I like Bruce's idea and think it should be a sticky when the two

[Cap]

people post and extend the word limit.  Didn't read the whole thing the other day but put it to a vote based on content and quality of writing i.e support of the writing as to who is the winner.

[BRUCE]

people post and extend the word limit.  Didn't read the whole thing the other day but put it to a vote based on content and quality of writing i.e support of the writing as to who is the winner.

Thanks, Cap.  I think there's a growing want on this board for a spot to be set aside for members to engage in debate without the need to pour over masses of information, abuse and rhetoric.  I've got nothing against the standard way debate operates on this board, I find it very entertaining, I'd just like to see an area like this developed here.

[240 is Back]

IMO, when someone pastes 5000 words into a post, people don't read it.

Posting a few paragraphs and a source or link is usually the best way to spark debate.  Just posting loads of info means you're wasting your own time.

[BRUCE]

IMO, when someone pastes 5000 words into a post, people don't read it.

Posting a few paragraphs and a source or link is usually the best way to spark debate.  Just posting loads of info means you're wasting your own time.

I totally agree - do the work and find the interesting bits, then post them and add the link.  Comment accordingly.  This is the best way to get a thread going.

[Cap]

I totally agree - do the work and find the interesting bits, then post them and add the link.  Comment accordingly.  This is the best way to get a thread going.

If this is a one on one debate then screw the word length.  write what you want and if INTELLIGENT minds don't read it, it is their loss.  Just posting links is pointless.  Pull usefull info from them and add it in.

[BRUCE]

If this is a one on one debate then screw the word length.  write what you want and if INTELLIGENT minds don't read it, it is their loss.  Just posting links is pointless.  Pull usefull info from them and add it in.

I understand that way of thinking, but even the most brilliant minds here occasionally don't have time to sift through piles of information posted.  If you can't convince people in 500 words you have a legitimate argument, then I doubt you ever will.

[240 is Back]

well, if someone WRITES 500 words, read it.  It means they put a shitload of time into detailing a custom response to an argument and it probably pretty completely makes a point.

To cut n paste 500 words you think will help your argument, then make the reader sort thru it is poor etiquette.

[BRUCE]

well, if someone WRITES 500 words, read it.  It means they put a shitload of time into detailing a custom response to an argument and it probably pretty completely makes a point.

To cut n paste 500 words you think will help your argument, then make the reader sort thru it is poor etiquette.

Yes, I have to stress the importance of the vast majority of the content being written by the person that posts it.

By all means, link to other sources, and if people want more information, they'll go digging.

[Cap]

well, if someone WRITES 500 words, read it.  It means they put a shitload of time into detailing a custom response to an argument and it probably pretty completely makes a point.

To cut n paste 500 words you think will help your argument, then make the reader sort thru it is poor etiquette.

Listen, if I write 1000 words I woulde expect the courtesy of you reading it.  If 200 of it are quotes (which isn't out of the question) then deal.  Specific citation is basic essay writing and I thought you would know that.  To back up your points (which are in no way your own thoughts) they need to be cited.  If you paraphrase from some CT, gov't, etc website or source, cite what you took from there.  Basic....writing....skil ls

[240 is Back]

oh yeah, writing is great.  I'm referring to the people who see an argument and just paste a bunch of text from a website to make their point. 

[BRUCE]

Listen, if I write 1000 words I woulde expect the courtesy of you reading it.  If 200 of it are quotes (which isn't out of the question) then deal.  Specific citation is basic essay writing and I thought you would know that.  To back up your points (which are in no way your own thoughts) they need to be cited.  If you paraphrase from some CT, gov't, etc website or source, cite what you took from there.  Basic....writing....skil ls

I think what 240 was getting at is that too many here are just cutting and pasting the work of others.  This is a boring waste of space on this board, in my opinion.  I'd far rather hear what you all have to say - with the support of other information, of course.

[Hugo Chavez]

I personally like the 500 words.  And I like that we're shooting out any problems... This idea is approved and is getting it's own post in the rules thread as a forum activity.  Nobody will be mocked for not accepting the challenge if it occurs because after we talked about this we got to thinking that not everyone has the time to put together a well written essay so this is strickly something for two willing partipants... I love the idea and when the challenge is made and accepted, the rules are there for all to see and there will be a sticky long enoungh for people to read and vote for a winner.  This idea is a go, all the mods liked it and I think it promotes positive debate in the forum... I love it...  Now we do have some other good ideas up there that need talked about too so people please chime in.  It looks like a lot of people like the idea of pinning some major topics so we need to come up with some general policy for pinning major news items... I want to hear ideas on this?  How many, how to decided all that good stuff...