Rahsheen, it would be wonderful to just be you and say what you want regardless of what effect it has on others. We don't live in that type of world. We have to consider what the consequences of your beliefs and opinions. If it caused you to lose out on future jobs or opportunities, would it be worth it? - CW™

I think that not every thing should be said out loud, nothing wrong with having secrets or keeping a personal belief well, personal... - J. Abdul-Qahhar

Is this referring to something specific on friendfeed or just out of life in general? - Alex Scoble

When you're surrounded by the disdainful opposition, sometimes it's just better to enjoy your beliefs and opinions in personal quiet rather than to loudly proclaim them to those who simply don't want to hear it. - Akiva Moskovitz

Secrets and Beliefs are two different things here. - Rahsheen ™

To add to that... assessing situations whilst picking and choosing went to state things is not the same as 'afraid' or 'ashamed'. - just saying. - Mona Nomura

I disdain your silence, Akiva. ;) - Alex Scoble

Alex, I just pew pew pewed all over your face. - Akiva Moskovitz

WTF. - Akiva Moskovitz

lol Alex - CW™

LOL Akiva. Missed you guys. Did you have a nice cleansing Yom Kippur? - Alex Scoble

I don't think that you have to spout off your beliefs or opinions at every turn. This is coming from a highly opinionated person. Gosh some of the stuff I read here at FF...if I did that, I'd be blocked from everyone! Well, not everyone, but sometimes I read things from people who I think are nice and over time think, "My God what a twit!". There's nothing to earn from me stating that here though. - Anika Malone

My first reaction to most of what FF'er write is to type "GO FUCK YOURSELF" but then I think again and figure its best to keep my opinion to myself. - CW™

Chris: HAHAHAHHAHAHA! - Mona Nomura

If I ever come off that way to you Faboo, according to my fiance, the correct term is "butthead". - Alex Scoble

Alex, this is about both. I don't mean running around asking everyone if they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour or anything like that, but if I ask you a direct question about what you believe in and you have a problem admitting what that may be, you really should think about why that is. There are few circumstances where your answer will actually hurt you. - Rahsheen ™

You seem to imply that "afraid" or "ashamed" or the only reasons that one would withhold stating opinions out loud. In fact, I hesitate because my opinions are, at times, both ill-formed and ill-informed. Pausing to "do the research" helps me to educate myself on those issues while being better prepared the next time that someone asks. The wise man knows when to keep his mouth shut. Or something like that. - Glen Campbell

OK, Rahsheen, then this is definitely not pointed at me. I seem to have no problems speaking my mind in any forum. I'm honest to a fault. - Alex Scoble

c'mon rahsheen this is a biased question. i refuse to answer this based on that alone! - Cee Bee

It isn't necessary to do research if you're asked what you believe in, but I guess I see your point, Glen. I'm just tired of seeing people going "Oh, everyone is gonna jump on me." I think that's a cop out. If you are not going to stand for anything, why are you here? If we don't discuss our beliefs and opinions, how do we ever advance? - Rahsheen ™

"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything." -

Just for perspective, I get on my mother's case about this all the time. It's like people think their beliefs will be destroyed if they put them out there. I wasn't just talking about FF :) - Rahsheen ™

Alex, it was fantastic. Thanks for asking! - Akiva Moskovitz

Rahsheen, Some people find comfort in their beliefs. If they put them out there and others attack them, that might shake their comfort. What if they convince you that those beliefs are wrong? You lost your comfort. Its a scary thing for some people. Think how you felt when your family/friends told you Santa Claus was not real. - CW™

Christoper, I grew up with a fake chimney, I never believed in Santa..lol. That aside, I see your point. I just think it's more damaging to an individual to keep that false sense of security. Why cling to your beliefs like a life raft when they should actually be like the ground beneath your feet? - Rahsheen ™

What do you mean, Santa Claus isn't real? - Glen Campbell

What about the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny? -

Uh oh... - Rahsheen ™

I was really counting on some money from the Tooth Fairy when I get my wisdom teeth pulled. Dammit. -

Rah, it's an interesting thread to follow here. From your original post, I would disagree, but as you have developed the thread I tend to agree with you. Might you be crafting a blog entry about what stimulated you to post this? - Ken Stewart | ChangeForge

Actually, Ken...that would probably be a good idea. :) - Rahsheen ™

LOL@Brian. They are quite nice. I'm quite fond of the stratocaster series :) - Rahsheen ™

Brian, I am afraid I am going to have to disagree... Because in point of fact; G&L makes the finest production guitars in the world. Wow; I feel much better. - J. Abdul-Qahhar

What a person believes says a lot about them, putting your self out there can be uncomfortable. Some times when I decline to state my beliefs, its because I don't feel like defending them, other times its because it would be too difficult to put them in to words. Then there are the times I am afraid that I am going to come across like a hick from a small town because well... - J. Abdul-Qahhar