DarkWarrior
11-19-2007, 11:33 AM
Alright, well, this forum is meant for general discussion, that is, all serious discussion people may have. And such a forum would probably open up to debate topics. And debates generally lead to someone flaming another. While the regular forum rules also apply here, I think a special topic dedicated to debates is appropriate. I have no qualms with debates. I have qualms with what they turn into. So, I'll post a few little notices here as to what a debate is and how to participate in them without turning them into a flame war.
1) First and foremost, everyone has an opinion. Your opinion is no better than anyone else's. Don't act as if it is. Be respectful of the opinions of others. That doesn't mean agreeing with them, but it does mean not to insult them for their opinions.
2) Second, flaming is a personal attack of another user. Don't do it.
3) Third, opinions are naturally going to have holes poked into them by others. That doesn't mean that that's flaming. Likewise, disagreeing with another person is not flaming.
4) Fourth, we all know that using a past personal experience is common with debates. But likewise, so is criticizing those events. This criticism isn't necessarily a flame. Remember, a flame is a personal attack, and generally insulting another user. Not criticism.
5) Fifth, if it is believed that a post is a flame, do not post in the topic saying "You flamed him/her/me/my dog!" Instead, a PM with a direct link to the offending post, and not just the topic it was in, should be sent to a moderator for review. If it really is a flame, it will be dealt with.
Please follow these guidelines when participating in debates. Failure to do so can result in a suspension/ban at a moderator's discretion, length varying on a case-by-case basis.
1) First and foremost, everyone has an opinion. Your opinion is no better than anyone else's. Don't act as if it is. Be respectful of the opinions of others. That doesn't mean agreeing with them, but it does mean not to insult them for their opinions.
2) Second, flaming is a personal attack of another user. Don't do it.
3) Third, opinions are naturally going to have holes poked into them by others. That doesn't mean that that's flaming. Likewise, disagreeing with another person is not flaming.
4) Fourth, we all know that using a past personal experience is common with debates. But likewise, so is criticizing those events. This criticism isn't necessarily a flame. Remember, a flame is a personal attack, and generally insulting another user. Not criticism.
5) Fifth, if it is believed that a post is a flame, do not post in the topic saying "You flamed him/her/me/my dog!" Instead, a PM with a direct link to the offending post, and not just the topic it was in, should be sent to a moderator for review. If it really is a flame, it will be dealt with.
Please follow these guidelines when participating in debates. Failure to do so can result in a suspension/ban at a moderator's discretion, length varying on a case-by-case basis.