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Why forums are dangerous to your opinions ...

by Raydal
45 replies
I just read an article by Joel Stein (No Comment)
in this weeks (3/18/13) TIME magazine and he cited a study
in a journal which basically says that online posters
are more likely to change their opinions about a subject
to fit in with the general opinions of other posters
rather than give their own genuine opinions.

If you want to read the original study you can
see it here.

Stein makes fun of the subject but how many times
have you read an original post and thought about
responding then changed what you planned to say
because it didn't fit in with your "friends" on the
forum?

The article goes in to say that most comments
given online are far more extreme than in normal
interactions. People take opposite poles--always
extremes rather than moderate.

And, most of the comments given represent less
than 2% of the people reading the article. In other
words most people are lurkers/readers and never
comment. So what you are reading typically
represent less than 2% of participants.

Something to think about ... maybe before you
comment.

-Ray Edwards
#dangerous #forums #opinions
  • Profile picture of the author khooster1
    Hi Ray,

    I can't agree with you more.
    Everyone is trying to be the nice guy.
    Which is why in this IM niche,
    there are so many untruth myths/claims floating around.

    I take these opinions with a pinch of salt.
    We need to digest the information and implement ourselves.
    Ultimately, we are entrepreneurs.
    We need to answer for all our actions/decisions.
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    • Profile picture of the author RogueOne
      Originally Posted by khooster1 View Post

      Everyone is trying to be the nice guy.
      You've obviously never read any of my posts.
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      • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
        Really? Huh!

        I find that study amazing actually. What I have found to be true on forums is that they contain some of the most opinionated and stubborn people who absolutely will not change their stance for anything. They love a good debate.

        Funny how people can look at the same thing and see it quite differently.

        Terra
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      • Profile picture of the author webproishere
        No it's not. It all comes down to the person. You need to be wise, that's it

        People that will get screwed online, would have been screwed offline....
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    • Profile picture of the author statusengage
      Originally Posted by khooster1 View Post

      Hi Ray,

      I can't agree with you more.
      Everyone is trying to be the nice guy.
      Which is why in this IM niche,
      there are so many untruth myths/claims floating around.

      I take these opinions with a pinch of salt.
      We need to digest the information and implement ourselves.
      Ultimately, we are entrepreneurs.
      We need to answer for all our actions/decisions.
      Ain't this the truth. I'd say SEO is a field that has the most myths floating around. Bottom line: you have to test out different concepts yourself and measure results. THAT is the only way you'll be able to see what works and what doesn't.
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  • Profile picture of the author RogueOne
    Some people are genuine, some are phony weasels.

    This is not news.:rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author mstrmindmktg
    Yes, everyone does have an opinion. It isn't a fact - it is what your thoughts are on a subject. They aren't right or wrong and everyone's opinion read has to be taken for what it is - that person's thought on the subject. We aren't always going to agree and we aren't always going to like it, but it is something we are all entitled to. And the people who get all bent out of shape because of someone's opinion, shouldn't be commenting.

    The thing is you can have a conversation - even a critical argument - on something based on fact, but again we are all going to have our own thoughts (opinions) about the topic. That shouldn't stop us from posting.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
      Originally Posted by mstrmindmktg View Post

      Yes, everyone does have an opinion. It isn't a fact - it is what your thoughts are on a subject. They aren't right or wrong and everyone's opinion read has to be taken for what it is - that person's thought on the subject. We aren't always going to agree and we aren't always going to like it, but it is something we are all entitled to. And the people who get all bent out of shape because of someone's opinion, shouldn't be commenting.

      The thing is you can have a conversation - even a critical argument - on something based on fact, but again we are all going to have our own thoughts (opinions) about the topic. That shouldn't stop us from posting.
      The topic of the thread and the hypothesis is that people do not have their own opinions on Internet forums.

      It's not about differing opinion. It's about indoctrination within a herd.
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      • Profile picture of the author philrich21
        Originally Posted by Daniel Evans View Post

        The topic of the thread and the hypothesis is that people do not have their own opinions on Internet forums.

        It's not about differing opinion. It's about indoctrination within a herd.
        My opinion on this matter is that it really does depend on which forum you are commenting on, rather than having no opinion.

