This is how to do ObitFilter. [more inside]
posted by dirtynumbangelboy on Feb 11, 2008 - 33 comments

May I toss out an idea here for something that could conceivably be considered for inclusion in the MeFi system? MeFites are very skilled at finding holes in one's argument ... but can that power be harnessed? [more inside]
posted by woodblock100 on Dec 8, 2007 - 32 comments

Upon reading some responses in the "Shooty" post, I have a basic question that has started to bother me and I hope it is appropriate to post here. Why, when there is debate sparked over anything in general, does it seem to always point to Republican/Democrat, Race or Income? More inside:
posted by ForeverDcember on Apr 24, 2007 - 75 comments

Stinky Kitty vs. Baby? This post seems to be about to turn into a debate regarding kittens' ability to survive versus infants'. Very interesting.
posted by k8t on May 23, 2006 - 14 comments

Is it possible to engage in a debate with a Conservative on MeFi without calling him a troll? I give you this example.
posted by mkultra on Dec 16, 2005 - 198 comments

jonmc has inspired me. in thread a while back, he recommended i read a book as a sort of "this is what i think about what we disagree about" retort. i have been thinking about it, and i do intend to get the book (from the library), but only on the condition that he do likewise for me. and then i thought, maybe i could invite some of our more famous meta-adversaries to participate in something like... a sort of tit-for-tat book exchange in the spirit of understanding each others' points of view.
posted by RedEmma on Nov 6, 2005 - 49 comments

Preventing this thread is what IRC is for. That is all.
posted by wobh on Oct 8, 2004 - 46 comments

I humbly and publicly request a moratorium on referring to opinions as agendas. The linked thread is full of this. Not only does it stifle any sort of honest discussion, debate, or genuine and warranted insulting, it also seems slightly fascistic, Fox News-ish, and embarrassing.
posted by xmutex on May 3, 2004 - 46 comments

Here is the latest example of something that's been bugging me. It seems that personal attacks are on the rise, at the expense of debate that focuses on the thread topic or rational criticism of poor posts. More inside.
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posted by sennoma on Jan 17, 2002 - 27 comments

>Steven Den Beste: "But I've been informed that I'm not permitted to express opinions about what I post; I'm just supposed to post."

*cough* that's bull$#@! *cough* [more]
posted by ZachsMind on Nov 25, 2001 - 59 comments

As a new user I find myself over-stimulated by MeFi and so tend to bore the pants off everyone with too many comments. This may sound ridiculous but I am a great believer in good manners and would like to know what the acceptable limit is for comments per day?
On the other hand, I think interactivity within each thread is much more interesting than mere lists of separate comments. Engaging personally with other members of the community and directly addressing their thoughts seems more fruitful and respectful than just adding to the sum of opinions.
If there is some sort of "ethos" about it being uncool to answer someone else's post I think it it's misplaced. I know of three other newbies, more intimidated than myself, who are shying away from full participation because they feel they would be mocked.
Can a debate be started about what constitutes reasonable person-to-person debate, within the accepted and laudable public framework that MeFi has established?
I'd sincerely like to read comments from older members - preferably with good memories of their greenhorn days - on this question and feel sure we would all benefit from the resulting discussion.

posted by MiguelCardoso on Sep 6, 2001 - 12 comments

Of all the cheap rhetorical tactics employed here, I think my favorite is "you people are sick and this conversation is beneath me, so I'm not participating except to note this fact" (#1, #2, #3, #4).
posted by rcade on Jun 18, 2001 - 32 comments

"Can't you folks simply address an issue and tell us what you think without attacking the poster rather than what has been posted?" A few threads have featured variations on this sentiment, so I figured the subject was worth a longer look here.
posted by rcade on Feb 14, 2001 - 23 comments