Out of Time is known far across the land for being the blog with the best... well, everything. However, one thing that my blog exceeds at are discussion posts. I'm better than you at discussion posts. Obviously. So seeing as I haven't done this kind of post in a while, I just wanted to share my wise wisdom on the topic so you too can attempt to be as awesome as me. Course, it won't happen but you can dream.
- Write your point of view. ONLY your point of view.
a) it's your blog. b) your opinion is more important than anyone else's. In a discussion post, it's all about what you think - regardless to any other point of view. - Understand that "discussion post" means "i talk - you listen."
It's not about letting everyone have a voice. Bloggers don't roll like that. Discussion posts are all about the blogger writing their thoughts and others listening. Want your own voice, write your own discussion! - Comments along the lines of "I agree" are acceptable.
We love people who agree with us! It's like having personal minions that we can control. You should see this blog - I've got a legion of you yellow faced, overall wearing minions. That or talking fish, in a bowl type minions. [Despicable Me and Megamind are my faves.] - When in doubt - go with a social issue!
People love talking about social issues. It's pretty much people throwing around information that's already been said and they get a bunch of hits for that. Since they get those hits, wouldn't you want them too? - Any disagreeing comments are deleted.
Don't even bother replying to those trolls. If they don't agree, they're obviously stupid and need to be deleted [or blocked if you're on twitter/insta.] Most of those people probably don't know anything either. Why waste your time? - Don't be sensitive.
Frankly, I think it takes too much effort. You have to worry if you're offending people. Why just not care at all? Like, some people are so sensitive anyway! It's their fault - not yours. If people can't take that they're opinions are wrong, maybe they shouldn't be such crybabies about it. - COMPLAINNNNNN!
Most of the time, a discussion post are people complaining about having two ice cubes instead of three, "I ordered swiss and you gave me cheddar" type problems. However, there's always this convenient way to relate personal problems to society. Get your rant out about the social injustice that is getting ice in Starbucks when I clearly said, "No ice" and relate that to how if the barista had read more Stephenie Meyer, they would've got the order right [because Jacob's hot. amirite?] [Starbucks does this - this struggle is real.]
Now let's get to the truth here.
I've spent my entire blogging "career" polishing my discussion post ideas and methods. The first time I wrote a rant, it was riddled with swearing and [ashamedly] bashing an author out loud. So glad that post never went up because I came to my senses.
Basically, what I'm trying to get out of this is that discussions are always great but when it comes to controversial topics - tread lightly and try to see all sides of things. That's what I do and it's worked so far.
Also, if you see someone's opinion who differs from you - don't delete the comment. Even if they're being an awful person. Personally, I leave them up so others can see their character and so I stand by the fact that you are allowed to have your own opinions - albeit rude ones.
Discussion Posts are a process. It takes editing, more editing and personally, getting some feedback from others before it goes live. I usually say something like, "i'm writing a blog post - anyone want to beta?" on twitter and that always gives me confidence when it does go up.
Do you write discussion posts often? What do you do when talking about controversial topics? Or do you prefer to be a reader, not a writer - which is totally fine too!
I love writing discussion posts! I have lots of ideas, but I'm so lazy about actually writing them out. The posts I do write and publish tend to be my most popular and highest commented+viewed posts. I like doing them, but gosh they take a lot out of me! Thanks for the tips, I'll keep them in mind :)
ReplyDeleteRachel @ A Perfection Called Books
discussions are the ONLY posts that i can spit out. the others take forever. like reviews. ugh. i'm so bad at them.
Deleteoh yeahhhhh these tips are the bomb.com
HAHA. Great tips :P I haven't written TOO many discussion posts but I do like writing them and listening to others' views. I was going to do one on the whole John Green debacle lately but I didn't have time. I think as long as you're sensitive to others' viewpoints, and try not to get too ranty, discussions are awesome :)
ReplyDeletethe john green one is still going on? ugh, i don't think i could do a whole post on that. my opinion is on john's side. i feel like that girl was way judgmental and rude. i understand feeling creepy about a person but making claims that aren't true is wrong and people don't understand that even though it's one person doesn't mean it isn't hurtful. what are your opinions?
DeleteI'm a fledgling blogger, but would love to write more discussion thoughts. I really enjoyed reading your opinions on this! I still shy away from the super heated argument e.g. John Green Saga as it makes me the tension stresses me out, blogging is for my own happiness after all, haha.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Nova :)
<3 FLEDGLING BLOGGER *hugs*
Deletei understand that tension stresses people out. personally, i love t talk about the things people feel uncomfortable because it brings me peace to know that i get to speak too. however, get the flip side too. it depends on the person.
I tend to find discussion posts interesting, although I don't always write them frequently. I think it always is important to discuss an alternate point of view, but for me, it always helps to step back sometimes and just think about what I want to say before I post it. There have been times when I had to let a post stew for over two months before I was ready to post it because I was emotionally involved. Ultimately it should be a chance for you to put your opinion out there, but also to understand other opinions and ideas that are out there. It hinges on respect and listening ears, but it's something easy to forget.
ReplyDeleteAhh, that's a good point to make. When one is either really angry or really frustrated, their point of view is different from when they're cooled down. I typically don't write angry discussions or if they are, they're a rant so people know up front, "I'm annoyed and what I say may be one sided." At the same time, I always leave room to see others' sides so if what I say is wrong, I would definitely be a bigger person and admit my mistakes.
DeleteThis made me laugh so much. I started reading and I was like... what is happening. I love writing discussion posts, though I will admit that I find it difficult to get my thoughts across in a coherent manner. I don't have a problem tackling controversial issues, but that could just be because I have no qualms about people debating, so long as things don't go too far and remain somewhat respectful.
ReplyDeleteoooh you must be new to the blog ;)
Deletei know exactly what you mean. people who are like, "you suck your opinion is wrong" have no substance and make me question, 'are you trying to troll or something?'
Teehee I loved your post! It made me laugh. :) I try to do one Discussion post at least once a week because it seems to get the most talk and debate going on and that's what's important to me-getting people to come and talk to me. And also, it's also awesome to rant. ♡
ReplyDeletei try for the same initiative although it isn't going so well as i'm doing intense summer school. and yes, there's such a big difference between discussions and reviews because in reviews, the discussion only really happens to people who've read the book whereas discussions can go on between anyone.
DeleteI love writing discussion posts, but I always censor myself because I am afraid that anything I say will be taken the wrong way and cause drama. Being sensitive is my biggest problem too, even when writing reviews. I just can't said anything snarky with out feeling bad *sobs* I recently wrote a blog post about why I would leave a blog (it was some design tips and what to do and not to do) and I feel like a bad person for posting it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Nova!
Amber ❤ The Book Bratz
Oh no! I can't stand being sensitive because it limits me. I feel like there's a line between sensitivity and being civil but some people don't see it and ugh. I know what you mean by being afraid - sometimes I am too! That's what the last paragraph is for <3
DeleteDiscussion posts are my #1 types that I love to write at my blog. It's just fun, and apparently, a lot of my followers are fond of them. I actually allow people to disagree with me if I speak on a topic I feel strong about. I mean, people are entitled to their own opinions, and they can say whatever they want because it's fine. I entertain those comments, but never to the point if they start bashing my blog or me. Nope. I'll be deleting those, for sure :P
ReplyDeleteI think #1 is one of the most important here. We should always write what WE FEEL and not what others feel. What's the point of a discussion post if you're going to discuss in someone else's perspective? Haha.
Beautiful post Nova! :D Also, I really love your discussions!
Jillian @ Jillian's Books
i wrote #1 because i actually don't agree to an extent. while i always write what I feel, i try to write the other side in my discusion too - or at least acknowledge other povs in my discussion. i think it's interesting that way.
Deleteand thank you!
Though it pains me admit it, you have the best discussions on the face off the earth. *bows down* Recently, I'm looking for inspiration in a discussion but with school in the way, my mind's pretty blank. Here's hoping!
ReplyDeletehaha lol *bows before you*
Deletei know what you mean but i've found that with discussions, there are a lot of options
NO YOU ARE WRONG. Clearly, I am queen. I disagree. THIS IS HERESY. HERESY, I SAY. I hereby delete your entire post!
ReplyDeleteOkay, on a more serious note, you are seriously brilliant, Nova. I completely agree with everything you said. It's okay to share your thoughts on a controversial topic, as long as you respect OTHERS' opinions, and the fact that you aren't always going to be 100% right. And once you hit that "publish," button, every person on the internet can read your words. You have to think about how they will interpret your post.
And definitely no deleting of comments (unless the commenter attacks you directly, that is)--there are many respectful ways to agree and disagree. It's a DISCUSSION for a reason--what kind of discussion only focuses on one side of the spectrum?
Awesome post as always, Nova. <3
Aimee, I'm ready to fight you on this. Like, do you wanna go?!?!!!1!11
Deletehehehehehe i love ya dw. i don't delete comments even if they're attacking me because i'm kind of a fearless bitch like that and i want people to see all the responses, even the immature ones. i think i only delete them when they start being spammy and troll-ish
I absolutely agree with this! I love discussion posts, and I always welcome all sorts of opinion, but when it comes to more controversial topics, it's always better to tread lightly and make sure that by saying your opinion, you aren't stomping on others. Personally, I am fond of those that end the discussion post in an open manner because it usually initiates discernment and actual dialogue.
ReplyDeleteFaye at The Social Potato
for sure! being respectful is very important - in every situation.
DeleteI love discussion posts! I am very bad at writing them. But I love hear and reading everyone's different opinions. Maybe I completely disagree with them, or maybe they just have a different take on something that sounds equally plausible (isn't the whole point of discussion to see what everybody else thinks?). I try to deal with the differences gracefully. Because, I mean, they can think what they want, I can think what I want, but that doesn't mean I have to be rude to them. I can respect them for their opinion and politely disagree.
ReplyDeleteIf I disagree to the point that I am actually angry, I do not comment. Because I know what I say will come out wrong and I'll probably end up being rude. I might, maybe come back after I've cooled off and taken it more rationally. But when I'm actually angry (which doesn't happen often), my way of showing respect is to just back off and keep silent.
Awesome post!
oh, that's an interesting way to go about it. personally, if i am angry, it's all the more reason to comment. however, when it's a controversial, i always remember to keep my cool and remember that "no one is right" and even if i am angry, i could never say "they're stupid" or "you're an idiot" that's just not the way to go about it
DeleteI really enjoy READING discussion posts, but writing them is another story. I struggle with deciding which topics I want to address, and most of the time I feel like everyone is more capable and informed than me so I just would rather tweet out a link to their post and say "ditto"!
ReplyDeleteI actually like what Ashley said - if I'm angry or worked up about a post, I don't comment. I need several days to mull over a problem, and once I determine where I stand, that's when I might turn it into my own discussion as a sort of response.
i've always felt like the best discussions come to me at two am. it's when i'm so tired and random things go through my mind hehe
DeleteI do discussion posts, but I tend to shy away form anything TOO controversial (I know, my bad,) but so far everyone has been super nice in the blogosphere, and if they commented their opinions, it was fine with whatever they thought and nothing straight out horrible, so I'm good. I
ReplyDeleteI like reading discussion posts, so I'm not sure why I don't write more of them. I guess I've been scared off by past blogging experiences (there be crazies on the Internet). If I do write them, they're likely to be less serious and controversial. I don't like conflict.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Nova! I have done a few discussion posts in the past, and would like to do more definitely but they do take the most effort to write. It's always tricky when it comes to controversial topics, and people do need to understand that in any case even though you may disagree with a POV, you still should be respectful. I tend to keep my discussions more on the lighthearted side, though if something comes up that I really feel passionate about then I'll share my view. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteEugenia @ Genie In A Book
Er....I agree? LOL. Great post. I'll keep your "tips" in mind.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy discussion posts. They're fun and they induce more...well...discussion! What's not to like? I need to work on doing discussion posts more often!
Ally @ The Scribbling Sprite
I LOVE this. Because seriously, have we not ALL run into these? I do love a discussion post- both reading AND writing them. I do worry sometimes about not being too controversial, and try to word that type of discussion very carefully. I would NEVER censor the comments though! I mean, unless someone was harassing say, another commenter- that would be a different story. But I would delete a comment because someone disagreed, or even if they were being awful, because like you said, then the whole world can just see it for themselves!
ReplyDeleteI agree too that I am NOT a fan of the "preachy" discussion. I like the kind that actually encourages well, discussions ;)
Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight
Discussion posts are really the hardest ones for me to write. I do not have topics very often and when I do I procrastinate FOREVER to write them. Like there are currently five drafts of uncompleted of discussions that literally only have one sentence because I am lazy. I always worry about if there is enough "personality" in them, are they long enough, or if the topic even matters.
ReplyDeleteBut, in the end, I love my discussion posts. Most of the time, they have the most comments and interaction, which is AMAZING. I love being able to communicate with other awesome readers even if they do not agree with me.
Tessa @ Crazy for YA
Coming back and re-reading this as I ponder writing my first discussion post... I don't even have twitter so I have no idea about any of the dramas going on in the blogging/reading world- the nearest I've got to a discussion was 'e-book vs actual book' but that has been done so many times. If you have any other tips for writing discussion posts I'd love to hear them :)
ReplyDeletewww.lipglossandpaperbacks.blospot.co.uk <3