I’m not sure if its something I would use that much, but since this thread seems to show that there is some interest in a casual non karmic discussion corner, here’s a proposal for how to create one that could be implemented immediately and requires no coding 1) In discussion, create a new thread called “Non Karmic Casual Discussion Thread” or something similar
2) in the first post establish the groundrules:
“Hi, Welcome to the Non-Karmic-Casual-Discussion-Thread.
This is a place for [purpose of thread goes here].
In order to create a causal non karmic environment for every one we ask that you
-Do not upvote or downvote any zero karma posts
-If you see a vote with positive karma, downvote it towards zero, even if it’s a good post
-If you see a vote with negative karma, upvote it towards zero, even if it’s a weak post
-Please be polite and respectful to other users
-Have fun!”
Establishing a norm, within a single thread, of voting to keep posts karma neutral should be enough if the thread has a significant number of users / readers since most posts do not naturally get very high or low karma scores and not a lot of votes would be needed to keep karma neutral.
I strongly support making this thread as soon as possible!
Might even do it myself if I remember to when it's less late.
I have never been on a Lesswrong meetup because they tend to take place too far away from my range in terms of distance and budget. Because of that, I don't know if those perform this function to everyone's satisfaction in such a way that what I'm suggesting here doesn't seem worth the effort. I hear that they're a lot of fun, and involve quite a bit of silliness, though; I find those cruelly lacking on Lesswrong proper, whether it be in main posts or discussion posts, and their relevant threads.
That's why I think it would be nice to have a forum, a place to have normal discussions, where you don't have to watch that you don't say anything stupid or out-of-line lest you unexpectedly lose karma. A place to exchange jokes, frivolities, and entertainment. A place to talk about stuff that isn't rationality or singularity-related. A place to relax and enjoy the company of like-minded folks. A place to take a more personal approach to communication, with sequential rather than branching conversations. A place to make and be friends.
Don't you think having that would be nice?
EDIT: Also, if this place does already exist and I'm not aware of it, I humbly request that you provide me a link, for which I would be most grateful.