Idiotic Debating Tactics

Originally posted by Zebedee
This thread just seems an excuse to bash. I'm making an observation here. I see a lot of chat, some discussion, hardly any debate but a lot of disagreement. Most of the time the arguments involved entrenced opinions which are opposites and as such cannot be debated merely argued.

Originally posted by lord xyz
No, it's a thread to encourage/intimidate people not to be stupid.

A persons stupidity on a subject is objective to anothers point of view. In a real debate you respect the person if not the opinion. you do however also repsect a persons right to a differing opinion. This thread seems to do none of these things.

For iunstance in citing Fist of the North. Noone knows his life or what personal experiences have led to his world view. To others it may be unreasonable, form his point of view it may be perfectly logical as it may be to many others. It's about perspective. That's why we have a myriad of differing ideas on so many things. Many of which are opposed like Socialism and Conservative politics.

By saying this thread is meant to intimidate it therefore is meant to stifle differing opinion. People have a right not to be ridiculed for their ideas no matter what you or others think of them.

Originally posted by PVS

i know there was a thread on this, but alas they changed the search function and i cant find it.

what are the stupidest tactics for debating you have seen?
no names please, just state it, and if giving an example do not paste a debate from another thread. just give a hypothetical example.

example:

one which has been reoccuring very often is what i will refer to as "run with the analogy". this is a tactic where, when an opponent shoots out an abstract analogy to illustrate their pattern of logic, the poster will ignore that it was simply an analogy and run with it, accusing the opponent of making a direct comparison...all the time completely dodging the point, imho very much on purpose.

poster 1: you shouldnt just get pregnant without knowing what you're getting into. parenting is a heavy responsibility. to go about it in a rush and without proper planning would be like running through traffic blindfolded.

poster 2: omg how can you compare parenting with running through traffic? how stupid. only an idiot would compare the two (on and on)

i can think of a million of them, but lets hear your observations.

oh yeah, most important: please do not quote logical fallacies. those who would understand already know them, and those who dont know are most likely too set in their own silly ways to ever care to learn them, as they are the often the ones who gleefully commit them.

If no names are to used then why does the member who posted that and so many others use names in this thread. It already fails in it's original premise and as such is a hypocritical thread.

I know where this is going to head, if I reply to that post. Zebedee, I know this isn't allowed in the thread, but you are using a tactic mentioned in this thread, and are being stupid.

Your original point is:

Originally posted by Zebedee
This thread just seems an excuse to bash. I'm making an observation here. I see a lot of chat, some discussion, hardly any debate but a lot of disagreement. Most of the time the arguments involved entrenced opinions which are opposites and as such cannot be debated merely argued.

Now, can we/I go back to posting stupid tactics?

Originally posted by lord xyz
I know where this is going to head, if I reply to that post. Zebedee, I know this isn't allowed in the thread, but you are using a tactic mentioned in this thread, and are being stupid.

Your original point is: As I proved, this is wrong.

Now, can we/I go back to posting stupid tactics?

You have proven nothing.

Originally posted by lord xyz
No, it's a thread to encourage/intimidate people not to be stupid.

You stated this thread was meant to intimidate people. If that is the case how does it support discussion on a discussion forum. You have now made this debate about me saying that challencing a thread you say is meant to intimidate is stupid.

You used the thread starters initial post to show that it was not meant to be about naming people and yet I stated many people are named throughout this thread as users of stupid tactice (said tactics stupidity being merely an opinion).

If I look back a page.

Originally posted by Zeal Ex Nihilo
I've got an example:

FistoftheNorth: "Whites are genetically racist!"

Everyone: "You're a retarded racist."

FistoftheNorth: "If I'm racist, it's because I've been discriminated against my whole life."

[I don't actually know if he ever said that, but I'm pretty sure that he would.)

This is carried on by

Originally posted by Robtard
Confirmation:

Who then quotes said individual making it personal and attaching ridicule to them.

Others then chip in

Originally posted by Zeal Ex Nihilo
What a retard.

