Forumites changing their opinion

[Brad]

During a massive debate over Braben's new Kickstarter on another forum I noticed that no one has had their initial opinion changed by anything anyone else has said. Nomatter how valid their points. I was wondering how often you've had your opinion changed during a forum discussion? When out amongst friends in RL I've often entered into a discussion with one opinion only to have it switch when presented with additional information but I can't recall that happening much during forum discussions!

Anyway, interested in what others think. Does the situation above sound common? If so, why do you think that is?

[Dogg Thang]

Hmm.. good question! I have definitely found out new facts but would it be right to say I changed opinion? Sometimes maybe. I mean, you can have your own opinions but not really your own facts. I do remember a few occasions of people straight up just coming out and saying they were wrong in light of the facts though - I don't think people are beyond that on the boards. Some are just stubborn of course and will argue in the face of any basic, easily-provable fact, but I don't think most are like that.

But opinions... I don't know. Maybe very slowly, maybe not always in the space of one thread. Opinions often take a long time to change.

[Brad]

I like to think that in light of new facts/evidence that I will at least re-think the situation. In this particular Braben discussion someone said that Braben had produced nothing but crap for the last 20 years. It was pointed out that Frontier scored 9/10s for Lost Wind and Rollercoaster Tycoon 3. Ah but can he make a modern, procedurally generated space sim!? Well, he invented the genre and has produced many games of that type, inventing new systems along the way so yes. Ah but he hasn't done that recently!? *sigh*

Basically, the goalposts just get moved with every bit of factual evidence you provide. It seems to me that this response is far more common than "Oh really? I didn't realise Lost Winds and Rollercoaster Tycoon were received so well. Hmmmm, maybe this could be good"

[Nijo]

[off topic] Looks like it'll get funded within the week. In fact, it's trending to get more than Wing Commander... two big space Kickstarters at the same time.

[charlesr]

I've had my mind changed about trying things, e.g. thought the Forza Horizon demo was going to be all yeahbro, but someone said it wasn't so I gave it a go and they were right.

There are often titbits of information that make me go back to games that I never thought I'd go back to. Not quite the same as what you said but...

I've probably had my mind changed about more major areas, but I can't think of an example - will have to look out for the next time.

[Brad]

Yeah, I raised it because I was frustrated at other people but then tried to think of how often I've said, on a forum, Oh yeah, actually that's right. I was wrong (or similar) and struggled. I just as much of an idiot as everyone else it seems!

[EvilBoris]

I tend not to change my opinion, but I often get proved wrong!

[NW2013]

As others have said it depends if it's a matter of opinion or fact. A forum on videogames (or movies, etc, etc) is largely going to be driven by opinion, so one person saying 'x' is **** while another is saying it's brilliant is never going to be resolved and no-one will be changing their mind (see the many mind-numbing arguments about Indiana Jones on our own movies sub-forum).

There have been other forums though where I had a pre-conceived idea about something and someone has presented some new info and I've had to re-evaluate. Like most people I'd like to think I'm capable of changing my mind based on facts.

[QualityChimp]

I don't think people ever change their opinion.

[QualityChimp]

People change their minds all the time...

[kryss]

I try to be open to facts and arguments but at times i really see no need to change my way of thinking.

Opinions you can change but don't try CHANGING Mr T's BINS.

[bash]

I'm always getting into little battles on here but if I'm blatantly wrong or new facts change my mind then I'll be honest about it. Life is too short.