Posted: Jul 24, 2013 10:54 pm
Doubtdispelled wrote:Unlike Mick, I'm not surprised that there have been no takers.
That's because I think you're going about it all wrong, Thwoth.THWOTH wrote:Tired of hearing the same old drivel
That's the problematic phrase. It gives the impression that the board itself, and its moderation, will automatically be against the least popular viewpoint, because it comes from you.
It hints at a total lack of impartiality on the part of the forum as a whole, along with a presumed unwillingness to even consider another viewpoint.
I get what you're saying (no, I really do), but I think you're reading a little too much into an announcement that was intended just to pique a bit of interest.
The thing about a formal debate is that it's a head-to-head discussion in a format which the parties agree to beforehand. One would hope therefore that the parties are not only willing to consider another viewpoint, but somewhat obliged to a account for and address it in their own remarks. The role of the debate moderator may involve brokering that agreement, but it's mostly a technical role, setting up the thread, appraising the onlooker as to the terms of the debate, and, once under way, ensuring that each contributor to the discussion holds up their end of the bargain.
