Do You Feel This Way Too?

I normally don't post in the IMO Forum. When I do there are so many times I feel I will not be liked or talked to anymore for saying some opinions that may have hurt another's point of view. I'm aware I shouldn't let it bother me, but, it does! I may not like part of someone's choices, but, I will still like the person for the good they have.

Reminds me of a joke: Opinions are like A-holes, everyone has one!

Recently I felt strongly enough to give my opinion on something that I know offended some. Yet I may disagree with many things I feel strongly about, as I'm sure you do, but I don't think there's reason to be offended.

I believe we should be able to agree that we disagree. Period.

What are your views?

Unlike other not so civil boards, I think the people here are capable of debating without it getting out of hand. That's just from what I've seen anyway.

I wish I could post on IMO I have so much to say, but that's cool. Only only 2 and a half years.

I get where you are coming from though, Cheryl.

Very well said everyone!!

I think it's important to speak your mind, and I love to hear everyone's point of view on IMO, we also always need to remember to remain respectful of others, and keep in mind that just because someone has a different opinion doesn't make it wrong.

I think everyone on these forums does an incredible job of keeping others feelings in mind!, you are all the best!!!

We all carry our own baggage and will react to something someone else finds nothing wrong with.

I believe that as long as it is the issue that is discussed and facts are looked at then we should be able to live with one another. I have problems when it becomes personal.

I don't listen to debates on some of the cable channels because they aren't discussing the issue. They are attacking the person across the table. I had a a terrible time during debates for going to war with Iraq because the facts weren't examined because every time someone questioned something, he or she was called unpatriotic.

I know I get some of the feelings you are describing when I see comments like "You are so wrong..." "How can you possibly believe...." "What kind of person...."

In other words, address the issue, not attack the person. Even then there are some issues where an opinion is based on personal beliefs so strong that there can't be detached discourse.

I think this board is very civil and we can agree to disagree. I have seen boards (and these are supposedly tech boards to help programmers) where people are totally slammed for asking a simple question. Instead of directing the person to the proper resources, others call them stupid and refuse to help.

Also, remember that when you read something, you are supplying the voice to it and words rely an awful lot on gestures and voice intonation for meaning. I have to watch my usual brand of sarcasm when I send emails and posts because I have had some problems with the voice on the other end (esp with my mother, the poor dear. She doesn't get me half of the time in person, let alone my sense of humor in print ).

I've produced some very touchy threads in IMO, and yes, I have felt that certain people will not respond to me, simply because they do not like my views (or me). Yeah, and it bothers me, but not to the extent that I would change my view on a matter and go with the popular opinion.

As for others disagreeing, they are welcome to disagree, but of course I will argue my point 'til the cows come home. As for others that post there, I would still talk to them despite differing opinions. I have no problem with that.

I have never posted in the IMO board, but where I have already seen problems in other threads is when someone is making a general comment, and someone else decides to respond as if the comment was made specifically at them. Especially when the comment was prefaced by saying "I mean to offend no one, but", and then someone chooses to be offended....and yes, it is a choice. We have the choice to say, "Hmmm, I never looked at it that way.", they choose to feel attacked and become defensive, and totally lose the meaning behind In My Opinion.

I totally agree with Emma's Friend. Life is too short to be angry at each other. And I feel we are all here to learn.

I never hold anyone's opinions against them, it's silly, not to mention exhausting.

I agree

I honestly like that we don't all agree and have the same ideas. I will argue my point with the best of them at times in IMO. But I find it very educational because even though I might disagree with someones point I learn a lot from them. Also, on a personal level, IMO has helped me to build a little confidence. I used to have a big problem with people walking all over me and not sticking up for myself or verbalizing how I felt about something. Over time that has changed and I am sure a lot of it is because I have grown up alot in the past 5 years or so. But I think a lot of it also comes from this board. I have never been a part of any other message board and I have never been to chat rooms. I started posting my ideas or thoughts here, and then on IMO and I think it has helped me to "come out of my shell" so to speak, not only on the forum but in life as well.

I would never hold the way a person feels on a subject against them. We all are different and thats what makes this place great.

We love ya Cheryl!

p.s.
After reading this thread, go vote for Angel in his thread!!!!
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=58475&

LOL, if I kept track of - and deliberately didn't respond to - those who hold different opinions than me, I'd be very confused very quickly.

