Because the Internet is Serious Business...

[KalashnikoV]

... I propose we do it justice with some equally serious discussion.

I propose a weekly "Serious Discussion" thread where members who are so inclined will debate a predetermined topic 'til they all hate each others' guts.

The topic of the week could be determined by myself, or by submissions from participating members; anything works.

This isn't a forum game or competition, there's no need for sign ups or slots to fill, or for every single person involved to participate every week or anything like that.

"But KalashnikoV, why don't you just start a thread for discussion spontaneously, what's the point of making this a weekly organized event and having this thread?"

Shut up, I'm getting there.

Consider this something of a proof-of-concept.

I'm organizing this as such for a number of reasons:

I need to know that enough people would be interested to make this a worthwhile endeavor.

I need to know that those willing to participate are also willing to do so intelligently. This means no flaming, getting your feelings hurt, carrying grudges to other threads, whining, *****ing moaning, or any of that drivel. Behave in a mature manner, ignore spammers or flamers should they arise in the thread, do your research if necessary, and suck it up if you get your ass kicked. Some members (ahem... me), whether right or wrong, are stubborn as ****ing mules. Accept that, and if you get tired of yelling at a wall, see if anyone else is willing to debate the issue.

Once again, there's no sign ups, but I'd really like to see who's willing to take time, form a coherent thought or two, and debate with some amount of etiquette. If you're interested, please say so. If you want to add an idea for how this should be conducted, feel free.

[Toxic]

I am interested, as long as we don't end up with a bunch of religion topics, like over at Newgrounds.

[Mafiaisco]

I might join in, if the topic right. And I'll delete spam and what not that disrupts the topic

[KalashnikoV]

I am interested, as long as we don't end up with a bunch of religion topics, like over at Newgrounds.

While I am a bit of a fan of religious debate myself, I'll try and keep our debate topics as varied as possible. Also, should a topic arise where one side of the argument dwarfs the other, I'll take the liberty of playing devil's advocate (assuming I'm not the one outnumbered) to try and level the playing field some. Should it get too bad, I may even request a lock and see if we can't find a topic where the sides are a bit fairer.


Just to reiterate, though, topics may be very controversial or hit very close to home. Just because people disagree with you, or even offend you with their opinions and debate, please don't bring the grudge outside of the discussion. The last thing I want to do is cause a good member to hate everyone else or leave the forum because his or her feelings got hurt.

[LedHead]

As long as there's no religious or political topics. I want really controversial ****.

[KalashnikoV]

As long as there's no religious or political topics. I want really controversial ****.

Such as?

[BlazeZeroThree]

This certainly sounds fun, though I'll probably end up watching half the time.

[mungo]

Sounds good to me.

[Kero]

If it involves current economic issues, I might stick around. I can't seem to get Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac out my head.
*silly subprime fiasco :)*

[LordPwn]

I'd like it more actually if it was anything goes.

I would love to partake in this event.

[Kero]

Or, we can just create a separate user group for it.
Even though XGen already tried Scholar's Club, it might stand a better chance of filtering out spam and useless posting via User Group functionality. Plus, it gives better control of who gets to post on the board via Moderated / Invite Only settings.

Just keep us updated until something starts up.

[LordPwn]

We were thinking of discussing alternative fuels, who thinks it'd be good?

[mungo]

We were thinking of discussing alternative fuels, who thinks it'd be good?

I'm good with that.

[KalashnikoV]

Or, we can just create a separate user group for it.
Even though XGen already tried Scholar's Club, it might stand a better chance of filtering out spam and useless posting via User Group functionality. Plus, it gives better control of who gets to post on the board via Moderated / Invite Only settings.

Just keep us updated until something starts up.

The biggest problem I see with running it via usergroup is that it sort of violates the idea of having the discussion be a completely open forum. I don't want to have "members" of a specific group for SD, I'd like to have something where anyone can drop into the conversation and share their thoughts on the matter.

Nevertheless, it is an idea for consideration.

[Matias321]

None the less it's a great idea.

[loggerbomb]

I don't care for the UserGroup idea myself, though I do not care what we talk about. Serious discussion about serious topics are always great.

