The pool is what it is....I tend to think that the "pool" needs to be a bit MORE like a classroom.
Being on this board has taught me more about what a gift a classroom really is ...and what an art teaching truly turns out to be.
If there is no growth in the average poster's mind...then that is a waste of time. If this board is only about a win or lose mentality, and everyone in the top ten hero group wins all the time, then that is as boring as "hell". I watched a Twilight Zone episode..you know the one where the gansta' type dies and goes to what he thinks is heaven..with all the money, gambling, women he wants....but he realizes after a while that he never "loses"!? "Why", he asks the gatekeeper.
Because this "heaven" you think is heaven is actually HeLL!
To win and be right all the damn time without any sort of give and take is not only boring, but a waste of time. I sense that this board needs something more.
Perhaps time will tell, but if you notice, certain people on here seem to win every debate. It's an illusion in a way. In reality there is so much more to the world in terms of a good debate.
This is a debategate...sure, debate. But who judges the debate a win or loss...? the participants. HOw is that a worthwhile debate atmosphere? The 'central zoned, clique type debaters in here tend to circle, dive and attack...and like I said earlier, go for the kill...but it's not based on any fair sense of debate, ironically. So, I rest and relax and chime in once in a while, but to come to any sort of real conclusion, I've learned recently that that will never happen in here. There are too many familiar faces in here...not that there's anything wrong with that. I like everyone here, don't get me wroing.. The rules are set up by the players, and the outsiders don't stand a chance.
Ok commentary...as I see it...but I am not leaving...so don't think this is a bitch session. Just a thought, fellas, as I see it. I suppose there are too many emotions connected with the debate atmosphere to begin with. The one who can shut down the other with more insults, is on his way to a "win"....that's not fun!!
Ok see you soon after the literal shutdown. Hope these posts are not lost.
Cynthia