It’s an interesting point, Barbara.

At first, I might be tempted to click away from a blog that doesn’t represent what I think. After all, there are likely many others that do.

But, on reflection, I actually agree with your attitude.

In life, we don’t automatically reject other people who have opposing, or different views, to ourselves. We argue with them, we debate – and, ultimately, we respect each other’s freedom of speech. In fact, I have many friends who don’t have the same views as me on certain topics, as I’m sure we all have.

It would be a very boring blogosphere if every blogger expressed the same ideals.

Perhaps, if we don’t agree with a particular viewpoint, instead of leaving, we should constructively add to the conversations?

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Opposites attract, but similarities bind. When I hit opposing views, I first ask myself – “how might that be true?” … it helps build a bridge.

For debate, it’s helpful to distinguish between facts and opinions. Facts you look up in an encyclopedia; opinions, you have to establish criteria to evaluate.

One of the best books on rhetoric (arguing w/out anger) is – Thank You For Arguing. It’s brilliant.

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Hi J.D.

I like how you put that, “I first ask myself – “how might that be true?” … it helps build a bridge.”. It does build a bridge, doesn’t it?

The book, “Thank You For Arguing”, have you reviewed that on your blog yet? If so, I’d love to read the post.

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For me, it depends on the issues in question. I think their are so many issues that are hyped up by the media that are just really not that important. And then their are so many very important (at least in my eyes) issues that are just swept under the rug. So often times I will read about something that I disagree with but don’t really care about (this seems to happen more an more).

See, I used to be all about politics and I fallowed it every second of every day. I ‘knew all the issues’ and could debate anything. Then I realized how much time I wasted paying attention to ‘the latest issue’ that was old news the fallowing day. It was just a roller coaster ride that the media would take me on. So now, if the issue is something that really hits me at the core I will comment and kind of ‘debate the issue’. But otherwise, I’m out of there.

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I’m rethinking how I comment now Barbara!

I tend to comment like how you have in the past – on those I agree with. And tend to read less of things I think differ from my viewpoint. But, we probably should let more of the differing viewpoints in – they are all potential areas for growth. Maybe it’s because we don’t fully understand, or know the background leading up to the discussion. In any rate, I’m going to attempt to share my views more often, even when they differ from what the author has written. It’s probably a growing experience for both parties involved.

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Hi Barbara!

For me, blogging relationships are like off-line relationships – I’d tend to try to find common ground, when commenting.

If a blog was full of things I disagreed with and I didn’t get the feeling I wanted to get involved, I’d click off it.

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This is a thought provoking post. My focus (and excitement) right now is finding like-minded bloggers who share the same passions as I do. Blogs with opposing viewpoints do not typically appear on my radar screen. But the thought of going outside of my comfort zone and disagreeing with someone’s view point is intriguing. I think it would be a great learning experience… but have to admit the idea stirs up some butterflies inside of me. It makes me wonder if I’m ready for someone to publicly oppose my viewpoint. But I’m up for the challenge. This week I will search for an opposing viewpoint and comment (yikes). I can’t wait to see what I learn.

Stacey / CreateaBalance’s last blog post..Drum Roll for My New Blog Roll!

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I ran across a blog post where the author and I disagreed, but I failed to recognize the “conflict bait” for what it was. He wanted nothing more than a chance to show off his knowledge to those who disagreed. Starting a fight is easy; building friendships amid disagreement is hard. So, yes, I read opposing viewpoints and sometimes comment, but I try not to respond to those purposely looking for a fight.

SpaceAgeSage’s last blog post..What mysteries keep you awake at night?

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The day I agree 100% with someone on everything is the day I quit. Opposing viewpoints make life interesting.

Of course, some people take it too far with personal attacks, but if you play nice, everything is fine.

Hunter Nuttall’s last blog post..Akashic Record Reading With Akemi Gaines, Part 2

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Finding an opposing view point is interesting. Through conversation, sometimes I find my own view point getting even more clear.

It’s difficult for me to comment when everything that I believe in had already been written by the author. It’s easier to comment when the viewpoint is opposing. Feels as if we are having some kind of conversation rather than simply saying ‘I agree’.

