An Argument about Arguing

It's rare enough to see outside of an undergraduate logic class, but there is a long-standing and developing thread on argument here:

http://53beersontap.typepad.com/53beers/2008/08/shock.html

In my view, it goes inadvertently far in demonstrating many of the typical errors people make once they decide to adhere to a position. Often, the argument moves from discussion of argument---that is to say, dialectics---to argument of the "You're an idiot!" variety.

For the zen folks, it is a happy hunting ground for practice!