Important Change to Forum Rule 1.3, Astrobiology Discussions Options

[Astro0]

Please note a important amendment to this rule as noted in Post #3 of this topic.

This is a very important announcement about a change to Forum Rule 1.3 related to discussion of astrobiology.
Please make yourself aware of the revised rule which now reads:
1.3 Astrobiology may not be discussed here, even in the context of a mission with those stated goals. This includes other banned topics such as SETI, "Red Rain," alien visitors, exobiology, biosignatures, microorganisms, organics, fossils et cetera.
Previously this rule allowed limited discussion on astrobiology in the context of missions like Viking or Curiosity.
After many years of debate on this issue by the Admin team, it has now been decided to completely ban discussion of astrobiology on the Forum. While we certainly support the science goal of discovering evidence of life beyond Earth, experience here and on other websites and forums demonstrates that discussions on astrobiology and alien life almost invariably results in polarizing arguments building up or it attracts the lunatic fringe who see "martian skulls" at every turn. Either way it becomes a moderation nightmare.
While some members may find this change to the rules difficult to deal with, especially in the context of a mission such as Curiosity, we want you to know that the decision was not taken lightly. We believe that there is plenty of scope for people to discuss astrobiology on any number of other space related forums (Google them - they're are out there).
Please note that this change to Rule 1.3 is effective as of 19th October 2012.
If you are at all unsure about what this change means, please contact me (as part of the Admin team) anytime.

[gregson]

I found some forum:
http://www.marsroverblog.com/mars-biology/forum.html

maybe it will be proper place for such discussions.

[stevelu]

I found some forum:
http://www.marsroverblog.com/mars-biology/forum.html

maybe it will be proper place for such discussions.

Thanks for the lead. It may be worth investigating. However, following the link,the first topic that catches my eye is "Blueberries are faeces"
sigh
[that is of course the only time I will import any such quote; and if I am deemed to have overstepped, please feel free to remove this post; in that event I apologize in advance, & will take no offense.]

Regarding the rule itself: though I like to think that I'd slice it a bit differently – i.e., open the door a bit wider and brace myself against it to keep it in place (y'know, if it were my door) – that's certainly not a comfortable way to stand.

There's no question that rule 1.3, in all its strictness, exists for good reason.

Thanks again to the mods & admins for this forum. & Happy T-day to everyone who is celebrating tonight.