Debates
2.2.1 What is it for?
The debates module makes it easier for citizens to make visible the topics that seem important to them, and for them to find each other to debate or collaborate around these topics. It is a space for listening, but also for citizens to meet with each other.
Users can vote up or down on discussions, so the top-rated discussions can be viewed easily.
All discussions feature a comment section, where users can discuss with each other about it. Comments are also voted up or down, to order them by interest.
Institutional representatives have verified profiles to be able to open the debates they deem appropriate, as well as respond to any comments. Your interventions are highlighted to give them more visibility.
In practice, it is a module similar to "Proposals", but it is not focused on collecting a specific number of supports, and it has fewer functionalities (see section 2.2.5 differences between "Debates" and "Proposals")
2.2.2 Permissions and tipTipss
Permissions to participate in "Debates" | |
create discussion | Registered users |
Support discussions | Registered users |
- The functionality of “Discussions” and “Proposals” are very similar. Study your needs well to choose if you open one of the two processes or both.
- In case of opening both processes, explain well in the help sections what type of content you expect to receive in each section.
- Take advantage of verified "Public officer" accounts (see 1.1) to establish direct contact between citizens and the technical and political managers of your organization.
2.2.3 How do I configure it?
The "Debates" module is a simple module that does not require any type of specific configuration:
Administration> Discussions
The "Debates" section of the administration interface shows a list of debates created by users
Overview of “Discussions” within the administration interface
Administration > Global Settings > Features
The only issue to configure in “Debates” is to decide if we want to include a “recommendations” view. If enabled, the user can sort the discussions (in addition to newest, most active, or top-rated) by a new tab, which displays the discussions to users in a personalized way, based on the tags of the items the user created.
Overview of “Discussions” within the administration interface
2.2.4 GOOD PRACTICES - DISCUSSIONS
2.2.5 Differences between “Debates and “Proposals”
discussions | proposals | |
Allows you to establish a specific number of supports necessary for its realization | X | V |
Allows you to vote for or against | V | X |
Allows the author to include photos, documents or videos | V | X |
You can provide the author with resources and actions to disseminate their content | X | V |
A follow-up phase with various milestones can be included | X | V |