[BigTex]

It occurred to me today while working the rookie turnstile that one of the great things about this website is that one who is interested in learning about peak oil can do so on sort of an apprentice basis--i.e., they can hang around, ask questions, read discussions, sort of learn about it in a dynamic setting.

This type of learning provides an opportunity for a thorough understanding of a topic, and a sort of immersion in the subject, since participating in a discussion requires a certain level of engagement.

Contrast the apprentice model with the classroom model, where for the most part the student sits and listens and the entire experience can be utterly passive and not penetrate the mind too deeply. When called upon to apply the principles covered in the classroom in a novel setting, the student often realizes he hasn't learned as much as he thought.

The luxury of being able to have an apprentice model of learning depends upon not having too many beginners at any one time.

It's a shame that a huge influx of rookies could basically convert the apprentice model to a classroom model, or worse provide no useful method of learning at all.

There is something that just makes you feel special when you say something dumb and ten people tell you different aspects of why it was dumb.

[azreal60]

I personally think we aren't really doing an apprenticeship model even in the early parts. What we have been doing is a small discussion group. Your complaining because it's becoming more like a large discussion group. That's the major thrust of the issue you have with more people. Personally, I have no problem with large amounts of new people. One thing I hope is that people who come in take the time to actually take a look at a few things before they just start making inane suggestions and comments. I figure we may have to go thru a few waves of stupidity before the next Peakoilers of note pop up. Oh well, seperation of the wheat from the chaff is a task I'm sure all of us will get to experience in the literal. Why not the figurative as well? =)

[BigTex]

Hmm, not complaining, just discussing.

I hope it works out the way you are describing.