Choosing A Blog Topic - should bloggers be afraid of offending readers?

INTRODUCTION:

Greetings. I enjoyed my time away but will return to the grind in a few days. I am often asked how I develop topics for my blog posts. That is a good question. I always invite my readers to email me with topic requests; that is where most of my topics come from. I like to know what interests my readers.

There are thousands of blogs out there for people to read, as well as hundreds of different types of blogs—some trend towards one topic, such as dieting, dating, relationships, politics, etc. There are not many diversified blogs. A diversified blog is a blog that does NOT focus on only one topic. The truth is that a diversified blog does not focus on any one topic. It is diversified, meaning the writer, such as myself, will discuss many topics.

The type of blog a writer writes is a personal preference. Some experts specialize in one subject and will stick to that subject, while others, such as myself, are well-versed in many subjects. That diversity comes from my many combined years as a career firefighter and paramedic. Relationship problems, mental illness, violent crimes, domestic violence, natural disasters, testifying in court cases, and many other types of emergencies are not new to me. Working at a crime scene is not new to me. Knowing how the medical and insurance systems work is not new to me. Knowing what goes on behind the scenes is not new to me. Therefore, I write a diversified blog because my knowledge is diversified in many areas. In addition, I would probably get bored if I had to stick to one topic.

WHY DO BLOGGERS WRITE BLOGS?:

Bloggers write blogs for many reasons. Some use them as a source of income through monetization, others do it for fun, and those like myself do it to keep in touch with their readers while writing their books. Like many things we do, there is a cost to writing a blog. I try to cover my cost by monetization, meaning allowing ads only on my main blog page. Once a reader clicks on the blog they want to read, no ads interrupt their reading experience.

I hate reading something online or viewing a video and being interrupted by an ad right in the middle of it. The internet has become the primary advertising source since many people are online through cell phones, tablets, or home computers. Whether they are on social media or surfing the web, it is an effective way to reach millions of people. However, many people dislike the way these ads are placed. I take great care not to make those mistakes.

Blogging drives engagement, education, building a brand, driving traffic to a website, and much more. Each blogger has their own reason for creating their blog.

CHOOSING A BLOG TOPIC:

This is where it gets interesting for the bloggers who write diversified blogs.

Remember, a single-topic blog is about one topic. If you choose cooking, each post will be about cooking. With a diversified blog, the writer can choose each subject, which can be quickly done by sticking to what's going on in the world at any given time. The issue of post timing becomes critical since the topic might be over by the time the blog post is published. With a diversified blog, the writer is discussing many different topics. Therefore, the timing is not as critical.

My selection process is fundamental. I receive many requests for topics to discuss each week. Some weeks, there are many, and others, there may not be as many. More often than not, many requests are similar so that I can combine them into one post. I keep a spreadsheet of topic requests I receive to help me stay organized about what I will write about each week.

I usually write about a topic first if it concerns current events. However, you can't beat a dead horse, so I shift gears and write about something else that was requested. I am often asked how I know so much about so many things. Due to my life experience, I know a great deal about some of the topic requests. Therefore, only basic research is required so I can post a link to reference the facts or the data I might be presenting. It requires much research on topics I may not be as familiar with. With this type of research, proper credit must be given to your sources.

I have written posts about A.I. This is where A.I. is helpful. A.I. searches all the information on a subject and provides the writer with a script. Many writers use that script verbatim. I do not. I don't because it takes away from my writing style. I will use the information only for reference purposes and write the other research I have gathered in my own words. Meaning, in my style of writing. It is easy to pick up something that someone has posted verbatim from A.I. It is too perfect and does not match their writing style. Everything has its place in this world. It is how we use these tools that matter. Now for the topic of this post.

SHOULD BLOGGERS BE AFRAID OF OFFENDING OTHERS?:

In my opening video promos for a blog post, I clearly state, "Controversial topics are topics that many stray away from. NOT ME! When you request them, I will talk about them." I make that statement because I believe in a critical principle of writing.

" T'S NOT WHAT YOU SAY, I.T.'S HOW YOU SAY IT."

