Welcome to Jason1964's tutorial on how to debate correctly, and more specifically, how to debate correctly on ECC suggestion forums. This guide is still under construction, more content to come soon. If you're looking to improve your debating skills, learn how to start debating, or simply want to get your point across better, you came to the right place. I'll start of with some basic rules, and then move into some advanced rules, and then possibly some extra advanced logical fallacies/debating tactics. We'll see how it works out. 1.Use good grammar. This might sound obvious, but it's the stumbling block to the majority of debates. There's nothing worse than people not being able to understand you, or even worse, people thinking you meant something you really didn't. 2. Explain your suggestion (opinion) in as much detail as possible, and give reasons why your idea should be accepted. Don't expect to be lazy and have your suggestion accepted, it won't happen and people will ignore you. But don't think you'll be able to get all the details in the first post, most debates are on the bigger reasons, rather than the smaller details I can actually give you a really good example of what happens when you don't follow this rule. Due to a finger injury and being tired, I wrote a really un-detailed suggestion the other day. Never do this: http://www.ecocitycraft.com/forum/threads/stick-prices.110685/ As you can see, I only had one person reply with a counter-argument. Don't make the same mistake. 3. Be nice. This is probably one of the harder rules to follow, especially when things get really heated, but it's one of the most important (if not the most important) rules. I listened to a really good clip about this particular rule in a podcast the other day, I'll go dig it up for you guys. If I can't find it I'll just explain here. 4. Be (somewhat) humble. This rule is also particularly difficult to follow. If you present your suggestion with the attitude that you're right, people will call that proud/puffed up. You don't want to come across as a know-it-all. What this doesn't mean is that you should roll over and die as soon as someone counters your suggestion. Don't act like you're right, but be prepared to defend the suggestion if you believe/think that it's right. This rule also means that if you mess up/say something wrong, be humble about it and admit your mistake. People will respect you for that. 5. Be polite. To an extent, debating is a lot like war. You use every asset at your disposal, and you use everything to your advantage. No mercy. But sometimes it's better to step outside the little war, and just be polite to the other person. Especially if they are also an excellent debater. Even the best debaters mess up sometimes. Be polite and show good grace, we're only human. If they mess up, don't attack them for that. If someone isn't the best debater, don't insult them for that. Insulting people in debate is just about the worst thing you can do (I'll have a whole section on this later in the tutorial). This is still major work in progress, more to come. If you have any suggestions/comments/questions please feel free to comment below or contact me.
