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Tips for debate (Add your own!)

cnredd

Major General Big Lug
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Hiya!...:2wave:

Hopefully, by now, you've read and digested the "Tips for debate" thread.

As I've written, this is just my opinion, and I hope they are shared by most, if not all, forum members. But this shouldn't be just limited to my thoughts.

Since this Forum IS a discussion of ideas, the Moderation Team feels that another thread dedicated to forum member tips that haven't been mentioned be opened...And here it is.

One thing that must be pointed out here...

DISCLAIMER - This is for additions to the original "Tips for debate" thread only. I have reposted it below for consumption. Anything off topic will be removed...

Have at it!...:2wave:
 
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Re: Tips for debate comment section

I've created this thread to show newbies, and veterans alike, little noteworthy "guidelines" in order to make debates flow more smoothly and to have your overall experience at this site more enjoyable while you refute and proclaim to your heart's desires.

Mostly everything written here is not written in stone. It's just a "tip sheet" for assistance. You may not even agree with everything written here. That's okay.

DISCLAIMER - This is NOT meant to be a representation of DebatePolitics.com's official position on any issues. What is written here is one person's opinion...mine.


PERSONAL PROFILE - Try to provide as much information as possible. Many members don't even know when to say "he" or "she" when mentioning you...Showing your gender, age, and a little bit about yourself will get the other members of this forum to know where you’re coming from…We even have a "Member pic thread" if you would like everyone to know what you look like.

If you are including an avatar or a custom user title, be as creative as you want, but resist the urge to use something that is offensive not only to all people in general, but also offensive to others' political affiliation. Having something which offends a group or party shows the other members that having an objective debate with you isn't likely.

SIGNATURES - Although not mandatory, many members like to display their creative side with a picture or illustration that, much like the avatar, shows the members your feelings toward an in particular topic. This should also be free from offense toward groups or political affiliations. Members will not want to debate you seriously if you've already shown them that you're willing to attack their beliefs.

If using a quote or a phrase in your signature, it would also be wise to refrain from using words from someone who is a magnet to behavior that is abusive to one's beliefs. Ann Coulter & Al Franken come to mind.

OK then.

You're ready to jump into the fray...Time to start "testifyin'"...

A few things first to keep in mind. Some are general common sense statements and some are things that almost everyone here has been guilty of but you should try to limit your use.

COME IN AND SAY “HI” - We have our own forum dedicated to new members for announcing their involvement into our community. This is a great place to start. Introduce yourself and give us a little background info; even a simple “Hello” gets your feet wet.

For the regular members of this forum, don’t initiate slanted or bias debate here. This is purely an introductory forum. There’s no need to push new members away. They should be welcomed.

RESPONDING TO SOMEONE ELSE'S POST - You don't need to write "Member A wrote this", followed by their comments. Just use the "QUOTE" button in the bottom righthand corner and a window for posting will show up with that member's comments already included with the proper HTML coding. You can even break up their post into multiple quotes to respond to each part of their post individually. Just begin each new section with the "QUOTE=Member" you see at the top and "/QUOTE" at the end of each section.

THIS SITE IS UNOFFICIALLY "PG-13" - This ain't a porn shop, but it ain't Amish country either.

The software being used does stop certain words from public display, but there are ways around it(wrong spelling; using "$" instead of "S")...They should be used sparingly and only when you believe it’s relevant to the discussion...They should never be used when describing another member...

USE OF "IDIOT", "MORON", ETC. - Although they should never be used, frustration may rear its ugly head and a burst with words like these may slip out.

Depending on the situation, this may be moderated. The range for these words are from "lighthearted" to "outright attack", and discretion is used when weighing whether or not actions by the Moderation Team is warranted. One thing is certain. Re-occurring use, especially towards one member, will not be tolerated.

LYING - Although there is no official rule against lying, doing so will kill your credibility and respect. If you make a statement that you say is documented, you'd better have the goods to back it up.

This brings up an important point...

SOURCES - Sources provided from the members of this forum are primarily to back up their claims or statements with articles, surveys, or just plain information in general. However, some of these sources are deemed "not credible" or "unreliable" to other members.

