Okay guys, question.

[Sparx00]

Is it just me, or does it seem like almost every thread in the General section becomes some kind of debate? (As in it becomes discussed way too much since people have so many different points of views on the subject?)

[MxCake]

is that a bad thing? if its civil then i dont see a problem lol but hey this might just turn out to be one big debate as well :p

[Cognitive Gear]

Well, people have different opinions, and they are bound to share them. I don't really see anything wrong with that, but I do think that things would be rather boring if everyone agreed on everything. As long as it stays civil, I think it's a good thing.

[mysngoeshere56]

Well, people have different opinions, and they are bound to share them. I don't really see anything wrong with that, but I do think that things would be rather boring if everyone agreed on everything. As long as it stays civil, I think it's a good thing.

This was pretty much what I was about to say. I think conversations in general are ways of sharing opinions, and since everybody has a different opinion, some degree of debate is unavoidable. But at the same time, civil debate is typically a good thing, as it gives one insight to another person's opinion. It all depends on how one looks at it and how the people involved in the conversation/debate are sharing their thoughts.

[Radical Dreamer]

If I can pose a different question, what's the point of a forum if everyone only posts to say "I agree"? XD People don't have to agree on every subject, and I find that discussion and civil exchange of ideas and debate are healthy things to have. Disagreeing with one another while trying to understand the other's viewpoints on different subjects, regardless of the topic, are ways that help us to grow both mentally and spiritually (if you're referring to theology discussions). Also, I think it's good to learn about what other people think; it gets us out of our own little worlds and shows us that people do have different ideas from what we're used to. XD

So no, while I don't think every thread in General has turned into a huge discussion or debate (even though the General forum is meant for "general discussion"), I also don't think it would be a bad thing if it had. XD

[PrincessZelda]

I think this is becoming a debate.

[Cognitive Gear]

I think this is becoming a debate.

No it isn't. D:<

[Midori]

LOL I HATE DEBATES I'M LOCKING THIS THREAD

Just kidding. More seriously, I think it's just a phase we're going through. No need to worry.

[Warrior4Christ]

As the second speaker on the negative side, I would argue against any claims that every thread is turning into a debate. The Oxford Dictionary defines debate as "an informal and spirited but generally civil discussion of opposing views". Clearly, ladies and gentlemen, this is not the case.....
Oh.

[Furen]

Clearly, ladies and gentlemen, this is not the case.....
Oh.

No I'm sorry you're wrong, it's "X" not "Oh"

[goldenspines]

If I can pose a different question, what's the point of a forum if everyone only posts to say "I agree"? XD People don't have to agree on every subject, and I find that discussion and civil exchange of ideas and debate are healthy things to have. Disagreeing with one another while trying to understand the other's viewpoints on different subjects, regardless of the topic, are ways that help us to grow both mentally and spiritually (if you're referring to theology discussions). Also, I think it's good to learn about what other people think]is meant[/I] for "general discussion"), I also don't think it would be a bad thing if it had. XD

I disagree with this because I'm also agreeing with you.


At any rate, no, it's not just you, Sparx. Many of the threads in General are turning into debates because they can and most people, Christian or not, enjoy sharing their opinion and trying to convince others they are correct. More so recently, but I suppose it may be a phase, like Midori said.

[TGJesusfreak]

If I can pose a different question, what's the point of a forum if everyone only posts to say "I agree"? XD People don't have to agree on every subject, and I find that discussion and civil exchange of ideas and debate are healthy things to have. Disagreeing with one another while trying to understand the other's viewpoints on different subjects, regardless of the topic, are ways that help us to grow both mentally and spiritually (if you're referring to theology discussions). Also, I think it's good to learn about what other people think]is meant[/i] for "general discussion"), I also don't think it would be a bad thing if it had. XD

I agree. Having an HONEST sitdown and discussion is what helps everyone grow. I mean, its better than living in your own contrived world of ideas. "Your faith shall be tested through fire" as the bible says. sometime you have to get up and walk into the fires of opinion and test it.
y'know?

[TopazRaven]

What fun would a thread be without some debate? Isn't that why we make threads? So we can hear the beliefs and opinnions of others?

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

I wonder why some people always equate civil discussion with flaming or fruitless arguing. They're very different things.

[shooraijin]

As the second speaker on the negative side, I would argue against any claims that every thread is turning into a debate. The Oxford Dictionary defines debate as "an informal and spirited but generally civil discussion of opposing views". Clearly, ladies and gentlemen, this is not the case.....
Oh.

"This is an argument." "No, it isn't."

[mysngoeshere56]

I wonder why some people always equate civil discussion with flaming or fruitless arguing. They're very different things.

I'm honestly not sure, but it's quite common. I think it's possibly because a lot of times, the way things are interpreted over the Internet are different than the way people intend to mean them. Without being able to hear tone of voice or see body language, sometimes the things somebody posts can be misinterpreted. I remember one time, some kid from school and I had a conversation on a messenger that went something like this...

Him: You're STILL on?! (NOTE: It was late at night when he IM'd me.)
Me: Yeah I'm still on.
Him: Okay sorry you don't have to yell...
Me: ...Umm... I wasn't yelling?
Him: Sure you weren't.

So sometimes, people just don't read things the way the original poster intended his/her message to be taken... And then there are those who take offense to somebody having a different opinion than their own, but that's another story entirely. XD

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

That's a good point, it's probably also a cultural thing.

[MxCake]

with what mysngoeshere56 said about people just not reading what the message was intending is probably the biggest negative thing about the texting and Iming era is theirs really no emotion or body language so its probably easier to get hostel but that's a little off topic sorry T.T

[Sparx00]

I gotta say, this thread has brought some interesting results. 0.0

Lotsa good stuff in here yup.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

MXCake, I don't think I understand a word you just said.

[mysngoeshere56]

with what mysngoeshere56 said about people just not reading what the message was intending is probably the biggest negative thing about the texting and Iming era is theirs really no emotion or body language so its probably easier to get hostel but that's a little off topic sorry T.T

Yeah, I think that's likely why emoticons/smilies were created. So that way there would be *some* emotion in texts/IM's.

[Rusty Claymore]

It's not a debate untill somebody gets hurt.

Oh, and then there's the classic: We started a debate over in General and a hockey game broke out. XP

[Midori]

Without being able to hear tone of voice or see body language, sometimes the things somebody posts can be misinterpreted.

This is why we should all have Asperger Syndrome.