Is the internet the right forum for rational debate?

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 09:39

A suggested 'code of conduct' for bloggers has provoked disagreements online between those who feel that internet debates are unruly and abusive and those who argue that unruliness is free speech in action and, in any case, could not be regulated.

The code, which is still being written, calls on bloggers to "enforce civility", refrain from saying anything online that they wouldn't say in person and refuse to publish anonymous comments. Critics say it is unenforceable, impractical and against the ethos of the internet.

What do you think? Should online debate be regulated? Or is even attempting to regulate it a fruitless exercise? Are online communities self-regulating or are they anarchic brawls where the loudest voice wins? Is it unreasonable to expect rational debate in such an unruly environment as the internet?

Is anonymity online acceptable?

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 09:40

Do you respect a person's opinions less if they won't provide their real name? Has the internet made our society more abusive or does the internet simply reflect society as a whole?

Harlequin


Joined: 02/10/2008
Posts: 346

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 09:55

To answer you questions in order, I hope:



No, yes, yes, no, no, yes, no, yes and yes.

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 09:56

Crikey No1Doyen.....it's a bit early here for such heavy questions!

Can I get back to you?

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 10:03

Anytime cronos - I always look forward to your posts.



Harlequin - I'm confused now. I'll have to re-read the questions myself

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 11:31

Harlequin - I think you've given more answers than there were questions!

Harlequin


Joined: 02/10/2008
Posts: 346

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 11:38

I count nine questions in posts 1 and 2 but then maybe I am not being rational.

wheelbarra


Joined: 29/06/2008
Posts: 19

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 11:38

No.1



Most certainly, provided all opinions are respected, civility maintained and moderation is sympathetically applied. Common courtesy is a pre-requisite whatever the medium of transmission.

denizkisi


Joined: 18/09/2008
Posts: 196

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 12:13

It is good to share opinions and I find it quite enjoyable to have a heated debate on "hot" topics. It is when you get the uneducated involved that name calling begins, they cannot think of a rational, civilised way to debate and get their point across, so they resort to name calling (like me being called a muppet on the dog thread a few days ago) but unlike the "ban them" brigade I find it all rather amusing and feel sorry that they are unable to communicate like an adult.........

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 12:38

denizkisi - you've hit the 'nail on the head'. Thats what ruins the threads when people start name calling. I would only ban them if they resorted to foul language.

Harlequin


Joined: 02/10/2008
Posts: 346

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 12:41

No1



So, should they be banned if they called someone chicken?

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 12:59

Ha ha - thats clever Harlequin!

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 13:23

1/ What do you think? depends on the topic.. Can ppl real fall out over a debate about sewing or even sport ?!

2/ Should online debate be regulated? - no, there are already acceptable "conduct" standards..

3/ Or is even attempting to regulate it a fruitless exercise? Not fruitless - thankless and sometimes - like an over zealous ref at a football game it kills the whole debate

4/Are online communities self-regulating? At the minute, yes.

5/Are they anarchic brawls where the loudest voice wins? No, as the "winner" is subjective ! ;)

6/Is it unreasonable to expect rational debate in such an unruly environment as the internet? NO.. but you can live in hope ..

7/ Is anonymity online acceptable? YES, if the poster isn't name calling / threatening.



I made it six/seven Q's ;)



Thanks No.1 .. interesting thread..

denizkisi


Joined: 18/09/2008
Posts: 196

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 13:43

I think I agree with you mmmmm,



I have had some very heated debates over the Cyprus problem, religion and politics on other forums, but as I said it is when people cannot get their point across when the name calling and abuse starts!! It is quite possible to vehemently disagree with someone over something as touchy as religion (for instance) but still maintain dignity in debate. The rule of not saying anything on line that you wouldn't say to a persons face is a good one, after all in Ireland it is said: Is minic a bhris béal duine a shrón (It is often that a person's mouth broke his nose) LOL !!

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 13:48

Thats a good last line denizkisi and very true!

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 13:51

hi doyen

even though i post under another name, most people know who i am anyway.

anything i say hear i would say to the persons face.

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 14:31

Bill, you've made me stop & think! You Old Goat!



I regularly post on about 10 different forums, from finance & investments, property, motorsport, business, etc,... oh and Cyprus!



3 of those are 'premium' forums, it's amazing how having to pay to join cuts out most of the petty vitriol.



I agree with denizkisi that the 'Yeah But,.. No But' brigade cause problems, but I have found that just as many problems are caused by those articulate posters who consider and profess themselves better educated and informed.



No matter whether it's the world economy or a recipe for corned beef hash, neither 'end' of the spectrum of posters can ever claim they got it right.



I have though noticed that most forums have seen a dramatic increase in vitriol and personal attacks/sarcasm over the last few months.



It's not just 44!



"It's the Economy,.. Stupid" (Thanks Bill Clinton)







Rob ( Guilty as others of sarcasm at times)

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 14:35

hi robnjo

i do agree with you there.

my son runs a forum on his gaming website and even he gets fed up with it.

his site is for the younger generation, so it shows its not just the so called educated adults.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 15:13

fire starter - I don't know who you are but you are straight to the point.



Rob. What do you do in your spare time (if you have any after posting on 10 forums?

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 16:13

Bill,



I work a couple of days a week in a new business venture.

I cook. My Moussaka is renowned in W London.

I help old ladies across the road,.. even if they don't want to cross.

I work part time for Norfolk Mountain Rescue.

I look at my Equitable Life Pension statements & laugh till I cry!

I try to install my 'Dongle' and new 'Bluetooth' printer,.. Arghhhh!



I return to being a self employed wine taster!



Life's a beach!

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
20/01/2009 20:01

Enjoy Rob, enjoy!!