Snowball Argument
Movement Pattern
Point₁→Point₂ (amplifies ₁)→Point₃ (amplifies ₁+₂)→...
Definition
A structure where each successive point not only adds to the argument but amplifies the force of all previous points — creating accelerating momentum where the argument gains mass as it rolls forward.
Examples
Example 1
The program costs $4.2 billion per year. That's expensive, but not disqualifying — some programs are worth the investment. Except the program's own performance data shows it has not achieved a single one of its five stated objectives in seven years of operation. Expensive and ineffective. But it gets worse: a GAO audit found that the program's primary contractor has been billing for services never rendered — $300 million in phantom deliverables. Expensive, ineffective, and fraudulent. And worse still: the committee that oversees the program received this audit eighteen months ago and did nothing. Expensive, ineffective, fraudulent, and protected. Each fact makes the previous facts more damning.
Policy critique — each point amplifies the outrage of the previous ones
Example 2
The building has fourteen code violations. That's bad. The fire inspector who certified the building received a $15,000 payment from the developer two weeks before the inspection. That's worse. The building houses an elementary school with 400 students. That's devastating. And the city council, which approved the occupancy permit, was informed of the violations before the school opened — by a parent, in writing, at a public meeting. They approved the permit anyway, unanimously, and the meeting minutes were later amended to remove the parent's comments. Each revelation is a heavier stone on the pile.
Investigative reporting — cascading revelations that amplify each other
Example 3
The battery life is poor — five hours, when competitors manage eight. Annoying, but manageable with a charger. Then I discovered the phone overheats during video calls, reaching temperatures that are uncomfortable to hold. The overheating, it turns out, degrades the OLED screen over time — users on forums report permanent burn-in within six months. And when I checked the warranty, buried in clause 14(b): "Damage resulting from thermal exposure during normal operation is not covered." The phone has a flaw. The flaw causes damage. The damage isn't covered. Each problem makes the previous problems worse.
Consumer journalism — the snowball effect turns minor annoyance into deal-breaker
AI Detection Note
AI tends to add points linearly rather than snowball — each point stands independently instead of amplifying what came before.
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