First 2006 Debate Tournament

Here comes the bracket. If you're wondering how I got it done so fast, it's because I filled the winners in correctly before the results were in.

Photo bucket is giving me some trouble unfortunately, so the above sentence was typed several minutes ago and my response time will look less impressive. I hope that's the right one.

I'm interested in debating for this Tournament.

What's the prize?

What's the topic?

~patiently waiting~

unfortunately it's a little late. the first round is already over.

There will probably be skirmishes between tournaments i've been told, so you'll have chances throughout the year to mix it up, I'm sure.

Round 2 is Open!

www.abovetopsecret.com...

Thanks for the intro to our debate Nygdan. No pressure, right? lol.

MemoryShock, I suppose you know that I've really got no choice but to start disconnecting the kitchen sink, just in case I have to throw it at you. Nothing personal.

hmmm...lol look who my challenger is..... i think i am in trouble its time to WIN THIS your going down!!! lol gl to everyone

Originally posted by Shawnna
I want to thank everyone for your participation!

I've been keeping up on all the debates and appreciate the effort and thought each of you has put into this competition!

I'm also learning a thing or two as well! This is one of the reasons I love ATS!!!

Always,
Shawnna

Its always good to hear from a fan to all of us debaters....we need more fans like you to tell us how good we are...it keeps us up all night thinking how we can make this tourny twist and turn even more! ty shawnna (hopefully i speak for all the tourny members here)

You all just got Served!

ITS ON!
no its not
OH ITS ON ALRIGHT!

Lets get funky!


Dan

I have replied now, hopefully we will be able to duke it out this time!

Dan!

Hats too to ken on his first round victory, I suspected he had the edge on me.

Good luck to everyone in the second round.

Everybody be on your toes for Vagabonds sink, I feel he is ready and willing to pounce with that at any second. Memoryshock is on his own with this one.

Originally posted by chissler
Hats too to ken on his first round victory, I suspected he had the edge on me.

Good luck to everyone in the second round.

Everybody be on your toes for Vagabonds sink, I feel he is ready and willing to pounce with that at any second. Memoryshock is on his own with this one.

You did a great job Chissler - could have won it as well as the rest of us. All it takes is one judge to tip the scale - and it's hard to say what might have tipped it one way or another. Your debate was a close one and I thought both of you did a tremendous job. It's great to watch good debators really go at it. Also, keep in mind that being considered "young blood" in this environment, based only on your registration date and debate history in this forum alone, is quite a disadvantage. The judges are more likely to know the old guard or have a lingering bias regarding their abilities, so you have to outperform that much more to win. So keep that in mind and keep hitting the punching bags. Hope to see you back here again!

-Ry


[edit on 4-4-2006 by rdube02]

Originally posted by rdube02

Originally posted by chissler
Hats too to ken on his first round victory, I suspected he had the edge on me.

Good luck to everyone in the second round.

Everybody be on your toes for Vagabonds sink, I feel he is ready and willing to pounce with that at any second. Memoryshock is on his own with this one.

You did a great job Chissler - could have won it as well as the rest of us. All it takes is one judge to tip the scale - and it's hard to say what might have tipped it one way or another. Your debate was a close one and I thought both of you did a tremendous job. It's great to watch good debators really go at it. Also, keep in mind that being considered "young blood" in this environment, based only on your registration date and debate history in this forum alone, is quite a disadvantage. The judges are more likely to know the old guard or have a lingering bias regarding their abilities, so you have to outperform that much more to win. So keep that in mind and keep hitting the punching bags. Hope to see you back here again!

-Ry
[edit on 4-4-2006 by rdube02]

Yeah I understand completely. It was a tough argument to make and with only about a 8 month tenure on ATS..... ITS RACISM!

No I had a great time in the debate and I fell short in my argument. Ken posted a better argument and deserved the win. Live and learn, next time I'll come back firing on all cylinders.

Once again good luck to everybody.

Confed it's to you! IT IS ON!

chissler and kens debate was in my opinion one of the strongest ones, and now i will be versing off the winner. ill have my hands full but i PROMISE one hell of a round. Ken, best of luck, and may the best debator be victorious.

im going to wait on your opening statement so as soon as your ready i expect a rapid fire debate on our parts, i am FULLY ready.

Not to start a debate with Rdube before the final round, but I think the "young blood" factor could go either way.

On the one hand, it's no secret that Mem, Ken, and I can be seriously heavy hitters, and our posts can very easily be read in that context because we've all been seen administering beatings before.

On the other hand, if somebody new comes out of nowhere and holds his own with a more experienced member, all eyes are on the new tallent.

If I get into a close debate, I'd MUCH rather have it be against an older member. If Memoryshock gives me a run for my money, I think the judges say "that figures". If Rdube does the same thing, I think the judges say "wow, the new guy has Vagabond hanging on by a thread".

At the end of the day though, it's not the judges I'm worried about: it's the topics.
The worst thing that can happen is to have a topic that is widely misunderstood by the general public. The side battling against the misconception is offered a chance to change people's minds, which never fails to impress.

Originally posted by The Vagabond

The worst thing that can happen is to have a topic that is widely misunderstood by the general public. The side battling against the misconception is offered a chance to change people's minds, which never fails to impress.

Yes, I have to agree with you on all counts. I can see how it could be a disadvantage from the perspective of an "old-timer" as well - with an existing reputation...

I also agree concerning the topic. Now that the first round is over, I can say this - I was forced to defend a perspective I didn't completely agree with. Which is extremely hard, as I'm sure you know. But what better way to exercise critical-thinking skills than trying to analyse a topic from a perspective you did not previously hold... It's a great way to learn about a topic as well. I admit the topic can be difficult, but the position (pro/con) you are given on the topic can really throw you for a loop...

It's great fun - I'm gaining a lot of respect for the great writers here. I'm hoping to have an opportunity to face off with a few in particular.

Much Respect,
-Ry

[edit on 4-4-2006 by rdube02]

wow these topics i get are hard...lol AGAIN im not sure i understand what im doing..lol but i will try to my fullest extent and understanding

Confed, I believe you've interpreted it correctly. You'll be fine.

My next post is up. Good luck to you, hun. I'm turning in for the night so no rush. Nighty night.

[edit on 4-4-2006 by zenlover28]

wow shes a tuff girl....im gonna have to do some studying ill post tomorrow night my reply or sooner

I note with grave concern the conspicuous absence of my worthy foe. That being said, I am rather comforted that he has allowed me time to hit the library and dig up the best possible sources. I will probably not be needing that kitchen sink in this round.

God my trigger finger itches.