Debating Section

[NOX]

Hi Ed, Any chance of a question based debating section, where those of us who like a 'polite row' can play together in war and peace without having to encroach on the rest of the site where people seem to be getting increasing touchy if you disagree with their viewpoint with any seriousness. I know 'news' somewhat covers this but it tends to get slangy and off the wall sometimes, whereas I think a proper debating section would probably simply appeal to people who, granted, do want to shout their mouths off but in a more structured way.
Ta muchly ;-)

[emmie]

sued, i sincerely hope not, suggest that's a Freudian typo x

[RATTER15]

Good idea Naomi, it would be useful!!

[boxtops]

I like that idea, naomi.

[Prudie]

Nox I'm wondering if what you'd really like is a slightly less moderated topic where posters can have a good old honest discussion without walking on eggshells. I think that would be a good idea. I wouldn't probably join in (as I'm probably one who verges on being too sensitive for the internet) but I think it would make stimulating and often thought provoking reading.
I also completely get the reasoning behind boxtop's suggestion but I don't think it would work as I don't think those who partake in these rather private gatherings see there's any need.

[NOX]

Noooooo not unmoderated Prudie, I don't want to create SAB on our own doorstep. I mean somewhere where if you say something you are then free to answer however many times in strong polite terms you wish because it is a debate not merely a question that the question author feels they own. At the moment if you raise points which someone chooses to ignore and not address and you press the point people tend to get hysterical, say you are spoiling for a fight, imply that you are 'taking over the thread' etc. My point about a debate section is that it would be a prerequisite of posting there to understand that that is going to happen. At the moment I frequently fail to post follow up posts because someone is getting 'upset' shall we say, and I feel that to press or labour my point any further would come off as being control freaky or dominating, yet none of these people have addressed any of the points put to them, so their argument falls flat, they just insult and shout down anyone not in agreement with what they say. I'd just like a space where people can discuss weightier matters in an adult way and it be clear that it's an area where polite argument is encouraged, because to be honest you get more detail in conversations like that and I for one find it really interesting. Those of a delicate disposition could participate if they wish but if it was in 'Debate' would have no room to accuse people of ' taking over threads', ' pushing their point' or otherwise behaving anti-socially. I think if anything it needs to be very carefully moderated, not un-moderated.

[ladybirder]

You mean you just want sensible people NOX. In Answerbank? No chance:-)

[joko]

problem is nox, people dont get offended by people debating with them, they get offended because people disagree with them - so they would still get offended by being disagreed with, just in a different section - so the rows will still happen - because most people who row think they are 100% correct and do not see that they are getting arsey - they feel its justified and acceptable.

i will bet all the people you are referring to with this post either have no idea you mean them or if they do feel it was all your fault - that wont change just because you move sections.
the arsey will just move too.