One of the things I LOVE about bootrib are all the great debates that often spring up in the comments to the great diaries published here. Only problem is these informative and stimulating conversations are often effective lost to the ages unless you know they exist in the first place and know what to search for. Open threads are great for this, but aren’t really focussed, and usually not moderated (one hopes).
What if the Booman moderated an issue-specific debate on a regular schedule? Besides a great opportunity for the sophists among us to get our rhetorical rocks off, I think it would provide a forum for the Boo to shine. His catholic knowledge, ability to objectively present arguments and patiently deal with insane people like me make him perfect for the roll. In a way this is what already goes on here, but I think a scheduled event might produce a more exciting and broader debate.
IMHO, the aspect of the Trib that separates it is the commitment to intellectual freedom, honesty and open mindedness. Moderated issue debates done in the Trib fashion can only serve to better differentiate this blog from so many others that shut down ‘certain’ positions, regardless of how they are presented.
Another idea: A ‘Top Comments’ lists, either based on user recs or Boo’s predilections. There is just too much to read here for most, and the comments are often the best part, so why not point readers to that day’s most challenging, interesting or downright comical comments? Does this happen already?
