Forum:Countries

New user here, but have been a skeptic for the greater part of my life. I've loved this site so far, but I do have a question regarding all the articles under Category:Countries. Many of them contain politically charged statements. Some come off as unfunny Uncyclopedia-lite articles. Should they really be there? I don't mind snark, but without the science, should it really be here?--Parsimony (talk) 09:18, 8 September 2010 (UTC)
 * They generally fall under the "explorations of authoritarianism and fundamentalism" aspect of the mission, I think, which doesn't have to be science. But I agree, most of them are pretty bad quality. 09:23, 8 September 2010 (UTC)
 * I agree that they generally fall outside of our remit. The same goes for American states, science fiction authors and musicians.--BobSpring is sprung! 10:39, 8 September 2010 (UTC)
 * we should have articles on countries (not every country though - what's there to say about San Marino?) but they should fit the mission - each country has its own version of authoritarian rule, censorship etc. We should have fun versions for all the jokes though. One more step on the road to BoringWiki. Sigh... Totnesmartin (talk) 10:50, 8 September 2010 (UTC)
 * I think they, and those others itemised by Bob, are part of RatWiki as a community. Like "Fun" namespace they give those, like me, who have no particular expertise in any really relevant subject, some connection. They do no harm, it's not as if they cost anything to maintain (except at backup time?). If all the totally irrelevant stuff was pruned out we'd be a duller place. They're also a hook to hang on in the event of future relevance. 11:22, 8 September 2010 (UTC) TerrySmall.png [[Image:Toast s.png|alt=Toast|text-bottom|20px|link=User talk:SusanG]]
 * What is there to say about San Marino? Well, they were the only country other than Ireland to give us points in the 2008 Eurovision. Whilst it's hard to see how this is 'on mission' it surely needs celebrating. Jack Hughes (talk) 12:36, 8 September 2010 (UTC)
 * I would contend that San Marino is more of a country than Vatican City. 13:01, 8 September 2010 (UTC)
 * True, but it is less important, not being the centre of a billion-strong business religion. Totnesmartin (talk) 13:17, 8 September 2010 (UTC)