Discussion/Debate: A Matter of Opinion

[Lazerblade]

Actually, to be honest, I rather enjoyed the 3 threads that got locked, not because of the facts or truths displayed, but simply because it really is entertaining to watch someone dig themselves into a deep hole while they actually believe that they are digging themselves out. Or maybe I just like the way opinions are worded to sound like facts but with such transparency that it's impossible to ignore.

I'm all for debate, political or religious. I'd like to see more debating going on, it gives me some knowledge of the current state of things (the sort of thing you can't get out of a newspaper or watching TV), but it also gives me access to the skill of debating. And let's face it, debating is truly a skill. Taking a stand against an opposing opinion, throwing facts back and forth, and trying to determine another man's morale values and virtues so that you may best him as a wordslinger- this sort of game isn't something a 13-year-old can beat us adults at- finally!

So, with that in mind, I tend to agree with a few statements made in those 3 locked posts- that it really is up to the reader to actually read and respond to the posts, that politics and religion should be given a lot more leeway when it comes to policing, and that bringing emotion to the debate tends to show weakness of that debater.

Perhaps my next visit to this forum section will be more fruitful...

[Zazoo]

Well I'm glad you are entertained! We here at The Platoon do aim to please!  

~Mike

[DaSmerg]

Well I'm glad you are entertained! We here at The Platoon do aim to please!  

~Mike

Cross-topic time...

Mr. Zazoo, you use your tongue prettier than a $20 whore.

[Dr.Jeckyl]

Actually, to be honest, I rather enjoyed the 3 threads that got locked, not because of the facts or truths displayed, but simply because it really is entertaining to watch someone dig themselves into a deep hole while they actually believe that they are digging themselves out. Or maybe I just like the way opinions are worded to sound like facts but with such transparency that it's impossible to ignore.

I'm all for debate, political or religious. I'd like to see more debating going on, it gives me some knowledge of the current state of things (the sort of thing you can't get out of a newspaper or watching TV), but it also gives me access to the skill of debating. And let's face it, debating is truly a skill. Taking a stand against an opposing opinion, throwing facts back and forth, and trying to determine another man's morale values and virtues so that you may best him as a wordslinger- this sort of game isn't something a 13-year-old can beat us adults at- finally!

So, with that in mind, I tend to agree with a few statements made in those 3 locked posts- that it really is up to the reader to actually read and respond to the posts, that politics and religion should be given a lot more leeway when it comes to policing, and that bringing emotion to the debate tends to show weakness of that debater.

Perhaps my next visit to this forum section will be more fruitful...

we staffers are actually "debating" this exact thing right now, how best to deal with P&R debates. do we let them go a bit longer than we have or to just sut down the forum all together? if i might say so i think we are kinda stuck in the middle right now. time will tell i guess.

[BPR_MiK]

I think any topic should be left open unless it has got pointless.

If people are offended by topics they should just not read them ..Perhaps edit a topics title to show that that topic is offensive in some manner and people of a uptight dispossition should stay away.

You can always delete certain (too bad ) posts within a toipic and let the topic run.

I for one agree with lazer that even if it`s name calling and flameing you can still read between the lines and get the real picture of a debate as long as it`s not just purile stuff and childishness.

I enjoy a good argument and debate as long as it`s fact based or even strong beliefed based..

Let`s have more of it please.

[Zazoo]

Cross-topic time...

Mr. Zazoo, you use your tongue prettier than a $20 whore.

 
Mel Brooks Rules.

Seriously though, as Dr.J said, we've all been discussing this. And the more input we get from people who use the P&R forum the easier it will be to decide the best way to proceed.
So, thanks! :smile:
~Mike

[DaSmerg]

I dunno what to more to add than what I've already said.

IMHO, one of the more intersting points to be made recently is that some folks enjoy just reading the various conversations and a couple of come forward also saying they feel slighted when debates are ended before their time.

But where to find that line of when to call it a topic and when to let a heated discussion continue?  And who gets to police that line  :hmm: ?

A more hands off attitude about the P&R forum is definately going to require self leadership by fellow forum goers and let a stale debate just die already and not get into that game of last word one-up-man-ship.  Terribly guilty of that at times here  :sad: .

