So when browsing youtube for music pieces i came across the lovely comments again. With people trying to convince each other on a variety of topics (history, famous people, and religion HAH). And they always (at least, almost always) devolve into increasingly rude posts and end up with 'Oh, i shall not speak to a [censored].'

Personally i've given up on persuasion on the internet a long time ago, i normally just pop in, attempt to post a reasonably balanced opinion (in my opinion, of course ), and leave.

All the discussion seems futile. I can't remember when i've seen someone actually convinced and being converted to the other side of the argument. I have seen cases where it ended amicably, although they were probably still not convinced.

Your experiences?

It's hard to persuade someone to your side in real life on internet it is pretty much impossible, and I seriously doubt anyone was able to ever do that, at least when it comes to "major" topics.

But then again it is worth to remember that most people that argue that sort of stuff (if they aren't trolls) aren't doing it to persuade anyone but for their own sake. It feels good to show those stupid [insert degradatory nickname here] who is the smartest, and then someone from other side has the same idea and arguments are born.

In short arguments on the internet are pointless

I really have no idea. Never publicly on a message board type of thing. The closest I get is an unanswered post. I figure they either gave up, or had no response suitable to further the discussion.

Most of the time, only opinions are debated which is a losing cause. Facts can be debated somewhat, but this deteriorates fast because people have a tendency to find "facts" they agree with and look no further.

"Here is a survey that agrees with me."

"Where are the facts in this survey?"

"..."

(or)

"Here is a study supporting my claims."

"Here is another that disputes your claims."

Which "fact" is right? The one a person agrees with, of course

I have learned a lot in debates on the internet. I hope others have, too.

Most of the time I find that quoted "facts" leave me asking more questions about the "facts" then answering any questions we may be debating

I've convinced people of things several times.

You just need to make reasonable arguments and treat others with civility.

Then again, it depends on what you're discussing, where you're discussing it and who you're discussing it with.

Yes, quite often.

With topics or ideas that have evidence on one side or the other, yes. For a deeply, strongly held personal belief or opinion, no one has the proverbial snowball's chance in a really hot place of changing someone's mind. That is why real world religion and politics are not allowed here.

I've personally persuaded about half a dozen people to play the Europa Universalis series.

On the other end, I try to keep a more open mind on the internet, because unlike most (so it seems online), I know I can be wrong and/or ill informed.

Quite a lot actually. On a range of things. Or at least they admitted a change in mindset and accepted my evidence at the time. They may have changed later on or never meant it. I find that mowing them down with reason and civility is the best option. Pure facts help, but convincing someone of something that is pretty much commonly accepted, doesn't count imo. You have to sway them of a highly subjective thing for true brownie points.

That's me in a nutshell

I also want to add my weight (for what it's worth) to Gabriel77Dan's observation that "civility" is the whole key. All too often do I see good debates/discussions deteriorate into slams, inferences, and out right name calling. That is never good for discussions whether in person or over the internet.