Create Hubs That Generate Controversy ( . . .er, I Mean, Comments)

There are a great many tried and true ways to create Hubs that will generate a lot of online traffic and interesting(?) comments from your readers/viewers. And, in certain instances, those comments are sure to escalate into impassioned dialogue and controversy.

Perhaps the easiest way to begin generating comments — and perhaps the occasional fistfight or two — is to venture into those traditionally taboo topics of polite and well-mannered cocktail and dinner party conversation the world over: religion & politics. (For my own sake, I would always be sure to complete the Taboo Trifecta by adding 'money' to that don’t-go-there list.) But, wait! I take back what I just said about 'don't-go-there' — in fact, I'd heartily recommend that YOU DO GO THERE.

Trust me, I know what I'm talking about! I have written about How to Be President and How to Be Pope. I drafted a Hub about How to Enjoy Paying Your Taxes, and How to Make More through Online Writing. I have opined on the merits (or lack thereof) of both the current and past U.S. Administrations, and I've got the backtalk to show for it. I'm sure if you put your mind to it, you could come up with some particular facet of religion or politics or money that hasn't already been flogged to death by all of your fellow Hubbers, nor by all the reigning pundits and talking heads of the many multivariate cable channels serving the planet.

Perhaps you could parse the Dead Sea Scrolls? Or cogitate on why so many leaders of male-dominated religions like to walk around in long dresses? Ruminate on the fact that for decade upon decade, the Feds can keep on printing all the Benjamins they want, but just you go ahead and try to produce even one measly poorly drawn Lincoln of your own, and see where that gets you. Or why not start publishing the exorbitant salaries and perks of your local oligarchs (along with photos of who they were spotted with at that quiet little getaway bistro outside of town)?

But when even the Big Three fail you, never fear! There are still many topics you can tackle! Try hopscotching through the encyclopedic range of hobbies that most online readers are likely to pursue! Coins, yard sales, comic books, guns, ATVs, dolls, dollhouses, snow tires, tattoos, birdcages, music, mailboxes, apps, yard ornaments, take-out pizza, snuggies, weed, really lame TV shows that shouldn’t have been axed, facelifts, beer, stove-top stuffing, really comfortable slippers, flycasting, reality TV, sex toys, NASCAR, magazines about comfortable lakeside entertaining, cinnamon buns, and so on.

I, for example, have Hubbed about stamps, The Beatles, classic fictional detectives, Harvard, teenagers, Junkanoo, dorm rooms, The Cleveland Zoo, caricatures, divorce, Tickfaw, cell phones, Barack Obama, and even how to design a really good parking lot. (And, believe it or not, I get an awful lot of hits on that Hub about designing a really good parking lot! More than you might think possible.)

You must also Hub, Hub and Hub some more. And you must read, read, and read some more. It is only through reading and writing, and writing and reading, that your work will keep improving in vocabulary, sentence structure, quality, range and interest. (And you might finally figure out the difference between ‘there’ and ‘their’.) I’ve got more than 700 Hubs to my name, and I don’t plan on stopping until I’m well past 7,000 Hubs — if then.

And, just when you’re mired in a slump — unable to come up with even one more interesting idea for a Hub — and you feel all is lost: do what I did. Start writing about cats. Cute little cats. It doesn’t much matter what you write — it can be virtually anything about cats. It’s sure to get noticed.

[Don’t believe me? Then check out my Devon Rex Cats or any of my Leos. Told ya.]