Yeah, you're right. But frankly, I don't care what people think about me. If what I am saying is true, they can think I am crazy, but (hopefully) the words will stick in the minds of some, and in time those words will be proven right.

Of course, there is also a risk that sometimes I am wrong. There are things that I believed to be true that were not, and I've gone back and told people so. Pursuing truth and being transparent about my mistakes and missteps builds trust.

People may not like me, and I'm fine with that. I would rather have their respect than their admiration. If they do not respect me, then I will do them the courtesy of keeping my opinions to myself. I don't waste my breath on cynics.

Definitely all about expressing opinions in exactly that manner, it's just quotes that grind my gears. The way you described it, I pictured you grabbing your phone, quoting Snowden and dropping the mic :) Quotes always seem like an appeal to authority, are usually taken out of context and rarely say anything truly useful.

Good point, although in this instance of "argumentum ad verecundiam" Snowden has the credibility and has stated a common objection in such a succinct way that I think it bears repeating provided it is stated accurately.

Appealing to authority can be a fallacious way to reason, however it can also be done correctly, and is a powerful way to influence people. I love your visual of phone/quote/mic drop - that'd definitely be the wrong way to do it :)