I know this debate forum is new and a rising popularity amongst you strong spirited debators, but is it riling the masses? Whatever happened to civility and etiquette? What about properly evidenced statements and arguments?

I wonder that, too.

In any heated argument, it's hard to have self-control.

But I guess I can't help it if someone starts bashing me first.

i think a lot of people are being ignorant and really biased in their arguments... this get's me mad lol

i dont think its getting out of hand...

well i dont see anything wrong with debating, but I have to agree that those that come into a debate with nothing to back up their statements and simply leave statements like..."you're stupid" is uncalled for. When dealing with people's opinions it's hard not to take things personally, but you have to be mature enough to handle it and if you're not you shouldn't go into the conversation to begin with.

I am okay with this forum... I'm actually glad it was created... it gives people a chance to read other people's opinions on things... Yet, there are those who are very committed to what they believe in but, that's a good thing too. People should learn how to be more open-minded and free to new ideas and beliefs.. and I think we all here should take that into consideration... even if it isn't something you would actually believe in... Keep in mind, everyone is entitled to their own opinions and free speech... and debates allow you to be more empathic and altruistic... which make you a better person.

No, of course there's nothing wrong with debating! Debating is good, it gets ideas across. But I'm talking about courtesy.

Haha, actually, that happened to me very recently in this forum... i was stupid and ignorant, and pathetic because I presented a logical argument..

But oh well.

Debating stimulates the mind and allow you to learn new things... there's nothing wrong with a few heated words here and there I guess.

You can't control how you feel towards a certain topic or what someone says.. but you can control your actions. People will just have to learn that some people have more faith in what they think... and that they're not going to be as open-minded, but I think that people should not take offense to what is said... it's just reality... This is how things are... if someone says something offensive, then so what.... and if it gets out of hand, someone on staff will be able to put an end to it. So we have nothing to worry about, as of right now.

One should debate on the basis that they understand both sides of the argument and have enough knowledge to debate for either side if necessary.

Then what's the point of having your own opinions if you're going to have enough information as to support both sides of the argument? Does this make sense?... There's something called confirmation bias... It happens to a lot of people... Look it up if you don't know what I'm talking about.

Confirmation bias? Psychology? huh?

But I understand where TK's going with it.

The person that do not understand both sides of the story is that one that's most often starts to bash others. [pfft, who am i to say that] But if people choose to bring only selective thinking into the debate, it's not being very open-minded.

I just think that if you research both sides, then the argument could be more effective.

i really don`t know .. i think i`ve only posted once or twice in here .. i don`t check it much

Understanding the other side's argument doesn't mean you can't have your own opinions. Having the whole picture of the debate gives you a clearer thought on how you should argue for your opinion. It saves you saying things that aren't necessary, because you know that someone will have a perfectly legitimate argument against it. This gives you the basis in setting up an argument that the opposition will also have to think very hard about before setting up their own argument. Without understanding the other side of the argument, you are left with stupid, ignorant comments that will be laughed off by the opposition.

Yes, I suppose you're right and I know what you're saying... but... those people are not going to want to research on a topic they are opposed to... Maybe it's in fear that they'll find something that will make sense to them and then they'll feel like a complete dolt afterwards. And plus, reading a debate provides you with both sides of the argument... For example, the creation or evolution topic.

You right! I did learn so much in that topic.

I understand exactly what TK means. When you are on a debate team you really don't know which side of the topic you are going to be on...so you research both sides of the topic to be prepared. They may tell you your topic is Abortion, but they don't tell you if you are pro or con on this topic until later. this way you don't make uneducated assumptions and like it was mentioned earlier, makes the other side think a little harder about a contradictory statement. At least that's how it worked when I was in high school.

*Nods* I completely agree.

I try not to be biased, but I usually debate about something I've already debated before...I mean, these are such common topics to debate about - everyone's heard of them.

It's true, though...you should definitely respect others' opinions and beliefs. Sometimes I can't help it, though...I can't recall how biased or judgemental I am on other threads.

i think this is a great thing. i love it. its healthy. its ok to have different opinions, but dont forget we have to respect eachother. and also.. dont forget that these are opinions theyre typing down.

some people get offended because they forget... that debate is just opinion

Outrageous is part of the fun. why do you think southpark is so popular?

This is a great forum. There's nothing wrong with people sharing there opposing views, it's all in good fun. Is there such thing as a strictly debate mod...that would be so sweet.

Heh...I suppose...I just don't want people to hate me.

Noones going to hate you because of your views in some forum. Relax and let loose.

