Good times, go hoos

I generally judge tabla rasa, and will prefer whatever weighing mechanism you give me. If I have to intervene (i.e. you give me no weighing mechanism), I usually make normative assumptions about value of human life, suffering, and money (in that order). I don't prefer arguments about "ethics" with no clear ethical framework, and generally believe ethics include pragmatics unless otherwise warranted.

I look for quality arguments; clear sign-posting; consistent impacting through the round; and good, direct clash. I especially appreciate when debaters demonstrate the ability to break issues down into their component parts and explain why they win on each point, rather than making general claims. I'm happy to entertain language such as "topicality" but please don't use jargon such as "T". I don't pay much attention to speaking style, and I think generally focusing on style perpetuates judges' unconscious biases; just speak clearly. That said, please don't try to spread in PF.

I will reject any evidence you try to hand me in PF, and any evidence sharing you do during the round is a part of your prep time.

I keep time for all speeches and prep time, I'll raise my hands to indicate I'm not taking notes if you're over time. I'm happy to provide time signals upon request.

(I did PF in high school and parley in college.)

Hi, this is her daughter speaking.

My mom is a lay judge but she has judged pf tournaments for the past 3 years. That being said, don't be progressive in your arguments. No theory's, no K's, no spreading. She votes off of "good points" and "clarity". If you sound good and you are logical, she'll vote you up.

*UPDATE* she will drop you if you don't respond to an argument and your opponent extends that argument in summary in FF

also, she will not evaluate new responses in FF unless it's some sort of weighing analysis, just like all judges should do. She is attempting to be as "technical" as possible, but then again, she is a parent lol.

http://judgephilosophies.wikispaces.com/Zhang%2C+James