Originally posted by Imperial_Samura
I second that.

Now I will credit you with your comment following "personal attacks aside". To you it's obviously not about personal attacks to you it's as you stated above about intimidating others.

The pages before that seem to be an argument where numerous members seem to be called socks and prior to that an argument involing a member who seems to be gay with other members.

Anyway, so you say this thread is meant to intimidate, why would anyone want to intimidate others on a message board and how could they?

Originally posted by Zebedee
You have proven nothing.

Originally posted by Zebedee
You stated this thread was meant to intimidate people. If that is the case how does it support discussion on a discussion forum. You have now made this debate about me saying that challencing a thread you say is meant to intimidate is stupid.

Originally posted by Zebedee
You used the thread starters initial post to show that it was not meant to be about naming people and yet I stated many people are named throughout this thread as users of stupid tactice (said tactics stupidity being merely an opinion).

Originally posted by Zebedee
If I look back a page.

This is carried on by

Who then quotes said individual making it personal and attaching ridicule to them.

Others then chip in

Originally posted by Zebedee
Now I will credit you with your comment following "personal attacks aside". To you it's obviously not about personal attacks to you it's as you stated above about intimidating others.

Originally posted by Zebedee
The pages before that seem to be an argument where numerous members seem to be called socks and prior to that an argument involing a member who seems to be gay with other members.

Originally posted by Zebedee
Anyway, so you say this thread is meant to intimidate, why would anyone want to intimidate others on a message board and how could they?

Originally posted by lord xyz
...I proved your original statement is wrong by what PVS said in his post.

No you didn't you proved the original intent of this thread may have been different to what it's become.

However by page three, now this appears humerous but.

Originally posted by Ya Krunk'd Floo
When I'm in the room, those dudes [B]are idiots. Especially Bardock, and the earlier incarnations of AC. Many dicks. [/B]

Originally posted by Wonderer
PVS, I think you are overly obsessed and attached to opinions and arguments. You must be very proud of your opinions, right? I would sugest that you give other people the space and justification to post their own opinions, how stupid they may be. Just like you give me the space here to post my own stupdi opinion! 😱

When someone comments on the right to post, the thread starter reacts.

Originally posted by PVS
are you still bitter about that spotlight i put on your hypocrisy in some other thread?
its not healthy to hold a grudge, you know. when you do so, you allow someone
to live in your mind, rent free. a wise person once told me that, so i pass it on to you

oh yeah: 🙂

...all better?

this thread then highlights individuals

Originally posted by Ya Krunk'd Floo
Shut up, Bardock. You're an idiot.

I just noticed a deliciously idiotic tactic in Gay marriages - yes or no? thread. It is also a tactic used repeatedly across the forum; if someone doesn't argue according to how cretin members want, they decide to crown themselves victorious in the debate. It is especially true to those who believe only factual scientific evidence can support an opinion.

When it is coupled with something as pretentious as this:

"Thank you, this is what I've been asking for. Instead of opinion I wanted scientific studies from the other side. I'll read over them tonight."

I cringe until my left arm falls off.

Don't do it, you beautiful people.

Originally posted by PVS
yeah, thats wonderful. did i mention you by name or do you just have a guilty conscience?

which brings me to the next idiotic debating tactic: thread sabotage.

when you find yourself in a corner, or even when you see a thread which does not suit your pallet, stir up a fight or two with the hopes that a flame war will ensue and thus the mods will shut the thread down. make sure to persist in spite of the topic. sure you risk scrutiny on yourself, but what really matters is feeling validated in that you were able to shut them up. sure you proved nothing, but you did bring the discussion to a close and thats all that matters.

Obviously something personal is going on

Which led to this

Originally posted by jaden101
so it's closeted insults you're into...if you have a problem with someone...have the cahones to tell them...instead of making pointless threads that generalise (something which you say you dont like yet do it all the time)

and i didn't mention you by name either..you just provided a perfect example of the kind of childish "toys out of the pram" tactic that people who have been proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt to be wrong, love to throw out in a feeble attempt to have the last word

if you dont want me to ruin your thread then you can pm rather than replying...

