# We can't state opinions as fact? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [December 20, 2010, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868 "2010-12-20T20:03:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/61 "2010-12-21T01:49:17Z")
Yes you do. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/62 "2010-12-21T01:52:26Z")
I totally have you mixed up with someone else. Apologies. ---
**Author:** ![iamnotbatman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/858c86/32.png) [@iamnotbatman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamnotbatman)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/63 "2010-12-21T01:54:43Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > You have me confused with somebody else. You are not describinmg my posting history. I do not do these things. To everyone I _entreat_: really? _Really_?? ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/64 "2010-12-21T02:03:32Z")
Yes, really. I accept MOL’s apology. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/65 "2010-12-21T02:08:29Z")
I never thougth Dio was a troll, just really obstinate. Until this thread. Keep going Dio, this shit is hilarious! ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/66 "2010-12-21T02:10:58Z")
You’re stating an opinion as a fact. That is against the new rules! ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/67 "2010-12-21T02:18:03Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > You’re stating an opinion as a fact. That is against the new rules! I did preface with “I thought”, so I should be cool. ---
**Author:** ![iamnotbatman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/858c86/32.png) [@iamnotbatman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamnotbatman)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/68 "2010-12-21T02:18:41Z")
You jumped the gun, Dio. That comeback would have been withering (\*) had it been a propos. She quite clearly said she “thought”. _(_) not\* ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/69 "2010-12-21T03:11:20Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > I don’t have a history. The Dio show is a phenomenon of others, not me. This is one of the funniest things I’ve read from you in a while. You don’t have a history? Seriously? You’ve posted 17+ times a day, EVERY day, since you joined in 2002. You indeed have a history (and presumably a lot of free time). How can you not? And your method of communication easily qualifies you as the Cliff Clavin of the SDMB. or not. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/70 "2010-12-21T03:14:16Z")
I do not have a history of _trolling_ which was the accusation I was responding to. ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/72 "2010-12-21T03:45:58Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > I do not have a history of _trolling_ which was the accusation I was responding to. Is that an opinion, or fact? ---
**Author:** ![iamnotbatman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/858c86/32.png) [@iamnotbatman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamnotbatman)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/73 "2010-12-21T03:52:45Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > I do not have a history of _trolling_ which was the accusation I was responding to. This is not true as clearly evidenced in this thread’s history: > [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > I don’t have a history. The Dio show is a phenomenon of others, not me. **Dio** didn’t use a semicolon here, but the logical implication seems to be that he doesn’t have a history of posts that are in part responsible for derailing threads. He seems to be implying that the “history” is an illusion due to a conspiracy among others. > [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Then do me a favor. Next time you make one of your crazy, off-topic statements, just do so once, let it go, and don’t keep posting craziness to the thread until someone bites. Can you do that? Also, no more three posts in a row to a thread, as opposed to just saying what you needed to say in a single post. The Dio rabid-posts are inherently disruptive. > [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > You have me confused with somebody else. You are not describinmg my posting history. I do not do these things. Here **Dio** is denying a posting history described by MeanOldLady, one that was not referred to as trolling, but outlined a few specific observations about his posting behavior. > [@iamnotbatman](#): > > The problem, Dio, is that you have a very clear history. When others make a seemingly jejune blanket statement (and are not just fooling around), then when they are called on it they usually will explain their position in more detail. You, on the other hand, will continue to make facile blanket statements in response, presenting them as fact, without hardly a word of explanation. You continue to offer just enough to poke the ant hill. You do this over and over again in thread after thread. This is trolling, and it is fair for a moderator to take that into account when determining whether to give the benefit of the doubt to a post that might derail a thread’s discussion. > [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > No, I don’t “have a history,” and I’ve never trolled in my life. **Dio** has curtly expressed that the word “troll” does not apply to him, yet he has not addressed any of the observations made about his posting behavior, which refer to the history in question. The history that supports the observation of “trollish” behavior, though call it what you will. I have further pointed to specific posts he has made, and he has not responded. Furthermore, he is currently putting on a display of precisely the behavior I have described and predicted elsewhere in this thread. He denies he has a “history” in a way that appears obtuse, so that numerous responders are baited into proving him wrong. He could at any time allay the “confusion” through a sentence or two of explanation, but instead he continues to poke the beehive until when backed into a corner he clarifies his position _just enough_ to free him to begin the process over again. I have witnessed this happen so many times that it has become a sort of comic relief. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/74 "2010-12-21T03:53:03Z")
That is a fact. I have perfect knowledge of my own mind and intentions. I am not speculating or guessing. I have never trolled. ---
**Author:** ![crypto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b3f665/32.png) [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/75 "2010-12-21T03:56:28Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > That is a fact. I have perfect knowledge of my own mind and intentions. I am not speculating or guessing. I have never trolled. It would seem, **Dio** , that many of the posters in this very thread disagree with you. Why do you suppose that is? ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/76 "2010-12-21T03:57:37Z")
> [@iamnotbatman](#): > > This is not true as clearly evidenced in this thread’s history: > **Dio** didn’t use a semicolon here, but the logical implication seems to be that he doesn’t have a history of posts that are in part responsible for derailing threads. He seems to be implying that the “history” is an illusion due to a conspiracy among others. I do not have any such history. That is a fact. What I do have is a history of getting piled on by by people who can’t tolerate someone disagreeing with them. > [@](#): > > Here **Dio** is denying a posting history described by MeanOldLady, one that was not referred to as trolling, but outlined a few specific observations about his posting behavior. What she said about my posting history was false. I have not exhibited any of the characteristics she attributed to me. > [@](#): > > **Dio** has curtly expressed that the word “troll” does not apply to him, and yet he has not addressed any of the specific observations made about his posting behavior These “observations” are not accurate. The behavior and motivations I’m accused of exist purely in the imagination of others. If you think you have a legitimate gripe about me, fucking REPORT me. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/77 "2010-12-21T03:59:16Z")
> [@Stink Fish Pot](#): > > It would seem, **Dio** , that many of the posters in this very thread disagree with you. Why do you suppose that is? I neither know nor care. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/78 "2010-12-21T04:08:28Z")
I can state as fact that you _appear_ to care. ---
**Author:** ![iamnotbatman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/858c86/32.png) [@iamnotbatman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamnotbatman)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/79 "2010-12-21T04:09:50Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > That is a fact. I have perfect knowledge of my own mind and intentions. I am not speculating or guessing. I have never trolled. Then let us into that mind of yours **Dio** : respond to my [questions](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=13273087&postcount=56) about your posting behavior. I have little hope for such a response, so, for the sake of discussion, let’s just suppose that the accusation is “behavior consistent with trolling,” not one of intentions. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/80 "2010-12-21T04:10:21Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > I do not have any such history. That is a fact. What I do have is a history of getting piled on by by people who can’t tolerate someone disagreeing with them. On the contrary, most of these threads contain people who disagree with you, while at the same time making concession after concession as if to show you that giving ground on points of reasonable discussion doesn’t result in public shame. It’s like bringing out a potty training doll, and showing little Dio that it’s okay to make in the toilet - yet you keep filling your pants up with crap every single time. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868/81 "2010-12-21T04:12:46Z")
I have no idea what the fuck you’re talking about, but it sounds like your expressing opinions as fact. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-state-opinions-as-fact/564868.md?page=5)