Hall of Fame

About
The Hall of Fame honors the very best users, debates, and threads this site has to offer. The Hall of Fame, as an institution, honors a tradition begun on another site, and hopes to continue a legacy of lauding the arts of debate and rhetoric, which are the basis of this site.

Each year, beginning in October 2019, the site usership shall nominate and elect three inductees into each of the three award categories (users, debates, and threads). The election will occur in two phases, a nomination phase and a voting phase. The nomination phase puts forward nominees for induction, and the voting phase selects which of the nominees will ultimately be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Each inducted user may be honored with a write up by a user of their choice, to highlight the inductee's character, achievements, and contributions to DART. When none is forthcoming, a volunteer may stand in. Writeups may always be refined and/or replaced at the whim of the inductee.

It is our wish that, as a community, people will always come to DART to engage in an honest, curious, and vigorous exploration of ideas. This site is unique among social websites in that it places special emphasis on intellect and rhetoric. DART's mission is to be a place where people can come to learn, to discuss, and to grow as thinkers and communicators. The Hall of Fame, at its best, is a testament to that mission, and strives to recognize those debates, threads, and users which add most significantly to the fabric of this amazing community.
Hall of Fame I (2019)
Pursuant to the first Hall of Fame election process, the following are inducted into the DebateArt.com Hall of Fame:
-- Users --
RationalMadman
David (AKA Virtuoso)
Mike (AKA DebateArt.com)
Without a doubt, RationalMadman is a force to be reckoned with and deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. Within a year of joining the site, RM became the first person to achieve every single site medal. He was one of the first to be on the top of the leaderboard; he is one of the most prolific users on the site, having completed nearly 200 debates, countless rap battles, music battles, and forum posts.
What makes RationalMadman unique is the fact that he’s willing to take debate topics that are unfamiliar to most and is willing to take controversial standpoints. Additionally, he has cast over 300 debate votes, making him one of the most active voters on this site. This metric doesn’t even begin to describe how much impact he has had on the site.
Without RationalMadman, this site would be much more pedestrian.
          -Virtuoso
​https://www.debateart.com/profiles/RationalMadman​
Moderating is difficult. Working concurrently with bsh1 on moderator decisions while creating over 50 debates and presenting a magnanimous front to all users regardless of transgressions is nigh impossible. These accomplishments are certainly no easy feat, as I am sure the illustrious Virtuoso can attest. Nevertheless, his earnest enforcement of the CoC and pleasant demeanor toward users has never changed since day 1 of his moderator duties. In addition to creating a welcoming atmosphere for users, his debate activity is also commendable. As I am sure most would agree, DART is in its infancy. Nevertheless, Virtuoso’s mountainous record of over 50 debates is incredible given his other duties. As someone who has debated with him on multiple occasions, I know firsthand his debating prowess and writing skills. Virtuoso is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame purely for his dedication toward forging a better DART for all to enjoy. For that, I congratulate him on his induction. Thanks, Virt.
          -blamonkey
​https://www.debateart.com/profiles/David​
What can one say about the mysterious Russian in our midst? Well, if he’s a troll farmer worker, he’s certainly an affable one. But then again, Mike (if that’s his real name) would be affable wouldn't he...to gain our trust...?! *shrugs* Without him, this community literally wouldn’t exist. He built this site up from scratch and has worked regularly to update it to meet user demands and needs. He is responsive, friendly, and solicitous. His concern for DART and its community is evidenced by the sheer volume of work he has invested and continues to invest in it. If anyone--and this is no hyperbole--deserves to be included in the inaugural DART Hall of Fame entry, it is the creator of the site. We are fortunate to have someone like him in our midst, one who is willing to volunteer his time as he does for so little recompense, esp. given the vitriol and hostility so often found on the internet. He has more than earned his place here, and I congratulate him on his induction.
          -bsh1
​https://www.debateart.com/profiles/DebateArt.com​
-- Debates --
Firing Squad is the best form of capital punishment
Fetuses as a replacement for the USD
Jury Nullification
This was a high-quality debate by two obviously talented debaters--one who I knew well, one who I did not. It clearly generated interest on the site, with a sizable number of comments and multiple votes, and it is a prime example of the civil yet thoughtful debate we want to promote on the site. Lots of interesting clash and clearly well-researched, the excellence of this debate speaks for itself.
         -bsh1
Debaters: bmdrocks21 vs. whiteflame​
URL: https://www.debateart.com/debates/1235-firing-squad-is-the-best-form-of-capital-punishment​
“Oh dear,” “Genius,” and “Goat”!
