While we do our best to represent all views, every week there are more opinions on more subjects we can host on our letters and comments pages. That’s why we are now offering readers even more opportunities to have their views heard by opening up an online debating platform - in addition to the scores of blogs we host on our website.
We are the only publisher offering such an open platform and will be trialling it over the next few weeks. We have begun posing questions each week, rather like we do via our online poll.
HOW TO USE
● Seen a question you’d like to respond to? Click on a debate featured on the homepage which you feel you can answer. (For a full list of all past debates visit http://thejc.debatewise.com.)
● First, think of a point you’d like to make in the discussion. Then click "Add a new Yes point" or "Add a new No point".
● Stick to one line of argument. If you’ve got more to say, create more than one point.
● Write a compelling headline summarising your line of argument.
● Keep your argument short and to the point. Don’t abuse other points of view but pick out where they are wrong and show your sources.
● If you see a point that's already been written, that you agree with and you’d like to add to, then click ‘Strengthen this point’.
● If you see a point that you disagree with, click on the opposite side of the page, in the different coloured box (either blue or grey), to create the counter-argument. Write your argument, responding to the opposite points.
● Remember, your audience are those people who haven't made up their mind yet, use logic and reason to persuade them.
● If you’re just here to read the points, then you can vote on who you agree with, by clicking to vote Yes or No at the bottom of the page.