The Cloudstrider Forum

This community serves as a forum of, for lack of a better term, "deep thinking." This is defined loosely, as any topic can conceivably be discussed here. Discussion of philosophy, spirituality, politics, history, current events, science--even music, literature, and any number of arts--is quite fitting, but we don't limit the forum to just those. All we ask is that participants retain an open--but critical--mind and that they act fairly, reasonably, and cordially with other participants. (Also, please use good grammar and do not use chat abbreviations such as "u.") This community is especially for those people who find themselves pondering the greater questions that life presents and who look to Reason as a guide while remaining open-minded.

From time to time we may get off-topic and talk, for instance, about music or our daily lives. In small doses such tangents are just fine. Further, well-placed moments of humor are quite welcome, and even necessary. Yet the thrust of discussion should remain focused and serious with participants refraining from being overly sarcastic or condescending.

Being strong disbelievers in dogma, we realize that people cannot be told what to believe or how to understand the world: Discovery is a strictly personal matter, the result of personal seeking and reflection. Yet, that is not to say that we believe that people should cut themselves off from one another and all be hermits. On the contrary, we believe that people can help guide each other, allowing others to benefit from insights gained through self-reflection, readings, etc. While people can be misled by other people, being able to critically assess others' arguments should help to curb this possible negative side effect. That is why we ask participants to be clear in what they are saying, citing any bit of information that is central to the point being made.

Discussion consists of two different approaches. The first is participant-generated: Anyone can begin a discussion by simply posting an inquiry, claim, or pondering--and hope that others respond. (As a sidenote, participants may suggest interests to include in the community's user info.) The second approach is led by three of the community's founding members who, from time to time, will choose amongst themselves a book that they all wish to read and discuss. When these core members select a reading, they will also announce to the community, and anyone else who wishes to read it may do so and join the discussion--which will take place right here.

With all that said, this should be not only enlightening but also enjoyable.



"It'll fellate your brain."®