When most people take a position on an issue, most people "go with their gut" or their feelings instead of analyzing and deliberating. They either don't need facts or don't think of how good the facts are that they do use. Therefore, giving them facts and evidence will not get them to change their mind. You have to tell them a story that reaches their heart. That they can relate to.

Fuck people. They all suck. I just want a dog. A small dog that can go everywhere with me and be myDawg!

One very important thing to add If you want to change someone's mind: Explain the other person's position or view point back to them until they agree that you understand what they are saying. Only then can you make your point and explain why you feel you are offering a better solution. The other person will otherwise continue to make the same point over and over again, endlessly, claiming that you are not listening to them or understanding their point. That clearly assumes there is an interest in the best solution rather than an ego contest in which case debate is pointless.

I have discovered a few things in my short time here... People do not change. Their circumstances and situations change frequently. However People themselves don't change.

Good advice, I wish I could have heeded a little better a few times in my life, but for the most part, I try to handle confrontations calmly. It takes practice when you're dealing with a defensive hot head about the subject.

I don't try to change anyone's mind, though, but try to explain my point of view in a positive and reasonable way, hoping they'll remember the conversation later when they are calmer.

Nevertheless, your opinion that "...there are some who will not change..." (and more importantly, some will) is but an unsupported theory unless you can give a link to a study that shows "some" will actually change their minds.

I totally agree in this. Unfortunately sometimes people get way too excited and blow it.

the people whose minds i would most like to change are angry people who already hate me without even knowing i individually exist. they're lynch mobs. they do not want to ask questions and they sure as hell wouldn't sit still for anyone to explain what s/he believed. i won't be attempting to change their minds. what i sometimes attempt to do is make sure they don't change people's minds! that means that when i engage in battle with one of them here, i may very well insult or belittle them, ALONG with reasons, to bring them out, so that others who might otherwise find them convincing will see them for what they are and not go that way. it's not for the benefit, or even to the detriment, of the unconvincible. it's for the sake of the lurkers.

g