This forum will hopefully not turn into one of those bashing forums because there are so many mature and kind people in here.
but anyways, i ahve to admit i really suck at these debates esp on createblog. I think i was OKAY in social studies this and last year when it came to debating cause luck? i dont know.
but anyways, totally agreeing with wildgriffith. Most definately, let loose. as long as no bashing. If you guys see bashing, just report it to one of the mods or admins and they'll take care of it. ^^

Well, if people reply in these threads with a closed mind and won't even bother listening to other's opinions, then that defeats the point of "debate". So, we can just hope people are willing to open up their minds and take every argument as an opinion, not an attack on the person.

But you also have to stick to your guns somewhat and hope to persuade others into your style of thinking. that's the goal of a debate also.

Indeed!

It's a great way to practice persuation skills.

If people write a post like this:
OMG you guys are so STUPID. everyone knows that _____ is ____. i mean, are you RETARDED? like, ______ is _____ and you know it. DONT QUOTE ME!! DONT! look, i think that you need to haul YOUR ass to a ______. read your DICTIONARY! look it up you dumb___...
Yea. I read a few posts like this from a certain person. So yeah. That's when it gets out of hand. When the person gets obnoxious.

freedom of speech happened. you can write a research book with all of the wrong information if you really wanted to i mean common man feel the love...

Crap, i hope it's not me. and if it is me, you gotta tell me! save me from myself.

Of course not, it wouldn't be you. You've been holding up in your debates fairly well.
Eh, and like Grace, I discovered that I suck at debating. Thanks to uninspiredfae. She helped me realize this.

AAAAHH! NO!!!

Your arguments may contradict mine but that's the point of the whole debate thing: I try to discredit you, and you try to discredit me.

Please don't feel like you can't debate because of what I say... Please!!!!!

ur referring to ME, are u? y cant u jus come out and say the persons name? anyways,i didnt say it that way, but yea i called the person names which was wrong....but i what i said was right..

Everyone's right in a debate, it's just a matter of who's "righter"

HAHAHAHAH.. *sigh*...

that statement alone can be a good debate topic.

I don't think it's out of hand. but maybe some people go too far to prove that they're right. Just a little too far.

lols yeah they try to go far... like they know better lols... well we can at least listen to them u know lols. i mean i like reading wat other ppls says ^^ i know ppls have different thoughts and sometimes they dont have the same answer, but still... sometimes everyone can be right.

Or left. Or in between.

That was horrible.

*Gasp* Mod member bashing!

No, it really was horrible. Pass all your jokes by me before you post them please kthx.

Just lightening-up the mood here. No offense, right?

*sigh*

Politics and Religion is such a sensitive and headache-inducing subject. I mean it is great we have these kinds of discussions, but people can be so rabid by insulting and pushing their beliefs into other people. Especially with the anonymity of the 'net, you get more of these juvenile remarks bashing everything out there. Whatever happened to being a model citizen and showing some respect and dignity to everyone, even if you can't agree with each other on some points? Can't change people's beliefs, but least acknowledge it and at least listen and have an understanding what the other side says. Purpose of a debate is talking over the issues and finding a better solution, not posting "Bush sucks" and "Kerry is a douchebag" without backing it with a intellligent reason why. That stuff defeats the purpose of a debate and turns into a "fuckfest".

That's my two-cents. I'm going to step-off my soapbox now.

It actually wasn't all you. And I wouldn't have gone up and said the name because then you would be yelling at me anyway. ANd I was exaggerating it. Sorry if I offended you.

Aww...Val...I love you!

It's a good way to learn and hear other people's opinions. But we should all leave out the immature comments such as "you're so stupid for thinking like that" and whatnot.

Oh, haha. Sorry if I offended you with the " " face. Haha. It's all good.

yup thats tru but i dont go to it much and i thinkit gets out of hand when there is someone trying to go down someones throat

i dont think its getting out of hand at all..but thats just my opinion..

I've been at fault in this a few times, but I think a debate poster should have some of the following traits:
~have done their homework abotu the subject
~have an honest opinion that will benefit or pertain to the subject
~be at least somewhat open-minded (everyone disagrees ppl!)

I'd like to AGREE TO DISAGREE, not bash each others heads in with skillets!

Debates only get passionate when the person is already passionate about the subject or someone starts feeling ganged up on.

Let's all get along.

i think the forum is good and all but people dont have to be that stubborn and ignorant.

whatever happened to the first amendment, which gave us the right to voice our thoughts, corrupt the masses, and adulterate our youth with our politically incorrect ideals? then again, who am i to be talking? im just an ignorant, maniac-depressive, hormone-ridden, psychopathic 14-year-old who has no right to have her opinion heard