> You don't need to convince your opponent, but by steel manning his arguments and addressing them, you have a greater chance of convincing the audience. I try

> You don't need to convince your opponent, but by steel manning his arguments and addressing them, you have a greater chance of convincing the audience. I try to ask myself: "would I make this argument privately?" If not, I probably won't reply publicly. (I often fail to make the right choice, however.)