[venusss]

Recently there was a deleted thread in psychotherapy forum... in the following discussion I sugested we could have a special forum for more serious and challenging debates, where threads that become triggering for some could be moved. Some of us here are able to handle a challenging debate of some concepts and I believe we could benefit from it.

if people aren't lashing out at each other, I see no reason to delete the thread altogether. We could move it to a place which would be a "no go" for those easily triggered (equivalent to the trigger icon) and those who are interesting can have a mature debate there.

[pegasus]

In my experience, threads only get deleted if they go against the guidelines here at Psych Central, ie. not being supportive. The mods will consider just locking it first, so there has to be a real good reason for deleting it. This isn't really a debating forum website but I guess you could start you own social group for debating or discuss things in PM with those that you know don't mind debating.

[FooZe]

Originally Posted by VenusHalley

... in the following discussion I sugested we could have a special forum for more serious and challenging debates, where threads that become triggering for some could be moved. Some of us here are able to handle a challenging debate of some concepts and I believe we could benefit from it.

It looks as though _sabby_ addressed your suggestion later in that same thread:
http://forums.psychcentral.com/showt...63#post1639163

[Travelinglady]

Good idea for a debating forum! I was just involved in the topic of "antipsychiatry" and found it very rewarding.

[Skully]

I would be wary of a debating forum. While I would love to see one, I think with all the different mental health issues many have they can be easily triggered and go off on someone with an opposing opinion...I just see it turning ugly fast. But that is a shame, it would be a good thing.

[lizardlady]

It's just my opinion, but the idea seems counter to the purpose of PsychCentral. I've been a member at sites that allowed this sort of discussion. All too often they turned into flame wars.

[Dark_Dreams]

I think mature debates can be useful in a lot of ways. The antipsychiatry thread has been very informative. While many of us have very different views, there has been no attacking each other for those views. Debates help open minds to things that we may not have thought of before and make it possible to see another person's point of view.

[Travelinglady]

I can't speak from past experience about the dangers of debates, since I've never been on any debate forum. I do acknowledge that we are, by definition, a "sensitive" group of people. Would the social group idea work, do you more experienced people think?

[Dark_Dreams]

This group may be, by definition, a sensitive group. If one is sensitive to vertain topics, they choose not to read them. Triggers ate routinely used to protect people from being exposed to material they are not comfortable with.

So the topics could be reviewed and if the topic is not something you wish to participate in then so be it. And if you are overly sensitive to standard debates then also stay away.

Debates are important and something that we are all involved in every day or our lives even when we don't think about it. Best coffee, best sports team, how that a particular movie, all these things and more are debates. A debate forum would allow us to explore topics as simple as those or even more difficult such as gay marriage, age of accountability, education, politics, etc in an environment were we all agree to treat the topic with respect and each other with respect as well

[venusss]

Originally Posted by Dark_Dreams

Debates are important and something that we are all involved in every day or our lives even when we don't think about it. Best coffee, best sports team, how that a particular movie, all these things and more are debates. A debate forum would allow us to explore topics as simple as those or even more difficult such as gay marriage, age of accountability, education, politics, etc in an environment were we all agree to treat the topic with respect and each other with respect as well

Also quite number of people here is in Universities or plan to study in an Uni... and many have problems expressing their opinions out of loud in front of people. This would be a good way to start learning, for those who chose so.

And also sometimes hearing oposing idea may shock us in the beginning... but in the end may offer a valued perspective.

I have been member on dozens of debate forums, mainly political once some very heated, some quite mild and mature, some were quite academic (with all acknowledging the insight of others and respectfully disagreeing).

[pegasus]

This is a 'support' forum for people seeking help for mental health issues! I've already suggested you do it in the form of a social group, you can debate all you like there. Those in uni can go elsewhere for debating. Discussing politics and religion are subjects that can get very heated and they have been stopped for a real good reason.

I agree with pegasus.

Everytime there has been a debate on here it has been reduced to a name calling slanging match which is what happens on most debating sites.

[Dark_Dreams]

I am all for the social group kind of thing. It would still allow for some deep discussions for those who wish to particpate.

