February 6, 2008
This blog exists to start a reasonable dialogue about reasonable dialogue. How do we do that? I tell a story about a failed attempt I made here. Here are some questions I have for you.
Most political discussion, including the ones on Amazon, seem more about proving others wrong and “winning” rather than good faith efforts at true communication.
1. How can we encourage rational dialog on discussions such as this?
2. What kind of responses to logical fallacies, misinformation and personal attacks are likely to really move a dialog forward rather than start a fight?
3. How could a discussion group leader (blog owner) set up and manage discussion threads in ways that encourage useful debate, insights and productive commentary?
4. Are there any political discussion groups where people with different opinions exchange ideas rather than attack each other? Where?
Here are some guidelines I start with:
1. Honor the intent of the blog itself.
Since this blog is about reasonable political dialogue, all posts must contribute to that end. Comments that have a different agenda will not be approved.
2. Comments are based on the principle of: “Say what you mean, and mean what you say, without being mean when you say it.”
This is my ultimate communication formula that strikes a balance of directness and civility.
3. Before responding, reflect on comments by asking yourself the question; “Why would a reasonable person say this?” and, “What can I learn from what they’re saying?”
4. Acknowledge points of agreement before highlighting differences.
5. Question substance and logic, not the person making the point.
6. Clarify meaning and intent before taking issue if someone’s comment seems ill-considered.
7. Focus on solutions more than problems.
8. Report violations.
9. When you use political examples, make them as neutral as possible to avoid distracting from your communication point. (For example, whenever possible, refer to political parties as “The Stars” and “The Stripes” parties, and refer to Politician A and Politician B rather than identifying them specifically.)
10. Focus on solutions rather than problems.
Keep your comments positive and moving forward.
What recommendations do you have? Thanks!
Meryl
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