Positive Argumentation
Remember when you were young and you wanted to do something, so you asked your mom. And she said, “No.”
So you asked, “Why?” And she said something like, “Because I said so, that’s why.” And the discussion was closed. Then, you had to either be good and do something else, or sneak around and do it anyway.
But the above isn’t even really an argument, for there’s no back and forth, just an inquiry and a response. An argument should be more like a debate. Not the type you often see on television, where the debaters just try to make their own point, not rebut the opponent’s views or present new information.
I’m going to attempt to start a series called “The Bottom Line”. I will present my opinions and would like you to either agree or not.
If you agree, I’d be glad to hear how and/or what you think about it. Try to be specific and give reasons if you can.
If you don’t agree, you can simply say, “I don’t agree.” In which case, the chances of staying posted are okay. If you say, “I don’t agree, because…” you have a better chance of staying posted. But, if you say, “I don’t agree, because… And I’d like to present this as a solution instead…” You will definitely stay.
And if you post off topic, you’ll probably be deleted. (Sorry folks, but I started this blog for a reason and it isn’t to let you rant about anything you want. You start your own blog for that.)
What I’m saying is I don’t care if you agree or not, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But if all you’re going to do is rant and rave, then don’t bother commenting. If you want to tell me (and the rest of you) why you disagree, and offer another point of view, then welcome aboard.
Please keep your comments civil, and without links. I intend to learn how to edit your comments, and so, many of the links may disappear soon. (I don’t mind an occasional link to your site, but if you’re going to respond to every posting in one day, with a link, some of them may vanish. Fair warning.)
What exactly do I mean? Let’s take an example.
Suppose the premise is: “Lollipops are the best, safest candy for young children. The stick protects them from getting small pieces lodged in their throats.”
If you respond with “I don’t think so.” You may not stay posted. (Unless you’re one of the few comments like this.)
If you comment with, “Lollipops are okay, but children can still bite off pieces and they can lodge in their throats.” There’s a much better chance your comment will survive.
But, if your response is,”I don’t think lollipops are the greatest, hard candy itself is pure sugar and isn’t good for you. Crunching a lollipop can lead to pieces becoming lodged in their throats. And besides, candy made from real fruit has been found to be better and not cause as much tooth decay.” This will definitely stay.
It’s okay to have an opinion, but I want you to share why you have that opinion and if you don’t agree, then what can you suggest as an alternative? It’s fine to say “No”, but suggesting what can be done (or used, or considered) instead is better. If everyone offered an alternative instead of just digging in and not seeing another’s viewpoint, the world would be a better place.
The litmus test “The Bottom Line” articles will use is:
Can people exist without XXX? And conversely, can XXX exist without people?
Where XXX is the subject for the article.
Not — Will things remain the same? Not –
Will it affect our present way of life? And not — Will life be better or worse. All those things are subjective – existence is a fact.
If you don’t understand it now, don’t worry, it’ll be much clearer when the articles come out.
What type of things will be considered for “The Bottom Line”? Well, part of that is up to you. Suggest things for me to consider. What’s your bottom line? On life? On your job? On the condition of society today? And if my opinion differs from yours, let everyone know. As long as you keep it clean (rated PG or below), civil (no cuss words or name calling), intelligent (no rants allowed, that’s my job), and stick to the rules above.
Everyone game?
Tags: environment, individuality, self-reliance
December 28th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Hey, I found your blog in a new directory of blogs. I dont know how your blog came up, must have been a typo, anyway cool blog, I bookmarked you.
December 31st, 2010 at 9:33 am
http://goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=3380746 Thanks for that awesome posting. It saved MUCH time
January 3rd, 2011 at 11:58 am
Is it ever going to end. I think there’s too much fuss about all of this.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Sorry my english, but this is great site, I wil add to my favorites.
January 8th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Hello, I have browsed most of your posts. This post is probably where I got the most useful information for my research. Thanks for posting, maybe we can see more on this.
January 10th, 2011 at 1:49 am
Good blog, where did you come up with the knowledge in this piece of content? I’m glad I found it though, ill be checking back soon to see what other articles you have.
