Basically, I think a good way to encourage members of the site to read more political theory would be to put some kind of marker on their profile or next to their name that shows how much and what kinds of political theory they have read. I also hope this would have the secondary effect of allowing lurkers who see disagreements to get a better feel of which side has a stronger basis for their position.

Maybe something simple like marking which accounts participate in the weekly reading series, and make it a riff on challenge coins or something.

Edit: I should specify that it would be awarded to people that are participating in discussion groups and such as a way to signify who is involved in the education side of the community.

Edit 2: Fuck It, I have been convinced that this is a bad idea. Instead how about a weekly what are you reading thread?

    • TheGreenOx [he/him]
      ·
      3 years ago

      I don't need a picture to know whose the good guy in an argument, but I've also been around long enough to know that people will read some random take in a comment and run with it uncritically.

        • TheGreenOx [he/him]
          ·
          3 years ago

          This line of argument is a little reductionist, but yes I think it would help. Most peoples introduction into leftist theory is twitter discourse and discussion boards like these. If it is possible to note who is a reliable resource it might ease the transition. Instead of just “read theory” what if the criteria was “participate in hex-bear book club” so it is less about collecting books and more about who engages with the material and the community?