"Its a stupid idea" Options

[jgreening]

I believe strongly that telling someone who is considering a stupid idea that its stupid is not a bad thing. If the critism is designed to help the person out and keep him from doing something that he will later regret, its constructive even if its not what the person wants to hear. Obviously, tact and appropriate explanation can come into play but this forum is about sharing opinions which might help other folks out.

Example number 1: I have suggested to people that buying a afc for a 3sgte is a bad idea for a number of reasons. I didn't shoot down their plans to cause them heartache. I did it to help them out.

My comment is not as applicable to cosmetic modifications due to the fact that the stakes are not as high and decisions are less about technical right or wrong rather than mere opinions of what looks good. However, the same general principal applies.

Example number 2: I gave Presure2 a constructive comment on his blue interior pieces. Now, I don't know his full plans and it will probably look great when its done. However, its generally not my thing and I believe that people that are serious about building their car often come to regret colorful interior mods (e.g. supersprynt and the yellow seats and countless others I have read about). The purpose of my post was to help Presure2 think about other ways of looking at his plans. He didn't take offense but instead listened to what I said and then indicated that he had a comprehensive plan that he was confident would look great. I am sure that Manny took my comment in the spirit in which it was intended.

Moral of the story: don't take critism of your ideas so personally. Be open to what others have to say and feel free to go about your original plans after you receive different input. There is no reason to get upset simply because someone else expresses an opinion that is contrary to your own.

[BlackSTX]

Perhaps you shouldn't say, "It's a stupid idea." Try instead, "I personally don't like that idea," and tell them why, since you're really just stating your opinion anyway. That way the person won't be so offended and you will have saved them from their stupid idea.

[jgreening]

Perhaps you shouldn't say, "It's a stupid idea."  Try instead, "I personally don't like that idea," and tell them why, since you're really just stating your opinion anyway.  That way the person won't be so offended and you will have saved them from their stupid idea.
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Its a good point and, like I said, using tact and explaning the rationale for an opinion is not to be discouraged. However, the point of my post is that even if someone isn't as tactful as they might be, we need to remember that this is the internet and we shouldn't get so bent out of shape about differences of opinion.