Members Debates - a suggestion for Forum Specific Rules.

[Nixt]

When debates were controlled by staff, there was a set of rules that dictated how members conducted themselves within a thread in the debates forum. The original debate rules can be found here (http://www.habboxforum.com/showthread.php?t=125783).

I believe some of these could be implemented:

1) Please do not make any short pointless comments.
2) Please back up your points with evidence or an extension on the reason for your opinion.

These two are the key ones I feel should be implemented. It's highly annoying when you get posts like this (http://www.habboxforum.com/showpost.php?p=6089383&postcount=2). If people are going to debate, they should actually be debating rather than posting random comments that have no structure or argument that contribute to the debate.

I also think that the rule that says that you must stick to the debate topic is important and should be implemented. In normal forums it is fine to go off topic providing you are referring to a post in the thread, however I think in debates it should remain on the topic of the debate. I have noticed occasionally in the past that within a debate topic it changes into another debate. For example, just say in my recent topic "should homosexual males be able to give blood" it may (it hasn't... but just giving an example) change to whether homosexuality is right or whatever. This rule would prevent that.

I am sure there are others people can think of, and all contributions from members who use the forum and have a real appreciation for debates are welcome. It will be interesting to see how people think that forum should be governed. Basically, I want to see a structured debates forum in which debates don't turn into petty arguments with no valid opinion just childish comments.

[Hecktix]

Sounds like a good idea I'll speak to Matt :)

[Nixt]

Thank you, Oliver. Does anyone else have any opinions?

[FlyingJesus]

I entirely agree. My post in that thread wasn't exactly contributing much but did at least bring up a good point about the figures being given, whereas ones such as that linked offer nothing whatsoever to the debate

[Hecktix]

I believe this idea has been put forward for 'Forum Updates' and will probably appear in the next set of updates.

[scottish]

yes, i agree

[Jordy]

yes, i agreeIt's still annoying and unfunny?

[buttons]

I don't agree, if someone isn't great at debating and just wants a short but simple "Yes, I believe they should/shouldn't" they should be allowed, that's just going over the top. You do NOT need to give evidence on something for your opinion to count, that's just singling people out. It seems from that specific post you've given you just didn't like the fact you wrote your post with "evidence" (hardly evidence, since when were statistics always correct?) whereas someone just replied giving their opinion without going into detail which gave you no chance at arguing back to try "win" the debate. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't find it very fair, it would be obvious if someone was spamming or trolling.

As for staying on topic that should be for every single forum and not just debates but that won't stop anyone.

[Nixt]

I don't agree, if someone isn't great at debating and just wants a short but simple "Yes, I believe they should/shouldn't" they should be allowed, that's just going over the top. You do NOT need to give evidence on something for your opinion to count, that's just singling people out. It seems from that specific post you've given you just didn't like the fact you wrote your post with "evidence" (hardly evidence, since when were statistics always correct?) whereas someone just replied giving their opinion without going into detail which gave you no chance at arguing back to try "win" the debate. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't find it very fair, it would be obvious if someone was spamming or trolling.

As for staying on topic that should be for every single forum and not just debates but that won't stop anyone.

It doesn't necessarily have to be solid evidence, for example statistics or results of a study, it can also be an extension of opinion. So I am not asking for masses of detail, rather an actual opinion. Saying yes or no does not really present an opinion and is certainly not debate. The post in the thread certainly did highlight the problem and gave me the idea to post the thread.
By posting something that doesn't allow you to 'argue' back as you say, it defeats the object of debate. To quote some internet definitions of debate:



argue with one another; "We debated the question of abortion"; "John debated Mary"
consider: think about carefully; weigh; "They considered the possibility of a strike"; "Turn the proposal over in your mind"
discuss the pros and cons of an issue

All of these suggest debate is in depth. One word answers or simply yes it is are not in depth discussion and therefore don't count as debate. Hence the reason I have suggested the exclusion of posts without an extension of opinion in debate.