You wanna lose credibility fast?...Use partisan websites as your source and you're off to a good start. TRY to keep to the reliable places the general public acknowledges as legitimate. One good way to find out if a website is bias is to go to the "About Us" section (if they have one) and see what their intentions are. There are some that are obvious (Rush Limbaugh & Moveon,org) and some that you'll find, with time, that are purely agenda driven but not well known (newsmax, truthout, mediamatters, mediaresearch). Believe me. There are plenty out there. Try to avoid using them.

Also, try to avoid using Op-Ed pieces. They are, for the most part, more opinion-driven then fact-driven. Just because somebody wrote something doesn't mean its necessarily true.

GENERALIZATIONS - One thing that "perturbs" the members is the constant use of generalizations. Not everybody that belongs to a political party or has a political affiliation has the exact same beliefs. There is a very big difference between a moderate and a "far-winger". To group them together is insulting to the moderates, who, most of the time, don't have those same beliefs.

STARTING A THREAD - Got an idea for a new topic? Great! Try to keep these things in mind...Try to be objective in choosing your thread title. An attack on someone's beliefs right from the get-go is an invitation for a thread spiraling downward quick. Also, an attack here sets up a return volley that is equally, and sometimes more so, demeaning as your initial title.

Also, when introducing an article, put forth your opinion and how it relates to what you want to show. Posting an article without commentary makes other members say, "And your point is?!?”. Provide your point within that first post. Let them know where you stand. Even if it's just a few sentences.

BTW(By The Way) - If you post something taken from another site, you better give that site credit and provide a link to it...This is a legal issue, and it is mentioned specifically in the forum rules.

REPORTING A POST - Sometimes there are instances where you feel that another member is intentionally abusive or being disruptive. Point it out. The Moderation Team can't read EVERY post, and they need to know if someone is flying off the handle...Use the "REPORT" button in the bottom lefthand corner to notify the Moderation Team. ALL reports are read.

Which brings us to the biggie...

MODERATORS - The Moderation Team (which includes yours truly), takes itself very seriously. We are in this thing free of charge, and our only motivation is maintaining the integrity of this site. These "gawdlike powers" are not given to those the Moderation Team believes will use them for personal reasons.

In the Forum Rules, it clearly states that the Moderators are held to a higher standard, and that is the truest statement you'll find on this website. The Moderation Team has been purposely divided across all political spectrums. All actions taken by the Moderation Team are documented. Everything. If you notice a Moderator using the red "Mod mode" quotations, what is written will be shown verbatim to all members of the Moderation Team along with the reasons why the action was taken.

We’ve been accused of "far-left" leaning and "far-right" leaning. And it tells you more about the person mentioning it publicly than the Moderation Team itself. And if you find yourself "entangled" with a Moderator, by all means, report it. A third party is only a "report click" away. But PLEASE keep in mind that if the Moderator not involved in the actual discussion feels that the Moderator involved has done nothing wrong, it is NOT an indictment of you nor should it be taken personally.

One point that must be noted...Moderators, when not conducting "official business", are just the same as any other member. We have emotions and interests in certain topics just like anyone else. There shouldn't be any intimidating feeling because you have a disagreement with a Moderator, but just the same, you shouldn't think that you need to call a Moderator out when it comes to abusing power just because they may disagree with you. It just doesn't happen. They (including myself) would be thrown out of here before they knew what hit them.

RESPECT – This is purely a give and take. How you present yourself is just as important as the discussion itself. If you are condescending or abusive, don’t be surprised if you get the same in return. Show the other members that your intent is legitimate debate and you will gain their respect. Most of the time, it’s all up to you.

ENJOYMENT – Let it all hang out! And for once in your life, we don’t mean “your gut"!

There are plenty of topics and forums where you can take a time-out from serious debate and just enjoy meaningless or lighthearted discussion. Laughing and smiling is not only allowed, but encouraged. Develop friendships, delve into personal feelings, and most of all...

