Comments on: great question! blogging controversial topics

By: Mic

Mic — Tue, 17 May 2011 03:16:31 +0000

Thanks for hitting this topic head on, Tara! I would agree with Dani. I continue to learn and profit from others who have other beliefs than I do (I’m a Christian). The bottom line for me is: if they are producing good content/products in their area of expertise (that would help me), then it would be smart of me to have them on my radar. I also think that sharing personal beliefs w/ love & gentleness is a good thing.

By: Victoria

Victoria — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 03:16:36 +0000

Great post. I try not to bring my personal religious and political views to my blog, but there are times, (like with Hurricane Katrina or the last presidential election) where I have to speak up and express my feelings. Sometimes remaining silent is just unacceptable. I try to speak my (liberal) mind honestly and respectfully, and the response in those instances have always been supportive and positive.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:38:10 +0000

Thank you so much for posting this! I am also a Christian and am constantly trying to find the right balance in this area. It’s impossible for me not to mention my faith in my blog because it’s constantly on my mind and I tend to write the way I think. But, on the other hand, I don’t want to use religous-y language in my blog that would turn someone off who isn’t familiar or comfortable with those expressions. Hmmm…gives me a lot to think about! Thanks!

By: Jenya

Jenya — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:34:34 +0000

Hmm… I think my opinion is slightly different from others – I generally try to stay away from discussing topics like these on my blog. I am quite opinionated when it comes to politics, for example. I am also very liberal and would not want to be reading someone’s blog where they rave about certain views that I find completely and totally ridiculous. It’s NOTHING PERSONAL yet some of those issues mean a lot to me and others raving about things I find just plain wrong can be a huge turn off for me. So I stay away from discussing things like that. I don’t think it makes me two-faced or not true to myself, I just don’t want to irritate people the way I wouldn’t want to be irritated, hahaha.
But what a great question Tara! Thanks so brining it up!

By: Dani

Dani — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:32:53 +0000

Very, very well put, Tara. It definitely shows when someone is being true to themselves rather than hiding something.

I can also say that as someone whose views are very much outside of the mainstream, I’m never offended by someone discussing their own views, especially on a personal blog. I’m not going to refrain from buying something because someone’s religious beliefs are different from mine, for example – quite to the contrary, in fact. It takes guts and conviction, and a boatload of confidence, to talk about your personal beliefs in the huge public forum that is the internet, and that’s something I very much respect.

By: Lisa {milkshake}

Lisa {milkshake} — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:02:20 +0000

Great question. I find that when I talk about something controversial, more people comment. No one is disrespectful or rude in the comments. I tried not to talk about my beliefs in the beginning, but it felt dishonest. There are a few blogs of people I know in real life that I read and one in particular feels like it’s scripted. The way she writes and the things she writes about don’t jive with her real-life personality. Great post!

By: tara

tara — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:47:16 +0000

lol, wendy!! you ask good questions maybe i should hire you just to provide fodder for my blogging…

sounds like you’re on the right track!

By: Wendy Brightbill

Wendy Brightbill — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:26:33 +0000

again… my question. i am seeing a trend here. just kidding! thanks a bunch tara. you just confirmed what i was already feeling. i have not been talking about my faith all of the time, but when it becomes relevant i do mention it. it is so much a part of who i am as an artist, that is so difficult to not mention anything. thanks again for being a sounding board.