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Writing & Rating at Helium
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RSS FeedWho should rate Helium debate articles:Those who agree or disagree?
Results so far:
| Agree | 61% | 375 votes | Total: 617 votes | |
| Disagree | 39% | 242 votes |
Agree
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Add to FavoritesWhen it comes to debate topics, Helium already has the right system figured out. The rater is asked the question and they will vote to the side that they most agree with. Then, they are only given articles to rate that are written to the view they picked. In my opinion, this is the best method for debates.
There are many that will argue that it is best to have an open mind or no opinion on a topic so that they can make the best decision. There are others that argue that people who see things differently are better able to critique someone's work. These opinions aren't necessarily wrong but mine are different.
If someone disagreed with the view, I think they might also not like the opinions offered. This could result in a good article being rated down. Opinions vary so it is good to keep them separated and allow the rater a choice.
Some people are easily offended. If a varying opinion bothers someone this might cause harsh feelings. I have seen many relationships end over the years because of too many disagreements. I would hate to see that at Helium. Of course, there would be more flags that were uncalled for, also.
No matter how hard we try, we can not get everyone's approval. Even the best writers have articles, poems, or stories that people don't like. There will always be a difference of opinion. In these cases, you don't get to pick what you want to read; you just have to pick the best one.
I remember when Helium first released the debate option. I was intimidated to say the very least. At times in the past, discussions have gotten heated and ugly on the message boards. I was sure the debate thing would be just as bad. I feared I would get hate mail from people who didn't like my thoughts. I didn't want to cause a fight. For a long time, I wouldn't write to a debate if my life depended on it.
Once I did finally take a chance in the debates section, I was glad I did. I have received very little negative feedback and most of the time my opinions do pretty well. If the system were set up any other way, I am not sure if I would even bother in this section.
It is refreshing to know that the debate system exists the way it does. If things were different, Helium might not be as great of a place. In my eyes, a debate at Helium is just a light-hearted argument. It is nice to see what others think but I don't want to be forced to pick an article about a view I don't like or know anything about.
Helium debates are a fun way to pass the time. They are a great way to share thoughts without causing drama. The debates have become an important part of Helium and Helium is a very important part of me.
Learn more about this author, Laura Leigh Fields.
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Disagree
I would definitely have to say that someone who disagrees with me should rate my articles...just as I should rate theirs! That leads to the opening of our minds to different ways of thinking. There are so many ways to express ourselves - our personal experiences, our written words, and our private thoughts. What better way to expand our outlook on something than to read someone else's point of view. What may seem very different in some aspects, are the same in many others. It just boils down to what you think the writer is trying to say...and drawing your own conclusions.
The perfect example is something written by myself compared to what was written by a friend of mine on the same topic. If any of you contributed to the racism/sexism debate, you can understand what I will be saying. While we both had very different outlooks on the issues, it turns out that we really said the same thing. I said it on one side of the debate...he said it on the other. But, we both had the same mindset and opinions on both sides of the topic! It turns out that this same author and myself have also written on the death penalty...different sides of it. Once again, we both agree. We don't 'agree to disagree' - we just agree. The points raised in his article were valid, as were the points I made. Once again, it's just a matter of the readers perception.
As authors on Helium, we can provide the opinions that you may not be able to get anywhere else. You may read what some of us write and think we're insane...you may think we're brilliant...either way, it makes you think. That's the reason I'm here. I'm not writing on this site for a reader to agree with everything I say. I have a desire to spark controversy. A desire to bring the issues to your attention. Ultimately, it's the desire to make a difference. It's that alone that can possibly change the world! And I'm sure you can all appreciate the fact that this world needs to change. Without the views expressed on this site, would you still think the same way you did before? Have the articles on this site changed your thoughts on a specific issue? It's those types of questions that you need to ask yourself...
It's time to bring on the articles of debate that DISAGREE with me. I'm ready to read them - and rate them. You never know, I may come across one that changes my way of thinking. And that...my dear friends...should be the reason you are here with me!
Learn more about this author, Michele Frey.
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Difference of opinion? Debate now.
- Writing & Rating at Helium
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