But, controversy unfortunately does seem to be very popular. It makes for great ratings in television, higher traffic to a website, more buyers at the news stand. Sensationalism is one of the major issues I think journalism faces these days. The news seems to be filled with many opinions, too many speculations, and very little actual journalism. It’s all about shocking people into watching, reading, buying.

I can certainly understand why you wouldn’t enjoy negativity Deb, I don’t think anyone does. I try to look at negative reaction as an opportunity to further explore my point of view, or to better explain why I feel the way I do. If you can pull something positive out of something negative, you’ll feel much better about it.

Complacency breeds stagnancy. Stagnancy means we are standing still as a species. Me, I love evolving. I honestly believe that the only way to better oneself is through constructive debate and argument. If your ideas are never challenged you never know which areas of your life you might need to adapt/change.

We (humans) need debate and discussion in order to keep evolving. The only way that happens is through healthy debate/discussion of ideas/concepts.

However, I also know we lost a few members of this community because of the commentators who can’t stop turning everything into an argument. I do try and keep all discussions (including disagreement) positive. I hope that keeps you all coming back!

I don’t understand why it’s so controversial, either. It’s the rates thing, I think, that ignites so much passion. And so many writers feel it’s their way or you’re doing it wrong. I like to think the writers who come to FWJ are grown up to see all points of view, but make their own intelligent decision – without being called names or insulted.

I also allow all sides of the story as long as commentators are respectful. Once to name calling or abuse starts, I hit the moderation key.

Thanks for weighing in.

Even if the conversation gets heated (I don’t allow flaming, but there’s plenty of debate), I think it’s important for people to know their voices will be heard.

To be honest, though, I don’t really understand how or why freelance writing is controversial. To me, it’s like sexual preference: if you want to go one way or another, it’s none of my business and certainly not my place to comment on your choices.

But maybe I’m just weird!

Lisa

I think it’s okay to have a difference of opinion over an issue as long as everyone involved is respectful. It’s those people who jump into the mix just to stir up the muck that I try to avoid as a matter of course.

I’m declaring this a scratch and claw free zone.

That being said, I remember in college editors placing an editorial or two designed to generate letters to the editor. Don’t know that it’s bad on occasion, but too much and it’s yellow journalism. I think it’s the same with blog controversies.

For example, the debates that have been here several time on rates are fine — (everybody is entitled to my opinion )– as long as arguments are well thought out and it’s not just “you’re stupid for that opinion.”

When James (Men with Pens) posted here a lot, I sometimes disagreed with him, but I certainly respected the thougthtful discourse

But the key is civil controversy. Unfortunately the internet has always brought out the worst in some people. Because they don’t have to deal face to face with the consequences of their actions they behave abominably.

And though it is infuriating and extra work to delete their comments you’ve also learned whose opinions you can trust.