How to participate in a debate!

by Revshawn on Apr 3, 2011 8:00 AM EDT

This is the only man on Earth that does not need to provide proof of his argument. He is Einstein! He is automatically right.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are moving closer and closer to the date of April 28^th when the Panthers have the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. With the #1 overall pick comes a fair degree of importance and prestige. People are going to be googling the Carolina Panthers far more than ever, as well as a numerous amount of other search words that will inevitably bring up this blog site, bring new readers to the site, and new chatters to our comment board.

This is not a bad thing. On the contrary, an intellectual discussion thrives on the addition of new arguments and ideas into the conversation. However, when new people come to a blog site like our own there needs to be an outline on how to properly debate in a rational way. Jaxon has taken a lot of time to make sure that there are a set of rules for the site to be governed by, and those rules are there to make sure that the site does not become a back-and-forth battle of shooting insults and accusations toward each other without any real discussion being had.

So in order to help you guys preserve the orderly conduct of debate required getting along with people on this blog, I will give you guys a quick course on how to debate with other people!

First off, what is the point of a debate? It is to come together against your debate opponent with a well-thought argument in order to try to persuade him and the 3^rd parties to your point of view. Whether or not you think this is actually possible, this should be the goal of every debate and should say things to further your progress toward that goal.

What is a "Well thought-out argument?"

A well thought argument is when you present your point of view on a particular subject supported by facts, statistics, and examples demonstrating why your point of view is just and correct. You treat your debate partner as an equal man on equal footing with everyone else and you are in no way more intelligent or more ‘right' than anyone else until you prove it through the toils of legitimate debate.

Let us see some examples.

"I think Jake Delhomme had a good game today! He scored 3 touchdowns, no interceptions, and he threw for 324 yards with a 108.7 passer rating." -Mr. Homer

"I don't believe that we should pick Jacoby Ford in the draft! I believe that even though he has a high 40 speed of 4.28, he dropped 12 passes throughout his final college season. If you can't catch the ball, you can't have a good career." -Mr. Gamecock Fan

"I think that Greg Hardy is a gem waiting to happen. Despite being piled on the back of John Fox's depth chart, he still came out and made several blocked punts and a touchdown on defense in addition to having a tremendous pre-season with 4 sacks and countless QB pressures." -Super Macho Man

This is what you call examples of arguments. Recognize that even though they illustrate a specific point of view they also have facts that back up that particular view. Counter arguments are then made that look just like the argument given but addresses the points the original argument made and contests them in a polite, honest way as well as bringing up their own points and their own evidence to support those points. And remember, these are just examples! An argument can be as large and as small as you want them to be. As long as you have supports to hold up the weight of your words, it is a legitimate argument.

Now that we have seen an example of an argument, let's look at some examples of what is not an argument.

"I think that Kobe Bryant is the best player in the NBA and if you disagree with me you are a racist! That's word baby! For real!" -Internet Warrior

"Lol! Everything you said is the most stupid thing I've ever heard. I can't believe you think Drew Brees is the best QB in the NFL. Manning is the best you dummy!" -Guy with really big muscles that works out 128 hours a week and whose dad can beat your dad up.

"Fail. You and your words are complete fail." -Newcomer to the blog

These are examples of arguments that are not. Here at Cat Scratch Reader we have done pretty well to see that conversations are made in a civil, polite way these last few years. No matter what side you take, if you cannot make a argument and be polite about it then the hard, cold fist of the moderators will come down and actions will be taken upon you. It is not necessarily to punish people that are doing wrong. It is done moreso to protect the experiences of the people that have spent their time at CSR and have enjoyed the thoughtful community that has grown with time. And do not forget that each and every one of you agreed to these principles of fair and honest debate when you joined this blog as a member. As quoted from the CSR terms of conduct:

By posting on the blog, you are agreeing to refrain from excessive profanity, and hate speech against all members. Persons who post derogatory comments solely to incite anger will be considered ‘trolls' and will be banned, with or without prior warning. Attempts to circumvent this code of conduct with language or tone intent on creating discord i.e. excessive sarcasm, mocking other members etc. will be considered akin to ‘trolling' and will result in a warning giving the poster an opportunity to address their tone prior to any permanent moderation.

-CSR Terms of Conduct

So please guys. I have given you guys a quick crash course on how to debate, but deep inside you guys know how to present a point. I believe you guys are smarter than that. Exercise your common sense and let's enjoy this community together alright? While we may be of different races, of different nationalities, and of different political backgrounds let us all join together in our love for the team known as the Carolina Panthers.

That is all.

