Official Judged Debates Sign-Up and Discussion thread

[Vampyrelord]

This is the thread where you sign up and disccus topics for the next Judged Debate, which will be organised by me. This is completely seperate to any judged debates you organise amongst yourselves, and is just here to help you out. If you want to debate, but don't want to organise it, this is the answer to your prayers.

Oh yes.

Spammers who befoul this thread will be terminated.

[M-50]

How about the new law that will be enforced from today at midnight about how shop/bar/restaurant owners cannot send people out just because they are gay? And how that will affect people?
Or public shows of affection?

[renniw]

How about the new law that will be enforced from today at midnight about how shop/bar/restaurant owners cannot send people out just because they are gay?
Do you want to debate if we are for or against the new law or if shop/bar/restaurant owners should have the right to deny service to people due to them being gay?
The second one would be easier to discuss on both sides i believe.

Like the idea by the way.

[Vampyrelord]

Interesting.

Would you two like to debate this against each other then? I can judge.

[renniw]

I wouldnt mind but it would be more about morals so it will be pretty hard to "prove" whats right and wrong et cetera. But if rohil agrees I can be Against the motion, fighting that buisness owners should have the right to deny service. But time is needed due to alot of school work and I am in Spain so GMT+1 time.

[M-50]

I would not mind doing that, I personally am against anyone being denied just because they are homosexual. I am also starting to be quite busy now, got my finals coming up in three weeks so if you want we can do a four post debate, two for each of us and finish within two weeks, or at the latest, 15th may?

[Vampyrelord]

It's up to you guys when you do it, I'll be free to judge pretty much all the time :)

[M-50]

Alright cool, ill pm Affe and tell him.

[renniw]

we can do a four post debate, two for each of us and finish within two weeks, or at the latest, 15th may?

Perfect, You want to begin?

[M-50]

Alright then I will. Tomorrow.

[Vampyrelord]

So is this going ahead?

[renniw]

No idea im waiting for rohil :O

[Fect]

Need a judge?

[renniw]

I think Nathan will be judging but if not that would be great. But first we need to get started its 4 days past when rohil said he would start ;O

[Delta]

Weren't we going to do a judged debate monthly?

[Vampyrelord]

Yeah, but that proved to be impractical due to the fact that debates always overran, and there weren't enough regular debaters.

However, I can organise another judged debate very soon, if you like, as long as you find an opponent :)

[Fect]

I don't know...

Here's a topic idea if you want to use it sometime:

"This house believes it should increase its health care assistance to Africa."

It leaves the debate rather open.

And I'll judge whenever you need me to.

[Vampyrelord]

Sounds like a plan, I need another judge - Neve has exams and RukiaRod is inactive these days.

[M-50]

I dont mind judging this one. Unless only mods are allowed to judge them.

[Vampyrelord]

Fect isn't a mod anymore, and yeah, non mods can judge, the only issue is that first we need some debaters...

[M-50]

You and Fect? I dont mind judging on my own unless someone else wants to judge as well. Kalliades might be able to judge as well if you ask him, ill send him a pm.

[Vampyrelord]

I think Fect only has time to judge, not to actually debate.

[M-50]

I know this post doesnt really go in here but i didnt know where else to put it. how about you do a debate like the public vs the mods of the debate section? and then Fect or a mod from another section can judge it.

[Dexter]

Kalliades might be able to judge as well if you ask him, ill send him a pm.
I'd be happy to judge. Or debate. From June 21st onwards.. exams from now till then.

After that I'm free... so in case you need a judge or looking for a debater.. here's a heads up

[Vampyrelord]

I know this post doesnt really go in here but i didnt know where else to put it. how about you do a debate like the public vs the mods of the debate section? and then Fect or a mod from another section can judge it.

Well, Neve's busy right now, but I'm free to debate...

I like the idea though. There could be a Nathan vs 2 or 3 people debate...

[M-50]

lol has to be more than one though right?
Plus I was thinking after the exams then all mods are free, and most members are too.

[Fect]

As noted above, I can judge almost any debate, since it takes less time to read than to find evidence and write.

[Monkey_man]

I may not be member of judged debates but I will judge if you want

[M-50]

Right now we need more people to actually participate than judge, we have about five people who can judge and one contestant so far. But if noone else wants to participate, then I will go against Nathan.

[Monkey_man]

what is the debate about

[Vampyrelord]

How about me vs Rohil/M 50 on the topic "Should the British monarchy be abolished?". Since me and him are both Brits, the standard should be quite high and it's an interesting debate :D

[Dreams]

Hi,

How about we discus about global warming? How to find a solution, should we stop using the cars or that kinda things.

