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Because I Said So

Because I Said So

One of the most frustrating aspects of reading blogs is when either the blogger or commenter makes unsupported statements.

You will notice that introduction contains an unsupported statement. Instead I might have written “I get frustrated when a blogger makes an unsupported statement, writing as if they are stating a fact when in truth it is just one person’s opinion”. See the difference?

Now, of course, one of the foundations of blogging is that the medium gives people a voice. It allows us to share our opinions, which in most countries is taken as a right. But just because you have an opinion does not mean anyone necessarily will want to hear it, and without some sort of supporting information, don’t expect anyone to be persuaded by it.

I call the problem the BISS factor … Because I Said So. The frustration of being confronted by a BISS is just the same as when you were being told off by a parent or teacher without any reasoning. This isn’t something we feel like experiencing on a regular basis so can be a good reason to unsubscribe from a blog, therefore it is worth fixing if you do it yourself.

How do you take a “because I said so” toward being a more useful blog post?

What you are wanting to avoid is saying something like “PCs are better than Macs” or “Macs are better than Windows” and leave it at that. Say why, as in the linked articles, even if your reasons are clearly bogus as  in the linked articles *cough*. (Don’t worry, I know the blogger and told them my opinion in person, heh).

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It should be easy enough to work out why you hold an opinion. On those occasions where you have a nagging feeling about something but can’t put it into words, perhaps turn it into a question on your blog or in Twitter, and start a conversation. If you can’t do either then perhaps you shouldn’t be writing about it?

When you give reasons then people are more likely to take apart your reasons instead of attack you, so you are really doing yourself a favor supporting your arguments.

What do you think?

View Comments (3)
  • This post clearly states a useful opinion with which you may or may not choose to agree.

    Let me try again:

    I feel that this article should be read by all because the opinion stated, wisely shared by me, is 100% completely beyond any shadow of a doubt true.

    One more time!

    I agree with your assessments. When you state, “I feel” or “I believe” etc.etc.etc. you’re essentially taking ownership of your own opinions and concretely telling the reader what you believe. In other words, you become more human and less dryly academic to them And that, of course, is a good thing indeed.

    Data points, Barbara

  • If the author keeps a simple fact in mind that what he is writing is going to be PUBLISHED in cyberspace or black and white, it does not matter, then I am sure the author will go the extra distance to check his facts and figures and not state his opinions as facts.

  • If you can give valid reasons to back up your opinions then why not stick up for yourself, but sometimes depending on what you are talking about it would probably be best not to get yourself into that situation where you might annoy people as what you are saying could be completely wrong in there eyes.

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