A debate forum?

[Fëalossë]

I was wondering if maybe it would be a good idea to set up a debate forum... Not for argument, but debate! And the mods would set up individual debates, then users could sign up for the side that they want. Of course, there'd have to be very strict rules, such as guidelines for taking turns, no fighting of any kind (which should be a given anyways), etc.

And wouldn't it be nice for mods to be able to say, "Take it to the debate forum?" lol

[Saruman]

I quite like that idea.

[Catz]

the trouble with that is that its REALLY hard to police.............and lets be honest, if youre not fighting about it, you can debate it in the forums, so i really dont see the point.
people tend to "have a go" in forums like that
:catz:

[Mánalinya]

I think what Fëalossë is saying (and correct me if I'm wrong, Fëa), is that the mods set up the particular debates: not just anyone can start one up, or something like that. Like maybe the members could suggest certain subjects for the debates, but it would be the mod(s) who actually start the debate.

Perhaps there could be teams, and the like, once there are enough people, and then two teams can...well, debate. Of course, the rules would be quite strict. All posts would have to be clean, and calm (no need to get worked up: these aren't arguments).

Actually, I think a debate forum could be really fun. And I would be totally willing to moderate it (preferrably with another person, though ;)).

[Arwen_Evenstar]

I like that idea, I'd really like a debate forum. I also have a forum of my own (Middle Earth) you can check my sig. and to there to debate ;)

[Lady Galadriel]

I like this idea too. I think it could be regulated such that debaters support their arguments with facts, reseach, etc....so that it does not dissolve into senseless/baseless arguments that we sometimes see on regular forum threads.

By the way, Arwen Evenstar, I adore your avatar.

[Menelmacar]

Oo! I think this is a good idea too! Not that I would want to take part myself (never have been good at that sort of thing) but it would be interesting to read what others have to say, especially if it's more controlled than just an argument that comes out of nowhere!

[Mirkgirl]

We don't really need a new forum about that... in a way every forum offers the opportunity to debate an issue on some topic - the library for the books, the citadel for the stars, etc and the pony for anything else.... when you start a thread you expect some debate on its subject after all

The real "debate club" thing is another topic. The art of debate is practiced in groups which love the art of debate for itself and not for the topic. In those people/teams are randomly placed in defence of either of the positions even if they are atheists defending the cause "Christinity is good for the people" or members of the legolas army defending the cause "Movie Legolas was just a mechanism to attract more girls in the cinema and an offence to Tolkiens work". Their sole aim is to prove that they are right through giving solid arguments and answering the arguments of the previous in turns. It's not about opinions, it's all about the art of debate... and it's done in stern order by only the members of the teams. You shouldnt think that a "debate" is what you see politicians do - if they behaved like that in a contest they'd be disqualified before you could say "debate".

As I said just discussing different problems is what the forums are about, after all. We do it all the time in all places and a debate forum would be superfluous as 90% of the threads are sort of discussions. If you want to play "debates club" by its rules, it can be done in a thread in the pony.