Thanks, Gerard. I took a look at the tool you mentioned. I'm sure that it
would be very effective in encouraging multi-directional free form
discussion. It looks extremely flexible.
Unfortunately, this wouldn't solve the problems that I'm trying to address.
Not on its own, anyway. The consensus engine I designed is specifically
targeted towards limiting people's ability to "worm away" from an argument
that heads in a direction that's uncomfortable for them. They either have
to counter their opponent's evidence, admit defeat, or resign the argument.
I personally think that it's terribly unfortunate that I have to use the
term "admit defeat" when refering to someone who has been presented with
adequate information to change their mind, but that's the way the majority
of arguers on the web think.
In order to do this, every person needs to be able to make one solid
statement of opinion on each issue presented. These statements act as an
achor and focal point for all evidence to be presented for and against the
issue. As an argument matures, these arguments will change. However, and
this is a big however, each author must have ownership of their opinion.
It's acceptable to allow others to add suplementary opinions, but I'm
banking on the idea that the highest ranked opinion for a specific viewpoint
will take into account all other opinions both for and against. Whether
they do or don't, these suplemental opinions will be displayed below the
highest rank, also for consideration. In this way, we avoid the editing
wars that make Wikipedia such unfirm ground.
I do have plans to incorporate many of the features in LiquidThreads in the
"forum" section of the CE. It's important to be able to follow
people's
train of thought, and a lot of that helps. Much of it, in fact, has been
included in various blog formats that I've seen, and even in various email
clients. I also intend to include a new design for popularity ranking
system (tentatively refered to as "half-life popularity ranking) for both
posts in the forum and for individuals. As evidenced on Slashdot, this
produces a very effective pre-sifting of content.
Again, thanks for showing me this, Gerard. I always enjoy seeing what
others are doing in this direction.
-Robert Rapplean
On 4/6/06, Gerard Meijssen <gerard.meijssen(a)gmail.com> wrote:
Hoi,
This message is late in the already long line of messages on this
subject. I do not know if Robert looked at LiquidThreads.
http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/LiquidThreads It may seem like an old
article, it is around since 2004, but the likelihood of it being
developed is better than 90% at this time. If you are looking for a tool
for more structured debate, have a look and if you have questions of
remarks please let them be known.
Thanks,
GerardM
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