[Vampyrelord]

Yeah, that's a good idea, are you up to debate it?

[M-50]

Ill judge if you want me to.
We can do that debate in a couple of weeks Nathan about the british monarchy. Got any particular preference? I think i am inclined to keeping it.
Also for a decent three way debate, how about debating on DDT and should we continue to use it?

[Dreams]

Yeah, that's a good idea, are you up to debate it?

Yeah, I am up for it. Just tell me when.
I am often online.

[Vampyrelord]

@Dreams: Okay that's cool :)

My exams end tomorrow so I'll see what I can organise.

@rohil: Good, because I'd be inclined to get rid of it :D.

As for the 3 way debate...I looked at the website and found it a little hard to follow. I think a 3 way debate on DDT would be impractical and difficult - the topic is also quite technical.

Plus, I don't see what would be so interesting about a 3 way debate...

[M-50]

Alright then screw the 3-way debate.
When do you wanna start? who starts? what will the order be?
also i want to debate on the topic of
'Should all of our police be routinely armed with firearms?
so do you wanna or shall i make it into a big public debate?

[Artemis]

Hey, I just realised this section was here.

anyway, I would love to sign up for any debate on pretty much any topic that comes to mind. As i probably have a clear opinion on it already.

thnx for reading,
Scorch

[Dreams]

I am already participating, just give me a sign and we'll start.

[M-50]

btw I think there should be a thread where all the current debate listings should be listed. cus there have been about four of five different acceptions for a debate. me and nathan have about three going on, dreams and nathan have one, dreams and scorh have one and da_quincy might be in one.

[Artemis]

@ Dreams:
Hey, good fast reply.

love to contend with you. Right now I don't really have an idea to debate about. So will you do us the honour of creating a topic to debate on?

and, who's gonna be the impartial judge?

[Vampyrelord]

Anyone can judge, as long as they are impartial.

[Artemis]

okay, okay, okay.

we'll just see who's judge at the time.

but main question is:
the topic to debate on...

anyone wanna fill this in?

[M-50]

How about, whether or not, obesity of children should result in civil action being taken upon parents? aka if their kids are fat, should the social services take over the kids care?

[Artemis]

okay, okay, thats a good one.

I actually agree that the state should be allowed to take over the caring rights on children if their parents lead the child towards obesity.

But if Dreams wishes to take that point, i'm fine with that.

also, does anyone wish to elect themselves as judge?

[M-50]

I will cus Nathan has exams right now. Is that okay with you?

[Artemis]

hey, i'm pretty much fine with anything, so the final stats on my first official debate on CB.

Topic: Should the state (social services) be able to take control over an obese child, if their parents are thought to be the source of the obesity status.

Debaters: Scorch and Dreams.
Judge: M-50

and we'll decided who's for and who's against when Dreams comes back online.

[M-50]

Yep that is pretty much it. but the order is
A1, B1, A1, B1.
wait, do you want two posts each or eight?

[Artemis]

I rather 2.
8 seems a bit too stretched.

but again, the choice is up to Dreams.
The general order would be:

Affirmative 1st
Negative 1st
Affirmative 2nd (final and closing)
Negative 2nd (final and closing)

right? Just wanna clear it up.
now to wait for Dreams...

[Dreams]

Hey,

It really doesn't matter for me. The subject is ok, you guys make up the further rules i'll just obey them, if something doesn't fits with me, i'll tell it to you.

Who starts?

[M-50]

that was upto you. depending on what side you want to be.
being for the motion, goes first, being against the motion is second.

[Artemis]

Well, since i'm affirmative (for). Means i'll probably start 1st.

I'm guessing we'll start a new topic in the judged debates section, right?

so, M-50 will you do the honour of starting the debate?

i'm ready whenever you guys are.

[M-50]

okay it is up by the time you have finished reading this about five times.

[Fect]

I'm good for about a week to debate or judge, however, starting one week from now, I'm gone.

[Vampyrelord]

Scorch vs Dreams, go.

Pick a topic, decide who goes first, and start the debate :)

Fect will judge. If he's not available, I will.

Rohil I should post first in our debate since I'm the one making the proposal...

:)

[backwardsnemo]

Ill join any debate anybody comes up with just PM me

[Artemis]

Ill join any debate anybody comes up with just PM me
I just did a debate on Friday with Dreams, but i'm still ready for another debate.
So, I wish to debate you and unless I come up with a good topic soon you can do it for me.
-Scorch

[diamondedge]

I believe my time will afford some proper debating from me. Sign me up. I doesn't matter to me what the debate is about, or against who for that matter. :)

[Artemis]

Hey, its my former classmate.
anyway, i kinda wanna debate now so i guess you'll do.
no offense in any way.

