Ask An Ambassador: Tone, Tests & Kicking Beehives

I generally follow those rules.  Sometimes something gets under my skin enough to cause me to write a blog.  But I generally try to come across as "this is a question I want you to think about" vs. this is wrong.  I wrote a post early on here that had a tone that others pointed out to me wasn't good for business and I deleted and rewrote with a "softer, still the message being there, tone" and I've always asked "could this hurt my business since.  If the answer is yes, I don't publish it.

Bravo Bill I so agree with you - 100% positive, uplifting, educational or business. I personally made the decision to no more FB as I was tired of the craziness. And the first thing I learned from an AR mentor was always, always keep it positive and ignore the other stuff which is just how I am anyway so it was a good fit. Excellent post and advice!

I wrote a featured post many years ago about rants. I actually thought they were okay if the subject mattered to people and something could be done better. Thus the rant.

But to rant or have a chip on one's shoulder could easily be miscontrued (I love your metaphor of the flat medium) and so I would avoid those too.

oh... but those beehives, man.  those beehives.

Nice post. Love your very eloquent term for getting your point across. Kicking bee hives is not recommended. Not unless you're ready to get stung. 

Hi Bill,

I love your litmus test for your posts! Those 4 items should always be remembered when posting..100% agreement!

I like your tests, Bliz. You understand and practice civility.

Hi Bill(and Liz too) - tone matters. That and so much more.

I do believe our tone matters in all our posts, and remembering our public posts are out there forever.

Hmmm... You've got me thinking.

I've written two posts this week about what not to do. I think they were important because some agents might be doing them without realizing that it's hurting them. In other words, they aren't doing something immoral, unethical, or bad for their clients. It's just bad for their business.

Those are good points to consider before posting anything. I've started writing posts that I canceled before hitting "publish." Some things don't belong online. 

It is amazing to me the "tone" of some comments...and when pointed out ...the "Commenter" accepts no responsibility for being potentially offensive...it MUST be the Blogger who is "too sensitive"...hmmm...probably not.

We have to be careful and not read or take away from words or tones but instead hope to see motive or intent behind those words and actions...

As a fellow hobby beekeeper, Dont kick the beehive!

Good one.  I have never heard of kicking beehives, and I particularly like this one: keyboard knife fight.

Oh, I love the 4 questions to ask yourself, Bill! I wish more people would do that...although, I'm guilty for a rant or two - most of them are members-only though! LOL

Bliz... Thank you!

I do love your four rules and I love your Ask an Ambassador Tuesdays!

1. Will it help my business?

2.  Will it help someone else with their business?
3.  Will it inform, educate or entertain (the public or Rainers)?
4.  Is it positive?

Great post and a reminder to anyone thinking of blogging about politics or anything negative - don't.  It's so easy to be misinterpreted.  Staying postiive and building each other up is the best course of action.  Thanks to our code of ethics, it's also important to stay away from that stuff! 

Hi Bill and Liz, 

I firmly agree that tone matters.  I stopped following a couple of people because ot their tone in the comments.  So, you are spot on !!

I completely agree that your tone is just as important as the words that you say if not more so.  This post is right on point.