NationStates Jolt Archive

Okay, regardless of their political bias who do you think are the best informed, most skillful debaters on NS?

I'll post my own thoughts if this gets rolling.

(I appreciate this topic is a bit lame but I'm curious and bored)

Our Earth and Bottle definately make my list.

Our Earth and Bottle definately make my list.

:D

Oh right... I should probably answer the question myself...

I'd say Tactical Grace goes on the list. I never really think that much about who I'm talking to so much as what they're saying.

Um... I would be on this list, if I debate more, lol... But I spend too much time in the NS and International Incidents Subforums... *shrugs* If anyone needs a good debate about economics, history, or such, I'll take you on... :twisted:

I'd put in another vote for Bottle. Also, Kwangister, even though I rarely agree with what he says.

Tactical Grace.

I would say me to be a dumbass, but I mostly only post in the fun topics, not the political ones. So i'll say Bottle.

Tactical Grace and that bloke married to Steph who's name I always forget. Begins with a Z.

Tactical Grace and that bloke married to Steph who's name I always forget. Begins with a Z.Zeppistan. Yes, he'd be on my list too.


No-ones even mentioned me yet though! I'm outraged, simply outraged.

Tactical Grace and that bloke married to Steph who's name I always forget. Begins with a Z.Zeppistan. Yes, he'd be on my list too.


No-ones even mentioned me yet though! I'm outraged, simply outraged.

Don't feel bad, Spoffin. I haven't gotten a mention yet either. I try and tell myself it's because I save most of my actual debate for "God" threads and no one likes those instead of it's because I'm a crappy debater. :D

This is not bias.. if any of you have read his posts, you know it's true.

1)Zeppistan.

The other top debaters IMO are;

2)Berkylvania

3)CanukHeaven

4)Incertonia

5)Redneck Geeks

Woo-hoo! Thanks Stephistan!!!! :D

And yes, Zeppistan needs to be at least near the top if not at the top.

Tactical Grace and that bloke married to Steph who's name I always forget. Begins with a Z.Zeppistan. Yes, he'd be on my list too.

Yeah that's the fellah and also I'd say Redneck Geeks, Berklyvania, Vonners and Collaboration.

And I do miss dear old Cartese though his debating skills are if you'll excuse the pun, debatable.

I'll have to search around to find a debate you've participated in Spoffin.

1. Incertonia
2. Niccolo Medici
3. Tactical Grace
4. Our Earth
5. Zeppistan
I really don't agree with these debators, but then again, I find them better because they can argue different viewpoints.

That bloke married to Steph who's name I always forget. Begins with a Z.

Yeah that guy is pretty good with the old debating stuff

I'm surprised I'm not on there.

-----------------------------------------
"But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality."
Free your mind! (http://dwardmac.pitzer.edu/Anarchist_Archives/bright/berkman/comanarchism/whatis_toc.html)
I like big butts!

http://img63.photobucket.com/albums/v193/eddy_the_great/steatopygia.jpg

Bottle, Zepp, and Tactical Grace.
There is one more, but I can't recall his (her?) name at the moment, so I'll get back once I see a post and have my memory jogged.

edit: Ah, yeah, Icertonia, and if we're allowed to include people who argue well, but make up facts (often proved to be totally inaccurate by three minutes with google) to support their arguements I can throw in one more to round out the five-person requirement.

This is not bias.. if any of you have read his posts, you know it's true.

1)Zeppistan.

The other top debaters IMO are;

2)Berkylvania

3)CanukHeaven

4)Incertonia

5)Redneck Geeks
Incertonia, that'd be another one for me. Actually, (possibly due to some time away from the forum), Berkylvania is a name thats slipped under my radar. I will be looking out from now on though

Actually, there are a lot of folks who are very adroit at expressing their viewpoints on here. I love to see Stephistan and Salishe go at an issue because both of them are capable of making good points which in turn makes me think about my own stances. I also admire Collaboration's ability to clearly make his feelings known in brief, well worded posts. Even Raysia makes me think. Usually he just makes me think he's some sort of jingoist whacko, but it still counts. :D

I think maybe it depends on the issue. Some people have hot button topics that they are very eloquent about, regardless of their stance on the issue.

I love to see Stephistan and Salishe go at an issue because both of them are capable of making good points which in turn makes me think about my own stances.

Perhaps, but both Salishe and I suffer from the same problem, we're both very emotional in our stance and we're both never willing to budge..lol which doesn't always make for a great debater. It makes us people with strong convictions.. but perhaps not good debaters..;)

Well I think I make some good points on ocassion. But I like to be a smartass alot of the time so I guess that bars me from the list.

