Can we get a 'Skeptics Welcome' subforum?

Alright lads, I've been lurking here for about six months and the content is brilliant, but I've noticed the discussions get a bit... one-sided sometimes. There's some absolutely fascinating stuff on here, but whenever someone asks a question like "could this have been a plane?" they get absolutely savaged.

I'm not saying I don't believe in the paranormal - I do, genuinely had an experience in Pendle Forest in 2019 I still can't explain - but I think healthier discussions happen when we've got some proper skeptical pushback. Keeps everyone honest, doesn't it?

What do people reckon? Would a dedicated space for "alternative explanations" threads help or just cause drama?

100% agree. I've had replies absolutely tear into me for suggesting infrared on thermal imaging can reflect off moisture in the air. I wasn't saying "ghosts aren't real," I was just exploring possibilities. The hostility honestly put me off posting for months.

Would a dedicated space for "alternative explanations" threads help or just cause drama?

It'll 100% cause drama, but maybe that's good? Let the skeptics have their corner, let the believers have theirs, and people can dip into whichever they fancy. Mod team would need to be ruthless about keeping it civil though.

Nah, this is how forums die. Seen it happen before. Start segregating people by belief system and suddenly you've got two communities that hate each other. Keep it mixed, just maybe have better rules about "disagreement ≠ dismissal."

I quite like it rough-and-tumble honestly. If your evidence can't withstand someone asking questions, maybe it's not that strong. But I take your point about tone. Some people are just wankers about it.