Hey guys,
We've recently made some changes in the debate forum and are offering some additional help for anyone interested, so please read on!

As far as changes go, you may have noticed a new set of rules at the top of the forum and a new tutorial as a topic beneath it. The rules are explained more fully within the tutorial--and WILL be enforced, so whether you are new or old to the DF, please read both the rules and the tutorial.

The tutorial itself explains how to properly structure a debate for anyone uncertain of how to do so and also has a link to a model debate. The model is good not only for setting up a debate, but also for how to respond to a debate, so again, please be sure to look at it. Additional links are also provided to past discussions on debating for your benefit.

Something new in the rules is the request for sources and citations for controversial claims. We are trying to bring the DF back to its old glory as a place for scholarly learning and development, and as such, sources are needed as evidence. The tutorial contains some information on what kinds of sources to look for in defending your arguments. Naturally, not all posts will require sources and this will take some getting used to, but if a fellow debator asks for a source on a claim, you must do your best to produce one or ask a facilitator for additional tips on how to locate one if you are having trouble. We will do our best to help you.

Also new, we, the facilitators are offering ourselves as resources on learning how to debate. The tutorial will remain open for questions on the structuring of a debate, ways of responding, and clarification of the rules (though emailed questions are still a possible means of contact).

Further, new debators have the option of participating in NEW DEBATORS ONLY practice debates. If we do not have enough newbies for a debate but you still want to practice, a facilitator will take the opposing side. If you prefer a non-public, one-on-one debate, private topic debates are another possibility. If interested, please email a facilitator, and we will set the debate up (or help you to do so). We hope this will allow people to learn to debate without feeling intimidated and allow you to join the public debates with a greater confidence in your ability.

Finally, if any current member wants feedback on their own debate style or has questions about improving that they do not want asked in public, you can again feel free to email a facilitator, and we will do our best to help you.

If anyone has any questions about any of the above, feel free to email me, enola_catori, or D_w. Thanks for your time, I know this was long!

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"The sleep of reason produces monsters." ~Francisco de Goya

I can tell you've put thought into your vision for DF. You forgot one ingredient, however; DF needs a huge dose of . . .

Humor.

Levity (and I don't mean cruel sarcasm) is most definitely needed to temper tempers.

I am glad to see a greater emphasis upon attribution. MSM (mainstream media) could take a page from your guidelines on that score! Unfortunately we live in lazy sloppy times where most of us would rather just shoot off an unsubstantiated opinion than research it carefully first.

Anyway, wishing y'all the best. As my garden subsides, I hope to be back to QL more regularly.

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The opposite of joy is not sorrow. It is unbelief. ~ Leslie Weatherhead

I’ve just read DF new rules as well as the Tutorial.
Being a mediocre to poor debater, and guilty of many of the no-nos, (facilitating, high jacking, off topic posts, and countless others), I’m delighted with both the new rules and the tutorial. The rules are clear and concise, and the tutorial will be of immense help to members like yours truly that are not as savvy as others in the art of debating.
Great job guys!!!

Never seem more learned than the people you are with. Wear your learning like a pocket watch and keep it hidden. Do not pull it out to count the hours, but give the time when you are asked. ~Lord Chesterfield~

"Do all things with love." Og Mandino