Okay, this would be my list:

1. Zeppistan
2. Tactical Grace
3. Bottle
4. Redneck Geeks
5. (Don't know)

What about me?

-----------------------------------------
"But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality."
Free your mind! (http://dwardmac.pitzer.edu/Anarchist_Archives/bright/berkman/comanarchism/whatis_toc.html)
I like big butts!

http://img63.photobucket.com/albums/v193/eddy_the_great/steatopygia.jpg

Incertonia, Bottle an' Our Earth are the most rational.
Steph and Salishe are the most fun to watch. Arrr....

I make numero uno, hands down :P

Thanks, Berkylvania!

You get my vote too, and Incertonia, Bottle, and Our Earth. (I'm in his region! he boasted)

Oh, and TG, even though he disrespects my hobbies :P

Oh, and TG, even though he disrespects my hobbies :P
I do? :?

I would give Anthrus / his current incarnation Purly Euclid an honourable mention, as there aren't that many conservative debaters around who have been here as long as he has and have maintained a consistently good reputation.

I should also add Hatcham Woods.

Too many of them, it makes it very annoying. A lot of people can express their views, but I think Collaboration, Tactical Grace, and some people whose names I should remember, do it in a concise and sometimes funny way.

Too many of them, it makes it very annoying. A lot of people can express their views, but I think Collaboration, Tactical Grace, and some people whose names I should remember, do it in a concise and sometimes funny way.

BOTTLE RULES ALL!

Bottle, Zepp, and Tactical Grace.
There is one more, but I can't recall his (her?) name at the moment, so I'll get back once I see a post and have my memory jogged.

edit: Ah, yeah, Icertonia, and if we're allowed to include people who argue well, but make up facts (often proved to be totally inaccurate by three minutes with google) to support their arguements I can throw in one more to round out the five-person requirement.I feel loved. Too bad I don't make up facts and rarely get disproved (and when I do, I try to admit it openly).

Bottle, Zeppistan, Spoffin, TG, Purly, Steph are my five. And there are plenty of others worthy of mention as well.

Tell me, some of you who have been around as long as I have, is it just me or has the quality of the debating risen in the last couple of months?

Bottle, Zepp, and Tactical Grace.
There is one more, but I can't recall his (her?) name at the moment, so I'll get back once I see a post and have my memory jogged.

edit: Ah, yeah, Icertonia, and if we're allowed to include people who argue well, but make up facts (often proved to be totally inaccurate by three minutes with google) to support their arguements I can throw in one more to round out the five-person requirement.I feel loved. Too bad I don't make up facts and rarely get disproved (and when I do, I try to admit it openly).

Bottle, Zeppistan, Spoffin, TG, Purly, Steph are my five. And there are plenty of others worthy of mention as well.

Tell me, some of you who have been around as long as I have, is it just me or has the quality of the debating risen in the last couple of months?

It was down for a while but it definitely seems to be coming back up. It's up to the point now where I'm actually finding time to come and talk here again.

Tell me, some of you who have been around as long as I have, is it just me or has the quality of the debating risen in the last couple of months?
Yes, it really has. The early part of this year, I despaired. So much immaturity. But the last month or two have been much improved, I think we have seen newer people get into the flow of things, and a steady stream of more significant news items emerging too.

I think there was good quality in the beginning, and then it went bad, and yes now it is better.

Yes, it really has. The early part of this year, I despaired. So much immaturity. But the last month or two have been much improved, I think we have seen newer people get into the flow of things, and a steady stream of more significant news items emerging too.Maybe that's what it is--we have more good subjects to debate right now and so the level of discourse has risen.

Bottle, Zeppistan, Spoffin, TG, Purly, Steph are my five. And there are plenty of others worthy of mention as well.
I'd point out that there are 6 names there, but I don't want to risk losing my only nomination.

Bottle, Zepp, and Tactical Grace.
There is one more, but I can't recall his (her?) name at the moment, so I'll get back once I see a post and have my memory jogged.

edit: Ah, yeah, Icertonia, and if we're allowed to include people who argue well, but make up facts (often proved to be totally inaccurate by three minutes with google) to support their arguements I can throw in one more to round out the five-person requirement.I feel loved. Too bad I don't make up facts and rarely get disproved (and when I do, I try to admit it openly).

Bottle, Zeppistan, Spoffin, TG, Purly, Steph are my five. And there are plenty of others worthy of mention as well.

Tell me, some of you who have been around as long as I have, is it just me or has the quality of the debating risen in the last couple of months?
We've gotten rid of the rascists, the "militant gays" as I like calling them, and every extremist on this forum. Most of it wouldn't be possible without the mods. Let's give them a round of digital applause.
Now, I just want to say that I think that the Palestinian Empire, when he existed, was a very good debator. Anyone remember him?