         -Endorsements from the comment section
Debaters: Tiwaz vs. Barney​
URL: https://www.debateart.com/debates/866-fetuses-as-a-replacement-for-the-usd​
The quality of this debate is well exemplified in the crazy level of deep analysis seen in the voting, a 6 page vote, a 5 page vote, and in the comments a 21 part vote.
      -Barney
Debaters: bsh1 vs. shas04​
URL: https://www.debateart.com/debates/88-jury-nullification​
-- Threads --
Goodbye.
Hall of Fame Upcoming
RM Profile Pic Vending Machine
A heartfelt original post which garnered more likes than any other post in the site history, earning RationalMadman the unique medal  Friend Of The Crowd.
Said post has been imitated innumerable times, which reminds us of the words of Oscar Wilde: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”
      -Barney
Creator: RationalMadman
URL: https://www.debateart.com/forum/topics/2431-goodbye​
Debate sites are often captivating for drama, but this thread managed to be captivating for levity instead.
      -Barney
Creator: bsh1
URL: https://www.debateart.com/forum/topics/2746-hall-of-fame-upcoming​
A wonderful public service by RationalMadman.
      -Barney
Creator: RationalMadman
URL: https://www.debateart.com/forum/topics/1571-rm-profile-pic-vending-machine-edited-with-pixlr-to-eye-pleasing-perfection-such-as-i-do-with-mine​
Full Title: RM Profile Pic Vending Machine (edited with pixlr to eye-pleasing perfection such as I do with mine)
Hall of Fame II (2020)
Pursuant to the second Hall of Fame election process, the following are inducted into the DebateArt.com Hall of Fame:
-- Users --
oromagi
Ragnar (AKA Barney)
SupaDudz
He’s undefeated at 88 wins and counting. His style of debate is well-organized and logical, yet also interjected with some humor. This has allowed him to reach a rating nearly 200 points ahead of his nearest rival. But more than just being a good debater, he is a good person. This combination of formidable debating skills and an approachable friendliness should earn him a place in the Hall of Fame.
          -SirAnonymous
​https://www.debateart.com/profiles/oromagi​
Ragnar has been my model for online debating since he handed me my first debate loss back in 2013.  A U.S. immigrant who served our country as a medic under fire in Iraq with the 82nd (“DEATH from ABOVE”) Airborne division, Ragnar has earned my admiration and gratitude far above and apart from any website participation but I believe that history and strength of character is evident in his leadership here among our little company of madmen and malcontents.
He is not just a paragon of persuasion, he is also an composer of crystal clear prose. He is not just a moderator, he is also moderate and fair-minded and restrained in wise opinion.   After our losses in leadership late last year, Ragnar stepped up into the breach to preserve the legitimacy and quality of debates on this site and remains the strongest arch upholding the leaky roof that is our voting policy. In fact, he’s just weeks away from becoming our all time top voter.
For his humor, keen reason, good sportsmanship, even-handed leadership and easy friendship, Ragnar is most worthy of this elevation to DebateArt’s Hall of Fame.
          -oromagi
​https://www.debateart.com/profiles/Barney​
With more than ten thousand forum posts, SupaDudz is one of DART’s most active members. However, he is much more than that. He’s a debater, a mafia player, a rapper, a poet, and a songwriter, to name just a few of his many activities. He’s served diligently as the moderator for DART’s discord server.
Anyone who reads his posts can see his boundless energy and irrepressible friendliness. These qualities have made him an almost universally well-liked member. His contributions to this website have been invaluable, and it would be lesser without him and the joy he brings to it.
          -SirAnonymous
​https://www.debateart.com/profiles/SupaDudz​
-- Debates --
The US should institute congressional term limits
Legalized Abortion
Is Jesus the Messiah?
This was an intense debate between two incredible debaters that ended up being one of the hardest decisions I have had to make as a judge. As someone who has had the pleasure of debating bsh1 twice before, he brought his best to this debate, and I was impressed to see blamonkey rise to the challenge. These are two debaters for whom I have a great deal of respect, and they put on a clinic in a debate that rivals the best I have read on both DA and DDO. This is well worth the read for anyone who wants to see the best the site has to offer.
         -whiteflame
Debaters: blamonkey vs. bsh1​
URL: https://www.debateart.com/debates/1702-resolved-the-us-should-institute-congressional-term-limits​
This was an odd one, since it had a scope statement to specify absolutely no middle ground (all abortions at all stages legal or illegal); whereas in real life this issue isn't black and white, with the discussion usually centering on where the line should be drawn.
Still, while being short it managed to offer very good value for research of the sides, which others engaging in this topic should look to. And I'll never forget the interesting chicken egg analogy.
Plus it was argued so well that even a biased pro-choice progressive like me ended up favoring con on the strength of arguments presented.
