There exists an age-old dilemma and constant battle which takes place in just about every online discussion: Where to draw the line, call for a cease fire, and end a thread.
I’m convinced there is no easy answer. In fact, I’m also convinced the answer varies from one discussion to the next - and from one community to the next. In the world of open source communities (the circle I most frequently travel in) this is an often difficult decision to make. Obviously we want to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity to have their voice and their opinion heard. But clearly we don’t want to encourage bitterness, personal attacks, or hurtful comments either. The job of mediating the discussion should not be the job of a single person but rather should come naturally to those involved in the discussion. Wait a minute - did you read that?
I believe the responsibility for mediation in a discussion falls on the shoulders of the people actively involved in the debate.
Even when discussing very passionately the belief and viewpoint you have - you need to always be in control of your own words. Be careful to not fall into any of the common logical fallacies.
Perhaps even more important then not sidetracking a discussion with one of these fallacious arguments is the ability to moderate your own comments to the issue at hand and not turn on a person or emotional plea. I admit this one is hard. Especially when believing strongly about something, but perspective is key. Always keep the relationship in mind. And always keep in mind how the debate appears to other people not involved.
When discussing a topic in an open and transparent environment, there are sure to be others watching. Not only are they interested in the outcome of the debate but also interested to see how the community handles itself in conflict.
The hardest line to draw is the line in front of yourself. And then be bold enough to step back from it.
Speaking of drawing lines, I’d like to close with a short humorous video regarding an engineer’s approach to drawing multiple colored perpendicular red lines.