I guess I just naturally gravitate toward debates lately. Gotta be something or other in the water or possibly the result of getting to the age of being a grumpy old man. Be that as it may, I had an idea which may not be a good one, but an idea @Ken Anderson. How about a popcorn section? When a thread is being derailed because of some kind of confrab between 2 or 3 members, the debate part gets moved to the popcorn section. The debaters can even declare “lets take it to the popcorn section “( instead of outside) and all can observe the antics as they play out. No blood spilling, no swearing, no personal attacks or groin shots.......just debate until the cows come home. Maybe even open up a poll just for folks to vote on who they think has the more valid points..... Yeah, it’s probably more trouble than it’s really worth because we do afterall, have a pretty good bunch here but just the same, it kinda sounds like, uh.....a headache...........or maybe not.. jus sayin’
Couldn't that just as easily be done in the thread in which it occurs, unless the debate is off-topic? I mean, it's either going to work or it's not going to work, and that depends on whether someone on one side or the other wants to work it out or would rather just get angry or rude. In cases where verifiable facts or dictionary definitions don't even settle the issue, there isn't much more to be said.
On my way from Lubbock, TX to Portage, WI one July day severaI years ago, I stopped at a small roadside cafe with a sign reading, "The best food in all Missouri. We were dthe only customers and I figured we'd be in and out in no time and not lose a lot of road time. My wife ordered a a French Dip sandwich from the menu. I ordered a greasy hamburger. In short order the waitress brought out the French Dip. We waited and waited on my hamburger. Finally the waitress came out and set down a plate ith my hamburger. It was smallish, the bun smell six months old and it held a small paddy, one pickle, and a smidgin of mustard As I was examine my little burger, the waitress came out again and set next to my plate a small cream picture fill with a dark liquid. I immidiately asked, "What's that?" The waitress said that's grease. "From what," I asked? She said, "I melted some shortening. Grease it any way you want it." My wife said "My sandwich is not very good, shall we go?" We paid the bill and I left the hamburger for the trash bin. I said next time I'll bring my own grease. So, never mind, I'll bring my own butter.
Well if I had to wear one or the other...my choice is boxers. Evidently briefs even mess up men's chances of getting their wives, etc. pregnant....as the baby Doctors always tell the husbands if they wear briefs to switch to boxers for better pregnancy chances.