[LedHead]

Such as?

Pedophiles and murderers, you know, fun things like that.

[kirbinator]

This debate thread sounds like a good idea cause I am really good at arguing. A good idea for a topic would be evolution vs. creationism.

[UzumakiNaruto77]

A real Disscussion. Sounds cool.

[KalashnikoV]

This debate thread sounds like a good idea cause I am really good at arguing. A good idea for a topic would be evolution vs. creationism.

I agree, but we'll try one or two less controversial topics first, just as a means of gauging how mature everyone's actually willing to be.

[kirbinator]

I agree, but we'll try one or two less controversial topics first, just as a means of gauging how mature everyone's actually willing to be.

Good point, need to see if this will actually work.

[mungo]

I agree, but we'll try one or two less controversial topics first, just as a means of gauging how mature everyone's actually willing to be.

That's probably a good idea, especially since pieking seems to be online right now...

[Tuomas]

HallPass? Mature? C'mon, you're joking, right?

[pieking999]

That's probably a good idea, especially since pieking seems to be online right now...

When I find you. You will be PUT TO DEATH.

[mungo]

When I find you. You will be PUT TO DEATH.

Well that's good. Because,

YOU WILL NEVER FIND ME.

[kirbinator]

Well that's good. Because,

YOU WILL NEVER FIND ME.

I am not on his side but your location says Canada. Just to make a point, not on piedouches side.

[UzumakiNaruto77]

(No Comment)

[pieking999]

Well that's good. Because,

YOU WILL NEVER FIND ME.

That's what YOU think.

I am not on his side but your location says Canada. Just to make a point, not on piedouches side.

Oh but you are on my side. Just look at my sig.

[KalashnikoV]

HallPass? Mature? C'mon, you're joking, right?

So we're all immature now, too? Good to know. After all, I wasn't quite content with HP just being small and unintelligent; I felt like you were missing part of the picture.

[LordPwn]

Remember guys, this isn't just about debating/arguments. It's mainly for discussion, but of course there will be arguments.

[kirbinator]

Oh but you are on my side. Just look at my sig.

I will get a paid assassin to shoot you in the leg and when you are in the doucheville hospital I will kill you myself. And I retire my job I never worked for. TAKE ME OUT OF YOUR SIGNATURE, STOP ACTING LIKE AN ASS, AND I WANT ABSOLUTLY NOTHING TO DO WITH PIELAND.

I am finished.

[LordPwn]

I will get a paid assassin to shoot you in the leg and when you are in the doucheville hospital I will kill you myself. And I decline my position.

I seriously doubt you'll survive the coming threads.

[UzumakiNaruto77]

I really dont understand pieland, Its a bit stupid. Go find some other people to mess with. I also resign from being a pieman. Screw it!

[kirbinator]

I really dont understand pieland, Its a bit stupid. Go find some other people to mess with. I also resign from being a pieman. Screw it!

I am on your side here.
I have an idea, why don't we just rebel and strip pieking999 from his position and then pieland will end up America when democrats are in office.

[KalashnikoV]

How's about you kids have this little chat over visitor messaging, seeing as I doubt anyone else cares about your upcoming pie insurrection.

[UzumakiNaruto77]

Too bad his previous ban wasnt permanant. *Sob*

[kirbinator]

Too bad his previous ban wasnt permanant. *Sob*

Lets get back on topic now, whats the topic again?

[LordPwn]

Lets get back on topic now, whats the topic again?
The topic is shut up until tomorrow.

[mungo]

Too bad his previous ban wasnt permanant. *Sob*

I like pieking, he makes life more interesting.

[UzumakiNaruto77]

Finding a topic for a serious disscussion.

[LordPwn]

Finding a topic for a serious disscussion.

We've got a topic.

[kirbinator]

I like pieking, he makes life more interesting.

If you like him so much, I will give up my spot as doctors assistant and you can have it.

[mungo]

If you like him so much, I will give up my spot as doctors assistant and you can have it.

He wants me dead...

[loggerbomb]

How about a discussion about Offshore Drilling and/or ramping up the use of Solar/Wind energy?

