What Behavior Denotes Poor Debating Skills?

[Phantom]

Although this is a "debate site," very few members seem to actually debate. Those that do, resort to name calling, personal insults, and mud slinging. What do you think is the biggest sign of a poor debater?

[Jhony5]

I would have voted all of the above. However I feel "vulgar and excessive foul language" can be construed in many different ways by different people. I have a very foul mouth throughout my daily life, so I allow that to be transmitted into written form when I feel the need arises.

 

As far as poor debating tactics. I'd have to say using personal information against someone as a distraction from the facts is probably the most common form of "below the belt" tactics. For instance, most of the users of this forum know that I did not graduate high school, rather I opted for my GED, and they know I smokes weed likes everyday. So inevitably when someone doesn't like something I said and they have no intelligent counter point, these are the things they say. "Hey J5, I think your too stoned to think" or "Maybe if you had graduated you would understand...".

 

Say these things after you make your point. However usually, these types of comments are the only response given in retort. That is a sign of a weak mind.

 

very few members seem to actually debate. Those that do, resort to name calling, personal insults, and mud slinging.

 

When in the proper context, these things are actually what makes this board unique. Call someone a fucking jackass on 99% of all other debate forums, and your out the door. It says in clearly in the description when you join this forum. Say what you want, call someone a dumb ****** if you please. Just do so while your saying something of substance. So if I spit facts in your face and piss on your argument, then yes, I'm gonna prolly include a few expletives whilst I send you on your way.

 

Spelling, punctuation, and grammar

 

There are certain users whom come along from time to time that display such terrible use of these staples of written communication, that they must be asked to clean it up when it gets to the point whereas what they are saying is nearly illegible. That being said. IT DRIVES ME FUCKING BATSHIT when people point out a mis-spelling, a lack of a coma, or a grammatical error as a means of dumbing you down. I witness some of the most common visitors of this site making errors in these areas, and yet I will never make mention of it. Yet the same fuckers will jump at the chance to stand on their soapbox and point that shit out to you.

 

Point blank, if your in the midst of a debate and you say anything that isn't topical or related in some way to the topic being discussed, then you lose respect in my view. Making an off-topic joke or comment is one thing, but when you attempt to use it to bolster your position, you have just made an ass out of yourself.

[Phantom]

...For instance, most of the users of this forum know that I did not graduate high school... So inevitably when someone doesn't like something I said and they have no intelligent counter point, these are the things they say. "Hey J5, I think your too stoned to think" or "Maybe if you had graduated you would understand...".

 

These incidents did not go unnoticed and are partially responsible for inspiring this poll.

 

Say these things after you make your point.

 

Do you feel it would be better to not use such tactics at all?

 

That is a sign of a weak mind.

 

Absolutely. This has happened on several threads, apparently.

 

When in the proper context, [profanities] are actually what makes this board unique... It says in clearly in the description when you join this forum. Say what you want, call someone a dumb ****** if you please. Just do so while your saying something of substance.

 

Excellent point. Say what you want to say and use the vocabulary you wish but at least have a point to go along with it.

 

Spelling, punctuation, and grammar

 

Forgot this one. Another great observation! Those that only use the correction of their opponent's grammar as ammunition should not even bother participating. Everyone is guilty of typos and grammatical errors.

 

There are certain users whom come along from time to time that display such terrible use of these staples of written communication, that they must be asked to clean it up when it gets to the point whereas what they are saying is nearly illegible. That being said. IT DRIVES ME FUCKING BATSHIT when people point out a mis-spelling, a lack of a coma, or a grammatical error as a means of dumbing you down.

 

Exactly.

 

Point blank, if your in the midst of a debate and you say anything that isn't topical or related in some way to the topic being discussed, then you lose respect in my view. Making an off-topic joke or comment is one thing, but when you attempt to use it to bolster your position, you have just made an ass out of yourself.

 

Applause.

 

Now enjoy some rep.

[Jhony5]

Posted by Phantom:

Do you feel it would be better to not use such tactics at all?

 

Well, I do feel it is best not to resort to personal attacks. I can't think of a time when I've utilized this tactic. I can take it when someone jabs at me with comments about me personally, in retort. It does bother me when thats all they say though. Just one or two sentences with no substance related to the topic at hand. Only some readily prepared insults for me to chew on.

