I've been at this a while now, and I think I know what makes a good forum. It seems to me that the most popular forums are the ones that are able to foster an environment where exchanges like the following are more likely to occur:

John: Point.

Marsha: Counter-point.

John: Counter-Counter-Point.

Marsha: Counter-Counter-Counter-Point.

John: C-C-C-C-P.

Marsha: C-C-C-C-C-P.

John: Tension breaking joke.

Marsha: ROFL

Marsha: Point.

John: Counter-Point.


etc., etc. There is no clear winner or loser, things may never be fully resolved, and rarely is anyone's mind changed, but everyone has fun and nobody walks away with hurt feelings. At least in an ideal forum.

With that in mind, I'm going to be keeping an eye out for conservatives with a sense of humor to keep us on our toes.