False modesty, perhaps. One of those things people say without thinking what they mean. "It's only little-ol'-me; pay no attention to what I say". Why write it, then? Why tell me it's next to worthless after I've read it? I already know that.
The theory that the expression arose because that was at one time the postage required for a letter to the editor seems to me unlikely: what possible mental process could assign a text a monetary value equal to the amount of postage required to send it by mail?
"It may not be worth much, but it's my opinion". Well, I know it's your opinion if you signed it, and why don't you let me be the judge of what it's worth to me and whether I ever want to spend any more of my valuable time reading what you write?
Are you saying I'm an idiot for spending any time reading something so cheap? I don't appreciate that. Do you think potential publishers will not show enough contempt for your writings so that you have to make a start by doing it yourself?
In my opinion it is a silly and unnecessary expression. I recommend its abolition.
About Me
- Aemilius Ichthyanthropus
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4 comments:
Rather than abolition, might I suggest its preservation in a museum, as a warning to future generations?
You're right, it is a silly expression - like so many others that have become part of our vernacular. Perhaps it survives simply because it originated from another era - and nostalgia keeps it going?
As seems to be the case with most western culture versions of things common with the east, perhaps the demeaning function of "only my 2¢ worth" is a crude, numerical, monetary, irritating version of the eastern stress on not having a prideful face with expressions like, "in my humble opinion…" or "I offer my meager skills…"
I dig your writing although I am just beginning. With your archives dating back to '02, I have a bit of catching up to do. Expect more comments in future. Keep on keepin' on.
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