Since this section is the "Debate and Serious Talk" section, I thought I would write a little guide on how to debate correctly.
First and foremost, please remember that everyone who visits these forums has a right to voice their own opinion in any way they please. If something crosses the line, one of the fine moderators will take care of it pretty quickly. The great French philosopher Voltaire once said "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." There are no definitive right or wrong answers for anything in this section - it's all a matter of opinion.
Moving on...
Part 1: The Art Of Asking Questions
So you have a question in your mind about something you'd like to debate on. The question you use at the start of your question can influence every single post that follows it. For instance, say you want to debate on something about political leaders. "George Bush is the greatest President ever - discuss" or "George Bush is better than (insert random countries leader here)" is a way you COULD start out, but by phrasing your question in a slanted manner you have already influenced the responses you are going to get. By putting your question in an opinionated way, you've set the tone for the initial debate - any responses you may get from people who don't think George Bush is the greatest will automatically be defensive. If someone starts off an argument already on the defensive, they are more likely to be unreasonable and your question you initially posed will degenerate down into a quagmire of "YOU'RE STUPID OMG".
Remember : the more controversial or personal your question for debate is, the more important it is that you need to frame it in a neutral manner. "Compare and contrast George Bush and (so and so)" would be a better avenue.
Part 2: Stating Your Point
The topics in the Debate and Serious Talk section of the forums can range from something as ridiculous as Mac N' Cheese vs. Top Ramen to God vs. Allah, but in each case it is important that you state a point. Before clicking the reply button, have in your mind at least some idea of what you want to get across. Remember that what you say can rally others to your cause, or cripple it, depending on how you present yourself.
Generally, posts laden with incorrect grammar and spelling will not help whatever you are debating for. "omg mac nc heez fkcin pwns the shit out uv ramen noodlez", however true it may be, is presented so badly that you look like a moron; and nobody wants to side with a moron . If you decide to do a somewhat lengthy response, make sure you at least have full sentences. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to read someones thoughts if they can't make complete thoughts in writing. I'm not saying that you have to follow a 5 paragraph essay form or anything along those lines, I'm just saying that things that are easy to read and well written will make a better impression on your audience.
Part 3: Evidence Be Damned
A crucial part in stating your opinion is evidence. Opinions are fine and dandy, but they're as useful as a bucket of warm spit. Never be afraid to bring up any evidence you may have in your knoggin'. If you've heard something on the news, read it in a paper or a book, or just heard someone else say it - don't be afraid to put it in your post. If you're wrong, someone will correct you - and they WILL correct you, for better or worse. If you're corrected and you still think you're right, do a little googlin' and check to see if you are right - if you are, edit your post and link your new information. If you're wrong, then hey - you've just learned something new today - now if you're ever talking about this subject somewhere else, you won't be embarassed in person for stating a false fact.
Also - remember that 70% of statistics are made up on the spot. (Yes, I just made that up.) Don't be afraid to cross reference someones facts - especially if they're tossing out number figures. Numbers are one of the easiest things to check. If someone is a few off, let it slide - if it's a gross miscalculation, you might want to call their attention to it.
However, remember that proving someone wrong does NOT mean that you are right. Keep this in mind when reading other people's posts.
Part 4: Keeping a Level Head
It's EXTREMELY easy to get irate over the debate forums - easier than anywhere else on the bf2s forums. Usually topics brought up here are ones that people are passionate about an dhave strong opinions on. It's important to remember that even though you feel strongly about something it doesn't make you right. This is good to keep in mind though, because it does not make the person you are arguing against right either. Seldomly are you going to change someones mind on a subject if they're passionate about it. Remember that your goal in a debate is to get people who could swing either way to choose your side.
NEVER ATTACK SOMEONE PERSONALLY IN A DEBATE. We're not politicians here - no one is running for the Presidency. If you win or lose a debate it will only be in your own mind. If you feel you've made a better point, then you've won - simple as that. You have nothing riding on a debate in this section. If you decide to attack someone personally in a debate (i.e. you're a fucking (insert race/gender/creed/whatever here)) then you are admitting to that person, and the entire board, that you could not come up with an intelligent response to what you've been challenged with. You've taken the easy way out, and in doing so have lost the debate.
If you're attacked personally, don't worry about it. Seriously - after reading harsh words look at your body. No blood was drawn - you're going to be fine, I promise. If you can shrug it off and be the bigger man and continue to make your point without sinking your attackers level, then you are a strong person and will be admired for it. Being provoked only works if you let it get to you, so don't.
Part 5: Conclusions
Remember that opinions are like assholes : everyone has one and usually they're full of shit. The debate and serious talk section of the forums is a wonderful tool that spans nations and cultures that can bring people together with different aspects than what we may be used to. Yes, your personal views might be challenged, but instead of getting defensive about it immediately take a step back for a second and try to see the argument from a different perspective. Those who are the best at debating are the ones who can see the debate from every viewpoint and are able to counter (intelligently) the points made from the views that are not their's.
This section is a good learning experience for all - we all come from places where we may be isolated from the views of others, and this section of the forums is a place for us to get a glimpse of the views that others may hold.