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Rec'd

"Sometimes the journey is better than the destiny."-John Fox

"Ever noticed that you can say "it is what it is" after anything? It’s the perfect cop-out. Sorry man, I didn’t mean to hit on your girl… But it is what it is!"-Southtunnel (previously El Bacon)

by Flowing Willow on Apr 3, 2011 10:21 AM EDT reply actions

GREAT !!!!!

I am really glad to see this article and its reference to the proper way to debate, and the proper use of language.
I have a 12 year old great grand son that is a huge Panther fan and loves to get on the CSR with me, or I should say used to get on with me. Due to the smutty, and at times, downright vulgar language some guys use I have had to refuse to allow him access any longer.
Its a shame grown men can’t have fun having a debate without foul language and extreme sarcasm – I guess there is always a few “bad apples” in every barrel.

Jim

by goofygolfer on Apr 3, 2011 10:27 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah, I think we need to ban profanity altogether

I’ve seen a lot of profanity on CSR lately, and it seems the more it is tolerated, the more it is used, and it’s becoming widely accepted. Not trying to throw anyone under the bus, but I’ve even seen it come from moderators and editors, and resultingly it makes it seem like it’s okay, so others follow suit.

The thing about profanity is that it’s unprofessional, low class, and ultimately kind of offensive. I’m not trying to be a mom or anything, but in my opinion, this should be a site for Panther fans of all ages to collect and talk intelligently without having to be exposed to vulgarity.

by jkp1516 on Apr 3, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions

goofygolfer

Did you flag the language you found smutty or vulgar? We do our best to moderate, but to moderate requires a moderator- and none of us are at CSR 24/7.

I implore you, and anyone else to use the flag comment feature as much as you feel needed. It just lets us know when we log on which comments are upsetting users without having to physically read every comment in every thread. It helps allow the community be part of the moderation process and I think that’s needed.

Follow me on Twitter! @James_Dator

by James Dator on Apr 3, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Goofygolfer

Congrats on having a great grandson.

Disclaimer: BusyBeingAwesome = Irony. And, on a side note. I miss you, Steve Beuerlein.

by BusyBeingAwesome on Apr 4, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Thank you.

Opinions are not facts. If someone has and opinion that is fine. But to defend your opinion as FACT and dismiss another opinion as false is just fighting like little kids. It is unproductive and immature. Your facts may be wrong, and if so, someone else can point this out. We may disagree on the facts presented but need to recognize that the our analysis of the facts are fundamentally different and no amount of SCREAMING and name calling is going to make your opinion on the facts correct. This is the reason I don’t watch or listen to any political “news” shows and also a reason I don’t jump into some of the discussions here at CSR. I can’t argue with someone who defends their opinion as fact.

by sgtx on Apr 3, 2011 10:44 AM EDT reply actions

I think overall you guys have done a nice job with monitoring the chat here.

Thr rule said excessive cursing & i dont think i have seen any of that. Sure a curseword gets thrown out now & then but thats normal everyday chat for some people. Doesnt bother me at all.

by MrBernz on Apr 3, 2011 10:49 AM EDT reply actions

OK

I see your point, and I guess a “damn” or a “hell” once in a while might be OK but I feel that any lewd language should be forbidden, period!
I would like to see the rule amended to state NO lewd landuage is allowed.

Jim

by goofygolfer on Apr 3, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions

+1

I mean, what’s really the benefit of cursing and profanity here?

by jkp1516 on Apr 3, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions

And is it really THAT difficult to just say 'darn' or 'heck' instead??

by jkp1516 on Apr 3, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I mean gosh darn it if I can do it you can!

Although seriously, I can understand it slipping out when you’re talking and just not thinking, but when you’re typing you should have a chance to see it before you post it.

"Sometimes the journey is better than the destiny."-John Fox

by Flowing Willow on Apr 3, 2011 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

A ‘damn’ or a ‘hell’ every now and then doesn’t bother me in the least. But using the seven words you can’t say on television shouldn’t be used on this blog either. It only degrades the integrity of your argument and this site.

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

by KaiserBromley on Apr 4, 2011 5:02 AM EDT up reply actions

But it bothers others, and that's the point, isn't it?

Obviously someone (not saying you, specifically) who drops f-bombs like they were in a Tarantino movie won’t find anything unusual or upsetting in reading it from others, but the fact that there are kids reading these posts is reason enough for it to be strictly forbidden.

I think we’ve all been a bit too relaxed about it, especially during all the heated draft debates the last few months, but it’s gotta stop. I intend to flag every incident of vulgarity I see. That’s how a language, or a culture, gets slowly dumbed down to the lowest common denominator of society’s intelligence. Let’s all make a better effort to show our brains in what we say here, and not our mouth.

by bigdavis on Apr 3, 2011 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I concur

by jkp1516 on Apr 3, 2011 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions

This helped me thx.

