I’ve been working on a blog post off and on for hours. Not this one, but a different one. A really rambling, ranting one that seemed like a good idea when I started it, but turned out not to be such a great idea after all. Actually, the concept behind the blog post isn’t such a bad idea – it’s my delivery that needs some work. I’ll probably rewrite my post later when my mind is more settled.
As a blogger, I feel pressured to blog more than once a week. After multiple reblogs, I feel like I should post something original. Which led to the aforementioned rambling post I almost published.
Thank goodness I didn’t.
Rambling rants are never a good idea, even if they might seem to be at the time. It’s great to be fired up and passionate about a topic. Sometimes that passion leads to a great blog post. Sometimes it leads to something that’s argumentative. Other times (like in the case of my rambling post), it leads to something that is disjointed, nonsensical, and borderline snotty.
I’ve seen authors almost ruin their careers over a blog post. I can think of at least two authors who ended up shutting down their entire blog and pulling their books off Amazon all because of a blog post that probably seemed like a good idea when they posted it, but ended up being a complete disaster.
If you’re feeling fired up, it might be a good idea to cool down before you hit that “publish” button. Sarcastic or ranting posts don’t always come across the way we intend. A bad post can alienate readers. It can destroy our online presence.
So, before you hit the publish button, re-read your post. Set it aside for a day or two. Do you still want to post it? Does it need a little tweaking? Does your online attitude need a slight adjustment before you share that post with the world?
Blog carefully, everyone. And have a great week!
All I Have to Say 
Very sound advice. Thank-you!
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So very well said, Tricia! Love this great reminder to stop, assess and then decide. Another way is to try to envision readers reading it because that’s where I “get” the effects and sometimes it’s such a fine line, speaking for myself, I can still miss the mark. Luckily my readers are loyal to me and not my blunders. Thanks again for this reminder. Oh. I also wanted to say I think rants are okay if they wind up productive as in a solution based peace or lesson learned, etc. rambling rants are another beast altogether as you have pointed out. 😊
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Piece not peace.
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I agree with you, Janni. Rants are okay if they’re passion-driven and focused. Unfortunately,it’s hard to focus when you’re ranting. I’ve written many posts that never got published here. And I’ve posted a couple rants I removed after I gave it some thought.
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I hear you, me too. 😊
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Excellent point. Twitter and every other social media should have the same consideration. There was an article the other day about a woman who posted something carelessly on Twitter and almost had to change her name afterwards. Authors, and anyone else who relies on media, should be very, very careful.
Good post! 🙂
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I think I might have read that same article. This woman lost her career over one Tweet. It only takes a few minutes for something to go viral. What you think is funny and sarcastic might come across differently in a Tweet or post. Thanks for the reminder that we should be careful with everything we write, not just blog posts.
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Isn’t this the truth! ❤ ❤
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Ah, good advice. Some people say all publicity is good publicity but really as a blogger it can ruin your reputation if you rant and the audience isn’t impressed by it. I have actually unfollowed blogs that seem to be ranting and more ranting post after post; I mean, I like some positive words now and then to read! You speak the truth in your post here, Tricia.
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Reblogged this on georgeforfun.
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I could easily post every day, but I have the feeling it would be self serving nonsense.
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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Your right again, i am sure i have written & published a blog that triggers controversy, though, i try to make it clear to a reader, of what kind of contents my blog consist of..Besides, people should not return Barbaric – Sticks & stones, old Skool..
Yes, though, you can’t please everybody, so we must show a little more Consideration for others, & careful how we exploit, thanks for that again.., i will spend my last hour Cleaning what may be trashy blogs from the eyes of the weak.. Freedom of speech & Thought, limited..
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Great advice, Tricia! 😀
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