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Ad Hominem Attacks vs Debate

Posted 9 months ago|19 comments|497 views
Can't we all just get along?
Written by
TheLegendTomWing
 Administrator
 Philadelphia, PA
I have seen a disturbing pattern here on Rant Rave and it has prompted me to write this rant. It seems some of those among us (quite a few by my count) have chosen to make our lively debates personal. I think we can all agree that Ad Hominem attacks (attacking the person not the idea) doesn't do anything to further a debate. However, it does help to discredit the person who is making the attack. This type of attack is not fair to the person you are attacking. Furthermore it is not fair to the person who originally wrote the article and those who are actually engaging in friendly debate/discussion.

On the other hand, there are tons of people here who do not indulge in this slippery slope and contribute to the debate in a more constructive manner. I applaud you. You are the type of person Rant Rave needs in order to return to its former glory.

So please, let's not spend our time here kicking, screaming, and gnashing teeth like little kids. If you see a post that attacks a member, please flag it and one of your friendly moderators/administrators will gladly delete it.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comments, I'm sure some of you are going to take issue with our nanny state :)
UPDATE - 9 months ago
Take a look at our community guidelines, it's pretty clear about drinking the "haterade." Take a couple minutes to brush up on our code of conduct.

http://rantrave.com/community-guidelines...
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COMMENTS
9 months ago: This is just the sort of cocamamie suggestion I have come to expect from you, Mr Wing. (Sorry. Couldn't resist.)
9 months ago: Charlie says, " But what did I do? I'm just filling in for Dwayne while he is absent."
Wanda says, "Sounds fabulous sugar. I promise to behave."
El Beaner says, "I will try to play nice with the Gringo's…uhem…I mean the nice Americans."
The Angry Gringo says, " AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGG….sorry I meant okay."
Dwayne would say something but he is mysteriously absent. Anyone know where he went to?
Felix Mannow
Felix Mannow
England
9 months ago: mr tom,
i hate they way yu come on here spouting all your rules you are like a dictator,
Surely people can defend themselves.
Hell i quite like being attacks it is good for the soul and keeping me grounded.
Rantrave is an open community and if yu try to change that into a nanny state where people can not say what they want it will not survive.
are yu in cahoots with perfect horizon as he been squeeling like a pig on sum post on here.
Altruist
Altruist
Eugene, OR
9 months ago: I agree Tom . Perhaps with a more civilized discourse we can attract more people to read and contribute.
TheLegendTomWing
TheLegendTomWing
 Administrator
 Philadelphia, PA
9 months ago: Thanks, that's what I was going for. Although, I think some of it was lost on a few.
9 months ago: I was joking about the cockamamie thing.
9 months ago: Good word.
9 months ago: I should add to that so long as the other party abides by that as well. That's only fair.

Personally, I like to stay on topic and it should never be about personal attack.

In the past, when personal attack has come my way, I have always tried to be chill with it. That type of thing can happen to a certain degree in any discussion, argument or debate. However that is very low level discourse.

Let me just suffice it to say, I'm the type to turn the other cheek. However, if personal and abusive speech continues to come my way to the point where "I can't stands it no more," I will have a Popeye moment and they will get what they deserve.
9 months ago: There are a few people who sometimes attack the person and not the idea.
If we all remeber to attack the idea and not the person then everything should be ok.
I suppose there could be people out there that are to scared to write anything for fear of the comeback from others.
9 months ago: I agree. A little lively debate upon a topic is completely different than attacking or making derogatory remarks about the person.

I would also like to phrase that in EM's British accent as Legend has brought to my attention recently that things sound much better with a smart sounding British accent, (if that's alright with you EM : )
9 months ago: Jakarta,
I thought this link would help with the accent lol.
i might try it myself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5COFgLQG...
9 months ago: That is really cool EM. And the guy really does sound intelligent. I think he sounds like one of those guys that could explain why poop stinks and everyone would just be sitting around wide eyed and on the edge of their seats with interest : }

Thanks for the link EM it was very interesting.
Felix Mannow
Felix Mannow
England
9 months ago: I am scared to writing some things as i dont share same view as some peoples.
But everyone here make good point for other side.
If peoples see other side too then all will be good.
From Thomas Jefferson

As our enemies have found we can reason like men, so now let us show them we can fight like men also.
it true to thiss day
9 months ago: Ok. I'm cool with that entire process. When was the last time any of these people stood up and directly confronted a post that attacked either RSG or TCG?

Never.

You people want to sit back and let us "Say what nobody else will say" and turn around and scoff at the words?

PLEASE.

Your wish is my command.
TheLegendTomWing
TheLegendTomWing
 Administrator
 Philadelphia, PA
9 months ago: Cypress, this isn't specifically aimed at you or anyone. I just think if we tone down the needless attacks and pick apart actual arguments it will help us retain some readership. Potentially, it will also encourage others to post. I mean, I wouldn't want to post if all people were going to do was call me a flaming liberal wuss every time I said something they didn't agree with. If there is a comment or post that you feel is an attack on you or RSG, flag it. I'll review and delete as necessary. No bias here, I have a lot of respect for you guys.
9 months ago: cypress,i have never had a bad with you or red,i am not aiming anything in this at you 2,
i have agreed with alot of what you,out and red have said in the past.
Jakarta you can use an english accent you will probably doit better than me anyway.
people just need to not take everything to heart.
lighten up people as you know i am always right anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
peace out
English
Felix Mannow
Felix Mannow
England
9 months ago: If you goings to flag message nobody will bother to leave them as someone else will moans and then get it removed.
it need to be free for all opinion not just what you decide is acceptables.
there will be peoples treated differently.
let say someone like truthbary.
he say something about christian.
i say load of rubbish not agree.
you remove my answer.
it is taking one side of argument out so there will be no argument.
Any one who not like what someone reply will just flag it and get you remove it.
dont make sense.
9 months ago: the only time a message should be removed is if you say something like "i dont agree with what you are saying you mother*******,gay,leftie,commie,religious,**rick,who has sh**forbrains,doesnt know what hes talking about so you can stick it right up you a*** and when i get hold of you i am going to rip your head off and sh** in your neck,then i am gonna take all your toes off with pliers and then your family are gonna get it.i have your ip address so the next time you hear something go bump in the night better make sure it aint english.or something to that affect.
Then i feel some kind of censorship would be a good idea.
Colorado
Colorado
Westcliffe, CO
9 months ago: Thanks for the post. I have been getting back into the site due to the better posts and debates. Keep up the good work.

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