Avani-Mehta’s last blog post..How Did You Form Your Current Anger Management Style – Anger Management Series II

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hello barbara. i don’t mind if people disagree with me or my views…i’m not always right, but my opinion is always mine. it can change as well…i like for people to challenge my thinking

what i don’t like is when someone attacks the person and not the view or the post.

that happened on my blog and i got fed up and upset because a stranger is going to tell me how to behave and question my character.
anyone is free to rip my posts apart, but i’m (ME PERSONALLY) just not open for attack.

the political world is not dealing with the issues, but attacks on personal character which does nothing but create a distraction from the real issue at hand. they don’t know how to properly apply ad hominems.

i will most likely have my say, respectfully…not attacking the person, but dealing with the post.

Natural’s last blog post..Butt-to-Gutt Ratio Gone Wild

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Excellent excellent post, Barbara.

Sometimes my reaction is anger. Sometimes my reaction is self righteousness (thinking I’m right of course!)

I’m trying to change this distorted way of thinking.

I do think there is something to the core values that Urban speaks of, and Natural alludes to.

I really have a hard time with hatred and suffering. Though I realize the people who espouse these views are suffering. I just don’t know if they are open enough to hear anything different.

As I get older I realize I am running out of time and I think it’s important to leave the world a better place.

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First — I didn’t read all the comments above. Sorry!

Just here to answer Barbara’s questions. For me, my involvement depends on the perceived civility and thoughtfulness of the blogger. I love to get in the discussion with people from varying points of views if I see that 1) it’s an intelligent and thought-provoking discussion and 2) it’s civil and courteous. Otherwise, I simply leave.

ari

Ari Koinuma’s last blog post..Congratulations! You Failed.

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Hi Rajaie,

Yes, reading an opposing viewpoint can often make us realize our thinking might be somewhat skewed. If someone can present a good argument, I will take time to “listen”.

Hi Eric,

Political issues do change fast. Trying to stay abreast had to be difficult, and like you said, time consuming. I find with politics it comes down to core issues and a lot of the rest is just “fluff”.

Hi Gert,

Yes, having a teachable spirit is key. It’s when we say “we know it all”, problems can arise.

Hi Lance,

You got it. By reading and commenting on blogs with differing views or on subjects we’re not familiar with does lead to growth.

Hi Writer Dad,

I agree, opposing viewpoints do help us to discover thinking errors of our own.

Hi Robin,

Like you, there are some blogs I prefer not to visit, especially if they’re real negative.

Hi Urban Panther,

A love sandwich? I’ve never heard of that before, but it certainly is a great idea.

Yes, blogs that are contrary to our core value system, are different than blogs that offer opposing views.

Hi Stacey,

I like that you are taking this assignment a step further and will search for a blog that posts opposing viewpoints. When you have a chance, come back and let us know how the experiment went and what you learned.

Hi Wendi,

I hear you. A good discussion that respects each persons viewpoint can be a great learning experience. As in real life, showing compassion and kindness is key.

Hi SpaceAgeSage,

You’ve raised a great point. Many bloggers will purposely publish a controversial article. This is a tactic that used to draw attention to a blog and increase readership. Like you said, when you know the post is being used as “bait”, often it’s best to click off.

Hi Linda,

Yes, we all are entitled to our opinions. Like you, I don’t like reading hateful blogs. It makes me wonder if the author is actually that bitter about life, or if they’re just trying to get a reaction from others.

Hi Hunter,

I agree, it would be awfully boring if we agreed with someone 100% of the time.

Hi Linda Abbit,

Haha! Yes, staying away from discussions regarding politics and religion is a wise decision (unless you both agree). Those can get extremely heated.

Hi Avani,

Good point. When we read content from like minded people and nod in agreement, often there’s not much left to say.

Hi Karen,

Welcome to the BWAB community.

You know, you hit the nail on the head. If people could sit down, talk rationally, and really listen to the opposing side, many important issues could be solved. If we can learn we don’t always have to be right, and the parties could learn to compromise, the results could be phenomenal.

Hi Natural,

I like how you put that, “my opinion is always mine…it can change”.

I agree, blog posts are often written to discuss an issue. Although we may have our name on them, does not make it right to attack an author, personally. Your example of the political world nails it.

Hi Chris,

Yes, Blogs that are constant rants, do become a waste of time. Like you, I would leave and not go back.

Hi Ellen,

Thank you.

