Civil discussion vs. civil debate
I hesitate to tip the canoe, but after all the trouble we have had with conversation that either devolves into something inane or escalates into an Ann Coulter shouting match, we've had a breakthrough.
On the Debatables blog, the discussion about the reassignment of the athletic director at A&T has carried on all weekend and commenters are sharing information with each other. Not just opinions, but actual usable information. And while most don't identify themselves by name, which is my strong preference, many indicate they are alums.
The way it's supposed to be.
Update: On the other hand....