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Handling Hot Topic Writing Issues

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Some people are able to write on controversial topics like breastfeeding, circumcision or spankings and proceed to host a very thoughtful discussion within their comment section. On the other hand, other bloggers write about the exact same topics and end up dealing with a full on brawl on their site. Luckily, there are some specific things that bloggers can use in order to help them tackle hot topic issues without raising the collective blood pressure of their readership. Writing on hot topic issues can be very beneficial to a blog, however it must be done correctly. Here are several steps you can take in order to write well on any controversial topic.

 

Know Your Audience

 Keep in mind that not every topic should be written about, even if you don’t have a specific niche that you’re writing into. It’s impossible to know the tastes of every person who looks at your blog, but you likely have a general sense of the kinds of people you attract. If you know a topic isn’t going to resonate with the bulk of your blog audience or you fear that you may offend your readership, then it is recommended that you still write the piece, however you may want to publish it on a more varied site, or even do a guest post on a different blog where the readership will better appreciate it.

 

Don’t Aim to Anger

Do you enjoy having your buttons pushed? The answer is likely no, and is the same answer for your readers. There are too many posts out there where the blogger uses inflammatory language that is meant to get readers riled up. However, keep in mind that doing this may get a response, but it won’t do anything to gain yourself any new readers. You don’t want to have a lot of traffic that will just die out when your post gets old; you want to have a constant stream of blog traffic from people who are actually interested in the things you have to say. In order to ensure you don’t anger your readership make sure that you take some time after you write your blog post to calm down, and then re-read it. Ask yourself if you may potentially be going to anger your readers.

 

Know Your Arguments

Don’t write about controversial topics that you don’t really know anything about. Instead of rushing through a post, try taking your time and researching the topic thoroughly. Try to poke holes in your arguments and find the flaws in order to be able to smooth them out before you publish your post. It’s a good idea to attempt to argue the other side of the matter. Keep in mind that even if you have valid logic, writing well about an opinion and having an opinion are two completely different things.

 

Avoid Using Hyperboles

One big turn off to readers is when you attempt to speak for a large population. By totalizing your words you tend to push readers away rather than being able to draw them in. Avoid words like everybody, everyone, every time, everywhere, never, always, etc. Instead soften your statements by using words like sometimes and some. Also make sure that you avoid using words that will pass judgment on the topic such as dumb, insane or awful. Let your readers make their own opinions; don’t tell them something is the best, amazing or wonderful. The whole point is to present your readers with an idea not just force your opinion on them.

 

Give Your Readers Respect

You will almost instantly lose your readers if you talk down to them or belittle them. Know that rational people will be able to meet you halfway by listening to your argument, even if they don’t accept it in the end. Don’t write your blog post as if people will automatically disagree with you; however be accepting of all arguments that are presented in your comment section.

 

Address All Sides of the Argument

If you can think of any argument that your readers will come up with in your comment section then you should attempt to address it in your writing. Come at the controversial topic from all angles in order to produce a well-rounded piece of writing. By doing this you will be potentially eliminating any harsh comments, as well as gaining the respect of your readers. There are some topics that are only able to be blogged about on one side, as there is only one acceptable side such as child abuse, crimes against minors etc. These topics only have one good side, and so it can be an easy way to blog about controversial topics without a major backlash, as no one will be able to argue with common sense.

 

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Cameron Mackey

Cameron is the Content Manager for the Vorongo Blog. He has spent three years in various content marketing roles. When he is not working with Vorongo he enjoys photography and hiking.

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