Update: Click here for the 676,538 Frequent Flyer Miles video. Sorry for the wrong link in the email.
***
This video update was recorded after my recent trip to San Diego. What a great place! Thanks to everyone who came out to welcome me.
Note: my assistant makes a guest appearance early in the video, so even if you were upset about my support for healthcare reform, you still might want to watch.
If you can’t watch the video, here’s a short summary.
1. Why am I writing about politics on AONC? Personally, I don’t think of things like equality and access to healthcare as political issues; I see them as human rights issues. It’s sad (to me) that they have become so politicized, but regardless, I don’t see why I should keep silent about an important issue just because a few people will get upset.
2. Fellow bloggers and anyone else with a platform to share your views: will readers abandon you if you actually say what you think about an important issue? Not really. If anything, you’ll gain more trust and respect. Watch and see.
3. Even if some people leave, so what? Maybe the people who leave weren’t the best fit for your community to begin with. If someone is really so offended about one opinion that they’re ready to write you out of their life, the relationship wasn’t that strong to begin with.
4. When I think about big moral issues (equality, for example), I take the long-term view. Thirty years from now, I don’t want to look back and say that I had an opinion and a platform but never spoke up. As I said in the original post, the truth always emerges over time; the challenge is to get it right before history has been written.
5. Be brave. Take a stand. People care about what you think. Don’t worry!
***
This week I’m in Washington, D.C.. Next week is the product launch for Frequent Flyer Master, then I take a big trip to the Caucauses (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia), then I turn in my book manuscript.
Thankfully, I like all of these things, so it’s not stressful. Hope you’re having fun too, wherever you are.
###
Find me on Twitter: twitter.com/chrisguillebeau
Join AONC on Facebook: facebook.com/artofnonconformity
October 29, 2009
Allison
Chris,
Well-said and well-written. I agree with you 100% on health care, but that’s not really the issue anymore. The important thing is to figure out how to state your opinion intelligently without resorting to personal attacks or unfair accusations. If people can’t handle that and get upset, that’s their problem.
And personally, I tend to get bored with blogs that only showcase one specific side of the author. Even though it’s through the internet, I want to get a connection on the human level.
October 29, 2009
Andrea
While you spoke quite eloquently in this video, I’m actually sad that you had to explain to people why you felt the need to state YOUR opinion on YOUR blog. It’s really, really pathetic that people couldn’t handle hearing something that was very important to you, whether they agree with it or not. Grow up!
And yes, there is absolutely no debate, the issues that you talked about are not political, they are basic human rights.
Have fun in DC!
October 29, 2009
Shari Martin
Chris, I think Dr. Seus was right on this one: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Rock on!
October 29, 2009
Carey
Chris,
I laughed out loud when I read some of the reactions to your health care comments. As if these people somehow missed the fact that this is The Art Of NON-CONFORMITY. Lol. You’re not the New York Times. You don’t have to practice some fake objectivity. Most of us are here for your intelligent, authentic voice and will keep coming back for more. And actually, I was surprised at the number of conservatives reading your blog. I guess that challenged my own biases.
Personally, as an atheist who has been *out* for years, I’m used to that sour, “you can’t say that about my god” kind of attitude and have learned to laugh it off. The entitlement around religion grew to annoying proportions during the Bush regime, but hopefully is easing. Although what I’d really like to do is move to a more secular country (and that’s partially why I read your blog). The additional bonus would be I’d probably end up with decent healthcare, something I don’t receive in the US. Keep it real!
October 29, 2009
jskipburns
Can you make a guide about training cats and/or pets in general to do tasks like moderate comments? I have been trying for years to get my hamster to do ::simple:: things like answer the phone and file paperwork. I would totally purchase a guide about training pets. I am allergic to cats, however, so I would only purchase it if it included how to train other pets to help with office work.
as always you’ve hit a home run
skip “the truth always emerges over time” burns
October 29, 2009
Jeremy L. Knauff
I disagree with your views on healthcare, but they are just that; your views, and you have the right to post them on your website, stand on a street corner yelling them to passersby or even hiring a skywriter to share them with the world.
I think most intelligent people can disagree without taking things personally, and if someone was so offended by you sharing your views that they essentially boycotted you, they aren’t very mature to begin with.
Kudos for having the balls to say what you think. I think it is far more engaging than your typical cookie-cutter website that plays it safe. Keep doing what you’re doing and the people who see the value will stick around whether they agree with your political/social views or not. I am one of them.
