Should we post links to previous answers when asked if astrology is BS?

Question

We see this type of question about 30 times a day on here, and I have a feeling it is the same person or a group of persons. I for one am tired of the pseudointellectuals who come on here and ask this type of question, receive a variety of well thought out answers, and yet discount those answers as "divorced from reality". The answers can be from persons who are knowledgeable about both science and astrology. All of these answers will be overlooked, and the best answer will be someone who agrees that astrology is BS.

What strikes me is that these persons know catch-phrases from physics or other sciences, throw them around to look intellectual, but they can't have a reasonable intellectual scientific discussion with the answerers.

Also, when asked what astrology books they have read, or what studies they have done on their own, they seem to evade answering this point. They tell us not to rely on what some other person writes, and yet that is exactly what they do.

Answer 1

I am ambivalent about this approach. One problem is that there are so many amateurs who give naive answers on here. Some people lack the ability to distinguish a competent astrologer from a naive amateur. I recall particularly one girls's question I answered, and someone gave an answer that was so wrong, even the amateurs could spot it. I must ask what are your qualifications for judging such matters. If you have training in mature astrology, welcome to a small elite group! There are some competent astrologers on here but more naive amateurs who give people bad advice.

Answer 2

I agree with this. We can sort out the person who has a genuine interest and answer them. If it looks somewhat suspicious, we can go ahead and answer. However, when someone comes on here and calls us idiots or says we don't know anything about astronomy or physics, then that person needs nothing more than links to previous answers from those who have a good background in the study of astrology.

Answer 3

I think that is a genius idea.

A star for you:-D

Answer 4

I think as long as we use discretion to determine who is an innocent question asker and who is very likely a troll, then sure I would do this.

It would be a good way to end their fun and games at the expense of those who truly put time and effort into an answer, only to see the best answer go to someone who said, "ha ha they are all idiots". (I witnessed that happen here yesterday.)

Edit to miyuki & kyojin: I have several years of studying astrology too. I don't think how many years a person has studied it is the point. Being able to sniff out that someone is asking a loaded question involves experience with human nature and observing. For instance, watch when someone asks questions like: "How can any intelligent person believe in astrology?" Then observe who gets best answer.

Answer 5

I'm in love with your idea.  Fight the power!!!

Answer 6

I honestly could not be bothered wasting my time on such people.

I think if you made a really determined effort, you could rid Horoscopes of these category trolls, because that's all they are.

Don't feed the trolls!

Answer 7

yes... excellent idea and it saves the time & stress of my one-finger peck-peck-pecking in order to answer them...

Answer 8

Most people who deride astrology, no matter how high the IQ (!), tend to know little about it.  It's a dead giveaway, and like, 99% guaranteed that they haven't researched.  

Just all pomp and no substance.  Don't let it get to ya.

As for posting previous answers by link, I've personally never followed those.  Defeats the purpose of Y/A and also shows a certain laziness.  Why bother answering?, unless it is to show a specifically asked for website or sumptin'...

Answer 9

I really don't think energy should be wasted on those people, so yes, I think that is a fine idea.

If only people would have open minds and stop parroting things their parents/teachers tell them. I don't think that will change, however. They have a bitterness and fear that runs quite deep.

Answer 10

I think that it is a great idea. However, I can't help but think that others would get offended. Because they are asking a question and u are replying with another question. I think it would cut down the time of answering the same question definitely. I also agree that if they aren't into astrology then maybe they should stay out of the section, or atleast don't ask any questions. I'm gettting tired of that as well.