Normally, you should know about something before you could possibly comment.

If you have an opinion about something you know about, you're considered qualified to comment.

If you have an opinion about something you THINK you know about, but don't really, are you really qualified to comment?

As this is a wide area, let's confine discussion to posting on Gaire as an example, (Though if you wish to expand, in order to make your points, feel free to do so.)

Moat of the time I steer clear of music threads except to ask questions. (once in a blue moon, as I haven't a clue about music, obviously)

Other threads, If I feel I am qualified to comment, I would comment. Other times, I pose my points in the form of a question as I'm interested in learning more, BEFORE i make any definite comments.

The reason for this thread? the Babysitting thread, the sex threads, and so on.

What ya talkin bout

Ah, the good old nombrilistic threads.
(nombrilistic = navel staring)

We are on the internet: why should people feel qualify to comment before the comment?
Did our ancestor have that feeling when sitting at a bar stool?

Do you really need to be "qualified" to ever offer forth a comment on any given subject? Sometimes the comments made in ignorance of the subject matter will force others once thinking themselves qualified to reevalute or reinforce their particular stance and in doing so opens doors and minds.
I have often replied to threads about things I would consider myself to be less knowledgable about in an attempt to gain an understanding or challenge others perceptions.
Personally I feel that just because a topic may not be within the realms of your expertise or even regular interest it doesnt necessarily make your contribution any less meaningful or relevant.

@ Jenny

Example... I know nothing about music. How could I possibly comment?

Some people like commenting about things they really know nothing about, but THINK they do, or have no experience of.

I would never talk about the direct experience of being homeless as I was never homeless.

What do you think? Should people who know nothing about a given topic give their opinions? How would they learn otherwise? I think myself, if they ask questions, that's ok, but not try to pass off as experts.

This make any sense to you?

ah intrepid! *gestures to intrepid to come thither for a hug*. I think it's just been noted that you are ALWAYS in the sex threads but never add a whole lot and certainly anything based on experience!

I have a past I don't want to talk about on the boards. ok.

(Thanks for the virtual hug.)

People should be allowed to comment on what they like.Who are we to say what people can and cant write.

Maybe they are trying to get an understanding of the topic bein talked about.

yes, Jenny. Honey stated it clearly.

I've rarely ever got anything of any value to add to a thread but will comment on the ones that I've got a "smart answer" for. Until people start telling me to shut the hell up, then I'll continue to comment with little understanding, where ever I wish too.

There are threads I don't even open the big Brother, celebrity type threads and there are threads I am constantly in but others are not the GAA thread and the sports threads, I am out of my depth when it comes to law, so I tend too to ask question rather than post a specific contribution or if I have something to say that I think will be perceived as funny.

Just makin sure ya know Intrepid

Exactly.
If i make a comment and what i say is wrong then i will be corrected and i will learn from that. People can have opinions on everything and anything, even things they are unsure of or they are only hearing about for the first time.

Sometimes i read some comments that show the person who made it obviously knows fuck all about what there talking about, but so what? Id rather read that then 2 pages of 'I value your opinion' 'Im not qualified to discuss that' like we had yesterday in the parents going out thread.

I'mI'm not gay, black, a father, a Muslim, in space, eating chips in Blackpool or dying of cat aids, but i probably have an opinion on them all without being that knowledgeable about them.

Just type if you want to type, talk if you want to talk. Fuck it.


IMO No

Excellent point