One thing that would help foster civil debate is to call people by the name they prefer.  They shouldn't have to earn that privilege.  To continue calling someone by a nickname or abbreviation they don't like is just petty.  Especially when the nick name is only 3 letters.   I have no interest whatsoever in any kind of "civil" debate under those circumstancs.  And more than likely I'll be combative on purpose.

Just my two pennies.

Not sure what thread this should go in... Maybe I'll put it in the other one also since both threads are so similar.