Debate formats
Structured debate
Conversation format where readers take an explicit position on a question framed by the editorial team, post arguments to defend it, vote on the strongest contributions, and the best arguments surface algorithmically, rather than a flat comment thread.
A structured debate is a contribution format that adds shape to the conversation. Where a flat comment thread asks “what do you think about this article?”, a structured debate asks :
- Which side are you on for this specific question?
- What is your strongest argument for that position?
- Vote on the best arguments, on your side and the other.
- Reply only to deepen, not to react.
The result is a comment section that reads like an opinion page : the loudest voice is no longer the most visible, the best argument is. Editorial framing replaces algorithmic chaos.
Why publishers move to structured debates
- Subscription retention : 21% of Der Spiegel subscribers cite debates as a reason to stay (vs. nothing comparable for flat comments).
- Editorial signal : the newsroom can see which arguments resonate on each side, useful for follow-up coverage.
- Civility : a debate format pre-frames the contribution as an argument, not a reaction. Toxicity rates drop without aggressive moderation.
How Logora’s debate module works
The editor frames the question tied to an article. Logora deploys the debate widget. Readers join a side, post arguments, vote. The argument quality score ranks contributions. Journalists can intervene with branded avatars.
See the Debates & consultations module page for the product detail, or the Der Spiegel case for the production deployment.