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RSS FeedWho should rate Helium debate articles:Those who agree or disagree?
Results so far:
| Agree | 61% | 376 votes | Total: 619 votes | |
| Disagree | 39% | 243 votes |
Agree
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Add to FavoritesI voted that debate articles should be rated by those who are on the same side as the writers. My main goal in rating articles, whether debates or any other topics, is to look at the quality of the writing and the presentation of ideas. While I love to read the opposition's articles to see if I can learn something or be convinced to change my views, I don't think that it would be appropriate for me to evaluate the article in a way that would affect someone's ranking.
I would definitely have my doubts about the objectivity of someone who disagrees with my point of view, but who wants to evaluate my presentation of my point of view. It would take inhuman objectivity to rate strictly on the quality of the writing, especially in debates where a reader is passionate about their point of view and is unlikely to change it.
Another reason for voting as I did: It's easier to pay attention when I'm not wading through opposing argument. I'd rather digest familiar and relatively agreeable ideas as I look at differences in the quality of writing between one article and another. When both articles are on my same side in a debate, the process is just more pleasant and my itchy trigger finger is less likely to click on "skip", where I'll probably wind up reading more poetry.
There are emotional and interpersonal issues, too. If the debate is lopsided, then the few opposing views might be sent to the bottom of the heap by the larger majority of raters who disagree with them. There might be personal, popularity, or other motives in sending good articles down, based simply on the fact that we don't agree with the position that the writer is taking. This happens all the time in other writing areas, as we frequently use all kinds of personal and subjective standards in rating articles.
But in debate, the whole point is to present opposing perspectives on an issue, then objectively evaluate the presentations. The reading and writing is from our experiences, educations, beliefs, and all of those other "filters" that we carry on with. The fact that we choose a particular side to begin with signals that we could be more likely to have a negative subjective opinion of an article that presents the opposing view.
I can just imagine myself plowing through a set of densely written articles written by people who disagree with me, and it's not a pretty picture. It could be downright awful If I've run out of "skips".
Learn more about this author, Elizabeth M. Young.
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Disagree
When I rate an article, I look for something convincing. Odds are, if I'm reading an article, I'm looking for information. As someone with an open mind, I enjoy seeing differing opinions than my own. Who could better judge a debate article than someone who actually disagrees with your opinion?
A CLOSER LOOK
When I disagree with someone, I tend to look more closely at the article. I want to understand how the person came to the conclusions they did. Debates are supposed to be persuading. I already know my reasoning. Reading and rating people who agree with me can be a bit boring. However, reading those who disagree, can be entertaining as well as informative. This allows me to see the issue from both angles.
MORE CRITICAL
A good debater needs to be able to see an issue from both sides. They also have respect for fellow debaters. It is only fair to have a foe rate our work. They will understand and respect a differing opinion. I prefer someone to be more critical of my work and rate my properly instead of just being happy they agree with me and rate me on how close I am to repeating what their exact opinion is. Someone who disagrees may actually rate more on the quality of the article.
BETTER PERSPECTIVE
Reading the opposing side gives me the opportunity to gain a wider perspective on an issue. Perhaps someone can even change my mind or at least give me cause to pause and reconsider. I would definitely rate articles like this higher. I also rate more when I rate the opposing side than when I rate my side.
NEW ISSUES
The opposing side can also create ideas for new articles and debates. My advice is to have an open mind and rate the opposing side. After all, an article should be something fresh, not a repeat of something you've already stated. I mean honestly, at the least you can get a good laugh from articles that oppose your opinion. Enjoy rating and you will rate more.
For some people, it is still best to rate on those articles on which you agree. However, rating articles you disagree with gives you wider perspective and allows to better enjoy the rating process by viewing articles completely different from your own.
Learn more about this author, C.D. Crowder.
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