Why are the R&S section's interactions of almost universally poor quality?

To be honest, I have noticed this as well. I don't think this can be changed by any one course of action. I think we find the reason for this in your statements. People just want to express their bias. Despite what anyone says, each worldview is exclusive. Each worldview has core beliefs that in some way differ from the others; if they did not, it would not be a worldview. Because of this exclusivity, people are close-minded. Many get carried away with this. Your two options are: demand that everyone believes the same (which is a scary concept indeed) or hope that everyone gets rational and will at least listen to reason and in turn be reasonable. But this is wishful thinking. :) Good thoughts though!

I think there are two reasons.

First, the structure of Y!A encourages trolls. There is no probationary period. Instead, any jerk can register and start filling the board with junk almost immediately. Y!A could put a halt to much of this simply by requiring that you click on X previously answered questions to earn the right to answer a question, and then that you answer Y questions before earning the right to ask a question. This would get rid of a lot of the frivolous stuff simply by making it tedious for the insincere.

Second, R&S is outside the domain of knowledge. Much of this section amounts to little more than discussions of how many angels fit on the head of a pin. There are a few good historical and interpretive type questions, but not many.

I agree with your insight. It seems as if most answers are just meant to goad another person and I have been guilty of that myself; especially when the question is hostile. If we would come to the table with some facts there may be a more open dialogue. However some people are intimidated when their view is questioned. I personally don't have a problem with it. It drives me to know why I believe what I believe and be ready with an answer to those who don't have the same faith I do. I do have a problem with someone laying out sarcastic remarks in the form of a question and report them most of the time.

Same thing happens in the Politics Section. It's either "I hate Bush" or "Liberals are terrorists" and the best answer is almost always "Me too". The only advice I can give is keep reporting. If all people want is a soapbox, it's very easy to set up a 360 page- it doesn't need to happen here. On the other hand, sometimes a smart-alec answer is just fun. There's no sense getting all stuffy about the answers either, no?

I see this area mainly being an argument area and not really for questions. Basically most everyone here is set in their beliefs and just because a specific majority of people answering a question in a certain way is not going to change most peoples mind.

I say that in general, because there is always the hope that someone reading a comment I made may be useful for them and not necessarily the poster.

Perhaps YA needs to come up with new and different rules. Some people have suggested minimum word requirements. Some people want anything rude to become automatically disqualified.

The only idea I have is for the better answerers to stay on and fight, and not give up.

Confession: I have sometimes given short snappy answers when I have been too tired to think things out. I sometimes have been too fatigued to look things up, even to find a verse in the Bible to substantiate my answer. I will try to do better in this area.

I'm frustrated by the situation as well, though I'm not sure there is anything that can be done about it.

Part of associating oneself with any particular group is the desire to belong to something larger - hence the tendency to chose an agreeable answer over a thought provoking one as the 'best'. I think it's that same desire that leads people to 'poke' people with opposing view points - if one can criticize the 'opponents' answers while recognizing their own views in the answers of those on 'their side' one is rewarded with a sense of security; not only that they deserve their place on their 'team', but also that their opponents deserve rude treatment for being so clearly wrong.

Pack behavior without the risk. *shrugs*

That is why I am considering leaving (unsure if I will or not, just considering it). I had my fun here, I enjoyed teaching a few people new things and I immensibly enjoyed learning much from almost everyone here. :-)

I think the R/S is going downhill fast and I don't want to be around to see it crash, burn and explode. Today or tomorrow may be my last day. Unsure yet. I will return to ask questions.....but may not answer any more.

Not to say I made some really cool friends here, plus learned a lot! :-D

Human nature, Bob. We're always looking for the path of greatest convenience. It would be nice to see more well-thought out, thought provoking, yet not anger provoking posts. However, unfortunately the internet doesn't discriminate against trolls. People are people, and there will always be the group that wants to instigate flame wars and seem deadset in being ignorant. The best we can do is ignore them and hope they evolve.

You know, I do agree. But how can anyone bring up an answer to this question? It seems you have already decided what the answer is, which is fine.

What you're saying is true, however, but it's hard to make any definite change. I wish you good luck in trying to do so. It's not really worth it, either. Yes, it's stupid, and yes, it can be unfair, but Hell, too bad for the people who lose their time.