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HeyMonkeyBrain: Where Smart People Go to Argue

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HEY, MONKEYBRAIN!

HeyMonkeyBrain.com is one of Squidoo's newest projects. It's a lightweight little debate site that packs a serious punch.

Mashable has a great writeup about it, and there are some neat conversations happening over on Digg.

This is your place to find out a little more about the project, see what other people are saying, buy a MonkeyBrain tee if you love the little simian as much as we do, and more.

Lots of info about HeyMonkeyBrain and the Duel module

  1. Here's the official press release
  2. 5 tips for making GREAT debate lenses
  3. Okay, lay it on us
  4. Recent blog posts about HeyMonkeyBrain
  5. Have you blogged about MonkeyBrain? Have you made a MonkeyBrain lens?
  6. Mashable.com says:
  7. What MonkeyBrain debate do you wish someone would start?
  8. Pick a fight. These shirts will help.

Here's the official press release

From PRLeap, February 11 2008

Squidoo.com, one of the fastest-growing websites in the world, launches HeyMonkeyBrain.com, a site that lets smart people do what they love to do online: argue.

HeyMonkeyBrain is a simple, free way to post an argument and invite your friends, colleagues (and nemeses) to join in. You can add links, books, videos and other tools to make your case, but the centerpiece of the page is a two-column thread of diverging views. Inspired in part by Scott Adams' brilliant book and blog, in part by the presidential primary debates, and in part by the Flying Spaghetti Monster, HeyMonkeyBrain takes the long-standing tradition of online arguments and perfects them.

Start an argument about who you're voting for, make a case for why NOT to buy the iPhone, sound off on global warming, rant about why Britney Spears is actually dumber than a dolphin. HeyMonkeyBrain puts you in charge of the debates that matter to you. Better than comments on blogs, less Draconian and gated than Wikipedia, funnier than The Colbert Report without its writers, HeyMonkeyBrain isn't just about picking a fight. It's about championing opinion and passion, it's about acknowledging that consensus is hard, it's about sticking up for your beliefs and changing the web (and the world) a little bit every day.

Some may argue that this has been done before. The brilliant minds at HeyMonkeyBrain beg to differ. It's never been this easy, this elegant or this persuasive. If you disagree, hey, you can always let us know.

5 tips for making GREAT debate lenses

It's all about the Duel module!

  1. First, please know that anyone can add a Duel module to any lens. And you should! But for now, let's focus on how to create "Monkeybrain" debate lenses using the Duel module. Now: think of something you really, passionately, mindblowingly believe in. Something you care about. Something you have an inalienable right to think and feel. And turn it into a statement. Like, you know, Megan is the Smartest Person Ever. Okay, well, whatever you believe. Sheesh.
  2. Then add some context around your statement (which is the meat of the Duel module. Add some links that support your claim, if you want. Or a list of The 5 Things You Should Know About that particular stance or topic. Or videos and books to illustrate your point.
  3. Now, the most important part... get people debating on your lens. It's all fine and good to have an opinion, but what does it matter if no one hears you? If you stamp your feet in a forest, does it make a sound? Anyway, since the Duel module is front and center on your lens, things only really get rolling when people sound off in it. SO... once your argument is ready, send it to everyone you know who agrees with you...and to the people who disagree with you! Once they start sharing their thoughts with you, I'm betting your debate will find its legs.
  4. Remember: No, you're not really picking a FIGHT. You're hosting a debate. You're sharing your opinions, and generously offering to give other people a space to voice theirs in response. This isn't about trolling or flaming or harassing, it's about discourse and ideas and talking.
  5. Last but not least, peek in on other people's debate lenses. You'll find it's kind of addicting to post your opinions there too.. and then see tons of people agree with you. The more debates you join, the more likely that other people will come join yours, too. Ah, social networking.
  6. BONUS! The secret weapon of MonkeyBrains lenses is that after someone has posted in your Duel module, they see a screen that asks if there's someone else they want to bring into the conversation. So you don't have to do all the work of promoting your debate page... make something work talking (and arguing!) about, and other people will spread it for you.

Okay, lay it on us

here's an example of the Duel module.

What do you think of HeyMonkeyBrain?

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Love it! Giving people a place to stage debates is smart.

Vanessa says:

I think of its freacking wierd but fun,,,,>..!!!!!!!!

Rena says:

I haven't really figured out the site yet, though i am intrested in healthy debates, I wish i knew what i was doing though. The internet eludes me.. D:

MobileAppMan says:

Public debate is what this great country was founded on. Washington and the founding fathers used to debate for days on end. Why? Because healthy, open debate is the key to healthy relationships. Unless you don't agree with me, which makes you a 'tard. Just kidding.

