Online debate

Like every website, we encourage constructive discussion that makes everyone feel involved. Debate sometimes falls into that category. Other times, it doesn't. This page lists some general guidelines that are good ideas for all online discussion, not just here.

1. Always ask questions. Maturity isn't knowing what's right and what's wrong 100% of the time, maturity is understanding that you have things left to learn. This is also known as the Stephen Covey rule... seek first to understand, then be understood.
2. Let someone else have the last word. If you absolutely can't, it's a sign that you're not handling this well.
3. If you feel yourself getting angry, stop. This is supposed to be fun and educational. Your anger will inevitably come through in your writing and cloud how others perceive your ideas.
4. Don't get into long two-person debates. You are dedicating too much time to something that makes others in the community feel afraid to jump in. If you post something, person A responds, you respond, person A again... wait for someone else to join. If no one ever does, it's not worth it. Taking time to let other people in also gives you a chance to read a third party perspective.
5. The track coach rule: Understand that you have something to learn from everyone, even if they don't always say it nicely or use the types of words you'd prefer that they use. You can only control how nice you are. If you ask others to change their tone, they'll only get defensive.