Hi, bigsplit.
Here is a game that I find fun to play. Completely ignore the off-topic portions of the post, except to politely point out that they are off-topic, and gently repeat the relevant points and request a reply.
Keep repeating as necessary -- if you are lucky, you will be "debating" someone who has, er,
problems with staying focused. If you are not so lucky, the other person will be able to focus on the topic and attempt to put forth a cogent reply. But this can also be enjoyable, if slightly less interesting.
Edited to add:Oops. I almost forgot. Welcome to EvC.
This message has been edited by Chiroptera, 27-Oct-2005 03:24 PM
"Intellectually, scientifically, even artistically, fundamentalism -- biblical literalism -- is a road to nowhere, because it insists on fidelity to revealed truths that are not true." -- Katha Pollitt