Anytime there’s a political campaign, there’s a lot of mud slinging. Depending on which networks we watch or articles we read, the spin is always different.
Blogs can take on the same type of controversy.
Todays Lesson
I read and subscribe to dozens of blogs because I agree with the author’s viewpoint. I read the posts, nod in agreement and post a comment that basically says, “Right on”.
I then click on other commenter’s links, check out their blogs, and find another blogger who thinks like I do. Again I leave a comments saying “Right On!”, and subscribe.
Currently, I’m following a large group of like minded bloggers.
The political races got me thinking (I do a lot of that). 
In the past when I would land on a blog and the author didn’t “think” the same as me, I would click off of the site, stew for awhile, and say (to myself), “They’re wrong”.
It was when I took time to contemplate their opposing views, I realized what they had posted was often valid. Rereading their words was like a slap upside the head.
I had my blinders on and was only seeing what I wanted to see.
I’ve now added more blogs to my reader, incorporating some with opposing views. Although I may not always agree with the words, it allows me to see a bigger picture and expands my knowledge base.
Today’s Assignment
What is your first reaction when you read an opposing viewpoint?
Are you apt to comment and have your say, or do you just leave?
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Hi. I'm Barbara Swafford & I'd like to welcome you to Blogging Without A Blog. Grab a seat, share your thoughts and join in the conversation. 
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If your blog is blacklisted, you may not know it, but you’ll “feel” it.
How?
Your blog stops getting traffic and/or comments, or you’ll see a drastic decrease in your statistics.
Why?
1) You may have left a derogatory comment on another blog. All of those who read it, stop visiting you. In a sense, they are boycotting your blog.
2) You may have written a negative article that demeans another blogger.
Your name gets entered on an “invisible” list. Your blog gets deleted from dozens of feed readers. You are quickly forgotten about. Your words stop having credibility.
Today’s Lesson
When a blog author publishes a post, they are sharing their views, experiences, and often their research of a specific subject, for free.
Most of us comment, and in some sort of way are saying “Thank you”, “I hear you”, or “What you wrote really helps me or reminded me to _____ (fill in the blank)”.
Occasionally we may leave a comment where we disagree with the author or someone who left a comment on the post.
Telling an author our experience was different, can add to the content, but telling the author or another commenter “they’re wrong” is setting ourselves up for confrontation.
Confrontation, in itself is not all bad. However, if we’re consistently looking to “stir the pot” we may get tagged as a negative, argumentative, and/or egotistical blogger. Soon, no one will want to visit our blog.
In blogging it’s acceptable to voice our opinions, however, …..
IT’S NOT WHAT WE SAY, IT’S HOW WE SAY IT.
Today’s Assignment
Have you ever blacklisted or boycotted a blogger?
What was the determining factor?
Have you ever left a comment on a blog and then regretted it?
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