Did you know ATS has a Debate Forum?

The Debate Forum has been a staple for years. It is a great tool for honing ones debating skills. No surprise there, we have some damn smart members. The newer members might be unaware of this forum.

There are 2 avenues for debates. A "challenge match" or a "tournament". A challenge match can be arranged at any time. A tourney takes some setting up. This is to see whether the ATS members want to go "debate". And how so.

For those not versed in the forum, the voting is based by fellow "fighters", debaters. And it's voted on by not only your opinion but also on how you present it. Do you guys want to challenge yourselves? It's up to you.

Now I know. How long ago was that added?

Who wants to debate me?

I have heard of this forum before but never actually participated in it for many reasons. First, of course, is that I would not want to be defeated in a debate so I steer clear of them. Say what you will about me, I just hate to lose. Second is that not many people debate on the subjects I like, so until that time comes it is unlikely I will ever debate.

Nevertheless, thank you intrepid for reminding ATS of the forum. Many new members I am sure would love to participate and it may give a poke to the older members, “hey there, start debating”.

I guess once things start rolling in that forum. I will be showing my face in the arena. Thanks for promoting it Intrepid

reply to post by intrepid


Thanks for the Debate Forum reminder.

I've seen a few highly entertaining as well as educational debates over the years.

I've debated in there a few times now - pretty much failed in my last one though I think, lol. Even so it's actually a lot of fun to take part in a debate match. In fact it's surprisingly fun. I'd definitely recommend it for those members who've never had the opportunity to take part yet.

Out of curiosity Intrepid, is there any tournaments planned for the near future as well? I probably won't have the time to take part though admittedly but It would be fun to watch the other debates still. I'd definitely follow it if one was organized.

Had no idea..thank you so much for the post..

reply to post by intrepid


Fascinating.

Now, we just need a *topic* to *debate*.....

(Heh Heh)

Is it possible for a list to be made, from mods, with ideas? I think that leaving it up to members might be a bit, just my 2 cents.

Maybe there can be one for each of the forums, I would love to see a debate about something that would go into the skunkworks forum, now that would be worth a look, or maybe participation

Also, and of course I hate to be the one to bring ideas to the table (maybe), but maybe a particular member group, like the freshman forums. Something where new members could go against new members, and the older more experienced against the same.

I am sure that newer members are not to keen on going against a gold member. This way its a bit more fair, and raises the bar/confidence of new members.


Peace, NRE.

Yeah, I know it well. I go there and read some of the debates from time to time.

I never was all that interested in joining the tournaments though. I am not sure I would be very good at it, despite being told I would.


I don't know. Maybe one day.

I'm interested.
Will look into it.
Thanks for the reminder.

Wow. All these replies and no one is claiming to be a "master debater"?

reply to post by gimme_some_truth


I think you'd be good at it. Shoot maybe you and I could have a debate about something for fun! I'm so tempted to goad you into a Beattles conversation!

reply to post by beezzer


I would love to see a beezzer v. TheWalkingFox or beezzer v. Outkast Searcher on the issue of, per se, Laissez-faire capitalism.

Seriously though, what are the chances of that?

Originally posted by Misoir
reply to post by beezzer

 

I would love to see a beezzer v. TheWalkingFox or beezzer v. Outkast Searcher on the issue of, per se, Laissez-faire capitalism.

Seriously though, what are the chances of that?

I'd be game.
Heck, the neat thing about debate (true debate) is that even the losers walk away learning more than they did before.

Not saying I'd lose.

Debate is an art form.

Upon my arrival to this virtual paradise (at least for me anyway) I was apprehensive about the debate Forum.

Let's face it, there are a number of reasons many of us enjoy the ideals of debate:

• You can exercise your finest arguments
  
• You can learn about new topics you never imagined before
  
• You may find people who can help you express yourself
  
• You may see epic discussions carried out without the theatrics of ego
  
• You may inadvertently learn something
  
• You may inadvertantly teach something
  
• You can feel free to express yourself
  
• You will not be disrespected or stigmatized
  

But I was a bit concerned nevertheless. In an ATS Debate competition, right off the bat, you have to deal with not knowing a few key elements:

• You wont know who you are facing
  
• You wont know what the topic is
  
• You wont know if the topic is deadpan serious or more lighthearted
  
• You wont know if your "pro" or "con"
  

Then there is the 'form' of the debate... it's structure, rules, constraints, and obligations... these add a touch of pressure to the exercise.

Now, add to this the possibility that you are uncomfortable with finding some opponent who takes to debate like a duck to water, and suddenly you may allow yourself to become stressed out over something that should be taken in stride.

Debates are what we can make of them. Sometimes it hurts to find yourself in a position where you cannot support your side of the argument, not because of a lack of desire, but of ability to engage verbally. At times like that, I remember that the debaters of ATS are friends, not enemies. The argument is an exercise in clear thinking and self-expression, not domination. If there is one place where ego - ideally - should have no bearing on outcome, it is in a debate.

Many a debater has entered the 'arena' seeking to dominate only to find their efforts wasted because 'crushing' the opponent is not the key to winning... it's your own argument that must ring true and stand against dissent. These kinds of contests are not for those who take to the competition like peacocks or politicians ... but then... most debaters know that.

The hardest win is defending or promoting an idea with which you totally disagree... against an opponent you admire and respect. It is a game for a different class of courage.

I urge you to take some time to look at the debates on the record; not the failings and strengths you see... and give it a go. Participation in debate can be a very legitimate self-improvement exercise. Especially in a safe environment like ATS.

reply to post by Maxmars
I gave the debate forum a read.
I've been here for over a year now, played elsewhere as well. I think that I could (at least) hold my own in a debate.
I'd like to officially toss my hat into the ring.



Will I be notified (U2U) when an appropriate match and challenger has been located?

Originally posted by beezzer
Will I be notified (U2U) when an appropriate match and challenger has been located?

Challenge matches can be set up anytime. All one has to do is agree to a topic with an opponent and PM any of the staff and we'll set it up.

As to the rest, this is to gauge interest in the idea and see if we can set up a tourny.

Originally posted by intrepid

Originally posted by beezzer
Will I be notified (U2U) when an appropriate match and challenger has been located?

Challenge matches can be set up anytime. All one has to do is agree to a topic with an opponent and PM any of the staff and we'll set it up.

As to the rest, this is to gauge interest in the idea and see if we can set up a tourny.

Gotcha!

I'll try to scare up an opponent.

reply to post by superman2012


i was wondering how to get that one in


i would have gone with
lets start a mass debate