Comp. Party

[Mike Soukup]

Originally posted by collin234
this has gone way beyond intelligent discussion.

You are correct it has, but only because you chose to take it down that path. Not once did Michael get personal or attack you. You took the discussion in that direction, not him. What is the point of bringing another person's choice of words into an intelligent conversation? It merely insults the other person, exhibits a lack of debating skill, and fails to provide any meaningful argumentative points. Instead of real debate you have taken the conversation down the path of pop culture debate where one either shouts down one's opponent, picks apart small meaningless points of an opponent's argument, presents personal opinions as fact, or resorts to personal insults. In order to hold a civil debate, avoid these tactics at all costs.

Originally posted by Michael Krass
See, isn't debate fun? Gracious professionalism means that we respect differing ideas, opinions, and methods of being. It does not mean that we shut our mouths at the first sign of controversy.

Nicely put Michael, I couldn't have said it better myself, but of course I'll try anyway. Quality debate without personal attacks can be very constructive; a little debate now and then is healthy. As long as people stick to the subject there is nothing wrong with discussing disagreements with others.

Far too often people on these forums have called for the end to discussions just because they have gotten intense. Why? As long as the conversation stays civil and non-personal, let it continue and some good ideas may come out of it.

Mike