
	__________________ "Oh god...What have you done, zooterkin? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!?!?!" - Cleon

8th November 2016, 10:37 AM	#33
luchog Neo-Post-Retro-Revivalist Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: The Emerald City Posts: 16,201	I suggest we appoint a focus committee to brainstorm a new mission statement.
	__________________ When you say that fascists should only be defeated through debate, what you're really saying is that the marginalized and vulnerable should have to endlessly argue for their right to exist; and at no point should they ever be fully accepted, and the debate considered won.

8th November 2016, 11:31 AM	#34
bluesjnr Professional Nemesis for Hire Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Home. Posts: 9,961	Mission? YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE MISSION!
	__________________ "OTP? I don' need no steenkin' OTP!"

8th November 2016, 12:31 PM	#35
Hlafordlaes Disorder of Kilopi Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: State of Flux Posts: 16,939	Sounds impossible to me, too.
	__________________ His real name is Count Douchenozzle von Stenchfahrter und Lichtendicks. - shemp