http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trust_(sociology)
I've been reading various blogs. It amazes me the
amount of opinions out there. Millions! And almost
everything will have both critics and supporters.
What's one person to do when he/she needs
information or an opinion?
I'll use shopping for a fishing rod as an example
of decision-making.
For me, if at all possible, I'd research all
facts and select my best options e.g. The fishing
rod costs $123 in X-Store vs $130 in Y-store.
Of course, more in-depth analysis might suite
certain scenarios. e.g. The fishing rod costs
$123 in X-Store which is 50 miles away vs $130
in Y-store which is next door. (For now, let's
assume free delivery is out of the question.)
AND WHAT IF YOU CAN'T FIND ANY RELATED
INFORMATION? Then find a subject matter expert
you trust and seek his/her opinion.
BOTTOM LINE: Gather as much information as you
can. Learn both sides. And learn to filter out
noise! (Noise can be stuff that has no relevance
to the matter.)
[NOTE: This is obviously a simplified approach.
It can get more thorough depending on the
information you are seeking.]