Okay, here's my 2 cents worth.
The problem, really, isn't about asking "Lame Ass" questions. After all, isn't that what the "Noobie" forum is for? As I see it, the problem is the blatant lack of "self awareness" that allows this kind of "Kindergarten question" to be asked in what is (at least) a Middle-school or High school, level, "classroom".
I'm not trying to put anybody down, but my point is that RIU's "Collective Wisdom" stays "dumbed down" because this, "General" forum is overgrown with "Noobie" questions. Nobody wants a sign on thier back, labeling them as a noob, so they ask thier dumb-ass questions in the "wrong place". I mean COME ON, is it just me or does anyone else feel that the "General Growing" forum should be for "Mainstream" or "Intermediate" growers (those with "some" knowledge and experience - niether noobies nor experts).
If you don't think the "Collective Wisdom" is dumbed down, just go to the "Advanced Techniques" forum and see the threads about cloning and topping (threads that, IMHO, should be in the "General Growing" forum). Cloning and topping as "Advanced Techniques"? Really, I don't think so! Shouldn't "Advanced Techniques" be ,sort of, "Cutting Edge" - a bit "on the exotic side"? Somewhere where an experienced grower can turn to learn about the "Next Level", to truely become an expert?
Like I said earlier, I don't mean to come off like an asshole but we already have a Noobie forum, isn't there some way to restrict the most "basic" questions there (I use the term basic out of respect for those I might otherwise call "Dumb Ass")?
Again, at the risk of sounding "High and Mighty", where can some of the more knowledgeable growers go to find "stimulating conversation"?