This stems from a stupid thread in the sports forum that got me going.

Let's start with the basics. Lots of teenagers make the misconception that the word argument is meant only as a disagreement. "My dad is a big asshole. I got into an argument with my him because he won't let me go meet this boy I fell in love with on myspace." First off, your dad is an excellent parent, and you should listen to him. Second, the word argument has more than this meaning. Argument also means somebody's point of view.



For example, I can make the argument that I can't get to school on time because the train was running late.

A direct effect that stems from an unusual circumstance. That is an argument I can give to my professor to help excuse my lateness.

Once I do that, the professor can do one of two things. He can say, alright don't let it happen again, and end the discussion. Or he can push it further and say, well why didn't you take another train?

I can continue this back and forth if I'd like.
"The other train is more expensive."
"Don't you have a good job?"
"I have a drug habit that costs money."
"Couldn't you have left eariler?"
"I was stuck in court to gain custody of my illegitimate son."
And on, and on.

At some point the professor will either give in and say alright, I will buckle say I was full of shit, or we'll agree to disagree. But this is how a debate works. Both sides present their opinions backed up with facts and examples.

It sounds simple, but so few people think this way, it amazes me.



In a forum, this is even more crucial because you only have text to get your point across. While you may be able to make a point like a caveman in person, with grunts and gestures, you have to be able to convey it clearly in words on a forum.

A member on this forum 'predicted' the Dolphins would win their game in Week One against the Jets in the NFL. The caveat of the thread, which he created, was that the people didn't need any reason for their predictions. Of course, the Jets won the game and I called the forum member out on it.


His basic argument was "The Dolphins will beat the Jets, and I have no reason for saying this!" This is stupid. The only counterpoint I can make to address his assertion is, "no, they won't." That's not intelligent or even interesting sports discussion.

If he said something like "I think the Dolphins will beat the Jets because Pennington knows the weaknesses in their defense, and Favre is unfamiliar with the Jets offensive system, giving the Dolphins an unusual advantage," he sounds sort of like he knows what he's talking about, and has encouraged further debate.

I would have been able to counter with "While that may be true, the opposite holds correct as well. The Jets know every tendency and weakness of Pennington, and how to take advantage of his subpar throwing arm. They'll press the receivers, plug up the running holes and dare Pennington to beat them deep, like they've watched so many teams do to them over the years. It may be closer than expected because of the unfamiliarity Favre has with the New York offense, but the Jets are too talented to lose to a team as bad as Miami."

At that point, he would have either said okay, and realized he was an idiot, or been able to come back with another point to continue the discussion.


The recap of this is pretty simple. Before you say something ask yourself- why am I saying what I am saying? What proof do I have for what I am saying? What reasons to I have to believe what I am saying?

Ask yourself anything like that, and I swear to Odin, your writing will improve tenfold, and you'll stop sounding like an 8th grader.

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You don't know anything. The sooner you realize that, the better off you'll be.

A step in the right direction
Ollerus' Guide to Making an Argument

Baldr claps a hearty clap. Baldr didn't even think of writing this article. Well done, Ollerus.

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To be completely honest, I didn't actually see this one coming.

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That's why we're here. To cure you of your ignorance.

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Njord, you are here so you canot avoid me.

Exept the challenge in the "Pakistani's" thread.

And so it is written, so shall it be.

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Enlightenment is a click away:
Odin's Guide to Confidence
Why You Never Buy a Girl a Drink at a Bar
Odin Debunks the Most Annoying Quote Ever
How To Handle A Manipulative Bitch
Odin's Guide to Body Language
Odin's Guide to Why You're NOT in Love
Odin's Guide to Why You Don't Call Guys Drunk

All I see is you getting fucked over by various acolytes of ARG's Fuck You movement. Copy and paste. If it doesn't have anything to do with how Njord relates and interacts with this forum, then don't bother.

Honestly, don't bother anyways. Njord is Njord and really doesn't have to prove himself, in any way, to you. Get a life already. You're boring.

It's like that law you made up awhile ago. Something about fat chicks not having basic human rights.

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All Axel has written down is a big ass riddle involving being spanked by a black man.

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"My views on humanity? It is a disease, something that cannot be taught through a gentle push. No... We cannot be saved, our greed, our passion and our lust for knowledge has destroyed that which we have held dear. Humanity is below this world, my friend."

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For those who see flaws in our earth, discuss how and what you would change here.
http://www.arg.com/group.php?groupid=70
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they don't!

Fuck!

__________________
Enlightenment is a click away:
Odin's Guide to Confidence
Why You Never Buy a Girl a Drink at a Bar
Odin Debunks the Most Annoying Quote Ever
How To Handle A Manipulative Bitch
Odin's Guide to Body Language
Odin's Guide to Why You're NOT in Love
Odin's Guide to Why You Don't Call Guys Drunk