I agree with the core value issue. With regard to words of hatred, it does make us wonder “why”, and like you said, those people may not be open to hear anything different.

Hi Catherine,

Reading blogs on subjects that are new to us is a great way to stretch our minds, isn’t it? On that note, that’s where the internet is so powerful.

Yes, some readers will try and twist our words, or comment without reading the post. In those cases, we’re often put on the defensive as we explain “that’s NOT what I said”.

Hi Ari,

There’s no need to apologize for not reading the other comments. I’m just happy you’re here to share your thoughts.

I agree, having a discussion that’s civil and courteous is important. Getting involved in one that doesn’t show the author or commenter respect (for their opinion) often becomes a wasted exercise of rants.

Hi Rita,

**smiles** No 25 hours days for me, but I’m enjoying having a variety of subjects to choose from.

Blogs may not be the best source for accurate political news, but they sure are popular at this point in history.

Although you are trying to reduce your online presence, I do appreciate you taking the time to view my “New Blog Of The Week” (NBOTW).

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LOL Barbara – you did that to me yesterday. Sorry, I thought I’d read it properly. I don’t want you to think I’m skimming your posts.

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Hi Barbara: I take an AA approach to blogs: you take what works for you and leave the rest. There are lots of bloggers out there I respect and have learned from, despite the fact that we have different values and lifestyles. As Linda said, as long as the content/comments aren’t hateful, I’m okay with different opinions.

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It depends on the level of disagreement. If I can see their rational position, even if I don’t agree I’ll stick around. There are many blogs I read that I don’t see eye to eye with all the time. I do tend to keep my mouth shut, though. Even though it’s a comment on another blog, I don’t want others (especially those who may disagree with me and be irritated with me) to follow me to my blog and bring it to my blog. I try to avoid contraverial issues on my blog. I don’t want that to harm what I am trying to do. Some people love the contravery and debate and that’s fine. That’s the purpose of their blog and I respect that.

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Hi Annie,

You do bring up a good point. There are some topics we do feel aren’t anyone else’s business. Not commenting is the best way to handle those situations.

Hi Debbie,

You know, I never thought of that, but some could follow us back to our blogs and create problems for us. All the more reason to write our comments (opposing views) carefully and respectfully.

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Marrying into different views certainly helped me take the blinders off, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. It took me years to learn that there’s a whole world of smart, educated people who just don’t happen to agree with me.

At this point, I love reading opposing viewpoints. However, I would be less likely to comment, since I’m not interested in heated exchanges via comment sections. It just doesn’t seem like a good format for debate.

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Hi Sara,

Yes, often when we marry or enter into a relationship, we are introduced to opposing viewpoints.

Comment sections may not be the best format for a heated debate, however, leaving a polite comment stating your view point is of the opposite of that which is written, is often expected on posts that take a strong stand on an issue.

Hi Blogger Dad,

As a blog author, it’s our responsibility to weigh those decisions. Would posting a funny clip change the dynamics of your community? Only you know the answer to that.

You’re right. We often land on blogs and can sense the author projects a “don’t argue with me” attitude. Being close minded will only drive readers away.

And yes, I agree, humor can cover tons of blogging sins.

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Frankly, I won’t bother to read a blog that do not share the same interest or values as me. I’ve already got so many blogs that are in alignment to what I think, to read on a daily basis. It doesn’t matter to me if someone holds a different view. We all have different realities, so viewpoints can differ.

Evelyn Lim’s last blog post..An Enchanting Vision From My Angels

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Hi Alex,

3rd post? There must be a lot of us bloggers on the same wave length.

Although I add blogs to my reader from authors who have differing viewpoints, I also need to feel some type of “connection”.

Hi Evelyn,

The values of the blog author are important to me, too. If their viewpoint differs, I don’t mind, as long as they respect my response.

Hi J.D.

When you do your review, please let me know so I can read it. I have you in my reader, but I don’t want to miss it. Thanks.

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Hi Barbara

>What is your first reaction when you read an opposing viewpoint?

I like it. I like to test my theories and assumptions and that’s made possible by heading into the wind.

>Are you apt to comment and have your say, or do you just leave
If I’ve taken the time to read it, I’ll likely take the few moments to reply to it.

best wishes,
Rick

Dr. K´s last blog post..Life Skills – Quick! Think Fast!

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