by Cody Hodge

Created on: June 15, 2009

How do you write an effective article for Helium, or anywhere else for that matter? How would you go about that when you might have a controversial viewpoint? There are some ways that you can write an article about a controversial subject, or perhaps when you might a viewpoint that may sound offensive, or controversial itself. You have a right to say what you want to when you write, however there are ways that you can write something without sounding like a blowhard.

Whenever you are writing a controversial article, you can do no harm by saying that upfront. By acknowledging that you realize the article, or your view may be controversial, you invite the reader to be a little more open minded. If the reader knows that you are aware of the controversy, they will take your words a little more seriously. You can also do no wrong by inviting the reader to contact you with any comments they might have. This initiates a dialogue, and a productive discussion can take place.

When writing your article, don't go any farther with the controversy than you have too. I saw a debate on the fourms that debated whether the use of a certain racial slur was justified. The debate was about whether it was wrong to not use the word when taken from a direct quote, specifically from Huck Finn. In this case, it is perfectly acceptable to use the word, however I have chosen not too because I have no reason to use the word. If you are curious, you can read the book, and you will know what I mean.

Make sure that you are presenting a balanced view on a controversial topic. Don't turn a controversial article into something that could be perceived as racist, or something that would make you look bad. Regardless of what your view is, you have to be professional and present the facts as they are, or some evidence for what your opinions are. If you thought that Hitler was a good man for some reason, you would want to say that you don't agree with all the bad things he did. That way you can talk about whatever good you think Hitler might have done, without ignoring the fact that he led the worlds worst genocide of the past century.

Use good judgment whenever you are writing an article. Remember that you have an audience, and that if your audience feels offended, or that you don't know what you are talking about, you might not have much of a career. Make sure that you aren't going too far in your opinions, and make sure that you don't use your forum for something else. Don't turn an article about racism, and then use every slur you can think of just because you don't think anyone is going to mind because of the title of the article.

Controversy creates cash they say. However, know the line between controversial, and just plain racist, or bigoted. Tread carefully, but speak your mind as well. Encourage a dialogue with your readers, and don't hide from your words. If you can't say it, don't write it, and if you do, don't pretend that you haven't.

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