If you're reading this, odds are I've had a debate or conversation with you on here. We might have argued about, agreed upon, or defended something.
When debating or arguing, I keep a strict set of rules. If either side breaks these rules, they lose. It's simple.
My rules are as follows:
1. Stay on Topic (I am bad at this). Deviating means you're avoiding the truth or you're a scatterbrain.
2. Refrain from insults. This is a debate, not a roast session. Insults mean you feel threatened. They're only acceptable if the other person casts the first stone. Use wisely, you may lose control.
3. Emotion has no place in a debate. Emoticons are for people to hide behind. People use them in an attempt to cover their frustration. You can feel strongly about a topic, but do not let your emotions blind you.
4. Listen. You may be wrong. You'll never know until you open your ears.
5. Respect that thought. Your opinions are shit. Mine are shit. Everyone's are, but we need to respect them even if we don't agree. Everyone comes from a different upbringing.
6. Assume they know more than you. This goes along with the listen portion. If they're blowing smoke, go along with it. You'll be able to study their posting patterns and know when they know their shit and when they're full of shit.
There are more, but I'm too tired to post them. If you have debate rules, post them here. sharing is caring after all.
[quote]7. Be prepared to verify anything you say. - Enigmatic Entity[/quote]
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Edited by Seven: 2/1/2015 5:42:08 AMI've made this post as a helpful visual-example-based guide on how to argue at [i]"Oaty"[/i] [spoiler]If that really is her name[/spoiler] [b]I enjoy when linguini is a bit tender actually, its a good sized pasta, sauces very well, but I wouldn't recommend it to an idiot like you [i]ever [/i]. Why? Well its because I feel so emotionally terribly about you, you and your stupid avatar just get me so riled up publicly brandishing a weapon. Its past the point at which I even desire to listen to the clacks of shit you type about the screen. I'm quite intelligent, I know, you on the other hand, have proven to have not a single respectable idea. I cannot fathom committing to number 6 without breaking a pre-commited answer [/b]