Has a debate forum ever been attempted here?

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

A thread with only two posters to debate a proposition for a period of time. Everyone could "watch." If people wanted, they could discuss and kibitz the developing argument in a separate normal thread. Any two people could schedule a debate thread like reserving a meeting room. The debate thread would be posted in advance so people would know to watch if they were interested in the issue.

Debate Thread: Mean_green and SCgirl23 have scheduled a debate on the assault weapons ban in this thread, starting at 9EST and continuing for up to one hour.

Arguments would get fleshed out. People would root. You could have ground rules, like links or no links. (Or, first one to mention Hitler loses) Posters that always get on each other could have it out in the arena. It would be entertaining and informative. Technically it's probably not too difficult.

(Since there's no admin forum any more, this is a sensible a place to ask this question as any)

[Skink]

1. Dirtbag forums are cmmon here.

Stick around.:-)

[OKNancy]

2. Not that I know of, but from reading your posts

I doubt anyone would want to debate you. You are very very good!

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

4. Not me. I get panic attacks arguing with people! But a lot of threads I see

feel incomplete... not silly political smash-ups, but more substantive things. Some people here have tons of expertise, but the random nature of the internet makes everything hit-and-run.

The techniques of internet arguing are like speed chess... seeking quick decisive victory. Encourages style over substance.

I would love to see what so folks would have to say if they knew they could afford to be civil, and that the discussion was going to continue past the next one-liner.

[Skink]

6. Skink kasporov....

weirdo.

[Sparkly]

3. That sounds like fun!

I'd like to see that.

[rosesaylavee]

5. Send Skinner an email with a detailed proposal

and see what he says. Heck, it can't get any more crazier here... or can it?

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

9. I was thinking it might make things less crazy. Whatever common ground was established

would be there for all to see.

[rosesaylavee]

10. I like your optimism!

I am a tad cynical this week - not usual for me. Its been a bit nasty in here lately. I am sure we can use some fresh faces who are looking for common ground. That would be helpful.

Welcome!

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

11. If nothing else, the debates themselves would be civil...

You can't respond to the first point with "Suck it, dipshit" knowing that you're stuck there for an hour.

And, of course, the first one to mention Hitler loses.

[rosesaylavee]

12. That would be an improvement right there.

Perhaps we could vote on who would represent which side. I think this is an excellent idea. Really. Write Skinner about it. It could be a regular weekly thing...

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

14. Nothing too formal... you wouldn't want to develop cliques and such

That's why I think it would be best if two users could just set it up, like scheduling a tennis court.

Very informal. Like everything on the internet, it would do what it's gonna do.

Two people wanting to just discuss a topic would be cool. Anything more formal would serve to exacerbate differences... you'd end up with Sharks and Jets.

[rosesaylavee]

20. too late

I'm a Shark. Aren't you too? Oh-oh. :)

Perhaps something along the lines like a once a week event that would be include polled opponents (chosen by DUers) on a polled upon topic. We do have scheduled DUzy Awards and other threads that people get accustomed to search for on given days. Otherwise, it may sink and the majority would miss it.

I don't know how something informal would survive... DUers aren't exactly above breaking the rules - maybe you haven't noticed that yet. We are an unruly bunch.

[Cameron27]

7. That would be great,

count me in to watch/read or PM some ideas to my favorite ROFL.

[AlCzervik]

8. that is a really good idea, i would love to read that thread.

[Sparkly]

13. I want The Magistrate to be one of the debaters!!!

:applause:

[CK_John]

15. IMO, it is an elitist idea to lock everyone out but 2. Sort of like calling for a national primary

day without consulting the 50 state legislatures.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

16. Yes, that would be the drawback

But, unlike a primary, it's just some people arguing about something they want to argue about. There's nothing at stake... nobody is deprived of anything except entering a conversation/argument that wouldn't have happened otherwise. It wouldn't be DU excluding anyone, just two individuals sparring for purely personal reasons. No rules. No winners. No formality.

That said, your comment has suggested even more ways it could be a divisive innovation.

[CK_John]

17. With 100,000+ members you want to setup for 50,000 pairs of two? n/t

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

18. I doubt so many people would be interested!

I doubt it would interest many people as something to do.

But it could generate very interesting stuff to read. Like any threads, they would be available for a few days, so I might look through and see that two people had had a focused discussion on something I know nothing about, like liquified coal's greenhouse output, and want to look through it to see a good point-counterpoint.

[CK_John]

19. IMO. this sounds like a bystander attitude, one who want everyone else to layout their opinion,

and you'll decide what to take away from the discussion. Why not just post a topic and ask for opinions? I'm sorry but this idea seems like something a fight promoter would come up with.

[benEzra]

21. Methinks that happens on DU on a daily basis, in subthreads.

For example, on the very issue you raise, check out this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=118x146453#147255

posts #134 and following.

Generally speaking, if you want to debate a topic, frame a polite question in an OP in the appropriate discussion forum that advocates on that issue will frequent, and then engage individual posters in subthreads. Politely.

There are far too many flamefests and "you're a poopiehead" level debates on DU, certainly, but I don't think setting up 1-on-1 "cage matches" will do anything to help that, if the objective is to flesh out one's thinking on an issue.

[Whisp]

22. good idea. recommended.

Hope something comes of this.

[flvegan]

23. First rule of DU Fight Club...

well, you know the rest.