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Interesting title isn't? So what do I mean by this? Okay, over the months I've been coming to the site and reading the posts here, I've noticed a huge amount of opinions on different gaming systems. Some of the them appear to be valid others not, so what makes a valid opinion?

I'll use the locked post called 'AT-43 snake' as an example. Does whether you like unpainted / prepainted models, or a certain manufacturers models / rules actually matter to this board? Is there any point to it as the post then usually turns in to a flame fest.

To me discussing the pros & cons of a system matter. The business practices of a gaming company matter. The support from a gaming company matters. Price increases of my models matters. Changes to rules matter.

The fact that someone won't buy a system because they don't like the models doesn't matter to me. Or if you don't like prepainted models. They are all personal opinions that have no real impact on the gaming world.

..but then again that's my opinion

Does any of this really matter? Someday you and everyone who ever knew you will be dead and the sun will consume this measly planet.


While sometimes people just like to come to a forum to discuss rules, business practices, painting tips, etc. other times many people just like get together with others and throw their personal opinion on what they like/dislike into a public-ish space.

It's likely a bit of ego validation when you state your feelings on a forum as your personal taste has now been publicly registered and comsumed by others.

But also, it can be a fun way for you to get a feel of how your taste stacks up against others. Do you love the look of the Chaos possessed models? If so, coming to a public forum and reading others' opinions can let you know that you're probably alone in your taste.

Alternatively, if nearly everyone shares your excitement for an upcoming model, it can help build a sense of 'buzz' that "everybody" is excited about XX realease.


Ultimately, humans are social creatures and we want our opinions to be heard and count for something, even if they really don't. Heck, I'm sure you've sat around a room with your friends and asked them what they think of XX movie or XX video game, etc. Thats essentially the same type of expression as done in a forum (except that nobody asks for the opinion, everyone just gives it!).

In addition to all of Yakface's points, I find that people's opinions on things are VERY useful to me.  Over time, that is.  What I do is track trends, and see who generally has the same opinion that I do on certain things.  Having that to go by, when new products come out, I'm more likely to get them if people who generally agree with me also like them.  The same goes for people who hold opinions that differ from mine; their gushing praise for something indicates that the product may not be something I'd like, and so I won't rush out and purchase it.

That's simplifying things a bit, but that (in a nutshell) is the value I find in opinions here.

(Although I think Malfred needs to stop tricking me into buying "My Little Pony" games!).

To me all the Bi'chin does not really matter, some rules clarification and modelling stuff does. The rants about unbalanced and cheese just annoys me.

Posted By Iorek on 04/13/2007 4:56 AM
In addition to all of Yakface's points, I find that people's opinions on things are VERY useful to me.  Over time, that is.  What I do is track trends, and see who generally has the same opinion that I do on certain things.  Having that to go by, when new products come out, I'm more likely to get them if people who generally agree with me also like them.  The same goes for people who hold opinions that differ from mine; their gushing praise for something indicates that the product may not be something I'd like, and so I won't rush out and purchase it.

That's simplifying things a bit, but that (in a nutshell) is the value I find in opinions here.

(Although I think Malfred needs to stop tricking me into buying "My Little Pony" games!).

So you're talking about whuffie?

Opinions are useful. I've had great fun following Kyoto's links to
"beyond GW" minis in the past. Have I painted any of them? No,
but I like knowing it's out there.

Penny Arcade


(Yes, I had the image in here before, but then I noticed a naughty word, and I'm a good boy I am. Yessir).

Opinions are nice to have and compare. In the end, they don't really mean anything.   

Everything is about personal opinion.....even the way someone describes such mundane stuff as "changes to games rules" will still be subject to the reviewers "opinion".....how? well in the "flavour" of their writing. You can be very factual about something and still give it a negative or positive "spin" just by using a few well chosen phrases or words....we all do it every single day!

I think what gets threads locked and people upset, is when other members become rude or inconsiderate. Everyones opinion has some validity, its their responsibility to make sure their point is delivered in a clear and concise manner that leavess little room for misinterpretation. On the flip side of the coin, we have a responsibility to try to understand the opinions of others and formulate a respectful and reasonable response....if we feel we need to respond at all.

Posted By yakface on 04/13/2007 3:10 AM

Does any of this really matter? Someday you and everyone who ever knew you will be dead and the sun will consume this measly planet.

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted By Delephont on 04/13/2007 9:15 AM
Everyones opinion has some validity

This point is not valid.  In my opinion.

Opinions are like progenoid glands... Everyone has two!