KnightWhoSaysNi
May 16, 2004, 11:45 AM
Welcome to the Formal Debates Forum and Formal Debate Proposals Forum. Debating religious, political, philosophical and social issues is an integral part of the IIDB. Users will have no problem finding that in the regular forums. The regular forums, however, may not be an adequate place if users prefer more controls. Some users may prefer one on one debates without interference from other people. Some may prefer debates to have more structure. Some may prefer to have more time to reflect on an answer to an argument while ensured that his/her intended recipient is still engaged and following the thread. The goal of the Formal Debate Forums is to accommodate these preferences. Users are expected to follow the Rules|Registration Agreement and Statement of Purpose (http://iidb.infidels.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=235594) of IIDB, and if you have any questions then please contact a forum moderator or see Questions, Problems, Complaints & Suggestions (http://iidb.infidels.org/vbb/forumdisplay.php?f=16).
Formal Debates is divided into two important forums: Formal Debates (FD) and Formal Debate Proposals (FDP). The following information explains the characteristics, rules, procedures, and expectations of these forums.
The Formal Debate Proposals forum
The purpose of the Formal Debate Proposals (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/forumdisplay.php?f=75) (FDP) Forum is to provide a venue for IIDB users to declare a challenge for a formal debate, and when answered, to build and clarify its parameters. FDP is not a forum for the actual debate of the chosen topic. Other IIDB users, not involved in declaring or answering a challenge, can post in FDP threads provided that they are only contributing relevant comments, suggestions, or perhaps some mild banter. Declaring a challenge and debate proposal can take the form of "calling out" another IIDB user or declaring an open challenge to anyone who might be interested. Any IIDB user is welcome to issue or respond to a challenge in FDP. Although if you are new to the forum, then we highly recommend that you post in the regular forum for a while to establish your presence and to get a feel for what kind of content you may expect in a debate.
FDP Tip
Not every IIDB user bothers to follow what is going on in the FDP forum. When declaring a challenge, you may want to raise attention to it. If you declare an open challenge, then we recommend subtly mentioning it in an existing thread related to the topic of your challenge in the regular forum. When "calling out" someone, we recommend sending a private message, alerting him or her of your challenge.
It should also be noted that no honoraria are permitted. Requiring honoraria for a proposed formal debate by means of a financial transaction would be considered a form of solicitation (Rule 1f & Rule 3).
In order for the moderators to approve a formal debate, the debate proposal must address the following ten parameters:
The topic of the debate.
The opponents of the debate, and what positions they will argue.
The scope of the debate.
The length of the debate, in number of rounds.
Whether statements will be made concurrently or in turns, and if the latter, who goes first.
The maximum length of each statement.
The time limit between statements.
The extent to which quotes and references from outside sources will be allowed.
The starting date of the debate.
Any additional rules or a debate format that debate participants must observe.
Below is an elaboration of each of the parameters:
1) The topic of the debate:
The proposed debate topic must be based on a religious, philosophical, scientific, political, scholarly, skeptical, moral, or social issue that is pertinent to a debate forum in the IIDB and/or the Secular Web (e.g., no formal debates on which hockey team is best or what racing cars are the fastest). A topic must also avoid the characteristic of having too narrow a focus and/or a lack of substance (e.g., no formal debates on subjects like "this particular website is racist" or "my car insurance premiums would be less if Ronald Reagan was the U.S. president").
2) The opponents of the debate, and what positions they will argue:
Usually it is the case that one person will affirm a position and the other will take the negative and oppose. Debates can also be set up where each opponent presents both a positive case and defense for their particular position along with a critique of the opposing position. Multiopponent formal debates (i.e. "tag teams") are not permitted. The exception would be a 3-way debate (see #10).
3)The scope of the debate:
The scope refers to the area covered by the topic of the debate. Opponents may wish to specify the subtopics that they want to explore. This can either be general or specific according to the opponents preferences. For example, if the debate was about the age of the earth, the scope can be very general (e.g., geology and astronomy) or very specific (potassium/argon radiometric dating, distances to stars, and the cosmological redshift).
4) The length of the debate, in number of rounds:
Each round in a formal debate consists of a statement from each respective opponent. The minimum number of rounds permitted is three and the maximum is ten. The final round consists of the concluding statements. Occasionally, opponents have opted to confine their concluding statements to merely a summary of the debate rather than introduce new arguments. Opponents may also opt for a tentative number of rounds, modifying it later during the course of the debate.
