*LIVE* Tuesday Night: Debate Night in Atlasia, 7-9 Eastern on Valentines' Day

[Mike Thick]

First-Ever* IRC Presidential Debate
7-9 Eastern Time on Tuesday, February 14


*-I mean, probably the first ever

Invited Candidates:
NeverAgain (Labor)
dfwlibertylover (Federalist)
Winfield (Independent)
Maxwell (Communist)

We are pleased to announce that a Presidential Debate will take place in IRC! Occurring in the channel #debate from 7:00 to 9:00 ET, Presidential candidates will square off in a real-time battle of wit, knowledge, charisma, and typing ability -- and all as the rest of the world enjoys human affection on a holiday that celebrates the romantic love we will never find!

Where You Should Go:

You can't really see the debate unless you are in the channel #debate. It is also probably a good idea to join #debatelobby for reasons stated below.

How to Get There:

How to IRC

1. go to www.mibbit.com
2. click "launch app/client/whatever"
3. go to #atlasforum#debate and #debatelobby
4.
5. profit!

What to Do When You Get There:
#debate:
Watch the debate.

#debatelobby
In this chat, you may comment on the Presidential debate as it happens. You may also ask appropriate questions of the candidates, which the moderator will post in debate chat. Please do not be disruptive or disrespectful, as you will be removed from the chat.

Rules:
If a candidate receives a question, they will have two minutes to speak. If their name is mentioned by another candidate, they will have thirty seconds to speak. Because candidates will probably need breaks to pee and whatnot, if a candidate is marked as away in chat they will not be required to respond to questions or asked direct questions. Their loss  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Finally:
If you have any questions, contact me here!

[Mike Thick]

I have a class that goes from 6 to 9 on Valentines day so that won't work for me as well.

I have sent the following to Ted Bessell, explaining why I am unavailable for this IRC debate.

So everyone understands my position, here are the details:
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Thank you for your debate invitation.

Of course, I want to participate in this debate.

Your invitation and the debate are getting awfully close to the election.

Here is my schedule for this coming week.

Monday I am free during the day only.

Tuesday I am not free day or evening.  I am putting in volunteer service work.
 
Wednesday I am free during the day only.

Thursday I am free during the day only.

I would love to participate in this debate, but due to my heavy schedule this coming week, and the short notice I received, can you change the format to allow the candidates to answer the questions and respond to the other candidates when  they are free to do so?

Thank you.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Therefore, unfortunately, I am unavailable for this debate.

Myself, I would much prefer the AFE to hold a debate on the Fantasy Elections board, which everyone can see.

On top of which, I do not use live chat rooms.

I consider Atlas to be a forum, not a chat room in that sense.

But thank you Mr. Bessell for your invitation.  Good luck with your debate in the chat room.

, but okie dokie.

[Mike Thick]

*bump*

It's tonight, people! Be there or be square.

[Mike Thick]

Happening now!

[Mike Thick]

I would say that this was a success -- for a debate hosted on a weeknight and announced on relatively short notice, we got all the #SouthernChat regulars in plus a handful of people who don't visit too often. Next time, we'll have the debate on a weekend, and announce it further from the actual date.

[Mike Thick]

Thanks, guys!

FYI I have discussed the question at hand with Leinad, and while I disagree with his conclusion (on the merits of the question - I think Dfw has superb temperament) I'll make sure to consider what he and others have said on the subject when I write up questions for the debate in June.