# CFI Forum - Reflections on a dying society **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [January 12, 2026, 2:17pm UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853 "2026-01-12T14:17:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![citizenschallengev4](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/citizenschallengev4/32/28718_2.png) [@citizenschallengev4](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/citizenschallengev4)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 2:17pm UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/1 "2026-01-12T14:17:20Z")
And the question is, > [@Quiet as a funeral](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/quiet-as-a-funeral/5192/1): > > As of late chat on the forum has been as quiet as a funeral. Does anyone know why? Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![habitual\_LineStepper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c4cdca/32.png) [@habitual\_LineStepper](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/habitual_LineStepper)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 1:54am UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/2 "2026-01-13T01:54:14Z")
People are probably going to the meet ups. It seems to be so many activities advertised or connected to this organization. ---
**Author:** ![morgankane01](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/morgankane01/32/28536_2.png) [@morgankane01](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/morgankane01)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 6:03am UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/3 "2026-01-13T06:03:22Z")
It is not specific to CFI. Forums are out of fashion and have been for some years. People prefer the social networks. ---
**Author:** ![citizenschallengev4](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/citizenschallengev4/32/28718_2.png) [@citizenschallengev4](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/citizenschallengev4)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 2:37pm UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/4 "2026-01-13T14:37:26Z")
No doubt you’re both right. It’s still pretty sad, and a bad indicator for our society’s ability to bounce back from USA’s embrace of totalitarian thinkings, and their vortex of destruction. ---
**Author:** ![mmarchin22](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@mmarchin22](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/mmarchin22)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 1:03am UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/6 "2026-02-04T01:03:21Z")
I tried to get on last year but it would not work. Not sure why I checked back. Society is not dying but it is changing a lot and quickly! I think I am above average intelligence but a lot of what I read here is too hard for me to understand. Oh well. I try anyway. Don’t give up smart people! ---
**Author:** ![morgankane01](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/morgankane01/32/28536_2.png) [@morgankane01](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/morgankane01)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 7:37am UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/7 "2026-02-04T07:37:12Z")
Honestly, i have mostly given up the exchange about science and consciousness. Culture, politics, history, are more accessible. ---
**Author:** ![lausten](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/lausten/32/23705_2.png) [@lausten](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/lausten)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2026, 5:46pm UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/8 "2026-02-06T17:46:19Z")
Sorry I missed this thread. Just want to welcome the new voices. More engagement leads to more engagement. That’s just how social media works. It makes getting something new going difficult or, when, like this forum, engagement drops off. ---
**Author:** ![shanecowling](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/shanecowling/32/29994_2.png) [@shanecowling](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/shanecowling)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 1:42am UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/9 "2026-02-09T01:42:38Z")
Solution We turn our greatest weakness into our biggest strength. “The greatest secret of the world is it is something we create and could just as easily create differently.” The only part of warfare you’d have to change is the part where we maim and kill each other. Tax the war live in a free society. If we spent as much time and development into this as we do with real weapons this is not even a problem. 2 economies supporting each other, with bitcoin as the currency for war. The only sacrifice would be the endless pointless variety of luxuries. A system based on warfare makes a hell of a lot more sense then one based on excessive consumptionism. Restores national pride, improves health and fitness and will bring people together. As seen with earth poles can change, if we replace all the hate with love, actually adopt the culture we are “at war” with. Earn your money in war and spend in society. At the very least it would actually give our politicians something to work together on, politics is basically simulated civil war anyway. The more you think about the idea the better it gets. Just an idea. ---
