Are debates on BBS's pointless?
14 January 2005, 08:51 AM
#1
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Are debates on BBS's pointless?
I frequent a few BBS's and i've noticed that in every thread where there has been a debate of a serious nature it all seems to either
a. die off as people lose interest
b. be locked because of flame wars
In both cases i've not seen a single post that says "I was wrong, you've changed my mind." It all seems to be parties of both sides talking from fixed positions and no matter the facts or arguments presented they are either ignored, ridiculed or just passed over in comments.
I realise that this thread will attract muppets, but the above is true then BBS debates are pointless and are of therefore no value.
a. die off as people lose interest
b. be locked because of flame wars
In both cases i've not seen a single post that says "I was wrong, you've changed my mind." It all seems to be parties of both sides talking from fixed positions and no matter the facts or arguments presented they are either ignored, ridiculed or just passed over in comments.
I realise that this thread will attract muppets, but the above is true then BBS debates are pointless and are of therefore no value.
14 January 2005, 08:53 AM
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People get too personal if their is a difference of opinion.
You get accused of everything under the sun if you don't agree with certain members.
It's good to debate - stimulating however some people are far to personal if they disagree.
You get accused of everything under the sun if you don't agree with certain members.
It's good to debate - stimulating however some people are far to personal if they disagree.
14 January 2005, 09:04 AM
#5
Neil, I disagree (not on principle) as some of the debates I have seen on here before they degenrate have really opened my eyes to some of the wider issues. I agree that debates die off for one reason or another but as the debate unfolds different viewpoints are demonstrated which when read gives you a greater understanding of the matter at hand. I can't remember a case of someone holding up their hands and saying "I'm wrong, you are right" possibly because people don't like admitting they are wrong and I guess it's far easier to let the thread sink than to post something along these lines.
All IMHO of course!
If I am wrong then I hold up my hands in advance!
All IMHO of course!
If I am wrong then I hold up my hands in advance!
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14 January 2005, 09:30 AM
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The most vocal ones are unlikely to change their opinions, however, the "discussion" may enlightent / educate others who know little about the subject or are undecided and allow them to form an opinion. In that respect it may be beneficial and I suspect most of the people in that category are unikely to announce the fact.
14 January 2005, 09:32 AM
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Originally Posted by OllyK
The most vocal ones are unlikely to change their opinions, however, the "discussion" may enlightent / educate others who know little about the subject or are undecided and allow them to form an opinion. In that respect it may be beneficial and I suspect most of the people in that category are unikely to announce the fact.
You yourself have assisted in my quest for knowlege as you have proved me wrong before.
14 January 2005, 09:48 AM
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Originally Posted by Senior_AP
I like being proved wrong. It means I learn something new.
You yourself have assisted in my quest for knowlege as you have proved me wrong before.
You yourself have assisted in my quest for knowlege as you have proved me wrong before.
Mind you, being right all the time can a curse you know
14 January 2005, 09:54 AM
#17
I've just realised that by asking if all debates on SN are pointless, the thread in itself has become a debate and as such by its own title is pointless!
Very good Neil! I take my hat off to you!
Very good Neil! I take my hat off to you!
14 January 2005, 10:08 AM
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I've greatly appreciated reading some of the debates / arguments / opinions on here, there's been a lot of info I hadn't known. In fact, that's one of the main reasons I stay.
I certainly don't expect people to back down and admit they've been proved wrong - too many keyboard heros for a start - and let's face it, there are a lot of proud young fighting ***** on here - but the other thing is, not everyone has time/skill to elucidate exactly why they feel a certain way about a certain issue. They're still convinced they're right but can't explain why. I've had that once or twice
I certainly don't expect people to back down and admit they've been proved wrong - too many keyboard heros for a start - and let's face it, there are a lot of proud young fighting ***** on here - but the other thing is, not everyone has time/skill to elucidate exactly why they feel a certain way about a certain issue. They're still convinced they're right but can't explain why. I've had that once or twice
14 January 2005, 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Brendan Hughes
I and let's face it, there are a lot of proud young fighting ***** on here
14 January 2005, 11:43 AM
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Looking at BBs can give one a "feel" for how people are thinking about issues of the day. I realise the"contented" are probably not represented.
Plus. of course, information is now distributed more widely and quickly.
I'm also sure various "interested parties" monitor BBs to see what is of concern out there.
How easy it is now to indulge in debate with so many is a truly wondrous thing!
Plus. of course, information is now distributed more widely and quickly.
I'm also sure various "interested parties" monitor BBs to see what is of concern out there.
How easy it is now to indulge in debate with so many is a truly wondrous thing!
14 January 2005, 12:24 PM
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If we were not prepared to give an opinion ar have a debate, however you wish to put it, then SN would not exist for long. Nothing wrong with such discussions and as SAP said, we can always learn something from it.
I have agreed I was wrong in the past and don't mind admitting it at all, and I have had people admit the same to me. No one knows all there is to know about life.
Yes there are those who revert to unpleasant language and insults towards those who have a different opinion to them, but that is a bit pointless and only serves to weaken the argument.
We all have our own opinions, as we are entitled, and I see no point in disliking someone for that unless they are childishly rude of course.
Les
I have agreed I was wrong in the past and don't mind admitting it at all, and I have had people admit the same to me. No one knows all there is to know about life.
Yes there are those who revert to unpleasant language and insults towards those who have a different opinion to them, but that is a bit pointless and only serves to weaken the argument.
We all have our own opinions, as we are entitled, and I see no point in disliking someone for that unless they are childishly rude of course.
Les
14 January 2005, 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Leslie
If we were not prepared to give an opinion ar have a debate, however you wish to put it, then SN would not exist for long. Nothing wrong with such discussions and as SAP said, we can always learn something from it.
I have agreed I was wrong in the past and don't mind admitting it at all, and I have had people admit the same to me. No one knows all there is to know about life.
Yes there are those who revert to unpleasant language and insults towards those who have a different opinion to them, but that is a bit pointless and only serves to weaken the argument.
We all have our own opinions, as we are entitled, and I see no point in disliking someone for that unless they are childishly rude of course.
Les
I have agreed I was wrong in the past and don't mind admitting it at all, and I have had people admit the same to me. No one knows all there is to know about life.
Yes there are those who revert to unpleasant language and insults towards those who have a different opinion to them, but that is a bit pointless and only serves to weaken the argument.
We all have our own opinions, as we are entitled, and I see no point in disliking someone for that unless they are childishly rude of course.
Les
ha ha only joking mate.....well said.
15 January 2005, 08:29 PM
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It's all good stuff! Keeps the brain working even if no one's listening!
Also for e.g I was quite surprised by how many didnt give a hoot about the Harry/**** thing on a debate/discussion thread. Good to know that or I'd be out of touch with popular opinion/changing times!
D
Also for e.g I was quite surprised by how many didnt give a hoot about the Harry/**** thing on a debate/discussion thread. Good to know that or I'd be out of touch with popular opinion/changing times!
D
15 January 2005, 11:08 PM
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I'd much prefer a face to face natter over a pint so that the person see's the real intention behind my words- BBS/email etc is all too easy to miscontrue context and meaning IMO. JUst as I would prefer to see their own intention etc..
but hey- saves me a lot of cash by not being in the pub 'debating' the quality of obscure west indian brand's of Rum
but hey- saves me a lot of cash by not being in the pub 'debating' the quality of obscure west indian brand's of Rum
