# Sealioning **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 16, 2019, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837 "2019-10-16T10:36:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2019, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/361 "2019-10-28T20:45:29Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > A conclusion should be, but an opinion is not. What accurate information did you use in choosing to be biased towards blue over red? None. I freely admit it is an opinion based on no accurate information. I can admit that. Many posters can’t. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2019, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/362 "2019-10-30T19:40:11Z")
Sealion alert! [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=884596](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=884596) Czarcasm with no attempt at subtlety asking for cites and asking questions. Will he get a special prohibition and a lecture? ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2019, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/363 "2019-10-30T20:43:25Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Sealion alert! > > [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=884596](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=884596) > > Czarcasm with no attempt at subtlety asking for cites and asking questions. Will he get a special prohibition and a lecture? I don’t know, he provided his own definition of hate speech when asked, he provided cites about Sarah Jeong’s actual positions, and so on. Maybe it was a little? But, I think he was engaging in good faith, adding his own opinions, and generally providing cites and context to his position. That said, if you think it was trolling of the sealion sort, you should definitely report it. If he’s accused of that often, he’ll probably get a mod note, then a warning, then a suspension if he ignores the moderators instructions. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2019, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/364 "2019-10-30T21:09:06Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > I don’t know, he provided his own definition of hate speech when asked, he provided cites about Sarah Jeong’s actual positions, and so on. Maybe it was a little? But, I think he was engaging in good faith, adding his own opinions, and generally providing cites and context to his position. > > That said, if you think it was trolling of the sealion sort, you should definitely report it. If he’s accused of that often, he’ll probably get a mod note, then a warning, then a suspension if he ignores the moderators instructions. Yes, you should report that asshole **Czarcasm** if you think he broke the rules. He is no better than almost anyone else here. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [October 30, 2019, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/365 "2019-10-30T21:12:53Z")
I wonder if there is a penalty for deliberately making a false report/complaint against someone. I can see some of our snowflake Trumpies doing exactly that, ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/366 "2019-10-31T14:41:29Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > None. I freely admit it is an opinion based on no accurate information. As are all opinions. > [@](#): > > I can admit that. Many posters can’t. Is that an opinion, or something that you are willing to back up? ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/367 "2019-10-31T15:05:05Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > Is that an opinion, or something that you are willing to back up? Sorry, not allowed to ask questions. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/368 "2019-10-31T15:28:29Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Sorry, not allowed to ask questions. Since when? :rolleyes: I just found it amusing, and wasn’t sure if you meant it to be intentional, to leave such a weasel word there. The whole accusation of “many” without actually naming any particular names lets you pretend to have a point, but when called on it, you can’t name any of the “many” that you are accusing here. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/369 "2019-10-31T15:30:59Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > As are all opinions. I WAS going to get a second opinion on my cancer diagnosis, but since they’re not based on accurate information, why bother? ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/370 "2019-10-31T15:34:01Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > Since when? :rolleyes: > > I just found it amusing, and wasn’t sure if you meant it to be intentional, to leave such a weasel word there. The whole accusation of “many” without actually naming any particular names lets you pretend to have a point, but when called on it, you can’t name any of the “many” that you are accusing here. Yes, actually, that was the point 🙂 “Some” can also be used. Example “Some people are saying” Actually, now that you mention it, I should have used “some”. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/371 "2019-10-31T15:43:29Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > I WAS going to get a second opinion on my cancer diagnosis, but since they’re not based on accurate information, why bother? Not only that, but you are not allowed to ask the doctor why he has that opinion on your cancer diagnosis, lest you be accused of “sealioning” ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/372 "2019-10-31T15:50:02Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > I WAS going to get a second opinion on my cancer diagnosis, but since they’re not based on accurate information, why bother? Sounds serious. I would get a [medical opinion](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medical%20opinion) about that, first or second. I wouldn’t trust just some guy’s opinion though. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/373 "2019-10-31T15:58:21Z")