TG, bottle, incert, spoffy, zepp


and me ofc, even though I never can be bothered looking up stuff on the net to back up my outragous claims. I'm still great.

Now, I just want to say that I think that the Palestinian Empire, when he existed, was a very good debator. Anyone remember him?
Yes, he was quite good.

I'm good at debate, but I stopped debating on NS over six months ago... it's just the same old issues over and over. Now I debate this one guy in my classes over whether our math teacher has an effective teaching style, ideal economic policy, the possibility or impossibility of complete rationality... you know, stuff. Oh, and whether my best friend whom he hates is a jackass. That too.

Perhaps if I didn't care so much, I would be a better debater... not to say the others don't care, I know they do (or believe they do).. I just care more then perhaps is for my own good..

No matter.. I don't need the title..lol I have many others.. Bitch not excluded.. ;)

Looks to me like Zeppistan is winning this thing.. you know, I told him about it, he didn't even read it.. perhaps we should poke him with sticks? :lol:

Looks to me like Zeppistan is winning this thing.. you know, I told him about it, he didn't even read it.. perhaps we should poke him with sticks? :lol:
Stare into the General Forum . . . and it stares back. And takes your soul. :shock:

You are one of us now, Steph. :shock:

Looks to me like Zeppistan is winning this thing.. you know, I told him about it, he didn't even read it.. perhaps we should poke him with sticks? :lol:
Stare into the General Forum . . . and it stares back. And takes your soul. :shock:

You are one of us now, Steph. :shock:

One of you? That's very culty..lol.. Umm, no, I'm not "one" of you.. Most of you are young enough to be my children.. I'm just an old bat when it comes to NS... which is creepy.. On other forums I go to, I'm the young whipper snapper.. funny how that works..

One of you? Yes, we are all citizens of the world.. and whether you may be a conservative a liberal, a whatever, one thing is certain, we all care. If we didn't.. we'd just be mindless robots who never sought to find any meaning in any thing.. for that, I salute every member, no matter what their political belief is. It's people like us (you) that will make the world better or worse.

So many never stop to even question why. The fact that so many of you do.. I think that makes you all worth a lot. Ok, before I lose all authority here as the evil game mod... hehe SALUTE! ;)

One of you? That's very culty..lol.. Umm, no, I'm not "one" of you.. Most of you are young enough to be my children.. I'm just an old bat when it comes to NS... which is creepy.. On other forums I go to, I'm the young whipper snapper.. funny how that works..
You think its funny how you're older than some groups of people and yet younger than others? Erm... :?

Aww . . . that's really uplifting of you. :)

But you must admit, inviting people to poke someone with sticks does expose you as being a bit of a Generalite. :wink:

Aww . . . that's really uplifting of you. :)

But you must admit, inviting people to poke someone with sticks does expose you as being a bit of a Generalite. :wink:

the curse of the generalite!

Bottle, Zeppistan, Spoffin, TG, Purly, Steph are my five. And there are plenty of others worthy of mention as well.
I'd point out that there are 6 names there, but I don't want to risk losing my only nomination.There's a reason my degrees are in English and not in math. :lol:

*feels left out*

*also feels like subtly hinting that interested regional delegates should go approve his new un proposal on the 40 hour workweek*

I'd like to think Im worthy of an honorable mention.
Probably not, as I tend to get emotionally heated a bit too easy, and that makes me lose focus.
But, Im more than fully armed in most battles of wits.

The best around?

Hmm..thats tough.

Tactical Grace comes to mind.
So does Steph, especially when arguing from a liberal standpoint.
Salishe certainly can hold his own, and although Im not always in agreement with his politics, I respect his wisdom, and his spirituality.

Raysia......but only out of sheer stubborness..not actual skill.

and for raw spunk, and wisdom beyond his years...Colodia.

This is not bias.. if any of you have read his posts, you know it's true.

1)Zeppistan.

The other top debaters IMO are;

2)Berkylvania

3)CanukHeaven

4)Incertonia

5)Redneck Geeks

you forgot yourself, my dear :D

1. Incertonia
2. Niccolo Medici
3. Tactical Grace
4. Our Earth
5. Zeppistan
I really don't agree with these debators, but then again, I find them better because they can argue different viewpoints.

Sweet, I made one of the lists! I'm not very prolific on the forum so I never imagined I'd be on here.

