Forum debates

Filed under Soapbox on June 17, 2004

I had to flex a little Admin muscle this morning and lock a thread. Not something I particularly like to do, but I suppose I have to expect it as Pens & Swords grows and people from different backgrounds start to filter in. I want to encourage discussion amongst everyone and give all a chance to voice their opinion, but there needs to be a level of civility maintained.

To that end, I thought I’d share how I approach debates. I have a background in Speech & Debate. I was an award-winning member of my community college’s Speech & Debate team, though I participated in persuasive speaking and interpretive reading events rather than debate. I did sit in on debates, and our coach was debate-oriented, so I picked some things up. I also like to think of myself as a fairly logical and level-headed person.

First, I present my side of the issue. If someone has posted before me, I will answer specific points that I have knowledge on or can find the answers to (though I admit I often don’t feel forum debates are worth the effort of tracking down information). I rarely use my “opponent’s” name in the response, unless the person has used mine in a targeted reply. I don’t name call or make personal remarks about a poster, but I will point out a weakness or falsehood in their points. I’ll also toss in some humor, punctuated by a smiley, if possible, as that helps signal the reader that I’m trying to maintain a friendly atmosphere. When the discussion gets to an obvious point where people are just repeating themselves, I stop contributing.

If you follow these steps, I can give you a 99% guarantee I won’t close the thread or send you a warning.