So let me come up with a topic...
*checks international news for controversial topics...*

The best i've got diamond is about Hamas.
Who just took over the Gaza Strip.

Rather than doing that it could be...
Should Hong Kong be considered a state of China or an independent country?

that good with you?

[backwardsnemo]

am I still included in this?

[Artemis]

Sorry for not answering.

yeah, sure. I'm just waiting for the next ready person.

But we've gotta get a judge, to do the rules and such.

But unless i'm somehow horribly wrong the guidelines are something like:

Topic to debate: Should Hong Kong be declared a state of the People's Republic of China or be considered an independent country?

Debaters: Scorch and either you (backwardsnemo) or diamondsedge

Order: A1, B1, A2, B2

and then you can choose whether you wish the debate to be a 4 or a 8.
4 means:
i got twice and so do you.
e.g: A, B, A, B

8 means:
like 4 except double the amount of 'speaks' you are allowed to have.
e.g: A, B, A, B, A, B, A, B.

[M-50]

I wont mind judging again if you want, scorch. btw because of rl commitments, i have not judged your debate yet, so sorry about that. will do it asap.

[Artemis]

it's fine.
Thanks for judging the first one anyway.

We'll see who'll debate with me next.
Until then,

-Scorch

[Fect]

I'm all good to judge.

[Vampyrelord]

@Scorch, +rep for organising your debate yourself. You've made my life a little easier :)

@Diamondedge, how about you debate against backwardsnemo?

@M-50 - I have tennis tonight, but I'll try and get the first post up

@Fect - You're judging scorch's debate :)

[Artemis]

@Nathan:
Thanks for the rep.
I'm trying to debate, but right now neither Diamond OR backwardsnemo has replied yet. I'll continue to set up my debate, so don't worry.

@M-50:
I don't mean to bug you, but could you give your judgment of the debate between Dreams and I? I know you've got things to do, so do I, but a decision would be nice. Take your time.

[Fect]

I'm So very tempted to give a lecture on this topic, but I'll save that for another day (like when I give my analysis).

[Artemis]

@Anyone:
is anyone interested in debating with me? I just feel like doing some form of debating. Diamondedge and backwards hasn't replied yet so I don't think they're really interested.

[M-50]

wat on?

[koolspot]

@Anyone:
is anyone interested in debating with me? I just feel like doing some form of debating. Diamondedge and backwards hasn't replied yet so I don't think they're really interested.

About what?
I have never debated here, sorry if i broke any rule or something posting here but i just like to debate with somebody, It iis in my nature so if somebody can debate or want to debate about anything... Just tell me.

Nathan: Don't worry, you haven't broken any rules...I may be the founder of the Secret Police but I haven't banned posting yet :D

[Vampyrelord]

M-50, I'll try and start our debate this evening. Hopefully Fect can judge.

[M-50]

its okay if you dont, you are busy so i dont mind until after u r free again if you do it then.

[Dreams]

Scorch777 how about you with me? But, we have to find an interesting subject...

[Fect]

I'll judge any that start up, if the contestants will let me.

[Artemis]

Okay, I'll debate with Dreams or Koolspot.
We'll just use the old topic I thought of last time.

Topic: Should Hong Kong be considered a state of China or an independent country?

You guys good with that?
Whoever decides to debate with me,
you can choose the length (4 or 8), whether or not your for or against and such like that.

Finding a judge won't be hard. M-50 or Fect can do it for us.

[Dreams]

Sorry, but I am not that politicle guy, I don't know much about that kinda stuff.
Another subject? Am thinking, but I just can't find one.

I've found one, hope you like it :)

Let's discus about the climat, about 'global warming'. Is there a global warming? What should we do? If we do it, would that be the right option? Or will it affect something else? Should we or should we not build better cars or destroy the nuclear power stations? Or do we really need them? What about the nuclear waste?

You, know... that kinda stuff. You in to this?

[Fect]

Get something more...specific...

"Global Warming" is a little too open ended. Something like "This House believes that emissions from industrialized nations should be decreased."

OR...

Something like "This House believes that Sustainable development should be ENFORCED on developing countries."


Something along those lines, where it's broad enough to give lots of room, but closed enough to not entail me to put 3 10-minute segments on Youtube, ranting.

[Artemis]

I've got one. But its up to you Dreams.

