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I had originally posted this in a forum thread, during a particularly nasty exchange between two users of this forum, and I figured I might as well throw it up here for the benefit of newcomers:
Newsflash: The point of discussion
Because of some recent goings-on in another thread, between two respected members of this forum, I feel the need to make a quick note about this.
People. The point of discussion is not to CONVINCE the other participants that their opinions are wrong, but for the participants to exchange opinions. As long as you have stated your opinion as clearly as you can, and as politely as you can, you have succeeded. Whether the other person changes or modifies their opinion afterwards is their own business.
Moreover, discussions can only take place between people who respect each other (which is why I immediately ban whoever I don't respect or whoever has lost my respect). So if you don't respect the other participants, DO NOT ENTER INTO DISCUSSION WITH THEM. I don't care how you are going to accomplish this -- the bottom line is that the only person with a license to be rude in here is [the moderator]. And I am usually only rude to people right before I ban them.
So, discussion presupposes:
1. Respect
2. Mere exchange of opinions
...
