What happens to our opinions?

The more I read of other viewpoints, and logical discussions, the more my opinions 'grow'. They really don't change all that much, but they grow in understanding, so that I become more nuanced.

This describes it, sort of-- I have a definite opinion about health care. In reading some of the posts of the logical, reasonable people on NV, my opinion has not changed, but I can at least understand other people's viewpoint. I may not agree, but I can see where they are coming from, so that my opinion is more open to accepting others. Does that make sense?

In some cases, I have changed my opinion-- not 180o, but at least 90o.

Listening to others, I have grown as a person, and am grateful for the opportunity to do so.

Knowledge is the gift of sharing your thoughts with others of good will or not.

Ideas freely shared enrich us all; although it may be at different levels or acceptance.

As for the costs: The pecuniary are addressed by the advertising.

And as for the personal costs: the cost of isolation, self-imposed or otherwise, surely exceeds the occasional rejection in the Vineyard.

The rewards of sharpening our verbal skills to express a concept are immeasurable.

But what's in it for the News vine comity? What is their interest in providing a free site where people give their opinions and publish articles free of charge when they (the comity) have, I'm sure, expenditure to keep the site operative?

Please note the advertisements at the top of the page, and inlaid into your article ;)

Newsvine (and MSNBC, who owns Newsvine) profits from the adverts posted on each page throughout the site. The more viners click a particular article and view these ads (or better yet, click these ads), the more revenue they earn. That's how they keep it free for all of us to debate the big stories of the day.

As for Viners like you and me, our opinions are worth something to the people who agree with us, and to some different extent, they're important to those we disagree with (after all, a debate where all parties agree is just a conversation). Really, our opinions are of tremendous value to the spirit of democracy. We, the informed public, debate these topics and our opinions fuel positive change. At least I hope that's how democracy works. We debate, we vote, we rule. And Viners tend to rule in a different sense, too... we're just awesome!

What is their interest in providing a free site where people give their opinions and publish articles free of charge when they (the comity) have, I'm sure, expenditure to keep the site operative?

There are ads all over the Vine. The more Vinites there are, the more that can be charged to advertise on the Vine. You're right. There is no free lunch.

As far as my own opinions go, it depends on who enters the conversation. Much like real life in that regard. If most agree, my opinion solidifies. If there is well articulated thought expressed that contradicts my opinion, that opinion may evolve and change. If thoughts that I agree with are countered with vitriolic, mindless yammering, not only does my opinion solidify, my opinion of the nay-sayer goes down as well.

My opinions have changed on some things. Softened a bit but never turned around completely. But coming to the vine my opinions are made on a more educated basis.

My take on your question was more along the lines of BIG BROTHER watching us and compiling info. CIA, FBI, Homeland Security to name a few.

There are so many ways to watch you. Every time you use your charge card a little more information is gained. When you use your store card at the grocery store they use that information to track your purchases and then the register spits out coupons custome made for you.

The vine is just another way to watch you.

Regarding the advertisements, it benefits all of us to "click" them. It's a pain, but it's revenue for Newsvine, thus, it continues to give us an outlet for our opinions.

However, I do wonder about the opinions that are "out there." How long can they float about until Newsvine says it's time to have those really old opinions rounded up and thrown into the fire? Kind of like the health-care plan and old people, huh? Oops! I didn't mean to make that comparison, it just shot right out there!!! I'll rope it back in.

There.....it's back, now.

A mind is much like a parachute in the aspect it works much better when it is open. When we leave our minds open to others thoughts and ideas the learning process is endless.

I am utterly convinced Santa Claus monitors this site so he can figure out who is naughty or nice. (metaphorical humor, maybe)

opinions go to the opinion graveyard where underneath lies an underground government facility that determines weather or not we are safe to be out in the real world or if we will become the next Hitlers of our time. It's not just one government either all countries where people give their opinions on NV their governments are also under less restrictions but still are under the all seeing eye. Americans are the most targeted, so if your in another country your safe, but still being watched.

Shub nailed it. We're all being watched, may as well deal with it. The more boring you are the less attention they pay to you.