this site has a very conducive, upbeat and happy atmosphere and we wish to keep it that way. that being said, one of the few negative and detracting things that has, in the past, plagued our site has been the lack of ability of certain members to conduct an intellectually driven, emotion free debate. many arguments have turned into flat out bickering leading to certain members leaving in effect. we wish to minimize losing members and make productive debates, rather than directionless arguments, a mainstay of our site. on the same token we do not wish to impede free speech, so if you really feel a true need to let all the hatred and prejudice you have off your chest, feel free to do so in our Rant Forum, but remember, do not enter that forum unless you understand you will be degraded to the fullest as well by people who do not share your beliefs. that being said, if you wish to join into a debate, especially about touchy subjects including hip hop, politics, religion, etc., there are ways you are expected to conduct yourself if you want to do so outside the Rant Forum and these ways will also help others be more open minded to your views. follow these steps to lead a good and respectful debate:
- 1. avoid fallacies and watch for fallacies within other people's arguments.
- 2. make sure your argument is logical and not emotional and rational rather than irrational. read more here.
- 3. don't treat your beliefs as superior, no matter what the subject, but rather as the belief that makes the best sense to you. the reason is that your beliefs may not make any sense to another person whatsoever.
- 4. do not insult anyone. if you want to find a way to shut someones ears as quickly as possible to anything you have to say, insult them or their ideologies and you will see how successful you are.
- 5. do not belittle anyone. if you put yourself on a pedestal above anyone else, though not as demeaning, this is as bad as insulting someone because you are not explicitly insulting them, but you are instead implying an insult. for argumentative purposes, you and the person you are arguing with are on the exact same level, no matter who they are.
if there are any questions, feel free to ask in this thread. do NOT attempt to debate on this site if you do not know how to do so intellectually or you will be punished.
other than that, as long as you know how to conduct yourself in a debate, you should be fine. have fun and present your views in an unbiased, factual manner and we will all get along just fine.