Is it me, or is it by the time they actually get those rigs up and running the 'crisis' the States is facing will either be over or it will be too late to alleviate with the oil they will bring in?
I think it would be better for the States and/or Canada to beef up the rebates/loosen the restrictions they have on solar panels/wind turbines. If everyone had a couple solar panels and a wind turbine, their dependence on electrical grids would be lessened. Not going to help totally with gas at the pumps, but it would free up more resources/money to go to those pumps. hough it would help the gas problem if people bought electric cars. Than you could plug them into your panels/turbines and away you go.

[kirbinator]

Good idea, I live the southern part of Louisiana and I see a new oil rig out in the horizon all the time.

I think that people should be able to say something like, for example, I think that (insert name here) is a ***got, without getting in trouble. Be able to give your opinion without getting in trouble.

[SecurityCop]

How about a discussion about Offshore Drilling and/or ramping up the use of Solar/Wind energy?

Is it me, or is it by the time they actually get those rigs up and running the 'crisis' the States is facing will either be over or it will be too late to alleviate with the oil they will bring in?
I think it would be better for the States and/or Canada to beef up the rebates/loosen the restrictions they have on solar panels/wind turbines. If everyone had a couple solar panels and a wind turbine, their dependence on electrical grids would be lessened. Not going to help totally with gas at the pumps, but it would free up more resources/money to go to those pumps. hough it would help the gas problem if people bought electric cars. Than you could plug them into your panels/turbines and away you go.

You'd be surprised at how housing companies are helping. A new suburb was recently developed here. It was standard on half of the houses to have solar panels.

[KalashnikoV]

How about a discussion about Offshore Drilling and/or ramping up the use of Solar/Wind energy?

Is it me, or is it by the time they actually get those rigs up and running the 'crisis' the States is facing will either be over or it will be too late to alleviate with the oil they will bring in?
I think it would be better for the States and/or Canada to beef up the rebates/loosen the restrictions they have on solar panels/wind turbines. If everyone had a couple solar panels and a wind turbine, their dependence on electrical grids would be lessened. Not going to help totally with gas at the pumps, but it would free up more resources/money to go to those pumps. hough it would help the gas problem if people bought electric cars. Than you could plug them into your panels/turbines and away you go.

Given the fact that we'll presumably be discussing for a week, I think it's safe to bunch these topics in with alternative fuels into one big "energy crisis" package.

Feel free to ponder/formulate/research your ideas on it now, since it will more than likely be the topic of this week's discussion.

[kapono24]

(No Comment)

Don't ****ing post then. If you have no comment, we will notice. You don't need to ****ing tell us you don't have a comment.

As for the topic, I might join in on topics I actually know. I wouldn't expect me in many conversations but the ones I am in, I will be contributing greatly.

[loggerbomb]

Given the fact that we'll presumably be discussing for a week, I think it's safe to bunch these topics in with alternative fuels into one big "energy crisis" package.

Feel free to ponder/formulate/research your ideas on it now, since it will more than likely be the topic of this week's discussion.

Sounds good. Just thought I would try to get something productive going here.
Any ground rules for the thread? Should all non on topic posts be deleted? Repeated violators barred from future discussions? :confused:

[kirbinator]

How about a discussion about Offshore Drilling and/or ramping up the use of Solar/Wind energy?

Is it me, or is it by the time they actually get those rigs up and running the 'crisis' the States is facing will either be over or it will be too late to alleviate with the oil they will bring in?
I think it would be better for the States and/or Canada to beef up the rebates/loosen the restrictions they have on solar panels/wind turbines. If everyone had a couple solar panels and a wind turbine, their dependence on electrical grids would be lessened. Not going to help totally with gas at the pumps, but it would free up more resources/money to go to those pumps. hough it would help the gas problem if people bought electric cars. Than you could plug them into your panels/turbines and away you go.


The oil that the "environmentalists" don't want to drill for in Montana is really the government trying to keep the oil prices up. More oil in America, means the people will want lower prices, that means bye-bye Ferrarii for the governer of Montana.

