Debate the topic, not the person

[GracieMae]

Is this always easy to do? What is the debater is totally off the wall or not debating properly? Do you ever have a problem not debating the person?

I sometimes do. If I know the person is not being honest or they are being rude. I think debating the topic but not the person can be difficult in certain circumstances.

[kingclick]

I think it's hard for most people not to debate the person because that is mostly what they have in their "information bank."

It's soooo much easier making fun of someone's spelling errors than actually trying to find a valid fact or concept to support your point.

[GracieMae]

It's soooo much easier making fun of someone's spelling errors than actually trying to find a valid fact or concept to support your point.

Is that a personal attack on me? Just kidding KL, I know exactally what you are saying :)

[April]

When you're trying to get one point across and you've explained it 100 different ways and they still don't get it....it's hard to stick to the topic.

Or when you know someone feels about a topic so strongly that they won't even consider any other possibilities...

I've gotten to the point where I avoid responding to certain people because I know it'll go nowhere. And that's because of the person, not the topic.

[mom2burgess]

^^^I agree with MM there are some topics I just won't even respond to anymore, because a person has either pissed me off so bad by not debating, just insulting, or because I know the topic will go no where

[MooMur]

When you're trying to get one point across and you've explained it 100 different ways and they still don't get it....it's hard to stick to the topic.

Or when you know someone feels about a topic so strongly that they won't even consider any other possibilities...


I hear you. It is very hard to debate and not make it personal. Sometimes I am like a pitbull, just can't let it go. I am not seeing their point and I know they are not seeing mine. And it's frustrating because everyone likes to think they are right :D. But I do try my best not to take things personally or debate the person.

[Epicurus]

I'm sorry. I will try to be more open minded :D

Collette ;)

[Mabel]

LOL - finally she gets the hint ;)

JUST KIDDING!

[RogueAngel]

Hmm, I would say it is not always so easy to do either. I try and stick to the subject. It gets bad when fingers are pointed and general name calling goes on. Not so much individuals being called outright names but one *side* of views pited against the other *side* of views. Maybe one side gets *lectured* for their views or very often snide comments are made and assumptions that really have no place in the discussion. I've seen it happen a few times and know the people who usually do it. I try my best to ignore them and those type of posts and stay focused. Not always easy though and I've failed at it more than once LoL.

[Epicurus]

LOL - finally she gets the hint ;)

JUST KIDDING!


Yeah. You don't have to hit me over the head with a brick!!!

Collette

[Jai Witch]

MonkeyMomma
I've gotten to the point where I avoid responding to certain people because I know it'll go nowhere. And that's because of the person, not the topic.


I agree with MonkeyMomma. I've noticed only certain people doing this and it never gets any LESS irritating when someone's main purpose is to just piss you off by going way off topic...or not even knowing what they are posting about in the first place, and then trying to argue ~not debate~ the subject anyway. So, if anyone sees me falling into this category, please call me out on it! I don't want to stoop to that level.