IMO forum is a place where opinions can be exchanged, sometimes learning can take place, and often interesting - and new to the viewer - points are discussed. It hasn't anything to do with the rest of the boards, for the most part; at least, that's where I stand.

Best-
Michele

I think people are touchy (and, vocal) about subjects if they've "been there done that". Whether they have been a part of that IMO subject, or, done it themselves or lived it.

Such as: subjects about rape, murder, childbearing or childrearing, gay issues, conservativism or liberalism... you name it, every one of us has been there and done that and we all feel very strongly about these things. FOR VERY GOOD REASON! We know how we feel about it, and we are only Voicing Our Opinion!

Part of what makes it so awesome to be human is TO voice your opinion. Why have someone be silent, OR why HAVE someone silenced, when we're all so different, and we can all learn from each other?

That's why I love IMO, and I'm happy to post in there. I love & respect all the peoples here who voice their opinion and stand out, saying what they MEAN TO SAY when they MEAN TO SAY IT.

It's about having a voice & using it.

I try to be totally in the middle on lots of stuff, and I am. When I disagree with someone I won't post it out in the clear blue sky nor will I send a nasty PM. I respect all y'all, and that's what makes this site & this forum so different.

Yeah, we do get into some pretty heated discussions in IMO. But I have to say, I enjoy posting and debating and even arguing at times in there because it's generally an intelligent discussion. I like that! No, we don't all agree but that's what makes the world interesting. And for the most part, I genuinely LIKE the people who post in IMO whether or not we agree on anything. So I can be in the midst of a heated debate or argument with someone in IMO, and if I see a post from them here in the Lounge where they need support or whatever I can genuinely respond to that because I respect their opinion even if I don't agree with it. Posting in IMO is like stepping into a different building where we can be direct and opinionated and it's OK.

I dont get angry at individuals or their opinions, just what i feel is the injustice of the situation.

i'm old enough to understand that not everyone has to think like me or that we all have to agree 100% of the time to still be friends. equally i know i'm entitled to my own opinion and will defend my point to the death.

i dont shy away from voiceing my opinion unless i feel that i'm fighting a lost cause or feel that another member is becoming too personal or in-tolerant.

lets face it, if someone doesnt agree with me the worst they can do is block me and if thats what they want to do over a difference of opinion then they werent the sort of person i'd want to be friends with in the first place.

Funny, I really like to debate, but I feel like other people HATE me for being so...persistent? maybe?

I just really get into things like that!

But I definitely know what you're saying, Cheryl. And I don't think that the world would be a very nice place to live in if we all agreed 100% of the time.

Now, if we could all learn to be a little more respectful and learn how to give and take more on things, then we could really get something done!

I love IMO! I've always enjoyed giving my opinion and hearing what opinions others have. You learn a lot about people and why they believe certain things. I always try to make sure people know I still like them and respect them even though we don't agree, but online it's harder.

If it's a topic I think will hurt my feelings, I avoid it.

I hardly ever remember who said what over there anyway, so even if it was like me to hold it against someone, I couldn't.

Lioness, I love it when people are persistant.

I know I've expressed a heated opinion a time or two, & hope that it hasn't been held against me..
But whatever it is that gets me going doesn't cause me to hold grudges or dislike anyone.
IMO is interesting because of all of the differences of opinion, the articles & everyone's reactions to them & each other.

I usually like IMO a lot. I especially like when two knowledgable people debate both sides of a political issue.

I have seen debates on T.V. shows, where one person is just a total stupid goof, with an opinion no one supports, just so it can seem like there is a balance. Or the people debating are just pushing their candidate.

At least here, it is people pushing their opinion, nothing more. And I do get very aggravated at some people's opinions! Argh! How could they be so wrong? Do they only watch CNN? But since I only watch Fox, of course I get a different view! LOL!

No one will dislike you for your views. This is one place where Christian, atheist, married, live-together, lots of kids, no kids, many cats and pets, one cat only, female and male can come together on even ground and talk things out. I really enjoy it most of the time, although I have found that I don't go to IMO if I am kinda sad or depressed. Otherwise, it rocks!

I get in on IMO occasionally, but it seems that there are always a few members readky to jump all over anyone that does not agree with them. If you do not agree with them, you are stupid and uninformed. If you get a little politically incorrect, or do not clarify a point exactly, they are all over you as being mean or irresponsible. It's funny though, when you do clarify a misunderstood point that makes them wrong, they make no comment. I think I am probably done with INO.