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WYO?
Obviously!
To give an overly-serious answer to a light-hearted question (IMHO, of course), inserting IM[H]O is a way for those amongst us, even on WW, who realise that we are not perfect (yep, it happens), to catch our breath and remind all and sundry that *we* know the difference between opinions and facts and we hope that our enemies will forgive us that difference.
I think that the acid test of a real grown-up discussion is the point where someone says: "We have to agree to differ: I think X and you think Y."
Compare with arguments which descend into [urination] contests and name-calling.
Rgds
Damon
By the way I say a thing you would understand if it were speculative or not
So with quickly written short comment it is a short way of explaining my intentions.
Because the written word lacks inflection.
By the way I say a thing you would understand if it were speculative or not
I always see it as the other way around. I assume that it's speculative, or your opinion or experience, unless you state that it's a fact.
Is it just me that does that?
TJ
That makes you either a cynic, or unusually generous: you decide!
Rgds
Damon
That's the beauty of forums for me - there is discussion among your peers....
It is the way to say a statement is an opinion which may or may not be correct because of the lack of scientific testing.
Many readers take what's read as fact and it is my way of saying I'm making an educated guess instead of presenting my view as fact.
I think it sould be used more often.
I think it sould be used more often.
Or we should all be a little more cynical?
IMHO it's somethign rarely used. :)
Mack.
Or more demanding on ourselves requiring proof, which I don't think of as cynical.
For the most part we have no idea who is stating what or their level of competence and honesty.
Typically in science all statements are backed by some bibliography qualifications. We aren't going to do that, so the IMHO and some fact vetting on our part is probably the best substitute.
For the most part we have no idea who is stating what or their level of competence and honesty.
The "honesty" element here makes an interesting point. Do you think that "IMO" or "IMHO" implies a level of honesty, in that the writer is ensuring that you are fully aware this is opinion and not stated fact?
Personally I also prefer "In my experience" or "On the basis of my research/testing" or similar - at least that gives you the background to the statement as well as qualifying it.
TJ
[edited by: lawman at 5:21 am (utc) on Mar. 23, 2006]
It is very useful for dodging flames. :D
[edited by: lawman at 4:56 pm (utc) on Mar. 25, 2006]
