Re: How to debate

Others are afraid to jump into the fray though they might agree or
disagree with the original posters. It's an odd virtual world we have
here.

I don't think that most guys who try to stay out of all of this are afraid,
they just don't feel like tying up 4-5 days with debates that go nowhere.
Back before I finally wised up I was involved in some that went on as long
as 2 weeks. Once you get in you feel obligated to reply to every insult so
eventually you learn to just stay out if you can.
Charlie




"sheets" <jackzucker@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:a55adc53-63fb-4760-8c3c-37285f3be8d6@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
On Feb 10, 11:09 am, Gerry <somewh...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On 2008-02-10 06:16:11 -0800, "DaveB" <davidbross...@xxxxxxxxx> said:

Perhaps to help avoid these unfortunate events folks may want to think
about
posting and responding their views in more the way you would in a
debate,
that is, state your opinion and what you believe are supporting facts
without attacking anyone.

That's a great idea. Now say it to the person who is attacking another
for the next 20 or 30 iterations. When you're finished I'll recommend
an orthopedic doctor so the bones heal properly.

It takes more work but end result is often better
because folks don't loose the main message being distracted by the
fireworks. At the same time, emotion is a normal human condition and
can't
always be temperred but it's something to think about.

There... I learned from Gerry's post on "How to appologize" and kept
this
fairly short. And believe me, it wasn't easy. I have the gift of gab
like
few others... :-)

Well it's nice to know that (the title of) my little essay, had an
ancillary effect.

The problem is that folks have agendas and take pot shots. Like Joe
Finn attacking the credibility of my book, my playing, my influences,
etc. There is no way to respond to that in normal debate session. So,
in immature fashion, I fired a volley back. Then folks accuse me of
getting personal and ignoring the original posting. There's no way to
legislate a good debate in this type of forum. It's just too
unregulated. In a moderated forum like TGP, the moderators would have
pulled Joe's posting and given him "demerits" for which you can have
your membership suspended. I would have gotten similar demerits for my
replies back to him.

Unfortunately, the psychology of these kinds of internet debates is
that each "camp" has followers who also have agendas and likes and
dislikes of the various characters involved. They will usually pipe in
on the side of their buddies. (big surprise)

Others are afraid to jump into the fray though they might agree or
disagree with the original posters. It's an odd virtual world we have
here.


.