Do You Write Controversial Posts?

photo credit: VOD Cars

I’ve written them. I’m sure you’ve written them. The post you’re not sure you should put out there. You might have thought long and hard about the consequences. The pros and cons balancing like two eggs on a scale. One may hatch an influx of traffic, the other a hated thumbs down from readers. This article looks at some sketchy topics for blog owners. This doesn’t mean these topics cannot be covered, but they should be done so with kid gloves.

You could also look at this list as a viral marketing article ideas. These topics have controversy tattooed all over them. They’re guaranteed arguments — the barb wire wrapping a bicep.

1. Abortion – not many blogs can hook a reader with the abortion debate. Of course, a Christian, atheist, political blog could shuffle this topic in, but it would be hard for a MMO blog to incorporate this ageless debate.

2. Politics — outside of democratic, republic, green, and independent blogging platforms there’s not much room to talk politics, or at least argue them. It runs the risk of alienating readers. The recent election coverage probably saw a large amount of readers jumping ship over support of one candidate over another.

3. Religion – Most talk of religion can be handled quite nicely, if its wrapped in historical accuracy. The problem begins when spouting opinions of religion. Other times, little things, like analogously comparing a religion to something inane can also spark controversy. Who wants an inquisition on their hands?

4. Mac vs. PC — The commercials put out by Mac steal most of the thunder here. For tech blogs, this is the fan-boy dream post.  What can be a well informed article might turn into a comment bashing haven for weeks afterward. Engadget had to turn off their comments for just this reason recently.

What topics do you steer clear of on your blog? Is there really anything you won’t discuss?