I agree, while perhaps I didn't agree with your stance but you were game enough to debate with me on several occasions. A rational discussion of policy positions beats simple arguments any day. :)

I agree that the debating here has been much better for the past month or so. I think a select group of regulars has done a good job of sticking to the rules of debate!

1)TG
2) ZEP
3) Berk
4) Salishe
5) Purly Euclid

I'll give an honorable mention to Incertonia, since she makes very good arguments when she's not filled with rage!

And I can't forget Steph, who's always well informed, and very prolific. (lol)

My list goes something like this:

#1 without a doubt - Letila :shock:

and then rounding out the other five (for a total of six and in no particular order):

Five Civilized Nations
Cuneo Island
Monkeypimp
Zincite
Free Soviets

congratulations :!: :wink:

edit to add Free Soviets whom I missed the first time around.

This is not bias.. if any of you have read his posts, you know it's true.

1)Zeppistan.

The other top debaters IMO are;

2)Berkylvania

3)CanukHeaven

4)Incertonia

5)Redneck Geeks
Thanks Steph, I am truly humbled. There are many very good debaters on here who put their arguments forward in a passionate manner and do their best to stick to facts rather than hollow rhetoric. The top 5, off the top of my head would be:

1. Stephistan

2. Spherical Objects

3. Incertonia

4. Berkylvania

5. Zeppistan

Honourable mention:

Smeagol-Gollum

Daistallia 2104

Genaia

Please note that I reserve the right to disagree with any of the above posters, should any such situation arrive LOL :lol:

I know I have missed some names, please forgive me.

TG, it kind of annoies me how all her opinions are so well informed and fair. I blame maternity.

*feels left out*

*also feels like subtly hinting that interested regional delegates should go approve his new un proposal on the 40 hour workweek*

This from the person who surfs the net while his blissfully unaware employer continues to cut a check.

Looks to me like Zeppistan is winning this thing.. you know, I told him about it, he didn't even read it.. perhaps we should poke him with sticks? :lol:
Stare into the General Forum . . . and it stares back. And takes your soul. :shock:

You are one of us now, Steph. :shock:
It sure does TG. How did I stumble across this Forum (can't remember), and why did I get addicted?

Steph. I'll never get in due to my complete lvoe of Dawkins :D And I'm proud of it.

Honourable mention:
Daistallia 2104


Thanks. 8) I wondered if if I might make someones list here. :D

Bottle and Tactical Grace. There are two others but I have only managed to go and forget their names...

This from the person who surfs the net while his blissfully unaware employer continues to cut a check.

nah, i don't have a job where i have computer access. i believe it was ecopoeia that mentioned that in that thread. though i know lots of people on here do log in from work.

I'll give an honorable mention to Incertonia, since she makes very good arguments when she's not filled with rage!

And I can't forget Steph, who's always well informed, and very prolific. (lol)Am I feminine sounding or something? Do I have to get a sig like Letila's? :lol:

Edit--Free Soviets and Backwoods Squatches also deserve mention on these lists.

Am I feminine sounding or something? Do I have to get a sig like Letila's? :lol:
I feel your pain. :(

Am I feminine sounding or something? Do I have to get a sig like Letila's? :lol:
I feel your pain. :(

You can't expect people to think you're a bloke, TG. After all, despite the fact that intelligent people can understand your name, others may just see 'Grace' and put 2 and 2 together. And there are a lot of 'other' people on NS. :D

Actually, I would stick Pyr on my top list of debators and partly because of his love of Dawkins and his eloquent passion in defending him. :D

Actually, I would stick Pyr on my top list of debators and partly because of his love of Dawkins and his eloquent passion in defending him. :D

*clutches hands together* Oh Berkylvania. You make my heart sing like a nightingale. I'd like to thank Mum, Dad, my family, my fans, God *ahem* and, of course, Mr R Dawkins, Oxford University, England.

You're lucky I've not started ranting Will Self at you :D

Actually, I would stick Pyr on my top list of debators and partly because of his love of Dawkins and his eloquent passion in defending him. :D

*clutches hands together* Oh Berkylvania. You make my heart sing like a nightingale. I'd like to thank Mum, Dad, my family, my fans, God *ahem* and, of course, Mr R Dawkins, Oxford University, England.

You're lucky I've not started ranting Will Self at you :D

Yes, my nomination was partially a sort of pre-emptive strike to hold of on that exact type of thing. :D It's nice when you can pay a sincere complement AND use it as part of one's one political machinations.

This from the person who surfs the net while his blissfully unaware employer continues to cut a check.

nah, i don't have a job where i have computer access. i believe it was ecopoeia that mentioned that in that thread. though i know lots of people on here do log in from work.

