I try and persuade them that their opinions are wrong ....
LOL !
I'll let you into a little secret Junkyard .........................you're wasting your time mate !
People aren't persuaded by 'facts and logic'. They are persuaded by what they already know to be right. And if they don't already have an opinion on something, then they wouldn't be arguing with you in the first place.
People very rarely change their opinions as a result of one conversation, and if they do, it's very unlikely to be anything fundamental - maybe just tweaking something which they already broadly agree with.
People base their opinions on their life experiences, you are hardly likely to change that with one or two 'well thought out posts' !
I am certainly under no illusions, and I tend to post on here (even on issues which I have very strong opinions on) for it's 'banter value'. I also find putting my thoughts down in words helps me to sort them out in my head and has a certain, 'therapeutic value'.
I certainly don't expect to change other peoples opinions ! How many people's opinion do you think you have changed Junkyard ?
On the more contentious issues such as bigotry - racism, homophobia etc, I find that 'ridicule' works quite well. After all the comic value of ignorance and prejudice is well documented, as shown by the sheer number of comedy routines based on it. Plus ridiculing a racist f**kwit amusing me hugely.
I would suggest that you stop taking the internet so seriously Junkyard, and don't attach too much importance to a chat forum

