Blog Fight Rules Of Engagement

Blog fights happen. Sometimes for attention, but most of the time because someone is really pissed off about something. And don’t count out big media, they jump right in too when they feel it.No one’s ever written down any rules for blog fights that I know of. But there are sHere are a few core strategies:
?Only start a fight if you really believe in what you’re saying. Don’t start a fight just because you’re bored. It’s pointless. There needs to be an issue you really care about. The back and forth will help the truth get out.
ome unspoken rules and guidelines.?Be direct and be clear. Have a position that you believe in. The world is black and white. If you see lots of grey, stay on the sidelines.?Generally you don’t start a fight with a smaller site unless they’ve done something really egregious. Fight up the food chain. Conversely, you have to ignore the countless jabs you take from the small guys. They’re just trying to get attention, or they have no idea what they’re talking a?Don’t engage in French-style military strategy by going half way and then surrendering. Robert Scoble does this all the time. He picks a fight and then he backs off completely when he takes return fire. If he didn’t feel strongly enough about the issue to begin with, there was no reason to jump in. bout, or they’re just plain crazy.?Don’t engage in French-style military strategy by going half way and then surrendering. Robert Scoble does this all the time. He picks a fight and then he backs off completely when he takes return fire. If he didn’t feel strongly enough about the issue to begin with, there was no reason to jump in.
?Most importantly, don’t just engage in fights you know you’ll win. You’re doing this to fight for what you think is right or correct, not score points. Sure, I take the easy wins when they’re handed to me, but I try not to take cheap shots even then. And I often engage in fights that I know I’m going to lose because I care about the topic. And I always know if I’m going to win or not before I even post. See Blogging And Mass Psychomanipulation.
?In summary, don’t pander to the crowd. It’s pointless. If they love you they’ll hate you tomorrow anyway, and vice versa. Write what you believe and your head will stay in a good place.
That’s not it though. There are also unspoken rules of engagement. An ethical guide to a clean blog fight, if you will.Michael Arrington