Having a website in which you let people know your thoughts is actually quite a brave thing to do, especially if those thoughts go against the grain of the general feeling or the ‘marketed’ way you are supposed to think. Now some of the people I follow closely are brave, extremely brave when it comes to voicing their point of view.
If we are honest about this though, more people would speak out on their feelings or points of view if they thought a; they wouldn’t get shot down by some and b; if they thought some would agree with it. Voicing your opinion in on a tricky subject, whether it be some one’s product release, paypal fee’s or your local planning office, is a difficult thing to do, so why do it?
- True
Be true to what you believe in and tell others. I’m an honest guy, honest when I screw up, but more importantly when I believe in something. For me, the readers of this site are everything, absolutely everything. Without you reading this post, I would honestly struggle to find the motivation to write as often, without readers this site would just be an electronic back up of all my thoughts, so when I go insane I could maybe save a few memories.
If you whole heatedly believe in something then write about it, stay true to your site, your readers and most importantly to yourself. If you don’t like a new product release then you have every single right to tell people. Some will disagree, some will agree, that’s the beauty of the internet.
- Battles
The phrase picking your battles doesn’t ring completely true with me, get in there and get in the mixer, if you are thinking it, then others are already talking about it. Allyn recently did a post on his site Dear Chris Brogan, in which he talks about the Third Tribe. You could be mistaken for taking this post as another ‘blag bashing’ but he takes about what he believes in, is it wrong that he is doing this? Well his following doesn’t suggest it is.
Using Allyn as an example, he doesn’t constantly pound on the big names making a lot of money, he has taken on some of the biggest corporations and in one case was an integral part in saving a local brewery. So going back to my earlier statement that picking your battles isn’t always the best strategy, if you want to talk about something then do it.
- Valid
Does your view always have to have a point, not always, does it have to be well presented again not always, but if your point isn’t valid ie ‘I hate XYZ company, there name is stupid’ then you run the big risk of looking stupid. If you are having a rant then back it up, talk about why you disagree with something or why you think it should be done better.
As I said earlier, if you are thinking it, someone out there is already talking about it, but stand out by actually making a valid argument, so when someone reads it they don’t think ‘here we go again’. Taking this into account, head over to Ray’s latest post, A Criticism of Steve Pavlina, Ray is not one to do this without real cause to, but he makes a fantastic case to back up his point and guess what, people are flocking to it.
- Readers
Being too nice can sometimes limit your progress, if you don’t like or agree with something then say so. You don’t have to go out all guns blazing taking down anyone you can, and this isn’t promoting ‘blog bashing’ or being the bully in the playground, but by actually having an opinion on things, whether it be pricing of a product or as simple as could commentluv be better, you will appeal to more readers and actually achieve a better connection with them.
I like real people, we’ve all seen those websites who actually write with no passion and no heat fall by the way side. I’m not advocating to go out and start slating everyone and everything, that’s not what this is about, but if you have an opinion never EVER be afriad of voicing it.
I would like to end on a point, as ex-military I know first hand the debt we owe to live the life we do and to allow people like us to have our little electronic empires, we have our spoilt little lives because people spoke out for what they believe in.
What does everyone think?
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{ 66 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: bloggersmarket
February 8, 2010 at 11:05
Hi James,
I’ve always been of the opinion that one can offer different solutions or options without being a hard-ass to someone! If it comes to the point where you have to call someone out, because of “whatever” is trash, you normally don’t have to. Most everyone knows it! Leave the mud-slinging to the policy makers and politicians.
Jeffrey´s last blog ..Super Bowl Fun! Bloggers Market Bowl
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 12:20
Hey Jeffrey,
You’re right it can definately be done that way, just look at Ray as an awesome example of that. What did you think of Allyn’s post about Chris Brogan?
Twitter: bloggersmarket
February 8, 2010 at 13:56
Hi James,
The threads run pretty deep on this issue and I’ve yet to catch-up on the reading. However, what I have read from Allyn’s and the several threads that I was able to pick-up at Chris site lead me to believe, that their may be some dynamic there that we are not aware of. However to be sure we are all responsible for the “New Media” and we all have a stake in it. I’m of the feeling that if we care for it, it will take care of us. Neglecting one another or the media platform for that matter, won’t get it!
Jeffrey´s last blog ..Super Bowl Fun! Bloggers Market Bowl
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 14:09
Hey man,
Yeah I’ve got an invite for you this week to my new forum that will focus on this taking care of each other. Love your commitment to everyone else brother, that to me, is what it’s all about.
