We could all use a good idea, couldn't we? Well, let me tell you, there's nothing as volatile as a good idea. They're definitely unstable. Ironically, the better the idea the more volatile it becomes. On second thought, perhaps there is something more volatile than a good idea. If you put a string of good ideas together (resulting in a good concept), that's probably more volatile than one good idea.

Which is not to say that we don't need them, we certainly do. There's nothing like a stimulating, fresh, genuine, helpful idea. The problem with good ideas is they invite misuse. But that's neither their fault nor the person(s) who created them. Misuse often comes from the relentless followers of an idea or concept. It's an enemy known as dogma.

Robot dogma has been the Big Bad Wolf of many a little pigs' good ideas. Robot dogma is the non-thinking assertion that a set of ideas are collectively or independently unquestionable truths. Common sense indicates there are no such things as unquestionable truths. But the unyielding followers acknowledge no interpretation. This robot dogma is brought to the table by diligent followers of an idea (the self-named disciples). Every good concept requires constant critical analysis to remain healthy. The dogmatization of a good concept tears at its very foundation.

Fiction author Tom Robbins (I highly recommend him to Fools) had this to say about dogma (paraphrased): The transformation of ideas into dogma rivals the transformation of hydrogen into helium. The problem starts at the secondary level, not with the developer or originator of the idea, but by those who are attracted by it, who adopt it, who cling to it until their last nail breaks, and who invariably lack the overview, flexibility, imagination, and most importantly, sense of humor, to maintain it in the spirit in which it was hatched.

Henry David Thoureau had this to say of dogmatics: "In most cases there is no free exercise whatever of the judgement or of the moral sense; but they put themselves on a level with wood and earth and stones; and wooden men can perhaps be manufactured that will serve the purpose as well."

For those who need the point driven home with an example, take the act of buying a stock solely because it appears in the Fool Portfolio. Prime-time robot dogma. This brings ATC Communications to mind, a Fool purchase that fell from $20+ to $5+. The finger pointing that went on in the ATCT folder is long-lasting evidence of the effects of robot dogma.

The Motley Fool is a refreshing, stimulating, genuinely good idea. By definition it is therefore a volatile concept that invites misuse by its followers. Robot dogma applied to The Motley Fool will produce effects opposite to those for which it was intended.

The simple truth is, if we want a better investing world, then we all have a responsibility to become better investors. Robot dogma is not a part of that process. The Motley Fool is an important tool in that process. But to make effective use of the Fool you'll also need your common sense, perspective, an open mind, critical thinking, personal responsibility, and as always, your sense of humor.

Jon Heck
An Immature Fool