How do we turn this place into a think tank?

[Shankapotomus]

41. Something like a Khan Academy

that provides a free grounding in political analysis and formal presentation of ideas for those who need it via recorded video classes. That way this idea of jmowreader's stays democratic instead leaning toward elitism. A free education will not be recognized beyond DU but one that other formally educated DUers can respect as at least a proper grounding for presentation by anyone. That way, no one can not say they are being unfairly excluded if the education is being provided freely but they choose not to take advantage of it.

Then, once free access to the basic education has been provided, DU could have a section for a formal presentation of one's analysis or theory for "peer review" and formal adoption by voting. However, majority adoption as a position does not mean all other ideas will not be explored. It just means the idea that gets adopted will be "tried" and "tested" first, with secondary approaches, equally as valid, waiting in the queue to be bumped up should preceding approaches prove lacking. That way people will be more willing to let ideas and approaches they disagree with at least be tried as long as those ideas will be monitored for success and replaced by alternate trials of ideas if need be.

My guess is we will all basically have the same goal, just different approaches to getting there. Knowing that everything will be on a trial basis I think would alleviate much of the expected infighting over different approaches.