        Many people are more opinionated as an alter ego than their normal guise, anonymity counts
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  • Profile picture of the author Rbtmarshall
    One problem with forums is the noob vs veteran mentality. people ingrained in their ways thinking " oh this question again, and need to post that kneeejerk reaction


    ex: When people ask a question in a specific forum, and a forum veteran says Google it rather than not posting in the thread or giving relevant response.

    What's funny is when you Google an issue you may be having and see a reply like that in the top of search results.


    personally, I do not change my wording to fit in with a crowd, never have, and that is at times a burden

    another problem is that everyone is an expert thanks to Google and Wikipedia. the problem is that these experts really mess up what they read and misinterpret it as fact.
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  • Profile picture of the author PPC-Coach
    Totally true. The herd mentality is very strong online.

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  • Profile picture of the author WordpressManiac
    Always try to be yourself and stick with your own methods until someone else shows that it's different (with proof) Don't believe everyone and his mom ;-)
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    For sure I know that people are typically ruder online than
    they would be in a face-to-face interaction because of the
    anonymity of the internet and they can hide behind a screen.

    But the study just didn't look at forums but blog commenting
    and tweets as well. What I found surprising was the small
    percentage of poster to readers. So there is always a silent
    majority who never express their views but most likely
    go away with their own impressions.

    -Ray Edwards
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    • Profile picture of the author Pedro Ferreira
      Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

      For sure I know that people are typically ruder online than
      they would be in a face-to-face interaction because of the
      anonymity of the internet and they can hide behind a screen.
      For sure, if you read some of the comments on youtube you can see how nuts some people can get on the internet. Sometime it's entertaining, sometimes it's not.

      But the study just didn't look at forums but blog commenting
      and tweets as well. What I found surprising was the small
      percentage of poster to readers.       So there is always a silent
      majority who never express their views but most likely
      go away with their own impressions.
      I don't find that surprising at all because I've been a lurker for a long time in a few forums :p

      Just look at how many people are online in the "Main Internet Marketing Discussion Forum". At this moment there are 2392 people and only a few are participating.

      And I completely disagree with everyone on this thread. You're all wrong.
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      • Profile picture of the author butters
        Isn't that basic psychology? Joining social groups change the way people would normally interact to fit in with the norm.
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

    Stein makes fun of the subject but how many times
    have you read an original post and thought about
    responding then changed what you planned to say
    because it didn't fit in with your "friends" on the
    forum?
    I definitely agree in our industry there are a LOT of sheep (people) who just go along with the general opinion in order to win friends and be popular. That happens all the time.

    It definitely takes bigger things between your legs to stand up and give an opinion that goes against what everyone else is saying. Sadly too many people are afraid to do that because they are too busy trying to win friends to promote their products, etc.

    It's a shame.
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    • Profile picture of the author Pedro Ferreira
      Originally Posted by WillR View Post

      I definitely agree in our industry there are a LOT of sheep (people) who just go along with the general opinion in order to win friends and be popular. That happens all the time.
      I think there are sheep people everywhere really. How many people do you know out of the online world that just regurgitate everything their hear on the news or read in the newspaper. "If it is on TV it must be true..."
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      • Profile picture of the author WillR
        Originally Posted by Pedro Ferreira View Post

        I think there are sheep people everywhere really. How many people do you know out of the online world that just regurgitate everything their hear on the news or read in the newspaper. "If it is on TV it must be true..."
        Yep I agree with you.

        I actually had a great example of this just today.

        I am someone who likes to speak the truth and won't just agree with what everyone says if it's not right. Today I was banned from a very popular WSO mastermind Facebook group for that very thing. I was the only one who ever questioned the ethics and other things and they didn't like that so they removed me after 6 months of being a member.

        It just goes to show you that a lot of people in this industry don't like to hear the truth, they would much rather kiss each others butts in order to get ahead. I've seen this over and over again.

        You have to draw the line somewhere, right? Ethics and facts have to come in to play somewhere. If you don't have your own opinion then who are you really but a sheep?
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        • Profile picture of the author Horny Devil
          Banned
          I do agree with that assumption although I offer my opinion and speak my mind, straight from the heart if I have a strong belief in something or my experience tells me I'm right. There again, I'm the same offline as I am online, and certainly have never been one with a "follow the herd" mentality simply to conform to a consensus of opinion.

