So the first debate is over. Now we get to discuss the topic, and the debate itself, freely. What did you think of the arguments? How about the format? What else does anyone have to add to the debate that wasn't mentioned?

Discuss.

I think making everyone post an argument in the participation thread served as a detriment to the quality and veracity of the debate. I've removed that requirement from signup for the second debate, and we'll see how it goes.

Also, those who signed up but didn't participate have been removed from the list of debaters in the database. If there is outrage at this I may reverse this decision, but I think it is a disservice to those who signed up and debated to include those who signed up but didn't show up in the group, regardless of their reason for not participating.

I, personally, found the experiment useful, but the debate quite pointless.

Everyone participating went in with almost precisely the same set of facts and assumptions, the only difference was what said facts and assumptions' natural outcome was. In almost any debate forum, if one has no means to prove one's own point of view better or more rational than his opponent, no opinions will be swayed.

The only real examples of this in the entire debate were the involvement of national issues as related to lyrical theme and record companies pushing singles far more than actual albums. The latter not even so much as referred to precisely as it is, merely stating that record companies are not being discerning enough in their selection of what to push. Neither even really got the credit and debate time they really deserved, as both could have been pushed into much larger issues.

That, however happens to be the tip of the iceberg. The declining musical quality since the 60's-70's. Bands getting by on looks rather than anything else. Publicity stunts that have nothing to do with music. All these may seem interconnected, but do not have the same causes nor effects, and are each, therefore, valid debate topics within the overarching theme of rock bands' decline.

As far as I'm concerned it was a good attempt, but a piss-poor debate. Unless you have some knowledge of what you're doing at the podium, you're not toppling ideas, loyalties, ideals, or even swaying a point of view.