         -Barney
Debaters: vector vs. MisterChris​
​https://www.debateart.com/debates/2211-legalized-abortion​
While drilling down to one core issue, this was possibly the most in depth religious debate we’ve had. The educational value of this debate cannot be overstated.
Seriously, even as someone who attended Catholic University, this debate was able to impact my core religious beliefs.
         -Barney
Debaters: Dustandashes vs. David​
URL: https://www.debateart.com/debates/741-is-jesus-the-messiah​
-- Threads --
DART Bard, 1st Edition, 1/3/2020
I will stereotype debaters properly.
DEBATE ART TOURNAMENT ROUND ONE
The DART Bard, created by the user, SirAnonymous, seems like a normal DramaAlert esc news source discussing the topics. However, when you read it, it is much more than just that. SirAnonymous creates fictional character’s to relay the news to the people of DART in each characters own unique way. The DART Bard is extremely well written, comical, and most importantly, gives you the news going on in DART. This piece of work is always funny and informative, leaving the users of DART craving for another edition everytime! This thread would eventually become a Hall of Fame thread, and I am glad it was nominated sooner rather than later.
         -SupaDudz
Creator: SirAnonymous
URL: https://www.debateart.com/forum/topics/3499-dart-bard-1st-edition-1-3-2020​
It’s just too much fun, and could be picked back up at any time.
         -Barney
Creator: RationalMadman
URL: https://www.debateart.com/forum/topics/4347-i-will-stereotype-debaters-properlyO
Despite being a relatively new user, BearMan has established his value to the site very quickly; and this thread is just another proof of it. Organizing and executing a tournament is an immense task, and BearMan and the voters (Ragnar and Whiteflame) have outdone themselves in making sure it goes smoothly. Not only was this a fun and unique idea, but it also had ramifications for the site as a whole. Before the tournament, debate activity on the site had grinded to a near halt. But as soon as it kicked off, DART saw a massive influx of debate activity and new, energetic users. While probably not the sole cause, this thread (the one that started it all) has certainly earned some credit.
         -MisterChris
Creator: Bearman
URL: https://www.debateart.com/forum/topics/4674-debate-art-tournament-round-one

-- Misc. --
This year we had a fun category for things which while memorable, were unique in value propositions from what the other categories traditionally reward.
Ragnar is the natural alpha male of this website.
BrotherDThomas’ performance art
It is certainly interesting to see unorthodox discussions about our site’s users (especially in a positive light), with battles that intend no serious harm whatsoever.
         -Intelligence_06
Creator: RationalMadman
URL: https://www.debateart.com/forum/topics/4701/post-links/196478​
Seriously, love him or hate him, BrotherDThomas is probably the highlight of the religious forum... Which may unfortunately confirms me as a pseudo-christian needing to be bible-slapped silly™ for talking about him instead of Jesus!
         -Barney

I can’t help but enjoy reading his posts. They are the perfect level of over-top-ness.
         -SirAnonymous
Creator: BrotherDThomas
URL: https://www.debateart.com/forum/topics/4701/post-links/196942​
Hall of Fame III (2021)
Pursuant to the third Hall of Fame election process, the following are inducted into the DebateArt.com Hall of Fame:
-- Users --
whiteflame
MisterChris
fauxlaw
Dr. whiteflame always rises to meet the challenge, such that it is not hyperbole to say he is the apex member of this debating community. That he still makes the time for this, even after finishing his PhD and getting married, says a ton about his dedication.
The core thing to understand about whiteflame is that he loves every aspect of debates. The overwhelming quality and thoughtfulness of his own debates speaks for themselves. As a voter he takes equal delight in following an epistemological kritik down the rabbit hole, or just appreciating a well executed comedic argument. 
Even with short notice, he honors requests to vote on even the most verbose offerings. With sufficient notice, he frequently casts several page votes, periodically being more detailed and knowledgeable to the subject matter than said debates themselves; with the quality of such further magnified by him doing that without assigning points for outside content.
Put simply, whiteflame is the very best of us.
       -Barney
​https://www.debateart.com/profiles/whiteflame​
MisterChris has been an integral part of DA for quite some time as both a contributor and a moderator for the site. What really separates him from others, though, is a continual commitment to excellence in all that he does. Especially given how relatively new he is to debate, it’s incredible to see how his capabilities have improved so quickly. He’s constantly working to improve, not just for his own sake, but to elevate discourse on the site and to help others improve
      -Whiteflame
​https://www.debateart.com/profiles/MisterChris​
fauxlaw is truly the master of semantics. He overwhelms any opponent with his wealth of knowledge to minute details others would overlook, and bedazzles voters... The depth of complexity and insights he reaches in his cases can be a double edged sword, making his cases both hard to defeat but likewise hard to judge.
