Blogging My Life...
I have always been reluctant to post any of my political views, ever. I am of the feeling that my blogging influence, whatever that might be, should not have any influence on important matters, such as who should be our next president. Just because people may or may not like the way I write about search topics, does not give me the authority to influence how they vote.
I typically find it upsetting when I see famous people back a certain politician. I found it upsetting to see Eric Schmidt, Google's CEO, use his celebrity status in the arena. I find it upsetting to see others in Hollywood or business or even religious areas influence ones vote. But maybe I am wrong. Maybe I should not feel this way?
Maybe it would be useful to myself or to my readers if I share my rational for who I support or who I don't support. Why I am leaning towards voting one way, versus another way. What matters are important to me and why... Maybe it would be useful?
At the same time, I don't feel I have the right to influence anyones decision on this matter.
Having said all of this, I think I'll leave the decision up to those of you who read here. Please vote and let me know if you want me to share my political views on the next president of the Unites State of America or not.
Here is the poll:
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Comments
Hi Barry,
Ultimately I feel it's my duty to vote based on what's best for myself, my family and my own situation.
I feel it's NOT my job to change anyone else's mind because their situation may be very different from mine.
:) my $.02
~Carrie
Posted by: Carrie Hill | October 23, 2008 1:17 PM
I'm planning my own post about who I'm voting for and why. I guess I'm tired of people feeling like they can't discuss this. I'd like to hear what people think. Maybe they'll influence me. Maybe I'll influence them. But if we don't talk (in a civil manner), we don't grow.
Posted by: Danny Sullivan | October 23, 2008 1:25 PM
I agree with Danny on this one. I think having debate and testing ideas are good things to take part in. Essentially, that is what we do in the search blogosphere every day. But this is a very personal decision that only you can make.
At the end of the day, however, I'll continue to read your work because I respect you as an authority in the search community, regardless of your political views.
Posted by: Eric Pender | October 23, 2008 1:40 PM
I think so, but the question is, do you share your political opinion as a newspaper style endorsement on SERoundtable or SELand ... or go about it on this blog or Daggle?
Posted by: Loren Baker | October 23, 2008 2:05 PM
Just don't change your avatar to Obama or McCain - if people if talking politics whereever, I at least want to recognise who it is.
Posted by: Andy Beard | October 23, 2008 2:06 PM
I voted no. I think it's not worth alienating half your readers. I've been stunned by some of the political rants I've read in marketing blogs that should not really be about politics.
Posted by: Jill | October 23, 2008 2:08 PM
I agree with Loren, need to be careful on how your opinion will be received... as your personal or professional opinion?
BTW - my vote was "no".
Posted by: Arnie K | October 23, 2008 2:10 PM
I think since it's your personal blog that it's fine to express those views. If it were rustybrick's blog then you'd have to be sensitive to other people in the company and how they feel.
As with any form of expression, there could be ramifications with people who do not draw a line between their political views and their professional engagements - e.g. clients read blog, clients disagree, clients bolt.
But if I read your views on the blog here I would respect your views, be happy you were brave to post them, and thank goodness I live in a country where it's allowed.
Posted by: Scott Clark | October 23, 2008 2:10 PM
Loren,
Oh, never on SER or SELand. :)
Andy,
I won't be changing any avatars. :)
Seems like people feel strongly on both sides... This is not going to be an easy decision. I was hoping for 90% one way or the other way. Oh well...
Posted by: Barry Schwartz | October 23, 2008 2:11 PM
Every step of this process is a personal one. Your vote is yours, and your decision to share it is yours alone as well. I can appreciate your views on this, but your decisions to ask your readers is again, a personal one.
The question you have to ALWAYS ask yourself is ...why?
Why do ...anything? Is it important for you to publicly discuss this? If it is, then you've cut your travel time down a bit.
Always asking yourself why is important.
And if you want to share your political choices, the Go Get 'Em brotha. I support your decision.
And if you DON'T? Go Get 'Em brotha. I can support that as well.
Posted by: rumblepup | October 23, 2008 2:13 PM
Only do it if it's in your heart to do so...don't force it if you don't think it's right.
Posted by: Todd Mintz | October 23, 2008 2:15 PM
I think you should just keep your views between the 2 of us- don't mix politics into your work.
Posted by: wife | October 23, 2008 2:23 PM
I voted yes - but only if it is tasteful. What turns me off is the slander and negativity that seems to go hand in hand with politics.
I don't see why people can't discuss and write about politics - hearing other people's opinions is how we grow.
Good luck!
-Kait
Posted by: Katherine Galdo | October 23, 2008 2:26 PM
Barry you going to start WWW 3 on your blog!
I hope this is not about PR, and knowing you, I do not think so.
When it comes to choosing sides you create friends and enemies.
Posted by: Igor The Troll | October 23, 2008 2:49 PM
I'm curious to read about your political views, but I wouldn't expect you to share them if doing so makes you uncomfortable. I don't even like telling my girlfriend who I vote for at election time, so I can see that you wouldn't necessarily want to share it on your blog.
Having said that, I voted "yes" because I am curious about your views.
Posted by: Adam Snider | October 23, 2008 3:00 PM
IMO, yes you should share your opinion. The top of every page states "personal muse from Barry Schwartz". That's why were here - to hear your view, your personality.
I like to hear other people's opinions on important topics because it gives another perspective - one I might not have thought have that I should consider. It could be one that I disagree with but gives me something to strengthen my own argument.
Let rip!
Posted by: Philip John | October 23, 2008 6:38 PM
I voted "other".
While it's really up to you if you say anything at all, it is always important to remember that anything you say may/will influence people.
With a great audience comes a great responsibility. Real question is are you willing to take that on.
Good luck making that decision. :)
Posted by: Robert | October 24, 2008 2:41 AM
I've gone with a 'no'. I remember when Jim Boykin asked the same thing a couple of years ago, then decided to go ahead and post. After a quick flurry of posts pro and anti his views, the post went down.
While you may want to have intelligent discourse, just remember that it may not end up that way as emotions get involved.
Posted by: Simon Heseltine | October 27, 2008 10:06 AM
Carrie, first commenter has made an excellent point. Most vote for who benefits themselves and then tries to get the undecided ones to vote that way without understanding what impact it can have to their own lives.
I have no problem with celebrities explaining why they vote for a certain candidate. I do however have a big issue with militant tactics trying to influence others to multiply the impact of their own choice.
Posted by: Mike Dammann | October 27, 2008 10:20 AM
Your wife is very wise. There are so many good (and bad) political sites and blogs. My humble opinion, Stay relevant to your niche. (not that you wouldn't have great political dialog) It is not why I come to your site.
Posted by: Donna Boley | October 27, 2008 4:10 PM