**Author:** ![shanecowling](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/shanecowling/32/29994_2.png) [@shanecowling](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/shanecowling)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 1:45am UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/10 "2026-02-09T01:45:00Z")
Also becomes commercial when people stop dying………. Let war enter all spheres of society and intern save it. ---
**Author:** ![cutslikeaknife](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/cutslikeaknife/32/31306_2.png) [@cutslikeaknife](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/cutslikeaknife)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2026, 10:55pm UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/11 "2026-02-09T22:55:06Z")
More interesting and relevant Topics discussed in the past it appears. Maybe this is a reason ---
**Author:** ![lausten](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/lausten/32/23705_2.png) [@lausten](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/lausten)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 12:08am UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/12 "2026-02-10T00:08:15Z")
Hope you can contribute some good stuff ---
**Author:** ![cutslikeaknife](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/cutslikeaknife/32/31306_2.png) [@cutslikeaknife](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/cutslikeaknife)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2026, 12:22am UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/13 "2026-02-10T00:22:10Z")
I hope you can too ! ---
**Author:** ![cutslikeaknife](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/cutslikeaknife/32/31306_2.png) [@cutslikeaknife](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/cutslikeaknife)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 11:58am UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/14 "2026-09-14T11:58:28Z")
claude AI has a comment While the **[CFI Discussion Forum](https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESiwEB6zswFYHNvWtLxBliJhUql0ctlL6hT7KVD5SHNtmextaFuxVYfBPgDakcjgNDTux21ZjF8gVN791cdWSqSTQCH2GUCySZczjeQRnZNviMbvo7fbxUDJcpHd8mTjVhsTIpqamTB46dwO8hZQxUHF3wEu2hqB2oYNUmmzvOUnYwvaYG39jI0Eqrw5Uj) is virtually dead**, the actual **[Center for Inquiry](https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESVQHrOzAV94Xi4t892rukERpFjOuWmLgy-2VqIK9TuSEe_da3HAwo96oSI2O03CKwgCpW5HeHn1ZU6aUofNwsy2q8iHn-TVfdBN2Sih4zHsfCdi4H2F8) organization is highly active**. The forum’s total collapse has led many former users to believe the entire institution folded, but they have simply shifted their resources away from text-based message boards. [[1](https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESVQHrOzAV94Xi4t892rukERpFjOuWmLgy-2VqIK9TuSEe_da3HAwo96oSI2O03CKwgCpW5HeHn1ZU6aUofNwsy2q8iHn-TVfdBN2Sih4zHsfCdi4H2F8), [2](https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESYgHrOzAVxwwkMFmfhWmPvWRmMQrB8UflUBFYEEiFSVtFgF1Z-B7yRxsjscz9XjEEJ2nTB1JlgpaJlTRyWE4Y5bqBircxN-zywy8Morh14SYKVt22xpTcakFMlGqFceqkjMsx), [3](https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESiwEB6zswFYHNvWtLxBliJhUql0ctlL6hT7KVD5SHNtmextaFuxVYfBPgDakcjgNDTux21ZjF8gVN791cdWSqSTQCH2GUCySZczjeQRnZNviMbvo7fbxUDJcpHd8mTjVhsTIpqamTB46dwO8hZQxUHF3wEu2hqB2oYNUmmzvOUnYwvaYG39jI0Eqrw5Uj)] Heavy-handed moderation is a frequent complaint in shrinking online spaces, and the CFI Forum is no exception. When a dedicated forum enters a downward spiral, strict moderation often accelerates the decline. **The Moderation Trap in Dying Forums** - **Strict Enforcement of Vague Rules:** According to official [CFI Forums Guidelines](https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESZQHrOzAVGepURYmzHNhcQZxwLBs3fNXCOFkfZgzFO8eGjtWA3tWiqHaA3YklGtjvbxUHe2sgbDK1cyb88FGuscbqLbtj_QhdJf5JHjrZK6RmObZb_WJTr4tQXJ2RVk6gf3fsUVia), moderators retain absolute discretion to warn or ban users for vague infractions like being “uncivil” or “disruptive”. [[1](https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESZQHrOzAVGepURYmzHNhcQZxwLBs3fNXCOFkfZgzFO8eGjtWA3tWiqHaA3YklGtjvbxUHe2sgbDK1cyb88FGuscbqLbtj_QhdJf5JHjrZK6RmObZb_WJTr4tQXJ2RVk6gf3fsUVia)] - **Silencing Feedback:** The forum’s [Issues & Complaints Policy](https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAEScQHrOzAVLv3uLiQr642mVG47qTPYt709zDLrX-Z5yYjMLZBiT2ROh9nm_Qm85M-ALvqthzCubSdDDtcVs18Pz0amAmiUg6S6HCavbO4pFdavjGPf5GJNchoUiVH3fjEgnwhtK3MAj7gVDuTxL0uc87ev) explicitly bans users from publicly debating moderator decisions or voting on policy. Violating this by criticizing a mod outside of a specific, restricted hidden folder is itself grounds for a ban. [[1](https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAEScQHrOzAVLv3uLiQr642mVG47qTPYt709zDLrX-Z5yYjMLZBiT2ROh9nm_Qm85M-ALvqthzCubSdDDtcVs18Pz0amAmiUg6S6HCavbO4pFdavjGPf5GJNchoUiVH3fjEgnwhtK3MAj7gVDuTxL0uc87ev), [2](https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAEShwEB6zswFW17YR1AzG2pvAXi7805_VrUyHgnRxdmXP1Br7ES7BrOKFxBTj-HsaEFiHNN7fQ5BAhiGbidX8HLvm9q6hm9Xo6fJCdMF16xBlBqcUOFnOQ97KR7FqZbTUEFFBtDvi7aSjZkQzuRY9afxB-aRCgQpxUJ9xq3GoLeKL6cXebrIB5DrdA)] - **The “Echo Chamber” Effect:** When active posters are frequently banned or suspended, it discourages remaining members from participating. Over-moderation often drives away the very users who keep discussions alive, leaving the platform even quieter. - **Driving Users Away:** When users feel that a moderator is biased or acting as a gatekeeper, they simply stop contributing. This kind of top-down friction is precisely why so many people abandoned the board entirely. ---
