would you create controversy to drive traffic?

[cmanlong]

I am just curious on everyone's opinion on creating a bit of controversy to drive some traffic to your site? I know chow did it in the beginning and there are others as well.

[roundouts]

sure why not. Infact it's proboly the best way to go. People tend to move on if they agree with the post. If they don't you will proboly get a lot of feedback. Even so, If you wrote a contaversal post you would still have to get it out there and seen by the public eye.

[TomLeDree]

Being different will make you stand out from the crowd. I think if you are going to post something you should believe in what your writing and not just say something for a reaction. If you do disagree with something then sure, shout it from the rooftops. :D

[samhdrew]

Creating a controversy sure is a good strategy. But sometimes, it all depends on what kind of controversy it is too.

[Ramkarthik]

I actually don't write Controversial posts, neither can I. There are few niches where you can't write controversially. And in the other hand there are niches where you can become famous only by writing controversial posts. I read a post at Daily Blog Tips about Opinion Blogs Vs Discussion Blogs which talks about this matter. You can read it here:
Opinion Blogs Vs Discussion Blogs (http://www.dailyblogtips.com/opinion-blogs-vs-discussion-blogs/)

Hope you like it.

[TR123]

I agree with Tom, its only worth being controversial if you believe in what you are writing, as you will need to be able to back up your views when a commenter disagrees. I think its worthwhile writing posts where you don't fully answer a question which leaves room for other peoples opinions.

[Michael-Martin]

I agree with Tom, its only worth being controversial if you believe in what you are writing, as you will need to be able to back up your views when a commenter disagrees. I think its worthwhile writing posts where you don't fully answer a question which leaves room for other peoples opinions.

Agreed. :)

Being controversial for the sake of it just isn't worth it. How can you write something you don't believe in?

And if you don't believe in it, you're probably wrong about whatever point you're making, so your credibility is going to take a hit... :(

[shypys]

Funny I stumbled here, coz I was just thinking of writing a really nasty post :p:D

[Michael-Martin]

Funny I stumbled here, coz I was just thinking of writing a really nasty post :p:D

lol - Well according to this thread, so long as you believe you're right, then being nasty is perfectly fine. ;)

[rhyswynne]

I don't really write controversial posts. I find people who write controversial posts rarely use their own name on their blog, rather blog under a pseudonym.

[shamus]

If I could think of something that falls in this category that wouldn't get me sued, I would definitely consider it! A lot of folks got started this way...and they seem to do fine these days. Good question though!

[Michael-Martin]

If I could think of something that falls in this category that wouldn't get me sued, I would definitely consider it! A lot of folks got started this way...and they seem to do fine these days. Good question though!

lol - That's true. Getting sued would definitely be a big put-off for me too. :D

[airraid81]

I find it hard creating controversy without it sounding contrived. Sure, I write controversial posts, but controversial posts by themselves won't get you a huge traffic jump. I do have some stories in my vault that might make a big impact in the sports world, but both of them would reveal anonymous sources, and one of them borders on defamation. At this point, the blogging world hasn't corrupted me too much, so I'm still too ethical to report them, but does anyone think I should?

[Ginene]

I'd probably do it on another blog. I normally blog about work from home jobs and blogging jobs so it really wouldn't fit in on my blog. Sometimes if you just jump out of no where and do that you can lose some readers but then again you might gain more as well.

[butterflymedia]

If you decide on writing a controversial article, you should do some serious research on the subject, and moreover, have some links, both pros and cons about your controversy. This way you can raise a controversy, and in the same time you can stand right in the middle.

After all, it's just your opinion, and it's based on existing stuff you can quote at the end of the article.

[SuperBlog]

Kumiko over at Cash Quests is great at creating controversy!

Anyway, yes, I think it's great to create controversy and voice your opinions. When you do, not only do people notice you but it makes your blog much more interesting. :)

[airraid81]

I created controversy today with a post on the VT shooting that got linked to on Deadspin and has brought me about 2,000 hits and some really angry comments. How do I utilize this controversy and bring it to a larger scale?

[jblanton]

Its weird how people are drawn to controversy and negative news. Its like a train wreck. You want to look away but something inside won't let you.

Writing controversial articles will certainly help you get noticed if it spreads well. Just be ready to handle any backlash that could happen.

[shypys]

Its weird how people are drawn to controversy and negative news. Its like a train wreck. You want to look away but something inside won't let you.

Writing controversial articles will certainly help you get noticed if it spreads well. Just be ready to handle any backlash that could happen.
Yup, but theres no such thing as bad publicity :p :D

[jblanton]

Got that right! Brittany Spears will probably sell more albums after her performance last Sunday just because all the news is talking about how terrible it was.

Oh I didn't go there did I? :eek:
HA HA

Did I just start some controversy?

[WereBear]

I wrote something up that happened to be on the news that day, simply because it was topical and it applied to my subject. I didn't think what I said was controversial, but I did get traffic for a couple of days.

However, did anyone them stick around? I don't know, because the spike is gone, and my blog is on a topic that just isn't in the news every day.

A newsy blog with a fresh take on something would probably capture more of the people who are looking for that, but I've never heard of anything that captures the "spikes" and keeps them.

[Swtrose]

Provided the controversy topics don't hurt anyone then I see no problem.

[Somnilocus]

I don't think it's good to be controversial just for the sake of it. If you have a strong opinion of something that happens to be controversial, then go for it! Sure it's a good way to draw attention to your blog. BUT be prepared for negative feedback too. Consider WHY you want to drive more traffic to your blog... if you're doing it just for pageviews, then any attention is good attention. But if you're trying to gain respect and a strong fanbase, it may not be the best way to go.