[BPR_MiK]

A more hands off attitude about the P&R forum is definately going to require self leadership by fellow forum goers and let a stale debate just die already and not get into that game of last word one-up-man-ship.  Terribly guilty of that at times here  :sad: .

just so...

If the grown up members of this forum just post that they have said thier last and let it be at that then the post would die off on it`s own..

[MONOLITH]

we staffers are actually "debating" this exact thing right now, how best to deal with P&R debates.

The P&R section and it's debates/arguments are going to continue status quo.

But there is a difference between a heated debate, and childish antagonism.

One will be given more leeway, the other will be shut down.

Enjoy.....

[Lazerblade]

As I said to Zazoo, for the most part a poster won't keep posting if nobody replies. The easiest way to kill a dead-end debate or flame-war is simply to ignore it. I have really enjoyed reading the past week's worth of posts in P&R simply because, despite the lack of maturity in a few posts, a lot of the replies were simply well-thought-out and very factual, not to mention the wordplay was brilliant. I applaud the "master debaters" on these forums. Now if only they could get spellcheck to work...

[SODsniper]

My spelchek werks fined, thank you bery mooch!


SODsniper

[MrCouch]

personally i prefer ketchup over mustard on my hot-dogs...but then what do i know...im a conservative.

[Zazoo]

Hotdogs... Mmmmmmm.

~Mike

[DaSmerg]

I hope those are veggie hotdogs of which we speak   !

[MONOLITH]

personally i prefer ketchup over mustard on my hot-dogs...but then what do i know...im a conservative.

Ditto.

Ever try barbeque sauce on a hotdog?  That's even better.

[SODsniper]

Since the "status quo" is going to be maintained, is it safe to conclude that ANY Cindy Sheehan thread is now verboten?

So as to make it easier on those who are not a member of the PAC, perhaps a list of "Political Topics That Are Forbidden In The Political Forum" would be useful.  



SODsniper

[SODsniper]

Ditto.

Ever try barbeque sauce on a hotdog?  That's even better.

WOW, talk about "thread hijacking"..  



SODsniper

[MaJix]

my vote is shut it down, if you need reasons, just read all the locked threads. ive read them but  i dont participate , because i dont come to these forums to make enemies.  admins will always have the upper hand because if they feel they are too challenged it seems to me they post a final arguement and then lock the thread.  if your closing the thread why add more fule to the fire before you lock it.  to me it gives the impression of "im right your wrong and i dont want to hear anymore of it so im not letting you respond anymore"  if your gonna lock it then fine lock it but i think its hypocritical to post a final arguement before locking because of the nature of the arguement.....

no offense, but my 2 cents

[Zazoo]

my vote is shut it down, if you need reasons, just read all the locked threads. ive read them but  i dont participate , because i dont come to these forums to make enemies.  admins will always have the upper hand because if they feel they are too challenged it seems to me they post a final arguement and then lock the thread.  if your closing the thread why add more fule to the fire before you lock it.  to me it gives the impression of "im right your wrong and i dont want to hear anymore of it so im not letting you respond anymore"  if your gonna lock it then fine lock it but i think its hypocritical to post a final arguement before locking because of the nature of the arguement.....

no offense, but my 2 cents

None taken.
The staff is working on a set of rules and guidelines regarding locks -- how to cut down on them and how to make them fair.

As for the P&R forum, it was broken off from chit chat and put down here for a reason. Nobody has to read or respond to anything in this forum if they don't want to. If you use the "New Topics" forum feature each P&R topic will be indicated by the "Politics and Religion" link next to the thread title (far right), just skip by these if you want.
~Mike

[Zazoo]

Since the "status quo" is going to be maintained, is it safe to conclude that ANY Cindy Sheehan thread is now verboten?

So as to make it easier on those who are not a member of the PAC, perhaps a list of "Political Topics That Are Forbidden In The Political Forum" would be useful.  

No political or religious topic is forbidden.
Only posts designed to provoke flamewars are forbidden (Something like "Hitler and the the Nazi's were great, anyone who doesn't think so is a dirty Jew... discuss" isn't going to fly).

If you want to discuss Cindy Sheehan start a new topic and go for it.

~Mike