Let me give you an example: politics. It is probably one of the most volatile topics in today's world. Let's say I like Trump, not Biden, or it could be the other way around. I would not debate the two by bashing one or the other, calling either of them names, or attacking them socially. I would make intelligent and fact-based statements about both and use a disclaimer stating I respect the opinions of others.

We must remember two important things. First, the truth is always the truth. We don't have to like it, but regardless, it is the truth. Secondly, the numbers, facts, and data don't lie. Again, we do not have to like them; regardless, they are factual.

This applies to EVERYTHING in life. I always say every problem has a solution. We may not like the solution, but there is one. It's up to each of us what choices we will make. In addition, like it or not, some consequences come with every choice we make, so don't complain about it later. All this being said, because of the writing principles I follow, I do not worry about offending others. In addition, I wasn't the last egg in the nest that was hatched. I realize that many people are severely biased, and they will be offended no matter how I present a particular topic. That comes with the job. Also, I make it clear when stating my opinion versus facts.

Moving on, that is what works for me. However, many writers, and probably most writers, do not think this way and will stray from writing about controversial topics or write about them in a way that offends others.

Writing a blog post is often seen and considered a form of self-expression and a way to connect with readers personally. However, in the quest to be authentic and candid, bloggers sometimes walk a fine line between being honest and inadvertently offending their audience.

Offending others while writing a blog post is a common pitfall that many bloggers face, whether it's due to a difference in opinions, cultural misunderstandings, or simply a lack of awareness about the impact of their words. While it's important to express ourselves honestly, it's equally important to do so with sensitivity and respect for others' perspectives.

One of the main reasons bloggers may unintentionally offend their readers is a lack of empathy and consideration for different viewpoints. In the present age of social media and online sharing, it's easy to surround ourselves with like-minded individuals and forget that not everyone shares the same beliefs and values., which can lead to inadvertently alienating readers who hold different opinions or come from diverse backgrounds.

Another common mistake bloggers make is using inflammatory language or sweeping generalizations without providing sufficient context or evidence to support their claims. This can offend readers and damage the credibility of the blogger and their platform. Fact-checking information and sources before publishing a post is essential to avoid spreading misinformation or causing unnecessary controversy, but many do not want to take the time to do it right.

Cultural differences can also play a significant role in offending while writing a blog post. What may seem harmless or even humorous in one culture can be deeply offensive in another. Bloggers must be aware of these differences and strive to be respectful and inclusive in their content to avoid inadvertently presenting biases.

While it's impossible to please everyone, there are some strategies that bloggers can employ to minimize the risk of offending others while writing a blog post. One approach is to practice active listening and engage in constructive dialogue with readers with differing opinions. This can help promote a sense of understanding and mutual respect, even in the face of disagreement.

Additionally, seeking feedback from trusted peers or beta readers before publishing a post can provide valuable insights and help identify potential blind spots or areas where offense may be taken. It's always better to err on the side of caution and revise a post to ensure it is respectful and considerate of diverse perspectives. When I write a book, I send the draft to about 20 people I trust to read it and provide open and honest feedback. I have broad shoulders and can take constructive criticism. The result is a better-written book.

The network media's bias does not help support people keeping an open mind about topics. Therefore, the writer's presentation has to be written correctly.

IN CLOSING:

To answer the question of whether a blogger should worry about offending others? The answer, in my opinion, is NO! If the post is written correctly, there should be nothing to fear. However, some bloggers write posts to offend people deliberately. They aim to start a dialogue, and readers will argue with one another through the comments. This is an advertising technique. One that I do not believe in, nor do I support. By cultivating empathy, being mindful of language and tone, and staying open to feedback, bloggers can navigate the fine line between honesty and being tactful with respect.

The goal of any post should be to create authentic, engaging, and inclusive content while also being mindful of the impact of our words on others.

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Please feel free to leave comments, or if you have a topic you would like me to discuss, you can email me at crondina@caesarrondinaauthor.com. Thank you.

Be safe, stay well, and focus on being happy. And remember to always: