Calling all "Fighters", a new debate series.

reply to post by tothetenthpower

But members will be able to host debates at their own request.

Redundancy. The rules state submission via u2u to a mod, for a debate idea, then re-submission once more before the debate is posted. The current rules require double submission:

For more clarity: Fighters wishing to start debate threads, who have been pre-approved for this ability must: 1) Contact a debate moderator ( as listed here ) and ask if their debate idea flies or not. 2) If a debate mod agrees with the rough debate idea. the member must then submit their thread - before posting it - to the same staff member for review. 3) Once that is done then the person starting the debate must also U2U the same staff member when the debate is posted that that staff can review and verify everything.

Reference.

That's a total of three u2us to a Mod in order to create a SINGLE debate. That's not streamlining, that's adding extra work for members and staff alike.

I'd rather beg Heff or tenth to create a debate thread, or perhaps any of the other Mods, but it would be a single u2u, the idea incorporated with the premise. Opponents listed, and Mod created.

What's the difference between not having a Mod, having several, and then suddenly having a functional forum?

Rhetoric is sometimes sublime.

reply to post by Druid42


I disagree. In reality the three U2U's won't take much time at all. The first is just a subject matter approval. "Can we debate about this versus that?"

The second is just a copy/paste send so that staff can record the debate in the staff only forum - and then use that field to decide upon mods/judges/participants - and to make sure all necessary info in in the OP itself.

The third is simply a "OK. Up and running" so that we know to watch for it.

Three steps can sound like a lot, but it really isn't. It's preferable to staff having to stop in progress debates to adjust things or to say "This one isn't up to snuff".

We aren't seeking editorial control to any great degree ( other than wanting solid debate topics ) - beyond that it's just making sure that the ball field is manicured and ready to play on.

~Heff

reply to post by Hefficide


But you also know that if members contact you for a debate, it is much easier to Mod when you set it up. You have the chance to read and adjust, and cut out the middleman.

I'm just trying to point out that member hosted debates are severely redundant, and if you and tenth hang around the debate forum, we will have a nice Mod moderation. The workload is more with you guys answering all the u2us, as opposed to a simple debate request.

Simply put, having Mods to handle debate activities is much easier than involving members, save judging. I'm not saying shut out membership, I'm just saying that make it a per request, a random event, and focus on the Mods, once again, handling the forum. The staff has worked out sufficient rules. The Mods enforce them, but likewise the members need to know it's simple enough to get involved in debates.

Suggestions, aye, is all I have to offer.

reply to post by Druid42


Well... as has been stated we're pretty much rebuilding here from the ground up. Once we get things going we will surely streamline and alter things as needed.

One of the big reasons for member run debates is that, in the past, staff members real lives could end up putting debates on hold indefinitely. Having options lets us mitigate these risks.

Right now we're at that stressful stage where the work is happening but nothing fun has come of it yet. I think once we get a few debates up and running this will all be a lot less eye twitchy for all of us!

~Heff

reply to post by Hefficide


And truly, with Mods like you and tenth, who go the extra mile, we'll be able to resolve all the issues relating to debates.

It's so good to know there is a Mod only a u2u away who will answer any questions. Thanks guys!

I have an open debate that needs a fill in. The Mods will edit the things that need editing, and I have posted my opening. ANY TAKERS?

You simply have to post that you accept the debate, and the Mods will take care of the rest. It'll be your turn to post, so after you accept, have at it......

It's a three post debate, so it should be challenging. Good luck to the brave soul who steps up to the plate.

Originally posted by Druid42
I have an open debate that needs a fill in. The Mods will edit the things that need editing, and I have posted my opening. ANY TAKERS?

You simply have to post that you accept the debate, and the Mods will take care of the rest. It'll be your turn to post, so after you accept, have at it......

It's a three post debate, so it should be challenging. Good luck to the brave soul who steps up to the plate.

I'd jump on it, but I'm playing host.

reply to post by beezzer


Sigh!

The Mods can work magic, but they cannot edit a thread creator. You are ineligible.

Unless, perhaps, a Mod will 404 the current one, and create a new one.

GAO? Staff? That does seem to be within the realm of your capabilities....I have saved my opening post, and will re-post in the new thread, if required.

What's the consensus? beezzer and I can run this debate to conclusion with the tenacity of two Tasmanian Devils, and rather quickly at that.

It's up to the staff to decide the course of action here. I'm more than willing to re-post in a new thread, the same post, but a new opponent, and let the debate run it's course.

Thoughts?

reply to post by Druid42
I gotta go make the doughnuts in a few minutes, but can be made avaliable after work.

Will check in.

beez

I'm ready for a debate. I would like to make a request that it be this weekend though. Work and all...

Well, it's going on four days that I offered my seat for the Moon Landing debate.

Since I haven't heard from anyone, I now take it as a negative response.

I will have my opening statement up in the coming hours.

G'Luck Pinke !

The United States Moon Landing Was Real ~ Debate

Go - No Go for Launch...

All Systems Go !

reply to post by Druid42


I believe your link is wrong...I can't debate you on member avatars.


But link the true debate subject and I may comply...(I think I found it)

ETA: I think your debate is about the Death Penalty for which I may be inclined to debate.
Although I am for it, I may be able to make good arguments for the con position.

reply to post by havok


Well, that was slightly embarrasing. Too many open tabs does that to a person. I'll bet the proper link is where that one should've been.

www.abovetopsecret.com...

Well then, let me PM a mod and get this debate rolling again.....

reply to post by Druid42


Awesome.
I am eagerly waiting the green light.
I am wondering what my time line will be?
Or how long I'd have to post my opening...

reply to post by havok


I've u2ud Heff, and you can start as soon as the edits are completed. Currently, there are no time limits.

I'd like to take a moment to commend the Staff for pitching in and getting this forum rolling again. Hefficide and tothetenthpower both need a pay raise.

Thanks also to AshleyD, GAOTU789, and Skyfloating for all participating.

Thanks to the members as well, as you swing by and offer to join in a mental challenge. Member generated content is what ATS is all about.

The debate styles are unique, and refreshing, and point to a renewed interest in forensic analysis. Reading the ongoing debates also offers a unique perspective, one to be appreciated, and the best of the ATS membership shines through the words presented in each debate. That's something to be proud of.

Hey all, I'm back from Alaska (with a freezer full of salmon and halibut, woot-woot!) and ready for a debate.

As always, prefer religion (heck, I'll even defend the moron Westboro Baptists,) but anything rational is fine. Willing to judge anything, as well.

Just no debates about equal rights for fishes, m-kay?

reply to post by adjensen


Welcome back! You better smoke a salmon fillet and share with the rest of us.

W3RLIED2 and beezzer are waiting, maybe they'll pop in with a topic. I'm also handy in picking "blind" debate topics.

Glad you had fun!

reply to post by SonoftheSun


Eep. Having fun but you killing me here! >.<

Shorter debate is tougher from the pro side I think? Not even sure what my opponent's argument actually is yet and closing statement is next. Also struggling to fit in my references and sources. I should have done some piccies in visio maybe.

I guess it's also tough to put pressure on judges and debate partner to read through large reference documents. (How much are the judges expected to read?) So I went with the explaining route a bit.

Debating is always fun but in large complex topics it's immensely difficult. I think if I ever suggest the moon again it will be something like ...

I think this individual picture is real, and perhaps this piece of fruit. I will argue that the picture and piece of fruit are real.

Well done mods and such like also. Keen to see what you come up with son of sun g'luck!