Online Debate Guide

The objective of online debating has the following objective:

To convince others that your opinion is correct.  

You will not convince others of the best truths with childish, offensive, or rude behavior. So, avoid the following in online debates:

Making rude jokes.
Harassing people.
Repeatedly reposting the same post.
Spamming memes.
Spamming quick small statements constantly.
Streaming large quantities of arguments. One right after the other.
Going off topic.

You will be successful if you follow the following principles:

1) Be aware that there are many people in a forum that have already been blocked by others. Don't be overwhelmed. Block the peple that are there merely to argue. Block people that waste your time by doing the following things:

Making rude jokes.
Harassing people.
Repeatedly re-posting the same post.
Spamming memes.
Spamming quick small statements constantly.
Streaming large quantities of arguments. One right after the other.
Going off topic.

2) Post quality text that substantially proves your point.

3) Post only as much as what you think others will read. If you have a ton of material, post a section at a time and wait for a response before posting more.  This way, you enforce them actually reading your proofs and reasonings.

4) Use online material and websites (such as this one).  At time it may do well to just give a link, but don't assume that people will go to the link and read it. Most will not.  Also post appropriate sized sections of your material one section at a time.

5) If an opponent goes off topic, let him know and give him a chance to correct.  If he does not correct, just block him. Don't waste your time on someone that is not going to give your proof and logic some thought.

6) Do your research and meet all the objections to your opinion. Then follow up with your proof. Don't take your opponent's statements for granted. Research them and point out the falsehoods.

7) Ask pointed questions that point out the facts of the matter. Some people will still refuse to admit to truth.  Don't waste your time on them.

8) Limit your time.  Don't worry about answering every objection right away. Come back to it when you have time later. Don't feel like you have to have the last word. Edit your last statement instead.

9) Be aware of the tactics such as harassment that people will use to convince you of a falsehood. Don't fall for it. Use your own tactics. Don't respond to an opponents post or main comments. Instead try to get them to respond to your post or main comment. This way you can delete his inappropriate comments.

10) Be aware of logical fallacies. Don't use them and point them out to others when they use them.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fallacies

 

11) Use an alternate accoount for debating.

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12) Use an online service for saving links.