Topic: Should Australia and the USA be forced to sign the Kyoto Treaty?

that a good one? Or is it a bit too hard. We may need to research a bit before debating. It involves a lot of politics, economics and such.

[KingKong]

How about showing anime like Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, etc (take your pick) to our future children will be more beneficial to them than Disney stuff etc.?

I'd argue for anime, really burning Disney...


EDIT
just went through the topic and this
Here's a topic idea if you want to use it sometime:

"This house believes it should increase its health care assistance to Africa."

sounds interesting as well. I'd be against.

[Dreams]

I've got one. But its up to you Dreams.

Topic: Should Australia and the USA be forced to sign the Kyoto Treaty?

that a good one? Or is it a bit too hard. We may need to research a bit before debating. It involves a lot of politics, economics and such.


It's not bad, you up for it?

[M-50]

Id debate against you scorch on the should the us and aussies be forced to listen to the kyoto treaty. but are you against that or for that? im for that.

[Artemis]

@M-50: I would love to debate with you, but I rather not for various reasons:
-Your obviously a lot more experienced than me in debating. You would easily out-debate me if we even did a 1-on-1 debate
-I've been discussing this with Dreams for a bit, so I rather not quit on him no. I think he deserves a rematch with me, especially because he came close to winning last time.

@Dreams:
Okay, we're almost set...
You can decide, because I did last time.
How long? 4 or 8?
Who is for and who is against?

I only ask for 1 thing. You give me until Wednesday to do a bit of research. I would ask for tomorrow, but I've got a few tests and a science exam coming up so i need to study. Don't forget, you get to prepare as well.

And I need to sleep, I'm sorry but I'm pretty tired today. You can decide the details, i'll check them out tomorrow.
good night.

[M-50]

oh alright then.

@ nathan ill start it now but ill edit it later so dont bother posting your second post any time yet. ill tell u when i am finished.

[Dreams]

MMM, I don't know. 4 Shloud be enough I guess. And couldn't we do a Team Debate?

[Vampyrelord]

Are there enough people available for a team debate? They take a while...

[M-50]

yeah there are enough ppl for one. shoudl we set one up? and with neve finishing soon he can come in as well.

[Dreams]

If there is, then I would like to sign up.

So, we have already 1person. Anyone else? I suppose scorch777 would like to join too. That makes 2 of us.

[M-50]

there would be,
dreams
scorch
m-50
neve (mabye)
nathan
koolspot
backwardsnemo

that is seven. if neve dont join, then he and fect can judge.

[Artemis]

Koolspot and backwards haven't really replied yet, so you can't really be sure if they're in or not.

But I'm definitely interested in doing a team debate. So count me in (you already have...), shall we use the same topic or create another one of the team debate?

[M-50]

create a totally new one for team. it has to be something really new, like should the police be given total power or something. btw that aint it exactly, that is just a crappy suggestion.

[Artemis]

Hmmmm...
Well, I'm out of ideas for a topic.

Theres about 4 of us debating, right?

[M-50]

yeah roughly. although if neve wanted to debate, prodigy could also debate, and also everblack. even though he aint online that much, i can talk to him in rl and tell him to debate.

[backwardsnemo]

hey guys sorry ive been away for a while by the way, how dare you doubt me ;_; anyway, i am still intrested in all debates but im not goingto be back until next week sorry

[M-50]

I got a good topic,
'Should convicted criminals be used for drugs testing?'

[Dreams]

It's a good idea, but I think the anwser is for the most people obvious.

[M-50]

Well if you look in the should animals be used for testing thread, some ppl say no. others say yes. so i figured that there may be a split opinion with us lot as well.

[koolspot]

Sorry, i was away for a while... But i am still interested, and the animal testing topic is good enough for me... just tell me when

[Artemis]

Hang on, when we mean 'drugs' do we mean cocaine, smack, pot and other types of drugs like that?

Or do we mean the medicinal drugs. The ones that need results to be proven effective, so we need a live subject to test on?

[M-50]

medicinal drugs that have not been tested on humans, but on animals first. like the drugs used in that test that went wrong in fenway park i think it was.

[Vampyrelord]

Debates bigger than 2 vs 2 don't usually work because they take forever and people drop out

[koolspot]

I really want to know exactly when will be this debate to be ready, i can be against drugs side. Please tell me when to get ready.

[Artemis]

It really depends on how it goes.

I think we've settled for the topic. And the number of debaters.
Now we've just got to put ourselves into teams and we're ready to go.

I don't mind which side I go on, so i'm flexible.

