The greatest challenge for me this year is to spice up my blogging. At the very worst, writing can be bland without a strong voice holding it together. We may have self-censored to the point that the public will reject the product for being boring. This is not good for personal or business writing. So why do writers self-censor?
Like any form of editing, what you choose to leave in or out is deliberate. Even if you are in the wrong, have the courage to acknowledge it. Don’t bury the story, but respond and take responsibility. Whatever you choose to publish: own it!
Here are some of the reasons that I feel writers self-censor. I hope they resonate with you.
I think this is #1 with a bullet. We are so afraid of offending anyone that we dull the impact of our words. A real turn off for readers who cannot get emotionally involved with the story.
A writer may self censor to hide names or locations. If the information comes from an informant this would be to protect them. Or maybe you want to make it harder for some reader to physically stalk you. This is something you should consider, especially if you are blogging.
I often worry about the conclusions someone might draw from my writing. In truth, as the author you have little control over how someone interprets your work.
Presenting balanced arguments is difficult. A subject can have many opposing perspectives and you don’t have time to research them all. This is an advantage if we ask our audience to fill us in on the areas where we are ignorant.
I still restrict the language I use and avoid cursing. Everyone has a comfort level and tolerance. A good guideline is to focus on what language will make your point clear to a reader.
What we find offensive is sometimes a gateway to examining our own prejudices and attitudes. South Park’s citizens have pushed the PC boundaries for 16 seasons. Writing on these sensitive issues is a big responsibility. Sometimes it is just easier to avoid them all together.
Are you discussing religion, politics, or sex? These topics are explosive, but sometimes make for great conversations. Create a space where people feel safe to disagree.
Anger carries a very negative stigma, but you would find yourself in physical turmoil if you couldn’t find healthy ways express it. There are times when it is a necessary and appropriate reaction. It is not always beneficial to just put on a happy face and move on.
You will feel trepidation in tackling a subject if people criticized an earlier work. Experience can teach us what not to publish. Only you can decide to try again or not.
Of course, this is a big one in business. Your use of language usually echos the attitudes of your customers. A brand can put themselves at risk for not paying due attention to the messages they send.
In some countries writing anything that reflects badly on the government can make you a criminal. Writers may censor their works to avoid arrest or execution.
Writers may censor because of the fear of retaliation. Unfortunately, this also means that their voice falls silent to those who are looking for support.
How do you deal with censorship with your blogging? How do you walk the line between self-expression and writing for an audience?
Featured image courtesy of Pink Sherbet Photography licensed via Creative Commons.
Susan is a copywriter who crafts content strategies that rank. She is also the community manager for Gygax Magazine. She shares information on business, social media, and writing.
My biggest worry has always been people that just hate me for who I am and where I live. I was totally anonymous for the first year or so because I was afraid that someone would actually physically find me and want to do me harm.
Latest blog post: We All Invade Each Others Space
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I definitely steer clear of anything associated with 6-8. Just not worth the trolls. I always invite constructive and respectful opinions. Other than that, I just go with "being me" and hope that is enough.
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Perfect timing. I've been going back and forth over publishing some personal views regarding politics and religion.
Given the upcoming election, Chik-Fil-A events, and other news stories, I've been feeling pretty restless and wanting to say something. However, I censor myself ALL the time...then I question my authenticity. Yet, I feel like I have to be a peacekeeper...Conflicted. You definitely gave me some things to think about.
@EmeliaSam Every time I censor my values, I feel a little betrayed. I know that saying something public online means that I will take some heat for it. Yet... I have to balance it out and not fear criticism. You can always ban a troll or you can politely disagree. Writers here have been dealing with that for the past few weeks. I feel like I picked up a few pointers.
I will probably never be overtly political in my blog writing. There is a line that even I refuse to cross online. But that is my choice, people need to find their comfort level and their own limit.
@susansilver Come to think of it, I encountered my first official troll on a 12most article that was re-published on another site. It wasn't even anything controversial. He just wanted to dismiss my work in the same fashion that's been happening here the last two weeks or so.
That being said, I really shouldn't censor myself because the trolls have proven they'll have something to say even when not provoked.
@EmeliaSam That is shocking and a very good point. I will remember that for the future. Trolling can happen at any time no matter the subject. So glad to have @pegfitzpatrick on our side.
SRSLY, though how strange that they have decided to attack the writers these past few weeks so intensely.
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#7 - I have a draft post sitting in a folder about the death of civil discourse in politics. It's basically about how I have to remind myself that I do in fact love certain friends when they post dumb political memes on Facebook. It doesn't inspire rational debate but just flaming and sometimes the death of friendships. I need to post it but have been afraid of stirring the pot. This post convinced me that I should just do it! Thanks Susan!
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@Michelle_Mazur Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. That is why I felt this post was important to write. While there are reasons why we should, I think there are many more where we can push ourselves to be braver. I sure many writers find themselves in this quandary.
