You’ll Lose Your Readers!
I have just finished reading an article on Coding Horror about free software: We Don’t Use Software That Costs Money Here. Although the post itself is interesting and raises questions about what makes software worth paying for and why a person would use sub-standard free software, it was more a trend in the comments that caught my eye.
Several times, by several different people, there’s a phrase equivalent to “don’t say that, you’ll lose your readers”.
Now I understand that for the professional bloggers, regular traffic and consistent/loyal readers are an important asset in raising the necessary advertising income to pay the bills at the end of the month. However, at what point does it become OK to forgo your own right to some semblance of free speech to satisfy the whiney fools that don’t understand that sometimes — just occasionally — it’s OK to disagree with your favourite blogger.
Of course, this rant is a bit presumptuous of me because the guy behind Coding Horror doesn’t seem to be rising to it or going out of his way to accommodate those seemingly left uncomfortable by his choice of wording. Nonetheless, I can’t help but feel riled by those who think they have the right to blackmail others in to writing only what they themselves feel appropriate. :x
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I wanted to make a funny joke about disagreeing with this post, but the execution of it was horrible.
Maybe another commenter can take over and carry out my dream.
Comment added: April 10th, 08 @ 6:04 pmWell, ill still read your blog if no one else does >: )
Comment added: April 10th, 08 @ 6:17 pmLOL that reminds me of the comments on VAtalk, saying something along the lines of “up until now I read everything with interest, but now you’ve gone and did something I don’t like.” Of course, a post later he/she is still back.
I appreciate bloggers (and also commenters) with a backbone so much more than one that says “OK I caved in because you all wanted blah blah” *rolls eyes*
Comment added: April 10th, 08 @ 6:36 pmI enjoy your blog, regardless of the subject however as you know I have no knowledge of coding etc, so that does tend to go over my head. You carry on as you are Jem, stuff those that don’t like it, there are a lot more of us that do.
Comment added: April 10th, 08 @ 6:45 pmHaha, I had the exact same problem as Rose up there.
Needless to say, it’s the reader’s right to read - or not. If they don’t think the blogger is doing an appropriate job, let them blog. *shrug* Nobody’s stopping them.
Comment added: April 10th, 08 @ 6:57 pmI’m feeling the new smilies.
Comment added: April 10th, 08 @ 9:04 pmI completely agree. How arrogant of a reader to demand a blogger to adapt his or her personal beliefs/thoughts so that they agree with that of the reader’s. It’s ridiculous. I have no problem with people “disagreeing” with my beliefs as long as it’s done in a respectful manner.
Comment added: April 10th, 08 @ 10:10 pmThis reminds me, loosely, of the crap I just posted about at eBay.
Comment added: April 11th, 08 @ 1:15 amI have no problem disagreeing with the posts by my favorite bloggers. I try not to disagree in a rude manner, I simply state that I don’t agree. I don’t believe that bloggers should try to adapt to their readers, readers will come based upon your blog. I figure that if someone doesn’t want to read my words then they don’t have to visit my site. For me it’s not a popularity contest but my an outlet for some of my thoughts. I don’t want people to agree with my blog to kiss my ass, that’s completely against the point. If someone is going to offer their feedback, I want it to be for real, no sugar coated bullshit. Last I checked, the more sugar you add, the more cavities you get.
Comment added: April 11th, 08 @ 2:23 amOn one hand there’s catering to a demographic, on the other hand when said demographic consists mostly of whiners then what does it matter? I always thought controversial blog entries were there to stimulate debate.
Comment added: April 11th, 08 @ 9:17 am@Kris: I agree, same here =D
Comment added: April 11th, 08 @ 10:56 amOhh, I have checked my email and sent the files in the e-mail btw. =D
Comment added: April 11th, 08 @ 4:43 pm