Why all the "thumbs down" in this category?

Question

Come on guys, this should be an open forum. The category is paranormal phenomena.
People are asking on here either out of genuine curiosity or concern; because they cannot explain what has happened to them.
If you disagree with this subject then ignore it!

Answer 1

I would guess the thumbs down are because the paranormal category is within the Science & Mathematics category, which is simply bizarre. And the rational people who tend to favor science & math generally aren't enamored with woo-woo mysticism.

Here's an apt analogy for paranormal being in Science & Math:

In a darkened room, huddled together on the floor and illuminated only by a flashlight, are a group of kids whispering and trading ghost stories, getting spooked and scaring themselves AND....... just then an adult walks in and turns on the light, spoiling their fun.

That's what happens here. An "adult" from Science & Math walks in on the "kids" telling their silly ghost stories instead of learning and sharing real and useful things. The "adults" give the "kids" thumbs down and vice versa.

The problem would be fixed for the most part if Yahoo moved paranormal out of Science & Math, and then the "adults" won't bother the "kids" so much. Mythology & Folklore would seem appropriate.

Answer 2

Since most people give their thumbs up or down because of the first sentence, give me a thumbs up. Of COURSE it is biased in this category. Often I have felt conflicted because I know I don't like an answer but the views they express actually have analysis. Do I give them a thumbs up? No. A thumbs down? No. I am sure many people only look at how they feel about it and give a thumbs up or down based on the side of the political spectrum the person is sitting, not how good the answer is regardless upon agreement. Remeber, thumbs up.

Answer 3

As other have stated when someone does not agree they feel the need to lash out thus hitting the report button or thumbs down. In fact the paranormal section is in the science and mathematics category those who disagree feel the need to not only stste their opinion but do so while trying to make those that believe in the paranormal foolish by childish name calling and judging. They no doubt have not read the rules of yahoo answers and the terms of service. where it states

Our Community Guideline reads:





Be courteous. Yahoo! Answers is a diverse community of people with diverse opinions. It is up to each of us to be polite and treat each other with respect.

Diversity is a very important part of community. It’s important to remember that Answerers come in all shapes and sizes, from many different backgrounds and viewpoints. In a community this diverse, it may be difficult to tell when personal opinions are appropriate and helpful.





When reading a question, consider who the Asker expects to answer their question:


Does the topic in question conflict with your personal beliefs? If so, you might want to refrain from answering if you can’t keep your objections to the topic to yourself. Remember, the asker is looking for an answer, not a fight.
Is the Asker seeking unique and differing opinions, or a factual answer? If they’re asking for advice it might be best to refrain from answering with just an opinion.
Lack of courtesy can also happen when asking questions. Consider how your question will sound to Answerers before you post it.



Does your question sound like it targets a certain group’s beliefs or opinions? Does it use words or phrases that you would find offensive if said about your beliefs or opinions? If so, you might want to rephrase it or ask a different question.
Are you genuinely looking for an answer to your question, or are you provoking a debate? If you really do want to hear other’s opinions, ask for them – and treat your Answerers with respect.


Dissenting opinions can be very valuable to the community, as long as we all remember to be respectful and courteous.

Answer 4

It appears to me that there are 4 different types of people in this forum.

- Those that believe that the X-Men represent Paranormal Phenomenon,

- Those who only believe in things that can be proven using the rigorous scientific processes and the current, proven scientific knowledge base,

- Those who have studied this subject in scientific terms and who have experience in the area,

- Those who have experienced something out of the ordinary and are looking for answers.

The X-Men believers are in the wrong place. They should be in mythology and folklore.

The skeptical scientists reject nearly every claim made in this forum by definition. Nothing wrong with that as long as they are leaving room for others to speak their minds. I prefer the open-minded skeptics who don't throw thumbs down at every answer that isn't skeptically based, but hey, I can always thumbs down them too.

The true scientists in this field are under represented on this forum, and yes, there is valid scientific research and legitimate testing occuring in this field. There are some real science discussions happenning here beneath the background noise.

This forum, in my opinion, is designed for those who are searching for answers. Some people have experienced something unusual that they cannot explain to their own satisfaction. They are looking for help. Sometimes a skeptic's comments can be helpful because they may be overlooking the obvious. Other times, they may need information that can only be supplied by somebody more experienced in the field.

My only objection is that the askers should not be considered stupid or be ridiculed for asking what they believe is a legitimate question. We all have our gaps in knowledge, and sometimes, we ask stupid questions, but nobody likes to have their ignorance thrown into their faces.

Answer 5

I agree. If you don't like the subject matter - don't come to this category and answer questions. If you want to answer honestly (whether or not you agree) then do so.

Thumbs up or down should only be given in response to the "type" of answer given. If someone is goofing off and writes something rude or off-topic, then that deserves a thumbs-down because he or she did not answer the question. However, thoughful and honest answers, whether you agree with them or not, deserve a thumbs up.

:)

Answer 6

Anything you can think of (imagine) that isn't possible today will be in due time. Its out there, we just haven't discovered it yet. Examples: Artificial blood and artificial DNA, planets being discovered that are earth-like that could support some type of life, caves discovered on Mars leading to the interior,
cars that run on compressed air, meds that can slow down the aging process, recorded voices of deceased people who have stuck around on earth after death, etc., etc. Things that are paranormal we don't know about do exist, we haven't discovered them yet.

Answer 7

Why the thumbs down?

Just about every aspect (ghosts, EVP, orbs, ESP, psychics, etc.) *have* been investigated thoroughly. The results of the investigations indicate that paranormal phenomena have no basis in fact. If there is no basis in fact then it is nothing more than superstition and fantasy.

Personally I don't care what you people do with your lives or what you believe in, but I see people making decisions all the time based on information offered up by superstitions, pseudo-science, rumors and other means. That is just plain wrong.

Answer 8

As people have said, its not a science, the prob is many fold, if you prove UFOs are real or ghosts or after life, you dis prove to may so called facts. Example - war of the worlds, Mary Madalyn.
I'm with you its fascinating but until religion and science work together whose going to be responsible.
Years ago a German scientist found a way to make cars run on water (not steam) When he announced it BP bought his idea. so as to keep him from revealing it. Way of the world

Answer 9

I've got to agree that most of the problem comes from this section being part of Science and Mathematics when it shouldn't be. No one is telling you that you can't believe in whatever you want but don't infringe upon proper science. It has nothing to do with open-mindedness, just simple facts, observations and experiment. I certainly don't go into the religion and spirituality section and spew science everywhere (although they seem to write "God did it" all over the science section).

Answer 10

Unfortanitly, people will rate an answer as correct or wrong based on their own opinions. Look at the religion or politics forum. People can state facts and back them up with sources yet get thumbs down before anyone could have even of had time to read the sources.