[Vampyrelord]

I think in future debates a panel of 3 judges or more would be better than a single judge or a pair of judges, as has been used before.

[Fect]

I'd probably end up as the 1 in a 1-2 decision then... >.>;

[M-50]

lol mabye. when i am not participating in the debate i will gladly judge.

[Vampyrelord]

Multiple judges is more realistic, reduces the effects of individual judicial bias, and allows more members to participate instead of the same old debating elite running everything.

That's my view though. I'm happy to hear other opinions :)

[Artemis]

I don't mind, but we are kind of lacking in debaters. At the moment, we could probably get 4 or 5 to debate, and that's if we're lucky enough.

So, numbers are an issue.

[Fect]

If we get a big debate, I think multiple judges is good, but still, while we're small (and have been), let's stay with smaller judging pools.

[Rhea]

I wouldn't mind trying debating if you need more debators:D I've benn meaning to put myself forward but I didn't have the guts....And now I do:D

[Fect]

Pick a topic, and someone will probably be willing to debate you on it.

[d19531]

Is it good if I joined it's fun to have a big debate but a small one will do to:Haha

[Vampyrelord]

Ok, does anyone have any ideas for a topic?

[Artemis]

I should really come here more often.
Sorry about that.

Are we still going with a 'The 2007 Club Bleach Great Debate' idea?

Anyhow, if you need a debater for any debate, PM me.
And I'll check more regularly.

[Rhea]

Ooohhh sounds intruiging I like the idea. I would be interested in participating if that does go ahead.

[Vampyrelord]

I've had an idea for a new format we could try:

The Debate is opened and is available for anyone to argue for or against the motion, or on their own tangent as they please. Onc a certain number of posts is reached, the debate is closed and the judges decide who has debated best.

Spam and flaming will not be tolerated, but unlike in regular debates shorter posts will be allowed (if relevant) but will be unlikely to impress the judges.

Should we give it a try? It's a more inclusive system and doesn't depend on the activity of a few participants - we could sill run closed debates (the kind we have now) as well, of course...

[Rhea]

Nah I gotta say I like that idea in the sense that the debate is open to all who is interested. So, we going for a certain time limit for each debate in which one can rebute though. Cause I would like that instead of a certian number of posts. It gives people chances to rebute and show up poor arguments. Hmmm maybe we could post a list of debating fallacies to watch out for when debating to make it more interesting?

[backwardsnemo]

Im up for that oh and i just got back from a debating comp in dubalin
Thats a realy god idea. Ive also came up with a simple rebutal competition where a single post is placed by the judge on a certain motion and the best rebutal wins

[Rhea]

Hmmm I like that idea too it may be fun. In the sense that every now and then we could hold a contest like that. It would liven up the official judged debates section. Oh btw Nemo you mean Dublin right? I'm from there :D

[Cassie]

I like this idea very much. While the debates that I've been seeing are nice, they usually don't go anywhere. A judged debate has a solid stopping point, and is all business. This would give more incentive to use concrete research instead of just hand waving.

[Dexter]

Aye, like the first official debates we had like DOTM
[http://forums.bleachportal.net/showthread.php?t=24451]

Just on the number of debaters issue. atm I'm not free, as I've got exams for another 2.5 weeks, but after that I'll definitely come back

[Vampyrelord]

Understood.

I have a whole book on logical fallacies, I'll summarise them and put them in a sticky not for people to watch out for.

[backwardsnemo]

Oh btw Nemo you mean Dublin right? I'm from there :D
yeah i was debating in dubalin but I live in london

[d19531]

I will happily debate about any topic and I've done my examens so I'm free:winking56

[Rhea]

Understood.

I have a whole book on logical fallacies, I'll summarise them and put them in a sticky not for people to watch out for.


cool. This is also a really good website which sums up the main fallacies nicely.

http://home.mcn.net/~montanabw/fallacies.html
^^highly recommended reading

The one major fallacy that this is missing is pot calling the kettle black, hypocrisy, accusing the opponent of something the debator himself is guilty of:D

[Fect]

It's never as much fun without a fallacy though. Especially one that goes against ya. Makes you think about what is going on.

Just let me know a) should I judge; b) what the topic is. Hopefully it can be something I'm rather interested in (Biopolitics, nuclear war, etc., etc.), from a critical or policy standpoint.

"The Danger does not lie in difference, but in similarity between individuals of a generation."

