We already have a largely non-scientific Fringe area. It hasn't resulted in a reduced workload for the moderators. Somewhat the opposite, in fact, if I had to estimate it.
Well sure the way its set up now... but the not-scientific Fringe im proposin woudnt make it a rule-brakin/bannable offence if a poster coudnt provide scientific evidence... an that alone woud eliminate most of the curent moderation time used for the fringe.
We already move a lot of threads from Science to Fringe.
Yes an thats a good thang... but a farily common complaint from science posters is that its not done soon enuff which results in reports/complaints to moderation.!!!
Just move non science posts/people from science to Fringe wit-out long winded explanations/discussions... an people who realy want to post in the science area will catch on real quick that ther only recourse is to comply... be content wit postin in the Fringe... or be baned.!!!
From an ease-of-moderation point of view, one catch-up pseudoscience dumping ground is easier to manage. If a thread needs moving out of Science, a mod doesn't have to make as nuanced a decision as to where to put it, for starters.
Yes which ever way makes it easier for the mods is the way to go cause i dont thank it woud be a big deal to most posters who want to post in the Fringe.!!!
As far as civility goes... whatever level managment wants is fine wit me an of course woud apply the same to the science an fringe areas.!!!