5) Whether statements will be made concurrently or in turns, and if the latter, who goes first:
In turns is self-explanatory. In succession, switching back and forth, an opponent will post a statement in response to his/her opponent's previous statement. Concurrent statements mean that posts submitted by each opponent will appear simultaneously each round. Neither opponent can see each other’s statement until both of them are submitted. This is possible due to the Formal Debates forum being a fully moderated forum.
6) The maximum length of each statement:
Opponents can set a word limit for their statements up to 5000 words. The word [/i]"quote:" that appears automatically when using VBB coding to quote material is not counted in the total word count. The use of numbers, symbols, and quoting an opponent's words is counted. Formal debate statements must also be of an abundance that is reasonably acceptable. For example, statements consisting solely of the words "Why?" or "Who says?" will be declined. Images can also be used as long as the amount and size used is not excessive, or a means to get around word limits.
Addendum: The reference list is not included in the total word count. Opponents are to monitor their own word counts, along with participants in the Peanut Galleries. Exceeding the designated word count will mean an immediate forfeiture of the debate. (If a dispute arises between opponents and/or participants of the Peanut Gallery, the moderator of the debate will make the final decision)
7) The time limit between statements:
Opponents are expected to respond within a particular time frame. For example, if the time limit chosen is a week, then an opponent is expected to reply within a week of his or her opponent’s last statement. For debates that are concurrent, opponents are expected to submit their statements within the time limit from the date of the last statement of the previous round. Time limits do not work by means of a fixed calendar. As long as it's within the time limit, opponents can post statements any time they wish to - even if it's a within a few hours after his/her opponent's statement.
8) The extent to which quotes and references from outside sources will be allowed:
Formal debate statements can cover a great deal of material. Just like a student writing a term paper, it is often useful to include quotes from other sources to help clarify a concept. It is also helpful to cite arguments or data that provide supporting evidence for a position. Opponents can place limits on how many quotes and/or references are allowed in their debate if it is mutually desirable. If desired, limits can be generalized simply as "used within reason," leaving it to the moderators' judgment to determine if the amount of quotes/references is too excessive. Please note that supporting data may also take the form of charts, diagrams, and/or images if they are relevant to the debate. Arguments based solely via "URL link" are strongly discouraged (e.g., "I challenge you to respond to stuff from this website link which refutes your entire argument").
9) The starting date of the debate:
The starting date is the date that the moderators will set up the formal debate thread. The opponent going first is expected to submit his or her statement within the time limit from #7. If the opponents are ready to start the debate immediately and do not require a start date agreed to in advance, then the debate thread will be set up as soon as the moderators are able to do so.
10) Any additional rules or a debate format that opponents must observe:
The standard format consists of a select number of rounds with each debater taking turns. There are a variety of additional rules or alternative formats that opponents can use. Examples include splitting the debate into two parts with each person switching roles taking the affirmative and the opposition, a discussion involving three different views with three different proponents (as opposed to the standard two opponents), and setting up statements in the form of a question and answer dialogue.
Each of these parameters is subject to the approval of the moderators. Once the opponents have agreed to all of the parameters, and the parameters meet the moderators' approval, the FDP thread will be closed and a thread will be set up in Formal Debates on the designated start date (please note that a opponents can only take part in one formal debate at a time, though he or she is free to set up the parameters for future debates). Opponents may make a request to the moderators to amend a debate parameter during the course of the debate; the parameter can be amended if all parties agree to the change.
The Formal Debates Forum
After the debate parameters have been agreed to in FDP, a formal debate thread will be set up in the Formal Debates (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/forumdisplay.php?f=17) (FD) forum on the designated start date. This is where the actual formal debate takes place. Only moderators and administrators are able to start threads in FD. Only the opponents are allowed to post in their respective FD threads (unauthorized posts from other IIDB users will be declined and deleted). When the debate is finished the thread will be closed..
Important
FD is a fully moderated forum. This means that when an opponent submits a statement, it is invisible to the forum until validated by a moderator. Only the opponents and the moderators may post to a FD thread. General chit-chat, complaints to the moderator, and peripheral announcements like "I'll have my post ready Saturday" are not permitted. Complaints to the moderator should be addressed by using private messages or the IIDB Questions, Problems, Complaints & Suggestions (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/forumdisplay.php?f=16) forum.
