10 Commandments on how to debate online
I wrote this for a discussion forum in facebook
1. If you don’t have anything to say, don’t say anything.
2. When you are about to comment, be careful to read all the other comments ahead of yours so that you do not needlessly repeat what has been said by others before.
3. When you are about to post a comment, especially on something that you disagree with; be careful to read even more carefully, so that you don’t misrepresent your opponent’s view. Worst of all is to contradict yourself and go round about yourself when no one’s arguing with you anymore.
4. Don’t use foul language or personally attack the person you are debating with and make it difficult for the two of you to meet in real life.
5. Going off topic may be necessary once in a while, but as far as possible, stick to the thread of the discussion.
6. Don’t complicate yourself by using high-sounding words that you are not comfortable with.
7. Let others know if what you are saying is a personal opinion or an established fact.
8. Be compassionate with those who know less than you.
9. Remember that you also carry a baggage behind your opinions. Your opinions are never totally objective/impartial.
10. If you have something to say, speak it out. Don’t be too humble.
2. When you are about to comment, be careful to read all the other comments ahead of yours so that you do not needlessly repeat what has been said by others before.
3. When you are about to post a comment, especially on something that you disagree with; be careful to read even more carefully, so that you don’t misrepresent your opponent’s view. Worst of all is to contradict yourself and go round about yourself when no one’s arguing with you anymore.
4. Don’t use foul language or personally attack the person you are debating with and make it difficult for the two of you to meet in real life.
5. Going off topic may be necessary once in a while, but as far as possible, stick to the thread of the discussion.
6. Don’t complicate yourself by using high-sounding words that you are not comfortable with.
7. Let others know if what you are saying is a personal opinion or an established fact.
8. Be compassionate with those who know less than you.
9. Remember that you also carry a baggage behind your opinions. Your opinions are never totally objective/impartial.
10. If you have something to say, speak it out. Don’t be too humble.
Very very thoughtful post. One point: Don't brag... but close to the no 6th point. Because the other person will hate you if you do that.
ReplyDeleteyes. Don't Brag, or if you want to brag, start a blog and see how many people visit you :)was thinking No. 6 should have been milder, could've have said, 'Use simple language'. Jeremiah, thanks for all your comments
ReplyDelete