hypothesis is that online dialogs have important properties that may make them a useful resource for educating the public about such issues. For example, user-generated content might be more engaging and persuasive than traditional media, due to the prevalence of emotional language, social affiliation, conversational argument structure and audience involvement. Moreover, particular types of people may be more or less convinced by particular styles of argument, e.g. emotional arguments may resonate with some personalities while factual arguments resonate with others.

[@p[0.5cm]{}|p[2.5in]{}@]{}\
: & I’m sure there have been more repeat murderers than innocent people put to death. As far as the cost goes, is that really an issue? Execution Room = \$10,000. Stainless Steel Table = \$2,000. Leather Straps = \$200. Lethal Injection Chemicals = \$5,000. Knowing this person will never possibly be able to kill again = PRICELESS\
[**R1**]{}:& Actually the room, straps, and table are all multi-use. And the drugs only cost Texas \$86.08 per execution as of 2002.\
\
: & You mean, the perpetrator is convicted and the defender acquitted? Yes, that’s the rule and not the exception. Notice here how no-one ended up dead, or even particularly seriously injured. Additionally the circumstances described are incredibly 