debate?

[asterroc]

Anyone here been on debate team ever? What is permissable? I'm specifically trying to figure out if name-calling and cursing are considered "debate". This comes from some trashtalking people on parrot_lovers were doing of me in the name of debate. To me it's a flame war, not a debate. Debate includes civil rational discussion with the presentation of facts and arguments, and the criticism of said facts/arguments, without ad hominem attacks. Flame wars consist primarily of personal attacks.

Comments

[zandperl.livejournal.com]

I've only been on it for a month or two myself. Unfortunately the "debate" often degenerates into flame wars, except the vocal people all deny that it's a flame war. There are a number of people who are very aware of what makes a "perfect" bird owner, and think they have acheived that state, and seem to look down upon those of us who haven't. However, do keep in mind that they ARE quite knowledgable. The people on parrot_lovers have more information than the people on cockatiels, so when I'm not frustrated by their antagonistic ways, I'd rather go to them for advice.