[Vampyrelord]

Hm, actually you have a point, it may be better for users to discover them themselves :)

Here's the format:

----------------

Open Debate: TOPIC, eg Gun Control (topics may be slightly less specific than in private debates)

Judges: Between 1 and 3, eg Fect and Scorch777

Length of debate: Eg 10 days

1st Paragraph (should set out the debate clearly, though the topic may be more open than in private debates)

eg: The focus of this debate is Gun Control. Where do we draw the line between civil rights and public security (or do they go hand in hand, more guns, less crime, as they say?).

Here you may argue for or against gun control, a total ban on civilian ownership of firearms or total freedom on civilian ownership of firearms. You do not have to argue for what you truly believe, a good debater can argue on either side of a (fair) argument. You can post some arguments for gun control, and some arguments against, if you wish. At the end of the debate the individual judged the best debater will be declared the winner.

------------

Any questions?

[backwardsnemo]

Yeah is there going to be a post limit

[Vampyrelord]

No, just a time limit.

You're free to organize these open debates as you please, as long as you can find someone to judge it.

Debates must be suitable (i.e., no debates like "Hentai vs Ecchi", it's common sense really) or I will close them. You may make debates on topics already covered in the main debate section.

[Fect]

If I'm judging, don't double post, but feel free to post as much as you like.

[Vampyrelord]

If anyone has any topic ideas, I'll start the debate thread and it will be open to all :)

In fact, you don't have to go through me at all, feel free to start your own debates :) :) :)

~ Vampy out

[Rhea]

I wonder.....Topics are hard how would you guys feel on a topic about Globalization.

Or maybe possibly a topic debating the secular vs non secular state. Does religion rule our heads aswell as our hearts? (Role of religion in the state?)

Role of the media

I like the idea of a debate on Gun control

I dunno just suggestions

[backwardsnemo]

im all for religious debates but i have a liability to ofend

[Rhea]

They are debates. In my opinion, the whole point of official debates is the ability to be objective, value laden tend to skew perceptions and can often come out bias and lacking founding. Let me assure you I will not take offence. Just make sure that if you are entering into the official debates take time to write your response.

[Vampyrelord]

As I say, if any of you feel like starting a debate on a topic of your choice, feel free :)

Alternatively, you could find an opponent and do one of the old, private judged debates.

Either way, I'm happy to judge.

[d19531]

yes yes,

I need to do a speech where we need to defend our opinion.

I doing it about the war against childporn

so If I can do it about it on the forum with a debate I can use it as a help.
is it possible and here is my argument.


Even if you save a few kids from childporn it will still exist.

[Fect]

Inevitabilities are hard to debate against. Choose a topic more open.

[Rhea]

@d19531: I agree with Fect on this one. What I would suggest is post it in the informal debates section and just see the response rate....but in formal debates it just wouldn't work.

I think maybe an interesting debate could be, possibly, based on recent events that have swarmed the news?

Like maybe:

I thought this is an interesting story

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1291024,00.html

In the sense that we are guilty of placing our values on other cultures...that maybe a little narrow but it is controversial story and may have a miriad of interetsing responses...

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1291413,00.html

This might be interesting the level of responsibilty held accountable by children who commit crimes. Should children who commit crimes be punished with imprisonment...Views on this?

This is also an interesting story

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/international/general/view.bg?articleid=1042587

About the volunteers accused of kidnapping children, maybe a debate could be formed on that.

Apart from that there are the others I suggested earlier and I must say I like the idea of Vampyrelord's about gun control.


I dunno some of those may be too narrow just bouncing ideas...

[Vampyrelord]

Looks good to me, feel free to start a thread whenever you want :)

But please, if you do start one in the Formal or Informal Debates section (rather than in here) be sure to mention in the title and opening paragraph that this isn't a regular debate, just so people know.

[Ai]

Opening post you should mention it.

Anyway this section really needs a suggestion thread but I'll lay it out here. I Like to debate but don't usually enter a debating thread because after about 5-6 replies by different people the whole flow of the debate gets really messed up. I prefer smaller debates and would like to challenge another single person to a Judged debate.

I require an opponent (DUHHHH)...<.<;....and Also a fine fellow such as Vamp to volunteer to Judge it's conclusion.

Pretty simple layout, Each person gets Three Posts, First to state their case and why their following it.

Second post to give the meat of their argument and the third to rebut whatever the other has said in their Second post.

To Decide who goes first/second a coin can be thrown...Whomever gets First post gets to pick the Topic.

[Fect]

You know, I've been questioning this a lot: What purpose does morality serve?

If anyone is interested in a deep philosophical judged round, I'd be happy to oblige. I'll take any particular stance you want me to, but hopefully it isn't some inevitability.

