Is everyone on the internet entitled to an opinion?

[GuitarTone]

This subject has always interested me...especially on the internet.

I know that everybody is entitled to an opinion because it's democratically correct, but where does it begin and where does it end?

For example.
Am I entitled to an opinion on the subject of what is a bad, good, very good, or exceptional Les Paul if I'm not a pro guitarist, not a gigging guitarist, only an intermediate level guitarist, and haven't played a few dozen LPs?

I believe I'm not qualified so this is what I do.
I watch, listen, observe what qualified guitarists opinions are, and if the consensus amongst all of them is that yes this is one hell of a good LP, and that one is not so good, then that must be the truth...not from reading what they say, but actually being in the same room as them.
Qualified guitarists being guys who've been gigging for a few years, have played dozens of LPs from all the era's, have a level of playing that allows them to play so called LP style music at a high level, etc, etc.
If I listen to these 'qualified' guitarists for long enough, then yes perhaps I'll eventually be qualified to have my own opinion, but right now my opinion must be based on their opinions.

If I want to be a lawyer in SA, then I go to University for 5 or 6 years, after finishing I must first do 2 years as an articled clerk, and then I'm qualified to be a lawyer.
If I'm standing around a barbecue with a few lawyers/Advocates and they're discussing a particular court case, should I give my opinion or should I shutup and "listen" to what they're saying and rather learn from them, because surely my opinion is irrelevant.

I know it's unstoppable, internet opinions are here to stay, or even opinions around the barbecue, so what's the solution...is it to ignore the opinions of those you think aren't qualified, or to question them on their qualifications?
Problem is, if you question them, then you're considered an a-hole, arrogant, bad mannered, etc, etc.

What's your opinion on the subject of being qualified to have a valid opinion?

[dkaplowitz]

If you avoid the Internet entirely, this problem will be solved for you. Can't say I haven't been thinking about doing just that lately -- and my career is in IT. That failing, ignoring the obviously unqualified helps. Sad thing is, lots of people come across authoritatively, so if you're not already strong enough on a subject to know when someone's full of shit (or just spewing bad information, sincerely), you might think that person is qualified based on his delivery. FWIW, this type of crap isn't isolated to the Internet.

[mike walker]

We are all entitled to our opinion.

Otherwise, it gets extremely dodgy. I cannot imagine the darkness that awaits a society that says 'you are not entitled to an opinion'.

I know ya didn't mean that, but it really is a slippery slope. And obviously I'd be crossing lines if i went further.

Being qualified to give it is a whole different argument. But qualified or not, we should fight for your right to give it.

[Midnight Lady]

Everyone is entitled to an opinion.... even if it is an uneducated one.

The point would be to give your uneducated opinon and then LISTEN to the others that follow that correct you or direct you to a more legitimate opinion.

It can be a learning experience but it is important sometimes to simply shut our mouths and open our ears, then we learn something.

It is this second part that is not done nearly enough.

[Brian D]

Originally Posted by mc1

seriously, of course everyone is entitled to an opinion. but as you point out, not every opinion is as informed as every other.

And there you have it.

[Ricman]

[vkennedy]

Just because you're entitled to have an opinion it doesn't mean you're required to have an opinion.

[mike walker]

Originally Posted by Ricman

The irony.

[GuitarTone]

[bluesjunior]

Opinions are like a***holes, everybody's got one.

[shakeshakeshake]

opinions make for excellent toilet paper

[mike walker]

Originally Posted by mc1

clearly brian d is of superior intelligence and this is an informed and valid opinion.

Agreed.

[dkaplowitz]

Opinions are like penises. Just because you have one, doesn't mean you need to insert it everywhere. And sometimes it just doesn't belong where you have the urge to stick it. So keep it in your pantaloons.

[Automatic L.]

Originally Posted by dkaplowitz

Opinions are like penises. Just because you have one, doesn't mean you need to insert it everywhere. And sometimes it just doesn't belong where you have the urge to stick it. So keep it in your pantaloons.

Agreed.

[wannabweiland]

I don't have an opinion on this issue.