quote:
Originally posted by Silver Cheetah:
The whole point of debate is to air different and often conflicting views, and learn more about each other in the process. I've had some great interactions with people on here that I've disagreed with intensly, - we've even made 'friends'!! via email. That's pretty positive, if you ask me.
I have no issue with that. And I'm sure you did that by respecting the other person's right to have an opinion - doubtlessly they debated with you passionately, blood was spilled, but they eventually won your respect?
My point is, other people who come here to post also deserve that same respect, even if they lack the debating skills or thick skin you have. They are not as quick with a witty, sarcastic comeback and so they feel like they've been humiliated. It's taken them a lot of courage to post and the last thing they want is for someone to put them down. I am here to protect the rights of THOSE people.
Disagree by all means - but don't put people down in the process is what I'm saying. If you THINK the way you phrase something will put someone down, don't say it. What do you have to lose by doing so? You can still put your point across.