> William > > Are you any closer to having an answer to your original question - is > a new group needed? > Yes, this group is so bastardized, it needs relief.
> Did you have in mind setting up the group yourself if you could have > sufficient help from others as moderators? > Yes, if others would do the moderating.
> An interesting question that was asked in this thread was whether > sci.math had terms of reference/ a statement of purpose. I don't > think the question got an answer - or else the answer is that there > are no TOR. My feeling is that the group's value is in providing > answers to questions about maths - that is, to genuine questioners, > not lazy students trying to get someone to do their homework for them. > Do I remember some description of sci.math years ago when Google had usenet groups search link? What ever happened to that search facility? That link is now gone from google.com to be replaced by other stuff and junk.
> Does this group presently have an 'owner'? I know that all google > groups do, but I don't know how usenet groups work. > > There is an important debate about whether people who use this group > to repeatedly make baseless claims that they have made fundamental > discoveries in mathematics should be denied entry to a new group. My > own feeling is that the problem is not so much the 'cranks' but rather > that some people insist on having endless debates with them. On the > other hand, the latter group includes many talented mathematicians who > make a positive contribution to the group. They make the mistake of > trying to have a rational debate with irrational people. I would > have to reluctantly say that for any new group to work, it would be > necessary to exclude the cranks. > It may be necessary to require a modicum of mathematical sense. Seems if you let a crank present his supposition, than sooner or later he will transgress into blither and be dismissed out.
> The answers in this thread provide a perfect illustration of the > problems that exist in the group as a whole. > Either the moderators need to come to a consensus about cranks and other mosquitoes or sci.math.mod will fly with variation of moderating styles. The bulk of the vermin I'm sure, the moderators will easily agree upon.
There is a person who monthly or so, posts a guide to sci.math who could help composing a platform and Bart in a previous thread showed good skill at stating a platform. If nothing is forth coming regards a platform, I'll cobble one myself and use it for the announcement of a new group.
