[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by LΩVE

I'm not really concerned about my popularity on the internetz lol!!!11!! so I'll just say I'm not up to play the hazing/bullying game here because I'm "new". I don't have incentive to act like the "adult", especially when the "adults" cannot behave as such themselves. Humility is essential, but being a doormat is not.

Here's the thing: hazing/bullying requires a group effort. That really doesn't exist here - especially not in this sort of thread.

Originally Posted by LΩVE

I attempted to have a conversation with Monet but quickly realized that was just another way to fuck with me so I bowed out.

Nah, it's just that there are various parts of conversing with Monet that are quite unique.

Originally Posted by LΩVE

What is most frustrating is the dismissal of the thought processes of the "layperson". How many people have the time and resources to become experts on the many different branches this topic can take? Few. The "layperson" is who normally tackles these issues on a daily basis, therefore lack of research in the area doesn't negate their observations and opinions.

There's a perception issue here in the sentence I deleted (because I'm barely going to address that) - that's because people who have advanced knowledge on a topic can come across as condescending when, in fact, they're not intending to be, and because people hate to feel inferior, abased or subjugated so they react harshly.

Here's the thing, though - when your doctor gives a diagnosis, you don't expect your opinion of illness to be taken as on par with the doctor's. When your attorney gives you legal advice, you'd assume a lay opinion would not be on equal footing or be taken with equal consideration.

So, along the same lines, when people with advanced knowledge of this subject drop some knowledge, don't think that it is meant to 'negate' your opinion, but rather to inform you of places where your opinion may be misguided, or to inform you of biases, beliefs or experiences that may color your opinion in ways you don't expect.

Nothing can "negate" an opinion. That doesn't mean all opinions are correct or well-founded, or that there is no way for knowledge to be interjected. It also doesn't mean your opinion isn't valuable - it's just not equally valuable as facts and knowledge.