Bath England
Controversy stirs up interest, no?
Everybody loves a juicy blog post.
Or do they?
Some flock to these forms of content. Comments skyrocket. Engagement takes a quantum leap. People inevitably gab about posts that stir up the hornet’s nest. Look closely at social media. Bombastic topics generate heavy views. Some posts even go viral in a matter of minutes or hours.
On the surface level, publishing controversial content sounds like a good way to drive heavy traffic, let alone brilliant engagement rates.
Not so fast buddy.
Sending out controversial content may stimulate genuine interest in the right context.
But these posts can blow up in your face.
Talk to any blogger overwhelmed with a tsunami of biting feedback.
Classic Example of Why to Avoid Publishing Controversial Content
I remember a blogger from years ago being completely swamped with negative comments.
I do not believe that she was a Christian blogger or religious blogger. Yet she delved heavily into a potentially controversial Christian viewpoint. Let me tell you; she was utterly unprepared for the waves of negative comments peppering her inbox.
The blogger had every right to cover the testy topic. But her comments revealed an individual brought to tears by the nasty feedback and even hate which of course she did not deserve one bit.
Unfortunately though, she made the error of diving into an explosive topic. She could not wrap her head around why so many Christians criticized her but did not understand psychology 101: covering controversial topics within a polarized niche like religion brings scared, fearful, unclear minds to such content like bees to honey.
Picture ringing a dinner bell for those ready and raring for a good fight.
This is the problem.
Few bloggers think deeply about who will show up to read and engage the post.
The kindly but highly inexperienced blogger made the classic error of thinking only about herself, her thoughts and getting something off of her mind.
Blogs are public forums.
Others will see and react to sensitive topics and unfortunately, some in highly inappropriate fashion.
I have always been wary of publishing tumultuous content on this blog. Why would I seek headaches intentionally?
For the traffic spike you also attract oodles of heavy resistance in the form of critics.
But enough about me.
I want to break down whether or not one should cover controversial topics on their blog.
Yes
Cover controversial blogging topics to lend a fresh perspective to the subject matter.
I went a big gaga over AI blogging over the prior year. Bloggers seem interested in artificial intelligence. Some desire to use AI to blog. Others seem terrified that AI will snatch up their livelihood pronto.
I eased into the topic a few times on Blogging From Paradise to share my take. I have seen a wide range of blogging booms and blogging busts over 17 years. People told me about the death of blogging over 10 years ago; blogging seems to chug along, being alive and well, a decade later. Yet another Chicken Little type scenario bites the dust. Alas, the sky is not falling.
Dip your toes into some spicy topics to publish a genuine take for inquiring minds. Be authentic for optimal results.
Write not to elicit charged responses but to pose a thought-provoking question based on your piece.
No
Never bandy about a controversial topic to:
- endlessly debate
- fight
- blame
- be a jerk
Why?
If you want a fight….you will get it!
Covering sensitive topics to throw up your hands opens a stinky blogging can of worms. Critics come out of the woodwork. Combative types appear just to make your comments field a living hell.
Is it their fault?
No.
You covered the topic from a combative perspective.
Combatants showed up in response to your battle readiness.
Skip the controversy. Skip the topic if you feel unclear discussing the idea.
For example, I feel fairly clear on AI blogging. I cover this topic because I feel confident as a human blogger.
Do the same if you feel clear on your potentially controversial subject matter.
Tread Carefully
Ease carefully into these topics.
Be cautious; not for fear of offending anyone. Nor should you tread with caution because you fear losing readers.
Take it easy to emit a caring, genuine, loving message, not an advertisement for a blogging battle royal.
Do inner work before publishing the post. Do you feel chill about the content? Do you offer multiple viewpoints versus a one-sided opinion piece? I believe you are entitled to offer one personal opinion yet controversial subjects seem better covered from a Yes/No perspective.
Note this blog post.
I share the reasons why you would or would not broach potential bombastic topics. Rather than sharing my singular take and tossing the mic I offer you two clear perspectives from each camp.
I feel better covering contrasting perspectives because it makes readers think.
Who Do You Pinpoint?
Do you pinpoint your avatar with the topic?
Or do you miss the mark because the ego covers the subject for its own purposes, not considering your perfect reader?
Dissect touchy topics only for your ideal reader. Touch nothing else. Everything needs to be about their needs. Solve their problems versus going on an egoic tangent.
A steady volume of bloggers asked me about AI and how it affects blogging. I wrote a collection of AI blogging themed posts after Blogging From Paradise readers stepped up to my cyber door with strong feedback regarding the subject matter.
Let readers point you to or away from controversial topics.
Why?
Ask…..why?
Genuine, carefully-planned, well thought out blog posts do readers a great service. Check your mind for the right driver; publishing content truly helpful for your ideal reader.
Avoid diving into blogging minefields if clarity feels lacking in the old brain box.
I remember considering a few blogging powder kegs over the years but shied away because I personally lacked clarity in these departments.
Let go the firecracker or you may just blow off your fingers.
Ease into controversial topics if you get clear on the reason why.
Conclusion
Diving into a little controversy here and there is not a bad thing.
Get clear.
Know why.
Be truly helpful.
Cover the topic from an open-minded perspective to cover controversial topics skillfully.
