Dammit! It would've been funnier if you posted a gif or a meme instead.

This line would probably be tough for you (just my guess):

- Instead of saying "that's dumb" or "you're an idiot", etc, debate like a grown adult

No. I'm 36 and have spent over the last 7years on this site. I can debate as a child or adult as I deem fit.

See, the internet is a vast and confusing place. Often times we resort to such simple and frankly childish remarks because we are unsure of a person's true intentions. For example if I believe a post is just trolling or flamebait, I'm not going to respond with a detailed analysis on why I think the person is wrong. Instead I'll probably post sarcastically so my intentions are ambiguous and can be interpreted differently depending on the result of the situation.

I never call people fanboys or idiots or anything of the kind and try to make well reasoned arguments and take some actual time answering rather than just pointing out that something is wrong.
I think OP is onto something but I fear its futile, the majority of members will often resort to base language, name calling and poor argumentation.
The reason is simple; the internet is no different than other types of interaction in everyday life, most people really aren't very good at argumentation and debate and most apply strange logic (or none at all) and both base and coarse language to underline their points.
Its the way of the world, doubly so on the internet on anonymous forums and message boards.

Fail.

I'm a PSFanboy and nothing can change that

This topic doesn't have an Ethernet port. Fail.

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Seriously.. I try to avoid doing any of the things you mentioned in the OT. Debates are fine, but its good to at least try to stay civil.. they're just video games after all.

For those that accepted the challenge - excellent, I'll be watching (wait, that sounded creepy.. ah well)

Mummelmann - Your words are true, and I know that's the reality of it. This is why I appreciate the old days, back in the 18th century. If you got out of line, there was a gunfight. In the words of Charlie Murphy, "Someone had to go!" Maybe we need to bring that back to cut down on all the talking smack these days.

Yet, I know that there is potential, I've seen it in every generation under me, the best and worst, sometimes both in the same room at once. There is potential to rise above, to not take the easy way out. If anything, take a look at our government in the US, it's a mess due to decades of taking the easy way out.