Deteriorating Debates

[Slytovhand]

You know, when someone starts off a topic, and before you know it, it's become more of a mudsling than an attempt to express an attitude or opinion....

Especially when it's a debate which brings in either beliefs or emotions.

You know what I'm saying...

'Nuff said.

[the_std]

I know it, Slyt. In a class, in the work place or on an internet debating forum, it's a very childish thing. I usually find myself completely turned off of debating that particular subject because I know my points won't be considered valid unless they line up with any particular debater's views on the subject and will therefore be subjected mud-slinging instead of debating.

I worked for a federal government office. People there were lifers in their positions and hated being proved wrong. I went to a really uptight and snooty Catholic high school where a lot of the teachers refused to budge from dogma and would hardly even debate, including the debate coach.

People not liking to be proved wrong doesn't just apply to the internet, but it sure is easier to see here.

[blas87]

Ya know, I understand the nature of this site is to debate. But what I always interpreted was that Raps wanted us to debate nicely?

Some threads have just gone to Hell with mudslinging. It's just over the top back and forth.......sometimes even arguing with mods......not a good idea.

It's one thing to debate gun control and do it like mature adults and still shoot the shit on CS.com, and it's another to mudsling and just pile on pages and pages of senseless arguing. Especially when mods have stepped in and other members keep making valid points and the catalyst still refuses to end it.

[Boozy]

Some threads have just gone to Hell with mudslinging. It's just over the top back and forth.......sometimes even arguing with mods......not a good idea.

I would be very disappointed if no one argued with me. That's the whole point of the site!

If we make a formal request with our Mod Hats on, then I don't want to see anyone arguing (at least openly). But in the course of a regular debate, anything the mods say is fair game.

As far as the mudslinging goes, although I have seen some debate styles that I personally do not care for, it is rare for me to see any name-calling or personal insults. If anyone feels that the mods may have missed something, please report it. We do expect a thicker skin of our members here; if you voice an opinion, be prepared that someone will disagree with you, and they may not pull punches. But no one should feel that they are being called names or having their character unfairly attacked.

[Slytovhand]

Hey Boozy - don't worry - I'll be happy to argue with you

As for when I used 'mudsling', I was thinking along the lines of he said, she said, I never said, you always say, you never read what I write... sort of stuff.

[Rapscallion]

Hmm - do we have a halo smiley on this board?

Rapscallion

[lordlundar]

Hmm - do we have a halo smiley on this board?

Rapscallion

No, and I'm seriously wishing we had the ones from CS transferred over here.

[Greenday]

I hate it when a debate turns into just personal attacks. Your hostility disuades me from your arguements.