I got bored at that point as the thread does appear to have an ulterior motive to the one we were discussiong and is crammed full of member bashing and veiled insults.

Very sad.

Most of it's off topic drivel.

Originally posted by Zebedee
No you didn't you proved the original intent of this thread may have been different to what it's become.

Originally posted by Zebedee
However by page three, now this appears humerous but.

When someone comments on the right to post, the thread starter reacts.

this thread then highlights individuals

Obviously something personal is going on

Which led to this

I got bored at that point as the thread does appear to have an ulterior motive to the one we were discussiong and is crammed full of member bashing and veiled insults.

Very sad.

I agree the thread has some people saying "This person is stupid" but that's not the point of the topic.

Originally posted by lord xyz
That is an example of people who do not listen to the original poster and in a way is off-topic-ness.

Originally posted by Zebedee
Most of it's off topic drivel.

Originally posted by lord xyz
And you said it is what it became. Me showing that it's not, is me proving you wrong.

Yes, but lets not talk about PVS. He might get pissed off at me.

I agree the thread has some people saying "This person is stupid" but that's not the point of the topic.

It's all off-topic drivel. That is why it's not part of the thread, and you shouldn't attack the thread because some of the people posting in it are going off-topic.

I've given examples of the thread not following it's starters initial concept through many posters including the thread starter. Don't be afraid of other members XYZ, if you think something say it. I can see why you think this thread is about intimidation if you are intimidated by it. I attack the thread because in my opinon it's hypocritical, in yours it's about intimidation, to many it's about member bashing.

At this point I withdraw from this thread because the more I look at it the more unpleasant and petty many of the comments within it become. No wonder this forum appears one of the slowest on KMC. People seem scared to post for fear of ridicule.

Originally posted by Zebedee
I've given examples of the thread not following it's starters initial concept through many posters including the thread starter. Don't be afraid of other members XYZ, if you think something say it. I can see why you think this thread is about intimidation if you are intimidated by it. I attack the thread because in my opinon it's hypocritical, in yours it's about intimidation, to many it's about member bashing.

At this point I withdraw from this thread because the more I look at it the more unpleasant and petty many of the comments within it become. No wonder this forum appears one of the slowest on KMC. People seem scared to post for fear of ridicule.

I'm not afraid of PVS at all, it was a joke. 😉

I also understand your disgust, I still think this thread should stay as it's very funny and shows people how they shouldn't act.

Now, lets get back to naming idiotic debating tactics, like the one I posted a while back. 🙂

Originally posted by lord xyz
That is true and you are looking more intelligent that at first.

I'm not afraid of PVS at all, it was a joke. 😉

I also understand your disgust, I still think this thread should stay as it's very funny and shows people how they shouldn't act.

Now, lets get back to naming idiotic debating tactics, like the one I posted a while back. 🙂

You post these things if you wish. I am withdrawing from this thread with a nasty tase in my mouth. I certainly wouldn't comment on how intelligent another person looks on a message board is that is subjective. To your credit you are not mentioning individuals. That I do like.

Originally posted by Zebedee
You post these things if you wish. I am withdrawing from this thread with a nasty tase in my mouth. I certainly wouldn't comment on how intelligent another person looks on a message board is that is subjective. To your credit you are not mentioning individuals. That I do like.

Originally posted by Zebedee
You post these things if you wish. I am withdrawing from this thread with a nasty tase in my mouth.

funny since my fly is still zipped

Originally posted by Zebedee
I certainly wouldn't comment on how intelligent another person looks on a message board is that is subjective. To your credit you are not mentioning individuals. That I do like.

people have mentioned individuals a couple of times, to which i demanded that they cease doing so. why? because its against forum policy. aaaaaaand you're not the first one to rant and rave about the thread (though you are likely the same one) 😊

anyway, topic

Originally posted by lord xyz
Personal attacks aside, I revive this thread to enter my own entry which is very common and the most annoying tactic ever known.

