(08 Oct 2015, 2:34 pm)Andreos1 wrote And I think that point, is possibly where the forum is going wrong.
Granted the flowing debate isn't for everyone. But I think we ALL (going back to my point about everyone taking responsibility), need to hold our hands up and say as individuals; we have stifled debate, not encouraged debate, held back from debate or not given a toss about debate.
I don't entirely agree with you.
By and large; I feel that we have encouraged debate, but there have been a number of instances now whereby the nature of a 'debate' has actually caused negativity on the forum and, in my opinion, has been the result of others holding back from the debate, as they'd prefer not to get involved in what has become renowned for being a slagging match. These contributions aren't positive, and won't help the growth and survival of the forum in the slightest.
I also feel that some members of the forum attempt to get involved in a debate, but their lack of knowledge and/or experience quite often results in brash and unfounded statements being made, which can get other members' backs up. Perhaps this is all to be expected, given that quite a number of the forum's members are barely into their teens yet? I'm all for debate, but I think it has to be moderated carefully to ensure that all comments being made are appropriate.