Oh, that's right. I'm very sorry it is Ecopoeia that wrote that (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3155636#3155636). I was getting the both of you confused because you both generally post on the same threads. My apologies for that deflamatory remark. This was preety irresponsible of me.

Actually, I would stick Pyr on my top list of debators and partly because of his love of Dawkins and his eloquent passion in defending him. :D

*clutches hands together* Oh Berkylvania. You make my heart sing like a nightingale. I'd like to thank Mum, Dad, my family, my fans, God *ahem* and, of course, Mr R Dawkins, Oxford University, England.

You're lucky I've not started ranting Will Self at you :D

Yes, my nomination was partially a sort of pre-emptive strike to hold of on that exact type of thing. :D It's nice when you can pay a sincere complement AND use it as part of one's one political machinations.

Talking of that (or rather, my heroes) Billy Bragg has just been on Radio 4 talking about why he became a musician. His biggest influence was Spandau Ballet. He says he heard them on the radio and wondered 'who's gonna play the music I wanna hear'. He realised no-one was, so played it himself. Hence his song 'I don't need this pressure, Ron'. Fascinating fact :D

Actually, I would stick Pyr on my top list of debators and partly because of his love of Dawkins and his eloquent passion in defending him. :D

*clutches hands together* Oh Berkylvania. You make my heart sing like a nightingale. I'd like to thank Mum, Dad, my family, my fans, God *ahem* and, of course, Mr R Dawkins, Oxford University, England.

You're lucky I've not started ranting Will Self at you :D

Yes, my nomination was partially a sort of pre-emptive strike to hold of on that exact type of thing. :D It's nice when you can pay a sincere complement AND use it as part of one's one political machinations.

Talking of that (or rather, my heroes) Billy Bragg has just been on Radio 4 talking about why he became a musician. His biggest influence was Spandau Ballet. He says he heard them on the radio and wondered 'who's gonna play the music I wanna hear'. He realised no-one was, so played it himself. Hence his song 'I don't need this pressure, Ron'. Fascinating fact :D

Ha! That is a facinating fact. I had no idea. It makes a certain sense, though. Spandau Ballet was everything that was wrong with the 80s wrapped up in poorly fitting suits and obnoxious hair cuts.

Actually, I would stick Pyr on my top list of debators and partly because of his love of Dawkins and his eloquent passion in defending him. :D

*clutches hands together* Oh Berkylvania. You make my heart sing like a nightingale. I'd like to thank Mum, Dad, my family, my fans, God *ahem* and, of course, Mr R Dawkins, Oxford University, England.

You're lucky I've not started ranting Will Self at you :D

Yes, my nomination was partially a sort of pre-emptive strike to hold of on that exact type of thing. :D It's nice when you can pay a sincere complement AND use it as part of one's one political machinations.

Talking of that (or rather, my heroes) Billy Bragg has just been on Radio 4 talking about why he became a musician. His biggest influence was Spandau Ballet. He says he heard them on the radio and wondered 'who's gonna play the music I wanna hear'. He realised no-one was, so played it himself. Hence his song 'I don't need this pressure, Ron'. Fascinating fact :D

Ha! That is a facinating fact. I had no idea. It makes a certain sense, though. Spandau Ballet was everything that was wrong with the 80s wrapped up in poorly fitting suits and obnoxious hair cuts.

another fascinating fact- Racecar spelt backward reads... Racecar!

See, this is why you love me.

...Spandau Ballet was everything that was wrong with the 80s wrapped up in poorly fitting suits and obnoxious hair cuts.

So True, funny how it seems... :lol:

Actually, I would stick Pyr on my top list of debators and partly because of his love of Dawkins and his eloquent passion in defending him. :D

*clutches hands together* Oh Berkylvania. You make my heart sing like a nightingale. I'd like to thank Mum, Dad, my family, my fans, God *ahem* and, of course, Mr R Dawkins, Oxford University, England.

You're lucky I've not started ranting Will Self at you :D

Yes, my nomination was partially a sort of pre-emptive strike to hold of on that exact type of thing. :D It's nice when you can pay a sincere complement AND use it as part of one's one political machinations.

Talking of that (or rather, my heroes) Billy Bragg has just been on Radio 4 talking about why he became a musician. His biggest influence was Spandau Ballet. He says he heard them on the radio and wondered 'who's gonna play the music I wanna hear'. He realised no-one was, so played it himself. Hence his song 'I don't need this pressure, Ron'. Fascinating fact :D

Ha! That is a facinating fact. I had no idea. It makes a certain sense, though. Spandau Ballet was everything that was wrong with the 80s wrapped up in poorly fitting suits and obnoxious hair cuts.

another fascinating fact- Racecar spelt backward reads... Racecar!

