If you’re a long time reader of this blog, you probably have seen me a lot of times really go into a certain topic and just write on it freely, most of the times really pouring in a lot of immature controversial statements as oppose to just being balanced enough and having a milder take on things.
But it’s just recently that I’ve been quite getting some flak for that attitude and that lead to me writing this very interesting post about my take on things.
It’s not Being Controversial, it’s just being me
I don’t think a lot of bloggers have this attitude but when I write, I just speak myself out. I try to be as spontaneous as possible and I think it speaks very well on how transparent I am. But that doesn’t mean that I am being irresponsible. Obviously when you write based on how you feel, you’re most of the times wrong. And that’s what I try to avoid. I can always assure you that I do my research or own study before really speaking on things. For all those people out there, it’s crucial. If you don’t do your research first, it may ruin your credibility.
Back to being transparent, I think most people here have liked my spontaneity and personality. That being said, it’s equally important as well to try to connect to your readers by just being your own. Sure at times we feel quite pressured not to sound too personal (and quirky) fearing to lose our credibility, but the truth is what all our readers care for is our own view on things. You could talk about this, talk about that and talk about all those latest trends but at the end, our readers will only care on our own tack on those issues and that’s why they comment on the first place. They either agree or disagree.
Controversy gives more risk as a blogger
A lot of people have gone down to this path. They start a blog, and to make a shortcut or to get noticed quickly, out of nowhere they hit big bloggers/people. They try to criticize them even though it’s not reasonable, they tend to create a lot of controversy so that they can get traction in as little time as possible.
I would tell you first and foremost to avoid that tactic. It’s an old blackhat practice and I don’t think it is going to work if you do it solely for bullshitting other people. Sure it can yield you great spikes in traffic but unless you give people enough proof on those, all of those craps are just deemed claims. And claims are just stuffs that you should never believe into.
Striking a balance
All in all it boils down to striking a balance between both. I am always a firm believer that you can get more people to read you by just being yourself, not pretending to be a lawyer or what. On the flip side, more people will actually then BELIEVE you by doing your research, thus boosting your credibility as oppose to just reading you.
Striking a balance is quite a work if you ask me. Sometimes we tend to be not fair but that’s where our readers come and rescue us. I always feel glad, actually really glad when a commenter opposes to what I believe and then explains his side on the comments.
What do you think about this topic?
Good advice Melvin, this is actually one of the reasons why I got hooked to your blog. You speak your mind and your writing is original. But at the same time, you know the industry and what you’re talking about. I’m still trying to find that balance between being myself and adding a little controversy by criticizing the experts on things I don’t see eye to eye with.
.-= Mathew Day´s last blog ..XHeader Pro New Release – FREE Header Graphics Software =-.
The way you write is what makes your blog unique. I love coming to your blog because I know that I wont get another rehash of what everyone is saying, but I will get something that is currently on your mind. Keep it up!
.-= Tom | Build That List´s last blog ..Finding the Perfect Temperature For Your Mailing List =-.
An usually, an article that we write by just speak our self turn out become controversy so often. I experience it in my blog. I think because it is a personal opinion, and a personal opinion usually criticize something.
.-= Dana @ Blogging Update´s last blog ..My 5 Current Ways of Make Money Blogging =-.
blogging is all about writing yourself out melvin….it gives us a platform to speak out your minds in the way you like without any orders and limitations
.-= IndianCashMaker´s last blog ..The Only Profitable Niche- ONLINE MONEY MAKING =-.
Me too man. I love writing whatever comes to mind. I never even think if it will create controversies or something.
If I am not able to speak my mind then whats the point. I glad that you wrote on this topic.
.-= Agent Deepak´s last blog ..Time for some Drastic Changes =-.
We write with different emotions. As long as you write according to your own unique thoughts, it’s not a big deal if somebody dislikes it.
.-= Cebu Tech Blogger´s last blog ..Play/Open Videos and Music on Web Browsers =-.
I think most “controversial” bloggers are those that may just be not scared to speak. Ex there are many bloggers which have a negative opinion of something… they won’t talk about it though because they’re scared of any potential rifts. I think bloggers that aren’t scared and speak honestly (like yourself…) stand out. 🙂
.-= Jason @ Make Money At Home´s last blog ..How To Get The Most Out Of Blog Commenting =-.
you speak your mind alright melvin but when are you gonna get back speaking about marketing tips for bloggers-it’s been quite a while 🙁
thanks for that Mathew, I appreciate that. I dont still think I know the industry that much but I always feel that my point always makes good sense.
True. Thats why a blog is VERY different from a news site.
ey thanks Jason. 🙂 At the same time, you get negative press as well for being not scared. lols
yep I know. I have some on drafts and Im trying to figure out a good schedule to work on those as I am exhausted with the school work recently.
Thansk for reminding
I do not think that you are controversial at all, and if you are certainly it’s in a good way. I always follow your blog and lurk here for a year now 😉 reading your posts. Love it!
great.but after that don’t forget about speaking your mind too once in a while.am not sure i should admit this but it’s one of the reasons i still keep dropping by once in a while-you can check out my comment from your interview with Deepak-got the link from the fb page; didn’t even know about Deepak and am probably the first reader from Kenya. i even got some Filipino msg for you guys over there 😉
Melvin: I do agree with you that blackhat SEO tactic can not exist for life and you can be banned and loose everything sooner or later. Great argument!
Blog is after all a place where a person can express his/her thought and a blogger have the right to criticize a people, a company or a product if s/he have the proof what s/he going to write about.
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Melvin…you speak your mind…this is the best thing I like about you and your blog
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Hey Melvin, I’ve been here to your blog off and on several times and I’ve yet to find your posts so controversial and I agree with you that one has to speak their mind or you can find yourself writing just for the masses. I’d rather see you speak your mind and write the way you feel which is what you do. I’ve also come to enjoy any hints or new ideas that you have on the business of blogging & making money online. I also agree that one can not just start busting or poking fun at other bloggers or blogs just for the sake of controversy or as you called it “Black Hat tactics”. I’ve seen others do this, and it never gets them or their blog anywhere in the end. Great job Melvin. jj
.-= jj-momscashblog´s last blog ..My Servers Got Overloaded? =-.