<p>I agree with CoachC (which goes back to NotMamaRose), that internet writing is different than writing an essay. In my work, I help with revisions of essays (am in the thick of it at this time of year) and talk to students about taking out “I think”, “I believe”, “I know”…from their essays. But on a message board, it works well to make a distinction of whether you are posting an opinion or stating facts. So, I know in my own posts, I often use “In my opinon” or “in my view”. In fact, did you ever see people use the shorthand, “IMHO”? That stands for “in my humble opinion.” Another difference, at least for me, when I write on the internet, I do so in a very casual conversational tone. I write and post and don’t edit for real good writing. It is more of a conversation that is typed. I also think it is easy to be misinterpretted in posts as they are not “live” in “real time” and no tone of voice or facial expressions, etc. And so a lot of times, if someone misunderstands the meaning of a post, that person would do well to clarify what they truly meant if they feel their post was not interpretted in the way it was intended.</p>
<p>Michael, thanks for post #117. I feel as you do about what we share here and how. You articulated that so well. I think it is better to share information, pros/cons, personal viewpoints and experiences which would include why you personally chose a certain program, etc. It is when comparisons are made in terms of what is “better”, is when problems seem to arise on the forum, particularly when the comparisons are made between one another’s choices. The choices have personal rationales. It is good to share those. That is not the same as describing what is better. It should be why one chose a certain thing for reasons of their own, which is really all it is about anyway. And Michael, I have to admit, I remember the Kennel Ration jingle. :D</p>