          Irrespective of any statistics supporting what you say, I strongly believe that independent minded people make up a good enough percentage of members and visitors to ensure forums remain stimulating and interesting.

          Apart from the opinion followers and the opinion minded, it's also healthy that all forums have a small percentage of imbeciles. Not only do they occasionally bring some welcome relief by interspersing manic comments within an otherwise sensible thread, or start a ludicrous thread themselves, they also bring a wry smile to the most seasoned internet marketeer by illustrating there's not only "them" and "us" . . . there's also "those".
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          • Profile picture of the author salegurus
            Originally Posted by Horny Devil View Post

            Apart from the opinion followers and the opinion minded, it's also healthy that all forums have a small percentage of imbeciles. Not only do they occasionally bring some welcome relief by interspersing manic comments within an otherwise sensible thread, or start a ludicrous thread themselves, they also bring a wry smile to the most seasoned internet marketeer by illustrating there's not only "them" and "us" . . . there's also "those".
            Classic ^^^ made me chuckle.
            Unfortunately i think that small percentage is growing...
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  • Profile picture of the author theaccountant
    I don't believe a word of it. I always say what I believe and don't give a damn if others disagree
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  • Profile picture of the author Broyde
    Why is it important to always speak your mind? Why do people always need to know what you are thinking?
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    • Profile picture of the author Horny Devil
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Broyde View Post

      Why is it important to always speak your mind? Why do people always need to know what you are thinking?

      The same reason you're telling us what you're thinking with the above statement.
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    • Profile picture of the author Pedro Ferreira
      Originally Posted by WillR View Post

      I was the only one who ever questioned the ethics and other things and they didn't like that so they removed me after 6 months of being a member.
      Man that's a tough subject, specially in internet marketing where a lot people think that this all a free for all and everyone is on their one.

      The thing with ethics is that you can do a lot of unethical stuff online and get away with it legally, and that's why a lot of people do it. "Because if the law doesn't prohibit it (yet), it's fine right?"

      It all comes down to your morals and ideals here and not something that can be teached by someone in my opinion. Only experience, and being on the other side of the fence can, perhaps, change their mind.

      Originally Posted by Broyde View Post

      Why is it important to always speak your mind? Why do people always need to know what you are thinking?
      That's not the issue here, the issue is that if you do decide to participate in a conversation, you should say something thoughtful.
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    • Profile picture of the author theaccountant
      Originally Posted by Broyde View Post

      Why is it important to always speak your mind? Why do people always need to know what you are thinking?
      Because it is more dignified not to be a butt kisser
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  • Profile picture of the author workoutstuff1
    I do agree with people trying to agree with the main opinion when it comes to forums, but as far as online marketing is concerned, its best to look for people who need an answer to a question that no one seems to know the answer to (or one where everyone gives the same tired answer).

    Ex: A forum thread where several people suggest that someone use Google Analytics to get info about their website. For that, you could put up a post saying that you know something that works even better than Google Analytics, and it doesn't require you to put code on your website. And then ask the person to PM you if they are interested.

    That way you don't break the rules about spamming, and usually more than one person will PM you to get the info that you have.
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    • Profile picture of the author Newbieee
      It is true. Definitely.

      BUT it doesnt apply to everyone.

      It is true that some people are like that. And some are not.
      It is amorale actually.
      In some situation its just nice to be nice.

      But if it is a general statement sweeping all internet forum users then you sure will have a lot of disagreements. Cos they take it as a personal accusation.
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  • Profile picture of the author salegurus
    There is definitely a "heard" mentality, most people don't like confrontation and will seek the approval of their peers rather than being the odd one out.
    You see it on forums all the time, the first few posts normally dictate which way the conversation goes...
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  • Profile picture of the author Malcolm Thomas
    I believe it. Most people who come online and visit forums tend to be lurkers. They will generally read what others are saying, but will NOT offer their own opinions. And MOST people are like this. Forums DO tend to be an extreme version of most opinions.
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  • Profile picture of the author ronrule
    Originally Posted by Raydal View Post