Twitter: segedoo
February 8, 2010 at 17:45
Nice one Bro,
I was gonna ask you.
Cheers man
Twitter: KiwiGordie
February 8, 2010 at 11:37
James,
While I find it entertaining watching people bash each other online, deep down I don’t think it really achieves much. It brings a lot of unnecessary negativity to the blogosphere. I think if you don’t like someone or their content just ignore them. Live and let live.
I’m probably more touchy-feely because I’m in the personal development niche where I believe we should be trying to build others up rather than tear them down.
Cheers,
Gordie a.k.a. The Fluffy Bunny.
Gordie´s last blog ..Personal Development By George Clooney: How Much Does Your Life Weigh?
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 12:21
Hey Gordie,
Yeah you’re right and it’s something I’m very aware of, that said I think if you have a point to make, why shouldn’t you speak up. What did you think of Ray’s and Allyn’s posts?
Twitter: KiwiGordie
February 8, 2010 at 13:37
Entertaining! Lol! Actually, I don’t think they were that attacking, so that’s cool.
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 13:54
Yeah I don’t think they were either, some who are possibly a bit too sensitive may seem it as out and out attacking when really it’s just someone airing their views just as they would air their views on blogging or seo, it’s just that there is a person on the other end of it.
Twitter: kruby
February 8, 2010 at 14:10
I agree with Gordie.
Live and Let Live.
Karen´s last blog ..Are Books Worth The Money?
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 14:14
Hey Karen,
I agree with that in the most part, but do you think it’s good for these strong characters to actually say, you know what there is another way to do it? Just be interested in your view point. Also Karen, you will be getting an invite this week for my forum and secondly do you want another guest post? You last one went down a storm
Twitter: kruby
February 8, 2010 at 14:40
Hi James,
I had to go and read what Ray wrote before replying.
I agree to a certain extent to what Ray wrote about SP being lost these days and couching it in the terms of ‘personal development’. It’s a cop-out and I think many of us see right through it. That’s not to take away from his earlier work which has helped many, many people over the years (me, included).
Plus, you’re right when you say that ‘he doesn’t have the power, his readers do’. BUT, he does have a certain authority in the blogosphere and it’s up to us, his readers, to make up our own minds and think critically for ourselves in anything he (or anyone else) writes. We shouldn’t be taking any one’s writings as gospel. It’s easy to do so but it doesn’t help us personally to give up our own power to a third person, just because they write on the internet and have 1000s of readers/followers.
I have the power to turn shut off the browser and not read, just as you do.
It’s an interesting discussion, that’s for sure.
Karen
(will think of a topic soon for another guest-post, thanks)
Karen´s last blog ..Are Books Worth The Money?
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 15:06
Hey Karen , thats great about the guest post look forward to it, I completely agree that you can choose to switch it off at any time, and he too (SP) has the right to talk about anything he wants, just as much people have the right to say he is right or wrong. I personally think it’s good and healthy to think and talk about how things can be different.
If we didn’t have this train of thought, no hospitals, no pioneering surgery, nothing would be where we are now if it were not for the alternative thinking of people. I love it, this post isn’t designed to be an attack and I’m fairly confident it’s not going to be taken that way, just a good couple of examples on how to approach things.
Twitter: AndBreak
February 8, 2010 at 12:30
I definitely think its important to voice your opinion in some articles. Creating articles that simply portray the way you think about something is great. Articles of that kind usually receive lots of comments.
Julius Kuhn-Regnier´s last blog ..The Lost Art of Failure
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 12:38
Yeah exactly brother, that’s what we are all doing anyway (I hope) isn’t it, voicing our own views on everything, great point man
Twitter: bluepop13
February 8, 2010 at 13:07
James,
This was a good post as always.
I feel you’re right about this and I’m not just saying that. If you have an opinion why not explain it and back up your reason. Everyone has an opinion but what makes some people stand out is whether or not they voice their opinion on a particular matter. Standing out is definitely not bad if you’re standing out for the right reasons.
On that note, standing out for the right reasons will still get things going so you have to learn how to handle what comments and suggestions you get. You make a great point here and actually doing something about what you believe in will get you further, even if it’s wrong (though hopefully not) than just talking about it.
Great article brother!
