How to lose an argument

TerryTheTroll (an ebay posting-only ID) came up with this list of common argumentation 'techniques' that seem to recur on ebay's Bidding board. If you're planning on using one of these, save your energy. We've seen them before, we know how to respond.

  1. Namecalling
    If you initiate namecalling, you have the same odds of winning as the Jamaican bobsled team. It only exposes your weakness as someone governed by emotions and not by logic. Typically, one who starts namecalling will receive little else but flames coming right back at them.
  2. "Hiding behind a posting ID"
    This is a cunning attempt to belittle someone because they are using a zero feedback posting ID instead of the normal buying/selling ID. Typically, this accusation emerges when the zero poster is beginning to get the upper hand, and it is obvious to everyone.
  3. Spelling and Grammar Attacks
    If this is the sole attack on someone, it further proves that the accuser has no sound argument. Similar to #2 above, it is clearly a desperate act to find anything possibly wrong with the other person. Typically, grammar and spelling accusations are quickly ignored.
  4. Just the Facts, Madam
    On the bidding board, there are all kinds of accusations made on groups of people. Most of them are impossible to prove. When asked for facts, the individual will typically ignore that post and continue the original rant (or run away). Without a doubt, evidence supporting a ludicrous accusation will never emerge.
  5. Godwin's Law
    This states that any reference made to Hitler or the Nazis will automatically nullify your position. The pros know never to approach this.

Before concluding, let us take an example of a logical statement. After that statement, I will make a comment that represents each category above.

The Statement

"Snipers know that thier bidding practices improve the odds of winning."

Responses guaranteed to lose instantly:

  1. "Actually, snipers hide on rooftops with rifles. They are vermin!"
  2. "I see you have no feedback. Are you a coward?"
  3. "You cannot even spell 'their' right. Obviously, you know nothing."
  4. "95% of the snipers are out to ruin someone's day."
  5. "Snipers possess the same level of cruelty as the Nazi regime."

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