 

I guess it also depends on the subject matter and the level of debate going on. For instance, many of the threads are not debate oriented. More conversational in nature. Its inside these threads that you'll catch me acting like a smartass jerk, more for the sake of a humorous read then a personal attack.

 

It annoys me tremendously when I construct a well thought out post, countering every point made by another, and the only response I get from that person is " Your a fucking idiot. Put down the bong for a minute you dipshit. OH ya, your grammar sucks".

[Phantom]

I can take it when someone jabs at me with comments about me personally, in retort. It does bother me when thats all they say though. Just one or two sentences with no substance related to the topic at hand...

 

It annoys me tremendously when I construct a well thought out post, countering every point made by another, and the only response I get from that person is " Your a fucking idiot. Put down the bong for a minute you dipshit. OH ya, your grammar sucks".

 

That's a very healthy attitude to have. It would be better if personal insults weren't used at all but, like you said, it is downright annoying when it is the only rebuttal your opponent can offer.

[builder]

http://Off Topic Forum.com/showpost.php?p=1128131&postcount=5

 

http://Off Topic Forum.com/showpost.php?p=1110588&postcount=192

 

http://Off Topic Forum.com/showpost.php?p=1095047&postcount=53

 

There's more, much more.

[eisanbt]

This is certainly a matter which has been revisited a number of times. Often people will denounce new members as being illiterate in the language of debate. I for the most part agree with Jhony, he himself is a decent example of what we'd like to see from those members who are less traditional in the format. Although I've my criticisms of a number of these folk and have observed that often the subtleties of english print are lost on them when someone uses the variety of words which transcend the day to day jibberspeak used by most denizens of the Global-America, I must submit that a speakers greatest points are given most light when they are presented in the same manor in which they arouse in thought.

 

All this jim jam basically dwiddles down ta' dis:

 

-Insults are acceptable on occasion but if more than 40% of what you're saying is mindless back-talk than you'd best cart your arse out a 'ere. A good line is always appreciated, however one must be mostly consistent in making valid and well presented arguments.

 

-Don't just shout out dribble, you can SAY as mush as you want but an't nobody gonna believe ya if you dun't back her up with a lil' logic or evidence. There is a world of difference between a statement and an argument, if this troubles you than go back to Grand6 and learn the basic scheme of a 5 paragraph essay.

EG: "The Solar System is made of Gummy Bears!!" "Well if he says so, it MUST be true

 

-Keep the drama out of it. There is no shortage of twits whose lives amount to so little that they must transfer the basis of their self-esteem onto this online debate forum, these critters are what we call forum whores. If you have some manor of soap opera going on with another member or 2 than keep it in the BS chatty threads and out of debates. Denounce people's arguments, not the people themselves.

[Jhony5]

http://Off Topic Forum.com/showpost.php?p=1128131&postcount=5

 

http://Off Topic Forum.com/showpost.php?p=1110588&postcount=192

 

http://Off Topic Forum.com/showpost.php?p=1095047&postcount=53

 

There's more, much more.

Whats your point?

 

In the second link you provided a stunning example of exactly what I was referring to.

Wherein I was told in response this>>>

A) It's you're, not your. You're following suit. Spell check isn't enough.

...and this>>

D) Seriously, what community college did you drop out of?

 

I didn't say I never get nasty with my mouth. Only that when I do I keep it on track and include something of substance. I'll insult the fuck of of ya, but I'll never do it in the complete lack of rebuttal.

 

In the first and second links you cited examples of what I had said above. Some topics aren't debate oriented. In those threads I am just as likely to be a jackass and fun around as anyone else.

 

 

What are you trying to say builder? I'm a hypocrite? If so I strongly disagree. Remember the WTC conspiracy thread in which you and I debated endlessly. In that very thread you consistently made reference to my marijuana hobby as your only rebuttal. THATS THE KIND OF SHIT WE (myself and Phantom) WERE TALKING ABOUT!!!

[builder]

I'm just getting warmed up, Jhony.

 

You call this debating? Hmmm?

http://Off Topic Forum.com/showpost.php?p=1080847&postcount=158

 

And the last paragraph of this one, in particular. You were replying to a bloke who used reason and rationale. He said nothing about you personally.

http://Off Topic Forum.com/showpost.php?p=1105582&postcount=181

 

And Bry made two posts of no particular nastiness, so you hit him with this.

http://Off Topic Forum.com/showpost.php?p=1109076&postcount=187

 

The issue here, Jhony, is you stifle serious debate by attacking the poster, rather than the post. I often wonder if that's all you got, mate.

