Douchebag Debating Techniques. Be Aware.

ANY WAY THE WIND BLOWS
Post should come from the apparent position of unconcern.
An effective strategy is deviating to a typically banal topic as more concerning or interesting.

ATTACK THE SOURCE
Undermine the credibility of the source either through misleading evidence or condescension.
This is especially effective for users who view comments first.

BASELESS INSULT
Post should be derogatory, while the actual approach can vary, with condescension being one of the most effective methods for reddit.
This is apparently ineffectual on the surface, but has a cumulative social effect of the feeling of being isolated.
This is an effective tactic for evoking apathy and hopelessness in dissenters over time.

BLAME DISTRIBUTION
Point out that absolute blame cannot be established for any one source.
This will create a perception of shared responsibility, thereby inhibiting specific criticism.
This is an excellent means of establishing apathy and hopelessness.

CLAIM VICTIMIZATION
Whether self or other, claiming the position of a victim in relation to dissent can play on emotions.
This is an effective tactic for deviating away from the original discussion.

COMMAND O' THE CHAIN
Using any number of methods, pull users into chained replies that deviate from the original topic whenever possible.
This is highly effective for diverting readers from more relevant, informative posts.

CONFIDENT DENIAL
Respond by denying the user's claims by claiming they are incorrect without providing evidence to the contrary.
This can give some uninformed users the impression of authority on the topic, thereby contributing to apathy and hopelessness.

CONVENIENT CONFUSION
Post from the apparent perspective of someone confused or unable to connect the dots on the issue.
A great tactic for deriving additional language from a dissenter in order to exploit and discredit them.

DON'T YOU WORRY ABOUT _____
Indicate a superior understanding of the topic being discussed from a place of confident unconcern.
It is preferable to choose a position that cannot be disproved by Joe Public, i.e. exclusive knowledge
Users will infer that the concerns are ill founded, thereby damaging credibility.

GENERALIZE AND MARGINALIZE OPINIONS
Play on existing perceptions of subreddits and reddit as a whole to marginalize dissent.
Some common examples include simply referring to: /r/atheism[2] , /r/politics[3] , /r/worldnews[4] , "the hive mind"
Additionally, the post need not even exist in one of these subreddits for this approach to be used.

HOLOCAUST WINS
A well established approach to deflecting comparisons involving Nazis, Hitler, and the Holocaust.
Response should typically appear to be from a place of condescension or emotion.

ISN'T GIFT WRAPPED
Attack the argument's presentation, typically as uncivil, aggressive, rude, etc.
Should angry dissent continue to present itself, utilize this reaction to further justify your point.
This is an effective tactic for increasing frustration and apathy.

LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT A.K.A. FALSE OPTION
Respond with a false alternative solution to the issues being addressed.

NOSTRADOWNVOTES
Predict behavior of "The Hive Mind" with certainty.

NOT THE SOURCE
An effective strategy for countering specific criticism.
Response should indicate that the criticism is not directed at the real root of the issue.
Never define the root of the issue.

OTHER COUNTRIES DO IT
A means of distributing blame amongst multiple parties, so as to lessen the contrast (and perception) of negativity.
Response should indicate that the issue being called into question occurs all over the world.
Pointing out duration can be especially useful when said issue has existed elsewhere prior.

PERPETUATE APATHY
Establish or support the idea that there is no potential solution to a problem, or that the chosen solution will not work (without establishing an alternative to take its place).
This should typically be done from the apparent perspective of someone with a realistic or skeptical worldview.

REPRESENTATIVE
Speak from the apparent perspective of the majority of users.
This is effective for garnering support from uncertain redditors willing to go with the apparent flow.

TECHNICALITY
State literal facts while completely avoiding the context.
If appropriately constructed, false context will be inferred by the uninformed, and the informed will be hesitant to argue with a technicality.

X IS WORSE
An effective means of sidetracking a discussion.
This is especially useful when the new topic addresses an issue that might be much more difficult to resolve or has no apparent resolution.
Additionally, this can overwhelm some users as they feel focusing on a single issue (when there are much larger ones) will accomplish little.