Ruthi says:

I think a respectful debate is a good thing and for those who enjoy playing the devil's advocate, so to speak, this could be an interesting platform to do so.

KANEsUgAr says:

I like debating, if its an interesting topic.

tt1998 says:

Good idea depending on the topic.

Quickcutters says:

I'm going to try it out first i think. I just worry about it turning into more then it needs to. I love the idea though as long as everyone can be adults about what they say.

catydid52 says:

Debates are good and healthy. Think what a boring world this would be if we all looked alike, and thought alike.

linkbuildingdemon says:

count me in

Pearldiver says:

I'm game.. if I can set it up properly... cool.

jacquelyndunn says:

Looks great and I have a subject in mind so i need to get started

Ghassene says:

i really apreciate this idea and i do love this website
congratulation

saraih26 says:

Good idea

zuzanna says:

I feel it's time to give it a try...

marketmasterpro says:

Sounds Very Cool and I don't mind a debate!

eaglemom75 says:

I think I will enjoy debating about worthwhile subjects.

Infomum says:

I love sharing my opinions because I know I am always right. The dual Lens thing looks like a great way to debate the matter.
Of course my other side says that I can't always be right, sometimes I have to listen to others...
Then again, this fence I am sitting on feels fairly comfortable for now.

the_kay says:

A great module, as people usually love stating their own beliefs on various topics :)

the_kay says:

Such a great idea with great potential. Getting the ball rolling (obtaining those first few comments) is a bit difficult though. But hey, no pain no gain :)

steve2010 says:

fun

It's lame, dummy. Why can't we all just get along!

L_Andersen says:

Debate is good, but not with a Monkey Brain :)

grammarnazi says:

Hmmm. I would tend to approve of the Duel module.What I don't like is that I detect a tiny bit of hypocrisy. Just one lens ago I read the SquidDon't set of anti-spam directives. Work-at-home scammery was strongly discouraged. And yet, on this page, I find a Chitika module advertising the same work-at-home links that the SquidTeam warned against. Isn't this kind of the snake biting its own tail? Has the Internet's content void created a vortex where each link you follow hoping for content leads only to another set of links, all promising content? Oh God, what have we become?

jcepeda says:

I think this is great. Unfortunately my topics would become arguments real soon, so, no thanks.

LaraineRose says:

At one time I loved it but now, someone put something very inappropriate into one of mine and there is no way that I know of, to erase that comment. If anyone knows of a way to get rid of the one comment and not the whole module, please let me know.

happynutritionist says:

I like it, but I'm saying so in the "it's lame, dummy" side because people will probably look there first, and the list is SOOOO short :-)

Whitley2009 says:

You can lead a monkey or a horse's ass to knowledge, but you can't make him think.

KS says:

HEY MONKEY BRAIN SHOWS THAT EVERY PEOPLE HAVE A BRAIN.. KWANG3...

Paul_Maxwell says:

Hate it!

RickBasset says:

I agree with Kalle. "Smart people" don't call each other MonkeyBrain!

ComingSoon says:

**********************
It's lame, dummy. Why can't we all just get along!
**********************

 
view all 79 comments

Recent blog posts about HeyMonkeyBrain

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Have you blogged about MonkeyBrain? Have you made a MonkeyBrain lens?

Post 'em here

1

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Public Or Private School?

Former public school teacher Bob Jenkins attempts to defend against the private school machine. Help support public school teachers, parents, etc., who never seem to get enough credit...1 point

2

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Clinton or Obama - Who will be the Dems Nominee? Together - An Awesome Democratic Ticket?

The race is heating up between the two leading democratic contenders--Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. The fact that there is no clear front runner is an indication on just how split the Democratic Party is between these two presidential candidates.Who do you think will be the Democratic Nominee?...1 point

3

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MonkeyBrain Group! - add your MonkeyBrain lens!

Add your MonkeyBrain lens to this group1 point

4

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The Great Toy Debate

What do you think - toys are for everyone? Or toys are just for kids? Let us know!1 point

5

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What are Miracles?

What are Miracles? Are Miracles....Things that happen, when we didn't expect them to.Things that happen that go against the laws of nature.Things that happen that go against the known laws of nature.Divine gifts to bring us spiritual growth.Spiritual experiences.?1 point

6

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Is Buddhism a Religion or a Philosophy?

There is a long tradition in the West to regard Buddhism as a philosophy. This tradition was started by Enlightenment philosophers (those who like rational thinking so much) who saw in Buddhism an ancient religion which fit their ideal of a rational way of life.1 point

7

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The Ultimate Questions - religion and spirituality

These are the ultimate philosophy questions we all ask ourselves about religion and spirituality. Vote, get inspired and share.Part lensography, part hey monkeybrain lens - I hope you all enjoy.1 point

8

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Can Deceased Speak with the Living ?

