Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Platform
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Anticipate and proactively address counterarguments. Before submitting an argument, thoroughly research common counterarguments and incorporate responses into your initial submission. This proactive approach helps prevent your arguments from being undermined by a counterargument presented shortly after. While the platform will always notify users of submitted counterarguments, allowing for later revisions, preemptively addressing them can save time and enhance the quality of your contribution.
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Frame precise questions. Craft specific questions that target genuine disagreements. For example, instead of broadly asking,
Is the Israeli government violating human rights?
consider sharper alternative, such as, Who was primarily responsible for the food shortage in Gaza during the 2024 military operation?
or Is it valid to compare Hamas's attack on Oct. 7 to the slave revolts in the U.S.?
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Verify sources during evaluations.
The platform primarily relies on user feedback to assess the credibility of information. When evaluating an argument, consider whether (i) any parts of the argument require external references and, if so, (ii) whether the author has adequately provided the required references to support their claims. You can review the Source Type selected by the author to assist with this task.
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Use nested topics for complex issues. When discussing complex topics, consider organizing the content using nested topics. For example, when addressing the topic of abortion, it is beneficial to make references to related topics such as the existence of God, which ties into religious views on abortion. Nested topics help prevent any single page from becoming overloaded with excessive information.
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Include one point per argument. Each argument should focus on a single point. If you have multiple reasons supporting a viewpoint, submit them separately. This approach keeps the content more organized and also streamlines the process of identifying top arguments.
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Prioritize clarity in arguments. When evaluating arguments, disfavor complex or convoluted ones. An argument is not useful if it is difficult to understand. Also, convoluted and obfuscating arguments may involve falsification.
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Always use soft and evidence-based language. Always use soft and scientifically grounded language when writing an argument or counter. While this may require some effort and self-restraint at first, it is crucial for creating an environment where people can learn from each other and develop empathy.