Why do people say IMO?

Why does everyone need to label everything they say with "it's my opinion"? It should be self explanatory... They're saying, so obviously it's their opinion.

Kind of pointless topic... If any of you wants to discuss this, that's fine... If not... I think I'll live.

It's a concession to all the pedantic posters who'll otherwise jump down your throat and remind you "that's just your opinion".jimmyjammer69

It's a concession to all the pedantic posters who'll otherwise jump down your throat and remind you "that's just your opinion".jimmyjammer69

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"]It's a concession to all the pedantic posters who'll otherwise jump down your throat and remind you "that's just your opinion".A-l-g-r-e-n

Why does everyone need to label everything they say with "it's my opinion"? It should be self explanatory... They're saying, so obviously it's their opinion.

Kind of pointless topic... If any of you wants to discuss this, that's fine... If not... I think I'll live.

A-l-g-r-e-n

IMO, it's because this is often said when the claim being making is NOT something that is subject to opinion.

For example, "IMO, there are aliens on other planets,"

Thing is, that's not subject to OPINION. There are ARE aliens on other planets, or there are NOT aliens on other planets. So people include "IMO" in order to say that they are not making a factual claim of what is, but are simply saying what they believe to be.

Meanwhile,m if you say "that movie sucked", then most people don't include the IMO. They just say "that movie sucked". Why? Because now they are dealing with a claim which IS determined largely by opinion. The very subject matter at hand cannot be assessed without including one's opinion, so it is redundant to include "IMO". You're making an opinion simply by making a value judgement on something that is so largely and inherently subjective.

Common courtesy, basically. "The Xbox 360 sucks" and "IMO, the Xbox 360 leaves a lot to be desired" both articulate roughly the same message, but are worlds apart in terms of the likelihood that someone will listen to it rather than feel as though they are being attacked by it.

Common courtesy, basically. "The Xbox 360 sucks" and "IMO, the Xbox 360 leaves a lot to be desired" both articulate roughly the same message, but are worlds apart in terms of the likelihood that someone will listen to it rather than feel as though they are being attacked by it.

GabuEx

[QUOTE="A-l-g-r-e-n"]

Why does everyone need to label everything they say with "it's my opinion"? It should be self explanatory... They're saying, so obviously it's their opinion.

Kind of pointless topic... If any of you wants to discuss this, that's fine... If not... I think I'll live.

MrGeezer

IMO, it's because this is often said when the claim being making is NOT something that is subject to opinion.

For example, "IMO, there are aliens on other planets,"

Thing is, that's not subject to OPINION. There are ARE aliens on other planets, or there are NOT aliens on other planets. So people include "IMO" in order to say that they are not making a factual claim of what is, but are simply saying what they believe to be.

Meanwhile,m if you say "that movie sucked", then most people don't include the IMO. They just say "that movie sucked". Why? Because now they are dealing with a claim which IS determined largely by opinion. The very subject matter at hand cannot be assessed without including one's opinion, so it is redundant to include "IMO". You're making an opinion simply by making a value judgement on something that is so largely and inherently subjective.

But is it an attack to say "The 360 leaves a lot to be desired"?darkmoney52

Try that on SW and you'll see.

[QUOTE="MrGeezer"]

[QUOTE="A-l-g-r-e-n"]

Why does everyone need to label everything they say with "it's my opinion"? It should be self explanatory... They're saying, so obviously it's their opinion.

Kind of pointless topic... If any of you wants to discuss this, that's fine... If not... I think I'll live.

jimmyjammer69

IMO, it's because this is often said when the claim being making is NOT something that is subject to opinion.

For example, "IMO, there are aliens on other planets,"

Thing is, that's not subject to OPINION. There are ARE aliens on other planets, or there are NOT aliens on other planets. So people include "IMO" in order to say that they are not making a factual claim of what is, but are simply saying what they believe to be.

Meanwhile,m if you say "that movie sucked", then most people don't include the IMO. They just say "that movie sucked". Why? Because now they are dealing with a claim which IS determined largely by opinion. The very subject matter at hand cannot be assessed without including one's opinion, so it is redundant to include "IMO". You're making an opinion simply by making a value judgement on something that is so largely and inherently subjective.

The claim that "America could withstand to withdraw troops from the middle east" is just as inherently reliant on opinion as stating that a movie sucks. That's not simply just an either/or claim about which we don't know its status. Again, it's the nature of the claim being made that makes it reliant on opinion.

Meanwhile, some claims ARE simple either/or claims devoid of any value judgements. As I previously stated, the questions of aliens or gods. Opinion has no bearing on that. There either are aliens/gods, or there aren't. One's opinion has absolutely NOTHING to do with it. Therefore, when making concrete claims about these types of subjects, it is more appropriate to include the phrase "IMO".

