Formal Debate on Topics?

epaphras_faith · Kitten Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 135

Hey Everyone:

I had an idea that the one on one forum could be used to do formal debates. Nobby is willing to look at it but we will need some volunteers to judge the debates objectively (based more on how good the arguments were constructed verses the actual content. In other words you may vote for what you don't personally believe to be true simply because it was better debating.) and some debaters, naturally.

I would like to suggest a format for one on one debate. I already do this on other boards.

I would suggest a 7 post format. 4 affirmative and three negative. The affirmative gets the advantage of going last and having four posts as they are at the disadvantage of posting first.

1aff constructive
1neg constructive
1affirmative redirect
1negative redirect
1affirmative rebuttal
1negative rebuttal
2affirmative rebuttal (final)

So, What do you all think? Let me have it. (Especially if it sounds ludicrous).
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epaphras_faith · Kitten Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 135

just a bump to ensure everyone has a chance to voice an opinion. Right now it doesn't look like folks are too excited at the possibilities.
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RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 7005 Location: USA

I don't mind formal debates, the One On One fourm is a good way to go. I just don't like being excluded from input on a thread in a public forum.

I was a little offended on one of the sister sites when I was encouraged to stay out of a discussion on a thread in a public forum, particularly since others had involved themselves in the discussion as well and no one began the thread by asking for exclusivity.

just my opinion.
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metothezero · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2003 7:28 pm Post subject:

Rev, was it I that offended you, if it was, I apoligize. No harm was meant. I cannot remember if I had asked you to stay out. I know I did Bridgett, but her input was helping none, yours does contribute to reasoning and logic, unlike some, which is why I asked her to leave MOJO and I alone.

Epaphras, I would like the idea of voting on how a debate turned out. I guess it would notbe that bad, although I find that when discussing something, it is hard to limit the number of posts that I am making. It has taken Mojo and I forever to discuss, but we keep getting interupted, I do not think this would be that bad of an idea though...talk to nobby, perhaps he can do something with the one on one. Perhaps start a topic outside of the ONe on One for all who watched it, so we can vote about the discussion, without having to post inside the one on one area...just a suggestion...
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Nobby · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2003 10:33 pm Post subject:

A One on One, out here will not work. Because someone will interupt. Now everyone can read the debate to see how it's going.

Now if you want run a poll after it's over and vote for one or the other ,that might work. Idea

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admin · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2003 4:38 am Post subject:

Nobby,
Getting ready for our board update I checked settings for all forums...I changed the "one on one" forum so only those in the conversation can view.....seems to me it should be private...if you think different just change the "read" permission on that forum to "all"
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epaphras_faith · Kitten Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 135

I like the idea of a poll taken at the end of a debate.

The limiting of the posts is intended to require structure and forethought before posting. Usually Each person would have one week after the other posts to make their response.

The affirmative gets an extra post as it is a significant disadvantage to have to go first. (trust me here)

If people do not feel the 7 post format is long enough a nine could be used. I suggested 7 posts as nine is very long for structured arguments and the majority of issues are just rehashed in the last two posts.
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RevJP · Moderator Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 7005 Location: USA

As I was perusing other boards I came across one which had a formal debate forum in which only those invited to the debate could post. It also ran a 'peanut gallery' forum for all those watching the debate who wanted to comment as well - it kept the debate uninterrupted and allowed those who wished to view it and throw in thier two cents.

I like the idea of a poll for the one on one debates - to vote on who won the debate by virture of a better argument.

BTW meto, it was NOT you. If it was I would have said this: Razz

Or...

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epaphras_faith · Kitten Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 135

anyone elso out there want to post or vote.
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epaphras_faith

"My God shall supply all your needs."