Marketing Studies

A posting about Joe Vitale's new e-book a few days ago stirred up quite a reaction among some internet marketing circles, and a long debate on the issue.

Why has the debate started and then slowly degraded to a point where it was no longer a debate, but a series of personal attacks?

It's really hard to say, because everyone will probably give you a different point of view, which is, naturally, OK.

The main opponents in the debate were, again, as you can guess, John and I. We've been talking privately since, and it again seems that we cannot agree on who started with the personal attacks and who was getting increasingly inpolite in his posts.

Anyway, there is no need for taking things to such levels, especially because we are all in the same boat. The interesting part is that we all agree on many issues revolving around RSS and we all agree that it's becoming an increasingly important delivery medium. So why fight on this?

The best comment came from Trina Schiller:

"I am a big fan of RSS, and I like to share it with everyone, but I am not going to tell people they are wrong if they don't share my enthusiasm. (I prefer Mustangs to Rabbits, but does that make Rabbit owners wrong? Of course not!)

First and foremost, I am a writer. RSS is my medium of choice. I find that it has simplified the publication and distribution process.

I am interested in learning more about RSS technology, and I'm excited about the possibilities it represents. That's why I'm here; to learn what I don't know, and share what I do.

After all, that's what networking is all about.

I am glad to see more forums, like this, appearing. This type of technology makes communication more interactive, enhancing the learning process.

I am into discussion, not debate. We can accomplish far more, by working together, than competing with each other."

I couldn't agree with more her.

I've also been talking with some other Quikonnex publishers and the Quikonnex founders since the debate began.

I must say they are wonderful people and they definitly know what they are talking about and doing.

Anyway, the comments on the article that started it all are now all deleted.

Why?

Because if they remained online they would serve no other purpose than to unrightfully generate negative publicity for some folks that don't deserve it (my fault, that).

But still, I really do believe in doing business transparently, so here's a quick rundown on the debate:

1. John acused me and Joe of not having a clue about RSS marketing and invited everyone on the web site to go learn from him

2. Joe and I replied, setting the record straight

3. John replied, naturally disagreeing with our statements

4. He was joined by one of his friends who continued the personal attack

5. I responded with my arguments, but then as well degraded to an unfair personal attack that could generate negative publicity for people who do not deserve it, as it even wasn't aimed at them ... but still ...

The conversation somehow went downhill after this ...

Who was right here?

Probably no one, since we all became too personal and provocative, which happens when emotions are high. Why can't we just keep our debates on a professional level?

I would like to invite all of our guests to post here again and continue the debate, but this time on a civil level, and without personal attacks. Let's keep things argumented and polite ...

Also, if you'd like to get the other side of the story, you are welcome to visit John's blog and get his side as well.