Politics and religion are heated topics and should be removed if people begin the personal attacks and choose to be disrespectful. However, I don't see any reason why those topics could not be discussed if those involved were respectful of all views. Those choosing to be disrespectful would be removed from the discussion

[sabby]

You are more than welcome to open a social group to debate the issues you wish to discuss. While the Community Guidelines still apply to the social groups, there is a wider berth to what can be discussed, such as religion and politics.

As some have stated that Psych Central forums are to be used for support, they truly are not here for heated debate, that would be counter productive to the mission of the forums.

[lizardlady]

A couple of quotes from the community guidelines....

Forums Mission Statement

The purpose of the Forums at Psych Central is simple -- it's a small community devoted to support for mental health and relationship issues. In that vein, you should be civil and treat others as you expect to be treated here.

Inappropriate Content

This is, first and foremost, a self-help support community. That means if your message (post or PM) isn't about offering support to another person or asking for it, it's potentially not appropriate for our community. Specifically prohibited from our community:

• Limit your direct discussion of politics and religion, as people usually hold pretty strong opinions about these topics (you can discuss spirituality in the Sanctuary for Spiritual Support)

I agree with the others who suggested a social group for debated if that's what some folks want. Frankly I believe "heated debates" are contrary to the mission of Psych Central. There are plenty of debate sites available on the net. If someone is looking to debate let them visit those sites. My personal experience has been that "debates" rapidly degenerate into flaming. Others might have had other experiences. I'm speaking from my experiences.

[venusss]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

A couple of quotes from the community guidelines....



I agree with the others who suggested a social group for debated if that's what some folks want. Frankly I believe "heated debates" are contrary to the mission of Psych Central. There are plenty of debate sites available on the net. If someone is looking to debate let them visit those sites. My personal experience has been that "debates" rapidly degenerate into flaming. Others might have had other experiences. I'm speaking from my experiences.

I am member of several such sites... but I thought that there are some topics that are controversial and relevant to this group.

[Gus1234U]

it seems to me, that people expect everyone to behave like themselves,,, so a mature, respectful debater, expects to see that happen,,, whereas the opposite ,, is from a fearful perspective,,, oh well, i like a good debate,, i'd participate~

I second it. Yes, this is a place for support. But some people may need support with topics that are controversial. I'm sure a lot of people, myself included, feel they can't express problems they're struggling with because it may upset some people. Besides, this is a psychology forum. Many aspects of psychology are controversial. As for triggering, people can be triggered by anything. Holidays, telephones, a certain smell... It's not like we can monitor absolutely everything for the sake of sensitivity. We wouldn't be able to hold a discussion at all. Not to mention the people who have a disorder or demeanor that is triggering. My mere presence here is upsetting for some people. There's a point when personal responsibility comes into play... If one is aware that one is prone to overreacting to controversial issues and getting upset, then stay away from those topics.

You are more than welcome to open a social group to debate the issues you wish to discuss. While the Community Guidelines still apply to the social groups, there is a wider berth to what can be discussed, such as religion and politics. _sabby_

Seems pretty straightforward. You could name it the Coliseum Crowd.

[venusss]

well, so here is my group. You are free to join.

http://forums.psychcentral.com/group.php?groupid=144

[Dark_Dreams]

Hahahahaha
I was just doing the same thing

[Dark_Dreams]

Bummer. I had already hit submit. Now I gotta figure out how to get rid of it

[DocJohn]

Also, let me point members to the Current Events and News Discussion forum, which is our one forum where we do allow for more "debate-like" discussion about current events. Rules about politics and religion still apply to that forum, though, hence why a Social Group is probably a good alternative.

DocJohn

[kikki27]

Originally Posted by VenusHalley

Recently there was a deleted thread in psychotherapy forum... in the following discussion I sugested we could have a special forum for more serious and challenging debates, where threads that become triggering for some could be moved. Some of us here are able to handle a challenging debate of some concepts and I believe we could benefit from it.

if people aren't lashing out at each other, I see no reason to delete the thread altogether. We could move it to a place which would be a "no go" for those easily triggered (equivalent to the trigger icon) and those who are interesting can have a mature debate there.

I like the sound of that.