See, this is why you love me.

Yes. This and your ever present love for Dawkins are why I value you each and every day of my life. :D

1. Incertonia
2. Niccolo Medici
3. Tactical Grace
4. Our Earth
5. Zeppistan
I really don't agree with these debators, but then again, I find them better because they can argue different viewpoints.

Sweet, I made one of the lists! I'm not very prolific on the forum so I never imagined I'd be on here.

I agree, while perhaps I didn't agree with your stance but you were game enough to debate with me on several occasions. A rational discussion of policy positions beats simple arguments any day. :)
You aren't prolific, but when you do argue, they're very good.

Umm, late entry on my part.. I totally forgot about

"Daistallia 2104 "

Also a wicked debater! ;)

Talking of that (or rather, my heroes) Billy Bragg has just been on Radio 4 talking about why he became a musician. His biggest influence was Spandau Ballet. He says he heard them on the radio and wondered 'who's gonna play the music I wanna hear'. He realised no-one was, so played it himself. Hence his song 'I don't need this pressure, Ron'. Fascinating fact :D

Fascinating fact indeed, except for the fact that it isn't a fact. The real early influences were the Rolling Stones and then the Clash, not Spandau Ballet. Young mister Bragg had already been playing in Riff-Raff for 2 years before Spandau Ballet went near a recording studio...

Talking of that (or rather, my heroes) Billy Bragg has just been on Radio 4 talking about why he became a musician. His biggest influence was Spandau Ballet. He says he heard them on the radio and wondered 'who's gonna play the music I wanna hear'. He realised no-one was, so played it himself. Hence his song 'I don't need this pressure, Ron'. Fascinating fact :D

Fascinating fact indeed, except for the fact that it isn't a fact. The real early influences were the Rolling Stones and then the Clash, not Spandau Ballet. Young mister Bragg had already been playing in Riff-Raff for 2 years before Spandau Ballet went near a recording studio...

So, you're saying Billy Bragg himself doesn't know why he went into music or who his influences were? I mean, evidently he said it on Radio 4 (which I can't get in the US).

So, you're saying Billy Bragg himself doesn't know why he went into music or who his influences were? I mean, evidently he said it on Radio 4 (which I can't get in the US).

No, I'm saying there is a big difference between a good story and the truth...



***

And to help you out on the Radio 4 front (which nobody should do without): http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/progs/listenagain.shtml.

So, you're saying Billy Bragg himself doesn't know why he went into music or who his influences were? I mean, evidently he said it on Radio 4 (which I can't get in the US).

No, I'm saying there is a big difference between a good story and the truth...

But I really, really want to believe that this is true. :D

No, I'm saying there is a big difference between a good story and the truth...

But I really, really want to believe that this is true. :D

Note how he has described himself in the past as a "one-man Clash", but never as a "one-man not-Spandau Ballet"... :wink:

Talking of that (or rather, my heroes) Billy Bragg has just been on Radio 4 talking about why he became a musician. His biggest influence was Spandau Ballet. He says he heard them on the radio and wondered 'who's gonna play the music I wanna hear'. He realised no-one was, so played it himself. Hence his song 'I don't need this pressure, Ron'. Fascinating fact :D

Fascinating fact indeed, except for the fact that it isn't a fact. The real early influences were the Rolling Stones and then the Clash, not Spandau Ballet. Young mister Bragg had already been playing in Riff-Raff for 2 years before Spandau Ballet went near a recording studio...

:roll: Don't question me on my Bragg knowledge, boyo!
Obviously his musical inspiration was the Clash (after seeing them at the first Rock against Racism gig), and he'd been in Riff Raff from 76/77- 1980 (who performed the original version of Richard, as well as the beautiful 'I wanna be a Cosmonaut') with old mate Wiggy (who has produced or co-produced nearly every album he's done since).

But the thing that made him take up solo music himself was listening to Spandau Ballet, who he thought were so crap he HAD to perform himself. Of course he didn't like them. Because they sucked.

The Bard was talking about it this week on 'Maggie's Cultural Revolution' on Radio 2, they jsut reviewed the programme on Radio 4.

:roll: Don't question me on my Bragg knowledge, boyo!

Did you also believe him when he claimed that he was going to release a combined tribute album to both the Carry On films series and to Morrissey called "Viva Hattie Jacques"?

Free Soviets and Backwoods Squatches also deserve mention on these lists.

hooray, now i'm less left out

:roll: Don't question me on my Bragg knowledge, boyo!

Did you also believe him when he claimed that he was going to release a combined tribute album to both the Carry On films series and to Morrissey called "Viva Hattie Jacques"?

