The importance of intelligent debate

[The Saucepan Man]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Posts that shift the direction of the discussion completely or ones that attempt to are useless, as they have nothing at all to add to the discussion and more importantly to the intended discussion of the thread-starter. If someone starts a thread to clearly discuss the cons of a movie, and someone comes in and just say's it rocks, then is that adding to the discussion? No. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>We've disagreed on this point before, Willie, but it's an interesting one. It seems to me that, if a thread is started which indicates a particular view, then those who disagree with that view should be entitled to post on that thread to explain why they disagree with it, provided that they do so politely and are not simply trying to "shout down" something with which they do not agree.<P>As one of those who is reasonably happy with the films, I would have no problem with someone posting on a thread praising them explaining why they do not like them. Indeed, provided reasons were given to back the opinion up, I would welcome it. <P>I may be wrong on this, but it would seem strange to me on a forum such as this if one were entitled only to post on those topics with which one agrees.