thomascwaters.com

I tend to do two types of writing on the web”

1. I write blog posts.
2. I comment on articles and other’s blog posts.

I’m linking the article below, because it is a good example of a situation ripe for the second of these. Frequently, people ask me how they can get involved in issue advocacy, and help in the movement towards equal rights for all. I urge you to consider how you can make a difference by commenting on the web.

The article itself, like many posted on the web contains gross problems, some might call poor reporting, but at the very least, is biased reporting containing misinformation. There are a number of people who have already commented on it, but even these comments don’t necessarily contain factual information.

One of the easiest ways to do your part to promote equal rights is to add a comment to things like this where your comments reflect real, honest, accurate information. The process is a simple one and often takes no more than a few minutes. There are three types of readers out there. Those who have made up their minds and see things as you do; those who have made up their minds and see things differently than you do; those who are open to consider a different point of view. Your goal in web commenting is to speak to this last group- people with an open mind. Here is what you do:

1. Read the article, and begin to formulate a response to it.
2. Research as much as you need to so that whatever you write is accurate.
3. Post your comment.

Because the goal is to address the person(s) with an open mind, using facts and identifying the inaccuracies of a post is the most important thing to do. It doesn’t change anyone’s mind in a good way to simply write and dismiss the post, or participate in name calling. When commenting on a blog post or article, always post  using a name. It undermines your credibility to post anonymously. Even if others have already added comments, add yours as long as your focus is about clearing up inaccuracies or misinformation. The only way to counter a lie is with the truth, every time.

via SPEAK OUT: State should be getting help for transgendered, not taxing the rest of us – Quincy, MA – The Patriot Ledger.