Oh Catherine,

It’s great to see you here again, I’ve missed you, your comments and your emails. I hope all is well in your world.

I know you don’t take those comments seriously, but to some bloggers it could seriously hamper their blogging abilities. You’ve always been so good at standing up for what you believe, those that leave nasty comments on your blog, don’t know what they’re in for.

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Hey Sterling,

I haven’t seen you around for awhile. Are you beach blogging again?

Personally I wouldn’t want to write controversial posts just to generate hostility, although I do like to point out alternative ways, or ask my readers if they have “looked at the other side”.

I’m not sure how that happens - non-controversial posts create hostile comments. I do know on Hunter’s blog, he was doing a wrap up of his trip to Japan, and also did a post of how America is better than Japan. Instead of realizing he was doing a series, the one post was taken out of context and commenters were telling him if he didn’t like the US, than move to Japan.

I hope I warmed you up to start posting again. I’ve missed reading your writings, but do have you in my reader so I’ll be able to catch your next post.

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So far, I’m not interested in being controversial. (At least not on purpose.) There are enough things out in the world to rile people up! I’m sure at some point a post will generate some controversy, and I’ll gladly defend my view while seeing what others have to say.

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Hi Barbara,
Here is a controversial thought.

I don’t write any of my posts just to get a lot of traffic, so it wouldn’t occur to me to write a controversial one to boost up readership. Funny thing is that I haven’t learned yet how to go out and read all of those stats yet anyway, so I wouldn’t even know! LOL! I can only tell by the free wp visitors thing ( that little chart that goes up and down) how things seem to be doing and that’s good enough for me.I am more interested in building a real relationship with real people than manufacturing a numbers thing just to spike a post or something like that.
And, no it wouldn’t be fun for me to intentially make people angry.
That being said….I wouldn’t shy away from writing what I really feel, because not being concerned about numbers gives me the freedom to write authentically and from my heart.

Wendi Kellys last blog post..Gifts From Gratitude

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I’ve written one post that turned out to be controversial, but it was not on my blog. It was a guest post for someone else regarding prenatal blood tests. I was shocked when one woman stated how dare I tell her she can’t have the tests. It was not my intent to say you can’t and I learned a lot from that post on other’s position on the issue. I’m going to revise that post and put it on my own blog soon and I am sure it will again have some controversial comments. Normally I try to stay away from such issues, but this one is too important to me. I will take what I learned from my other post and try to be more objective. Like many others have commented above, I do not mind a good debate, but keep it positive. There is no need to attack others. When we get angy and nasty we don’t settle anything but create more hatred.

I just remembered I did have one other post that had differering opinions, it was regarding the “Bodies Revealed” exhibit showing her in our area. It was a fun post and I enjoyed hearing other people’s point of view on this exhibit. It didn’t really change my opinion, but I enjoyed the discussion.

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The most controversial post I have is a post that I didn’t even write. I posted it verbatim. It got a lot of traffic and got both negative and positve comments.

I tried duplicating the feat but I was unsuccessful. I failed becuase being controversial is not my thing.

I have very controversial opinions but my blog is not for that. I want my blog to make people think and laugh. I don’t want people leaving my blog angry or worked-up.

Other sites can provide them with controversy. If I have to be controversial to get a lot of traffic, then I might as well quit blogging because I also don’t want to get worked-up.

Chriss last blog post..Drive-Thru Kids: Hold The Tantrum Please

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I’m with Chase. I just write to help people learn from what I know and experience.

Everyone’s different in this world and has had different experiences and as such, we all perceive this world differently. Our brains soak up and process information from mental connections they have made from past experiences and lessons learned.

I try not to be controversial. I try to be informative and down to earth. But all it takes is one photo I use that people read the wrong way.

Hunter brought up and interested idea, though. I didn’t know IttyBiz talked about your post. I remember leaving a comment in the comment section about how I don’t read her blog as I have enough rants going on in my life (I’ve only read a few of her posts and they seemed more like rants which in turn turned me off her site - maybe I just caught a couple by chance).

So you have to be careful not only in your blog articles but comments you leave elsewhere.

