Seti Debating Society?

I wonder if it isn't time to consider a new Forum called "Seti Debating Society" ?

Firstly, it isn't supposed to be "fun" to post in the Politics Forum, if that is what people want then they should use the Cafe, which is set up for amusement and banter. The Politics Forum is there for people to raise issues that are, or perhaps should be, of National or International importance, or concern. Or maybe to inform others of a particular injustice that they may not be aware of.

It is not the Old Bailey, nor is it a court of law, but regularly people are treated as if they are giving evidence under oath in the dock, and being cross examined by a Barrister in front of a Jury. Having peoples posts dissected line by line and each word challenged, with a demand for proof, is not conducive to a useful exchange of views.

I dislike the word Troll, but there are some people that tend at times to give the impression, that they are more interested in honing their skills in cut & thrust debate, rather than the subject matter at hand.

Perhaps we should follow the lead of the Cambridge Union Society CUS and have "That this House believes ..." etc etc then people can speak for or against the motion. It would certainly take the heat out of the Politics Forum, which is fraught enough already.

I rest my case M'lud.

I wounder if this thread should have been titled " Seti's Intellectuals Debating Society". The thread would then receive a better understanding of it's motives by all who visit or post to it. This way poor ol' Bob would stop getting "Troll bashed" by us and hence be appreciated more for that intellectual approach he has towards subject matters.

I hate that the term "troll" gets tossed around as much as it does. I strongly believe that most people here really couldn't identify a real troll from someone who has a legitimate view.

From the OP I don't believe this thread is intended primarily as a discussion of trolls and trolling. While the OP does mention the word, another could have been chosen in its place, so it's probably an extraneous detail. Let's not forget that the posts of Trolls can be characterized as "inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic". Can we get this back on-topic and talk about whether a Debating Society forum is needed? I hope I've made my position clear, and provided reasons for that position. I'd be more opposed to a "Seti's Intellectuals Debating Society" forum, as that would appear to be elitist.

On the matter of "fun", which does seem to be part of the OP's formulation, we should not forget that the moderators have, in the past, permitted several threads with subjects starting "Fun with" on the Politics forum. I think this suggests that there is no general prohibition to having "fun" while posting to a Politics thread, provided it is on topic, and the post is not designed to inflame.
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I think you'll find it's a bit more complicated than that ...

I'd be more opposed to a "Seti's Intellectuals Debating Society" forum, as that would appear to be elitist.

Why have a seperate forum? Why not just do what these threads have done....

TLPTPW, Seti Milestones... when the thread gets too big, just lock & start the next thread.

All Chris has to do is to remove the ? & put 1 if he so wishes & take it from there.

I'd be more opposed to a "Seti's Intellectuals Debating Society" forum, as that would appear to be elitist.

Bob, Yes in most ways, hopefully, it would be viewed as elitist. The sole purpose then to be able to witness the intellectual mind at work in a forum where it would be most appreciated. I'm sure that there's quite a few Seti members who have superior intellectual abilities that show through in debate, can there not be a specific forum for us all to witness this in.

Agreed....reason...Too corrupt & useless..& toothless.

Looks like I'll be getting the beers then.

The first person to say "Why, because you sez so?" buys the beers.