Apparently, at least part of the modern version was an early discussion forum online. It was used as a fun, stupid method to train debating skills. Unfortunately, idiots stumbled in and assumed it was real. The debaters either got bored, or weirded out, and went elsewhere. The remaining people were the idiots.

It’s an idea that seems to pop up a lot however. It’s “”“Obvious”“” to those who don’t understand science properly.