A fully moderated forum is useful for concurrently submitted debate statements. Opponents submit their statements on their own time in their respective FD thread. Once all of the statements have been submitted from each opponents for a round, the moderator will validate them, making each statement appear simultaneously.
1) Extensions:
Formal debates can sometimes span over several months. An opponent may have a life emergency, vacation, or other matter that can present a minor interference in his or her participation in the formal debate. Opponents can make a request to the moderators, preferably as well in advance as possible, for an extension of reasonable length in those situations. If the debate is between 3-6 rounds, then an oppoent is entitled to one extension. If the debate is between 7-10 rounds, then it is two extensions. We are reluctant to grant additional extensions beyond this amount. If we do grant an additional extension then it requires the consent of the opponent (for the sake of fairness, the opponent must reciprocate consent if his or her opponent requests an additional extension).
If it is the case that an opponent may frequently encounter other life priorities that may interfere with his or her participation, then we insist that the time limit between statements be made long enough to accommodate them. Overall, we request that IIDB users, before committing to a formal debate, take reasonable foresight of his or her future schedule to ensure that other life priorities will not significantly interfere with his or her involvement.
2) Debate Rule and Parameter Infractions:
Infractions of the formal debate rules and parameters are strongly discouraged. All of the standard prescriptions from the Rules|Registration Agreement (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=79160) are still in effect. A rule or parameter infraction can result in a number of responses depending on its severity. An infraction can result in a forfeit, a declined statement (which can be revised and resubmitted), deleted comments (e.g., [[i]flame deleted]), or just a simple private or public warning. Repeated infractions may result in a forfeit at the moderators' discretion. If an opponent forfeits or withdraws from the debate, then his or her opponent will be granted the opportunity to make a concluding statement for the last word.
The IIDB Rules and Registration Agreement prescribe that IIDB users engage in discourse that avoids flaming, insults, and abusive behavior (Rule 1a,1b). What may be overlooked in the regular forum will not be overlooked in Formal Debates and thus will be placed at a relatively higher standard. We strongly recommend that oppoents engage in civil behavior that avoids outright flaming, attacking the character of the opponent, ad hominem attacks, speculating on an opponent's motivations, and condescending sarcasm. Failure to do so will constitute an infraction and cease the debate.
If an oppoent fails to post his or her statement within the agreed time limit, then he or she will be given a three day grace period. If the grace period expires then he or she forfeits the debate. Please note that there is a penalty of one day per repeated late statement that will be deducted from the grace period. The deduction work as follows:
1st statement overdue: 3 day grace period
2nd statement overdue: 2 day grace period
3rd statement overdue: 1 day grace period
4th statement overdue: no grace period (debate forfeited)
When a time limit expires, we like to provide some flexibility. Since a day that a statement is due depends on one’s time zone, we would grant 8-12 hours after the precise time that corresponds to when the previous statement was made during the day. For example, if the time limit between statements is one week and if a statement was submitted at 2:00am (MST), May 1, but his or her opponent has not replied by 10:00 am - 2:00pm (MST), May 8, then we would consider it an infraction.
If an opponent posts greater than the maximum length agreed to in FDP, this will result in an automatic forfeiture. Opponents are to monitor their word count and participants of the Peanut Gallery may also conduct a word count of approved posts.
Plagiarism and copyright violations (Rule 5) are strictly prohibited and will be dealt with accordingly, which can result in a forfeit. We also strongly recommend that sources, quotes, data, etc., be properly referenced. Failure to do so may result in the statement being declined.
Finally, if an opponent has already forfeited more than one debate, or if he or she has a consistent history of rule infractions to which the moderators do not reasonably foresee an ending, then that person may, at the moderators' discretion, be banned from participating in formal debates for a period ranging from a few months to indefinitely.
3) The Peanut Gallery
A Peanut Gallery is a thread that allows the rest of the IIDB users to comment on a formal debate as it progresses. This thread will be set up in a regular forum that relates to the topic being debated. We ask that debate participants refrain from posting in the Peanut Gallery (in respect to their debate) until after the debate is officially over.
