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3RU7AL
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@Lemming
I think it's an interesting idea, but it seems a bit difficult to implement maybe.
If there was a "self-moderated" debate option, would you participate in a "self-moderated" debate with me?

I believe there is still a benefit to the audience.  I personally prefer to read convincing arguments (instead of clever ad hominem attacks).

"You're a dumb lefty."

"You're a dumb conservative."

"You're a dumb goddist."

"You're a dumb nihilist."
3RU7AL
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@Lemming
I think it's an interesting idea, but it seems a bit difficult to implement maybe.
DebateArt.com says they can add the "self-moderated" feature, iff there's enough "community interest".
Lemming
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@3RU7AL
If there was a "self-moderated" debate option, would you participate in a "self-moderated" debate with me?
I would.


"You're a dumb lefty."
"You're a dumb conservative."
"You're a dumb goddist."
"You're a dumb nihilist."
Ha, who takes arguments like that seriously.
SirAnonymous
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@3RU7AL
Self-moderating debates are an interesting idea. In an ideal world, where everyone is willing to honestly consider other people's ideas, it would work well. In the world we're actually in, I see some problems with it. A lot of people here are more interested in debating as a competition  (which is fine). The current system lends itself to this, with win records and ratings. Adding self-moderating debates where the goal is to convince and to learn wouldn't jive well with that system. Debaters interested only in winning probably wouldn't assign a fair number of points to their opponents. On the other hand, self-moderating debates might appeal more to people like UpholdingTheFaith, who want a more discussion based format than a formal debate. I'm not sure how the two formats would mix. It could work if self-moderating debates were unrated or in their own rating system,  but those solutions seem clunky to me.
3RU7AL
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@SirAnonymous
It could work if self-moderating debates were unrated or in their own rating system,  but those solutions seem clunky to me.
I would be perfectly happy with an "unranked" status for "self-moderated" debates.

At the same time, I think it would be useful to know how charitable (open-minded) a potential debate partner has been in the past.

The main reason I no longer participate in the current debate system is because most of my debates go unvoted on.

The other reason I no longer participate in the current debate system is because I disagree with the RFD rules and most of the judge's OPINIONS.

A "self-moderated" debate might end in a tie, but it will never go "unvoted" and if there is any dispute about "who won", at least both sides are on equal footing and it doesn't devolve into "who has the most friends" or "who's the most popular with the judges".

And just to be perfectly clear, the current system and current rules and ranking system would be 100% UNCHANGED by this proposal.
SirAnonymous
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@3RU7AL
I see your point.
3RU7AL
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@SirAnonymous
If there was a "self-moderated" debate option, would you participate in a "self-moderated" debate with me?
SirAnonymous
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@3RU7AL
If I had the time, I would consider it. I don't normally have the time for debates, though.
Barney
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@3RU7AL
Save for that ranking system (N/received/granted), this idea can easily be handled with electing a judge to just vote based on the scores they gave each other. Which would be a fine way to test it out.
3RU7AL
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@Barney
Save for that ranking system (N/received/granted), this idea can easily be handled with electing a judge to just vote based on the scores they gave each other. Which would be a fine way to test it out.
I've done this before and it's just such a pain to get someone to act as a judge.

Part of the whole idea is to make this easy and fun, instead of an organizational project (adding a third wheel).
SirAnonymous
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@3RU7AL
If you want a judge, I'd be willing to help. I would have no problems voting based on the points you assigned to each other.
Barney
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@3RU7AL
SirAnon, or myself are both willing to vote strictly by your special rules for it.
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@SirAnonymous
Thank you very much, I'll set something up and see if I get any takers.
Athias
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@3RU7AL
I believe the only measure of an argument should be your ability to convince an opponent.

By removing the "audience" from the equation, you automatically get a much more honest discussion and exploration of opposing ideas. It would also save a lot of time for the moderators sifting through long and detailed "reasons for vote". I'm sure a lot of "self-moderated" debates would end in a tie, but I don't see that as a "problem".

At the end of each debate, each participant would get 1 point for participation and have the option of awarding up to 3 additional points to their opponent. These points would simply accumulate over time and would count towards a debater's "Civil Debate" tally. Alternatively you might consider splitting their score into three parts ("1/1/1") where the first number is the number of "Civil Debates" they've participated in, the second number is the number of points they've received from other players and the third number is the number of points they've granted to their opponents.