People believe that it is possible for dead ones to speak with the living.Many books have been written about the possibility to communicate witfh the spirit world.Many consult 'mediums' in order to speak just one more time with their dead loved one...Is that really so?1 point

9

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Acupuncture ? A very effective Therapy !

Acupuncture, which originated in ancient China and was introduced to Japan some 250 years before Christ, is the Oriental art of using fine needles to stimulate or to calm various points of the body.There has been a tendency to dismiss acupuncture as mysterious hocus-pocus, a simple placebo, or a psychological effect. Upon investigation, I was reminded that oftentimes ignorance breeds suspicion.1 point

10

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Who Are You Calling A Monkey Brain?

Who Are You Calling A Monkey Brain?Squidoo Headquarters must have some very clever people to come up with the name for this Co-Brand Template. They say that it is a way for smart people to argue and they say that they really aren't calling you a Monkey Brain but rather just trying to get your attent...1 point

11

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Mustard vs Ketchup ~ It's a Duel

I have always loved mustard as I grew up with mustard. Mustard is my favorite condiment and no, I DO NOT use mustard on fries. The only thing I really love ketchup on is Fish and Chips. I can't seem to enjoy them without ketchup.I love using mustard on most types of meat and in some sandwiches. I of...1 point

view all 21 links

Mashable.com says:

"[HeyMonkeyBrain is] an interactive forum for discussions to manifest around particular ideas, statements, theories... More and more, Squidoo is becoming a place where individual users can establish themselves as authorities for any purpose, with the ability to aggregate content and supporting data, whether it's for an eBay seller's items or a collection of interesting videos."

What MonkeyBrain debate do you wish someone would start?

Clinton v. Obama
Men are big babies.
Valentines Day sucks.
New York City is the best place to live, ever.
This whole "water bottles are bad" thing is getting old.
David Cay Johnston's FREE LUNCH is the best book ever.
Britney Spears should be on a rocket to the sun.
David Byrne should make more music.
Microsoft should keep its paws off Yahoo.

Like that.

Post your wishlist here. Who knows, maybe someone will make a lens for you!

  • WildFacesGallery Nov 6, 2010 @ 10:15 am | delete
    I've just started playing with the duel module and did my very first monkey brain lens a few months back. I've got another in the works and this info will come in handy. :)
  • petanu Jun 11, 2010 @ 9:24 am | delete
    It's a pleasure to return here and leave this wonderful lens one of my first Squid Angel blessings
  • WindyWinters Jun 7, 2010 @ 3:36 pm | delete
    I finally got up the courage to create my 1st Monkeybrain: Mustard vs Ketchup ~ It's Duel and it was for a RM assignment!
  • erikusik Feb 10, 2010 @ 10:00 am | delete
    Nice project, thanks!
  • OhMe Jan 25, 2010 @ 4:01 pm | delete
    Hey I am lensrolling this to my Who Are You Calling A Monkey Brain? lens.
  • skiesgreen Nov 26, 2009 @ 10:40 pm | delete
    It would be good if someone explains where you can get the lens theme to start one of these debates. I can't find it anywhere? Is it a secret or reserved only for certain squids. Help, I'm swimming in a pool of murky water. Send me a lifeline.
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Mar 10, 2009 @ 9:54 pm | delete
    I'm in the middle of creating my first Monkeybrain lens. This page was helpful, thanks!

    Brenda
  • sharpeink Jan 29, 2009 @ 6:32 pm | delete
    Hey, Im just getting started "The Worlds Greatest...." That's my claim to fame well fame is just part of the deal not what Im really looking for.
  • EasyW Feb 18, 2008 @ 10:07 am | delete
    Nice idea!
  • maxy Feb 18, 2008 @ 5:58 am | delete
    Great lens, very informative.
    Hope you take a look at my phone card lens!
  • Comfortdoc Feb 17, 2008 @ 2:40 am | delete
    Should have typed Clinton vs. Obama is done.
  • awelldressedbullet Feb 15, 2008 @ 5:45 pm | delete
    I looked after the most important issue, I was surprised it wasn't on the list LOL, Boxers or Briefs is done! - Kathy
  • Comfortdoc Feb 15, 2008 @ 1:10 pm | delete
    Clinton vs. Obama is done. http://www.squidoo.com/clinton-obama
Show All

Pick a fight. These shirts will help.

Here's a CafePress store we whipped up for HeyMonkeyBrain. In case you want to buy monkeyshirts too. (All earnings go to charity, of course).
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