Final Thoughts
The objective of Formal Debates is similar to the objective of the rest of the IIDB forum. We desire to provide an environment for stimulating intellectual discussion and debate in a respectful and supportive atmosphere. The FD moderators will take a concerted effort to maintain flexibility, respect, and fairness toward debate participants regardless of their own position or worldview. All IIDB users are welcome to get involved. We look forward to your participation! :)
IIDB acknowledges the contributions of Silent Dave and KnightWhoSaysNi.
Formal Debates is divided into two important forums: Formal Debates (FD) and Formal Debate Proposals (FDP). The following information explains the characteristics, rules, procedures, and expectations of these forums.
The Formal Debate Proposals forum
The purpose of the Formal Debate Proposals (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/forumdisplay.php?f=75) (FDP) Forum is to provide a venue for IIDB users to declare a challenge for a formal debate, and when answered, to build and clarify its parameters. FDP is not a forum for the actual debate of the chosen topic. Other IIDB users, not involved in declaring or answering a challenge, can post in FDP threads provided that they are only contributing relevant comments, suggestions, or perhaps some mild banter. Declaring a challenge and debate proposal can take the form of "calling out" another IIDB user or declaring an open challenge to anyone who might be interested. Any IIDB user is welcome to issue or respond to a challenge in FDP. Although if you are new to the forum, then we highly recommend that you post in the regular forum for a while to establish your presence and to get a feel for what kind of content you may expect in a debate.
FDP Tip
Not every IIDB user bothers to follow what is going on in the FDP forum. When declaring a challenge, you may want to raise attention to it. If you declare an open challenge, then we recommend subtly mentioning it in an existing thread related to the topic of your challenge in the regular forum. When "calling out" someone, we recommend sending a private message, alerting him or her of your challenge.
It should also be noted that no honoraria are permitted. Requiring honoraria for a proposed formal debate by means of a financial transaction would be considered a form of solicitation (Rule 1f & Rule 3).
In order for the moderators to approve a formal debate, the debate proposal must address the following ten parameters:
The topic of the debate.
The opponents of the debate, and what positions they will argue.
The scope of the debate.
The length of the debate, in number of rounds.
Whether statements will be made concurrently or in turns, and if the latter, who goes first.
The maximum length of each statement.
The time limit between statements.
The extent to which quotes and references from outside sources will be allowed.
The starting date of the debate.
Any additional rules or a debate format that debate participants must observe.
Below is an elaboration of each of the parameters:
1) The topic of the debate:
The proposed debate topic must be based on a religious, philosophical, scientific, political, scholarly, skeptical, moral, or social issue that is pertinent to a debate forum in the IIDB and/or the Secular Web (e.g., no formal debates on which hockey team is best or what racing cars are the fastest). A topic must also avoid the characteristic of having too narrow a focus and/or a lack of substance (e.g., no formal debates on subjects like "this particular website is racist" or "my car insurance premiums would be less if Ronald Reagan was the U.S. president").
2) The opponents of the debate, and what positions they will argue:
Usually it is the case that one person will affirm a position and the other will take the negative and oppose. Debates can also be set up where each opponent presents both a positive case and defense for their particular position along with a critique of the opposing position. Multiopponent formal debates (i.e. "tag teams") are not permitted. The exception would be a 3-way debate (see #10).
3)The scope of the debate:
The scope refers to the area covered by the topic of the debate. Opponents may wish to specify the subtopics that they want to explore. This can either be general or specific according to the opponents preferences. For example, if the debate was about the age of the earth, the scope can be very general (e.g., geology and astronomy) or very specific (potassium/argon radiometric dating, distances to stars, and the cosmological redshift).
4) The length of the debate, in number of rounds:
Each round in a formal debate consists of a statement from each respective opponent. The minimum number of rounds permitted is three and the maximum is ten. The final round consists of the concluding statements. Occasionally, opponents have opted to confine their concluding statements to merely a summary of the debate rather than introduce new arguments. Opponents may also opt for a tentative number of rounds, modifying it later during the course of the debate.
5) Whether statements will be made concurrently or in turns, and if the latter, who goes first:
In turns is self-explanatory. In succession, switching back and forth, an opponent will post a statement in response to his/her opponent's previous statement. Concurrent statements mean that posts submitted by each opponent will appear simultaneously each round. Neither opponent can see each other’s statement until both of them are submitted. This is possible due to the Formal Debates forum being a fully moderated forum.
