Ken – I’m afraid you’ll find your statements on the merits of debate are quite debatable. You’re another author I like to watch for that spark that causes the conversation. I love the way a good writer can do it and most of the time not even appear to have done it.

Russell – Unfortunately I do find that debates can quickly devolve into feuds, flame-wars, and occasionally worse. I have seen a few just recently that have been shocking to watch. When we stoop to mud-slinging or more, it never is going to result in much. Me, I guess I just love to hear it all – no matter what side. I listened to some talk radio today and it was so far from my personal beliefs that I couldn’t believe what I was hearing (all politics aside this was out of control for any side of the coin). Did I screw and yell and turn it off? Nope, I turned it up – I was completely fascinated by it.

Joe – I think you could apply that theory to a good broker. A good broker doesn’t help you fill out your (practice) contracts the first week, they let you fill them out and then help you see why what you did was right or wrong. And that attitude should never quit on the broker’s side. They should encourage you to seek the answer, while helping guide you to it.

Even better – some of these Master Chiefs could get the OLD MAN HIMSELF (Commanding Officer) to change his mind – a feat to behold – “well Sir, I understand Seaman Schmuccatelli may indeed have been drinking and hurled in the scuttlebutt and all down the p-way, but he wasn’t behind the wheel of a vehicle, he was off duty, and he is 21 years old….”

Navy Chief, Navy Pride

There is a world of difference between having a debate and exchanging viewpoints. Some debates are really in the contest category and the goal ceases to be about discovery and becomes a contest in making the other person wrong.

When a person is looking at other viewpoints in order to broaden his own – making the other person wrong does not enter into it in any way.

And, another thing, I think saying, “they all” or “everyone” or “always” and “never” while debating is like talking in black and white instead of shades of Technicolor.

And last, I’m with you, conversation is Queen, King and everything in between.

Open debate is so important to get new ideas and challenge the status quo, I know that I love to participate in these open forums across the County – how else are we going to change our industry? Thanks for the post.