Person 1: 2 + 2 = 5

Person 2: No, 2 + 2 = 4.

Person 3: "2 + 2 = 5" I agree.

Person 2: "No, 2 + 2 = 4"

Person 1: "I agree." See, I am right.

Person 2: Once again: "No, 2 + 2 = 4"

Person 3: "See, I am right." Yes you are.

Person 2: FFS. "No, 2 + 2 = 4"

Person 1/3: "FFS." Don't get angry.

Now, obviously the stupidity is basically Person 3 ignoring Person 2's responce, and just saying that Person 1 is right (it's especially annoying when Person 2's responce is posted straight after). I just wanted to expand the debate, as this is what typically happens after. I've come across this many times, it's more annoying than any other tactic I've come across.

ive posted something very similar.

youll see responses like "you just proved my point", "you just won my argument", etc. but be cautious, because although it is abused often as an idiotic tactic, i have seen many occasions where someone would prove the opponent right inwittingly and pretty much scuttle their own ship. but regardless, when abused this tactic is often parroted. they'll quote your entire argument and simply say that you proved them right...with no explanation.

Originally posted by Schecter

people have mentioned individuals a couple of times, to which i demanded that they cease doing so. why? because its against forum policy. aaaaaaand you're not the first one to rant and rave about the thread (though you are likely the same one) 😊

I only read the first ten pages and the last six, I saw noone ranting and raving I saw a number like Wonderer and Jaden express disaproval and credit your motives as ulterior. I have give you the benefit of the doubt. Don't start trying to drag me into any vendettas you have with others. As I say I am withdrawing from this thread as I find it unpleasant, no rant, no rave just a posters opinion freely given.

Originally posted by Schecter
funny since my fly is still zipped

people have mentioned individuals a couple of times, to which i demanded that they cease doing so. why? because its against forum policy. aaaaaaand you're not the first one to rant and rave about the thread (though you are likely the same one) 😊

anyway, topic

ive posted something very similar.

youll see responses like "you just proved my point", "you just won my argument", etc. but be cautious, because although it is abused often as an idiotic tactic, i have seen many occasions where someone would prove the opponent right inwittingly and pretty much scuttle their own ship. but regardless, when abused this tactic is often parroted. they'll quote your entire argument and simply say that you proved them right...with no explanation.

Originally posted by Zebedee
I only read the first ten pages and the last six, I saw noone ranting and raving I saw a number like Wonderer and Jaden express disaproval and credit your motives as ulterior. I have give you the benefit of the doubt. Don't start trying to drag me into any vendettas you have with others. As I say I am withdrawing from this thread as I find it unpleasant, no rant, no rave just a posters opinion freely given.

ummm....you're still ranting and raving. lol

Originally posted by Zebedee
I only read the first ten pages and the last six, I saw noone ranting and raving I saw a number like Wonderer and Jaden express disaproval and credit your motives as ulterior. I have give you the benefit of the doubt. Don't start trying to drag me into any vendettas you have with others. As I say I am withdrawing from this thread as I find it unpleasant, no rant, no rave just a posters opinion freely given.

Originally posted by Ya Krunk'd Floo
Shut up, Bardock. You're an idiot.

I just noticed a deliciously idiotic tactic in Gay marriages - yes or no? thread. It is also a tactic used repeatedly across the forum; if someone doesn't argue according to how cretin members want, they decide to crown themselves victorious in the debate. It is especially true to those who believe only factual scientific evidence can support an opinion.

When it is coupled with something as pretentious as this:

"Thank you, this is what I've been asking for. Instead of opinion I wanted scientific studies from the other side. I'll read over them tonight."

I cringe until my left arm falls off.

Don't do it, you beautiful people.

Originally posted by Bardock42
I love you floo...but you called me an idiot....

P.S. Make sure you click on "post".

Originally posted by Schecter
ummm....you're still ranting and raving. lol

Withdrawing again from thread, I should not have returned to it.
I have reported this flame.

Originally posted by Zebedee
Withdrawing again from thread, I should not have returned to it.
I have reported this flame.