I just realized... how do you get 30 people who are passionate about debating to agree on anything?

Whatever. As long is there is a place where we can all discuss things (even if those things need to be more "on topic") without other people spamming, I see no problem.

I can stay on subject most of the time, and when I don't, you can just warn me and steal my points like you do on the regular forums.

Originally posted by chissler
The current 10% of debate discussion should be 85-90%. That is, 85-90% of all discussion in this thread should be debate forum related.

I agree 100% with this.

That is after all, why we have a place where only we can talk.

If all we are going to do is chit-chat about everything BUT debates...why do we deserve a special thread?

The Fighter's Pub is not so much about the debates as it is about us - the debate community - keeping up with each other. If 2 or 3 days go by and a person hasn't "checked in," the others actually get concerned.

If there isn't an ongoing debate to discuss, then .. what, we just have to be quiet until there is? Daily or almost daily "checking in" so we all know everyone is okay ... well I suppose that's "chit chat" but it sure is important to us. And there isn't anywhere else we can do it without getting lost amdst the 10,000 other members.

Besides which, we aren't even supposed to discuss ongoing debates!!


[edit on 8-4-2009 by Heike]

This "chit chat" thing kills me.

I agreed about not bringing the DATS stuff in here, but consider this.

We are not allowed, or strongly discouraged, to talk about ongoing debates

So what do you want us to do in here?

Smack talk?

Smack talk is "chit chat" and it is an evolution of familiarity which comes from said "chit chat."

Post pictures of drinks?

Well now that we have to go through the whole MATS process you might have noticed that that joy has all but disappeared.

So, are we to come in once a week to see if someone wants to debate?

Again, let us refrain from confusing the FCP and DATS with crossover topics, but please let's go back to as we were with everything else and take those cursed points away.

What kind of PUB is this?

Is no-one going to touch their drinks?

I feel a little used...

So friendships can only grow through mindless chatter?

I'm beginning to feel that some are disagreeing for the sake of disagreeing. Through the past 2 pages, much of us are agreeing on the fundamental points.. yet act like we're in utter disagreement.

The value of the chit-chat in this thread is not in dispute. The friendships that have grown are important. I do not propose we do anything to cut that. But the notion that all is going to be lost if we seek to cut back on the "pig Latin", two-three word posts with a smiley, or nonsensical chatter.. it's absurd.

what i just realize is that most of the guys consider the talk at the FCP (or most of it) as meaningless chit chat - there is the line.

but is it really meaningless? or does it help to get to know each other? to feel safe?

to me it is like a big bar (yup a pub) and usually you talk small talk at bars. you can.t just be serious all the time. you relax and do a little brain storming, which might be considereed as chit chat again, and bingo a new debate is born

as the OP claimed:

Originally posted by intrepid
OK debate fans, this thread is for you. You want to discuss what and who you want to debate? Talk a little smack? Just chill? This thread is for you.

just chill!

usually i don.t talk so much about debates, since we are not supposed to talk about on going debates.
yup i would love to learn more about strategies


but i guess it is best for me not to post here, since i am doing to much chitty chatty


and i really do not care about any points.
take them away, i just don.t need them

I'm a fairly new and junior member but I do stand by what I said earlier in this thread that the conversation in here is, to me anyway, a very important way for debaters to get to know each other aside from the to-and-froing of the debates proper.

To me this is like an ante-chamber to the forum proper where we can politely laugh and joke with each other before advancing to the "ring" where we might tear shreds off one another.

It's also a place where I am spared the numpties who hijack threads by posting some nonsense in the middle of a sensible conversation.

As for DATS and FCP, I've been to DATS twice, saw nothing there I liked, have no intention of joining in. I do enjoy getting to know my fellow fighters here.

I've debated live for years (learning to "type" debate is a challenge) and any debate I've been in we've all from all sides gone to a pub afterwards, we've discussed the debate but also had a splendid time outdoing one another in wit. Wit does sharpen the intellect.

Originally posted by jasonjnelson
Is no-one going to touch their drinks?

I feel a little used...

Sorry, JJ - I should clarify: for the sake of simplicity and brevity, I generally only find need to exceptionally comment on the fact of beverage intake when I am not drinking coffee.

Excellent brew. A little stronger, and with a little coarser grind, may I recommend, however? I find that does wonders for avoiding bitterness and dregs.

Oh, and a splash of Bailey's. Why not.

Chissler: I think we agree.