But is it an attack to say "The 360 leaves a lot to be desired"? I don't think it is, especially in long debates. There have been to many times on this site where I've stated "imo" in my first post only to be admonished for not repeating "imo" before everything I state in the next 10 posts.darkmoney52

No, it's not - that's my point: there are a million and one ways to phrase what you want to say; some of them will cause others to recoil defensively and will ensure that no one will actually listen to what you have to say, whereas others will put people at ease and make conversation much easier. Prefacing something with the acknowledgment that it is just your opinion, and that you therefore are not attempting to tell those who disagree that they are wrong, is just one of the many good ideas in terms of proper human relations. Of course, "IMO" is not by any means the only way of accomplishing this goal.

[QUOTE="darkmoney52"] But is it an attack to say "The 360 leaves a lot to be desired"?Dystopian-X

Try that on SW and you'll see.

I always thought it meant, "I might opine."

Same thing I guess. I think people say it to sound smart by trying to sound conversationally modest.

I do the same thing with the words albeit, whereas and notwithstanding.

Per se.

[QUOTE="darkmoney52"]But is it an attack to say "The 360 leaves a lot to be desired"? I don't think it is, especially in long debates. There have been to many times on this site where I've stated "imo" in my first post only to be admonished for not repeating "imo" before everything I state in the next 10 posts.GabuEx

No, it's not - that's my point: there are a million and one ways to phrase what you want to say; some of them will cause others to recoil defensively and will ensure that no one will actually listen to what you have to say, whereas others will put people at ease and make conversation much easier. Prefacing something with the acknowledgment that it is just your opinion, and that you therefore are not attempting to tell those who disagree that they are wrong, is just one of the many good ideas in terms of proper human relations. Of course, "IMO" is not by any means the only way of accomplishing this goal.

Take the topic that's up right now asking Christians why they believe in God. Now, I haven't looked at it, but I can gurantee that at multiple times in that thread atheists will come in and give some answer meaning "Because they're stupid/sheep" and no one will call them out on it. But if I happen to say "Epic Movie is the worst movie I've ever seen" someone will feel the urge to remind me that it's just my opinion.

I guess I'm splitting hairs here seeing as we agree on the actual subject, but I don't like how this community places so much emphasis on using phrases like "imo" while being snarky, condescending, and mean-spirited is never called out.

Take the topic that's up right now asking Christians why they believe in God. Now, I haven't looked at it, but I can gurantee that at multiple times in that thread atheists will come in and give some answer meaning "Because they're stupid/sheep" and no one will call them out on it. But if I happen to say "Epic Movie is the worst movie I've ever seen" someone will feel the urge to remind me that it's just my opinion.

darkmoney52

Well yes, the ultimate point of what I'm saying is the idea that our speech should carry respect for others. As with any other communication, it's the message that matters, not the words used to convey it.

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"][QUOTE="MrGeezer"]

IMO, it's because this is often said when the claim being making is NOT something that is subject to opinion.

For example, "IMO, there are aliens on other planets,"

Thing is, that's not subject to OPINION. There are ARE aliens on other planets, or there are NOT aliens on other planets. So people include "IMO" in order to say that they are not making a factual claim of what is, but are simply saying what they believe to be.

Meanwhile,m if you say "that movie sucked", then most people don't include the IMO. They just say "that movie sucked". Why? Because now they are dealing with a claim which IS determined largely by opinion. The very subject matter at hand cannot be assessed without including one's opinion, so it is redundant to include "IMO". You're making an opinion simply by making a value judgement on something that is so largely and inherently subjective.

MrGeezer

The claim that "America could withstand to withdraw troops from the middle east" is just as inherently reliant on opinion as stating that a movie sucks. That's not simply just an either/or claim about which we don't know its status. Again, it's the nature of the claim being made that makes it reliant on opinion.

Meanwhile, some claims ARE simple either/or claims devoid of any value judgements. As I previously stated, the questions of aliens or gods. Opinion has no bearing on that. There either are aliens/gods, or there aren't. One's opinion has absolutely NOTHING to do with it. Therefore, when making concrete claims about these types of subjects, it is more appropriate to include the phrase "IMO".

1) That there is a value judgement behind 'pointless' and what constitutes meaningfulness to an individual;

2) That I think arguing about that kind of minutiae is 'pointless' and hope that serves as a big old I CAN'T BE BOTHERED TO ARGUE THIS STUFF to pedants.

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"]It's a concession to all the pedantic posters who'll otherwise jump down your throat and remind you "that's just your opinion".XilePrincess

IMO,you arespot on

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"]It's a concession to all the pedantic posters who'll otherwise jump down your throat and remind you "that's just your opinion".XilePrincess

It doesn't really matter, though. Sometimes people will snap your head off anyway because they can read your thoughts and you are clearly only using IMO as a way to not seem like an arrogant jerk even though you are in fact being an arrogant jerk. Someone will always be offended...

