COG

COG is a Team Policy sourcebook for NCFCA and Stoa debaters. It is notable for consisting entirely of generic briefs; rather than including Affirmative and Negative briefs on specific cases, it includes general arguments that are designed to be applicable to entire categories of cases. COG is also notable for placing a high emphasis on source quality: in 2010, nearly three-quarters of all evidence cards came from academic sources such as professors or peer-reviewed journals - more than any other sourcebook.

COG was founded in 2009 by Daniel Gaskell and Alex Macdonald. As of 2013, it had published a total of eight editions, averaging between 300 and 450 pages each; copies generally cost $25.00 and include a free midseason update. Notable debaters who have worked for COG include NCFCA national runner-up Miranda Bonifield, NCFCA national semifinalist Ben Snodgrass, 2009 Region IV champions Brian Morgan and Toni Maisano Morgan, 2011 Region IV champion Beth Maisano, and NCFCA national runner-up speaker Laura McKinney.

Editions
COG 2009 - NCFCA: Environmental Policy (2009-2010)

COG 2010 - NCFCA: Policy Towards Russia (2010-2011)

COG 2011 - NCFCA: Criminal Justice System (2011-2012)

COG 2011 - Stoa: Revenue Generation Policy (2011-2012)

COG 2012 - NCFCA: United Nations (2012-2013)

COG 2012 - Stoa: Foreign Military Presence (2012-2013)

COG 2013 - NCFCA: Federal Election Law (2013-2014)

COG 2013 - Stoa: Marine Natural Resources (2013-2014)

COG 2014 - NCFCA: Middle East (2014-2015) (forthcoming)

COG 2014 - Stoa: Electronic Surveillance (2014-2015) (forthcoming)

Critical Response
The critical response to COG has generally been very positive. In the 2010 Sourcebook Survey, debaters ranked COG first or second in every category, statistically tied with Ethos for Best Sourcebook of 2010. COG was the most-owned commercial sourcebook among survey respondents aside from industry giants Blue Book and Ethos. Lead editor Daniel Gaskell stated that at least three-quarters of the teams who broke at the 2013 NCFCA National Championship had owned COG.