On the Awards....

[Jester]

Voting for the 2008 awards left me feeling very pleased about all the wonderfully interesting, or simply amusing things I've read from people over the year. And, though it was a pretty hard call in some places, I ended with a smile.

What I really wanted, however, was to spend some time talking about what we love about these members. As such, if you'd love to explain why you liked someone, or simply brag on a member (even if you didn't vote), this would be the place.

[Jester]

Okay, my first bragging target is joeyknuccione.
I've actually had very little direct debating with him (though I hope that changes). I gave him my vote for both rookie of the year and most improved. He's seems to have a gift for squeezing wit and wisdom into the same sentence, yet is never afraid to admit when he starts to feel that he's wrong. That last, I think, is the truest sign of a great debater.

So, hat's off to Joey.

[Zzyzx]

.

What I really wanted, however, was to spend some time talking about what we love about these members.

Joey for "most improved". I don't know whether he got better or whether my appreciation increased. His "Georgia Hillbilly" persona is great cover for uncommon wisdom and clarity of vision. He "calls 'em as he sees "em".

Jester for "most civil" because no one comes close (in my opinion). Others are good, but not that good. He was an excellent choice for moderator.

Cnorman for "rookie of the year" – though he is FAR from a "rookie", he had been a member for less than a year. His unique view as an ex-minister converted to Judaism is a tremendous asset to this forum. His presentation reflects a brilliant mind, wide experience and uncommon understanding of people. His views on religion are refreshingly different and devoid of rigidity.

Confused for "like to meet". I feel as though in a way I know quite a bit about her – and in most ways I know nothing at all. She is an enigma – a puzzle – a mystery. She constantly faces extreme medical issues – particularly right at this moment – but is devoted to the forum and posts whenever she can shake off the effects of medication and muster the energy. A real salute to Confused.

I have no comment on the remaining vote issues.

There are many others who have left a favorable impression, who have been a pleasure to engage in discussion (regardless of "sides"), and who deserve recognition. I think everyone (well, nearly everyone) deserves a round of applause for what appears to me to be an upgrade in civility in general and increase in quality of debates during the past year (as compared to the previous year).

[Fallibleone]

You know, this is probably a tad off topic, because it has nothing to do with who I voted for, but I would like to say how I appreciate some of Vanguard's contributions. Twice lately that I have noticed he has popped into threads to attempt to pull fellow believers into line when their behaviour has left something to be desired. I think we should all attempt to do this a little more.

[JoeyKnothead]

'Preciate the kind words.

Here's who I've appreciated the most, in alphabetical order:

Cnorman18- His wisdom and intelligence is evident in each and every post. In first coming here it is his posts that most made me realize my own atheism could well be wrong.

Confused- I got to PM with Confused for a spell, and I am impressed by her grit, stamina, and personal fortitude. Her posts herein show she has a caring spirit that I hope to emulate.

Goat- Wisdom, wit, insight, a total package debater whose posts I look forward to reading.

Jester- Though I don't often engage Jester, his posts are always respectful and well thought out. As he says above, I too hope to have more exchanges with him in the future.

McCulloch- McC's broad and deep knowledge of so many different subjects is quite impressive. I too have a broad range of interests, but in no way could I ever approach the diversity of knowledge he holds. Notice here, I claim interests, McC has knowledge.

OnceConvinced- I don't encounter him often, but when I read his posts I'm impressed by how well he lays out a given position. He has the ability to be as brief or as detailed as a subject requires. And always quick with a wisecrack when needed.

Zzyzx- Making folks think seems to come from his professor background, but what really impresses me is he does it with a style and language seemingly designed to reach as broad an audiance as possible.

There's more, but these posters have been the most instrumental in my gaining greater understanding of myself, of others, and many of the topics that have been brought up this past year.

[OnceConvinced]

How do you make a post like this without missing someone who deserves to be mentioned?

In alphabetical order

CNorman. Rookie of the year in name only. One of the best debators here and with lots of wisdom and good information about the Jewish religioin that most Christians simply aren't aware of. Has actually changed my opinions on the modern Jewish religion and has made it seem far more rational and logical than other religions.

Jester. I voted him as most civil. He knows how to give and take in a debate, he will acknowledge good points and politely challenge points he disagrees with. I find that most of his arguments are so reasonable that they rarely warrent an argument on my part. IMO, his more liberal Christian stance is more likely paint Christianity in a positive light than fundamentalism or the like.

Joer. One of the nicest guys on the forum and someone I have exchanged some PMs with. Someone who seems to respect his opponents as well as his allies.

Joey. I always enjoy his posts. He makes excellent points and often makes me laugh with some of his comments.

McCulloch. Always comes up with great replies, as a non-theist and is also very good at playing the devil's advocate when he replies to posts made by non-theists.

Zzyzx. Debator of the year. A man with a lot of wisdom and life experience. I love the way he debates. I'm just glad that I rarely have to go up against him. Some (mainly theists) don't like him much, but then it's not surprising. Nobody likes their beliefs being challenged and ripped to shreds. I think it shows just how effective he is as a debator, the amount of ad-hom attacks he recieves. To me he's a little like the Wrestling "heel" who gets all the boos, but then that's the heel's job and it means he's good at it.

I could list others as honorable mentions too including some of our long serving Christian and Jewish members. But I don't want to miss out someone accidentally.

[JoeyKnothead]

Congratulations Award Winners!

Congrats Zzyzx, you do debate proud!

Congrats Jester, your example should be one we all aspire to!

Congrats cnorman18, you came in and taught us all a thing or two!

Congrats joeyknuccione, from hillbilly to high falutin'!

Congrats Miss Confused, it would be an honor to meet you!

Congrats Miss Fallibleone, your avatar is a great symbol for these forums!

Congrats McCulloch, your topic inspired much thought, and many, many replies!

Congrats cnorman18, your post shows well relgious belief is a not illogical, not irrational position!

Hat's off to all of y'all!

Now I ain't much for putting on airs and such, and I'll always be good ol' joey, but I've gotta say this for those who may be embarrassed or put off by having to bring it up:

In winning, along with the dear Miss Fallibleone, the award for best avatar, I think all would feel more comfortable if all would address us as His (or Her) Majesty, Avatar Of The Year. Please note here, all starting letters are to be capitalized, and the proper His or Her must also be in place. I'm sure by doing so, we will not upset others who may become enraged by the lack of respect shown by not addressing us as His Majesty, Avatar Of The Year, or Miss Fallibleone, Her Majesty, Avatar Of The Year. Please remember, I don't order this for my humble self, and Miss Fallibleone has not asked me to speak on her behalf. I order this so those who I share reign over as Me, His Majesty, Avatar Of The Year, would not riot in the streets if proper respect were not shown.

Y'all be good and have a great new year!

(cut and past from the announcement ceremony)