If you're gonna debate down here...

[MrVicchio]

Rules we can all follow:

Cite sources for your claims. That means:

I believe debate on the internet is possible.

This is an example of citing a source.

www.citingasource.com

BE SOMEWHAT civil. Yes, it's the internet, yes people get all out of place and manners fly out the window. It doesn't have to be that way. Keep the personal insults... to yourself.

"That's a really stupid idea" = A-OK

"You're a fucking idiot" = NOT OK

Racism/sexism/bigotry = bad, just don't do it.

If we're gonna have discussions in here, let's keep it on an even keel k? It's more fun that way, and we might even find some common ground.

[Vecha]

""That's a really stupid idea" = A-OK"


I don't think that's constructive either....


But I guess it's better than what else can be said on the internet.

[MrVicchio]

Originally Posted by Vecha

""That's a really stupid idea" = A-OK"


I don't think that's constructive either....


But I guess it's better than what else can be said on the internet.

There is nothing wrong with saying "That's a stupid idea". If you just leave it at that, then you are the weaker debater. Now if you back it up with "Here's why..." then we are all better for it.

[Vecha]

Originally Posted by MrVicchio

There is nothing wrong with saying "That's a stupid idea". If you just leave it at that, then you are the weaker debater. Now if you back it up with "Here's why..." then we are all better for it.

Actually...there is something wrong with saying that as it implies the person saying it is stupid.

What's the point of putting "stupid" in there?

Just say, "That idea won't work..." "Here's a better idea..." etc.


It's a strongly negative word. There is no point to have it said/typed except to rile the other person up.

[MrVicchio]

Originally Posted by Vecha

Actually...there is something wrong with saying that as it implies the person saying it is stupid.

What's the point of putting "stupid" in there?

Just say, "That idea won't work..." "Here's a better idea..." etc.


It's a strongly negative word. There is no point to have it said/typed except to rile the other person up.

I understand your point, and I don't really disagree with you, however...

I've learned a little emphasis is okay, forcing people to be REALLY nice just makes for explosions. Consider a relief valve.

[Vecha]

Originally Posted by MrVicchio

Consider a relief valve.

Interesting point. I guess you need a bit of that...especially on the internet.

[MrVicchio]

Originally Posted by Vecha

Interesting point. I guess you need a bit of that...especially on the internet.

When I was the mod for this forum, I found that hammering too hard for small indiscretions just lead to WORSE problems. Letting it all hang out equally leads to problems.

I like the middle ground, if you really feel strongly about something, okay.. people get mad, it's debate. But don't be a prick about it. It makes for a smoother long term ride.

In the time I was gone I bounced a number of debate sites, and the "YOU MUST BE NICE" ones were very... angry bitter places, and the "Whatever goes" sites were troll factories.

Balance, that's what I'm all about.

[krnasaur]

Originally Posted by Vecha

""That's a really stupid idea" = A-OK"


I don't think that's constructive either....


But I guess it's better than what else can be said on the internet.

I agree with the OP's point, If you are going to debate, sure, make fun of his point of view, but don't make fun of the person.

[NUBLERT]

Let's debate how we should debate.

[MrVicchio]

Originally Posted by Real Lyte

Let's debate how we should debate.

Just keep it civil my friend, and let's go for it.

[NUBLERT]

Civility is reserved for direct human interaction. On forums you will rarely see civility due to the pseudo-anonymity.

[Firefly]

Originally Posted by Real Lyte

Civility is reserved for direct human interaction.

By most people. IRL I'm pretty much the exact same asshole.

[MrVicchio]

Originally Posted by Real Lyte

Civility is reserved for direct human interaction. On forums you will rarely see civility due to the pseudo-anonymity.

That's why I push hard for civility in political discussions. Otherwise... what's they point?

[NUBLERT]

Originally Posted by MrVicchio

That's why I push hard for civility in political discussions. Otherwise... what's they point?

There really isn't a point online because there are no true ramifications. Civility is great but people act (for the most part) more a-holish online than they would in a real life situation. Forums are great but no substitute for talking directly with someone in person. I'll admit that I'm more crude online, but in real life I'm still a sarcastic SOB. People can barely be civil in real life situations. It's hard to expect a nice discussion without a community with checks/balances.

To get back on topic. Tea party sucks. lol.

[Sovereign]

In regards to the sensationalist obstructionist that seem hell bent on dissolving government who would argue the case for the nation to go into default in order for them to score political points whereby they raise taxes on all of us regardless , only have but to quote one of my favorite presidents in regards to their ilk:

"Every reform movement has a lunatic (tea party) fringe."