Pick a Fight!
“I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!” ~ Monty Python
Ok, so that’s not exactly what I mean but who can pass up using a Python quote? Many people over the years have said that great writing elicits a response from the reader. You’ve probably read blogging advice (including some here) that talks about being controversial. Why? Because it stirs people up, get’s them fired up, and one way or the other, they’re going to react. Well, yesterday I decided to try that tactic out a bit over on JohnChow.com. As I said before, I really believe that John Chow dot Com has Jumped the Shark, however, there’s no denying the amount of traffic and readers he has. So, I made my way over and made my feelings known on a few topics, but the overarching theme to my comments was that John needs to get back to posting about making money online. Now I’m quite certain I ticked a few people off (several commentators came to his defense), however, I know for certain I also gained some exposure and a few readers from it as well. Just this morning Egonitron.com linked to me in his post which echoes my sentiments about Mr. Chow’s website as of late. Also, Erik from erikkarey.com mentioned he had also found my site via my comments yesterday.
As if a couple of new readers weren’t enough, I managed to comment my way up onto John’s Top Commentator list which gives me a nice link from a PR6 site which happens to be an authority (or at least used to be) in my niche. Granted, that link is probably temporary as it’s difficult to keep up that rate of commenting while still providing value to the conversation. But, over the course of the last two days (I started my comment spree Monday) I’ve received more than 40 referrals from JohnChow.com.
Picking a fight or being critical of a very popular figure can be a bit risky. You have to be careful to represent yourself well and try to walk the fine line between stirring up emotions and alienating potential readers. However, if you manage to pull it off, it can be quite rewarding.
What are you waiting for? Go pick a fight!
Update: As Erik correctly pointed out in the comments, you shouldn’t pick a fight just for the sake of picking a fight. You should be arguing or debating about a topic you legitimately care about and believe in. If you don’t have the passion about the topic, people will see right through it and you’ll probably just come across as a jerk. However, if you’re passionately discussing a cause or topic you feel strongly about, you’ll be seen as a champion for the cause. Another good point that I probably should have mentioned is don’t hesitate to admit when you’re wrong. If you overstep your bounds or say something you shouldn’t have, admit it and apologize. If it turns out you’re wrong about the issue, admit that as well. People respect someone willing to admit they are wrong much more than someone who thinks they’re never wrong.
Comments
Erik Karey August 2nd, 2007
First, thanks for the linkback! Second, great use of Monty Python. And lastly, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t just go and pick a fight for no reason, but to go and argue a point that you believe in.
Blogging Experiment August 2nd, 2007
Erik, you’re absolutely right. I should probably tweak the post a bit to emphasize that a bit more. You need to be standing up for what you consider a good cause and that you’re proud to have your name associated with. If you believe strongly about the issue, chances are others do as well and that’s what you’re trying to achieve.
I’ve added an update to the post, let me know if that does the trick. Thanks again for the input!
Erik Karey August 2nd, 2007
Nice addition, clears things up.
Jason August 2nd, 2007
How ’bout this? Put some more white space in your writing, ya moron! Kidding Ben…
I know what you mean. Especially if it’s in your character somewhere, getting a little fired up every once and a while can be good for traffic and general attention. Why do you think people like reality TV?
FIAR August 3rd, 2007
May all your babies be born bald and fat!
How’s that for starting a fight? Oh, yes. I truly feel passionate about that.
Blogging Experiment August 3rd, 2007
Oh man FIAR, I hope my wife’s not reading this post. I recently shaved my head bald and she wasn’t a big fan. I told her she was just delaying the inevitable as both my grandfathers are/were bald. She’s apparently a fan of the hair lol.
Jack August 3rd, 2007
Excellent choice of quote. Monty Python movies are classic and are sure to have some golden lines you can use!
“Help Help! I’m being repressed!”
FIAR August 3rd, 2007
Is that why the hat in the pic?
Wild Bill August 3rd, 2007
No the hat is to cover up the BloggingExperiment.com tattoo on his forehead. Don’t get drunk in Tijuana. Donkeys can’t tattoo for crap!
Blogging Experiment August 3rd, 2007
Haham no actually in that pic I still had hair. I still would have hair too but well… I guess that would actually make a funny Friday post. I’ll see if I can’t crank out the story fairly quickly.
Wild Bill, I’m adding tattoos to my list of things not to do while drunk. Thanks for the tip
On second thought though, that would be some great linkbait huh? I wonder what the wife would say to that lol!
Gdog August 3rd, 2007
Hey man, I’m all about voicing opinions and comments on a blog, but if you have such strong opinions about John’s site, why not just stop visiting? Just a thought! Cheers.
Blogging Experiment August 3rd, 2007
Gdog, because what good is criticism if the person it’s meant for doesn’t read it? I think John has a lot of great information to share with people and I thoroughly enjoy his posts about blogging and making money online. I’ve been a subscriber for several months now. Unfortunately, he’s been mailing it in for the past month or two and I want to provide that feedback where it matters most.
Plus, it generates traffic, gives my blog a bit more exposure, and elicits a response from people (you for example
). Basically, it does all the things I talk about in this post.
Thanks for the comment though and I hope you enjoy the rest of the site!
Angel August 6th, 2007
Yes it’s very true. If you go in all guns blazing you will generate some publicity, but in the long run it might do more harm than good. You really need to think about your offensive before you try and take on someone.