Originally posted by Nephilim
Optical:
I have asked a question as a forum user. Will you just ignore it because you feel like it or am I going to get an answer from you? Seeing as you seem to be the only mod feeling any need to do business in this forum.
If you want to state a fact, by all means prefix it with "Fact:" If you do post facts, then always back it up with links to other websites, references to books, journals etc. Particularly if the fact in question is contentious.
If you are stating an opinion, you can either prefix it with "Opinion:" or you can phrase your comment in such a way that you are obviously expressing an opinion.
eg:
In my opinion, horses are evil.
Opinion: Horses are evil.
Those are acceptable.
Simply stating "Horses are evil" though is not. Use your common sense. Do not make a post where you hold an opinion out to be a fact.
Similarly, if you prefix a comment which is rude, threatening or otherwise unacceptable with "Opinion:" then this will not save you.
e.g.
"I am of the opinion that one cannot rule out possible CIA involvement in the Bali Bombing atrocity, for the following reasons: blablabla"
would be acceptable.
"Opinion: The CIA carried out the Bali Bombing"
would not be. In the first example, the comment is non-confrontational, and the writer is showing that they are unsure of their comment, but are refering to reasons why they think it might be
possible.
In the second example, you have a bald assertion with no supporting statements or references.
Its all about phrasing. Contentious posts are allowed, but do think about what you are posting, and if in doubt, ask a moderator. If you try to be a smartass, expect to be carried off shrieking into the night by a leather winged demon.