Frequently Asked Questions

The following is basic information about our site. Please read this before posting arguments or rebuttals if you are unfamiliar with us. Click on any question to show or hide the answer.
  • What is an Argument?
  • ar·​gu·​ment : a coherent series of reasons, statements, or facts intended to support or establish a point of view.
  • What kinds of Arguments can I make here?
  • Argument should be thoughtful and somewhat educational. Before you post, please make sure to search for a similar argument. You can search for arguments by their title or tags. A good source for information is our Best Practices page.
  • What kinds of Arguments should be avoided?
  • Please avoid arguments that are indented to offend a insult users of our community. Arguments that are intended to incite or promote violence will also not be allowed.
  • What should I avoid in my rebuttals?
  • I'll Debate You - Debate Platform is a discussion group site - it is not a question and answer forum. We strongly encourage users to debate the argument when posting a rebuttal as they tend to enhance the quality of the forum.

    For brief discussion, or to thank someone for their insight, please post comments, not rebuttals.
  • Who moderates this community?
  • The short answer is: you. This website is moderated by the users. The points system allows users to earn rights to perform a variety of moderation tasks.
  • How to change my avatar?
  • Click on the Edit Profile link in the drop-down menu in the upper right site of the page. In the Avatar section, you can either choose the default avatar or upload one from your computer. Be sure to press the Save Profile button anytime you make a change to your account.
  • Why am I seeing "Your comment will be checked and approved shortly"?
  • Users with less than 150 points earned will have their content moderated. This is just a simple way to reduce the SPAM posts on this website. Don't worry...getting to 150 points will only take a day or two depending on your participation.
  • Why do some comments have "OP" next to their username?
  • OP stand for "Original" Poster". This simply indicates who posted the Argument or Rebuttal.
  • How does point system work?
  • When an argument or rebuttal is voted up, the user who posted it will gain points. These points serve as a rough measure of the community trust in that person. Various moderation tasks are gradually assigned to the users based on those points.

    For example, if you post an interesting argument or a compelling rebuttal, it will likely be voted up. On the other hand if the argument is poorly-worded or the argument is misleading - it will likely be voted down. Each up vote on an argument will generate 5 points, whereas each vote against will subtract 2 points. The following table lists points gained per activity:

    Posting an argument: + 10 points
    Selecting a rebuttal for your argument: + 10 points
    Per up vote on your argument: + 5 points
    Per down vote on your argument: - 2 points
    Limit from up votes on each argument: + 10 points
    Limit from down votes on each argument: 4 points
    Posting a rebuttal: + 5 points
    Having your rebuttal selected as the best: + 15 points
    Per up vote on your rebuttal: + 5 points
    Per down vote on your rebuttal: - 2 points
    Limit from up votes on each rebuttal: + 20 points
    Limit from down votes on each rebuttal: 5 points
    Per up vote on your comments: + 1 points
    Limit from up votes on each comment: + 5 points
    Limit from down votes on each comment: + 3 points
    Voting up an argument: + 1 points
    Voting up a rebuttal: + 1 points
    Signup bonus for new users: + 100 points


  • Can I get points for other activities?
  • Yes, there are several activities that can result in additional points. Our system currently offers bonus points for logging into the site on a daily basis. We offer points for referring new users who signup. There are also potential bonus points awarded for being a good steward of the site. The best way to accumulate points is to be a consistent contributor.
  • What does "Bumping" an argument do?
  • When you bump an argument, you move it to the top of the list. As new arguments are posted, the bumped argument will work its way back down the list. This is a way of promoting the argument to new users, or users who may not have seen it previously.
  • What does "Pinning" an argument do?
  • When you pin an argument, your argument is moved to the top of all the activity lists except the front page. The post is also featured with a highlighted background. The post will stay at the top for as long as you pinned the argument for regardless of how many other arguments are posted. This gives your argument the most exposure to other users. There is also a limit of 2 pinned arguments that are allowed at any one time.

    If there is question not found here or on any of the other resource pages located in the footer of this website, please send us a message via the Feedback Form.