[snafu]

Although this is a "debate site," very few members seem to actually debate. Those that do, resort to name calling, personal insults, and mud slinging. What do you think is the biggest sign of a poor debater?

 

Like Jhony I grew up using vulgar language. So calling someone a fucking moron or something to that effect is in my everyday vocabulary. On the other hand I know what you're saying in that a few members go out of their way to insult someone and totally by pass the debate. Giving out members personal information is unexceptable in my opinion. The only reason this would be viable is if that person threatened someone else, or is a molester. There should be no other reason.

I am finding it hard to find someone to debate with, with the soap box mentality we are seeing now. But for the old timers here we have hashed out pretty much every subject.

[Lethalfind]

If someone is a molester, their information is normally already posted on a sex offender website...by the state...not something a private person really needs to take upon himself to do.

 

In the past I have read about cases where information that was not correct had been given out about child molesters, it was put on flyers around a community. These flyers stirred up so much trouble the molester got beaten AND the person who distributed them was found partially responsible.

 

I don't know about other states but here in Florida there is a flyer you can download that has all the correct information on it and print it just as it shows on the state website and post it, hand it out etc.

[hugo]

IT DRIVES ME FUCKING BATSHIT when people point out a mis-spelling, a lack of a coma, or a grammatical error as a means of dumbing you down. I witness some of the most common visitors of this site making errors in these areas, and yet I will never make mention of it. Yet the same fuckers will jump at the chance to stand on their soapbox and point that shit out to you.

 

Point blank, if your in the midst of a debate and you say anything that isn't topical or related in some way to the topic being discussed, then you lose respect in my view. Making an off-topic joke or comment is one thing, but when you attempt to use it to bolster your position, you have just made an ass out of yourself.

 

That should be you're, GED stoner boy.

[Lethalfind]

"Originally Posted by Jhony5

IT DRIVES ME FUCKING BATSHIT when people point out a mis-spelling, a lack of a coma, or a grammatical error as a means of dumbing you down. I witness some of the most common visitors of this site making errors in these areas, and yet I will never make mention of it. Yet the same fuckers will jump at the chance to stand on their soapbox and point that shit out to you. "

 

"I think its funny when they do that because it makes it pretty clear that something that person has said, hit home and they are grasping at straws to address it. Nothing smacks of desperate MORE."

[Phantom]

I am finding it hard to find someone to debate with, with the soap box mentality we are seeing now. But for the old timers here we have hashed out pretty much every subject.

 

Unfortunately, that is a downfall to every discussion forum that is over a year old. After the "givens" have been debated (abortion, religion, gender roles, etc.), the members are left with only current event topics to discuss as they occur.

 

Denounce people's arguments, not the people themselves.

 

That should be the golden rule of debate forums.

[Jhony5]

I'm just getting warmed up, Jhony.

 

You call this debating? Hmmm?

http://Off Topic Forum.com/showpost.php?p=1080847&postcount=158

 

And the last paragraph of this one, in particular. You were replying to a bloke who used reason and rationale. He said nothing about you personally.

http://Off Topic Forum.com/showpost.php?p=1105582&postcount=181

 

And Bry made two posts of no particular nastiness, so you hit him with this.

http://Off Topic Forum.com/showpost.php?p=1109076&postcount=187

 

The issue here, Jhony, is you stifle serious debate by attacking the poster, rather than the post. I often wonder if that's all you got, mate.

 

Congrats! You have managed to spend your time diggin through my posts and then puttin them up here out of context. I do not stifle a serious debate where one exist. If someone says something that makes them appear to be an idiot, then I will inform them of that. However I usually try and include some substance. Are you saying that you never resort to insults or name calling in your rebuttals? You can continue to portray yourself as pathetic by linking to my posts and taking them out of context. Be my guest.

[builder]

Congrats! You have managed to spend your time diggin through my posts and then puttin them up here out of context. I do not stifle a serious debate where one exist. If someone says something that makes them appear to be an idiot, then I will inform them of that. However I usually try and include some substance. Are you saying that you never resort to insults or name calling in your rebuttals? You can continue to portray yourself as pathetic by linking to my posts and taking them out of context. Be my guest.

 

Those three are from the same thread, two from one page.

 

I never made ridiculous claims about my style of debating in this thread, Jhony. You did.

 

Good for a laugh, but I see the ruse. You've got the wood for Phantom.