The sad thing is, sometimes I hold back because I don’t want to be controversial. I believe in God and I’m a Christian but yet I avoid religion talk on my blog (unless someone asks me) because I try to respect other people’s beliefs.

John Hoff - eVentureBizs last blog post..How To Buy A House Like A Real Estate Investor: Part 6 - Finding The Right Property

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As some comments have covered, I think it is a matter of objective of the blog. Also, if there is something that needs to be said, then I’d say it, not because I want to be controversial, but because offering the info and viewpoint is the service. For example (and this post is interesting when you read it along with Hunter’s post on Japan because it is about Japan’s problems) my post Why I Think America Is Still The Country Of Dreams . It is informative in a good way.

Just like in any business endeavor, be aware of the objective of any actions — that is how I handle the issue.

Akemi - Yes to Mes last blog post..Yes to Me Month Three & Four Review

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I really don’t like conflict - at least I wouldn’t start it on purpose. I suppose if I really felt I had to say something, I would with a clear explanation why but to be honest - I am just not that type.
I am not really into seeking hot button topics that have the never ending debates like politics, abortions, etc. Hmm maybe I would write something about how to argue with confidence if thats your thing lol
thats funny but I’m so serious
JEMi | Tips for Life, Love, You.s last blog post..Your Q&A: Getting to Know Yourself

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I wouldn’t attempt to be controversial simply for the sake of controversy. Why not let the controversy naturally arise? If anything I have the opposite problem. I’m a life and career coach and thus I read a lot of my fellow coaches blogs and self-development blogs in general. It amazes me how we so often spew the same crap. I think I’ll puke if I read one more blog on 10 tips to using gratitude. (Yes I’ve written one of these myself.)

Yet the first time you read (what is crap for some) you realize it it’s not crap but profound stuff that many could use at their stage of development.

So after further reflection I guess I am for controversy if it does something to clear the air and bring forth some fresh perspective.

Tom Volkar / Delightful Works last blog post..Speak Freely or Die

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Hi Natural,

Care to share the link to your other blog?

I do think some people like to argue, some just for the sake of arguing. With blogs, we do “put it out there”, so it’s natural we’re going to get some that disagree with us.

Hi Sara,

So true. There is tons of stuff in our daily lives to get us riled up.

Hi Chase,

Yes, there are some bloggers who do stir the pot on purpose. Like you, I can usually spot what they are trying to accomplish.

Hi Wendi,

Being authentic is what will build a better blog. Granted it may take a little longer, but the community we build and the traffic we get will be like minded people who stick around because they enjoy what we write/share.

Hi Hunter,

Thanks for pointing out the typo. I fixed it. Spell checker works great, but doesn’t help if the wrong word is spelled right.

For you, what was a post giving an overview of your trip to Japan, proved to be a way to get you blog massive exposure. Having followed your blog from the beginning, I’m a little surprised that post got you the most traffic, when older posts of yours are brilliant. Go figure.

Agreed, I am not a controversial person by nature as I do believe everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, I do want my readers to be informed, and try to ask questions to make them think.

Hi Debbie,

Yes, sometimes it is interesting to see how a discussion goes in the comment section. Like you said, we don’t need to create more hatred.

Hi Darren,

Welcome to the BWAB community.

You’re right. Asking the right questions, and giving your readers an option is a great way to initiate a debate without intentionally creating controversy.

Hi Chris,

Isn’t it interesting how when you tried to be unauthentic, it didn’t work?

Our visitors can tell if what we write isn’t from the heart. When we begin to be untrue to ourselves, our loyal readers can see right through that.

Hi Vered,

Yes, controversy will (in most cases) get traffic, and like you said, if you’re writing from you heart, you’ll be able to easily defend yourself.

Hi John,

Your blog is very informative, and if someone found controversy in what you write, I would be surprised.

With regard to religion, that and politics will almost always create a firestorm of debate.

Hi Akemi,

Being from Japan, your post and Hunter’s, read together would enlighten many. That’s what I like about your writings, you are seeing things through the eyes of a foreigner who is now living in America. It shows a different perspective.