HAVE FUN!...:2wave:
 
Create a well intended meaning and assume the best intentions

Try and realize that one of the most necessary communication abilities is mute in an on line forum. There is no way to tell if the person is joking or serious in many cases. To circumvent this, use smilies or "j/k" and *emotions* to help clarify the smile or frown that we simply cannot see. Assume the speaker is being lighthearted if it is not clear.
 
Remember The Back Button

If a topic, or member becomes a bit too much for the limits of civility we all hold, remember there is a way to avoid looking like a part of the problem.....just dont reply. We all have limits to what we can take before cracking and lashing out, the key is to KNOW these limits, and allow ourselves to cool down.

" I will reply after I break a couple dishes"....seems to work well also
 
Do not be intimidated by over-aggressive and imperious sycophants who only wish that you conform to their beliefs or their tenure as an internet debate forum analyist (sounds like a fox news correspondent).

Be Objective.
 
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In my experience here, I would say never argue about something in which you know little about, because the chances are pretty good, that if you are ignorant on a certain issue, fellow debateres will smell blood in the water, and make you look like an ass.

And I would also say to keep it short. Say as much as possible in the least amount of wording possible. Posts get boring if they're long and drawn out.

I would say to back up your claims; do alot of research so when the time comes, and you're called out, you're prepared.
 
Do not pre-emptively proclaim yourself as the victor of a semantical confrontation. Realize that a debate is won by gaining the support of the general population... and not by affirming your own perception. Strive to present a sincere and legitimate case for your concerns.
 
kal-el said:
In my experience here, I would say never argue about something in which you know little about, because the chances are pretty good, that if you are ignorant on a certain issue, fellow debateres will smell blood in the water, and make you look like an ass.

And I would also say to keep it short. Say as much as possible in the least amount of wording possible. Posts get boring if they're long and drawn out.

I would say to back up your claims; do alot of research so when the time comes, and you're called out, you're prepared.

I agree. Be as articulate as you possibly can. I am guilty at times of drawing an issue out.... albeit inadvertently. Present your case the best that you can. Do not be timid or trivial in your conjectures.
 
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I'll say this again since censorship seems to be the order of the day.

Consider the source only to the point of not putting your all your eggs in one basket. Do not discount an assertion soley because you disagree (or do not like) the particular source used as justification. But do your own homework and find out for yourself using your own sources as to the authenticity of what was posted.
 
And I'll add that you should always consider the source.

Don't take anything at face value if the source is on a certain topic then take it upon yourself to research multiple sites on that topic you will find that while the sites may be on the same subjects the linguistics involved can be dramatically different and to make an informed judgment you have to take all the subjective perspectives into consideration and through interpretation make your own objective decisions.
 
Use simple examples if you are explaining something over complex to somebody, its much easier. Particularly when it comes to sciences.


its a simple and effective way to bring a point across
 
Always maintain an air of confidence and assertiveness. Using words like "may" or "could" shows hesitation while stronger, more direct words will deflect the opponent and drive your point home. Also, I find that a calm detachment from the argument gives you a calculated edge and even better serves to infuriate your opponent...and that opens all manner of avenues to use his own momentum against him.
 
I think it's important to maintain a certain level of respect for other people in the thread. I also think it's wise not to use condescending or sarcastic talk that deliberately puts the other person down or tries to belittle them. When I encounter threads where that's going on, I just try to stay out of them.

I think we should always try to have respect and tolerance for other people's views, no matter how stupid they may seem. It's just an online forum, anyway.

I think above all else: LEAVE THE ARROGANT BS BACK IN YOUR BATHROOM WHERE YOU CAN ACTUALLY BE MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE WITHOUT ANY COMPETITION. If you really think you're that much smarter than the rest of us, than go run for office or go write a book and get the hell off of this forum. :mrgreen:
 
George_Washington said:
LEAVE THE ARROGANT BS BACK IN YOUR BATHROOM WHERE YOU CAN ACTUALLY BE MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE WITHOUT ANY COMPETITION. If you really think you're that much smarter than the rest of us, than go run for office or go write a book and get the hell off of this forum. :mrgreen:

It is arrogant in the first part to assume that your opinion speaks for the rest of the forum. This is a no no in debate. You must realize that you are one person and unless you are speaking as a representative of a constituency of this nation you should NOT attempt to speak for others.. no matter how strong your belief or convictions may be in their conformation.

