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.
OH, YEAH??!? WELL, THAT’S… um…
ok.
🙂
Hi Nathan!
Thanks for being so nice about it. 🙂
I think my attention span’s too short for a good fight.
Oh, look! Birds!
I’m with you, Chris,
The bloggers I know are lovers not fighters. 🙂
I mean I’ll debate until the cows come home. But fight?
What’s that? (moooo…)
You got it! I think that the cows have your number. 🙂 Now you only have to worry about one code-writing donkey. 🙂
Hey, 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! 🙂
Whoa! 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. 🙂
I was going to respond to that, but I feel a post coming on… 😉
Quick take something!
This 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?
Oh Roy,
Oh Roy,
Would you like fries with that? 🙂
Why 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!
Very good.
How about, original or extra crispy Sir?
Or, would you like to supersize that?
Hey, 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? 🙂
You 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. 🙂
Fine take the high road.
But I will get you my pretty, I will get you.
Hey 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. 😉
Presents! I love presents!
Thank you, Roy! You’re the best!
Ah Renée!
A real fries gourmet! I love a woman who knows what she likes! You got it!
WTJ’s rule – avoid the fight
Hi WJT,
Welcome!
Your rule is a good one. No point in fighting online. It’s usually a waste of going bandwidth. 🙂