We all love the Panthers and I only ask this so I am more aware in my future when visiting site. What if your not trying to debate what if your only trying to rep what you like
and don’t want to be debated. Just my opinon but I believe this is a big problem everything said on here is a debate which sometimes heats people up. Again just trying to be a better CSR citizen but what if your just giving a shoutout instead of wanting angry. Maybe a shoutout section could help seperate the two. And if ther is already something similar attached could anyone direct me ?

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge,
but rather in a lack of will.
- Vince Lombardi

by Tommy_The_Pantherian on Apr 3, 2011 11:42 AM EDT reply actions

Tommy, I think you may have missed the point.

Rev is trying to upgrade the tenor of our posts, without the name-calling, snarky personal stuff, and especially the vulgarity. I don’t think he’s directing it at “Rec’s” and “+1’s.”

by bigdavis on Apr 3, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm sorry I may have missed the point. wouldn't be the first time.

Hey at least I’m honest I thought he was talking about arguements here and how to debate them. It did help me cuz I sometimes take people out of context and lash out. I see alot of people that lash out on this website. The reason I see for the lash outs is someones inner fan comes out and he exaggerates his point and smart guys tell him your wrong I’m right than he comes back with something before you know it the whole topic is outta hand so I suggested a shoutout tool. I see what he has said about the language I don’t believe that pertains to me as I have never used foul language on this site and I won’t. I have been in heated debates just recently I made a fanpost and was attacked. I was doing everything for fun I even had this is a homer post so if you don’t have nothing nice to say don’t say nothing. Well not in those words but very similar.

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge,
but rather in a lack of will.
- Vince Lombardi

by Tommy_The_Pantherian on Apr 3, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Wasn't being critical of you, in any way, Tommy.

In fact, I found no fault with your FanPost. The idea outweighed the syntax difficulties.

by bigdavis on Apr 3, 2011 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah Bigd I really wish I had better grammar.

I don’t write to many essays. In fact the 3 Fanposts I have done on this site are the only 3 since High School. I live to fast of a life to pratice up, so thats why I only Fanpost every once in a blue moon.

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge,
but rather in a lack of will.
- Vince Lombardi

by Tommy_The_Pantherian on Apr 4, 2011 7:34 AM EDT up reply actions

That's all good. If you want to rep someone's comment just say you agree or something and just not participate in any replies.

I’ve had quite a few times where I’d read what people have said on a comment or an argument I have made and I’ve said to myself “Well. I don’t really feel like debating right now.” and I would take what they’ve said into account and move on with my life.

What I think that this blog has had problems with the last few days have been debating points. Anyone can take opposing T-Shirts of opposing players and go “Rah rah! Everyone on the other side sucks! Rah rah!” And eventually fights break out between the two sides and we have problems in the blog. It’s far better if we just put on our English top-hats, drink tea, and debate like proper gentlemen.

That’s what I’m after.

"Once again the trousers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn

by Revshawn on Apr 3, 2011 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Me too, Revshawn. And I love your picture in the post. Who did your hair? /jk

CSR resident optimist for a full season of football in 2011

by Rick Bates on Apr 3, 2011 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Lol. That's me after I've had my shower.

I really look like this.

"Once again the trousers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn

by Revshawn on Apr 3, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

*Before

"Once again the trousers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn

by Revshawn on Apr 3, 2011 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions

The bad thing with the editing of posts is

that eventually they will install profanity filters so they dont have to edit them. Then that will lead to sites like the nfl site & i am sure you all know how it is there. Half the time you type a 50 word paragraph & it says it has profanity in it, but it doesnt. Then you sit there trying to figure out what it is theyre trying to censor. I can see deleting a post if it is just some1 cursing some1 else out but if it has a curseword in it i say leave it alone. I do realize that i really have no say, just my opinion.

by MrBernz on Apr 3, 2011 12:34 PM EDT reply actions

I meant "if it is a normal post that only has a curseword in it.

by MrBernz on Apr 3, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Debate

I think people are going to say How they feel even if you make a post about debates with rules It’s the comment section not the debate section. It is annoying when people flame and are irrational, but that’s how people are. As far as cussing I think it expresses emotion and is part of language. The actual posts themselves don’t have curse words. Heck you can’t even go to espn without seeing cursing in the comments. This is a fan driven site let people say that Locker is better than Newton. Btw only thing I disagree with in the post is there’s no prestige in the first pick. Publicity maybe not prestige. Anyway I hope we can move last this slow part and get to some FA and draft quickly. Even court cases.

by JohnnyMac080 on Apr 3, 2011 4:05 PM EDT via mobile reply actions