In his relatively short time here, the magnitude of his contributions in both debates and forum posts are immense. He is in the top ten of the debates leaderboard for most metrics (rating, votes, comments, total debates, debates won, and of course debates tied); and similarly for the forum leaderboard (top ten for topics created and liked posts, top twenty for posts made and mentions).
      -Barney
​https://www.debateart.com/profiles/fauxlaw​
-- Debates --
Violent revolution is a just response to political oppression
WiKiPEDIA is a MORE RELIABLE SOURCE for INFORMATION than FOX NEWS
Systemic Racism Is Definitely a Problem in the US
When an RFD on a debate is over 15 pages long, that tells you something about the debate's quality and intensity. Little needs to be said about the two debaters in this one: both MisterChris and Undefeatable are strong debaters, and I would go so far as to say that this is Undefeatable's best work I've read to date. Each approaches the topic via multiple avenues and works hard to both defend their arguments and assail those of the other side. There are many debates that could fit this description, but what sets this apart is the degree to which both sides commit. I've seen extensive debates like this play out over multiple rounds before and watched multiple arguments either dwindle or fall by the wayside when things got complex. It's incredible to watch these two debaters juggle all the arguments and keep all the balls in the air throughout.
      -whiteflame
Debaters: Undefeatable vs. MisterChris​
URL: https://www.debateart.com/debates/2637-resolved-violent-revolution-is-a-just-response-to-political-oppression​
When you take two debaters of this caliber and have them compete, you know the debate will be of fine quality. This debate is no exception. Both oromagi and Fruit_Inspector are highly skilled and highly ranked, and their clash is truly impressive to watch. An argument could be made for the debate’s inclusion in the HoF based on the former alone, disregarding the debate’s outcome entirely. Yet, what makes this debate truly iconic and historic is the extraordinary upset victory pulled off by Fruit_Inspector, ending oromagi’s colossal sub-100 debate win streak in a rather close debate. Both the achievement of attaining such a gargantuan streak and the achievement of ending that streak are indisputably HoF worthy, making this debate a no-brainer for the Hall of Fame.
      -MisterChris
Debaters: oromagi vs. Fruit_Inspector
URL: https://www.debateart.com/debates/2564-thbt-wikipedia-is-a-more-reliable-source-for-information-than-fox-news

One of the earlier examples of many debates on this site about systemic racism, I see this one as emblematic of much of the arguments both sides give on the topic. While this might make it seem similar to other debates on the topic, including several others by Undefeatable, it is this debate that perhaps tests the concept of systemic racism best, with Undefeatable wielding a multitude of studies against an opponent whose arguments are largely built on de-linking those examples from systemic racism. What plays out is an examination of how society and culture have affected various peoples, and while there is agreement here on so much of what has gone wrong, it's in the details of where these stem from that the debate yields its most fascinating discussions.
      -Whiteflame
Debaters: Undefeatable vs. coal​
URL: https://www.debateart.com/debates/2965-thbt-systemic-racism-is-definitely-a-problem-in-the-us​
-- Threads --
Why are we banning wylted?
Just checking in
Captain America Civil War Mafia DP1
 Why did I vote for "WHY are we BANNING WYLTED?" as one of the top topics of the year? 
Highly representative of our little cadre and how we do
25 different posters across 288 posts.
Posted in the wrong forum
Focused on the limits of free speech (we have this conversation almost constantly in a lot of little ways)
Erred on the side of free speech
Lost the thread of our thesis many times
devolved into irrelevant dogfights and crosstalk frequently
continued arguing long after the question was decided
I like that minds were changed by way of debate- that rarely happens on this site but persuasion is our ultimate purpose here so it's nice to see a bit of friendly persuasion on display occasionally
Dramatic tension dénouementing in Wylted's return.  Has anybody alt'd harder than Wylted and still been allowed to return?  Drama.
      -oromagi
Creator: Lunatic
URL: https://www.debateart.com/forum/topics/5791-why-are-we-banning-wylted​
​
Within this legendary thread, we uncover possibly one of the most shocking and disturbing revelations in all of DART history: every DebateArt user is secretly an alternate account of Sum1hugme. Yes, you read that correctly. Everyone is him. I am Sum1hugme. You are Sum1hugme. Even Sum1hugme is Sum1hugme! Pretty creepy, right?
      -MisterChris
Creator: Mharman
URL: https://www.debateart.com/forum/topics/5488-just-checking-in​
A mafia game that can garner over 1000 posts certainly deserves to be credited for some honor, and the Hall of Fame. With Speedrace’s game being the only mafia game to ever hit 1000 posts on this site and with the integral core mafia plays on this site, without a doubt, this thread deserves it
      -SupaDudz
Creator: Speedrace
URL: https://www.debateart.com/forum/topics/3593-captain-america-civil-war-mafia-dp1​