How to avoid the need for making an argument

I am a fairly regular contributor to online discussions and have written a substantial number of letters to the editor. I perceive myself to be a pretty logical thinker, and I endeavor to analyze and rebut the ideas of my opponents.I find it particularly enjoyable to engage a person who disagrees in a considered, thoughtful way. The give and take is intellectually stimulating.

It used to be that debate was an honored activity, where rules applied and gentlepersons engaged each other in the arena of ideas. We used to pay attention to issues like Red Herrings, Ad Hominems, Fallacies, and the like. Those who violated etiquette were frowned upon or even subject to sanction.

Vox Day discusses the difference between rhetoric and dialectic. Dialectic is essentially the use of facts, logic, and intellectual processes to debate an issue. Rhetoric, however, is argument that sounds good, and may be factual in a loose sense, but is more an appeal to emotion and feelings. Leftists frequently use rhetoric in argument, and will say just about anything if it furthers their position.

Here's how to recognize when to use rhetoric in response, or if it's time for you to get out of the debate:

1. If you logically refute their point and they repeat it as if it hasn’t been refuted.
2. If they argue themselves into a corner then change the subject or begin nitpicking minor details.
3. If they never offer rebuttal but simply mock you or accuse you of trolling, intolerance, homophobia, racism, or being anti-science.
4. When you criticize someone's position whom they like, they associate you with someone they think you like, especially if the criticism is regarding an unrelated issue.
5. They associate you with someone who is known for their extreme views.
6. They reword your rebuttal, leaving out key words so as to misrepresent your position.
7. They treat you with disdain since you are obviously not even worth the time to answer.
8. They dismiss you as stupid or extreme. 

Note that each one of these allows your opponent’s to avoid making any argument at all. A real debate furthers understanding, but these techniques stymie understanding and manifest disrespect the other side. Indeed, those who use these techniques intend to shut down debate with intimidation and bullying.

This is anti-intellectual.