Debates are created by the forum when a particular issue, topic or event generates a significant number of contributions, or warrants special attention and conversation. When specific debates have been created by the forum, submissions that are intended to be part of a debate can be earmarked by the author (or the Editor) to be listed as such on the debates page (whilst also being listed on the standard home page of the forum).

For this to happen, an author must clearly indicate in the submitting email that the contribution is intended to be part of a specific debate.