Debate Format: A better way?

[Gothmog]

Walter posted in the thread "Suggestions for improving the Judging of debates" the following view.Nowadays, I don't like debates just for the sake of debating or winning, it's got to be about something more. And most debates I have seen are about winning. But while it seems to be fun when one is winning I have seen things become outright nasty when some debators were less fortunate...

So, if there is a way the "modus operandi" is changed, things would be different of course. If e.g. a list of topics (eventually already with the judges settled) would be pre-existing and everyone who wants to participate could choose which topic and which side to take part of (just by filling her/his name into the list), no one would have to fear to end up on the "wrong side" of the argument. As soon as one topic is "full" the time can be settled in agreement and the debate held. Such a system would - IMO - result in more interesting debates than those resulting from the current system. snaga1 took up this ideaIn the meantime.... the questions raised by Walter about the format of the debate are far more important, and I am disappointed that noone is interested in discussing them. However maybe that is because it is hard to think about ideas without seeing them in action. To this end I have decided to run a 'Walter Format' prototype debate, and see what happens. And so we have this thread to discuss changes and improvements to the Format of Debates.

Please give your ideas and suggestions.

[Walter]

As Snaga already mentioned in the other thread, this probably would be less suited for "inter-guild-debates" for which the current "modus operandi" ;) could/should be kept.

Hence I wouldn't call it a "better way", rather "a different way", and thus see it as an addition to - rather than a replacement of - the current system. And - as I think - maybe a little more suitable for those who would like to know what a debate will be about and choose their favourite side before they decide whether or not to enter the circus :)

[Gothmog]

Ah. But it may be that more than one different way could come out of this. Perhaps even the Inter-Guild debate format could be improved. After all nothing is perfect. Not even me! :D

[Snaga]

I posted a topic to see if people would sign up for a debate as per Walters idea. The resounding lack of response is disappointing. Was the topic bad? Or do people not want to debate generally? (Maybe we have debate-fatigue?) Or is this a verdict on the format?:confused:

[Ithrynluin]

I would have loved to sign up for your debate snags, but I'm going away in a couple of days and I'll be gone for a reeeeally long time. I think 'debate fatigue' may indeed be the case. The tournament sure was an energy drainer. But hopefully someone will join in. :)

[Walter]

I think the lack of response for your debate, Snaga, may have several reasons:

1) There is, I think, indeed a certain debate fatigue noticeable.

2) Part 3 of a certain movie will probably attract some attention too, these days.

3) Advent, the coming holidays and necessary preparations therefor.

I think that waiting until the holidays are over and the movie-hype has settled some, might be better.

----

Maybe not for a prototype debate, but certainly - if the idea get's some serious consideration - it would be necessary that a list of topics would be "gathered" first, so that the people interested in a debate can also choose which topic they want to subscribe to, as well as the side they would like to support.

[Arvedui]

I will only speak for myself:

There is nothing wrong with the topic. On the contrary. I think it is a very 'balanced' question. At first sight, I thought that there should be more that enough space for both sides to argue.

So why haven't I signed up? Mostly because the holiday-season is right around the corner, and I know that I won't have the time needed to participate. Secondly, I need time to find out which side I should 'join.'

If you can leave it hanging until next year,;) then you will probably see the old frozen ex-king signing up.

[Eriol]

Originally posted by Arvedui
I will only speak for myself:

There is nothing wrong with the topic. On the contrary. I think it is a very 'balanced' question. At first sight, I thought that there should be more that enough space for both sides to argue.

So why haven't I signed up? Mostly because the holiday-season is right around the corner, and I know that I won't have the time needed to participate. Secondly, I need time to find out which side I should 'join.'

If you can leave it hanging until next year,;) then you will probably see the old frozen ex-king signing up.

You were only speaking for yourself, but you could very well be speaking for this Mariner too :). Same reasons here too. I'll be away in a few days, and then holidays, and then, and then...

I'll probably join the debate in 2004 if it is still there for grabs :).

[Snaga]

OK. I'll leave it up and see what happens.:)