My intention for this article is that it be referred to whenever someone seeks to enter into a subjective argument. When this occurs, the enlightened will simply say "Oh, go read 'Subjectivity' on ESR". Or "You didn't read 'Subjectivity', did you?".

Differentiation between subjectivity and objectivity refers to the balance between the topic being discussed, and the persons taking part. In an 'objective' discussion, the material under investigation is not dependent on the persons involved. Typically, we call this material a collection of facts.

In a 'subjective' discussion, however, the material under discussion is directly affected by those taking part in that discussion. Since it is sometimes difficult to fully understand these abstract concepts, I would like to qualify these statements by way of explanation.

If I were to enter into a discussion about who has won the greatest number of F1 Grand Prix championships, the argument is OBJECTIVE. It is MEASURABLE. It is involved with FACTS. The answer to this question is independent about how I feel about, well, anything really (assuming I don't feel that all the record books are wrong!). The answer can be researched, looked up in a book, or otherwise confirmed.

If, however, I wanted to argue about who was the BEST F1 driver, the argument begins to become SUBJECTIVE. The reason for this is simply that MY PERSONAL CRITERIA for what 'BEST' means, can easily be completely different to the criteria of others.

Going further, If I wanted to argue about which driver had the best driving style, for example, the discussion is almost COMPLETELY SUBJECTIVE, because an appreciation for style depends almost completely on how we as individuals perceive the style. The discussion could involve recollection from any number of specific events, races, laps, even specific corners, AND IT WILL NEVER BE RESOLVED. Both I and the person I am arguing with will grow increasingly frustrated because we will probably be unable to convince each other that our personal favourite stylish driver has the best style, and ultimately, there will be no resolution.

Which brings me to gaming discussions on ESR.

We have had many long threads that spiral downwards into abuse. We have fought about whether Thresh could beat Fatal1ty. Whether Zero4 could beat Thresh. Whether OSP is better than CPMA. Whether t2 is a better tourney map than dm13. Whether UT2k is better than Q3. Whether Q3 is better than Q1. The list, unfortunately, goes on and on.

It does not have to be this way. We can make an attempt to civilise the forums. When we have the misfortune to see a post like

"OSP suX0rs, Q3 is da best"

or something similar that maybe doesn't even make sense, we can - politely ask "I want to know WHY YOU feel that way. I prefer X, but maybe there are some things I don't know in your X that I might like as well.", - or reply "I hear what you're saying, but for some reason, my personal favourite is still ??? because of ???. I don't know, I just like it I guess." - or better "Good for you. Expression of OPINION is healthy." - or even better, don't reply. This really hurts a poster looking for flames. - or preferred, say "You need to read 'Subjectivity' on ESR".

When we wish to express our own point of view, we should make an attempt to explicitly state if it is our OPINION and that we are not looking to convince anyone, OR whether we seek to set the record straight by providing FACTS on a particular matter.

When we want to argue about which is BEST, BETTER or WORSE, we should first make an attempt to define WHAT WE MEAN BY BEST, BETTER OR WORSE. By doing this, we can ensure that everyone knows what we mean, and more importantly, everyone know what the ground rules are for taking part in the discussion.

The human factor in all of us yearns for bragging rights. We want to shout out "X is better, because I love it/him/her and you should too!" and have everyone agree, and compliment us on our good taste. But, the world does not work this way. The best we should hope for is to put our opinion out there as just that, an opinion, and see how many others feel the same.

So next time you find yourself in an factless argument, and your personal reasons for preferring one thing to another are getting shot down, give a link to this article.

I hope I convinced you :)