Controversial Content – How to Write it?

Creating controversial content is usually associated with that provocation, but not all incitement constitutes a controversial argument. Information that opposes the general belief can be trusted, but the headline only intended to attract attention, without solid arguments, will lack all credibility.

Many content writers don’t expect this, but it would be a rational deduction considering that highly controversial topics like politics, religion, war, and tragedies are deemed risky in most social situations. These highly contentious topics make even worse subjects for business blogs, so it is best to rule them out for content.

There remain a few tips when writing controversial content:

·       Use your judgment

As discussed above, writing on controversial topics should carefully approach with good taste. For example, it’s irrational to talk about your religious or political leanings on your business blog to stir up controversy. On the other hand, there are many harmless controversial issues to consider. So find something timely, appealing, and relevant to your niche without being offensive or argumentative.

·       Present your facts clearly

You must ensure your facts are correct when writing about a sensitive subject. Supporting things that have adverse effects can cause you to lose credibility and traffic. While your arguments may not have as broad support as counterarguments on most controversial issues, ensuring that all information provided is factual and not just emotional responses to events is still essential.

·       Be brave

If you decide to write about a hot topic, you don’t need to deflect your arguments and use many nonsense words to get the word count. However, it would be helpful to approach the issue boldly and with clear sentences. You can even current arguments for both sides, making sure your chosen side is clear.

There’s no need to apologise for breaking the norm. However, it would help if you give yourself a back door to avoid accidentally offending your readers. For example, you might state in your article that your opinion is just one of many opinions on the subject. You represent an often-overlooked side, or go ahead and explain that you’re playing devil’s advocate to hook readers.

·       Add some humour

Some controversial topics are best handled with humour to avoid upsetting readers. It is especially true when making up controversies, so readers have something to discuss. But when subjects have a genuine disagreement, adding humour can lessen the intended impact of the message.

Satire is a great way to paint a clearer picture of fundamental issues but beware of readers who take things too seriously. So, for example, you can satirise the “perceived” dangers of the latest technology for young people while pointing out the possibility of adverse change.

Depending on how you use humour in the controversy, you can approach any hot topic with a light touch to evoke an emotional response.

·       Ask someone (editor/colleague/friend) to read the post before publishing

If you’re writing about something that might be controversial, it’s a good idea to get the opinion of one or more people before publishing it. The second set of eyes will show if you’ve gone too far and when your article is offensive. It ensures that your content displays as you intended without overdoing it.

It would aid if you always had someone reading or reviewing your articles before publishing them, but this is essential for controversial posts.

·       Use third-party editorial writing

The best style when writing about controversial topics is editorial style. Most editorial work consists of reporting factual information in the third person. Since your article will likely annoy many people, it’s best to dissociate yourself from the post. So the content doesn’t reflect your opinion.

You don’t want to alienate readers. On the contrary, you want to engage with them, and even negative comments are engagement, and you will likely find some readers who will agree with you and argue for you.

·       Focus on one topic

When writing about a controversial topic, the debate must revolve around a critical issue. Addressing multiple concerns on a controversial blog is not a good idea. As you risk losing credibility and making your work look like a speech.

Helpful, well-organized content will spark a good discussion without getting distracted. Also, you must maintain your experience. Creating an uproar with bold statements about topics unrelated to your industry is likely to infuriate people because you can’t adequately support your arguments.

·       Be aware of suicidal issues

Some issues can only discuss from a perspective so as not to arouse legitimate anger against them. Topics such as violence against minors, abuse, and other controversial and cruel acts have only one silver lining. They are unlikely to well receives if you try to come up with other arguments.

·       Time your posts

Be mindful of your time and respect the feelings of the people involved. You should avoid posting controversial content about trending topics or current events, as readers are likely to be overly sensitive. Instead, wait long enough for people to think of all possible sides of the case and then present them with factual information to support or disagree with your ideas.

·       Handle setbacks responsibly

It would help if you were eager to deal with many negative comments. And since you need readers, not enemies, find ways to make your case by politely responding to negative comments and thanking your readers for their contributions. You should not engage in argumentative word order as this will likely divide your readers, and many will be unwilling to return.

Conclusion

If you’re not careful about writing controversial content. It can backfire – attracting the wrong kind of attention and driving traffic away from your site. Here are two examples of sensitive topics:

A post on “Why going to college is a waste of time” – This post goes against common belief. So you need to provide plenty of evidence and examples to make your point.

A post advising people to “quit their jobs for a deal” is unlikely to be well-received unless you can satisfactorily justify your demands.