October 29, 2009
Mary E. Ulrich
Way to go Chris.
Thought you would like this quote: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King
October 29, 2009
Mike
I respect your opinions even if I don’t agree. It is political and it is a complex issue. 1990 pages for the size of the latest bill was the count in the news today. I wonder how many people will actually read it.
I enjoy reading your writings and applaud your lifestyle. I remain a subscriber. Please don’t stop giving us your opinions particularly if you honor ours as well.
October 29, 2009
Nicola
I believe I saw the post and didn’t read it as I’m tiring of the whole healthcare debate. I’m from the UK and have been living in California for a few months now, and the arguments become more ridiculous the more you hear them. Good for you for expressing your opinion, and I agree with everything you’ve said. It’s not a political issue, it’s an ethical one. If some of your readers can’t deal with that, they aren’t worth stressing over. I’m sure the ones who unsubscribe/stop visiting are a tiny proportion of the ones who disagree with you in the first place.
Apparently a UN leader (it hasn’t been released whom) went up to Obama and was puzzled as to why people were railing against healtcare reform. RWANDA has universal healthcare. It’s a single-issue mindset within politics at the moment, it will blow over and perhaps those who left will forget all about it and come back in a month or two.
Have a great trip!
October 29, 2009
M Sarki
You are a great example. You have integrity. In my work world I have lost clients because I stand up for Obama and his administration when he and it are being abused. There is so much racism and bigotry and right-wing politics in my world, but I do not stand for it. Another reason I am leaving my work and workplace this coming June. I am tired of having to listen to it. Keep up the good work you do. Thank you.
October 29, 2009
Thorin Messer
What kind of person only wants to hear from people they already agree with? Being surrounded by people who agree with me sounds dreadful.
October 29, 2009
Anne M.
I think the conversation on health care reform has been whipped up into a hysteria by the conservative media. My own uncle told me that because I believe that every American should be able to have access to decent health care, and that LGBT Americans should be considered human beings with full equal rights, he exploded and said I was a socialist, abortionist, terrorist-loving, big government, tax-and-spend atheist.
It’s critical for us to learn how to discuss these issues rationally again, so we can make better plans, work out the kinks in the proposals, and agree on what the end results should look like. I encourage you to continue adding your rational, well-considered opinions so we can all get past the hyper-emotional rhetoric. I’m eager to have access to health care. As a well-controlled diabetic, it’s tragic that the industry refuses to allow me basic coverage, in effect, condemning me to die in the streets or become bankrupt paying full retail for my care.
October 29, 2009
Duff
Right on, Chris. I appreciate that you shared your opinion, and I wish other personal development bloggers would be willing to share theirs more often.
October 29, 2009
Christina
Not sure how I feel about the health care issue, but would never stop reading because my opinion may differ from yours…in a clinical/technical sense, that would be so totally lame!
“Nonconformity,” as I define it at least, means living authentically, according to your own values and priorities, and not letting someone else (society) determine your life. In that respect, you are consistently nonconformist, and that is a wonderful thing.
October 29, 2009
Marion of Texas
Magnus of Sweden is exactly correct: I have stayed in a job I detest because I have to have health insurance coverage for me and my family. I would love to pursue my dreams but my children must come first. So I go to my job, day in and day out, and wish for universal health coverage. I wish for a plan that would let me leave this job. I wish for coverage that would follow me rather than being chained to a job I hate. I look at what other countries have and I am puzzled by my own country’s myopic view of itself. Good for you, Chris, for speaking up on this basic human rights issue. I hope that your readers will learn more and listen more and think more. Then perhaps we will get some kind of consensus on this issue.
October 29, 2009
Scott Jones
Dead on, Chris. Keep it coming.
October 29, 2009
The Frugal Hostess
Keep talking about healthcare, and thanks for reminding me to be brave. Everything will be OK in the end. If it’s not OK, it’s not the end.
October 29, 2009
James Nicholls
The fact you have a cat makes me love this site even more
October 29, 2009
Foxie (CarsxGirl)
“5. Be brave. Take a stand. People care about what you think. Don’t worry!”
I do this too much, that’s for sure. Then again, I’ve had too many of those “internet badasses” try to prove a point for me to get too controversial. Not worth dealing with them… Then again, that’s why I like comment moderation.
(Not that I’ve ever had to use that power for anything on my blog, but I’d like to filter out nasty things if they ever pop up when it really doesn’t provide anything good to the post or blog as a whole.)