    I just read an article by Joel Stein (No Comment)
    in this weeks (3/18/13) TIME magazine and he cited a study
    in a journal which basically says that online posters
    are more likely to change their opinions about a subject
    to fit in with the general opinions of other posters
    rather than give their own genuine opinions.
    I dunno, I think it's just as likely that people actually change their MINDS, not just changing to fit in. Our friends have a way of making us think differently about things... if I have an opinion on a subject, often times a trusted friend with an opposing view will bring a perspective I hadn't considered before.
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  • Profile picture of the author blillard
    Followers I say all of you darn it. No but seriously that is an interesting topic and it sucks for those who are really looking for some good insight on forums to the questions they have. People who hold back good knowledge in fear of back lash from others or to be a part of the herd as it was said above. You never know, by standing out you just might stand out.
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  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    Of course there is no sincerity in most forums or blogs, since they are used as a marketing technique. Most people participate of the discussions because they want to sell something through their signature. Therefore, they don’t have a personal opinion.

    They will write what they believe that the public wants to read.

    They are not really interested on understanding a problem, or discussing something. They participate of the discussions because they want to expose their links, become known, and get traffic.










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  • Profile picture of the author Devin X
    Banned
    I always keep it real. That's why some people really don't like me. It's like that saying goes, "if no one hates you...you're doing something wrong."
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  • Profile picture of the author Adrianne_
    I beg to differ. I've never posted in favor of the
    OP when I clearly disagreed with them. By
    offering a different point of view, it makes for
    a well rounded discussion. What I've noticed
    is that people actually appreciate the difference.
    Think about it, if everybody is singing the same
    praises, how is this helpful?
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  • Profile picture of the author Evocess
    Basically so Forums like this is intended for those people who want to share and ask ideas from others. Each one of us are different so we came out with different ideas as well.
    Forum posting doesn't mean to be dangerous it is helpful instead.

    You can't deny the fact that most of IM's become successful because they ask and share ideas.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Originally Posted by Raydal View Post


    Stein makes fun of the subject but how many times
    have you read an original post and thought about
    responding then changed what you planned to say
    because it didn't fit in with your "friends" on the
    forum?


    -Ray Edwards
    LOL.......yeah that's going to happen in my lifetime. The reason I think twice about posts and erase and edit before posting is because of mods. Their opinions on what is legal to say in here isn't always the same as I'd like them to be. So I lighten up a post here and again just for them.

    I realize that most people are a tad more interested in other people's opinions than I am. I would much rather logically debate the value of my point of view than relinquish it because someone else might not agree and may actually not like me because of what I think. I really don't give a rat's patoot if someone doesn't like my opinion if it stands up on the basis of logic. Maybe I'm just psychotic.
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  • Profile picture of the author Riter Ric
    Awesome info...
    errr...
    maybe I should have given it more thought
    before I commented
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  • Profile picture of the author seobro
    There is such as thing as heresy in a religious forum, but sadly we are seeing that same process in science. Basically, it is the idea that those who do not agree with me are crazy. Also, people are kicked out if they disagree with the party line or say anything that is considered to be wrong. Thing of all the push to ban "hate speech" instead of freedom of speech or freedom of the press. Yeah, forums are seen as cliques to a higher power.
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      I have to wonder how many of the folks commenting actually looked at the piece in question.
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      • Profile picture of the author Raydal
        Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

        I have to wonder how many of the folks commenting actually looked at the piece in question.
        This is the same question that came to my mind. Most
        people are commenting on the OP and reacting to other
        posters rather than the piece I referenced.

        Interestingly that is what the research also shows!

        -Ray Edwards
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    For those who think they are not influenced by others
    here's a true story:

    A student in a college class thought the idea repugnant
    that he was influenced by the crowd. The professor didn't
    ague with him but put the idea to a test. The next day the
    professor encouraged all the class members to be extra early and
    told them to just keep looking at one point in the ceiling
    of the classroom. The student who was the subject
    of the social experiment came in the classroom sat down
    and started staring at the same point. There was nothing
    interesting or different about the ceiling.

    The professor asked him why he was looking into the ceiling?
    He had no other reason than everybody else was doing it!

    We are ALL influenced by others a lot more than we think.

    -Ray Edwards
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  • Profile picture of the author CDawson
    Banned
    That depends on the kind of person you are. Some people react that way as an instinct and others retract from it.
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