 

LOL.

[Jhony5]

...and BTW Builder. To show how your manipulating my posts out of context. You defended poor BRY by insinuating I attacked him unprovoked. The examples you provided occurred right after he said this>>>>>

A) It's you're, not your. You're following suit. Spell check isn't enough.

...and>>>

D) Seriously, what community college did you drop out of?

 

He wants to fuck with me, then he gets the tip of the sword, not the butt.

 

Posted by Builder:

Those three are from the same thread, two from one page

3 parts of a 20 page debate. Wow, your covering the thread well with that representation. I said clearly to start THIS thread. I do cuss a motherfucker out. I will call you a fucking dumbshit. BUT, but I will keep a fair balance of insults and debate. WHY? Because I can, thats why.

 

And the thread where I proclaimed myself the winner and seemed to gloat. Grow a sense of humor for fux sake bro.

 

Your trying soooo hard to make me seem a hypocrit. Go back to my first post in this thread. I explained my position VERY clearly.

[Jhony5]

Posted by Hugo:

That should be you're, GED stoner boy.

Ya see....right here. This is why I like Hugo. This is a good sense of humor being utilized correctly. He saw me make an error, and called me on it at the expense of my pride. He didn't do it to attack me. He didn't try and distract from a debate. He did this to get a laugh and make a jackass out of me. Mission accomplished. I have no issues with this sort of off-topic interjection. Theres thousands of comedians out of work in this country, Hugo happens to be one of them.

[Hamza123]

Posted by Hugo:Ya see....right here. This is why I like Hugo. This is a good sense of humor being utilized correctly. He saw me make an error, and called me on it at the expense of my pride. He didn't do it to attack me. He didn't try and distract from a debate. He did this to get a laugh and make a jackass out of me. Mission accomplished. I have no issues with this sort of off-topic interjection. Theres thousands of comedians out of work in this country, Hugo happens to be one of them.

 

No, you like him for two reasons...

 

1) Both are Republican Conservative.

 

2) Both felch each other for the first reason.

[phreakwars]

Again, this is fucking GF, and here is Phantom bitching about shit she knows nothing about..

 

This piss poor behavior is the norm on this site, and I personally wouldn't have it any other way.

 

So for all the bitching you are doing, here is my answer to your fucking poll .

 

[attach=full]1098[/attach]

.

.

[Phantom]

Again, this is fucking GF, and here is Phantom bitching about shit she knows nothing about..

 

This piss poor behavior is the norm on this site, and I personally wouldn't have it any other way.

 

So for all the bitching you are doing, here is my answer to your fucking poll .

.

 

Your opinion is noted. However this poll is currently being enjoyed and debated by other members and was not meant to be a complaint post at all. If you have nothing relevant to offer to the discussion, this would be a good time to make your exit.

[phreakwars]

Oh it is huh ??

 

Where is the debate ?

.

.

[Phantom]

Oh it is huh ??

 

Where is the debate ?

.

.

 

Between Builder and Jhony at the moment. This is a poll post. If others wish to turn it into a debate or discussion, I have no problem with it.

 

On that note, I am going to bed... again.

[hugo]

No, you like him for two reasons...

 

1) Both are Republican Conservative.

 

2) Both felch each other for the first reason.

 

Amazing how the fool thinks everyone who disagrees with his Muslims are all saints crap he labels Republican conservative. I am actually a libertarian ( I prefer the term classical liberal) Libertarian.

 

News for you, Hamza. Every administration, both conservative and liberal, have supported Israel since it's inception. Another news flash for you. The neo-con philosophy is nothing more than an extension of liberal Wilsonian foreign policy.

 

This is one sign of a poor debater:

 

hamza: I think Toronto is gong to win.

 

Jesse Jackson: Nah, Montreal will win.

 

hamza: Your (sic) A Republican conservative Bushie lover

.

[Jhony5]

No, you like him for two reasons...

 

1) Both are Republican Conservative.

 

2) Both felch each other for the first reason.

You really need to get past this labeling obsession. People aren't always X Y Z, mmmkay. Republican conservatives are rarely found with my attributes. If I had to pick a label for myself I'd say that I'm a guydudefella. According to the collective opinion of the members of this board so far, I'm a Republican conservative democratic liberal pinko dropout loser pothead. Worx fer me.

 

Me and Hugo have exchanged blows before (not sexually) in other threads.