@James – I have a group of friends that refuses to talk about religion or politics when they’re together. They’ve been friends for many years, and each of them have varying political and religious viewpoints. They credit this topic ban as the reason they’ve been able to remain friends for so long. They are such volatile subjects that many relationships have been damaged by discussing them.

@Amy – thanks for getting it. There is a large silent majority at FWJ. When they chime in it’s usually to say it’s the negativity that keeps them from commenting or keeps them from coming back. I do have the big picture to consider.

@Aurora – I think one can be edgy and sassy and funny without offending. A great writer knows how to use smaller words to make a bigger impact.

@Skippy – I would say the most important part of freelance writing is knowing your employer, his audience and his vision.

@Dani – Thank you, my sentiments exactly.

@James & Lindsey – It is absolutely about respect. As stated above there are ways to have fun and be creative and edgy without pushing it.I guess I’m just safe that way?

@MJ – Boy do I know from arguing and you’re right. Even if your being safe there are people who will argue and pick apart your work just for the sake of arguing.

I think we all agree there’s a time and a place for everything. I learned the hard way what this community wanted because my traffic started leaving by the busloads. They don’t want to come to a negative environment and so I provide them with a safe haven. I think there’s a difference between being edgy and injecting humor into a piece than there is being edgy for a reaction or create controversy for the sake of traffic.

When it comes to freelance jobs, I write for the readers, because I feel I am paid to do that (but, least we forget there are many out there who are paid to write specifically to push the envelope and be more sensational in nature).

I would think that going into any freelance job, you would have an understanding of which side of the line you need to write on before taking on the task.

I think Skippy said it best: “when you know your audience and you know your purpose”. I agree completely. When you know those things, the question of “have I gone to far?”, should never even be an issue.

I vote “Yes”. I think some of the best writing in the world for literature and film is so great not because of ’shock and awe’ but because it is the well-crafted and well-executed telling of a story or making of a point.

I believe you can be engaging, thought-provoking, and powerful without resorting to ’shock and awe’.

With that said, I pick my battles. In my time as an ad copywriter, I have come head-to-head with many a creative director, client, and even consumer who wanted the team to “play it safe.” But let’s be serious, do you really remember the advertisements that play it safe? There is so much media thrown at the average consumer that it takes a bit of brute force to catch their attention sometimes. And I am glad there are people who aren’t afraid to use it.

But let’s get back to picking battles. I’m not going to offend JUST to offend. I’m not going to egg people on and make people mad just to do so. And I’m not going to bring up a religious discussion between staunch atheists and resolute evangelicals.

It’s all about opening up lines of discussion, whether you’re writing a book, a blog, an ad or a letter. And as consumers (as well as writers) we have a sort of obligation to be a part of that discussion– be it in responding, buying or whatever. Because what’s the point of stating a point if no one is listening to anyone else?

True! Especially if you are writing online. I find people who can hide behind a username will say things that they would never say to that person’s face, that’s for sure!

Unfortunately, too many people have the inability to remain respectful and stay calm. So maybe that’s really the issue of the whole topic. It isn’t about what we write – it’s about the general ability of people to discuss it with respect.