January 13th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
I mistyped this web site and thankfully I discovered it once more. presently am at my college I extra this to favorites to ensure that I can re-read it later regards
January 13th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Im glad to see this informative article. Thanks for such helpful and useful post.
January 13th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
I think this is one of the most important information for me. And im glad reading your article. Good job, cheers
January 17th, 2011 at 12:50 am
Could hardly be written any better. Looking over this post jogs my memory of my old room mate! He constantly kept discussing this.
January 17th, 2011 at 11:19 am
I learned alot by reading your article. I have been reading your blog alot over the past few days and it has earned a place in my bookmarks.
January 18th, 2011 at 12:26 am
Interesting blog. Read several other of one’s blogged material and I have to say it is staying a day-to-day habit of mine to help keep coming back attempting to find new things lol. Retain up the excellent work.
January 18th, 2011 at 6:43 am
Im a massive fan currently, man. Youve done a excellent job producing confident that individuals recognize where youre arriving from. And allow me inform you, I get it. Wonderful goods and I cant wait to understand a lot more of the blogs. What youve received to say is essential and requirements to become examine.
January 19th, 2011 at 1:02 am
I’m thankful for such a wonderful article with many new things to learn! Thank you so much.
January 19th, 2011 at 3:26 am
Hello, us folks above at hp positively love your internet site. Spelforum is almost generally the first point we check inside the morning. Continue to keep up the great site!
January 19th, 2011 at 10:02 am
I’m basically not as well acquainted with this subject but I do prefer to check-out blogs for layout concepts and fascinating subjects. You extremely described a subject that I mostly don’t care a great deal about and developed it awfully fascinating. This is a great blog that I will take note of. I by now bookmarked it for future reference. Thank you Ccleaner
January 21st, 2011 at 12:58 pm
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
January 22nd, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Great Post. I have read many posts on this subject and you done the best job. Keep it up!
January 25th, 2011 at 8:13 pm
I typically dont write comments on posts, but your write-up urged me to commend your writings. Thanks for writing this, I am going to certainly common your web site and come back once in awhile. Happy blogging.
January 29th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
This can be among the most outstanding blogs Ive understand in the extremely long time. The amount of information in below is breathtaking, like you practically wrote the publication around the topic. Your website is excellent for anybody who desires to understand this topic more. Excellent things; please retain it up!
January 30th, 2011 at 10:59 am
It’s good webpage, I was looking for something like this
January 30th, 2011 at 11:07 am
It’s excellent page, I was looking for something like this
January 31st, 2011 at 7:03 am
Howdy - I has got to suggest, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs together with important info has been fantastically comfortable and easy to access. I stumbled onto what I wished-for very quickly all that. Quite good. Would appreciate it in the event you add community forums as well, it may be a amazing way for your purchasers to communicate. Quality job..
February 3rd, 2011 at 2:01 am
It’s great page, I was looking for something like this
February 3rd, 2011 at 2:23 am
It’s good webpage, I was looking for something like this
February 3rd, 2011 at 2:28 am
It’s good site, I was looking for something like this
February 3rd, 2011 at 7:04 am
I’m honestly not too accustomed to this matter but I do prefer to have a look at blogs for layout recommendations and intriguing topics. You honestly described a subject that I normally really do not care a good deal about and built it fairly fascinating. This can be a good blog that I’ll pay attention to. I previously bookmarked it for long term reference. Ogen laseren
February 6th, 2011 at 2:12 am
This one is an inspiration personally to uncover out rather more related to this subject.
I need to confess your knowledge extended my sentiments as well as I am going to proper now take your feed to stay up to date on every coming weblog posts you would possibly probably create. You are worthy of thanks for a job completely completed!
February 9th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Thanks for the post. I thought it was good.
February 10th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Thank you very much. Sunny article(Charlxtz)
February 11th, 2011 at 11:34 pm
Usually I do not read article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, quite nice post.
February 13th, 2011 at 4:50 am
Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this also - taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get anything done… Regards
January 27th, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Thanks for this, I just bookmarked your website! Check mine too, metin2hack.info…
[…]Barbara Bates » Blog Archive » Positive Argumentation[…]…
January 24th, 2015 at 6:27 am
cheap FIFA 15 coins…
Good !|Cool! I love your this bolg….