October 29, 2009
Diana
Hmm, I thought I’d leave one blogger this year after a couple of posts I thought were outrageous. But nah, she’s entitled to be outrageous. That’s why I continue to read her.
I read you because I like to hear what’s happening out there in the world. You give me a bird’s eye view and that’s exactly what I want. I come here for your point of view. I welcome it.
October 30, 2009
Kathy B
Hey Chris,
Please keep sharing your opinion. We can take it or leave it…that’s what the unsubscribe button is for! You are a lot more interesting than the news, like the hours and hours of the balloon boy story or the woman who posted the ad for world series tickets, they actually had her on the one of the morning news shows today…OMG!
October 30, 2009
Mike Kirkeberg
You are absolutely right on the money. Whether I agree with the view you have or not (it happens I do), the point it important. Health care, equality; I find it hard to NOT see these as basic human rights. I am a blogger, writer, and one of those many without health insurance (after having it all my life). I read the post you mention in your vid here and thought then that writing it was gutsy. Now I think it was simply right.
October 30, 2009
TrishB
I hold very different political opinions from you, but so what? America is a great country-freedom of expression is something I fought for as a servicemember. This is your blog and you are entitled to your opinions.
Continuing to move towards world change…
October 30, 2009
Stephen Pasquini
Thank you for sharing your viewpoint. As a health care provider, and an advocate for a single payer system. I believe this is a human rights issue and a moral issue. I just recently became a regular reader of your blog. Although you are right, I too have friends who have different viewpoints, I have to say that you have probably made me more likely to continue to read your blog. It is nice knowing that you are reading the words of someone who cares about people, and although yes we all are entitled to different viewpoints, people are more likely to read, and follow someone who they believe shares the same moral compass. Thank you for taking the time and having the guts to share your feelings about the health care debate. I can only hope that those in congress are also subscribers!
October 30, 2009
Matt Geib
CHRIS:
One reason I believe the internet to be such a wonderful place is simply because it affords me the opportunity to meet many diverse & different folks (something that was not possible even 15 yrs. ago). These folks are different than me & that has helped me to grow & expand as a person.
I come from a Fundamentalist, Conservative, Christian backround (I was a Pastor for a number of years as well)….I state all that to say that when I started what I call my “search for significance” 7-8 yrs. ago it was not until I made the decision to question all of my beliefs & what I had been taught all my life, to leave ‘no stone unturned ‘ as it were that I really achieved any significant growth as a person.
You are a person that “Resonates with my heart”…Do we need to agree on every issue & belief? I say no (In fact I am not an Obama man:-)), to me that would be pretty shallow thinking.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful gift of writing with us.
Matt Geib
October 30, 2009
Wyman
Chris, I don’t agree with your political views but they are the same as about half the US.
I agree that you should write about what you are passionate about. I enjoy all your other articles so I can just ignore what I disagree with. My wife of 52 years does that with me all the time. You allow us to make comments and I did about socialized medicine. God bless, Wyman
October 30, 2009
Etsuko
Chris,
So many people have already commented positively and I believe you know what I think about your sharing your views. It gives us (bloggers) courage, hope and inspiration to be bold and be honest.
THANK YOU for this post!
Etsuko
October 31, 2009
Jon Mills
Exactly Chris…
The fact of the matter is, we live in a world that is diverse, colorful and vibrant with difference
Why would we expect people to be anything less.
Heck if we all liked the same things, held the same opinions, and attended the same events, damn this world would be pretty bland and boring.
A lot of it comes down to gratitude of what is, instead of what we think it should be.
Keep up the honest posts Chris
October 31, 2009
Leo Gallant
Well said, man!
November 1, 2009
Andrew
The website is called ChrisGuillebeau.com, not genericpeoplepleaser.com. Everyone online, blogging, social media, is putting ‘themselves’ out there, that’s the whole point. The guy who travels the world and has mastered the art of non-conformity is GOING to have an opinion, it may even be left field! I’d be disappointed if it wasn’t!
Having opinions makes us unique!
November 2, 2009
Kenn
I love your assistant. She reminds me of our own assistant, who helps my wife and I package and ship her orders (even if he does frequently fall asleep on the job).
November 2, 2009
Nicolai
On the expression of personal opinions: “You can’t please everyone, so you may as well please yourself.”
November 4, 2009
Joel
I think everyone knows we need healthcare reform, it gets politicized when people disagree about the method to go about it.
That said. I think Bill Cosby said it well “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody”