Controversy Sells….or at Least Gets You Views
Controversial articles get a lot of attention, which means you get more people reading your articles.
While I normally enjoy writing articles about the uplifting things in life, or some historical facts or story every so often I am moved to speak out about what I consider a current issue. Being basically, a peace loving person I really don’t enjoy controversy and often avoid it in my personal life. However, there are times when all of us feel we must speak out about a person, a law, or an event that seems to be somewhat unfair or even dangerous.
Amazingly when I feel that I need to speak out, my viewpoint is often not shared by those around me. Which is fine because disagreement and listening to the viewpoints of others is how we grow. However, I have discovered that when I hold a less than popular viewpoint in an article those articles get three or four times the views that my other articles get. It has become obvious to me that controversy sells or at least gets your articles viewed.
Growing up my folks always told me never to discuss politics or religion. It got you nowhere. Obviously, they were wrong. Politics, religion or any other heated topic can and does get people to think and react. For a writer such topic gets their articles read. The more your articles are read, the more money you make.
Does this mean you will see more controversial articles from me in the future? Probably not. While I am not afraid to speak up when I think the situation calls for my voice, I still am at heart not a controversial person by nature and I still prefer to write articles that are helpful, uplifting, or simply amusing and interesting rather than those that are hotbeds of controversy. Even if controversy sells, I would prefer to make one person smile than to make hundreds angry.
That being said, I would be less than honest as a writer if I didn’t at least note those articles that seem to be more widely read. For these insights are what makes us all better writers because they tell us what subjects the public at large are interested in. It also gives readers a chance to state their own viewpoints which is a good thing as only through conversation can we hope to improve our lives and hopefully the lives of others.
So while I won’t be writing controversial articles for purpose of getting more views neither will I be afraid to speak out when I have something to say. That is what writing is all about and thank goodness as writers we all have a voice on whatever subject we please.
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January 10th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Being a peaceful person myself I don’t write about controversial matters either. I would much rather bring forth a smile. Nice work.
Christine
January 10th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
I wrote what I considered to be a controversial article last year and wondered if it would have a negative effect on my readership. Quite the opposite. However, like you, I’d rather write nice things for the people who like to read nice.
January 10th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
I prefer writing upbeat positive stuff….. actually I prefer writing absurdist surreal stuff that doesn’t make any bloody sense whatsoever but sadly people seem to be fixated on wanting to fill their heads with negative drival……. There are a couple of triond writers that I wish would stop writing cus all of their stuff is angery. One person in particular that I think should take their mental issues to a therapist instead of plastering them all of the internet. I do not read or support that person but I usually hear about their stuff indirectly anyway weather I want to or not.
I try to not be involved with any of the nutty religious fundamentalists on triond anymore as well. I don’t need that noise whatsoever. I would prefer not to hear from or about any of them either.
January 11th, 2011 at 1:46 am
Nice article
January 11th, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Catchy title and interesting topic always help. Thanks for posting.
January 12th, 2011 at 9:59 am
This is all true, however it is possible to write useful, positive and informative articles that will attract alot of traffic, particularly from the search engines. The thing is that this takes more effort, creativity, writing skills, and intelligence. Anyone can write controversial material and get views and that is why many do it. This has always been the case even before the existence of the Internet.
January 15th, 2011 at 6:07 am
Good to maintain peace and make all readers feel good. It is hard to express political views without offending some.
January 15th, 2011 at 11:33 am
You have very much wisdom. I try to stay away from controversy, too. Now I am working on a benign article and am trying my hand at short stories and poetry. Keep writing great articles!