a comment on the debating methods i'm seeing

[AKR]

in the past week, i've noticed a lot (more than usual) of people wasting forum space by not adding anything new to the debate (anyone else notice?). these posts tend to be short, simply repeating the same stance over and over, but they don't explain their reasoning or refute the reasoning of those who oppose them.

please stop repeating things without actually saying anything to add to the argument. arguments are supposed to progress. CHILDREN argue by repeating the same things back and forth (I.E. "not it's not," "yes it is"), without actually saying why they are right or the other is wrong. adults can still repeat "no it's not" or "yes it is", but they should add something to their argument each time to refute the other's argument and to further strengthen their stance.

the only time you should repeat yourself is if the person is being pig headed and continues to ignore the point you brought up and repeats the same thing, as if you never brought it up. i encourage the other good debaters in here (on either side) to put these people on ignore if they continue to parrot a stance w/o adding anything to the conversation. it just clutters up the forum and is completely worthless. if we wanted arguments containing that, we'd all go argue with a looped recording.

so, please people, starting putting some substance in your arguments.


*shields up*

[riptor]

Agreed. I would also add that people should stay on topic and not try to spin the debate into another field.

[IceDragon]

Why do I get the feeling a lot of peeps reading this have just sloped off to sulk about what you're saying?

You do have a point, although I know I tend to go off on a tangent a bit.

[EDC]

Agreed, there are people on this board that I respect even though I disagree with them because they atleast try to put together arguments. People who pop into a thread to say something like "Evolution is a lie" or "Conservatives suck" don't add anything constructive.