Completely Optional Guidelines

[dorifto240]

I'm guilty of breaking these too...

http://www.ostrichheadinsand.com/images/ostrich_head_in_sand.jpg

1. Know the subject thoroughly. Not just your side of the issue, but all sides equally.

2. Trust both, but separate reason from emotion. The former is your ally. The latter is not.

3. Unless you live in a theocracy, morality and religion are subjective arguments, not objective arguments. Subjective arguments, while fascinating in certain social situations, have no place in reasonable debate.

(Update: Rick pointed out that I may be wrong about this in the comment section, and I see his point. Our discussion about context helps shed some light about this. I indeed failed to take into account the context of a debate when I suggested #3. He’s right.)

4. Respect your opponent even if s/he does not respect you. (Your professionalism, kindness and honor are yours. Their absence in an opponent has no bearing on your own.)

5. The moment either person involved loses their temper, the debate is over.

6. Thin skin and public debates do not mix.

7. Be aware that debating a point with an unreasonable person may be a complete waste of your time. Debating the virtues of civil rights legislation with a racist, for instance, may not be the most productive use of your time. Likewise, arguing ethics with a crook probably won’t get you anywhere. Just as worthy opponents make great sport, worthy opponents make great debates. Too one sided a contest typically yields disappointing results. Don’t waste your time on unworthy foes.

8. At least 1 out of 4 people who disagree with you may be utterly incapable of arguing a point objectively. See item 7 for further instructions.

9. If you represent a company or organization, heated debates may be ill-advised – especially when they touch on religion, sex and politics. If you are answerable to no one but yourself, no such limitations exist beyond those you impose on yourself. In either case, always remember item 4: The golden rule of public debates.

10. If you are bested, acknowledge it gracefully. If you win, thank your opponent for his/her gracious effort. All other outcomes are to be avoided whenever possible. Nothing is gained from the murder of civility, especially in matters of public debate.

[chevysoldier]

This could get interesting.

[ReconRat]

Sounds like common sense to me. But I understand common sense is not common...

[hue jass]

Unfortunately, this mindset is long, long lost.

[MidgetTodd]

It's easier to just know your MOI and the wind conditions when it's time to right a wrong.

[jbot]

I usually just argue whatever point will net the most amusing response

[Uncle Punk]

4. Respect your opponent even if he does not respect you, is a good policy if your mortality is involved but not necessary if you are on the internet.

5. The moment the other person involved loses their temper, I won

7. Be aware that debating a point with an unreasonable person may be too one sided of a contest but typically yields the most entertaining posts

10. If you are bested, make fun of how ugly they are or how fat their girlfriend is. If you win, thank your opponent for his/her gracious effort. Then rub it in their face

Fixed some of them for you. What kind of mamby pamby PC bullshit is this drivel?

[dorifto240]

I usually just argue whatever point will net the most amusing response

True! And hilarious.

Fixed some of them for you. What kind of mamby pamby PC bullshit is this drivel?

Thanks.