This system ("1/1/1") would allow you to know, at a glance, how experienced they are in this particular debate format, how convincing they are generally considered by their opponents, and how receptive and or generous they are (making them a more attractive opponent).
I don't necessarily disagree with this proposition. I don't believe removing the audience will result in a more honest discussion (that will always depend on the participants) but it may remove the inclination for "politicking" since the decisions are determined by majority point accumulation. The debate mechanism you describe seeks humility, which I don't necessarily equate with honesty. Nevertheless, I see it as no less valid than the other debate options. 

Let me ask: this proposition you offer, do you find it more preferable than judge voting?

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@Athias
Let me ask: this proposition you offer, do you find it more preferable than judge voting?
I find it vastly superior to judged voting.

I realized at some point, that skewering your friends and family members with incisive logic is shockingly naive rhetoric.

In "real-life" you often need a more subtle debate technique that aims to win your most hardened opponent over to your side.

Judged debates are the polar opposite of "productive negotiations" and they promote the idea that clever insults and cheap rules wonking always win the day.

I believe this fundamental misunderstanding of the ultimate goal of dialogue is contributing to the toxic environment we find ourselves embroiled in.

For example,
SirAnonymous
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@3RU7AL
Glad to be of service. It should be pretty easy, since all I'll have to do is add up the points and see who got a higher score.
Athias
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@3RU7AL
I find it vastly superior to judged voting.

I realized at some point, that skewering your friends and family members with incisive logic is shockingly naive rhetoric.

In "real-life" you often need a more subtle debate technique that aims to win your most hardened opponent over to your side.

Judged debates are the polar opposite of "productive negotiations" and they promote the idea that clever insults and cheap rules wonking always win the day.

I believe this fundamental misunderstanding of the ultimate goal of dialogue is contributing to the toxic environment we find ourselves embroiled in.

For example,
Judge voting, in my opinion, serves the same function as a mediation. Two parties in dispute defer their sought resolution to the decision of a third party. Ideally, this third party would sustain the trust and respect of both parties involved. Would that necessarily lead to clever insults and cheap rules wonking?

As for the video, Jon Stewart was right. But he was also being hypocritical. One of the less glamorous aspects of his career as a "comic" was that he'd frequently attempt to hide from any scrutiny by claiming that his show was just a "comedy," as he did with Tucker Carlson. At best, his show was a "political satire,"; in actuality, it was a liberal platform lampooning mostly conservative politicians and politics. I suspect that the reason he "lashed out" toward namely Tucker Carlson--which was another bit of irony considering that he condemned the reactionary aspects of their show--was that Carlson called him out on his bull. If his show--Jon Stewart's that is--were just a "comedy," why would a high profile politician at the time, John Kerry, do an interview on his show? Carlson was correct in criticizing Stewart for not asking tough questions either and pointing out his hypocrisy. The "just a comedy" mantra was always a red herring, which unfortunately Stewart perpetuated into the twilight years of his tenure as the Daily Show's host.

With that said, I'm all for rooting out the toxicity of the debating and voting processes. If it's ever subject to a referendum, I'll take no issue supporting your proposition.



3RU7AL
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@Athias
Judge voting, in my opinion, serves the same function as a mediation. Two parties in dispute defer their sought resolution to the decision of a third party. Ideally, this third party would sustain the trust and respect of both parties involved. Would that necessarily lead to clever insults and cheap rules wonking?
Yes, if that judge has any familiarity with either of the participants or has any preference at all for a particular style of debate and if that judge is attempting to follow any set of rules then rules wonking will be incentivized.

Clever insults are just indirect ad hominem attacks.