Who was a big enough fan to tune into Radio 4 to listen to a 3 minute extract of him saying that? Me. He was saying that listening to Spandau Ballet inspired him into music- they were so crap, something needed to be done.

I'm surprised I'm not on there.

-----------------------------------------
"But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality."
Free your mind! (http://dwardmac.pitzer.edu/Anarchist_Archives/bright/berkman/comanarchism/whatis_toc.html)
I like big butts!

http://img63.photobucket.com/albums/v193/eddy_the_great/steatopygia.jpg

same here...about myself

same here...about myself

Yeah, but you're about to get the youngest philosopher award in the Award Show thread. That's gotta be flattering.

same here...about myself

Yeah, but you're about to get the youngest philosopher award in the Award Show thread. That's gotta be flattering.

and still no one has explained what a goofball is, and why I am one!!
*gets increasingly angry*

Am I feminine sounding or something? Do I have to get a sig like Letila's? :lol:
I feel your pain. :(

Yeah, me too. We should start a club.

Am I feminine sounding or something? Do I have to get a sig like Letila's? :lol:
I feel your pain. :(

Yeah, me too. We should start a club.I mean, whenever there's a hot chicks thread, I always post a couple of pics, usually of Helena Bonham Carter. Doesn't that prove my heterosexuality? I even posted a pic of Thora Birch earlier tonight.

Of course, I also posted a pic of Christiane Amanpour, so...

Just an observation regarding these two, and some hopefully helpful suggestion.

I'm surprised I'm not on there.

Maybe try expanding out beyon anarchy. All the debates I can think of you have participated in have been anarchy debates. When I think of the top debaters here, they cover a lot of subjects. And, honestly, you only ever seem to talk about anarchy and big butts.

same here...about myself

Hmmm. I have not seen enough of you to judge, but a quick look at your posts shows a bit more concern with fun type threads.

Good luck both of you!

In no particular order, my top ten (couldn*t choose just five):

Stephistan/Zeppistan (I included these guys as a team, because they work well as a team - they do not always work as a team, but they do so enough for me to put them together.)
Berkylvania
CanukHeaven
Redneck Geeks
Tactical Grace
Incertonia
Niccolo Medici
Our Earth
Free Soviets
Spherical Objects

I'm surprised I'm not on there.

]

same here...about myself

Strange... The rest of us don't seem to think so...

And, honestly, you only ever seem to talk about anarchy and big butts.

though he does have the big butts thing wrapped up solid.

I'm too afraid to end up in a server-induced black hole to look through the pages to see if I already nominated incertonia.

And sorry, man. At first I thought you where a chick, too. (actually, given where you were and some of the first things I saw you talk about I thought you might be someone I know who I thought was a moron, and I wasn't comfortable being wrong about her...)

Could I be the best at calling people on being morons no matter what their political standings are? :D

Could I be the best at calling people on being morons no matter what their political standings are? :D

I think it a lot more than I say it. I'm not very good at writing my thoughts down constructively.

When I first got on NS forums I didn't know Zepp and Steph were some of the Mods (sometimes it doesn't say so on their profile when they post).

So I found myself complimenting them as amazing debators; they would just swoop into a debate and lay down some amazingly well-researched response and my jaw would drop. I remember my surprise when I finally realized I had been kissing up to the mods!

Oh well, the compliments stand as they are; respect for people who deserve it. Some of you guys/gals on this forum are truly inspiring debators to watch; I've read with pleasure many a debate and not felt any need to step in.

When I first got on NS forums I didn't know Zepp and Steph were some of the Mods (sometimes it doesn't say so on their profile when they post).

So I found myself complimenting them as amazing debators; they would just swoop into a debate and lay down some amazingly well-researched response and my jaw would drop. I remember my surprise when I finally realized I had been kissing up to the mods!

Oh well, the compliments stand as they are; respect for people who deserve it. Some of you guys/gals on this forum are truly inspiring debators to watch; I've read with pleasure many a debate and not felt any need to step in.

Steph is a mod but zepp isn't. They are married however.

This one's (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3179355#3179355) for Letila.

Am I feminine sounding or something? Do I have to get a sig like Letila's? :lol:



I apologize Incertonia :oops: For some reason I've always assumed you were female. I should know better.

I think it's because the name ends in "a", the old Latin feminine ending, and you're not a bloodthirsty crusading American imperialist.

I posted a poll like this months ago. My answer then was Incertonia, and I think it still is.

I can win debates without using any evidence to support my points at all--now THATS a master debator :D

Tactical Grace and that bloke married to Steph who's name I always forget. Begins with a Z.Zeppistan. Yes, he'd be on my list too.

