Open thread, Nov. 10 - Nov. 16, 2014

MrMind

If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.

Notes for future OT posters:

1. Please add the 'open_thread' tag.

2. Check if there is an active Open Thread before posting a new one. (Immediately before; refresh the list-of-threads page before posting.)

3. Open Threads should be posted in Discussion, and not Main.

4. Open Threads should start on Monday, and end on Sunday.

If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.

Notes for future OT posters:

1. Please add the 'open_thread' tag.

2. Check if there is an active Open Thread before posting a new one. (Immediately before; refresh the list-of-threads page before posting.)

3. Open Threads should be posted in Discussion, and not Main.

4. Open Threads should start on Monday, and end on Sunday.

Seconding this. A good way to find good old threads is to go through the highest ranked comments and click through to the thread, or look at the back comments of good but non-prolific commenters like vassar.

Wei Dei provided a fantastic tool to read the highest rated comments for a given user. You can find it linked to here.

0Gunnar_Zarncke12y

I also found that browsing thru comments and submissions of the top contributors (karma total or last 30 days) produces a trove of insightful and interesting material. The downside: It eats a lot time. I needed to limit it. Procrastination warning. Sidetrack: Maybe we should cultivate a habit to automatically turn away from procrastination tasks if not otherwise mandated.