Eric´s last blog ..Real Or Robot
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 13:21
Hey Eric,
Thanks brother, you are absolutely right man, what do you think about Allyn and Ray’s articles? Both different in their approach, but both valid I think.
Twitter: AussieSire
February 8, 2010 at 13:11
I think it’s great to have an opinion as long as you explain to your reader why you have that particular opinion. They may not agree with you, but at least they may understand why you feel that way. There is also a good chance, if your reasons are sound enough, that they may actually agree with you.
Sire´s last blog ..How Twitter Can Actually Earn You Some Cash
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 13:24
Hey Brother, Glad you made it here, I could have easily have listed you as a good example of standing up for what you believe in. What did you think of the different approaches made by Allyn and Ray?
Twitter: AussieSire
February 8, 2010 at 22:29
Not sure what you mean James, and I had to read Ray’s post so that I could reply to the comment
I think Ray took longer to make his point but by the time he did you knew exactly how he got there.
Al got to it quicker and linked out to sites to show what he was on about.
Sire´s last blog ..How Twitter Can Actually Earn You Some Cash
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 22:39
I meant that you have spoken out about things you believe in before, Why you no longer link to problogger and John Chow etc.
Twitter: AussieSire
February 8, 2010 at 22:48
Oh. Well I can say with my post as well as theirs, they’re not rants in the sense, although many people may take it that way. It’s just stating an opinion which is taken out of context because others see it as an attack on some of the big boys, but honestly just because they are who they are does not make them perfect, and just because you disagree with something that they do does not mean you are bagging them.
Sire´s last blog ..How Twitter Can Actually Earn You Some Cash
Twitter: Bigredtomato
February 8, 2010 at 13:20
Hey James
As long as people are polite and constructive in their comments I don’t think anyone has a problem with that. All too often people have a go out of vested interest. As long as a balance is maintained that the reader can clearly see, that’s the main thing. People may disagree with your opinion, but they can at least respect your point of view.
One thing that I like about you post is this:
“I would honestly struggle to find the motivation to write as often, without readers this site would just be an electronic back up of all my thoughts, so when I go insane I could maybe save a few memories.”
So, it’s not if you go insane, it’s when….
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..Tom beat Blue Monday
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 13:52
hey man,
Yeah it has to be constructive, Matthew, do you think constructive can be done with an agressive nature or not?
Like Gordie, it’s definitely entertaining reading when someone takes pot-shots at some of the “big boys”. But. Bashing anyone, whether it’s Darren Rowse from ProBlogger, Chris Brogan, Steve Pavlina or anyone else needs to be backed up with some stiff evidence to be believable.
Rant posts can be fun, that’s for sure. Opinions pro and con are great too, like what’s been going on about the Third Tribe on a variety of sites. For me, who or what I believe depends on who I trust and why I trust him or her.
On my blog, I’m a “Telling It Like It Is” type writer and from the number of emails and/or comments I get on various topics, many people feel it’s refreshing to read matter-of-fact posts that aren’t filled with a lot of “fluff”.
Bashing someone or something needs to have factual basis to be believable and trustworthy, otherwise it’s just one more “gotcha” kind of post that puts me to sleep.
Lin´s last blog ..Chicago Vacations – Things to Do in Chicago
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 16:52
Hey Lin,
Yeah you’re absolutely right, you have to make a valid point, otherwise, like you say, it’s purely about the traffic and not the message. Out of interest what did you think of Ray and Allyn’s posts?
Twitter: theblog_log
February 8, 2010 at 16:23
Thanks for the mention, James. I am more than pleased to see that the readers understood that I was not simply taking a “pot shot”, or “bashing” Steve Pavlina. Whatever else you may think of him, he has written an enormous amount of helpful material for his readers. It’s his philosophical outlook of late that concerned me, and I thought was worthy of talking about. I will never use my blog to attack someone. It’s unworthy of any of the bloggers who are part of the community James has gathered. I am proud to be a part of it, and to be a part of the exciting growth that is taking place here. (not to mention the additional readers to my blog as a result)…shhh…don’t tell anyone I said that.
Thank you again for the mention, James
Ray´s last blog ..Blogging For Comments vs. The Teach and Preach
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 16:53
Hey brother thanks man, off to check out your latest post, sounds like something I need to get involved with. FYI your invite for my ‘invite only’ forum will be sent out soon
Twitter: theblog_log
February 8, 2010 at 23:44
okay, thank you
Ray´s last blog ..Blogging For Comments vs. The Teach and Preach
Twitter: ralphcarlson
February 8, 2010 at 17:15
What a pain James. Here I sit down to read a post about bravery and it is all over two posts that I haven’t read. Now I have to go read Ray and Allyn to see whether they are mean, spirited, petty twits.
