User talk:Aquirata

May 2006 archive

June 2006 archive

unlocking astrology and science page

I think the page should be unlocked. I believe the categories are the issue with the admins because the categories propogate through the servers. They can be difficult to remove. We've agreed on using both prototscience and pseudoscience categories. That's probably enough for the admins. It seems Chris wants to edit elsewhere on the page but can't. My thought is that we can continue the Talk after the page is unlocked.

I completely agree with your assessment that the mainstream scientists are not qualified to either test or publish the astrology claims. It is not a question of the astrology claims not passing scientific "muster", but a question of the mainstream scientists not passing astrological muster. Still, replication is not that difficult, because you just repeat someone elses experiment and see if it's falsified. I've a feeling that the mainstream scientists will go as long as they can calling astrology pseudoscience on the weight of their authority until the claims mount up and they cannot ignore replication tests any longer. I would like to think that time is now (Sat opp Nep, sq Jup), but it's a question of public education. Hope this helps. Piper Almanac 00:48, 3 July 2006 (UTC)

I'll add that I am concerned about unlocking the page with the falsifiable astrological claims removed. At least they're there now. I'd say that without them this article verges away from science as a method and towards the subject of accepting scientists and their irrational beliefs. Piper Almanac 01:03, 3 July 2006 (UTC)

Yes, those references to astro work are important. I agree to keep the page locked unless there's agreement to keep these references.

• Reliable sources This has only a slight chance. The issue is not easily understood.
• Catagorization I'm okay if both cats are used. Maybe ensure the Sagan quote goes in to make it clear it's an appeal to authority.
• Observing basic rules This will likely backlash. Don't go there.

How good is your User page? I get a sense that commentators look at user pages to make up their minds. Most don't even try to grasp the issues.

It's awfully quiet on the Talk page. My last post has been just hanging out there for almost two days! Maybe because it's American Independence Day? Are they fed up? Have I hit on something? Something brewing? I'm very curious to see a response to this one but I don't want to touch it because it's acting like a bomb. I'm going to just let it sit. Piper Almanac 02:41, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

Your user page is very good. I haven't figured out how to search for and modify the interesting flags that many veteran users have on their pages. I've been away working on personal projects, but should be able to resume contributing now. Piper Almanac 18:01, 7 July 2006 (UTC)

Help requested

Hi Aquirata, we need your help on the astrology page. User:RJHall has suggested that we include a brief summary section or table on the beliefs associated with the different bodies in the solar system, particularly their supposed effects. I think with your experties in the subject, you could contribute to it and improve the article. Thanks Vorpal Blade^{snicker-snack} 17:13, 10 July 2006 (UTC)

Reiki

The reason I deleted that sentence--rather than completing it--is that it was (is) redundant. See the first paragraph of the "Theories and practices" section. If the redundancy were critical to conveying the meaning of the paragraph, then it would be justified; but it doesn't really seem necessary there. --Takwish 17:39, 12 July 2006 (UTC)

Request for mediation

The Mediation Committee has received a request for formal mediation of the dispute relating to Example. As an editor concerned in this dispute, you are invited to participate in the mediation. The process of mediation is voluntary and focuses exclusively on the content issues over which there is disagreement. Please review the request page and the guide to formal mediation, and then indicate in the "party agreement" section whether you agree to participate. Discussion relating to the mediation request is welcome at the case talk page. Thank you, [signature]

Marskell 12:51, 16 July 2006 (UTC)