Must opinions be substantiated? (TMT examples)

[Kapoho Joe]

Your criticisms are duly noted Mark, but you come across like a first time chatroom/message board/internet visitor. Please feel free to ignore the posters that annoy you (I'm sure plenty of people ignore my posts).

[PaulW]

The shorter it is, the more likely someone will read it. Surely you know that.

What is an "average poster"?

[PaulW]

"And then it turns out they have problems discerning the difference between “substantiate” and “prove.” I find that even funnier."

Then this should be hilarious. Check the list of synonyms.
http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/substantiate

[MarkD]

I know that in common usage the words might be used synonymously. But they are not identical. And academics know that. Or similarly educated people who make it a point to criticize people for "unsubstantiated opinions." (or they know it in almost all cases)

Please feel free to ignore the posters that annoy you (I'm sure plenty of people ignore my posts).

Your point is well taken, Joe. I'll give this a rest in pretty short order.

[Rob Tucker]

I'm going to weigh in....

Must opinions be substantiated?

No.


Assume the best and ask questions.

Punaweb moderator

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

MarkD,
I have never used the term "unsubstantiated opinions."
I have on occasion written "unsubstantiated comments" which in context, refers to posts making specific claims that can be factually proved or disproved.

Opinion: I don't like the TMT. (Doesn't require factual basis)
Comment: I don't like the TMT because it will have military applications, and I heard the lasers can be targeted to destroy cities. (an actual claim posted, and easily disproven because the TMT cannot point down, and lasers shoot in a straight line, not bendy twisty curving around the edge of the planet)

“Facts fall from the poetic observer as ripe seeds.” -Henry Thoreau

[leilanidude]

quote:

---

Originally posted by MarkD

From PaulW: ...you write a weekly column of 3000 words on the status of debate on Punaweb. I hope someone actually reads it.

Your sarcasm is correct, Paul. Most people probably won’t read it. But some of the non-readers are not hesitant to critique it.

I guess that makes it easier. You can reply to what you think was written rather than what was written. But that’s OK.

I find this whole thing amusing. It is not like I said to myself one day, for no reason: I’ll write a huge piece on how to support opinions. Show everyone on Punatalk how smart I am.

I might have my shortcomings on Punatalk. But one of them is not sniping at average posters in replies. Or insinuating with knowledge how dumb they are.

But some of the (obviously) more educated people on Punatalk, the constant critics. Who know so much. Who post all over the place. And sometimes snipe at average posters. And who like to throw their big words around as challenges. Like “unsubstantiated opinions.” All around Punatalk. Including at me.

And then it turns out they have problems discerning the difference between “substantiate” and “prove.” I find that even funnier.

---

You came on here a few months ago, claiming you lived here. Then you admitted you really didn't. Then you proceeded to try and put down other people's "debate tactics". You seem to deserve any criticism that you get with your holier than thou attitude.

I hope you do not try to talk to people, in person, like you write.

[leo]

You seem to deserve any criticism that you get with your holier than thou attitude.

I thought that sounded familiar leilanidude.

Your post on MarkD's New Humor thread last May:

Maybe the "holier than thou", condescending attitude that comes thru in your posts has something to do with that. Lighten up


Now THAT is funny!

That person's response was on point so I borrowed it.

[TomK]

MarkD,

"And then it turns out they have problems discerning the difference between “substantiate” and “prove.” I find that even funnier."

You were the one who brought up substantiate, evidence and proof in the same context, specifically "hard proof". So please define "hard proof". Thanks.

[TomK]

HOTPE wrote:

"MarkD,
I have never used the term "unsubstantiated opinions."
I have on occasion written "unsubstantiated comments" which in context, refers to posts making specific claims that can be factually proved or disproved."

Interesting. Either MarkD is being careless or deliberately provocative.

http://www.punaweb.org/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23980&whichpage=5

"So we do not disturb this thread anymore, I'll post a new thread within a day on unsubstantiated comments."

The subject of this thread is about opinions, not comments, so some word twisting is going on. Or perhaps trolling.