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Before you begin. The difference between Opiniopedia and Wikipedia.

It may be easier to explain how to use Opiniopedia if you know what it represents. I will start out by firstly explaining what Opiniopedia is not. Opiniopedia is not Wikipedia. Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia) is a wonderful community of people whose goal is to manage the sum of human knowledge and information and make it freely available to everyone. Definitions, concepts, history and facts are the type of information stored in Wikipedia. It is important to think about Opiniopedia, then, as the alter-ego of Wikipedia. This will help you in deciding how to phrase your statements, questions and comments to suit the Opiniopedia format.

Asking a question

Opiniopedia is about people's opinions. This is almost the opposite, again, to Wikipedia which is more focused on the general concensus, the factual, the actual, the explanation of something or someone. Therefore, the questions that suit Opiniopedia are those questions that would not suit Wikipedia, and vice versa.

For instance, if you want to ask the question: What is global warming?

First ask yourself this: Can I find the answer to my question in Wikipedia? If the answer is yes, then the question is probably not suitable for asking on Opiniopedia, however it can still be asked - the responses would just initially flow down the middle-column (Neutral / Statements / Questions etc). This would happen for other types of questions, such as asking for suggestions, options, improvements to an issue or problem.

Otherwise, if you wish to gain a more direct response, you must form your question so it invokes a direct response back. In that case, the question should revolve around the speaker, or the person to whom the question is being directed. It should require personal perspective and input.

Therefore, a more suitable question for Opiniopedia would be: Should we be concerned about global warming?

This provides personal perspective. Advice can be given. Debate can ensue. There is much more to store and process than the "formal" sum of human knowledge. The questions people ask. Their advice. Their opinions. Their "take" on various aspects of our world can help us see the world through their eyes - and via Opiniopedia, related to others, given and exchanged to others. Then the process repeats itself.

Making a statement

A statement of opinion, as with asking a question, should be from a person's point of view. You can make statements that are personal but which do not seek the opinion of others. These statements should be reworded into a statement that others can reply with their own opinion.

This is a statement which would receive neutral responses at first: Sliced bread with jam.

This statement would give more opportunity for deliberation: Sliced bread is pretty good with jam.

or, another way of saying such a statement is to add a question before or after the statement: You know what's good? Sliced bread with jam. or; Sliced bread with jam. Good or not?

Writing a review

You can title your topic as a review of a certain type. This would allow others to critique your review. Whether it is for a book, a movie, a play, a tech gadget, an appliance, a card game - whatever be the case.

Rating Up / Down

You can rate posts you like with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down depending on the side of the debate you have aligned yourself to. You can change your mind as many times as you like.

Thumbs-up - gives your support to an opinion

Thumbs-down - shows your disapproval towards an opinion

Your user name will be shown next to the rating in a list. Look out for the thumbs-up and thumbs-down icons.

Now, take a look around

An easy way to start contributing to Opiniopedia is to take a look around. Start off by replying to existing topics. Once you have joined in to an existing conversation you will get the feel of how the system works.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE: The views and opinions expressed on Opiniopedia are NOT the views and opinions held by Opiniopedia but are the views expressed by our users. We cannot accept liability for any loss or damage caused by utilising the information, views and opinions expressed on this website. The content of this website is FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. Any action or decision based upon information from this website is done so at one's OWN RISK.