Hi Barbara Ling,

Are you trying to stir the pot? I’ll be watching your blog to see if you write a post saying the same. hehe

Hmmmm, are there any Jerry Springer type blogs out there?

Hi JEMi,

I hear you. Like you, I just want people to get along.

THAT, would be a great blog post. How soon can we expect it?

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LOL - Barbara, you’re doing a good job at responding to comments.
John Hoff - eVentureBizs last blog post..How To Buy A House Like A Real Estate Investor: Part 6 - Finding The Right Property

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Hi Natural,

I totally understand. You get to vent, and remain anonymous. And……..you certainly don’t want to embarrass your mother.

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I left my comment for this post on the “Be Inspired by Nothing Post” (sorry). Basically I think there’s no need to go out of your way to write controversial posts, but if you have something important to say I think you should say it, even if it’s controversial. That being said, I don’t think that Sharon Stone should have made that comment about the earthquake in China being Karma.

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Oh my gosh! Poor Cath! LOL

I am controversial just based off my field…

I have had someone call me a “snake oil salesman” even though I am not even selling anything! I think if people want to be negative they just will. There are unfortunately so many unhappy people out there. I try to be positive and doubt I would write about something negatively unless it served a purpose. I guess I am kind of the enemy of junk food and am working on a post about Ding Dungs right now that could be perceived as “controversial” however I just see it as common sense!

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Hi Dr. Nicole,

A lot of people don’t understand natural “medicine”, so they? I wonder if “society” has done such a great job of convincing the public that there’s a pill for everything that ails you, that people don’t realize there’s other choices.

Common sense? It’s not as common as we would like to believe.

Yes, I just did leave your blog. It is ironic you were here on mine. Great minds think alike hey?

Re: SEO. I rarely write for the search engines on this blog, but over time I am gaining more search engine traffic. It if takes away from your writing enjoyment and you’re happy with your traffic numbers, I say go back to writing the way you always did. There’s nothing worse than sitting in front of your blog, with all the words in your head, and then having to question if they are “search engine friendly”.

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Hi Friar,

Welcome to the BWAB community.

We never know what is going to attract readers. Sometimes the title will evoke controversy and visitors what to read the rest of the story

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@ John,

“I don’t read [IttyBiz] as I have enough rants going on in my life (I’ve only read a few of her posts and they seemed more like rants which in turn turned me off her site - maybe I just caught a couple by chance).”

No, that’s pretty accurate! She likes to rant, something that turned me off in the beginning until I got used to her style. Being controversial scares away a lot of her potential readers, but it’s very effective at attracting certain kinds of people. Controversy has its pros and cons.

“I think what went controversial is your headline, not the actual post. Your post was more a ‘Things I Like About Japan’ than why Japan is ‘better.’”

Maybe, but that title is also a lot weaker. You read CopyBlogger, right? Which headline would they prefer? I did think Japan was better in those particular aspects, so maybe “10 Specific Ways In Which Japan Is Better Than America” would be more accurate, but again, it’s weaker.

“I for one hate seafood, therefore I see your post as more what you liked about Japan.”

I hate seafood too. But sushi doesn’t taste like seafood to me!

Hunter Nuttalls last blog post..Blog Profits Blueprint - Make Money Blogging (Plus, Me Vs. Yaro)

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Hi Axecity,

It can be cruel, but many do use the controversy tactic as a traffic building technique.

Hi Hunter,

Thanks for answering John’s questions.

Hi Ellen,

Isn’t it great when we can teach our readers? Make them think? And also showcase all type of art?

Blogging can take on that popularity contest mentality as bloggers strive to get their writings “found”. As I’ve written in previous posts, there’s an addictiveness to parts of blogging, plus many bloggers are comparing their “results” with others as a measure of success.

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Hi VagabondetteVA,

Yes, I guess we all could find some idiosyncrasy about ourselves and post about that, but people might think we went off the deep end.

You’re right, some bloggers do give themselves away with how they start their post.

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Hi Pat,

And that is exactly why I like visiting your blog. Your stories are always so inspiring and bring a smile to my face.

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