Hot debates on forums????

[lexio71]

Do you think that debates on forums that are extremely heated in nature could actually be very beneficial to your forum? I believe it can under the premise that any publicity or attention to your forum is a good thing. What are your thoughts on this? I personally want attention and action on my forums even if there are some very heated debates. The most attention the better. I hate to say this but sometimes being polite is even boring. I would love to hear thoughts on this? If I disagree I will let you know lol!

[ammulu]

Not so sure as I don't have a forum of my own and they could be beneficial or might not be. I at times feel that it might not be so much beneficial to the forum.

[HeadCase]

Controlled heated debates on forums can turn into long threads that keep a forum exciting and busy. As long as you can keep the thread as an open debate between several people, as apose to a fight between two people, it will only help to increase forum traffic.

[godonlyknows]

Yes, a long and "intelligent" argument between debaters will lead to them regularly visiting the forums and arguing and counterarguing. This will lead to some consistent visits from members. It needs to be a open ended debate though, and not a flame war, which might lead to loss in traffic and degrade the quality of forums.

Such an argument shouldn't devolve into name calling and personal abuse, if that happens certain visitors maybe put off and never visit again. So allow and promote heated debates as long as they "excite" and "provoke", but keep them civil and non-abusive.

[emmashireen]

Heated debates can be a very positive thing to happen to your forum if you control it and delete any abusive posts. As long as your members keep it respectful, others will want to voice their opinions and soon you will have a hot thread on your hands.

[Stav.]

Is there any other kind? On my forum, the best threads are the ones where many people air their viewpoint. It is amazing that one idea can have so many different ways to look at it?

[trick-r-treat]

It's always good to hear another person's point of view on a topic. But just because something thinks differently, doesn't mean that either one is "wrong" - it is just that: a difference of opinion. Unfortunately, some people do take things out of proportion.

[SageMother]

Heated debates on forums are goo as long as the arguments are sound, which is probably asking for too much.

I like to see well thought out exchanges with examples or reasons for the positions presented.

[Stav.]

A strong, even handed moderator can keep debate under control when it threatens to degenerate into a free for all.

I have found myself many times delivering a cyber slap and then setting the debate back on topic. It helps that I know most of the people involved, and also that they are scared of me heheh..

[HeadCase]

Moderation is the key. It shows that there is some form of law on the board. You can pretty much discuss anything as long as people know that there are boundaries.