6) The maximum length of each statement:
Opponents can set a word limit for their statements up to 5000 words. The word [/i]"quote:" that appears automatically when using VBB coding to quote material is not counted in the total word count. The use of numbers, symbols, and quoting an opponent's words is counted. Formal debate statements must also be of an abundance that is reasonably acceptable. For example, statements consisting solely of the words "Why?" or "Who says?" will be declined. Images can also be used as long as the amount and size used is not excessive, or a means to get around word limits.
Addendum: The reference list is not included in the total word count. Opponents are to monitor their own word counts, along with participants in the Peanut Galleries. Exceeding the designated word count will mean an immediate forfeiture of the debate. (If a dispute arises between opponents and/or participants of the Peanut Gallery, the moderator of the debate will make the final decision)
7) The time limit between statements:
Opponents are expected to respond within a particular time frame. For example, if the time limit chosen is a week, then an opponent is expected to reply within a week of his or her opponent’s last statement. For debates that are concurrent, opponents are expected to submit their statements within the time limit from the date of the last statement of the previous round. Time limits do not work by means of a fixed calendar. As long as it's within the time limit, opponents can post statements any time they wish to - even if it's a within a few hours after his/her opponent's statement.
8) The extent to which quotes and references from outside sources will be allowed:
Formal debate statements can cover a great deal of material. Just like a student writing a term paper, it is often useful to include quotes from other sources to help clarify a concept. It is also helpful to cite arguments or data that provide supporting evidence for a position. Opponents can place limits on how many quotes and/or references are allowed in their debate if it is mutually desirable. If desired, limits can be generalized simply as "used within reason," leaving it to the moderators' judgment to determine if the amount of quotes/references is too excessive. Please note that supporting data may also take the form of charts, diagrams, and/or images if they are relevant to the debate. Arguments based solely via "URL link" are strongly discouraged (e.g., "I challenge you to respond to stuff from this website link which refutes your entire argument").
9) The starting date of the debate:
The starting date is the date that the moderators will set up the formal debate thread. The opponent going first is expected to submit his or her statement within the time limit from #7. If the opponents are ready to start the debate immediately and do not require a start date agreed to in advance, then the debate thread will be set up as soon as the moderators are able to do so.
10) Any additional rules or a debate format that opponents must observe:
The standard format consists of a select number of rounds with each debater taking turns. There are a variety of additional rules or alternative formats that opponents can use. Examples include splitting the debate into two parts with each person switching roles taking the affirmative and the opposition, a discussion involving three different views with three different proponents (as opposed to the standard two opponents), and setting up statements in the form of a question and answer dialogue.
Each of these parameters is subject to the approval of the moderators. Once the opponents have agreed to all of the parameters, and the parameters meet the moderators' approval, the FDP thread will be closed and a thread will be set up in Formal Debates on the designated start date (please note that a opponents can only take part in one formal debate at a time, though he or she is free to set up the parameters for future debates). Opponents may make a request to the moderators to amend a debate parameter during the course of the debate; the parameter can be amended if all parties agree to the change.
The Formal Debates Forum
After the debate parameters have been agreed to in FDP, a formal debate thread will be set up in the Formal Debates (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/forumdisplay.php?f=17) (FD) forum on the designated start date. This is where the actual formal debate takes place. Only moderators and administrators are able to start threads in FD. Only the opponents are allowed to post in their respective FD threads (unauthorized posts from other IIDB users will be declined and deleted). When the debate is finished the thread will be closed..
Important
FD is a fully moderated forum. This means that when an opponent submits a statement, it is invisible to the forum until validated by a moderator. Only the opponents and the moderators may post to a FD thread. General chit-chat, complaints to the moderator, and peripheral announcements like "I'll have my post ready Saturday" are not permitted. Complaints to the moderator should be addressed by using private messages or the IIDB Questions, Problems, Complaints & Suggestions (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/forumdisplay.php?f=16) forum.
A fully moderated forum is useful for concurrently submitted debate statements. Opponents submit their statements on their own time in their respective FD thread. Once all of the statements have been submitted from each opponents for a round, the moderator will validate them, making each statement appear simultaneously.
