>>>In fact, isn't the whole point of discussions like these for people to share the experiences that have formed their opinions with the goal of influencing the opinions of others? (Actually, frequently, the participants know they won't change the other participants' opinions, but aim to influence the lurkers.)
>
>I've never aimed anything at a lurker myself. I suppose that some do. My aim was to add perspective to the opinion that you had expressed, possibly changing some part of your opinion in the process. Not at all to change other peoples' opinions.

FWIW, I'm the one who made the comment about aiming at lurkers. Certainly when I discuss a topic for the nth time with the same person (as, say, religion with Doug Dodge <g>), I know I'm not going to change that person's views. But, by expression my own in what I hope is a well-reasoned way, I may influence the thinking of others who are reading the exchange.

Tamar