Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Platform
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Anticipate and 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 notify you of submitted counterarguments, allowing for later revisions, preemptively addressing them can enhance the quality of your contribution.
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Verify sources during evaluations.
The platform primarily relies on users to assess the credibility of information. (This is a common trend on social media.) When evaluating an argument, carefully examine whether the submitter has provided credible references to support their claims.
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Frame topics thoughtfully. Try asking specific questions that address areas where opinions truly differ. For example, instead of broadly asking,
Is the Israeli government a violator of human rights?
consider more focused questions like, Is it valid to compare Hamas's attack on Oct. 7 to the slave revolts in the U.S.?
or Who was primarily responsible for the food shortage in Gaza during the 2024 military operation?
This tip is also connected to the next one about using nested topics.
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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 complex issue 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 a single point. If you have multiple reasons supporting a viewpoint, submit them separately. This approach keeps the content more organized and streamlines the process of identifying top arguments.
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Prioritize clarity in arguments. When evaluating arguments, down-weight complex or convoluted ones. Convoluted and obfuscating arguments may involve falsification. Additionally, an argument is not useful if it is difficult to understand in the first place.
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Always use soft and evidence-based language. Always use soft and scientifically grounded language when writing an argument or counter. Polite and evidence-based communication plays a significant role in fostering a constructive and collaborative debate environment.