[EpicWin]

I'll take place.

But I plan on getting owned, sliced, diced, etc, etc.

[SecurityCop]

The oil that the "environmentalists" don't want to drill for in Montana is really the government trying to keep the oil prices up. More oil in America, means the people will want lower prices, that means bye-bye Ferrarii for the governer of Montana.

The reason people don't want to drill for oil is because it may be to expensive for the amount thats in there. In Alaska, there is something close to 75 million barrels of oil. Wanna know how that long that'll last the US alone? 300 days. Give or take 50.

[kirbinator]

I'll take place.

But I plan on getting owned, sliced, diced, etc, etc.

I am in too, but I will be leaving for vacation in three days.
The reason people don't want to drill for oil is because it may be to expensive for the amount thats in there. In Alaska, there is something close to 75 million barrels of oil. Wanna know how that long that'll last the US alone? 300 days. Give or take 50.
But it is still oil, five minutes or five years, it would help America.

[pieking999]

I will stay out of here now if you so wish.

[LordPwn]

Guys guys, save the discussion for tomorrow please.

[mungo]

I will stay out of here now if you so wish.

Might be a good idea.

[kirbinator]

I will stay out of here now if you so wish.

Wish granted.:D:D:D:D

[KalashnikoV]

Sounds good. Just thought I would try to get something productive going here.
Any ground rules for the thread? Should all non on topic posts be deleted? Repeated violators barred from future discussions? :confused:

While I sort of spelled out the principles that I'd like everyone to bear in mind at the beginning of this thread, I'll be more explicit about what should and should not be acceptable when I open the first thread tomorrow.

It's up to the mods about whether or not these threads would warrant the special treatment of deleting off topic posts and spam as it arises, but I'd really appreciate it if you're willing. Maf said something similar about being willing to delete posts like that, and I appreciate the support from both of you.

Thanks a ton for the input so far, Logger.

[SupaFruit]

I'll join if the topic is good for my taste. Otherwise I'll say a thing or two and get out of the way.

[kirbinator]

While I sort of spelled out the principles that I'd like everyone to bear in mind at the beginning of this thread, I'll be more explicit about what should and should not be acceptable when I open the first thread tomorrow.(cut some stuff out).

When is tomorrow exactly, in my time zone it is 8:36?

[rockgabriel9]

Well this sounds intresting and i'll like to take part. Can we have like a hallpass hall of fame for the best debaters?

[Kero]

i think that people should be able to say something like, for example, i think that (insert name here) is a ***got, without getting in trouble. Be able to give your opinion without getting in trouble.
RATE THREADS FTW
/caps

I'll cry if the mortgage crisis isn't our first topic. Also, *love the Edit Button*
Should all non on topic posts be deleted?
Yes, depending on how much the post can derail the topic. Like if someone were to suddenly post a Mudkip. I know damn well I'll be the first /b/tard in the mist to post "I liek mudkipz" in the biggest font possible. (Gotta love short attention spans!)
Repeated violators barred from future discussions? :confused:
After a few warnings, second chances, and possibly a ban or two.

[LedHead]

I bring you an idea for a topic. Some of you may have heard about Ronnie Wood's nineteen-year-old whore (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24038529-5012749,00.html). What does HP think of old-young relationships and this one in particular?

[pakman21]

I bring you an idea for a topic. Some of you may have heard about Ronnie Wood's nineteen-year-old whore (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24038529-5012749,00.html). What does HP think of old-young relationships and this one in particular?

They're fine, once she hits 18 she can **** whoever she wants.

[Kero]

I like pieking, he makes life more interesting.
He's a drama whore like fluffy. You hate him so much, you end up loving him eventually.

MORTGAGE CRISIS DISCUSSION NAO. D:

[KalashnikoV]

Energy was decided as the first topic just because it's something that's nonoffensive, widely accessible, usually interesting, and is multifaceted enough to be debated for a while.

I know that you all have different issues that you're really aching to talk about, but we had to open with something with a wide enough appeal to bring in a lot of contributers. Don't worry though, you can start PMing me all your suggestions for next weeks topic as soon as you want.