A Few Tips - Debating 101

[Xvall]

I have noticed that quite a few members on this board seem to have degenerated to the point where they start debates in bad places, along with flaming. Here are a few hints that people should follow to make the community cleaner, and more efficient.

[list]
Do not resort to name calling, insults, generalizations, or overtly agressive behavior. Settle debates in an orderly manner. If you believe their to be a flaw in someone's ideology; talk about it peacefully. I have seen far too many 'YOU SUCK!! UR IDEOLOGY IS CRAP!' posts coming from both right-wingers and left-wingers, capitalists and socialists alike.
Keep debates in their respective areas. I have no idea WHY the hell people are arguing about Stalinism in as 'Welcome back!' thread in Chit Chat!
Talk coherently. There is no need to rush; and make sure the details of your argument are presented in a legible manner.
Use facts and statistics to back up your arguments. Often, people will not believe you if you just say something.
Edit your posts if necesarry to correct misinterpretations and spelling errors.
Do NOT fuck with me.
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That is all.

[Pete]

I think I have become enlightened. Thank you Dracoli (not at all sarcastic although your final point seemed to be).

[bluerev002]

those are good, some of these i learned over time, like the first one. the last i have not had the chance to learn yet heh heh (( (^.^/) ))

[Man of the Cause]

I think everybody in the Community should read this, It would make this place a much better place to discuss.
Great work, Comrade Dracoli.

[Xvall]

Thanks. I just thought this might be good advice to some of the newer people on the board, and increase the quality of posts. Don't worry about the last bullet. That was added for humor. Although I can't guarentee your safety if you do not obey it.

[redstar2000]

I'd like to add something to Drake's excellent suggestions (admitting that I, too, have not always lived up to them).

I wish people when they want to oppose an argument would respond to the STRENGTH of what they oppose and not some minor error or foolish mis-statement. I've seen folks make a major point that might include a minor error...and sure enough, the opposition will POUND on that trivial mistake and look away from the argument's major point. NOT good.

I also wish che-lives had a built-in spell-check program...if that is technically possible. Sometimes, it's REALLY hard to figure out what is being said.

[bluerev002]

i would also like to add (its almost the same as what redstar said [if its not the exact same] but here goes)

dont sway!! you say what you want and stick to it.

heres an example, say that your talking about how how you like Che's military tactics:

"yes, i like the tactics that che used, but what i dont like about them..."

the point is that if your defending Che's tactics, or whatever, you should sick to defending, dont strat talking about what you dont like. stick on to your point