Module · Structured debates
Reader debates that read like opinion pages.
Structured debate prompts tied to your articles. Readers take a position, vote on arguments, the best contributions surface algorithmically. The format that turned Der Spiegel's comments into a subscription driver. For open-ended idea-gathering, see the separate Consultations module.
- 21% of Der Spiegel subscribers cite debates as a reason to stay Reader survey Dec 2024
- 2× time spent on site for readers who participate in debates Der Spiegel · 12 months
- 380K registered users and 5M votes in one year Der Spiegel
Why this module
Debates change the economics of comments.
A comment thread asks the reader 'react to this article'. A structured debate asks them 'take a position, defend it, vote on others'. The contribution is more thoughtful, the moderation load drops, and the editorial output of the community is materially better. This is why Der Spiegel chose to anchor a subscription retention story around debate participation, not raw comments volume.
What you get
Built for newsroom workflows.
- 01
Debate prompt, two sides
The editorial team frames a question tied to the article. Readers join one side, post arguments, vote on the strongest contributions across both sides.
- 02
Argument quality score
0-100 score per contribution combining moderation pass, presence of sources, peer upvotes, response patterns. Top-scored arguments surface first.
- 03
Companion: Consultations
For open-ended idea-gathering instead of for/against debates (elections, year-end specials, policy moments), use the separate <a href="/plateforme/consultations">Consultations</a> module. Same backend, same SSO, same moderation pipeline.
- 04
Journalist intervention
Branded journalist avatars can reply, recommend, or pull arguments back into articles. The newsroom owns the surface.
- 05
Predictions module
(Roadmap 2026) Non-monetary stakes on future events. Pair with year-ahead editorial editions. Already prototyped on two pilots.
- 06
Reader tribunes
(Roadmap 2026) Top scorers unlock the right to publish a longer opinion piece, gated by editorial review.
In production
Used by Der Spiegel.
The Spiegel debate space launched in December 2023. 10 000+ subscribers registered in the first 7 hours. Today, 21% of subscribers cite the debates as a reason they renew.
+10K
subscribers registered on the debate platform within the first 7 hours after launch
Read the full caseWhat changes
Before, and after.
Before · Flat comment thread
- Loudest voices dominate
- Best contributions buried under reactive replies
- No editorial framing per article
- Readers post then leave, no return loop
- No retention story for the subscription team
After · Logora Debates
- Best arguments surface algorithmically
- Each article gets a debate question framed by the editor
- Readers come back to defend their position, check votes
- Journalist replies trigger compounding engagement
- Measurable subscriber retention attributed to debates
Common questions
What publishers actually ask.
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Who frames the debate question, the editor or the algorithm?
Your editor. Logora gives the editorial team a debate-prompt builder linked to the article. We never auto-generate the question from the article, the framing is part of the editorial voice.
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Can debates run alongside the regular comment system?
Yes. Many sites run debates on flagship articles and standard threaded comments on the rest. Same widget, two modes.
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How does the argument quality score work?
Combination of: moderation pass (must be approved), presence of a validated source link, peer upvotes, response activity. Editors can tune the weights per outlet.
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Can debates be subscriber-only?
Yes, gate them behind your SSO so only paid subscribers participate. Or open them publicly. Common pilot pattern: subscriber-only debate, public read.
A debate space your subscription team will quote.
A 60-min call. We show you the Der Spiegel debate setup live, walk through the prompt-building UI, and come back with a pilot plan for one of your sections.