Post here if you're interested.

[d19531]

wow that's a great subject to debate about I'd like to participate on that

[Fect]

Since it's such an open-ended topic, how about you propose a limit to it, since it's a rather wide-ranged question.

[d19531]

Since it's such an open-ended topic, how about you propose a limit to it, since it's a rather wide-ranged question.

what do u mean with a limit?

[Fect]

Limit the question down, so for example: Is Technology good or bad?

Was changed to the current: Should RFID tags be required?

However, we could choose a more overarching topic such as: Should the west continue development?

[Ai]

Limit the question down, so for example: Is Technology good or bad?

Was changed to the current: Should RFID tags be required?


It wasn't changed to that Shino and I discussed the ideas for a topic to debate on IRC then started the debate.

@ Vamp if you had bothered to read my post before you deleted it then you would know what to do with the thread already I won't PM you for your own ignorance at reading my post...Not to insult you I don't like saying things twice.

[Vampyrelord]

Well *actually* I have a brain Ai, and I am not simply a drone who follows instructions. Your request for the closure of the debate was founded on the premise of Shinomori's inactivity, a premise which was destroyed in a matter of hours by Shinomori turning up to point out as much.

Since he clearly *is* active, your reasons for me calling off the debate are no longer relevant. However, since the two of you were not exactly getting on like BFF I assumed there might be enough ill feeling there as not to promote a sporting debate, which is why I was considerate enough to ask if you wanted to go on.

[Shinomori]

Well, I'm not going any further, so he can argue with himself all he wants if he so chooses.

[Ai]

Well *actually* I have a brain Ai, and I am not simply a drone who follows instructions.

Point but you still could have done it...I don't mind being told i'm an idiot later on.

Your request for the closure of the debate was founded on the premise of Shinomori's inactivity, a premise which was destroyed in a matter of hours by Shinomori turning up to point out as much.

Lies that wasn't shino, that was his answering machine.


Since he clearly *is* active, your reasons for me calling off the debate are no longer relevant. However, since the two of you were not exactly getting on like BFF I assumed there might be enough ill feeling there as not to promote a sporting debate, which is why I was considerate enough to ask if you wanted to go on.

Lol, I love shino...I love him so much I want to kill him..But yea, Shino doesn't seem to have the time anymore for a debate proper anymore and neither do I really..Unless its a new one..

So yea you can close and archive it.

@ Shino, Get out, your ruining my posts :p

[Vampyrelord]

Alright, let's draw a line here. This is finished, I don't want to here any more about it.

[Fect]

Well then, back to my original question:

What would be a good philosophical topic versus a "Policy" topic, like what we've been debating...?

[Ai]

Is the Division in Religions such as Catholic, Prespatarian, Mormon for christian really such a big deal?

Do we as Human beings hold to much faith in religion, Is this clouding our judgement and holding us back from what we could become?

Is it right to place the power of leading a single country on the shoulders of one man?

War and competition with high risks has long since been proved to improve the rate of inventions and innovation amongst humans does this mean these things are a good thing?

Theres a few topics.

[Vampyrelord]

Religious ones are best kept for judged debates, in the less heavily monitored debates such topics often provoke flaming...

[Fect]

I like the second topic because I can be Nietzschean...

Thanks Ai.

[Ai]

/me shrugs.

Just get the debates moving faster in here..I like judged debates as long as their run to a good set of guidelines and not just allowed to run free.

[backwardsnemo]

I like the war and competition idea

[Vampyrelord]

@ Ai: Agreed.

[Ai]

I've opened a one on one debate topic with a three post limit and two week limit on it along with Prize's I will sponsor If either you or Fect wish to debate me it's cool I will organise a judge myself, if either of you wish to judge it that's cool too and if you can find someone to debate against me it will be even easier and more fun.

It is open to anyone who wishes to debate me however once someone has posted saying they will take it it will be closed to everyone else.

[Fect]

Well, I thought I'd bring a little light back.

I'll look into the current debate, then take the Negative if someone hasn't.

[Vampyrelord]

Finally, some interest...

[M-50]

how about this for a debate:

'Is our technological advancement going to result in the extinction of most, if not all, species from this planet?'

i am up for this if someone else is.

[Fect]

I'd be willing to join, if I'm allowed to quote Malthus and still not be a laughing stock. XD

[Rhea]

hahaha well I wouldn't mind judging if you need one. Bearing that in mind, Malthusian economics although now defunct does have some elements still used in Macro models today so not all is lost and you would certainly not be a laughing stock xD

[M-50]

not in public anyway! :P
what is that? Malthus?