Actually I don’t. I have every reason to thing that they have a good point to make that is constructive to their subjects and because I respect their judgment, I look forward to moving over there and checking after I finish this comment about……what was that post about James. Now I forget.
Ralph´s last blog ..Up with Failure
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 18:45
ha ha Hi Ralph, let me know how you get on with there posts
Twitter: ralphcarlson
February 8, 2010 at 19:48
I learned that Steve has gone weird. I’m not so sure about Chris because he commented on my blog when nobody else was.
Ralph´s last blog ..Up with Failure
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 20:31
Ralph you’re getting good comments now brother!
Twitter: segedoo
February 8, 2010 at 17:32
I knew Steve Pavlina in 2007 and since then he’s been a go to guy for personal development stuffs.
Anyway as I’m heading over to Ray’s blog to see what’s up? for now i’d just watch and see.
Olusegun´s last blog ..Broke-Ass Blogger or MSI Blogger – Which One Are You?
Twitter: webcareergirl
February 8, 2010 at 17:35
Out of all of these, what’s really important to me is to be true to yourself. And it can be hard. Sometimes you think you should be doing something because other people are. I have struggled with this myself, and have to take time out to think about what I really need to do to pave my own way and do things right for me.
Ruth – Web Career Girl´s last blog ..4 Ways to Win the Battle Against Procrastination
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 18:47
Hey Ruth,
You’re right it can be a real struggle especially for us who are just starting out. I know for me I’ve found my own groove in this and stick to it, not a concious thing, just write what I feel. Out of interest how do you keep at bay those feelings of ’should I be writing about that’ etc?
Twitter: freemanlegacy
February 8, 2010 at 19:39
I voice my opinion quite often, and it has cost me a few readers along the way. But, it’s my blog and my opinions, so I voice them as I see fit. Plus, now that I am part of a “Positivity Pact” I am doing much better.
Ms. Freeman´s last blog ..Protect Your Reputation-Practice Truth in Advertising
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 20:30
hey yeah you’re right it is your roof so you can play by your rules. That said I to am staying out of the arguements, That said I am dedicated to talking about things I believe in.
Twitter: travisamorgan
February 8, 2010 at 19:51
GOOD!!!
I was beginning to wonder about my own blog. But I’m glad to hear that being more black and white than gray is probably what will get more response and followings.
Travis´s last blog ..The End Justifies the Means
Twitter: TylinaVespart
February 8, 2010 at 21:09
Definitely Travis – part of what I love about your blog is your opinion on things lol. Sorry, just had to cut in and mention that; Reading down the comments before I go ahead and post my own thoughts.
Just keep being you
Heather´s last blog ..The New Direction: Mission Plan
Twitter: travisamorgan
February 9, 2010 at 03:29
Heather,
Totally fine! It’s good to hear from one of my own readers that it’s a favorable trait. Thanks!!
Travis
Travis´s last blog ..The End Justifies the Means
Twitter: websiteweekend
February 8, 2010 at 20:14
I don’t bash anyone without clear evidence, and even then, I’m extremely circumspect.
It’s not about being “nice,” it’s about focusing on what’s important.
And to me, what’s important is how well I help people, not whether other people – people I have no influence over – are behaving badly, or inauthentically, or without credibility.
Dave Doolin´s last blog ..Pre-Writing Is Your Friend – With Benefits (Part 1)
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 20:38
Yeah ‘bashing’ isn’t great karma, having a point of view and voicing your opinion is important I think, what did you think of Ray and Allyn’s approach to all this?
Twitter: tmaluchnik
February 8, 2010 at 20:42
Thought I think a lot of the blog bashing is non-sense and useless, I do feel if I am not getting criticized in some of my writings then I am not extending peoples minds or thoughts that much.
When I do get some negative comments or bashing that is when I know I am writing my best and pushing people to think a little bit more about aspects of their life.
Good post btw and you are doing an awesome job! Keep up the good work!
Tanner @ Life Destiny´s last blog ..The Paleo Diet Going Mainstream
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 20:45
hey Tanner,
Yeah I think the day you start to get negative comments is the day you start to make it, not everyone will agree but if the majority do then you’re on the right path
Twitter: TylinaVespart
February 8, 2010 at 21:14
Personally there’s nothing that turns me off from a blogger as quickly as blogger bashing. Before I go any further, I don’t think Allyn or Ray have done that (Read Allyns already, not been over to see Ray’s post yet but I’ll get right on that).
