gistfile1.txt

Flame Arena

Internet arguments are treated like lovers' quarrels that take place inside restaurants or like elderly people arguing with clerks over coupon validity. No one wants to see that sort of thing, however, there are two important truths that observers generally overlook: the topic of engagement is of great importance to at least the people involved, and that there are, actually, some people that would enjoy watching a good old throw-down. 

What if, instead of trying to keep this basic human need for discourse from polluting forums and spilling into youtube comments, there were a designated place for such exchanges? A place where the full range of human characters could go to do battle over ideas or feelings on the internet? A debate hall for all, including those least trained in the art and science of debate? 

The point would be (at least) two-fold: providing a venue for expression and dialogue and discourse, and also sheer entertainment value. A coliseum for intellectual discussion as well as for blatant low-brow gawking at noisy and opinionated keyboard warriors. The ultimate expose of Internet culture. 

Obviously, keeping the two camps somewhat separate to a degree will be necessary, but there could be a mechanism to randomly assign willing participants of either variety to a venue to see what happens.