[Dartz]

It's a good idea if you keep it up. Controversy sells, it gets media attention, people riled up, and best of all, nobody can do a damn thing about it.

It can be hard to write something controversial and actually pull it off right. The book Lolita for example, is controversial due to the main characters love interest being a 12-year-old girl. Now, if she was twice that age, would you have heard about the book? Didn't think so, it would just be another romance book on the shelves.

Dunno if it's any good though, yet to read it myself.

[Postman]

Controversies are a really good way for your site to become well known. Even if this bad one, just remember that when all things is said and done. The only thing that people will remember is how good your writing is.

[Serenity]

I think if you're sincere in what you say and truly believe it, then why not. We're all entitled to our opinions. I personally wouldn't just stir up controversy for the sake of page views. I don't like negative vibes, man. :D

If you're being superficial about it, you'll look like an idiot when someone starts to challenge your thinking in the comments and you don't have a coherent, well-thought-out response. Know what you're talking about before you start trying to reel them in. :)

[Dartz]

Yup, you'll have to come up with something better than: "My way was thought up by Oxford graduates while yours was thought up by a bunch of old farts." when a evolution/creationism debate erupts for the bazillionth time in the interwebs,

[SageMother]

I don't know that I create controversy, but I will tackle controversial issues. The entry's building readership is a happy side effect.

[mollyL]

I don't mean for this to sound big-headed, so please forgive if it does. I seem to be controversial even if I don't mean to. That doesn't mean that it's interesting in the long run (as was mentioned previously). Sometimes it will sound crackpot or get up people's noses, which is kind of counter-productive. What I am trying to ascertain is how to be controversial, interesting, friendly, and intelligent all in one.

[Mickie31]

I would never write a blog that would offend or upset someone I just could not do that. If I felt something strongly about something that was in the news I wouldn't usually hold my tongue. Like how Sharon Osborne has left the X Factor that just cut me up because I really like her and I am upset. I won't keep that to myself, but then the fact she is doing another dancing show really makes me happy and I will be watching out for it. I also talk about Big Brother. When the horrible disaster happened in Burma I talked about that. There are many things that sadden me about the world and as long as I am not upsetting anyone I will talk about them.

[tongyun]

Like some of the other people who have posted, the only time I can be controversial is if I am truly for or against something. If it's not interesting to me, then it really isn't something that I can write about. But if there's a really burning feeling about the subject, I can lay it on the line.

[aronil]

I honestly think that defeats the purpose of blogging. So in my own stand I wouldn't do it. I would do it if i were experimenting sure for like a research or something. But I'd rather not.

[athlon24]

Still, being controversial in your writing is one of best hooks to drive more traffic and readers to your blog. For me, it's ok as long as you are being honest and you have the right reasons and evidence to do it. But don't do it only for the sake of traffic and income. It will not take long before your readers will notice that you have your own dark agenda behind it. Do it for he purpose of discussion and engaging the mind of your readers. Sometimes, it is fun and at the same time it is good way to learn to go against the odds.

[akira07]

make controversy to drive traffic is a kind of cheating, it's not recommended, i will not do it. There is many better way to get traffic, play safe is the best :D

[athlon24]

Actually, it is not cheating. It is being critical. And as a writer, we need to have critical minds to be able to expose the reality of any topics being discussed. Writers or even bloggers that are straightforward and did not even care to make a sweat into critical thinking is boring.

[wahmsuzanne]

I guess it all depends ob what you mean by controversy. To me there's a difference in being controversial and being rude. We all have the right to our own opinions and we were all raised with different beliefs ... If by controversial you mean bashing someone else or their beliefs, then no, I wouldn't be a part of that ... Especially for the sake of traffic. I would not have any problems sharing my opinion even if it wasn't the "popular" choice ... I will stand firm for what I believe in. *SmiLes* Suzanne

[athlon24]

I agree with you suzanne. Being controversial is not always being rude. To point out issues and beliefs that are against the norm is, for me, controversial but there is always a way to say it right. yet there are times, that even you made you're point politely but if it triggers the one you are trying to be against with, you will surely have a discussion. The good thing is, everybody loves conversations. ;D

[Swtrose]

I am just curious on everyone's opinion on creating a bit of controversy to drive some traffic to your site? I know chow did it in the beginning and there are others as well.

I sure would.

[akira07]

case in indonesia :
there is people called Roy Suryo making statement that "blog is just trend and" it's make many blogger angry, there is some blogger critique him in their blog, and you know :D a lot of traffic is comes to their site

[athlon24]

That the good thing of being against the odds. You are free to express your opinion and if it is different from the others. It will surely catch attention and in addition to that, lots of comment in your blog. Just make it sure that, that you can respond and will be able to justify yourself not by being rude.

[akira07]

and i know the most topic which can make massive trffic nowadays is about Obama or McCain hahaha...!!!!

[athlon24]

That's another thing. Crafting post is also about timing. You don't write provokingly about the topic that everybody doesn't care about. you must also understand the trends that are happening around you so catch the attention of the crowd.

[akira07]

so i think this will be new point if people asking for "how to get traffic"

Usually people will answer with :
PPC + SEO

Now we can add it become :
PPC + SEO + a bit controversy = massive traffic

[athlon24]

what do you mean by ppc? pay per click? :p

[akira07]

of course it is pay per click
any problem? :D

[athlon24]

because I did not get the PPC + SEO equation? PPC in driving traffic? :p

[akira07]

i mean, to get traffic, this is very great combination :

PPC --> a way to get traffic but you must pay for it

+

SEO (of course to get natural/organic traffic)


+

A bit of contorversy :D --> which we discussed in this thread