How deb8tly Works
From idea to funded debate in four simple steps
deb8tly is a platform where the community decides which debates happen. We use a two-stage process to ensure only the most wanted debates get produced, and that debaters are fairly compensated for their time.
Nominate
Anyone can suggest a debate
See two people who should debate a topic? Nominate them! Enter the topic and select the two participants you want to see go head-to-head.
- Topics can be anything from politics to philosophy to pop culture
- Participants can be anyone - public figures, experts, or community members
- The more specific the topic, the better the debate
Vote
Show your support - it's free!
Browse nominations and vote for the debates you want to see. Voting is free (with daily limits) or you can use credits for extra votes.
- Free daily votes for all registered users
- Your vote signals demand and helps prioritize debates
- Popular nominations rise to the top
- When a debate hits the vote threshold, it becomes eligible for crowdfunding
Fund
Put your money where your vote is
Once a debate hits the vote threshold and is approved, crowdfunding opens. Back the debates you really want to see happen with a pledge.
- Choose a pledge tier with rewards (early access, HD downloads, Q&A)
- You're only charged if the debate reaches its funding goal
- Funding covers production costs and debater compensation
- The more backers, the bigger the production
Watch
The debate happens!
When funding is complete, we reach out to both debaters with proof of demand and funding. The debate gets scheduled, produced, and published.
- Professional moderation ensures a fair, quality debate
- Backers get early access based on their tier
- Full debate published on YouTube and our platform
- Clips shared across social media
Why This Model?
Validated Demand
We only crowdfund debates that people actually want. Votes prove interest before anyone spends money.
Fair Compensation
Debaters get paid for their time and effort. The more popular the debate, the more they earn.
No Risk
Your pledge is only charged if the debate reaches its goal. If it doesn't fund, you pay nothing.
Public Accountability
When someone declines a popular, funded debate, it's recorded publicly. Ideas should be defended.
What Happens If Someone Declines?
If a nominated debater declines after a debate is funded, we record it on our Declined Debates page. Public figures should be willing to defend their ideas. If they won't, people deserve to know.
Backers can choose to: reallocate their pledge to another debate, or receive a full refund.
For Debaters
Are you being nominated for debates? Here's what you need to know:
- You get paid: Debaters receive a share of crowdfunding revenue plus ad revenue
- Professional production: We handle scheduling, moderation, and production
- Reach new audiences: Your debate gets distributed across YouTube and social media
- Fair format: Structured debates with equal time and professional moderation
Set up your profile to receive nomination notifications.
Ready to Get Started?
Browse nominations and vote for the debates you want to see.