Bring your own framework

**Bring your own framework**

We want a site that allows contributors to speak from within their framework. Overall, 
this broadens the appeal of the site, and it preserves the richness of expression when 
answers are given in the natural context of the one giving the answer, even if this
means expressing one's framework or opinions as unqualified facts.

Our aim is to be 'expert' in the context of the internet. This will not be the best 
home for those who do not think deeply about the texts or those who cannot communicate 
clearly and effectively. It is not our aim to be home only to academics or full-time 
theologians: that would narrow the user-base too far and not be sustainable.

However we do not want a free-for-all (of course). The aim is primarily for our content 
***to be useful***. This means that we must encourage content that is widely 
comprehensible and we will do this by insisting that contributions must 'show their work'. 
Exactly where and how we draw the line is an implementation detail and outside the 
scope of this question, but suffice to say if answers get positive votes without showing 
enough work then *action will be taken*.

Under this option is is generally OK to make statements directly, omitting qualifications such 
as 'Christians believe…' or 'Jews believe…'.  We would still encourage (but not require)
folk to support what they assert with reasoning or evidence: "don't just tell me
what is true, tell me *why* you think it's true". This is particularly crucial for statements
that are central to the main line of reasoning in the answer, and we can be a bit less strict
for breif tangents and interesting asides that help form the character and impression of an
answer.

This outcome is where we are currently heading. This is not a reason in itself for it to be 
chosen, but it is of course the least risky option. It's clear our traffic is growing, and 
although traffic can't be the only gauge of success on an expert site, it *is* necessary 
for the site to be viable:

![Quantcast](http://i.stack.imgur.com/ET7KZ.png)

This is not about individuals. There is no outcome that will please everyone and we need to 
recognise that whatever we choose will suit some and alienate others. This is not the aim of 
course but we must pursue the best long-term goal for the site.