After reading this, I have been trying more to give my opinion and run go back and read.

You are right, I have found myself swayed by what other people write. I have struggled with fashion all of my life. My mom is not fashionable, and doesn't care. Her mom is not fashionable, and doesn't care. None of my aunts really care either. So, I never got much of an education early on, and fashion was viewed as frivolous. I actually remember my grandmother being sad for me on my first job that I didn't have a uniform for work that my employer would tend to and keep clean for me.

But, I can at least honestly comment on what my eye sees, even if I am clueless as to tis color-wheel business and how to use it to find what matches green green!

I have to sneak into this thread and say that I am another person who has been known, on occasion, to offer a voice of dissent.

Thinking about this issue in a little more detail I can say that I would take some time to carefully word my opinion, to ensure it didn't come across as being offensive. I offer my opinion only when it is asked for in the post (ie, comments/feedback/advice welcome). Finally, I would also only tend to comment against the tide on a thread created by someone I feel that I've built up a strong rapport with over a period of time - in other words, they know me, and know that my intent would *never* be to be hurtful or rude.

I think you can get a vibe from the way the poster scripts their narrative and form your response in a similar tone. Though some folks request feedback in a tentative fashion, others are bold in their request for an 'honest' appraisal.

I recently posted a WIW with a selection of 4 outfits, I posted the good and the bad. There were some consistent positive responses, and some constructive criticism, and a studious avoidance of the objectionable. Most importantly, there was information that I could take away and apply usefully.

Though I would never, ever, do RATE or BLING! ( or so I say!) I think they are super cool trends and I appreciate the styling of the Fabbers who put themselves and their outfits out there. I think I could still provide useful feedback to, if and when asked...based on standard of fit, quality of appearance, etc.

All the women who have posted have beautiful bodies, and it is so exciting when they find an outfit that celebrates their beauty. When it all comes together, it is stellar. When fashion doesn't serve us, then we need to pass. Sometimes we need our friends to help us decide when we need to make that decision.

Runcarla, I love your phrase, "a studious avoidance of the objectionable!" I think that definitely characterizes this forum. It's amazing the culture that's been built here (thanks, Angie and Greg and Inge).

Katie, it's so true that *knowing* someone helps determine their intent. Especially when you can't see their expression or hear the tone of their voice.

Thistle, I have a theory that most fabbers have some kind of fashion-related pain or wound in their past that they are trying to heal! For me these include body image struggles and a religious background that contains elements of distrust of adornment, vanity, etc. Grandma wanting the employer owned and maintained uniform--now that is funny!

jj, from what I've seen fabbers can be very appreciative when someone finally makes a suggestion for change! We want to be affirmed, but we also want to be better!

Shevia, I know exactly what you mean about not knowing what to add to a string of like-minded comments. In that situation, I as well often move on without commenting.

zap, I posted on a question brought up by two k/r posts and I guess we migrated to general posts! I agree, in the case of a k/r an opinion is automatically wanted. So my original question was what if the first several commenters pick the same one, will it be hard to choose the other? But the comments ended up also being about how to disagree with or criticize (constructively) the op.

cciele, diversity of opinion combined with sensitivity sounds like the perfect blend!

I assumed this forum was ABOUT gathering other opinions so that we could make our own choices in a more informed manner. I am quite happy to offer a different viewpoint and suggest "points to consider". I hope as a newby that I don't come across as simply critical and judgemental, as that is not my opinion (sometimes in writing, things can come across more harshly than they were intended).

When I get around to posting my own outfit choices, I hope to hear some objective and differing opinions. I started reading here because I love how Angie encourages different viewpoints, and provides a forum for sharing our very different ideas.