"White Noise": The Guide To The Insulting Deflector.

[Reforged]

How can they "prevail" if they a reasoned argument was never possible in the first place? Telling the difference between someone who can debate you without pettiness and someone who cannot is key. I have disagreed and debated with almost every, if not every, person who I consider a friend or at least a friendly acquaintance here. It never ends poorly. I have also disagreed with people who think debating means shaming everyone into taking their stance or using strawmen to discredit their opponents. A reasoned argument was never an option with these people.

Anyway, you just said it was inferior and childish. You have clearly put your method above that of others. Sorry.

They prevail in derailing their opponents usual process, this in their eyes is a victory. It ensures the original query is washed away in a sea of insults and hot air. This is the death of the debate and the beginning of a petty squabble. I see this as a failure on my part if I allow this to happen. Someone employing the insulting deflection method cannot stand against a sustained, reasonable and unrelenting argument that demands nothing less than an honest retort.

"Anyway, you just said it was inferior and childish."
Inferior and childish in that it is no longer a debate if the method succeeds. I think debate is one of the most worthwhile things you can participate in with others. Do you not agree that the attempt to destroy such a thing is inferior and childish? I imagine most reasonable people would.