7 things you can tell your readers if they don’t like an article on your blog

February 9, 2012 by 2 Comments

Most of the times, bloggers create blog post with good intentions. Some of the posts may make people raise eyebrows. Some articles may push readers to express their dislike or hate for the author and their work.

What is a blogger to do in such instances?
Before you go ahead and to defend yourself, you should take some time to ask yourself:

  • Why the dislike? Why doesn’t so and so like my post?
  • What may happen if I don’t address the issue causing the dislike fast?
  • Does the reader who dislikes my post (or me) have a valid ground?
  • Did I let emotions take over me when I was writing this post?
  • How can I make things right?

After answering the questions above you can:
1) Apologize for having offended someone or calling someone names

I am sorry for calling John a jerk
I didn’t mean to offend …… in any way

2) Admit that you were wrong and accept correction

I didn’t get the facts right. I have made corrections already

3) Tell a reader that you stand by your opinion or belief

I was just stating my opinion on …… so take no offence

4) Ask a reader why they dislike your article and ask for their reasons

You stated that you didn’t like my article and never stated why, could you please share your reasons?

5) Explain something the reader night not have understood very well

When I said …………… all I meant wa s……………..and not what you are ……………………..I hope that helps. Let me know if you still have a question.

6) Ask reader to stop using inappropriate language to get your attention

I understand what you are trying to say. I just don’t think that is fine to fill my wall/page with inappropriate language.

7) Refer a reader to other sources that may help them understand the message you were conveying in your article

Check them out this article (add a link to the source). It gives out more info on ………………….

Bloggers should also remember:
Not to respond when they are upset
Some of the comments that usually show up in the dashboard aren’t always pleasant. Some are filled with information that can make a post and the whole blog a better place. Some of them are filled with hate.

A blogger should stick to typing or saying things that will help their blog fulfill its purpose. Harsh remarks may help but so are carefully thought out answers; even if the answer makes the blogger look like a weakling. Bloggers shouldn’t be quick to show how muscled they are.

Not to ignore a reader
Well one can decide to take some time before responding to a comment. That is fine. Bloggers should just remember that every time a reader sends an e-mail or leaves a comment on their blog, they would do anything to see how the blogger reacts after reading their words.

It may not be entirely possible to respond to every comment or e-mail in certain circumstances. A blog post addressing several issues (even if it takes more than a thousand words) can do in such occasions. But it won’t hurt if one takes time to respond to each comment or e-mail individually.

To you now.

What would you tell a reader if they didn’t like one of your posts/views?

This is a guest post by Philos Mudis. He blogs over at Eapost.com where he regularly shares his views on blogging, entrepreneurship and more.

Filed Under: Blogging

Freelancing is Dangerous

February 4, 2012 by 5 Comments

I remember when I was employed – I use to hate it. I have always thought of myself as a free bird who must not be tethered to one place or one job. And so I dreamt. I dreamt of the day I would be free of employment. So when someone told me to try out freelancing, I jumped on the idea.

Who wouldn’t want to live the easy life as a freelancer? Think about it. No 8-5 hours, no workplace politics. Just you working at home or from Java and closing deals on the phone. Sounds nice, eh? Except it’s not.

From my experience freelancers typically work way more hours than you’d think.

Rob Walling put it best in his manifesto “The Micropreneur Manifesto“:

With freelance work, you essentially trade your one boss for many—except now they’re called clients. And they don’t pay for health care or vacation days, or worry about your job satisfaction. Some won’t even feel obligated to pay you for the work you’ve done.

So as you dream of leaving your job, be careful not to get stuck in a new rat-race. What you should work towards is becoming a business owner (as opposed to becoming “self-employed”). That is, putting structures in place that will ensure that you are not the one-man behind the whole show. Hire freelancers/employees. Do not become your own slave.

Filed Under: Small Business