Good luck, and a happy debate to you all!
First and foremost, please remember that everyone who visits these forums has a right to voice their own opinion in any way they please. If something crosses the line, one of the fine moderators will take care of it pretty quickly. The great French philosopher Voltaire once said "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." There are no definitive right or wrong answers for anything in this section - it's all a matter of opinion.
Moving on...
Part 1: The Art Of Asking Questions
So you have a question in your mind about something you'd like to debate on. The question you use at the start of your question can influence every single post that follows it. For instance, say you want to debate on something about political leaders. "George Bush is the greatest President ever - discuss" or "George Bush is better than (insert random countries leader here)" is a way you COULD start out, but by phrasing your question in a slanted manner you have already influenced the responses you are going to get. By putting your question in an opinionated way, you've set the tone for the initial debate - any responses you may get from people who don't think George Bush is the greatest will automatically be defensive. If someone starts off an argument already on the defensive, they are more likely to be unreasonable and your question you initially posed will degenerate down into a quagmire of "YOU'RE STUPID OMG".
Remember : the more controversial or personal your question for debate is, the more important it is that you need to frame it in a neutral manner. "Compare and contrast George Bush and (so and so)" would be a better avenue.
Part 2: Stating Your Point
The topics in the Debate and Serious Talk section of the forums can range from something as ridiculous as Mac N' Cheese vs. Top Ramen to God vs. Allah, but in each case it is important that you state a point. Before clicking the reply button, have in your mind at least some idea of what you want to get across. Remember that what you say can rally others to your cause, or cripple it, depending on how you present yourself.
Generally, posts laden with incorrect grammar and spelling will not help whatever you are debating for. "omg mac nc heez fkcin pwns the shit out uv ramen noodlez", however true it may be, is presented so badly that you look like a moron; and nobody wants to side with a moron . If you decide to do a somewhat lengthy response, make sure you at least have full sentences. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to read someones thoughts if they can't make complete thoughts in writing. I'm not saying that you have to follow a 5 paragraph essay form or anything along those lines, I'm just saying that things that are easy to read and well written will make a better impression on your audience.
Part 3: Evidence Be Damned
A crucial part in stating your opinion is evidence. Opinions are fine and dandy, but they're as useful as a bucket of warm spit. Never be afraid to bring up any evidence you may have in your knoggin'. If you've heard something on the news, read it in a paper or a book, or just heard someone else say it - don't be afraid to put it in your post. If you're wrong, someone will correct you - and they WILL correct you, for better or worse. If you're corrected and you still think you're right, do a little googlin' and check to see if you are right - if you are, edit your post and link your new information. If you're wrong, then hey - you've just learned something new today - now if you're ever talking about this subject somewhere else, you won't be embarassed in person for stating a false fact.
Also - remember that 70% of statistics are made up on the spot. (Yes, I just made that up.) Don't be afraid to cross reference someones facts - especially if they're tossing out number figures. Numbers are one of the easiest things to check. If someone is a few off, let it slide - if it's a gross miscalculation, you might want to call their attention to it.
However, remember that proving someone wrong does NOT mean that you are right. Keep this in mind when reading other people's posts.
Part 4: Keeping a Level Head
It's EXTREMELY easy to get irate over the debate forums - easier than anywhere else on the bf2s forums. Usually topics brought up here are ones that people are passionate about an dhave strong opinions on. It's important to remember that even though you feel strongly about something it doesn't make you right. This is good to keep in mind though, because it does not make the person you are arguing against right either. Seldomly are you going to change someones mind on a subject if they're passionate about it. Remember that your goal in a debate is to get people who could swing either way to choose your side.
NEVER ATTACK SOMEONE PERSONALLY IN A DEBATE. We're not politicians here - no one is running for the Presidency. If you win or lose a debate it will only be in your own mind. If you feel you've made a better point, then you've won - simple as that. You have nothing riding on a debate in this section. If you decide to attack someone personally in a debate (i.e. you're a fucking (insert race/gender/creed/whatever here)) then you are admitting to that person, and the entire board, that you could not come up with an intelligent response to what you've been challenged with. You've taken the easy way out, and in doing so have lost the debate.
If you're attacked personally, don't worry about it. Seriously - after reading harsh words look at your body. No blood was drawn - you're going to be fine, I promise. If you can shrug it off and be the bigger man and continue to make your point without sinking your attackers level, then you are a strong person and will be admired for it. Being provoked only works if you let it get to you, so don't.
Part 5: Conclusions
Remember that opinions are like assholes : everyone has one and usually they're full of shit. The debate and serious talk section of the forums is a wonderful tool that spans nations and cultures that can bring people together with different aspects than what we may be used to. Yes, your personal views might be challenged, but instead of getting defensive about it immediately take a step back for a second and try to see the argument from a different perspective. Those who are the best at debating are the ones who can see the debate from every viewpoint and are able to counter (intelligently) the points made from the views that are not their's.
This section is a good learning experience for all - we all come from places where we may be isolated from the views of others, and this section of the forums is a place for us to get a glimpse of the views that others may hold.
Good luck, and a happy debate to you all!