Request for evaluation of these reflections (Sunday Forum)

by Jerome , Sunday, February 28, 2010, 23:11 (1181 days ago) @ Brian Coyne

I think that this analytical comment is pretty close to the mark.

“I've found many people are literally afraid of responding — it's a fear of being seen as egotistical, sometimes a fear that they might make some kind of mistake and embarrass themselves (for example through poor grammar or an inability to express in text what they're really thinking), sometimes it simply seems to be a sense that 'what do my opinions matter to anyone else?' — a sense of powerlessness or futility that it's a waste of time engaging in this sort of activity as whatever they have to say is not going to change the world or influence a single other person.”

IMO it is the daunting challenge of being able to accurately express my/our opinion[s]. Our leading contributors are knowledgeable and very, very articulate. The rest of us are full of admiration to see such skills used and we personally agree/disagree with the content. But we can’t express ourselves as well and are daunted by that ability in others.
But this must not deter you from your efforts. As you have said, Brian, the readership stats show that large numbers of readers are taking note and coming back for more and more, but, like me, most likely feeling unable to express their own opinions adequately.
We appreciate your contributions enormously.