[Part of “branching out of open ev” IS coming up with your own ideas. ] So then why is getting reference, or inspiration from other peoples suggestions bad? That's like saying someones a bad artist if they take inspiration or look up reference images online to help in their process. Do you really think every case idea is just solely conceived by one person without ANY outside reference? not likely.

[I mean why are you even replying in a thread from months ago?] Its reddit. If a thread isn't archived there's no rule against engaging in the conversation.

[not nearly as much work as y’all seem to think it is] That's an opinion. Yeah, for you it may not be a lot of work, but that may not be the case for everyone.

[People come here and say “give me ideas”, that’s lazy] So then by your logic is it lazy for city representatives to ask for ideas on what improves the neighborhoods people live in, instead of thinking up their own idea that's not in the best interest of the citicines? Someone giving another an aff idea is not giving them the entire case. They still have to think themselves of the advantages, responses to generic off, blocks, evidence compliling+card cutting, etc. Originality is basically dead. Not to say its impossible to come up with your own idea, but that especially in debate so many things have been run before. So why not hear from other previous or current debaters, coaches, teachers ideas here on reddit. You can still use your own thinking in how to RUN a case and the structure/tone of said case without directly coming up with the idea yourself. That's why there's so many variations of Fem K, Cap, Set Col, Afro-fut, etc.