I saw and article called How to fight with other bloggers, on Paul Boutin’s blog Sunday. It’s advice he offers to bloggers about arguing, “if you need fight, do it right.” Doing it right means following three rules.
Rule 1: Fight only with bloggers bigger than you.
Rule 2: Stick to the arguments you know
Rule 3: Don’t talk about the fight.
If I might add a few of my own,
Liz’s Rule 1: Make sure it’s worth fighting about.
Liz’s Rule 2: Keep personal talk out.
Liz’s Rule 3: Don’t kick a guy who’s down or a horse that’s already dead.
Liz’s Rule 4: Always leave the other guy a place to stand.
Liz’s Rule 5: Remember your future boss and your heirs will be reading whatever you write a long time after your feelings have cooled off.
If a cause is worth supporting, it gets more traction from positive interaction. 😉
The blogosphere doesn’t need any of us to make it work.
Nathan Gilliatt says
November 30, 2006 at 4:35 PMOH, YEAH??!? WELL, THAT’S… um…
ok.
🙂
ME Strauss says
November 30, 2006 at 5:04 PMHi Nathan!
Thanks for being so nice about it. 🙂
Chris Cree says
November 30, 2006 at 6:40 PMI think my attention span’s too short for a good fight.
Oh, look! Birds!
ME Strauss says
November 30, 2006 at 6:43 PMI’m with you, Chris,
The bloggers I know are lovers not fighters. 🙂
Chris Cree says
November 30, 2006 at 6:48 PMI mean I’ll debate until the cows come home. But fight?
What’s that? (moooo…)
ME Strauss says
November 30, 2006 at 6:50 PMYou got it! I think that the cows have your number. 🙂 Now you only have to worry about one code-writing donkey. 🙂
Chris Cree says
November 30, 2006 at 6:53 PMHey, I got his number already. (Remember he spent a week in our house too.)
All I have to do is point him at the waffles and he’s one drooling, distracted, code-writing donkey! 🙂
ME Strauss says
November 30, 2006 at 6:56 PMWhoa! You’re a tough challenger. I’m glad I’m on your good side. I’d hate for you to point those waffles at me. 🙂
Chris Cree says
November 30, 2006 at 7:12 PMI was going to respond to that, but I feel a post coming on… 😉
ME Strauss says
November 30, 2006 at 7:13 PMQuick take something!
Big Roy says
November 30, 2006 at 7:55 PMThis post sucks. Your rules for fighting are ridiculous Liz. If you’re going to fight you have to fight to win. If it takes getting personal then so be it.
In fact this post is so bad I suggest you find a new career that doesn’t involve writing. Maybe something in the fast food industry!
How did I do?
ME Strauss says
November 30, 2006 at 7:57 PMOh Roy,
Oh Roy,
Would you like fries with that? 🙂
Renée says
November 30, 2006 at 8:27 PMWhy bother to fight?
Save that energy and write better post. Then submit it to Digg, see if you hit it on Top 10 posts. If so, you got Dugg and traffic.
How’s that for generating $$$, reputation (good or bad, it’s your call), and traffic?
I don’t know about others, but when I get “angry” I write much better and faster. Unfortunately, that doesn’t come often because I’m sedated half of the time ;), leaving a quarter for sleeping and a quarter for gathering herbs and cooking for anyone who cares to eat.
Btw, I love comment #12… good job, Liz!
Big Roy says
November 30, 2006 at 8:30 PMVery good.
How about, original or extra crispy Sir?
Or, would you like to supersize that?
ME Strauss says
November 30, 2006 at 8:32 PMHey, Renée!
What a great point! When I’m angry or frustrated, I’m much more productive too. Some of the most musical language –truly wonderful phrasing — I write happens when I’m all jazzed about something.
You’re so smart. Why waste the energy on fighting when you can produce something that’s great content?
YEA for you, Renée! Should I get you some fries with that too? 🙂
ME Strauss says
November 30, 2006 at 8:33 PMYou want me to make you extra crispy, Sir?
Nah, I like you too much . . . You’re just perfect the way you are. I’d never try to change you. 🙂
Big Roy says
November 30, 2006 at 8:42 PMFine take the high road.
But I will get you my pretty, I will get you.
Renée says
November 30, 2006 at 8:42 PMHey Liz,
Thanks but no thanks for the Fries unless they come with extra cheese topping with a little of sour cream and spring onions.
If I going to be eat junk food, might as way I clog up my arteries at one go. 😉
ME Strauss says
November 30, 2006 at 8:43 PMPresents! I love presents!
Thank you, Roy! You’re the best!
ME Strauss says
November 30, 2006 at 8:49 PMAh Renée!
A real fries gourmet! I love a woman who knows what she likes! You got it!
WTJ says
November 30, 2006 at 10:53 PMWTJ’s rule – avoid the fight
ME Strauss says
November 30, 2006 at 10:55 PMHi WJT,
Welcome!
Your rule is a good one. No point in fighting online. It’s usually a waste of going bandwidth. 🙂