The lights are on
One of my favorite things to do in forums is debate. I love to debate. I frequent another site to debate religion which can be really fun and gets quite heated. I've been coming to the GI forums for 5 years now. That's right, 5 years (I think I'm the "oldest" member and it pains me that my rank and everything from the old site is gone). I have fond memories of some of the debates I took part in in the old site with some of the original members. And that's one of the things that doesn't happen here too much. There is not too many debates going on. There are a few but not too much. I think it's because there are a lot of younger kids here who don't know how to do it respectfully, which leads to a lot of witty and smart @ss comments that lead nowhere resulting in a thread getting locked like this one. Here is one of my threads that is a good example of a healthy debate. Comments were backed up with facts and evidence, and no one was trying to "be right".
So, I am here to say "Let the debating begin!" If I "challenge" any of you please don't take it as an attack or an attempt at flaming, I'm just here to learn. I will never disrespect anyone as I ask all of you not to disrespect anyone else who wants to enter a debate. We all need to debate here more, as well as critique (which leads me to the next thing I'd like to bring up).
I think us members should be left free to fully critique each others blog's, sentence by sentence if we so choose. Nobody has really done it yet because they might think it's trolling, but really it isn't. I think if we were allowed to critique each other's blog's that it would discourage users from creating pointless blogs like "My Christmas Gifts". In fact, when clicking on "Post to Your Blog" I think a warning or disclaimer should come up saying something like "By publishing this blog you are giving users full right to critique your work." It could make people think twice before hitting "Publish". Not only do I think it would cut down on pointless threads I think it would make visiting the blogs more fun, as long as it's done respectfully and intelligently. Those are the two key words! (Just remember, critiquing dosn't just mean checking for run-on sentences and punctuation, though you can, it also means to challenge ideas and comments with facts and evidence.)
So go for it. Go ahead and critique this blog. Tear it to pieces. You have my permission. I also look forward to debating in the forums!
Hey, it sounds like fun. A nice debate is good once in a while!
The PSP Go forum wasn't really a debate, it was just morons like myself (yes, I participated) flaming and saying stupid stuff. It was a comedy thread from the start. Anyway, after establishing that point, I agree with you 100%. Some of my blogs have been called out, and I didn't take offense. I responded with why I posted that statement or that idea. There are rational people on GIO; I've been here long enough to know that. A debate with reasonable statements is possible without flaming or trolling.
What do you think about critiquing each others blogs? I think it needs to be started.
I think it would be great, especially for a guy like myself who is trying to become a better writer. I love to hear what people think about my writing, even if they have a problem with it, because I know what to improve on. I'm considering writing as a career, so any help is appreciated.
Thanks for this! Some people take dissent way too seriously. If you can't be changed at any point in your life about anything, you're going to suck. Same goes for opinions, even on something as trivial as video games. A good, healthy, no repercussions debate is great!
So far I like what I hear. We need to challenge the blogs!
There are certain blogs that create debate, but you are right it is a shame no one knows how to do it anymore. Or at the very least debate back without resorting to personal attacks.
It's really fun when the person who tries to prove you wrong is actually the one wrong that leads to a big catastrophe
I find quite a few debates in the forums, albeit short, shotgun-style debates. These flare up mostly on console vs. console threads. For an example, check out the news post about Nintendo's holiday earnings. That got pretty heated. As far as pointless blogs, I couldn't agree more (I wish I could say I disagreed, in the spirit of debate). Times a many I click on what appears to be a good blog title, only to be duped into some silly thread about Jr.'s new video game. As the honorable Judge Mills Lane would say, "Let's Get It On!"
i like a good debate. nothing wrong with argueing peoples ideas. you cant get better or learn more about things if you dont have some constructive criticism to help you learn! :D
debating sounds good, as long as it's done right. only people who can't back thier claim up or who just can't admit theyre wrong resort to dirty pointless attacks. i hereby accept your challenge
I'm younger and I can carry a serious debate without being a jackass.
In spirit, I agree wholeheartedly that the blog page is currently jammed with all manner of worthless bunk. Really, there are quite a few people who are using the blogs to communicate less than substantive points that would be better shared with a simple forum post. However, the notion of somehow codifying that which is "worthwhile" or "intelligent" would cause the moderation staff a headache that no amount of painkillers could lleviate, and simply encouraging people to constantly rip into blog posts of dubious quality does little more than the original offending material to enrich the community. Rock. Har place. Game, set, match.
On that note, I really wish that blog comments could be edited. :-(
Good job, Joe. I think you really just opened peoples minds to good debate on the site. I'm not much of a thread starter but I hope some people start debates. But please no console/platform wars. Or any fanboyism involving Call of Dudes or Halo.
Also, sorry about your old rank getting taken away. I haven't seen you on the site but I hope to see you leaving your mark more often. Maybe old members should get a little veteran badge or something(like Battlefield lol).
I like debating about the best console.(Brand-New Xbox 360 Elite) So let THAT debate begin!
if you debate arithmatic does that make you a mathdebater?
@Nick-
Dude.
@Everybody else-
Check my blogs if you would like. I''m only 14 and don't have much writing experience, but I like to think I could be a good writer. Any critiquing is welcomed. Thanks :)