[Vampyrelord]

Not knowing anything about Malthus its probably best if I stay out of this one :o

[Ai]

Its just a simple suggestion really but hear me out you guys.

On a monday open up a debate topic in here. On friday close it..Each person is only allowed one post in the thread on that specific topic and at the head of their post they either put an

Affirmative
or
Negative

To denote which way their arguement lies..On the friday that week or the next week close it and as the judges go through it and award 1st, 2nd and 3rd and give out prizes..The topic doesn't have to be brilliant rather the simpler the better so it invites as many people as possible to enter.

Do this every two weeks and it's open to anyone..Because seriously I'm tired of seeing this section dead and still..And i will flog this dead horse as much as is needed to get god down here and resurrect it.

[Dradam]

Bad idea... By only allowing one post each what happens when somebody makes a post with an argument that no-one had considered before, but there is a clear argument against that hasn't been stated? how are you able to make a retort? the best debates in my opinion is where 2 groups of people are able to make points and retort evenly allowing a flowing debate. This will simply create a groupd of 10 random statements about the task at hand, and won't be a debate.

[Ai]

Indeed however since the attention span of most of these debater's is dubious at best this way it will force people to put forward one very well thought post.

Also as to the arguments point you bring up this is why it's judged..If someone comes up with an argument another person hasn't thought of then all the better for them.

Once you post your post your not allowed to edit it either...

[Vampyrelord]

Fine, as long as we don't force some people to take either Affirmative or Negative, but let them choose. If everyone is arguing on the same side (unlikely unless it's a really stupid topic) the judges pick whoever gave the best argument.

Agreed?

[Ai]

Agreed thats the point..

Gives us a chance to give just one post and enter it as our argument in the hopes of winning munnies and at the same time gives you guys something to judge.

But rules = One post only and no editing it once it's posted.

[Dradam]

To be that's just not smart, have you ever seen a debate where each side is only allowed one statement?
Be funny in a courtroom wouldn't it...
In fact be a bit odd in any circumstance...

[Ai]

Let me reiterate Draga, I tried it the other way. It either turns out that everyone else refuses to read the instructions in the first post properly and posts in a thread when they shouldn't.

or b) They end up all posting the same.
or c) The team gets together for the first post of the argument then never shows up again because they lose interest.

I would also like to point out that the point of this is to show the Judges how good a debater you are by providing them with the best possible argument you can come up with either for or against a certain topic.

This way it eliminates the need to wait for team members...Organize the time schedule...Organize an order in which each team posts and then each team member.

[Vampyrelord]

Agreed, besides, it would have to be a REALLY STUPID TOPIC to have everyone arguing on the same side, eg 'This house thinks torturing old people for fun is a-ok'...

As long as the motion is sensible, we should have no problems.

Sould we say the debate will start and end on Saturdays?

[M-50]

how about this for a topic:

Is modern society affected by same sex marriages and is it accepted?

or something along those lines.

[Ai]

Agreed, besides, it would have to be a REALLY STUPID TOPIC to have everyone arguing on the same side, eg 'This house thinks torturing old people for fun is a-ok'...

As long as the motion is sensible, we should have no problems.

Sould we say the debate will start and end on Saturdays?

Sure one week available for people to make their argument then that gives you guys another week to go through it all and judge so that by the next Saturday the results are out and the next one can begin.

As for the post above this open a new thread and entitle it "Topic Suggestions" to keep people from randomly posting something like that..No offense to you M-50 just this way it'll keep it easier to keep track of our discussions.

[M-50]

sure i understand Ai, i know how it feels when it happens in other threads.

[Vampyrelord]

Good idea, I'll start one.

[Fect]

/me nominates himself as judge.

>.>;

<.<;

[Vampyrelord]

I officially approve Fect as a judge.

One judge for each debate should be fine, we aren't realistically going to get more than that, and Fect is experienced and capable in this field.

[Dreams]

I would like to participate to a debat.

[Manchester Black]

I'd like to sign up for the next debate, whatever it may be.

[Vampyrelord]

Feel free to start one yourself, just read the guidelines :)

[Manchester Black]

Since I have to PM a judge about a topic before I post it; who are the judges?

[Vampyrelord]

Me, or any moderator for the town hall section. But to be honest in your case I won't make you bother, as long as it's not obscene, one sided, offensive or stupid - you seem like a sensible debater.

[Fect]

Hey, Vampy, don't forget about me. :P

[Vampyrelord]

You're right, allow me to apologise by letting you judge the next one :)

(One less job for me XD)