@ConservativeCommunist
Definition of Forum (source: thefreedictionary.com, emphasis added):
fo·rum (fôrm, fr-)
n. pl. fo·rums also fo·ra (fôr, fr)
1.
a. The public square or marketplace of an ancient Roman city that was the assembly place for judicial activity and public business.
b. A public meeting place for open discussion.
c. A medium for open discussion or voicing of ideas, such as a newspaper, a radio or television program, or a website.
2. A public meeting or presentation involving a discussion usually among experts and often including audience participation.
That's how I define most, if not all the internet forums, boards etc I see, nay, participate in myself. Certainly here in FSTDT. As long as people abide by the TOS rules within 99% of said forums etc (don't spam or troll; no actionable content, play nice, and all that jazz).
In the case of Ruptured Retards, and Free Repubic, it just becomes a circlejerk. Certainly not a 'forum' - which means open & free exchange of ideas, notions, concepts, and opinions; even those that many don't agree with. And if said notions, concepts & ideas run contrary to those espoused on said 'forum' - which, as long as they're backed up with irrefutable (and impossible to contradict) evidence, which changes the mindset(s) of people there, and makes those who promote such ides/opinions to the contrary look stupid.moronic/bigoted - good. It's the fault of those whose ideas, concepts & opinions are wrong - and provably so - in the first place.
After all, there's an alternative to being right-wing fundie bigots: not being right-wing fundie bigots. It wouldn't kill them.
PROTIP: There's times when there's disagreements here in FSTDT. And fundies can freely come here & argue the toss.