Why Do People Keep Stating....

[Marquiseo]

Why do people keep stating "IMO"? I honestly don't get it anymore. I guess it may be done/added without knowing at which point in the past I found myself doing it but stopped it immediately. My point is that if it is posted by you, then it's your opinion unless you cite an another source or state general knowledge.

 

[Humblefish]

I do it quite often. I'll also use IME (in my experience). I usually do it when I know there is more than one solution or way of doing something. Nowadays, some people are very sensitive if they think the advice you are doling out is being presented as an absolute or a "fact". So, I guess using "IMO" or "IME" is a PC thing. IMO & E; there are very few facts in this hobby anyway. ;)

 

[zesty]

I think it's basically a catch-all to say "if it was me" or "in my situation" or any of those normal precursors you're used to in face to face conversation. It's just quicker to throw down an "IMO" vs "well, actually, I'm going to say I did have an opinion on this matter because this one time..." You just don't see that on the interwebs, you get acronyms...

 

[Paul B]

IMO, I think people use "IMO" To denote that it is their opinion, not to be confused by actual fact. It is a fact that fish need water to live, but your opinion as to the salinity, pH, nitrates etc. That answer is my opinion of course.
Many people don't say IMO because they want you to believe what they are saying is true, even though it may not be and is just their opinion.
It is my opinion that a reverse undergravel filter is the best thing there is for a reef tank. Some may disagree.

 

[Marquiseo]

I understand that but it would easier just to state your view without saying IMO or IME. For example, "When I had my 20G tank I ran biopellets which worked really well for me" instead of "IMO biopellets are the best way to remove nitrates". It just seems like a forceful stance that your opinion should be weighed more that all the others stated and even more than facts at times.


I guess it is just a pet peeve of mine to see that. I am sure others reading will develop the same view once it becomes increasingly noticeable throughout the threads here.

 

[TwelveL16]

Who cares.....no one other than you.

 

[Shep]

I don't really see the problem, saying IMO/E or saying "when I did X, it worked really well" is the same thing just worded differently. Due to the fact that there are lots of ways to do things in this hobby and there are few set in stone facts, saying IMO/E is the right thing to say because thats what it is.

 

[TwelveL16]

Why are you guys even giving this guy an explanation. SMH

 

[TwelveL16]

A better question why is this posted in the reef aquarium discussion.

 

[Marquiseo]

Because it's a discussion in regards to reef discussions.

 

[TwelveL16]

Because it's a discussion in regards to reef discussions.

It's a discussion of your personal pet peeve no one cares about.

 

[Marquiseo]

I don't really see the problem, saying IMO/E or saying "when I did X, it worked really well" is the same thing just worded differently. Due to the fact that there are lots of ways to do things in this hobby and there are few set in stone facts, saying IMO/E is the right thing to say because thats what it is.

It would be redundant to state that when you are the one posting it. It's implied that it's your opinion unless you state otherwise.

 

[reef_ranch]

I guess it is just a pet peeve of mine to see that. I am sure others reading will develop the same view once it becomes increasingly noticeable throughout the threads here.

I think you're right, it's a pet peeve of yours. IMO, though, you're wrong that many others will develop the same view. I think it is much more honest to let people know what you are stating is your opinion or experience so it's not confused as fact. So much advice in this hobby is stated as if it is a proved fact when it is not.

 

[Marquiseo]

It's a discussion of your personal pet peeve no one cares about.

Apparently, you do as well as others that are responding. It is just a discussion. No harm is being done to anyone.

 

[Marquiseo]

Everything statement in this hobby should be regarded as an opinion unless it is sourced creditably. With so many snake oil methods coming and going it becomes apparent that they are opinions based on unreproducible personal tank experiences or random hypothesis.

 

[Shep]

It would be redundant to state that when you are the one posting it. It's implied that it's your opinion unless you state otherwise.

It would not be redundant because its clarifying that what you are stating is your opinion and not fact. By not stating its your opinion some people could assume that what you were saying is a fact.

 

[Marquiseo]

It would not be redundant because its clarifying that what you are stating is your opinion and not fact. By not stating its your opinion some people could assume that you were stating is a fact.

To a new hobbyist maybe....but to all the debate hungry members of the forums everything needs proof or it will be debunked by another member. A lot of members want to prove someone else wrong.

 

[hart24601]

I use those terms IMO and IME quite a bit and I will continue to use them. I am a microbiologist to pay for my reefing addictions and I might say many species of Bacillus sporulate. Not much question there, no need for IMO or IME. However I might say IMO most Bacillus additives for aquaculture/agriculture are for the enzymes bacillus produce and less for establishing bacterial populations. That is based on my professional work in the area, but is not fact and it's not true 100% of the time, so that is my opinion. IME bottled bacterial additives work well, but choose the bactira appropriate for the application such as nitrobacter for tank startup, Bacillus for sludge removal or Lactobacillus for probiotic use. That is based on my own experience using them in tank and in professional settings.

 

[beaslbob]

Why do people keep stating "IMO"? I honestly don't get it anymore. I guess it may be done/added without knowing at which point in the past I found myself doing it but stopped it immediately. My point is that if it is posted by you, then it's your opinion unless you cite an another source or state general knowledge.

Back in the old days like 2004 or so I didn't to that and people got really upset.

 

[Marquiseo]

I use those terms IMO and IME quite a bit and I will continue to use them. I am a microbiologist to pay for my reefing addictions and I might say many species of Bacillus sporulate. Not much question there, no need for IMO or IME. However I might say IMO most Bacillus additives for aquaculture/agriculture are for the enzymes bacillus produce and less for establishing bacterial populations. That is based on my professional work in the area, but is not fact and it's not true 100% of the time, so that is my opinion. IME bottled bacterial additives work well, but choose the bactira appropriate for the application such as nitrobacter for tank startup, Bacillus for sludge removal or Lactobacillus for probiotic use. That is based on my own experience using them in tank and in professional settings.

First, its pretty cool for you being microbiologist. I miss doing experiments in the lab using cultures during undergrad.

BOT: I will write your same statement.

" Most Bacillus additives for aquaculture/agriculture are for the enzymes bacillus produce and are less for establishing bacterial populations. That is based on my professional work in the area, but it's not true 100% of the time. Bottled bacterial additives work well, but choose the bactira appropriate for the application such as nitrobacter for tank startup, Bacillus for sludge removal or Lactobacillus for probiotic use. That is based on my experience using them in my tank and in professional settings."