Being Rude: How to Hi-Jack an Article Thread

There are people who behave "badly" in every community, and it's simply impossible to expect Biznik's Learn section to be immune to that. Don't let the annoying behavior of a few keep you from sharing what might be valuable information with the rest of us.

Biznik is a venue for people who are in business for themselves. I don't think it's unexpected that some will use every opportunity to pitch their business. Sure, it could be more appropriately done. Would it be better if the person pitching provided something of value (and something at least minimally related to the article's topic) to the community in return for the "privilege" of pitching? Yep. However, allowing your annoyance with people to keep you from utilizing the amazing resource that is Biznik is kind of biting off your nose to spite your face.

Best,

Valerie

I know I'm going to pi** off someone; however, to be entirely truthful, I seldom read articles and tips on this site. My primary reason is a lack of time, compounded by too many threads like you describe and too much unoriginal material.

Controversy is good if constructive discussion arises from the differing opinions expressed.

I'm all for old ideas presented in new ways; sometimes they click for me when presented in new frames. I'm sure it works the same for others.

I've read some good material that has been helpful for me. What works for me might not work for others and vice versa.

When the articles and tips began, I read them all. As the volume of material increased and I began to encounter postings that turned me off, work became more important than keeping up. At first I scanned for interesting titles; then I had to quit. I'm sure I'm missing some good ideas.

After my posting, I read Valerie's. I do think that people should post their material. Who can predict what might end up being very useful to the members?

However, I think that there are at least two perspectives to consider, that of the writer and that of the reader. And the reader perspective can be broken down further into those who read and are moved to respond and the rest.

There are lessons for all of us in this conversation. This is not the first time this discussion has occurred on this site.

How do I feel about it?

First of all, I don't have time to read tips and most of the articles; not mentioning the comment.

Every week, I choose 3 articles to read based on my focus and they impacted my biz one way or another. I appreciate the time and effort put in by the author.

I myself will continue to publish even I got bad rating or unfavorite comment. I write for a reason. If I am clear about it, no one can change my course by their actions. :)

There are definitely smarter ways of building a reputation for yourself without sticking out like a sore thumb.

One quick example: By posting this thread, Barry got a chance to let us know that people have been requesting (asking about) his educational articles that he posts in other places. This tells us that he is an expert in his area and is a sought after content creator. And the second benefit is that some folks might want to see where else he posts these educational articles. Thus, pulling some traffic to his website etc.

So there. He did it, but he did it smarter. But that's what Barry does well...

And please let's get real. We are all "guilty of" posting a comment to prove something or to "stick it to somebody" or to make ourselves look good at one time or another. We all have egos and it wants to be fed. :)

Plus, the people who are commenting on articles and tips JUST to plug in their business are sort of cutting the branch they are sitting are, aren't they? I mean, everything we do and say adds to the mental picture people have of us. Vice versa is true as well...

That's my two cents. :)

Any article written about your own industry for the purpose of sharing information shouldn't be hijacked by a competitor for the purposes of promoting your own services. I have seen some posts on this site where some one asks for information from the general membership and then the service providers show up and say hey give me a call and I can help you all sort this out. I think that's fair. No matter what whenever posting you should be trying to add worth while content or opinion. Art T.

I have wanted to write an article or tip and have started quite a few of them but fear got the better of me. Now it is terror. I was unaware of such deep feelings. Is there guidelines that will help me not do the wrong thing? Caroline Strittmatter