Why does everyone need to label everything they say with "it's my opinion"? It should be self explanatory... They're saying, so obviously it's their opinion.

Kind of pointless topic... If any of you wants to discuss this, that's fine... If not... I think I'll live.

Why not?

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"]It's a concession to all the pedantic posters who'll otherwise jump down your throat and remind you "that's just your opinion".A-l-g-r-e-n

In order to illustrate the fact that the idea or viewpoint they have just presented is not a universal fact, but their own opinion.

[QUOTE="A-l-g-r-e-n"]

Why does everyone need to label everything they say with "it's my opinion"? It should be self explanatory... They're saying, so obviously it's their opinion.

Kind of pointless topic... If any of you wants to discuss this, that's fine... If not... I think I'll live.

MrGeezer

IMO, it's because this is often said when the claim being making is NOT something that is subject to opinion.

For example, "IMO, there are aliens on other planets,"

Thing is, that's not subject to OPINION. There are ARE aliens on other planets, or there are NOT aliens on other planets. So people include "IMO" in order to say that they are not making a factual claim of what is, but are simply saying what they believe to be.

Meanwhile,m if you say "that movie sucked", then most people don't include the IMO. They just say "that movie sucked". Why? Because now they are dealing with a claim which IS determined largely by opinion. The very subject matter at hand cannot be assessed without including one's opinion, so it is redundant to include "IMO". You're making an opinion simply by making a value judgement on something that is so largely and inherently subjective.

so it does not get misinterpreted as fact.

"Everyone should drink beer" can easily be misunderstood

"Imo, everyone should drink beer" is, like, my opinion man

"IMO" grants you some slack, too, in my experience.

[QUOTE="A-l-g-r-e-n"][QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"]It's a concession to all the pedantic posters who'll otherwise jump down your throat and remind you "that's just your opinion".guynamedbilly

[QUOTE="MrGeezer"]

[QUOTE="A-l-g-r-e-n"]

Why does everyone need to label everything they say with "it's my opinion"? It should be self explanatory... They're saying, so obviously it's their opinion.

Kind of pointless topic... If any of you wants to discuss this, that's fine... If not... I think I'll live.

A-l-g-r-e-n

IMO, it's because this is often said when the claim being making is NOT something that is subject to opinion.

For example, "IMO, there are aliens on other planets,"

Thing is, that's not subject to OPINION. There are ARE aliens on other planets, or there are NOT aliens on other planets. So people include "IMO" in order to say that they are not making a factual claim of what is, but are simply saying what they believe to be.

Meanwhile,m if you say "that movie sucked", then most people don't include the IMO. They just say "that movie sucked". Why? Because now they are dealing with a claim which IS determined largely by opinion. The very subject matter at hand cannot be assessed without including one's opinion, so it is redundant to include "IMO". You're making an opinion simply by making a value judgement on something that is so largely and inherently subjective.

its called e-etiquette

by declaring something as opinion, youre not opening yourself up to attack unless someone elses opinion contrasts greatly with yours.

Is it 100% necessary? No, but it helps not to offend anyone and get in unnecessary arguments.

Its like, imo, "please" and "thank you" in normal speech. Its not necessary, but it helps.

It's a concession to all the pedantic posters who'll otherwise jump down your throat and remind you "that's just your opinion".jimmyjammer69

[QUOTE="jimmyjammer69"]It's a concession to all the pedantic posters who'll otherwise jump down your throat and remind you "that's just your opinion".aaronmullan

[QUOTE="A-l-g-r-e-n"][QUOTE="MrGeezer"]

IMO, it's because this is often said when the claim being making is NOT something that is subject to opinion.

For example, "IMO, there are aliens on other planets,"

Thing is, that's not subject to OPINION. There are ARE aliens on other planets, or there are NOT aliens on other planets. So people include "IMO" in order to say that they are not making a factual claim of what is, but are simply saying what they believe to be.

Meanwhile,m if you say "that movie sucked", then most people don't include the IMO. They just say "that movie sucked". Why? Because now they are dealing with a claim which IS determined largely by opinion. The very subject matter at hand cannot be assessed without including one's opinion, so it is redundant to include "IMO". You're making an opinion simply by making a value judgement on something that is so largely and inherently subjective.

mrbojangles25

its called e-etiquette

by declaring something as opinion, youre not opening yourself up to attack unless someone elses opinion contrasts greatly with yours.

Is it 100% necessary? No, but it helps not to offend anyone and get in unnecessary arguments.

Its like, imo, "please" and "thank you" in normal speech. Its not necessary, but it helps.

It's a concession to all the pedantic posters who'll otherwise jump down your throat and remind you "that's just your opinion".jimmyjammer69

lol, hit the nail on the head. imo of course :P

Because some people automatically assume that you are saying something as a fact.

To prevent the 'n' "BUT THATS YOUR OPINION" posts that are sure to follow anyone who does not put that.