h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Personally, I think the more active debates we have going, the healthier this forum is, and the more of a difference we can make in H2G2 at large.

I've actually been waiting until we have a few more going before putting together that argument summary I talked about doing with Ste and submitting it to the Post.

I think the problem is when people are unable to log on as frequently as they might like. When you miss a few days a thread could have moved on leaving pages of backlog and new threads just add to it.

But the place could stagnate if the pace is too slow.

I really haven't had the time I'd like to make a decent contribution to the ODF/Argument clinic (can I vote for both?). I've been a bit busy of late, and I will be for the next fortnight, as my parents are flying in from England for holiday shennanigans.

The place needs some novel debate ideads I think. Some stuff that people just don't all agree on. We need some topics that will split people down the middle.

The busier the forum the better, I say.

Ste

I'll vote for the Argument Clinic, but you''ll have to promise that this doeesn't mean that you're all gonna break out into lengthy quoting sessions from Monty Python at every opportunity, ok?

I'd like to join please.

politics: Right-wing Libertarian
religion: Atheist
philosophical: Skeptical / Rationalist

Welcome, King Nechtan.

Argument Clinic leads Open Debating Society 3.5 - 2.5 (Ste's vote is evenly split). 6 votes out of 15 members? I'd have thought people who enjoy political debates would be more dedicated to the democratic process...

Well, I prefer ODS, but as long as there are no Monty Python jokes I'm easy.

I don't have a strong view either way, but I'm not sure if I count as a member, as I'm not listed.

Well, you certainly don't count if you don't commit to a vote.

Don't sweat the membership thing. It's just a tool to foster a stronger sense of community than you find in places like Ask H2G2. I've found that it helps people respect each other.

I'm for the Argument Clinic.

Gif

Sorry, BtM, I didn't notice the voting taking place. And such an important issue too. When are we going to get down to business, and discuss the shape of the tables? You can't have a debating society without having tables to shout across. Round, square (no, I don't think so) or oblong and long? *NOW* we're getting to the stuff that matters.

Does an interest in politics automatically manifest as approval for democracy? I prefer something socialist; caring, but with some backbone. Only those who disagree with me should be punished or killed. If I were Dubya, I might tell you this is democracy. If I were Dubya, you might consider it advisable to go along with it.

My vote is for "The Rational Front", or perhaps the "British Rational Party". Or ODS if nominations are closed.

Pattern-chaser

"Who cares, wins"

I'm not a member and I haven't yet participated in any of the debates here, but what the heck, here's my ha'penny worth...

I think you should go with Open Debating Society. It gives a clear and simple statement of intent, and it doesn't need explaining to anybody who doesn't know about or like Pythonesque humour. 'Argument Clinic', to the uninitiated, sort of gives the impression that you might all be a bunch of nutcases, or something. And from past experience I know that's untrue for, well, at least one or two of you...


Lear

I'd like to join, if I'm welcome. If you want the information that everyone else seems to have, then here goes:
Politics: Socialist
Religion: Athiest
Philisophical: Well, I try to be... I'm not sure what to put for this, as I don't really know enough about philosophy to judge.

P-c: You mean there's something more important to talk about than this?

Actually, I was thinking that we've got enough debates going on now that it's just about time to let the world at large know about it... only we should have a decision on the name before we do.

Open Debating Society leads Argument Clinic 5.5-4.5

Welcome to the fray, DrGonzo.

Ex-Green atheist critical rationalist

I started a new debate yesterday, by opening a thread called "religion and science"; no replies so far. Did I start it correctly, or should I have announced it here, or what? Or maybe no-one's interested!

Pattern-chaser

"Who cares, wins"

It's just because it was you, P-c. It's personal.

Pattern-chaser

"Who cares, wins"

I may have already voted, if not, I prefer the name "Open Debating Society" over "Argument Clinic".

Yup, me too.