by Gordon Hamilton

Created on: April 28, 2009

When we are considering how to write effective articles about controversial issues and opinions, it is better in the bigger picture to think of ourselves as mediators if we are to write the article effectively. This will allow us to include balance in our article and maximise our chances of it appealing to and being appreciated by the widest possible audience.

We should begin the article by introducing the theme and the issue or opinion which is proving so controverisal. We must be extremely careful from the outset not to introduce our own opinion as to the subject, merely those different ones on both ends of the scale and even somewhere in between. If we were to state or even hint at our own opinion on the issue, we would be risking a large percentage of our readership proceeding no further in reading our article.

We must then proceed to examine the various major opinions on the subject. We should look not only at what the opinions are but why it is likely that many people will subscribe to them. Again, we must ensure that we are pointing out only facts and broadly stating why people "may" feel so strongly about the issue to hand and never why they "should" look at it in any given way. Balance is the key at this stage, ensuring that we do not portray any one side of the argument in a positive light to the detriment of another.

When we have examined all the popular opinions in this way surrounding the issue, we should be looking to provide our readers with details of where they can find more information on the subject in order to more effectively form there own opinion on the subject. If possible, we should suggest books which they can read but a few website URL's relating to the subject will suffice. Again, we should be careful to either suggest reading material which is factual only regarding the subject and does not state strong opinions, or alternatively, suggest a few sources from each side of the debate. This will be seen as a very valuable contribution by the majority of our readers, as we are helping them to easily navigate to more in-depth information on the subject which they find to be of interest.

By practising these factors considered above, we will ensure that we write a balanced and informative article around the subject of contention which appeals to as wide a readership as possible and contributes in a very positive sense to, if not the resolution of, at least the advancement of the overall debate.

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