I think I found the answer to our concern of low user-ship. To possibly understand the low participation in these forums are right before our eyes. This is in no way a reflection up chairman Jan or any of his dedication and sacrifices (time, mean, energy or influence). It's not for a lack of interesting topics, it's not for a want of time in many of the current few users cases, or thoughts to express. The truth be told, it's not even the "elementary" name calling, as repugnant as it is. Nor is it the minus passion or lack of convictions. It is the name: "Christian Debate". How it was chosen I am void of its history. I do know that the current CD doesn't provide what is stated. The forum lacks the qualitative substance that its name demands. When true debaters comes to this site, it's a turn-off and a joke. The qualities of a good debater include the ability to speak clearly, think quickly, clarify arguments, provide examples, maintain persuasive speech, and maintain a professional tone. Do the current user possess the skills that true debates demands? It's not that I am being needlessly critical or mean-spirited, but soberly reflective. Here are my reasonings:

1. Visitors to the site should reasonably expect the core users to be "Christians". A term generally understood, but not mutually defined by its limited current users, at least not recently.
2. Vistitors should expect to follow a pattern of debate texts of structure, arguments, and counter-aruguments.
3. Her or she should be able to identify and recognize the neutral mediator.
4. One should see and follow the basic five steps of a debate.

The five steps are as follows:

• Introduction. Express your message and why it's important to your audience, as well as yourself.
• Statement of fact. Break down the general thesis of your argument into smaller parts. ... 
• Confirmation, or proof. ... 
• Refutation. ... 
• Conclusion

Wherein one may find in the aforementioned, laid-out, in a few cases, it's one-sided. It's not always for a lack of cooperation, but for a lack of skills. No one need to be offended or alarmed. Every Christian or one professing to be one, is not trained, skilled or a gifted debater. It's not a prerequisite to being a christian. Believers are expected to give a reason for the hope within. This is a far cry from being a skilled debater. A Christian or a non-christian, skilled in debating, beholding such, it's a turn-off. He or she is first seek to identify which of the four types of debates are being used. There are four types of debates that are commonly used. These debates: 

1. The Lincoln-Douglas debate (the two men debate).
2. The Rebuttal debate
3. The One-Rebuttal
4. The Oregon-Oxford  that is also called as the cross-question. Formally or informally,  happens in scenarios.

Is there such thing as debate "solitaire". Can one debate with one's self? A debate is a discussion or structured contest about an issue or a resolution.

A formal debate involves two sides:

• One supporting a resolution and
• One opposing it.

Such a debate is bound by rules previously agreed upon. Debates may be judged in order to declare a winning side. Debates, in one form or another, are commonly used in democratic societies to explore and resolve issues and problems. Decisions at a board meeting, public hearing, legislative assembly, or local organization are often reached through discussion and debate. Indeed, any discussion of a resolution is a form of debate, which may or may not follow formal rules (such as Robert’s Rules of Order). In the context of a classroom, the topic for debate will be guided by the knowledge, skill, and value outcomes in the curriculum.

Structure for Debate (brief overview)

A formal debate usually involves three groups:

1. One supporting a resolution (affirmative team).
2. One opposing the resolution (opposing team).
3. Those who are judging the quality of the evidence and arguments and the performance in the debate. The affirmative and opposing teams usually consist of three members each, while the judging may be done by the teacher, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. In addition to the three specific groups, there may an audience made up of class members not involved in the formal debate. A specific resolution is developed and rules for the debate are established.

Is it possible, may be we need to change the name back to "Christian Discourse", Christian Dialogue, or to "Christian Discussion", if we can? Perhaps, to a name that's more inclusive of those that are unskilled in debate tactics? A new name search can be conducted if the "power-to-be", sees light in my suggestions by way of observations. Or maybe, we can add a new category on how to become a "Master-Debater".

Let keep it real. Is not a name or a sign should give an indication of its services or the content within? Do our Are our current make-up of users capable of fulfilling what is advertised ("debate") to others? Is the current name ("Christian Debate") is an objective or a present reality?

No one need to take offense. I am not trying to take over or change everything. Like in any business or quest to attract users or customers there needs to be some kind of Introspection, Intraspection, Extrospection, evaluation, analysis, etc. The current CD shouldn't requires less.

As I stated sometime ago and worth repeating here:

SOURCE:

I am compelled to refer to another of my earlier posts:

What meaningful suggestions can you contribute on how to make the forums more accurately reflective of its name? Yet, at the same time, what can we do to be inclusive of unskilled debaters? Or, should CD limits its users to skilled debaters?

You may ask, why this, why now? I would respond and conclude with the following:

A new day, a new way. What do you have to say? -- CM