**Author:** ![lausten](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/lausten/32/23705_2.png) [@lausten](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/lausten)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 2:24pm UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/15 "2026-09-14T14:24:22Z")
> [@cutslikeaknife](#): > > has led many former users to believe the entire institution folded That’s some bizarre mind reading. > [@cutslikeaknife](#): > > Heavy-handed moderation is a frequent complaint in shrinking online spaces, Where’s your data to support that? > [@cutslikeaknife](#): > > - vague infractions like being “uncivil” or “disruptive” The people who think the rule is vague are usually the uncivil and disruptive ones. > [@cutslikeaknife](#): > > - explicitly bans users from publicly debating moderator decisions The only restriction is to have that discussion in the proper section. > [@cutslikeaknife](#): > > - Over-moderation often drives away the very users who keep discussions alive, There is a difference between keeping discussions alive and posting to just get any reaction. ---
**Author:** ![morgankane01](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/morgankane01/32/28536_2.png) [@morgankane01](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/morgankane01)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 4:24pm UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/16 "2026-09-14T16:24:03Z")
What is true is that the forum is dead or quasi-dead. Truth is that people have switched their energy to other ways of debating, the social network Call it my outdated persona, i prefer forums, where separate threads allows to separate topics and where the information relative to one topic stays accessible. If i want to access our debate about Ukraine, i have only one topic to read, Cuts efforts notwithstanding. ---
**Author:** ![lausten](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/lausten/32/23705_2.png) [@lausten](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/lausten)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 6:30pm UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/17 "2026-09-14T18:30:25Z")
> [@morgankane01](#): > > What is true is that the forum is dead or quasi-dead. Measuring the health of a forum is no easy matter. IMO measurements should include quality as well as quantity. I’ve been here so long I have forgotten when I joined and the upgrades have lost track. It was much better in the days when “Occam” was a moderator. I don’t know how much his loss contributed to the decline or how much blame I should take. It doesn’t keep me awake at night. I can say with confidence that CFI has always had a hands off approach to the forum. It’s not promoted by any of their other media. It’s not used to advertise or follow up on events. Again, their business, not my problem. ---
**Author:** ![cutslikeaknife](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/cutslikeaknife/32/31306_2.png) [@cutslikeaknife](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/cutslikeaknife)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2026, 10:22pm UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/18 "2026-09-14T22:22:05Z")
> [@lausten](#): > > Where’s your data to support that? Claude AI analysis under your watch ---
**Author:** ![lausten](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/lausten/32/23705_2.png) [@lausten](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/lausten)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2026, 12:32am UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/19 "2026-09-15T00:32:15Z")
> [@cutslikeaknife](#): > > Claude AI Which doesn’t provide sources and is known to be error prone. It got the rule about discussing complaints wrong. ---
**Author:** ![cutslikeaknife](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/cutslikeaknife/32/31306_2.png) [@cutslikeaknife](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/cutslikeaknife)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2026, 2:28am UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/20 "2026-09-15T02:28:22Z")
> [@lausten](#): > > known to be error prone Just because you say so doesnt work ---
**Author:** ![cutslikeaknife](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/forum.centerforinquiry.org/cutslikeaknife/32/31306_2.png) [@cutslikeaknife](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/u/cutslikeaknife)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2026, 2:30am UTC](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853/21 "2026-09-15T02:30:12Z")
> [@lausten](#): > > got the rule about discussing complaints wrong. Claude analysed your behaviour. [Next page](https://forum.centerforinquiry.org/t/cfi-forum-reflections-on-a-dying-society/11853.md?page=2)