The Rules of Internet Mass Debate

[Moscow Mule]

Alt Text: How to End an Argument on the Internet | Underwire | Wired.com

[BrilloPad]

"If you claim to be winning, you lose."

Good point. Which means assguru loses every time.

[northernladuk]

I thought you ended a intellectual, topical argument on the internet with something like 'Anyway, I will remember to wipe my kn0b on your crutains when I have finished with your mom' or something of that ilk?

[BrilloPad]

I thought you ended a intellectual, topical argument on the internet with something like 'Anyway, I will remember to wipe my kn0b on your crutains when I have finished with your mom' or something of that ilk?

I thought that was only when arguing with AndyW?

[Old Hack]

I think its when Godwins law has been invoked too.

[cojak]

Yep,definitely the Last Word syndrome.

And perversely it can annoy others if you do, in fact, let them have the last word. The secret is to ensure that their last word is so inane and moronic that it simply can't be topped.

[Pondlife]

Yep,definitely the Last Word syndrome.

And perversely it can annoy others if you do, in fact, let them have the last word. The secret is to ensure that their last word is so inane and moronic that it simply can't be topped.

Ah, but then you're stuck in the "quoted for posterity" conundrum. If you leave their post you run the risk of them editing or deleting it. If you quote, you're continuing the debate past the point that you've won it.

[northernladuk]

Yep,definitely the Last Word syndrome.

And perversely it can annoy others if you do, in fact, let them have the last word. The secret is to ensure that their last word is so inane and moronic that it simply can't be topped.

Every post is like that when Spod and OH are going at it but it doesn't seem to end the argument.

[SueEllen]

This thread deserves to die - Hitler Nazi Hitler Nazi Hitler

[NickFitz]

I think its when Godwins law has been invoked too.

From TFA:

I have some proposed end conditions. But before I get started, let me say this: I know a lot of you out there are shouting “Godwin!” Godwin’s Law merely states that eventually, any argument will involve a comparison to Nazis in general or Hitler specifically. Some people have misinterpreted it to mean that once Nazis are brought up, the argument is over. While I applaud the principle, in practice it makes it very difficult to discuss European history; the films of Charles Chaplin; or who, among those who surf, must die.