1) Extensions:
Formal debates can sometimes span over several months. An opponent may have a life emergency, vacation, or other matter that can present a minor interference in his or her participation in the formal debate. Opponents can make a request to the moderators, preferably as well in advance as possible, for an extension of reasonable length in those situations. If the debate is between 3-6 rounds, then an oppoent is entitled to one extension. If the debate is between 7-10 rounds, then it is two extensions. We are reluctant to grant additional extensions beyond this amount. If we do grant an additional extension then it requires the consent of the opponent (for the sake of fairness, the opponent must reciprocate consent if his or her opponent requests an additional extension).
If it is the case that an opponent may frequently encounter other life priorities that may interfere with his or her participation, then we insist that the time limit between statements be made long enough to accommodate them. Overall, we request that IIDB users, before committing to a formal debate, take reasonable foresight of his or her future schedule to ensure that other life priorities will not significantly interfere with his or her involvement.
2) Debate Rule and Parameter Infractions:
Infractions of the formal debate rules and parameters are strongly discouraged. All of the standard prescriptions from the Rules|Registration Agreement (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=79160) are still in effect. A rule or parameter infraction can result in a number of responses depending on its severity. An infraction can result in a forfeit, a declined statement (which can be revised and resubmitted), deleted comments (e.g., [[i]flame deleted]), or just a simple private or public warning. Repeated infractions may result in a forfeit at the moderators' discretion. If an opponent forfeits or withdraws from the debate, then his or her opponent will be granted the opportunity to make a concluding statement for the last word.
The IIDB Rules and Registration Agreement prescribe that IIDB users engage in discourse that avoids flaming, insults, and abusive behavior (Rule 1a,1b). What may be overlooked in the regular forum will not be overlooked in Formal Debates and thus will be placed at a relatively higher standard. We strongly recommend that oppoents engage in civil behavior that avoids outright flaming, attacking the character of the opponent, ad hominem attacks, speculating on an opponent's motivations, and condescending sarcasm. Failure to do so will constitute an infraction and cease the debate.
If an oppoent fails to post his or her statement within the agreed time limit, then he or she will be given a three day grace period. If the grace period expires then he or she forfeits the debate. Please note that there is a penalty of one day per repeated late statement that will be deducted from the grace period. The deduction work as follows:
1st statement overdue: 3 day grace period
2nd statement overdue: 2 day grace period
3rd statement overdue: 1 day grace period
4th statement overdue: no grace period (debate forfeited)
When a time limit expires, we like to provide some flexibility. Since a day that a statement is due depends on one’s time zone, we would grant 8-12 hours after the precise time that corresponds to when the previous statement was made during the day. For example, if the time limit between statements is one week and if a statement was submitted at 2:00am (MST), May 1, but his or her opponent has not replied by 10:00 am - 2:00pm (MST), May 8, then we would consider it an infraction.
If an opponent posts greater than the maximum length agreed to in FDP, this will result in an automatic forfeiture. Opponents are to monitor their word count and participants of the Peanut Gallery may also conduct a word count of approved posts.
Plagiarism and copyright violations (Rule 5) are strictly prohibited and will be dealt with accordingly, which can result in a forfeit. We also strongly recommend that sources, quotes, data, etc., be properly referenced. Failure to do so may result in the statement being declined.
Finally, if an opponent has already forfeited more than one debate, or if he or she has a consistent history of rule infractions to which the moderators do not reasonably foresee an ending, then that person may, at the moderators' discretion, be banned from participating in formal debates for a period ranging from a few months to indefinitely.
3) The Peanut Gallery
A Peanut Gallery is a thread that allows the rest of the IIDB users to comment on a formal debate as it progresses. This thread will be set up in a regular forum that relates to the topic being debated. We ask that debate participants refrain from posting in the Peanut Gallery (in respect to their debate) until after the debate is officially over.
Final Thoughts
The objective of Formal Debates is similar to the objective of the rest of the IIDB forum. We desire to provide an environment for stimulating intellectual discussion and debate in a respectful and supportive atmosphere. The FD moderators will take a concerted effort to maintain flexibility, respect, and fairness toward debate participants regardless of their own position or worldview. All IIDB users are welcome to get involved. We look forward to your participation! :)
IIDB acknowledges the contributions of Silent Dave and KnightWhoSaysNi.