Hi all,

I've just generally been lurking lately as I've been busy at work. I hope
the following doesn't offend anyone, but if it does, feel free to flame me
personally or stick a pin in your nearest Windleaf voodoo doll.

However, I thought I'd offer some tips on effective arguing. I'm guilty of
the following and probably will continue to be, but it never hurts to have
a reminder:

1) Avoid making personal criticisms:
A) Avoid the use of the word "you". Statements with "you" are taken
personally whether it's intended
or not and and generally puts people on the defensive. During the
proofread, try removing any "you"
references.

B) No name calling. It's pretty easy to avoid calling someone a name,
but also avoid calling their ideas
names. For example, calling someone's idea "dumb" isn't going to
make them respect your
opinions and would probably make them ignore the point you were
trying to make.

2) Avoid analogies. It's hard to make a good analogy. But even if you make
a good one, people tend to start attacking your analogy or making up one on
their own, and soon it degenerates to the point where everyone's arguing
about whether low gravity on a planet affects the local space time
continuum. (I've actually sat in on one degraded to this and tried my best
to get away).

Basically, an analogy tends to move the topic of discussion away from the
actual facts and points.

3) If making an opinion, back it up with good facts or analysis. Everyone
knows everyone else has opinions, but they are going to ignore yours unless
you can back it up with good reasoning or hard evidence.

Windleaf