There was a passionate discussion this week on All Financial Matters when JLP made an observation regarding a woman and how she spent her food stamps. He had a conversation with a reader who felt he was being unfair and requested to unsubscribe.
After reading the posts and some comments, I saw that there was a bigger issue. I commented on the original topic about food stamps, since I could see both sides of the story and then I made a comment about the nature of my blog reading.
Here is part of my comment (#51) that I left:
I think this was a great topic to discuss and I loved reading all the responses. I’m still subscribing to this blog because I want to challenge my assumptions and learn from others. That’s the point, right?
I’ve been checking back on the comments to see how people are reacting. A reader made an interesting comment:
Personal finance blogs do much better when they stick to personal finance and stay away from social commentary.
I really think that one reason I enjoy following personal finance blogs is they can and do made a personal observation or comment. I learn a bit more about the writer and gain a different perspective on a subject.
I could go to CNN’s Money site to just get numbers and some facts. I go to other bloggers to get motivation, stories, conversational topics, and sometimes commentary.
I find it unrealistic to think I’ll agree with everything that a blogger writes about. Sometimes reading others’ thoughts and attitudes towards some topicchanges my mind. Other times I’m even more sure of my ideas, as I now have to reevaluate the reasons why.
I love reading All Financial Matters and will continue to subscribe to the site. By the way, you should join in on one of topics. JLP has fantastic readers who will love to discuss matters.
Why do you read blogs? If you’re a blogger, how much opinion and personal thoughts do you share? Do you feel there are things I may need to include or change in my blog?
Photo Credit: gutter
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yeah, I agree with you–what I enjoy post about PF blogs is the personal side, and that includes opinions. When I started blogging, it was mostly life narrative, then I moved away to more topical stuff and now I try to blend them.
Check out GG @ This Writer’s Wallets last blog post..Why Gardening & Money Are the Same
GG: Yeah, I need to have a combination of the two. I’m still trying to find the right balance with my blog.
I think a good combination of personal stuff and topical finance related posts is where it should be – somewhere in the middle. If someone posts a lot about something I don’t agree with and is extremely toxic in their tone – I may unsubscribe. But otherwise I will usually stay because I enjoy to read a variety of opinions. Interesting topic!
Check out Pete @ biblemoneymatters.coms last blog post..Personal Finance Bible Verse of the Day: Knowledge
I find that’s it’s “real” people that we connect to. When someone occasionally shares their thoughts and views, you feel as though you are connecting to a “real” person. I like the idea of connecting to others while getting new insights into personal finance. I may not agree, but at least I feel that we are having some sort of “real” conversation.
Besides, a little humanness is nice when reading about PF. No matter the subject, the reason blogging is becoming so popular is due to the human connection.
Check out Mirandas last blog post..Yielding Wealth Poll: Which Presidential Candidate Will Be Better For Your Personal Finances?
@Pete: Yeah, Pete I feel the same way. If the whole tone of the personal finance is negative or very little substance, I’d probably stop visiting.
Miranda: Learning about the writers and their views also helps to motivate me. Hearing people’s struggles pushes me to keep trying to get better.
I think it’s a difficult balance to achieve. If you have no personal views then the blog can become very impersonal and informal. Too much personal information with poor content and it may lack credibility.
@Mark: Yeah, it is harder than you think! I want to keep the information relevant and informative.