Robert, I disagree.

Now, I am a fairly new member of the Zone and I certainly have not put time, sweat and money into the infrastructure, so I may not have much 'weight' to contribute here, but this is what I have to say...

I think our initial tolerance of Sam, our subsequent community discussion on the matter, our desire to help him gently (and roughly in some cases, but still many tried to help). speak VERY well of the habitable zone.

If it results in accusations of elitism, so be it, but one of the MAIN reason I adore the Zone is that it exercises, understands, and employs COMMUNITY STANDARDS on posts regarding scientific issues, and even Political/Philosophical issues. I personally don't find these standards unassialably high even for challenged intellects- in fact I think they are quite resonable and boil down to two things. This is, of course, just my opinion:

1) Try the best you can to keep up
2) Try to respect and appreciate it when those more knowledgeable than yourself correct you in matters you don't understand, as they are providing the fruits of their own labor to you.

For example, when peoples 'pet theory' is shown to be false by experts in the field, that peson should at least be courteous enough to not spam the community with further posts about their pet theory. Planet X and Sam is a perfect example. This speaks to clause 2.

When you refuse to even consider what people are telling you could/could not be the case, and continue to persist in posting on a topic (Sam and the comet that hit the sun, planet X, etc), then you are violating 1.

Nether takes much wit or wisdom to follow or respect, and I think Zoners have, in general, been patient about this. I think we are entitled to our reaction, and I think our reaction is reasonable and continues to speak well of this BBS. Sometimes communities require rough action to defend when kindness, and generosity fall flat.

The 'net, as far as intellectual communities, is really a pigstye nowdays, and pearls are hard to find. Perhaps a little aggressive defense is worth it... Think of it this way: What does the Zone become when it has 50 Sams...

Davin L.