When you see demands for "NO DEBATES!!!" . . .

[Deb in IA]

What do you think?

Is this person really asking for advice, or just looking to people to agree with them?

Are you more or less likely to read the thread? To post on the thread?

Do other posters have the right to dictate whether their posts will be "debated"?

What is the difference between a "debate" and a "discussion"?

Why do people put "NO DEBATES" in their titles?

 

[Christine]

Well, I know the thread you're talking about in this instance and, I don't really see how it cannot be debated. However, from the tone of that poster, I think she just wanted to make sure that it didn't turn into a heated flame war.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I think that maybe she wanted to find out answers to her questions without having the thread closed.

 

[Free4Life11]

I think people are asking for reponses is all. They are looking for reasons why you would not send a child to preschool not reasons why you WOULD send a child to preschool.

So all you would do is respond and say, "One way reason you would not send a child to preschool if you can't afford to." ETC.

It turns into a debate when someone "quotes" your reason and starts pulling it apart.

 

[Bob Slydell]

I see it as a challenge

 

[Deb in IA]

I see it as a challenge

 

[Marseeya]

I'd be more open to it if they said something like, "please don't flame me" or "just looking for sympathy, support, or advice."

The "no debate" thing just makes me want to argue.

 

[Feralpeg]

I think they are looking for a debate and just don't want to be obvious about it.

 

[dcentity2000]

I see it as a challenge

Rich::

 

[DisneyArk]

I can understand when there is a part of the story that the person does not want to debate about, but they still want advice.

For instance on the budget board someone asked for help with their budget, but clearly stated that they would not stop tithing. The discussion went on and on about if she really needed to tithe 10%, if maybe her husband was too controlling because he wanted them to tithe, if her religion was honest and fair, etc, etc!! All of that debating when she really just wanted some budgeting help.

But I also see some posts where the no debate comment makes no sense at all.

 

[Chicago526]

It depends on the wording of the OP, but usually they just want an opinion, one way or the other without other posters getting in a fight about it.

 

[Deb in IA]

Well, I know the thread you're talking about in this instance and, I don't really see how it cannot be debated. However, from the tone of that poster, I think she just wanted to make sure that it didn't turn into a heated flame war.

Actually, there are a couple of "no debate" threads around here . . .

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I see it as a challenge

Same here!

Seriously, when I see NO DEBATE I know it will be a hot topic that will turn into a debate, so I grab the popcorn and may or may not participate.

 

[septbride2002]

I see it as a challenge

don't tell them that!

~Amanda

 

[Crankyshank]

I see it as the OP is under the influence of some sort of medication or mind altering substance to think "No Debates" will sway anyone

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Seriously, when I see NO DEBATE I know it will be a hot topic that will turn into a debate, so I grab the popcorn and may or may not participate.

I usually see it as a serious temptation... very hard to resist.

 

[Beauty]

I think it depends on the poster and the thread in question. Sometimes it is meant to be a challenge and sometimes the OP just wants opinions without fighting or getting the thread closed.

 

[Deb in IA]

You all are as perverse and contrary as I am!!!!

 

[lulugirl]

...I chuckle and think "uh, okay"...

 

[laurie31]

Using the example of the "creationism vs evolution" thread - I think the OP wanted everyone to voice their own opinions without attacking anyone else's. By giving both options, the intent was certainly not for everyone to agree.

A civil debate can be engaging and informative. If it degenerates into "only simple-minded cretins with a negative IQ could possibly (fill in the blank)... well, that's when I click the little X in the right top corner of the screen

Laurie