Debates and Arguments
For each debate there is a topic and two columns for each side. You can post an argument in either column, or (better) post an argument in both columns. Visitors to the site vote on the quality of the arguments, and ultimately the best arguments will be ranked highly.
The debate topics vary from the frivolous to the deadly serious. They are chosen by us, but we are always open to suggesions. If you want to suggest a debate topic, use the Contact page. See the Browse Debates page for a list of the current topics, or the Tags page to search for specific topics.
Excerpts
Arguments with excerpts will attract more votes, so select them wisely.
Each argument can have an excerpt which should be the phrase or sentence that best defines the point of the argument.
Excerpts are displayed in a quotes pullout and are used wherever there is not enough space for the full text.
Arguments with excerpts will attract more votes, so select them wisely.
You can select which portion of your argument to use as an excerpt by wrapping it with ["] and [/"]. For example:
["]Arguments with excerpts will attract more votes, so select them wisely.[/"]
Comments
Each argument has a comments page that you can use to discuss the argument. These comments are not voted on, and you are free to talk about whatever you want, just remember that the author of the argument may not believe their own argument—so don't get personal!Voting
Vote Meanings
Votes range from negative two to plus two, and indicate how well the author has made the case. Unless their are any additional instructions from the chair-person, you should vote on how well the argument is made, and not on whether you agree with it.-
-2 Vote
A vote of negative two should be given to severely flawed arguments that completely fail to argue their case and may even make the opposite point. Don't give negative two votes lightly! -
-1 Vote
A negative one vote should be given to poorly constructed arguments that attempt to make a point, but aren't convincing and potentially contain contradictions. -
0 Vote
A vote of zero should be given to arguments that makes a point (which is perhaps rather obvious), but fail to back it up adequately. -
+1 Vote
A plus one vote should be given to arguments that make a good point with no obvious contradictions, and back up assertions with references or links. -
+2 Vote
Plus two votes should be reserved for arguments that make an extremely compelling argument that isn't obvious, and fully supported with references or links. Just like negative two arguments, plus two arguments should not be given lightly. A good candidate for a plus two argument is one that somebody from the other side would be forced to agree to.
The Chair Person / People
The chair person (or people) is responsible for ensuring that the debate runs smoothly and can edit or remove arguments and comments. You can contact the chair by clicking the 'Contact chair-person' link, and entering a message. If you create a debate you are automatically the chair-person for that debate.
Creating a Debate
To create a debate, click the 'Create Debate' link at the top left of each page and follow the instructions on that page. You can create a debate on any topic, but it must have two opposing sides, such as 'for' and 'against'. Admin reserves the right to edit for quality or even remove arguments, but we promise to always mail you to explain our reasons!Chairing a Debate
When you create a debate you will be the chair-person, which will give you extra powers to delete or edit comments / arguments. This should only be done to ensure the debate goes smoothly, and never because you disagree with something being said.
If you edit a comment or argument you should insert a brief explanation of why you have done so, using the [chair] tag, which takes your name as a parameter. For example:
[chair Will]Fixed a broken link[/chair]
Feedback
If you would like to offer praise or constructive criticism about this site then see the feedback debate.