I see everyone posting the stuff they like that validates their little corner of the universe. Whether it be Bowser posting the umpteenth article about how the war is failing in Iraq or Tom posting something from a blog that says its not all bad.

Then there are other folks whose fixations are far from politics, but they seek the very same sense of validation by posting. Eric digs up some newsclip about UFOs from the BBC, and posts it to CE seeking the same little validation others do.

Yet this little validation is denied him because his little fixation doesn't appeal to the rest. He's a second class zoner as a result and other folks get validation making sure he knows it because his fixation is an easy target.

Yes, by popular vote it has been agreed anomalism belongs on off-topic, but the fact that Eric felt the need to post it on Current Events is a cry for validation. It happens rarely enough that one doesn't need to get all bent out of shape.

Perhaps its an empathy thing. There's very little difference in my eyes between the motivations behind a Bowser, TB, or Eric posting or many others here who seek validation for their own worldview just by putting some link or newspiece on the boards. Trying to deny them their little validation (and believe me letting posts one has no interest in alone should not be a major problem) seems a bit cruel - since the need is apparently there.

The boards here often demonstrate compassion for those who put their troubles out into the open, some folks troubles may not be so open, but that is no reason to abandon compassion or assume they don't exist. Sometimes just looking the other way and letting a post follow its natural course is the right thing to do - even if it technically violates the standards of the community.

That's just my ten cents worth on the matter.

PS Kudos for providing a thoughtful and not blustery response.