Discussion: Debate Reform

[donsig]

The suggested poll options look good but I think the first post of the poll needs a little meat. For instance I think the first post should explicitly state that by debate we do not mean the standard *debates* we had in the previous demogames. We should let the citizens voting in the poll know that we mean letting the candidates actively campaign in the debate (or nomination/debate) thread and that citizens will be encouraged to ask pertinent questions in those threads.
Actually, since we are not pressed for time on this issue, should we first have a poll about changing our debate system? Or should one of the options of this poll be keep the debates where they are and don't change their format? The suggested poll presupposes our citizens want to chage the debate system.

BTW, I do favor changing how we debate. I missed the term 7 debates but I think Strider and I had a soapbox debate back in the monarchy versus republic dilemma fairly early in DG2. I think that was the election where we had to have two run-offs polls!

 

[amirsan]

I totally agree... supporting all my four beatings in each election... actually three because going for President was something un called for from me.

 

[Donovan Zoi]

Originally posted by donsig
The suggested poll options look good but I think the first post of the poll needs a little meat. For instance I think the first post should explicitly state that by debate we do not mean the standard *debates* we had in the previous demogames. We should let the citizens voting in the poll know that we mean letting the candidates actively campaign in the debate (or nomination/debate) thread and that citizens will be encouraged to ask pertinent questions in those threads.
Actually, since we are not pressed for time on this issue, should we first have a poll about changing our debate system? Or should one of the options of this poll be keep the debates where they are and don't change their format? The suggested poll presupposes our citizens want to chage the debate system.

BTW, I do favor changing how we debate. I missed the term 7 debates but I think Strider and I had a soapbox debate back in the monarchy versus republic dilemma fairly early in DG2. I think that was the election where we had to have two run-offs polls!

Good point, donsig. Tell you what....like you said, there is still plenty of time for this discussion so I will bump the thread here and let discourse continue through the weekend.

As far as polls go, I like your suggestion. On Monday, I can post a poll asking if the people prefer the old system or the new proposal. Then, if the people call for change, I will post my aforementioned poll with a slight change in Option #3: Open Separate Debate threads in the Citizen's Forum.

Sound good?

 

[Shaitan]

I like it. I think you can go ahead and post the "change/don't change" thread immediately. That's an elemental/emotional decision and as we've been talking about changing for quite some time any additional time isn't going to educate any other players.

 

[Donovan Zoi]

Preliminary poll has been added.

Should we change our Debate structure?

 

[Donovan Zoi]

Based on the preceding poll(see post #25 for link), there is much demand for a change in our Debate Structure. Many of our citizens seem to relish the idea of head-to-head debate between our candidates.

So, how do we go about doing this? Should we move the Debate threads from the Citizens Forum into the Main Forum, where they have a better chance of being seen? Do we keep any of the old Q & A format? What measures should we take to keep the debates from becoming a free-for-all?

Let's take a good look at the possibilities here for about a week. Then I can post a poll(or two or three, if necessary) and hopefully have this issue resolved just in time for elections.

 

[Octavian X]

I think we're looking for a complicated answer to a simple question. We just need to open new threads, (perhaps one for each position), give the candidates a prompt or two in the first post, and let them at it, with occasional comments from voters.

Maybe we don't even need new threads. Nomination threads could be converted from backslapping into debate threads with the prompts suggested.

 

[Cpt Kaos]

We should move it to the general discussion, so as to to get everyone who wants to involved. A new Q&A that is speciific to each department would give us basis to start the debates while giving the debators specific areas to address. As for curtailing a free for all, thats what the moderators are here for, aren't they?

 

[Donovan Zoi]

Originally posted by Octavian X
I think we're looking for a complicated answer to a simple question. We just need to open new threads, (perhaps one for each position), give the candidates a prompt or two in the first post, and let them at it, with occasional comments from voters.

Maybe we don't even need new threads. Nomination threads could be converted from backslapping into debate threads with the prompts suggested.

That's pretty much what I had in mind anyway, Octavian. I don't want to overcomplicate things; I just want to make sure that citizens can find the info they are looking for when selecting a candidate. A combination Nomination/ Debate thread is the way to go as far as I'm concerned. Less work for the moderators, and visible to all who are interested.

So how do you think the first post should read? Should it be along the lines of "accept your nomination by answering the following 2-3 questions?" Then on a certain date the public can ask questions of the candidates? What do you think?

 

[Octavian X]

Not really. I think we should allow nominations to run as they have in the beginning. Then, after a period of two days, we close the threads to nominations, seconding, and the such, and only allow discussion related to debate.

 

[Shaitan]

If we go with the combined threads then I think Octavian has the method to use. Nominations for 48 hours then announce that noms/accepts are closed. The threads then turn into debate questions. Candidates and citizens may then ask questions that all candidates should answer. Candidates could also make speaches. Actually, a candidate's stump speach should probably go in their acceptance post.

 

[Bill_in_PDX]

I like Octavian's approach.

I also share eyrei's thoughts that this may or may not deal with with the popularity contest issues. Everyone has a vote, and will use it as they see fit, as it should be. Hopefully good discussion will sway those with open minds.

For me, experience in the office is less important. Sure, if they have done well in the past, that is a good sign for the future. However, the next term is what I look at in election, and what will that candidate do to enable victory. A new citizen who just registered the day before may have the best answers.

 

[Donovan Zoi]

Thanks, gentlemen. If accepted, I will be posting a three polls on this matter by Tuesday evening EST. They are:

Location of Debates

1. Keep them in the Citizen's Forum
2. Separate thread in Main Forum
3. Combine Nomination/Debate thread in Main Forum
4. Abstain

First Post should include list of questions

1. Yes
2. No
3. Abstain


Debates should begin

1. Immediately after candidate accepts nomination
2. 48 hours after nomination process
3. Abstain

Keep in mind that these are rough drafts, so feel free to lend your ideas to these polls.

 

[donsig]

It's difficult to contribute suggestions about the poll format without seeing the actual first post you'll be using in the polls. If you just throw these questions out as is it may not be so easy to see that they are all related once the different poll threads start moving around due to posts that are made. I also like to see a first post that gives a little background as to the issue itself and why it's being polled. Such a first post is critical when assessing bias.

 

[Donovan Zoi]

Thank you for your response, donsig.

You can pretty much count on a lack of bias from myself. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to fashion a first post for each unsuccessful draft at a poll, so I want to make sure the proper questions are fashioned first. All I am really looking for is whether these polling questions will suit all of our needs on this issue.

If these poll questions pass muster, I will ensure that the first post of the actual polls are objective. If you find otherwise, you may ask for my resignation from the PSC.

 

[GenMarshall]

Sorry for not looking in this thread earlyer. Though In My opinion, I would like to see the Debate thread separate with the standard questions posted

 

[Shaitan]

Looks like we missed the boat for this election cycle. I think those polls can go up any time though and we'll be ready for the next one.