Just feels like some days you turn round and there’s ‘I dont agree with such and such’ or ’so and so’s talking out his a$s’ and its a little annoying. If there’s a valid reason and it’s less about the other blogger and more about the opinion then I’m all for it. Because that’s not bashing, that’s being yourself and standing up for what you believe.
Further, if you’re not going to be real and engage then you’re not likely to stay in my RSS for too long; Every single feed I have on there is one I’d miss (and even then there’s too many) because each person is distinct, real, and has valid things to say. On lots of them you’ll see a good conversation going.
Aaaand I’m cutting this off here, because I do still have a blog post to write (I know, going now James
). Will comment on the other one a little later too 
Great post, as always!
Heather´s last blog ..The New Direction: Mission Plan
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 21:19
Hey heather, no more commenting for you till your post is done! lol
Twitter: TylinaVespart
February 8, 2010 at 23:14
Lol, consider it done
I had fun writing that one…. anyway, Ray’s post:
Wow. That’s all I have to say, Wow. I remember Steve from a while back; seems to have gone nuts o.o
Heather´s last blog ..Daydreams; Responsible for paint-covered Tai Chi practitioners in ninja suits
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 23:16
Yeah I stumbled across Steve’s site ages ago and was turned off by it purely because the posts were so long. Maybe the ‘power’ has gone to his head.
Twitter: TylinaVespart
February 8, 2010 at 23:33
Stranger things have happened I guess. Sad to see really *shrugs*
Heather´s last blog ..Daydreams; Responsible for paint-covered Tai Chi practitioners in ninja suits
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 8, 2010 at 23:35
As long as well all keep each other on the same track, that’s the main thing! By the way invites for the forum will be going out tomorrow hopefully.
Twitter: TylinaVespart
February 8, 2010 at 23:43
Lol indeed! Hopefully we’ll be ok lol.
Good to hear, it’ll be awesome.
Heather´s last blog ..Daydreams; Responsible for paint-covered Tai Chi practitioners in ninja suits
Twitter: dboguejmatthews
February 8, 2010 at 23:35
In the past I have been one of those who either agrees with someone up front or doesn’t agree, says “I don’t agree” and then mumbles sarcastically under my breath about the stupidity of said point. I don’t care anymore. If I want to write about something that I don’t like then I will. And I will say I don’t like it. You have had a lot to do with that. Still you have to pick your battles and some things are just not worth fighting about. But part of being yourself is to put who you are, who you REALLY are, out there, even if it is unconfortable or even if it hurts a bit.
Great Ideas as always
Justin
Justin Matthews´s last blog ..The top 10 things I learned from Superbowl XLIV
Twitter: consciousmeblog
February 9, 2010 at 00:30
Thanks for your comment on my guest post at WIAW. It was really nice and encouraging. That site has such great content, I’m glad to have contributed.
I just checked out a couple posts and have enjoyed what I’ve read so far; you’ve got a new subscriber. Great looking site too.
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 9, 2010 at 09:46
Hey Carlos, thanks brother.
Anytime you want a guest post, just give me a shout.
Twitter: consciousmeblog
February 9, 2010 at 13:10
Awesome, thanks for the offer! I will follow your site for a while to get a good sense of the content and culture, and will definitely follow up with you later on.
I look forward to it.
Twitter: problogger
February 9, 2010 at 01:11
It’s an interesting topic and one that I’ve had a few random thoughts on over the years. I’ve seen quite a few bloggers take the ‘bashing’ approach with varied results.
I personally don’t mind strongly worded posts that expressed an opinion. I think that sharing opinions and critique really help a blog stand out from the crowd rather than just doing what everyone else is doing.
Having said that – when you take aim at another blogger (or anyone for that matter) you can stand out from the crowd in both positive and negative ways.
I saw one blogger 3 years back set himself up as the guy who called it as it is and who launched snarky tirades against numerous bloggers. He got a few laughs and got some traffic – but the problem is that he became known as the guy who attacks bloggers. He never wrote anything positive or constructive and after 4-5 attacks people got bored of him and he became the joke. He also drew a lot of criticism from other bloggers and didn’t really like the tables being turned. Now that blog is gone – he couldn’t sustain the snark. Not only that, the last time I heard from him he was telling me that he couldn’t launch any blogs successfully using his real name because people didn’t respect him any more.
