December 26, 2022
After 4.5 years of experience with this policy, my opinion is no longer completely reflected by either of my answers to this post. It can be better stated as this:
- A Real World question is on-topic for Worldbuilding.SE when a worldbuilding condition is provided that *separates the question from the Real World.
In other words, a question that asks, "A 1,000 tonne comet is accelerated to 90% the speed of light. It passes within 1,000 km of Earth. How does that affect Earth's orbit?" would, IMO, pass the expectations for a Real World question on this Stack because while the answer reflects 100% Real World science, it's a situation we humans simply don't experience (and haven't experienced, that we know of). In short, the "Real World" includes the experience of humanity, and asking for something outside that experience would constitute worldbuilding.
On the other hand, asking "What would happen if a 10 tonne meteor hits Tunguska, Russia?" should be, IMO, off-topic because simple research into similar meteor impacts that have happened within human experience (aka, it really is a 100% Real Life question) answers the question or there are other Stacks dedicated to specifically this kind of question that should be receiving it.
Original Answer
In relation to this question.
L.Dutch said in a comment, "I am missing the worldbuilding element in your question, it sounds like a hobby bob question, and as such better suited for the dedicated SE. Can you clarify the worldbuilding problem you are asking us to solve?"
The question was subsequently closed as off-topic:not about worldbuilding.
When I asked why and pointed to this post, Secepitus directed me to the following bullet point from the above post:
- Provide context. Giving other users context around why you are asking the question allows them to better understand why you are asking and what kind of answer you want.
From my perspective, the problem is solved by including the phrase, "I'm writing a story..." in the question. What does it matter if context is provided? It's a superficial restriction that adds nothing to the question. It's only purpose is to give people a reason to close the question.
We should either be all-in or all-out. Inviting OPs to rationalize why they should be allowed to ask the question here is simply petty on our part.
Do we really expect OPs to rationalize asking real-world questions here?
If you believe this should have been posted as a new question, let me know. I'm just trying to keep all the dust in one corner.