My job is to convince a judge that my opponent is "wrong" because they've made "mistakes" in either the framing or some of the specific details of their argument (my opponent is unreliable and or stupid and I am more reliable and or more intelligent for pointing this out).
Lemming
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@Barney
Could set up a judge 'pool, of people who activate their status as being willing to judge a debate if specifically asked.
Though I suppose that's a bit the point of the voting requests forum topic.
3RU7AL
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@DebateArt.com
@Athias
With that said, I'm all for rooting out the toxicity of the debating and voting processes. If it's ever subject to a referendum, I'll take no issue supporting your proposition.
I greatly appreciate your endorsement!
Athias
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@3RU7AL
Yes, if that judge has any familiarity with either of the participants or has any preference at all for a particular style of debate and if that judge is attempting to follow any set of rules then rules wonking will be incentivized.

Clever insults are just indirect ad hominem attacks.

My job is to convince a judge that my opponent is "wrong" because they've made "mistakes" in either the framing or some of the specific details of their argument (my opponent is unreliable and or stupid and I am more reliable and or more intelligent for pointing this out).

I suppose that could be the case. It could also be the case that the Judge respects logical consistency and soundness, and analyzes each argument based on their integrity. Perhaps, your experience here, which I won't deny having experienced some of it myself, has left a somewhat of a, lack of a better term, "skeptical" perspective as far as the the integrity of certain members are concerned, but does that necessarily reflect poorly the mechanism itself--i.e. Judge voting? If I were debating someone and we agreed to have a judge decide the "winner," you'd be on the top of my list since my experience here has shown that you respect logic. Nevertheless, your proposition merits consideration (nothing wrong with more options, right?)
PGA2.0
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@3RU7AL
I think it's an interesting idea, but it seems a bit difficult to implement maybe.
If there was a "self-moderated" debate option, would you participate in a "self-moderated" debate with me?

I believe there is still a benefit to the audience.  I personally prefer to read convincing arguments (instead of clever ad hominem attacks).

"You're a dumb lefty."

"You're a dumb conservative."

"You're a dumb goddist."

"You're a dumb nihilist."
IMO,

While most people do not like this ad home attack, I think it shows the mentality of the poster as to all they have got in refuting a good point. I personally do not like it but I don't like censorship either. If a person posts a bad slur I think it should be left standing and the person warned. We have a resource for flagging such a post. It just shows how low some people will go to protect their cherished beliefs and when they are left with nothing the ad homs start to fly. I think it is human nature to defend what you believe in and that can get quite contentious when someone makes a good point against your belief, so you send back an emotional reply. 

Would you want your posts censored?
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@PGA2.0
Would you want your posts censored?
Never.

I'm not advocating any changes to the existing format or rules.

I'm merely proposing an option be added to allow "self-moderated" debates.

Would you be in favor of adding a "self-moderated" debate option?
3RU7AL
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@Athias
 It could also be the case that the Judge respects logical consistency and soundness, and analyzes each argument based on their integrity.
I'd certainly hope so, but as you've indicated, that has not been my experience (not just on this magnificent website, but everywhere else as well).

I appreciate your vote of confidence.
BearMan
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Self Moderated debates will be obsolete. If you want a discussion just go on the forums
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@3RU7AL
The problem with your proposal is that you assume the people are open-minded (like my account arguing ridiculous things). In a debate like the Abortion against MisterChris, depending on how I'm feeling, I may either grant him many points for excellent arguments, or refuse to budge the slightest, in order to thoroughly stand my ground. The more you give up, the more your side gets shaky and you lose the debate.
Lemming
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@seldiora
Competition debate, I'm much less willing to concede points, as I think a person's role is to defend his side of the debate to their utmost, and again, competition.

 Though I may be wrong, 3RU7AL's debate structure he's suggesting sounds more like a group of people on the same team discussing an issue. Whether it's valid or not.

Competition being more similar to a strict devil's advocate, cooperation being a more lenient one.
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@3RU7AL
Would you want your posts censored?
Never.

I'm not advocating any changes to the existing format or rules.

I'm merely proposing an option be added to allow "self-moderated" debates.

Would you be in favor of adding a "self-moderated" debate option?
As long as it is an option, sure.

What exactly would that look like?
Intelligence_06
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How about search users based on statistics? Like, I would like to have the audience of this thread to be teenagers, or atheists, or Christians, or progressives, or rich people, etc. I shouldn't have to search the entire web for that.
DebateArt.com
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@Intelligence_06
Could you please elaborate on your idea? I am not sure I follow. Do you want to have a way to search through the user base by some specific criteria?