McCollisterBJ

BJ McCollister, Brunswick High School LD Debater, Dirigo '08 bjmccollister AT gmail Dot com
 * [[image:3123_539939470091_28002971_31832901_3557180_n.jpg width="177" height="238"]]

1. What is your educational and/or professional background? I am a former LD Debater from Dirigo High School. I competed in LD for 4 years and advanced to nationals 3 times. I later to competed in collegiate debate. After a run of good luck I have recently transferred to Harvard's Extension School and currently coach for Brunswick High School.

2. Estimating, how many rounds of Public Forum or Student Congress would you say you have judged in the past?**
 * Like two, sorry guys :( **


 * 3. Estimating, how many rounds of LD and Policy would you say you have judged in the past?**
 * I have competed in over 80 rounds of college LD and policy in the past year. I have judged probably 25-30 High School and College LD rounds **


 * 4. How heavily do you consider "dropped" arguments? (Arguments that an opponent does not respond to.** **Feel free to comment****)**
 * Debate is a game. Often times some arguments are stronger than others. Debaters need to understand when these dropped arguments are detrimental or when they are dropped out of strategy. DON'T BE AFRAID TO DROP ARGUMENTS, but with that said, you better give me some sick reasons and weighing as to why the dropped argument either matters or doesn't matter. I don't mind extensions, kind of love them when you can make sense of the debate round, but please please please Impact it out for me. **


 * 5.How important is evidence in your decision ?**
 * A claim without any warrant is pointless in debate. I think that evidence is crucial to the search of the truth, or the ballot in the round. Like my American Protest Lit teacher always says, literature is the reason for any social change. I thought that was pretty baller, and would fit nicely in my paradigm. But for real, I would like to see cards read in every round, and I want to hear you explain the card as well. As a general rule the more research you do the more likely you are to win my ballot. The best debaters do their homework rather than writing their case on a bus. **


 * 6. Do you prefer: Philosophy Only, Carded Evidence only, No Evidence, Or blends of cards and philosophical concepts?**
 * Give me a mix of cards and philosophy. Use the card to show the real world implication of the philosophy. When used together it makes the philosophical debate much more tangible with stronger impacts. **


 * 7. What is your preferred speed of delivery(1 being Bill Clinton Slow, 10 being "spreading".** **Feel free to comment)**?
 * I can flow you when you spread but I hate it when people try to spread and mess up. Only spread if you have to, only speak quickly if you have to. I never thought I would write this on a paradigm, but this quote functions differently on mine, "This is a communications event". That doesn't mean I am looking for an Obama I want change speech, but I am looking for a speed that is necessary, and CLARITY. A lot of people can speak quickly and clearly, and only those people are good at spreading. Do your speed drills! **


 * 8. On a scale of 1 to 10, how important are formalities for you? (How you refer to your opponent, organization, formal attire, etc.** **Feel free to comment.****)**
 * I guess like a 5. That does not mean I condone going to a round in a jersey, I am just saying if you're suit and tie arn't designer that is fine. I never discount based on dress basically. BUT I will call you out if you are rude and a square in the round. We are all in this for the betterment of each other, and I know from experience, that mean behavior can drive people away from our baller community. **

IMPACTS PLEASE. The more you impact the better the round is, for one reason: I don't have to intervene or vote on presumption. Judges hate intervening just as much as debaters hate it. It is a bad situation for everybody, but can be solved by impacts. Who ever does the most in the aff or neg world at the end of the round wins. Research, prepare cx, use your cards, and impact successfully and I will give you the win. **
 * 9. At the end of the day how does a debater win your ballot?****


 * 10. Are you a former debater? If yes, what events did you compete in and for how long?**
 * Like I said before I am a former LDer. I took part in extemporaneous speaking, parliamentary debate, Impromptu speaking, and College LD(single person Policy). I have been involved with the community for 6 years now. **


 * 11. On a scale of 1 to 10, How important are the impacts of the debate to you?**
 * 10, we just went over this **


 * 12. Do you have any "pet peeves" when it comes to debate? If so, what are they?**
 * Three Pet Peeves: Rude debaters, debaters who don't care, "Can you repeat the question?" in CX. Be nice, do your homework, put effort into the round, and avoid filler worlds and we should be good. Oh yeah, and everyone from Peter Griffin to Barack Obama hates it when you click your pen and speak, so don't do it. **


 * 13. On a scale of 1 to 10, how detailed are your "flows"? (1 being that you don't flow/don't know what flowing is, 10 being that you are a former policy/lder)**
 * I keep a detailed flow and will often vote based upon it. So be clear, Impact, and extend. **


 * 14. Do you have any preferences? Any things that you like debaters to do? If so, what are they?**
 * I think that pretty much covers it. I am also a major fan of unique arguments, critical arguments, a strong word economy, Peace, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Milk. Cheers **