The sequence of events started thusly: I was at a debating tournament. The 2009 Saskatcheway CUSID National Championships, in fact. After a gruelling Friday and Saturday (and coming in 3-3 with my partner), we were watching debaters debate their little hearts out for quarters, semis, and finals.

I was sketching, because that's what I do when I'm restless and fidgety (and debating makes me restless and fidgety). A few people saw the sketch, exclaimed over it, and I realized that drawing debaters would probably be a lot more productive for me than actual debating would. (I'm terrible at it.)

I spent a few hours messaging back and forth with two of my friends from the debating union, throwing around ideas. The first strip (see below) was drawn.



I quite like the concept of a webcomic revolving around an obscure extracurricular activity most people have heard of but which only a small subset of the population is familiar with. My own future in debate is uncertain for now - even though I've only been involved here for less than two years, my nature is such that I collect a wide range of activities rather than pursue one thing relentlessly. As such, I don't know if I could legitimately do a series about debate if I'm no longer involved in it. We'll see.

Explanation of the title: In debating, the only time you can interrupt a speaker on the other team is if you stand up in what's known as a "point of information", or POI. They can choose whether or not to take your question. There are lots of different personal styles for offering POIs - most people just stand up and raise their hand in a motion that's half "what the hell are you smoking" and half "your idiocy should be blatantly obvious, but I'm going to point it out anyway". Some people prefer to say "on that point!" which has the added benefit of startling some speakers and increasing your chances of being heard. It's, um, irritating. Enough said?

Check back soon!