A blog is suppose to be a online journal, a web log and just like a captain’s logbook, it’s entry must be truthful and frank. People read and people believe in what they read online, especially those who are new. News can spread fast and furious over the net and once it is out, there is no stopping and no end. False and far fetching news spreads even faster for humans are nimble minded creatures. They like to believe in the unbelievable.
For this simple fact, many bloggers have capitalised on this weakness in us humans to garner popularity for their blogs. Some plays the all sensitive religious card by condemning other religion knowing full well they will be chastisized by each and every one, including people from his same religion. thereby creating a bursting effect on his blog statistics. The visitors might be all negative ones, but hey, that’s what people like to talk about. Negativity. It does the job. Every controversial subject is a hot subject. Controversy can start many a tongues wagging.
So is that good blogging practise?
If you look at it from a businessman’s point of view, or from an advertising agent’s point of view, it is good business strategy. They would have achieved what they wanted. Publicity. Some shrewd businessmen purposely stirs up some controversy on their new products so people takes note and remembers that product. Advertising companies puts up controversial posters to attract the public’s attention. It’s good business strategy, but does this apply to blogs?
Sadly I think it does in a way. Blogs with negative contents enjoys large followings for in this world, people thrives on negativity. Some attains cult status with readers lapping up his every word and his perverted ideas. He becomes obsessed with the things he wrote that one day, he actually starts to believe what he wrote was true when his initial plan was to create some controversy to spike up his popularity and they was no ill intentions.
Like the saying, “absolute power corrupts” the blogger blanks out all his conscience in order to keep up with his growing popularity. He begins to think that what he wrote must be true since so many are agreeing with him. He feels the power within him and arrogance sets in. Unfortunately, like everything else that happens within the blogosphere, there is nothing and there is no one to stop him.
But, but, but, but…I thrive on shit stirring wor? Or maybe not hor? I don’t know lah, but when I look back, it was my outspokeness that got me into deep shit and still I gain a few more readers along the way. As long as my conscience is satisfied, I don’t care whose shit I stirred. Yee hei, more like it. Bah, I don’t know what I am saying except that we cannot always sit on the fence and stay by the sideline. Not in life, not in blog ‘cos those are so boring, no?
Pablo,
Hehehe.. I’m trying hard to grasp. but I think I can understand what you are saying.
Lilian,
You are outspoken, I like that. It’s a different strategy all together. For one, at least our conscience are clear.
Like you say, it all boils down to our own integrity. If someone start a blog with only making money on their mind, then it’s not a personal blog. I’m not standing on moral high ground condemning who and who… but the fact is, different blogs attract different readers.
I’ve been to some blogs who post eye catching headlines… but unless they write good stuffs, I won’t be back. At least not until the next big thing.
True to a certain degree, and regular blog readers should be able to differentiate what is real and what is overhype… unless the addictness turn into obsession.
Helen,
Yes, I do agree with you on the aspect that unless we have something unique, people won’t be back too often.
Freethinker,
It’s unfortunate that bloggers themselves don’t realize that people are able to differentiate, preferring to ignore this fact hoping they can bluff their way through.