I guess the lesson here is that you want to become known for something constructive and not just the basher. By all means express your opinion but build something worthwhile with your other posts. If every post you do is negative you’ll be creating that kind of impression.
A side note on that blogger – I was actually someone who he attacked. The accumulation of his attack was that someone with a mental illness saw what he wrote about me and started to stalk me – ending in a physical attack on my property. I guess it’s worth keeping in mind that while this kind of tactic might have harmless intentions that once you put it out into public that it can have a significant and real impact upon those you direct it upon.
Another thought – I think it’s worth digging a little behind some of these types of posts to find the motivations of those writing the snark. I’m not pointing the finger at anyone in particular here but often the blogs creating these types of attacking posts have their own agenda, products and motivations. Just in the last week I’ve seen a few bloggers having a go around the Third Tribe launch who in the very same posts promote their own products or affiliate promotions. Now there products and the stuff they promote might be worthwhile but in my mind that’s a mixed message.
Taking the approach of ‘this product is crap and a scam…. but by the way here’s something of mine (or here’s something I get 50% of for recommending) that you should buy instead’ in a post attacking the character of another person just doesn’t wash it for me.
I personally am open to critique and will learn from it to improve what I do – but when someone’s using a critique to promote their own stuff it kind of takes the edge of things for me.
Lastly – as someone who has had his fair share of ‘critique’ over the years I can say that while there have been times where it has inspired me and helped me improve what I do – there’s also a point where it becomes destructive to keep buying into it.
I remember the first time someone wrote attacking stuff about me – I completely got sucked into it. I tried to reason with the person, tried to explain myself, tried to defend myself, tried to bite back….. in the end I wasted many hours (days probably) on what ended up being a pointless exercise. The other blogger wasn’t interested in dialogue, they had their agendas and ultimately every time I bought into it I just fell further into their trap.
As a result – I tend not to buy in these days to this type of thing. I know what I believe in, I honestly try to provide value for people and try to be a person of character and I guess I just have to stick to that.
At times I screw up and if someone pulls me aside and confronts me I try to right my actions and make amends – but the days are gone where I’ll waste my life being drawn into the muck and mud slinging of others.
I guess ultimately what I’m trying to say is that there are probably better ways to bring about change when you see another blogger doing something you don’t like. Perhaps an email or call might be a better starting point than a public crucifixion.
Interestingly the times I’ve contacted those who attacked me with posts to see if we could sort it out via email have in 99% of occasions ended with the other person either not responding or saying that they didn’t want to talk about it.
Darren Rowse´s last blog ..What Is Your Blogging Goal for February?
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 9, 2010 at 09:46
Hey Darren,
Thanks for the detailed reply. I think you’re right in a lot of cases, while I have vowed not to get into this ‘blog bashing’ culture anymore, I think there is a threshold for being found as a ‘basher’ or someone who thinks in a different way.
I think it’s fine to say; ‘Be different from these guys’ or even ‘why don’t they do this’ You’re a public figure and as such attract attention. Attention which is good and that in turn will keep you where you are, unfortunately you will attract bad attention too, doesn’t mean to say that’s right, just a fact of life.
Now in the case you talked about, I have to say that’s awefull and something I would never advocate and I’m glad that blogger became redundant as a result of people being bored. It’s also deeply unsettling that one person (ill or not) decided to visit your house.
I think you back up the point I was making here about it’s important to have a point of view, it’s how we all learn, but when it gets to the point their site is being built on your misery, that’s not cool at all.
Darren I personally think being in your position you will always get people who won’t agree with you, because so many people do agree. It’s just a simple case of maths. Like I said though I think you back up my point of voicing your opinion, but do it properly and with justification.
Twitter: problogger
February 9, 2010 at 10:49
There’s certainly a fine line between so called ‘bashing’ and being someone with strong and individual opinions. I guess part of it comes down to your motivation and whether you’re doing so simply to get attention/traffic or if you have something genuine and helpful to say.
It is a fact of life that prominent bloggers get attention. I get my fair share of it however interestingly it isn’t just dependant upon the size of one’s blog as my photography blog has never had the kind of attention that I get on ProBlogger each week
Of course on PB I tie my name and story much more to the blog and it is on a topic which has a variety of ‘controversial’ elements around it.
