Looking for unoffical moderators for a debate

[mark kennedy]

I am trying to wrap up what has probably been the worst formal debate on the creation/evolution controversy I have ever seen. My opponent has suggested that there be a panel to moderate the next one and to inforce the rules. I know I could find a panel of evolutionist to moderate but I don't like my chances in a debate when the moderators agree wholeheartedly with my opponent.

What I would like to see is an active interest on the part of creationists to create a balanced discussion of this issue. The moderators are in no way endorsed by the board and need only be approved by myself and my opponent. The only qualification is a commitment to a fair and honest exchange and a regular on the board. A winner will be declared if the rules are broken, it's as simple as that. No one will judge the content of the posts only our ability to stick to the rules of the debate.

All I can offer in return is the opportunity to have the creationist perspective presented in a public forum where evolution can be critically examined. I don't ask anyone to help me with the debate as far as content, just to enforce the rules of our conduct as debaters.

 

[GodSaves]

Sure, I don't mind helping out.

 

[mark kennedy]

Sure, I don't mind helping out.

It might be a while before I get to the particulars since my opponent is a little busy right now. I'll PM you to see if you're still interested when we decide to form a panel. Thanks for you're interest.

Mark

 

[Remus]

How many people are you needing? Depending on when it is, I'd be willing to do it.

 

[mark kennedy]

How many people are you needing? Depending on when it is, I'd be willing to do it.

I would like to have as many as possible, possibly ten, but more realisticlly five. I would like there to be at least a few creationists that are willing to insist on clear and enforcable rules of engagement. There would have to be an ongoing discussion of the rules in the peanut gallery and only when everyone of the moderators agree will there be a winner declared due to the failure of one of the debators to abhere to the rules.

Honestly I don't know when we would be able to do this. I am hoping it will happen in a couple of weeks.

 

[Remus]

A couple of weeks may be a problem. My wife and I will be having a new baby right around that time. Otherwise, I’d be glad to do it.

I would like to point out what I see as a possible major issue. The “rules of engagement” would have to be spelled out in such detail that would make a lawyer blush. I can see that the peanut gallery would get stuck in a debate (read argument) over semantics or the “true” meaning of some word or rule. Kind of like an informal debate, but with lots of people. Think this would be a problem?

 

[mark kennedy]

A couple of weeks may be a problem. My wife and I will be having a new baby right around that time. Otherwise, I’d be glad to do it.

I would like to point out what I see as a possible major issue. The “rules of engagement” would have to be spelled out in such detail that would make a lawyer blush. I can see that the peanut gallery would get stuck in a debate (read argument) over semantics or the “true” meaning of some word or rule. Kind of like an informal debate, but with lots of people. Think this would be a problem?

Congradulations on the baby, that certainly is far more important then our little debate. I can't even get him to finish the one we allready started so it might never actually happen. One of the main issues for him was what he called critical questions, if you don't answer you lose. The problem here is what you would consider an direct answer to a direct question. For me it was the name calling and personal attacks. If there were a rule violation it would have to be agreed to by the entire panel, any ongoing discussion about what would be considered a true meaning of a word or rule would be between the members of the panel. They would only speak with authority when they speak with one voice.

I wouldn't ask someone to do this were this not clearly laid out before the debate starts.

 

[Remus]

Ok, sounds like you'll have everything worked out. Let me know.