Just my two cents

[Peter Eater]

Sometimes comments on COM make a point of saying “just my opinion” or “just my two cents.”

Since we already know that - what else could a comment be? - the inclusion always makes me flinch.

“Don’t yell at me, I don’t matter!” seems to be the unspoken, underlying message, a cautiousness about speaking and being attacked for it. But you do matter. The defensive posture is unnecessary, isn’t it? 

[+ claym]

Nope.  I don't see it as defensive at all.  I like the phrase and see it as allowing for other points of view.  And when there is discussion of removing the penny from circulation, it will someday allude to a bygone era.

[+ Lucky]

2 hours ago, Peter Eater said:

Sometimes comments on COM make a point of saying “just my opinion” or “just my two cents.”

Since we already know that - what else could a comment be? - the inclusion always makes me flinch.

“Don’t yell at me, I don’t matter!” seems to be the unspoken, underlying message, a cautiousness about speaking and being attacked for it. But you do matter. The defensive posture is unnecessary, isn’t it? 

You are being rather picky, no? How does a person doing this cause you any ill effect? Just me wondering, of course.

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

3 hours ago, Peter Eater said:

“Don’t yell at me, I don’t matter!” seems to be the unspoken, underlying message, a cautiousness about speaking and being attacked for it. But you do matter....

For whatever it's worth, I, too, believe that we all matter; but, some matter more than others. That's just my opinion.

[wsc]

As my friends know me to be a tad loquacious at times, their response to me saying "I'll give you my two cents worth," would probably be, "Oh, thank God! I was afraid we were going to get a dollar's worth!"

[+ purplekow]

There is a difference in statement of fact vs one own's held belief.   "Rep.....suck.  Rep....suck IMO."   Statement of fact?  Personal belief?  Without the IMO it is not clear which I am stating and as a result, one may have confusion about my meaning.  So, as with everything else, there is a place for its inclusion. In this case for clarity sake.   I for one hate repertory theaters but I admit that others may feel differently, hence. Rep...suck IMO.    

[Nue2thegame]

It may seem gratuitous but some feel that their opinion is the only one that matters and everyone else is just wrong. These statements that you cite are usually interpreted as common(maybe uncommon now) courtesy, acknowledging the feelings of others. FWIW (case in point).

Quote

 

Edited March 10 by Nue2thegame

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

Take this with a pinch of salt, but each contribution adds a little flavor to the discussion.  Some flavors should be downplayed lest they overpower the entire dish.

[Nightowl]

I suspect that those who are saying “just my opinion” are trying to head off anticipated negative comments from self-proclaimed experts on CoM who delight in setting others straight with their vast knowledge.

Edited March 10 by Nightowl

[+ SirBillybob]

I like being up a penny net gain. But your kilometrage may vary. 

[+ Jamie21]

Every opinion matters. But only mine is right of course. 

[Luv2play]

I add the imo when I know the opinion I am expressing is only one of many on a particular subject I am opining on. I read voraciously so I am aware of others’ opinions on many subjects. I like to think mine are superior of course. 

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

39 minutes ago, Luv2play said:

I add the imo when I know the opinion I am expressing is only one of many on a particular subject I am opining on. I read voraciously so I am aware of others’ opinions on many subjects. I like to think mine are superior of course. 

I love your use of correct plural possessive punctuation.  That makes this comment alone worth at least a nickel, not just 2 cents.

[mike carey]

3 hours ago, SirBillybob said:

I like being up a penny net gain. But your kilometrage may vary. 

Quite a measured response.

[Peter Eater]

18 hours ago, purplekow said:

Without the IMO it is not clear which I am stating

Uh, really? Seems pretty clear that when someone states an opinion, it’s an opinion. 

[Peter Eater]

12 hours ago, Luv2play said:

I add the imo when I know the opinion I am expressing is only one of many on a particular subject I am opining on. I read voraciously so I am aware of others’ opinions on many subjects. I like to think mine are superior of course. 

Well, if your opinion is superior to all others, it’s probably worth at least $9.95, not a piddly two cents - especially now that pennies are being phased out. 

[Peter Eater]

14 hours ago, Nightowl said:

I suspect that those who are saying “just my opinion” are trying to head off anticipated negative comments from self-proclaimed experts on CoM who delight in setting others straight with their vast knowledge.

Yep, that’s what I meant by it’s assuming a “defensive posture.” 

[soloyo215]

On 3/10/2026 at 10:17 AM, Peter Eater said:

Since we already know that - what else could a comment be? - the inclusion always makes me flinch.

My two cents (pun intended):

What it means is that some people are ready to argue, "cancel", be "offended" and become verbally abusive simply for one stating ones' opinion. Others seem to have difficulty separating opinions from facts and need that basic explanation of the difference. Others start dwelling in secondary details instead of the main idea of a post. I imagine you're not in social media if you need clarification on this.

The "my two cents" expression is another way of me saying "for what is worth". I typically use that expression to mean that my knowledge or experience in a given matter is not at expert level, or that it's not based on reliable sources of information. It's also a way of stating what I guess or believe on a given subject

Just curious: why the need to question that? Why not leaving it alone? Does it bother you to the point that you have to have a discussion about it? Are you just observing and commenting or criticizing and judging?