It is a fact of life but it doesn’t make it easy some days. I’m pretty thick skinned these days but do have my moments of getting pretty despondent about it all. The only times I’ve ever considered selling up on ProBlogger have been around this kind of stuff – sometimes I think it’d be easier just to be a more anonymous blogger doing my thing at DPS rather than putting myself out there on ProBlogger. I’ve never seriously considered giving it up but there are days when it gets a little overwhelming to see people take the approach that they do.
Darren Rowse´s last blog ..What Is Your Blogging Goal for February?
Twitter: AussieSire
February 9, 2010 at 11:24
Hi Darren, not sure if you remember me, but I did a post awhile back where I was accused of bashing you guys. It was never meant to go that way mate. I just stated how I was going to run things with my blog and commenting and the reasons for doing that.
There were those who think that the whole reason for that post was to get the attention of you guys thereby boosting my traffic. Not so, otherwise I would have linked to your collective posts or something.
Anyway, what I’m trying to say, and probably doing a bloody poor job of it, is that sometimes it’s not bashing at all, just a difference of opinion.
Sire´s last blog ..Blogging, It’s Not What You Say But How You Say It
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 9, 2010 at 11:31
Hey Darren,
You’re right you do have to be very thick skinned, I suppose it comes with the job. We all tell people what we think and how we think things should be done and so people will find objection with this and suggest (sometimes too forcefully) an alternative. It’s interesting to hear you talk about this for sure.
Without patting you on the back and getting to fluffy about this, you have done something amazing and which people take a great deal of inspiration from, you’re probably responsible for a large majority of the make money online game. More people like you than disagree and that’s the battle.
But without people suggesting another way to do things, just as you do, we would all be using adwords I suppose. I do agree that people who go all out to attack people, in a similar way the fashion gossips do, is not the way to do it, in my opinion anyway, but as I always say I’m now guru
Twitter: problogger
February 9, 2010 at 22:21
Sire – difference of opinion is not a problem, it’s when people take it to a personal level, get vindictive and attack the person rather than the idea that I generally have problems. It’s a fine line in some cases and I guess it gets tricky to know the real motivation of the blogger at times. Even when you express a strong/different opinion I guess the blogger saying what they think needs to be prepared for some strong opinions back at them.
infopreneur – I try to be useful and try to blog about what has worked for me without discounting what works for others. I’m starting to see now that sometimes the attacks come from people who have a different style or focus who don’t always understand that I am actually quite open to different approaches.
Of course I can only write from my own experience of what has worked for me so I guess sometimes that comes across as me saying there is only one way. Hard to know how to deal with that – sometimes people just want to believe what they want to believe about you I guess.
Darren Rowse´s last blog ..What Is Your Blogging Goal for February?
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 9, 2010 at 22:32
I think you are definately providing useful information, just look at the following you have to confirm that. I also think it’s a case of when some think it’s personal and when the person saying it means it as a honest (albeit) agressive difference in thinking. Honestly you have set the bench mark for a lot of people and like me you can only talk about things that have worked for you.
For example I can only talk about my methods which come under fire from the more succesfull writers, that said I don’t pay it much attention, yeah they are out there doing there thing, but for me I know what I’m doing is working, the attitude i have works for this site, so if someone says I am wrong then they really don’t have much to base it on.
To be honest Darren I would like to talk about this in more detail if you are up for it? Maybe in a email discussion?
Twitter: segedoo
February 9, 2010 at 14:39
Interesting.
Frankly, I think if you feel any blogger regardless of the rating is messing up, the first thing to do is email the dude and let him know in private.
If after, your corrections are not adhered too, you can then blog about it stating that you’ve earlier gotten in touch with the person in question and he ignored your advice.
That way nobody will see it has blogger-bashing or wanting to try the David and Goliath stunt to get traffic.
The truth is what goes around, comes around…much bigger.
Cheers
Olusegun´s last blog ..Broke-Ass Blogger or MSI Blogger – Which One Are You?
Twitter: ryanhanzel
February 9, 2010 at 20:23
Very well said man, I try to be a nice person but when my point of view is questioned I will stick to it unless there is a legitimate reason for me to change it. You can’t be you if the opinion or point of view is not your own, so voice what is yours!
Keep it up bud, love the work!
Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Climbing back on your throne
Twitter: theinfopreneur
February 9, 2010 at 20:48
Thanks brother, you’re so right having an opinion is what makes us … well us!