I agree with your off-topic suggestion, but that's a different story. I feel it is particularly relevant to the debates forum because the idea of a debate is, as I have said, a detailed focus on one issue.

[Suspective]

Also, all stupid debates should be deleted.

[scottish]

It's still annoying and unfunny?

thx m8






What are your opinions?

Opinion;

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty; "my opinion differs from yours"; "I am not of your persuasion"; "what are ...
a message expressing a belief about something; the expression of a belief that is held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof; "his opinions appeared frequently on the editorial page"


"Yes i agree with..."
"No i don't agree with..."

is an opinion regardless if its a few words or not.

in future don't ask for opinions if you want simple replies thx 4 ur time

[Nixt]

thx m8







Opinion;

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty; "my opinion differs from yours"; "I am not of your persuasion"; "what are ...
a message expressing a belief about something; the expression of a belief that is held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof; "his opinions appeared frequently on the editorial page"


"Yes i agree with..."
"No i don't agree with..."

is an opinion regardless if its a few words or not.

in future don't ask for opinions if you want simple replies thx 4 ur time

I asked for opinions and I got opinions, which is fine. I wasn't saying that your post was wrong essentially, although I think it wasn't a decent response. That is why I am asking to introduce this rule, because then you wouldn't be able to do that... :)

[-:Undertaker:-]

I disagree, I think its up to the individual what they post and what they think, and some will be better at debating than others and that will always be the case. A debate is not supposed to be just for the people who debate on this forum a lot, its supposed to be for everyone and restricting posts will drive a lot of people away, which would mean it would be the same old people debating over and over again.

[scottish]

I asked for opinions and I got opinions, which is fine. I wasn't saying that your post was wrong essentially, although I think it wasn't a decent response. That is why I am asking to introduce this rule, because then you wouldn't be able to do that... :)

It was my opinion if its a decent response or not :S

You asked for my opinion and got it.

[Nixt]

I disagree, I think its up to the individual what they post and what they think, and some will be better at debating than others and that will always be the case. A debate is not supposed to be just for the people who debate on this forum a lot, its supposed to be for everyone and restricting posts will drive a lot of people away, which would mean it would be the same old people debating over and over again.

I guess exclusion of certain members is a worry, however I don't think it is that difficult to write. I disagree, because... rather than just I disagree. Period. It will exclude members, but it will exclude those not interested in proper debate. I also think in addition to excluding certain members, it will encourage members to join in because proper debates can be very interesting.

And Scott I know I asked for your opinion and got it, I am not disputing that. That's fair enough! However, I am suggesting the implementation of this rule so as to prevent further posts such as yours.

[lick]

Is that post of undertaker coming out real or did Garion make it up?

Edited by iAdam (Forum Super Moderator); Please do not post pointlessly.

[RandomManJay]

Is that post of undertaker coming out real or did Garion make it up?

Click on the original post link (the little button above the open braket next to the 'Originally Posted by lick') and find out.

Also I think its a good idea, simply stating 'I agree' etc. doesn't really promote debating considering there is nothing to debate about other than the fact you agree.

[FlyingJesus]

I don't agree, if someone isn't great at debating and just wants a short but simple "Yes, I believe they should/shouldn't" they should be allowed, that's just going over the top. You do NOT need to give evidence on something for your opinion to count, that's just singling people out.

But in the debates section you are supposed to debate rather than simply give an unvalidified opinion. You don't have to be good at debating to say why you think something, and if you can't think of why then your opinion probably hasn't been thought over long enough for it to be of any use to anyone. "Evidence" isn't always needed of course but simple yes/no isn't what the debates section is for.

Basically you go to the debates section to debate - saying that short and useless replies are welcome there would be like allowing people to go into every thread about a game or band and just say "idk never heard of it so don't care". If you haven't got a reason for your belief then yes I think it's safe to say you have no place in a debate.

[Supersam]

This is an excellent idea!

It would also mean that the moderators for that specific forum would have to be more involved and make sure the rules for that specific area are up to date and they are being followed and enforced.