A real formal debate forum.

[stumpjumper]

I really think this place would benefit from a good fully moderated formal debate forum.

All formal debates could be had there after acceptance between the participants on the criteria and only allow posts by the participants and the moderator. It should be one forum that hosts all formal debates on any subject and have it's own subforum. Debates in one section and proposals in the other.

You could also set up Peanut Galleries in the appropriate sub-forum...

[ravenscape]

I like this idea. Forums that have top notch formal debate areas and moderation usually draw participants who have a following. It's an infusion of new blood into the forums where the peanut galleries reside.

It can be a moderation challenge, too, because a lot of times the new arrivals don't pay a lot of attention to the rules when they sign up. It's an education process. And then it starts all over again with the next batch of formal debates.

[ProfessorMom]

stumpjumper, would the moderator need at least some formal debate experience?

[Redeemed_Warrior]

Could be very handy indeed, not sure who we could have to mod it, as debates get heated often enougth as it is, and formal ones as raven said get a peanut gallery

[stumpjumper]

stumpjumper, would the moderator need at least some formal debate experience?

I don't think so.

Probably just a clear set of guidelines which I wouldn't mind helping develop. I have participated in two lengthy formal debates myself and have read a number so I'm familiar with the process.

The nice thing about formal debates is that it focuses the discussion in the peanut galleries and allows for much greater depth of discussion and debate within the main discussion.

[ProfessorMom]

What do you mean by the peanut galleries?

[stumpjumper]

What do you mean by the peanut galleries?

You would have one main formal debate forum for all of CF where the formal debate threads would be hosted. The only people allowed to post in those threads would be the two (very rarely there is 3 or 4) participants. However, a "peanut gallery" thread should be created (and possibly stickied during the course of the debate) with a link back to the main debate.

That thread should be created in the appropriate forum and anyone who wishes to comment on the debate or discuss amongst themselves the content of the debate may do so.

It is a great way to stimulate discussion in the regular forums...

[CaDan]

Gimme gimme gimme!

[ProfessorMom]

Are you looking for a site-wide formal debate forum or a formal debate forum in Theology?

[CaDan]

I am looking specifically for theology.

[ProfessorMom]

I'm asking because I notice this from Theology guidelines:
http://christianforums.com/t6694804-theology-guidelines.html
Theology:
Scope: These forum guidelines apply to all Theology Forums.

1: Scope of Discussions: These forums are for the discussion of Christian Theology, Ethics, and History. For the purposes of the Theology forums, discussion is limited to Christian faith and practice as framed in the Nicene Creed (http://christianforums.com/faq.php?faq=definition_christian#faq_definition_christian_content). This includes the study of what Christian churches teach and confess, what Christians believe, and what the Bible teaches.

Discussion of non-Nicene beliefs is limited only to discussion from a Nicene point of view for purposes of evangelism.
I don't know if you have specific topics of debate in mind.

[ProfessorMom]

Okay. And I rightly assume you have all the Rules of Debate at your fingertips?

I sure hope so because my debates are far less formal. ;)

[CaDan]

Okay. And I rightly assume you have all the Rules of Debate at your fingertips?

I've judged policy debate for a long time.

[ProfessorMom]

I've heard!

[stumpjumper]

Are you looking for a site-wide formal debate forum or a formal debate forum in Theology?

I would think the focus should mainly be theology and apologetics to start.

I could see some use for a formal debate forum from both the General Theology as well as the General Apologetics crowd.

Not so much other topics but I do think it should be fully moderated. Posts should go into a queue from either side and therefore be ensured that they are within the parameters before being approved.

[ProfessorMom]

bump

[ProfessorMom]

Can we concentrate on one formal debate forum in Theology for now? :)

Would you both, CaDan and stumpjumper be willing to manage/oversee/moderate there? Would you also be willing to write the rules?

Here are some concerns:
In the past it became contentious. (Perhaps the rules weren't clear).
It needs to be fully moderated.
Newbies might post in the debate threads.

[stumpjumper]

I would certainly be willing to moderate the threads and help formulate a set of rules.

I do think it needs to be fully moderated meaning that posts need to be approved to show in the debate threads.

Having it primarily for theology is fine. The only question I might have is will that allow Christian/non-Christian debates over Christianity or would we run into an issue with the promotion rule?

I do think apologetics should be included within the scope.

I would have the peanut galleries stickied in the appropriate forums (General Theology, Christian Apologetics, etc) wherein regular forum rules would apply.

[CaDan]

*adopts stumpjumpers comments as his own*

[Rep Daddy]

nm

[ravenscape]

If it's a fully moderated forum, two mods may be sufficient, especially at first. The forum for developing and accepting formal debate proposals will be busier and may need more than two staff members keeping an eye on it. Normal sitewide rules should apply in that forum.

[ProfessorMom]

Okay, let me check into the option of it being fully moderated. I know it's possible, what I need to know is would it be permissible.

[ProfessorMom]

Good news. I will make a formal debate forum in GT. You need to draw up your proposal/debate guidelines/rules, please. All site wide rules will apply. No apologetics in theology. I know it's not completely what you hoped for. Even so this is a great start!! Let's see how it goes in Theology and then perhaps, not yes but perhaps, your idea can be expanded upon.

The formal debate sub-forum can be moderated but it might need watching. (There are a couple other sub-forum that must be fully moderated and the post queue getting bogged down with posts is a concern. That may prove an unnecessary concern).

Okay here's what I need.
Please let me know exactly what you want in the way of forum creations. Besides the moderated debate forum, do you also need a separate proposal sub-forum? And do you also need a "peanut gallery" sub-forum? Please let me know exactly what you would like. I am happy to help you. :)

[stumpjumper]

We would need two folders:

A formal debate subforum and a formal debate proposals subforum.

In the proposals subforum, someone would create a thread and propose a topic they would like to put up for debate. Anyone can respond and a moderator will help formulate the guidelines for the debate in regards to word limit on posts, time limits between, and number of rounds.

The proposals forum should not be fully moderated. Only the debate forum itself. Peanut galleries would go in the regular forums with a link to the debate in the OP.

That's my 2 cents for now :)

I think this will be great and may help raise the level of discussion in some of the subforums.

Thanks.

[ProfessorMom]

Okay, please give me until after the weekend, if you would. I will get this done for you.

[ravenscape]

:clap: :clap: :clap:

[ProfessorMom]

The following sub-forums have been created. They are not yet open for posting. An Announcement will be made when they are ready to open.

http://christianforums.com/f926-form...proposals.html

http://christianforums.com/f924-formal-debate.html

[ProfessorMom]

Closing.