debate section in forums
 

Are debate section in forums just a bad idea? Or does it depend on number of members and the more people the more stable it can be?

I'm pretty sure there already is a debate section of the forums, i.e. the discussion section. Correct me if I'm wrong, but discussion and debate seem to go pretty much hand-in-hand...

I think meant more like: “Is it a good idea?”
Not: “Do we have a debate forums?”

To which I reply: "Why wouldn’t it be?"

I agree with DFM. Where's the fun of going online if you can't argue vehemently with someone about some nonsensical topic, eventually turing into 'yo mom' jokes, which leaves some person you don't know and never will crying and you laughing.

Although that is the bad side up there, you also get a better feel for how people think without too much travel or stressing yourself. Also you can expand your thoughts upon the internet, where someone will find a flaw in your logic, and either help you understand why your arguement is right or explain to you why your argument is wrong.

Coincidentally, shouldn't this go into the discussion section?

Absolutely not. That is a land of darkness that no mortals dare tread.

oh ho ho, talse...now I see the "cut of your jib", so to speak.

In that case, let me just say this: debate and discussion are the best way to improve upon ideas, anylsize and fix errors, and generate better innovations. Culture, technology, and society as a whole tends to stagnate without conflict and disagreement, whether it be verbal or physical.

It depends entirely on the social atmosphere of the forum. Generally speaking, it doesn't lead to any positive outcome, but in some instances like the NPF, it works fairly well.

*Harumpff*...the problem is that if everyone tries to avoid disagreeing with eachother, no one gets an outside oppinion about their ideas, which is generally not a good thing...sometimes something that seemed flawlessly brilliant to you at first can, in fact, be improved upon by seeing it through another's eyes. Constructive critisism is a way to strengthen your idealogical foundation, so-to-speak.

- Post Script: This probably should be moved to the discussion thread at some point...

Don't forget the porn!

Fifth, in the darkest of times, we shall look to you for guidance. For yea, I dub thee Prophet of the Intarweb, and lay upon thee the task of ever watching for those who stray from its True Way, that they may seek the bewbz that await beyond the Veil.

To be honest, my experience with forum management is this: Open debate-style things really only work if you acknowledge beforehand that there will be heated, perhaps even flame-heavy discussion inside. I'm at my best in a high-temperature discussion environment, so it works for me, but if you want to avoid flames you need to have some serious moderation (/censorship if you're whining on the recieving end. Tried it once. I'm too lazy.) or have a board population that does not vary ideologically.

...this is possible in several places, but my little E-home has a few of that rarest of E-Species, the Republican Kung-Fu Master. As such, it's amusing to watch random newbies wander into the discussion section and start up the latest in (apologies to King Steve) OMGWTFBUSHRTEHSTOOPID discussion.

Every once in a while we lose a newbie thanks to the resulting firestorm, but a good flame war keeps the blood warm, know what I mean?

...the following is more than a bit wierd and only applies to political differences, but I think it applies in general to most outnumbered sides in E-arguments. I wrote it while back.