Yeah that's the fellah and also I'd say Redneck Geeks, Berklyvania, Vonners and Collaboration.

And I do miss dear old Cartese though his debating skills are if you'll excuse the pun, debatable.

I'll have to search around to find a debate you've participated in Spoffin.

Cheers!! I finally made it on a list! YAY for ME!!! :P

Well, Kwangistar and I (Yerffej) had a nice debate here (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=148675&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0) concerning several aspects of the American Civil War. I believe the bulk of it is on pages 4 and 5 (edit: I (Yerffej) had a long post on page two). I'm not sure how old Kwangistar is, but I'm only 15, and you gotta give me some points for at least my knowledge of the subject. Kwang did a good job too, I'll put in a good word for him.
I don't get on here enough to know just who to put in a top 5 debator list.

I can win debates without using any evidence to support my points at all--now THATS a master debator :D
That's debatable LOL!!

I can win debates without using any evidence to support my points at all--now THATS a master debator :D
That's debatable LOL!!there I got the last word so I won :)

dp

The Red Arrow. period. :lol:

The Red Arrow. period. :lol:

red arrow= copy and paste bot :P

The Red Arrow. period. :lol:

red arrow= copy and paste bot :P

atheists reality = mod suckup :roll:

The Red Arrow. period. :lol:

red arrow= copy and paste bot :P

atheists reality = mod suckup :roll:
Kisarau = Mod victim....4 times over

This mutation in the thread = spam/bait

The Red Arrow. period. :lol: :oops:

The Red Arrow. period. :lol:

red arrow= copy and paste bot :P

atheists reality = mod suckup :roll:
Kisarau = Mod victim....4 times overKis liked it

The Red Arrow. period. :lol:

red arrow= copy and paste bot :P

atheists reality = mod suckup :roll:
Kisarau = Mod victim....4 times over

less a victim then a freedom fighter. :wink:

This mutation in the thread = spam/baitsee what you did TAR :o

what does MKU stand for?

The Red Arrow. period. :lol:

red arrow= copy and paste bot :P

atheists reality = mod suckup :roll:
Kisarau = Mod victim....4 times over

less a victim then a freedom fighter. :wink:and member in High Standing of the Forbidden Forum

The Red Arrow. period. :lol:

red arrow= copy and paste bot :P

atheists reality = mod suckup :roll:
Kisarau = Mod victim....4 times over

less a victim then a freedom fighter. :wink:and member in High Standing of the Forbidden Forum
:wink:

what does MKU stand for?Mind Kontrol Ultra

what does MKU stand for?Mind Kontrol Ultra :lol:

The Red Arrow. period. :lol:

red arrow= copy and paste bot :P

atheists reality = mod suckup :roll:
Kisarau = Mod victim....4 times over

less a victim then a freedom fighter. :wink:and member in High Standing of the Forbidden Forum
:wink:^5

what does MKU stand for?Mind Kontrol Ultra :lol:pissing people off inspires the desired result wouldnt you agree?

shit, i gotta go in like, the next 5 min. :?

shit, i gotta go in like, the next 5 min. :?I know its almost time for me to beat out the fire :o

shit, i gotta go in like, the next 5 min. :?I know its almost time for me to beat out the fire :o
:lol: :lol: :lol:

I thought you were goin to bed in 5 mins--I didnt know you meant you were gettin deated in 5 mins :cry:

You should put stephistan on the list. With Colodia. The Athiest Reality.
And thinking....

This mutation in the thread = spam/bait

Ease off. This is turning into a police state.

I nominate Incertonia and Free Soviets.

What's the list so far?

Bottle, Zepp, and Tactical Grace.
There is one more, but I can't recall his (her?) name at the moment, so I'll get back once I see a post and have my memory jogged.

edit: Ah, yeah, Icertonia, and if we're allowed to include people who argue well, but make up facts (often proved to be totally inaccurate by three minutes with google) to support their arguements I can throw in one more to round out the five-person requirement.I feel loved. Too bad I don't make up facts and rarely get disproved (and when I do, I try to admit it openly).

Bottle, Zeppistan, Spoffin, TG, Purly, Steph are my five. And there are plenty of others worthy of mention as well.

Tell me, some of you who have been around as long as I have, is it just me or has the quality of the debating risen in the last couple of months?

Sorry about the misunderstanding... one lesson I refuse to learn is that almost nobody without Math-intensive education can handle sentences with ()'s in the middle. I've bolded it to make it more clear that the fifth is Panhandlia, you are only #4 instead of #4 and the unnamed #5.
I like you, but putting you twice?

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