It’s still an opinion, something you yourself said is based on no accurate information. Perhaps instead of saying “all opinions”, you should have said “Many opinions” or “Some opinions”? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/374 "2019-10-31T16:02:43Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Yes, actually, that was the point 🙂 “Some” can also be used. Example “Some people are saying” > > Actually, now that you mention it, I should have used “some”. I’ve seen a few people use that. > [@Slash1972](#): > > Not only that, but you are not allowed to ask the doctor why he has that opinion on your cancer diagnosis, lest you be accused of “sealioning” You certainly can ask for the information that has led the doctor to come to the diagnosis that he has, but keep in mind that doctors too get asked to “justify” their opinions by anti-vaxxers. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/375 "2019-10-31T16:12:48Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > It’s still an opinion, something you yourself said is based on no accurate information. > > Perhaps instead of saying “all opinions”, you should have said “Many opinions” or “Some opinions”? > 🙂 It’s not an opinion. It is a medical opinion. Adjectives aren’t just for decoration, you know, they can actually change the meaning of the word that they modify. If someone says, “In my opinion…” then that is not based on anything. They can not justify it, and asking them to do so is a waste of everyone’s time. If someone says, “In my professional opinion…” then that is based on their knowledge and authority in their profession. They can justify it, and explain to you how they came to that opinion. They use the word “opinion” because medical stuff is complex, and while they have come to a conclusion based on facts and evidence, it is still their opinion on how to interpret those facts and evidence, and another doctor may look at the same circumstances and come to a different conclusion. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/376 "2019-10-31T16:18:29Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > It’s not an opinion. It is a medical opinion. Adjectives aren’t just for decoration, you know, they can actually change the meaning of the word that they modify. > > If someone says, “In my opinion…” then that is not based on anything. They can not justify it, and asking them to do so is a waste of everyone’s time. > > If someone says, “In my professional opinion…” then that is based on their knowledge and authority in their profession. They can justify it, and explain to you how they came to that opinion. They use the word “opinion” because medical stuff is complex, and while they have come to a conclusion based on facts and evidence, it is still their opinion on how to interpret those facts and evidence, and another doctor may look at the same circumstances and come to a different conclusion. In my professional opinion, you are now backtracking on your statement that all opinions are based on no accurate information. Unless you want to stipulate that your definition of “opinions” does not include “medical opinions” or “professional opinions” In fact, I would go as far as to say your opinion on what “opinions” are is based on no accurate information. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/377 "2019-10-31T16:35:23Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > If someone says, “In my opinion…” then that is not based on anything. They can not justify it, and asking them to do so is a waste of everyone’s time. This is one of the stupidest things I’ve read on a message board that attracts some really stupid people. My non-medical, non-profesional, non-legal opinion is that Donald Trump sucks as President. You are a fucking idiot if you think that it is impossible to justify that statement. What is wrong with you? ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/378 "2019-10-31T16:39:33Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > Sounds serious. I would get a [medical opinion](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medical%20opinion) about that, first or second. I wouldn’t trust just some guy’s opinion though. You wouldn’t trust some guys [opinion?](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opinion) defined by a source you apparently like as > [@](#): > > a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter don’t see anything there, or elsewhere in the definition, requiring that an opinion be based on nothing. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/379 "2019-10-31T17:18:00Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > In my professional opinion, you are now backtracking on your statement that all opinions are based on no accurate information. > > Unless you want to stipulate that your definition of “opinions” does not include “medical opinions” or “professional opinions” > > In fact, I would go as far as to say your opinion on what “opinions” are is based on no accurate information. Would you like me to base my definition of “opinion” on something? [Here you go](https://www.google.com/search?q=opinion&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS705US705&oq=opinion&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l2j69i60l3.1159j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8). > [@](#): > > o·pin·ion > /əˈpinyən/ > Learn to pronounce > noun > a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. > [@Ravenman](#): > > This is one of the stupidest things I’ve read on a message board that attracts some really stupid people. And a fine fuck you to you, too. > [@](#): > > My non-medical, non-profesional, non-legal opinion is that Donald Trump sucks as President. You are a fucking idiot if you think that it is impossible to justify that statement. That sounds like a conclusion based on facts. Unless of course, you are saying that he sucks without any facts or justifications, then it would be an opinion. > [@](#): > > What is wrong with you? There’s a whole list of things, actually, but you are not qualified to have an opinion on them. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2019, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837/380 "2019-10-31T17:22:42Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > You wouldn’t trust some guys [opinion?](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opinion) defined by a source you apparently like as don’t see anything there, or elsewhere in the definition, requiring that an opinion be based on nothing. So, you agree with the idea that if someone expresses their opinion, they should be required to justify it? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sealioning/841837.md?page=20)