Animation Source Forums

I’ve brought something like this up before, about to many topics getting locked, but I feel it needs to be redressed, but this time about debates. Every time a good debate pops up it lasts about one post before it’s locked. What gives? I know there are rules against religious or political topics, but why? And often times they aren’t political or religious. Is there a fear of hurting people’s feelings, because my feelings get hurt every time I see a good topic locked. Locking topics isn’t working to prevent debates either. They boil over into other topics, causing them to be locked. The “humans are animals too” topic became an evolution debate. The “Sick people drawing nasty Balto stuff” was on the verge of becoming a gay rights debate. These topics are going to appear time and time again, no matter how many times they are locked. The main pitfall of a debate is not the debate its self, but rather flaming. There is a difference between a debate and a flame war. A debate can be very proactive for the forum society. A flame war is not and can be identified by users attacking one another without backing; such as seen in political campaign adds. A moderator should encourage debate, and only step in when a flame starts to be kindled. I am sick of seeing a mod say things like “I think it’s gross. Topic locked”. That is not fair to users with contrary opinions; either mods lock a debate with a good explanation and keep their opinions to themselves -or- not touch it other than to participate as a normal member.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Don't forget this is still the forum for an animated film, not a general one...

Some debates wind up being flame wars,that's why the mods have to lock a topic,so it doesn't/won't continue to be one.

That's alright...some of us like it that way.

The world is a better place if we don't waste our time fighting. Debating is a completely different thing. We're allowed to debate, but if/when it turns into a fight, it leads to insults and swearing...no one wants that. So, the mods lock it. They're supposed to.

I agree with steet, dingo, kari 100%