George_Washington's Sig said:
Favorite Media personality: Bill O'Reilly

WOW. Read above.

LEAVE THE ARROGANT BS BACK IN YOUR BATHROOM WHERE YOU CAN ACTUALLY BE MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE WITHOUT ANY COMPETITION.

Bill O'Reilly is perhaps one of the most imperious personalities on any op-ed column anywhere on national television, save Hannity.

Please people... do not be like O'Reilly or Hannity. Try to look at the situation from a more objective and diverse angle.

George_Washington said:
I think it's important to maintain a certain level of respect for other people in the thread. I also think it's wise not to use condescending or sarcastic talk that deliberately puts the other person down or tries to belittle them. When I encounter threads where that's going on, I just try to stay out of them.

I agree with this part but you seem to do a 180º in the latter.
 
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Trajan Octavian Titus said:
And I'll add that you should always consider the source.

Don't take anything at face value if the source is on a certain topic then take it upon yourself to research multiple sites on that topic you will find that while the sites may be on the same subjects the linguistics involved can be dramatically different and to make an informed judgment you have to take all the subjective perspectives into consideration and through interpretation make your own objective decisions.

Try not to speak in run-on sentences which make forest gump look like your linguistic superior.
 
Conflict said:
Try not to speak in run-on sentences which make forest gump look like your linguistic superior.

:rofl Ouch, that had to hurt.
 
kal-el said:
In my experience here, I would say never argue about something in which you know little about, because the chances are pretty good, that if you are ignorant on a certain issue, fellow debateres will smell blood in the water, and make you look like an ass.

But I would add....don't be afraid to jump into a thread even if you aren't very educated on the subject matter. It's one of the best ways to learn, and most members will be more than willing to provide you with reliable sources for further education. Be honest about the fact that you don't know what you're talking about...don't try to pretend that you do. If your honest, others will understand and will be willing to help. Pretending to know something when you don't is a quick way to lose credibility.
 
Try to have a sense of humor and don't take things personal.
 
Stace said:
But I would add....don't be afraid to jump into a thread even if you aren't very educated on the subject matter. It's one of the best ways to learn, and most members will be more than willing to provide you with reliable sources for further education. Be honest about the fact that you don't know what you're talking about...don't try to pretend that you do. If your honest, others will understand and will be willing to help. Pretending to know something when you don't is a quick way to lose credibility.

That is very true as well.

I think if we combined Staces post with Kal-Els.. we would find a very good description of how one should approach a thread in an intellectual manner....

Don't be scared to ask questions or offer opinion... but at the same time don't be so bold as to ignore questions and dictate opinion.
 
galenrox said:
THIS is the best advice that has been given so far! If you maintain a sense of humor, you're success here will be boundless!

And NEVER, EVER call anyone a dingleberry.

Seriously though... If I call someone a dingleberry... it means that I have some sort of appreciation for you. I call my best friends dingleberry... it's a term I use often in real and virtual life. It is not meant to be an insult. We can all be dingleberries at times and that is the application of the word that I subscribe to.

The moral of the story is... to not be so opportune to take offense to the semantics of your opponent or responder. Don't judge the book by it's cover. Again.. something that I, and most of us all, are guilty of at times. Tolerance within reason.
 
Don't debate while drinking. You might say something stupid that you will regret.
 
I forget whether or not this has already been mentioned (gee, do I sound Southern or what?), but one of the last posts I just read made me think of it, so if it's already been said....it bears repeating.

Don't generalize. Or, try not to, anyway. Not all conservatives fit into some little mold, nor do all liberals. You may think you're being cute, or maybe you really are dead serious and think that all members of one group think the same way on an issue, but it's a surefire way to get a lot of people angry with you real quick.
 
Allow debatable postings to air on the Political Platform forum, period!
 
Try to keep your personal feelings toward a particular poster out of your analytical judgement when evaluating an assertion.
 
Try to make your point without writing War and Peace. Some people get so long winded with their posts I've had to struggle just stay focused when reading them.
 
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