Bringing a longbow to a bow-and-arrow fight

[dreamer_easy]

Advantages to bring to an online dispute:

1. Awareness that your opponent may say something you agree with.

There is no better way to confuse your esteemed interlocutor than by agreeing with them. They will likely gainsay anything you say, so will end up arguing with themselves.


2. Willingness to let the other person have the last word.

Make a snappy "exit statement" to which any response will look like spluttering. (Don't read said spluttering, as you may be tempted to return, in the manner of someone who has just delivered a glorious smackdown and stormed out and then has to sneak back in because they forgot their hat.)

Comments

[strangedave.livejournal.com]

I myself have a tendency to want to stick around to administer the coup de grace, I'm like a terrier once I have latched on I keep worrying at it until the last signs of life disappear. But your strategy is far classier.

I certainly agree on the willingness to agree. Sometimes it even leads to an actual argument (not just contradiction, in which case I'll pay for the full half hour, thanks)

[browneyedgirl65.livejournal.com]

I can amuse myself for *hours* with point number one...