Thread: suggestion (debate)

I had the notion of a sort of a debate section for the Writingforums. A thought inspiring collection public domain works. A place where readers could read classics writings, and debate the works, meaning, and ideas of it. Or simply muse. Maybe it could turn into a way to inspire more writing on the forums, and more feed back too.

I've already suggested it twice in the suggestions forums, and PMed Chris and Spudley about it. I also think/thought it's a great idea.

The problem is people can get intensely emotional, and in a place where people can get offensive and offended in what is meant to be harmless fun (just take a look at Teflon's bar, p. 24 or so), a place meant for what is essentially an argument would get out of hand. To maintain such a forum would require many more moderators, and much more moderation. For now, I don't think there are any plans to make such a forum, but eventually, perhaps.

To Chris, Spudley, and other moderators:
A solution just occurred to me. While I know there is little enthusiasm to add more moderators, as the forums' success is based on everyone's freedom to say what they will here, would it be possible to give certain members privileges in select forums?
In other words, would it be possible to make some members moderators in just the debate forum? I think a debate forum would be too productive to dismiss just because it'd need moderation. If members are up to it, I think it'd be successful. Ideas?

Good idea. For instance, a user could have to request admittance. Only users that make a formal request can read/post. Once a request has been accepted that user admits knowledge of potentially graphic debate. Hence forth these users enter in knowingly into a battlefield of discussion. Where one moment such fantastic Philosophy ‘Zombies’ by Descartes could be being discussed, and the very next moment the topic could be Hume “miracles.”

And as quick as those topic came about, modern work could become the focus point. Works like “Does God Exist” by deCarlo. When someone speaks up; feeling that it offends them as a Christian we could debate that. As an example, we could use the idea that in order to follow his teaching you have to except. You do not however have to agree, just have respect for other thoughts and ideas.

Respect will be one of the highest regarded thing among the “Upper Class Forum.” under no condition should, or will a used defame another user. The only rule is (Clear labels) If you don't like a subject matter, don’t open it, all subject should clearly labeled. If not they'll be are removed.

There is a lot good things to debate. I am quite sure a lot of folks would be interested if only given the chance.


There is Hume “On the Dignity of Human Nature,” Karl Marx’s & Frederic engle’s works, Aristotle, and kant. Can’t you see how poetry, Philosophy, and debate go hand in hand?

Originally Posted by Jp

Good idea. For instance, a user could have to request admittance. Only users that make a formal request can read/post. Once a request has been accepted that user admits knowledge of potentially graphic debate. Hence forth these users enter in knowingly into a battlefield of discussion. Where one moment such fantastic Philosophy ‘Zombies’ by Descartes could be being discussed, and the very next moment the topic could be Hume “miracles.”

I'm not sure this'd be very fair.

I think the only way this'd be successful would be if people were able to look at both sides of a situation. Often during debates I've taken the opposite side of my actual beliefs, and logically argued every opinion I agreed with.

No, I think you've are mistaken on what I was trying to say. I meant that the user would have to ask to be admited into a group of folks that debate together. A user wouldn't have to ask to be admited into each debate. Any user who is a member can look at both sides, and take it any way they see fit.

It would be just like in normal forum: The only difference would be, our members would have to take the time to join our "club." (above an beyond already being a member of the forums.) This extra step would prevent those people who'd normally stumble upon a post and end up being offended by its content. That problem would be eliminated because in order to read/post he must join. Hence no acidental walk ins. Thus fewer people who are offended simply because they where not prepared to read what they had read.


As to your methods,

Originally Posted by Ilan Bouchard

Often during debates I've taken the opposite side of my actual beliefs, and logically argued every opinion I agreed with.

I do the same.

Ah, I understand now. This would be to get only the people interested in debating in the forum, and not just people who get shocked by a certain point. This makes sense, I suppose, although I think it would also be nice to just let members come and go as they please. But then, it's all brainstorming, and your idea would cut down on moderating.
I'm sure, with more thought, a system will develop that will allow a debates forum to be successful, with limited moderating.

I'd very much like to hear from Chris or Spudley, and what they think of newer ideas. Chris, I know your reading this.

I too like the idea of a debate forum. As a sidenote, what would one expect to happen in a bar? Whether it be virtual or otherwise.

I found your debate thread in the lounge but only because you sent me the link. The lounge isn't specific for debating and serious topics could be lost in the shuffle. Debate goes on all the time here though. Differing opinions and how to best present viewpoints seem to be a human quest which transcends just about everything else.

Well, in a bar you have debates, there just less intellectual. Not be a smart-donky, but are you telling me to debate in the suggestion box Pen?

Nope - to my way of thinking the Lounge is the best place we have right now. Perhaps the 'continued from LitOrg' forum could go through a name change?

Yeah, that its a good idea Penelope

Yeah, that its a good idea Penelope

I did not get it at first, but now that I do I will be thinking about it. I'll post back on the matter tomorrow, because tonight my mind is quite slow.

And it was good!

I did not get it at first, but now that I do I will be thinking about it. I'll post back on the matter tomorrow, because tonight my mind is quite slow.

Geological is more like it.