(Note: Members are advised to read the thread on How the Formal Debates forum works, if they have not already done so.)
To save time in negotiating debate rules, I suggest we have a ready-made set of rules of debate which we can call "Standard rules". That way, instead of every debate proposal having to include a full set of rules, a member proposing a debate can simply say in his or her Proposal thread: "I challenge xxxx to a debate, using the Standard Rules, on the topic: Should smoking be banned everywhere?"
The current thread is for discussion about what should be included in these "Standard Rules". Here's my first draft, but I'm sure there are things missing here. All suggestions for additions, clarifications or changes will be appreciated.
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1. The debater for the affirmative side of the debate will create the "Debate" thread and post the first post, setting out his or her main arguments.
2. The debater for the negative side will then reply with his or her own introductory post.
2. There will then be exactly two follow-up and rebuttal posts from each debater, in which the debaters may address and refute points made by the other person, as well as adding any new points that may come up.
3. Finally, each debater will post one concluding post, summing up his or her side of the debate. Following the concluding posts, the thread will be closed.
4. Debaters each have exactly two days from the time of posting of a post by their opponent to post their next post. If they do not post in the required time limit, the debate will be declared finished, and the thread closed.
5. Debaters may not post more than 4 posts in total. Once the 4-post limit is reached, further posts by that debater will be deleted from the thread, but the thread will remain open for posts by the opponent, until either his or her own 4-post limit is reached or until time runs out.
6. Debaters may include links to any supporting information or references in their posts. They may also quote extracted sections of text from other sites.
7. Individual posts may not be longer than 1500 words, including any quotes.
[Last edit: 8 Jan 2008]
To save time in negotiating debate rules, I suggest we have a ready-made set of rules of debate which we can call "Standard rules". That way, instead of every debate proposal having to include a full set of rules, a member proposing a debate can simply say in his or her Proposal thread: "I challenge xxxx to a debate, using the Standard Rules, on the topic: Should smoking be banned everywhere?"
The current thread is for discussion about what should be included in these "Standard Rules". Here's my first draft, but I'm sure there are things missing here. All suggestions for additions, clarifications or changes will be appreciated.
---
1. The debater for the affirmative side of the debate will create the "Debate" thread and post the first post, setting out his or her main arguments.
2. The debater for the negative side will then reply with his or her own introductory post.
2. There will then be exactly two follow-up and rebuttal posts from each debater, in which the debaters may address and refute points made by the other person, as well as adding any new points that may come up.
3. Finally, each debater will post one concluding post, summing up his or her side of the debate. Following the concluding posts, the thread will be closed.
4. Debaters each have exactly two days from the time of posting of a post by their opponent to post their next post. If they do not post in the required time limit, the debate will be declared finished, and the thread closed.
5. Debaters may not post more than 4 posts in total. Once the 4-post limit is reached, further posts by that debater will be deleted from the thread, but the thread will remain open for posts by the opponent, until either his or her own 4-post limit is reached or until time runs out.
6. Debaters may include links to any supporting information or references in their posts. They may also quote extracted sections of text from other sites.
7. Individual posts may not be longer than 1500 words, including any quotes.
[Last edit: 8 Jan 2008]
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