Do YOU Have the Guts to Read and Answer This Post ?

by MarsDorian

If you look at popular people and brands around the world, you will often find one common factor – they separate the masses.

Strong brands, and that includes personal brands, have people that either hate or love them. The more “edgy” the brand, the more DRASTIC the emotion they evoke in people.

I personally believe that Bill O Reilly is a racist son of a bitch, but because he’s so upfront with his beliefs, he attracts true fans that agree with him. Even If I hate him, I have to admit that he’s got a strong personal brand.

If YOU are neither black or white, merely drowning in different shades of gray, you will NEVER have passionate people supporting your cause.

Passion is a strong feeling, and it only emerges when the brand itself has a strong stand.

It’s called polarization, and it’s simply the best tool to build your own FAN BASE. If you got the guts to use it, that is.

Let me first introduce some brave people that take a stand and enjoy a rabid fan base:

Ev Bogue says that the only reasonable way to live is by being a minimalist, getting rid of the trash that you don’t need. Obviously, he gets a lot of hate mail. And he also openly trashes problogger.com and copyblogger.com.

Ashley Ambirge hates anything generic and both attracts and deters audiences with her brash writing style that encourages entrepreneurship and destroys whiny, complacent people who are afraid to take risks.

Talking about risks – Tyler Tervooren is ALL about taking risks, and when you read his excellent eguide on getting more followers for your cause, you will see how strong and unapologetic his voice truly is.

Listen, I KNOW it can be hard to openly display your beliefs, ESPECIALLY if they go AGAINST the mainstream. But if you want to build ANY form of fan or passionate client base, YOU GOT TO SHOW WHAT YOU STAND FOR !

Let me start the polarization game by revealing some facts that will DETER some of you. But I don’t care – it’s who I am and it’s what I stand for. If it’s too much, you know where the door is.

Let’s DO some action:

If you have to cuss, you CUSS ! Don’t put funny symbols into words that need to presented RAW. Forget about the lame asterisk that you want to sneak between the F and the CK. Say and write it OUT LOUD or leave it out all together. If Naomi Dunford even cusses openly in her eguides (which are awesome by the way!), then why can’t you DO it ?

Sometimes I’m naked when I write my best posts. Or at least half-naked – I don’t wear pants. Why ? Because the goddess of creativity tends to inspire me when I’m about to go to bed. I’m already naked, so why waste your current insight with putting on some clothes ? Exactly !

I hate the corporate culture. I think it’s disgusting and the closest thing to human slavery. Sure, there are exceptions. But most of this toxic environment is about turning you into an effective drone – don’t complain, work hard, follow the rules. What an insult to humanity that needs to thrive on creativity and freedom !

Critics and complainers are useless. A person that tells you what’s wrong with you and your style WITHOUT offering an alternative solution doesn’t deserve my attention – ever. It’s super-hard to create, but it’s ridiculously easy to destroy. And criticism without solutions is simply that – pure destruction. Same goes for complainers – “uhhh, I HATE my job. I wish I was younger. Why does this always happen to me ?” Jeez, get a life. There’re at least 100,000 people who are seriously sick, poor as hell and maybe even homeless. Who are you to complain ? Take your cry-babyness by the balls and SQUEEZE it TIGHTLY, while screaming :”I’m going to change that – once and FOR ALL. And I’m starting now, RIGHT NOW !”

You know what’s worse ? Hypocrites. People telling you to do stuff they are not doing themselves. Preachers who don’t practice what they preach – epic speeches that flatter your soul but are utterly meaningless because they are not backed up by action. I have read once a blog post of a social media guy who claimed that you SHOULD have enemies. Like Apple has Microsoft, you should have your counterpart as well because that would show your confidence and strengthen your brand. I agree, but when I asked him who his enemies were, he cowardly replied “procrastination”. Epic fail. You know what I did ? I immediately unfollowed him on Twitter and never read his blog ever again.

I HATE any form of religion that pretends to OWN the truth. Especially Christianity, that’s the WORST form. You know what they say ? “There’s only one truth, and guess what ? We have it. Find the only truth through Jesus Christ or be DOOMED. “ FUCK that. Why should I care about a long deceased hippie that got crucified thousands of years ago ? I simply don’t. Everybody has to follow their own truth – there’s NOT one single way. Everyone who tells you that their believe is the best needs to get ignored. Stay away from religion. It’s poison for your mind.

Your turn. Show me that you’re a strong brand. Show me your TRUE belief and TAKE A STAND, right NOW, in the comments area. Share at LEAST one thing that could PISS PEOPLE OFF. If you DON’T DO that and just write a GENERIC comment, I will delete it STRAIGHT AWAY.

Show me what you stand for !

And retweet this article if you got the guts.

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Tagged as: Branding, personal branding, take a fucking stand, true fans

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http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

now that’s a good way to start :)
http://twitter.com/Makeness Illana Burk

What an utterly kick-ass discussion!

Here’s my take. The world (both blog and ‘real’) is chock full of people shouting at the wind. All we hear is how much we all hate each other, and if there’s one thing I truly hate, it’s that.

Let’s face it, most of us smart people are full of crap at least half the time. We spend our lives and careers thinking up divisive ways to be louder and more polarizing than everyone else, and many do it through standing on a mediocre soapbox, preaching a mediocre message to a mediocre audience, but doing it really, really loudly, and at the price of those we criticize.

That said, I am all for taking a stand, but not just for it’s own sake. There are PLENTY of people out there taking stands just for attention.

So what do I stand for?

I stand for making greatness. Whatever your niche or your realm, or your corner of the universe, do whatever you can to make it truly great. Stop shouting at the wind and picking on each other. Be better than that. Be great.

Nice post!
http://donthangupbook.com/blog Spenelopej

“It is as it is.” I hear this all the time and cringe. What does it mean exactly? Eat shit because that’s all they’re going to feed you? Or since you don’t have the power to change anything, accept whatever shit is thrown your way. Don’t question. Don’t challenge anything. Come on, that’s the way to turn this into a nation of mindless unquestioning dummies.

I say, Nothing is as it is. I rage against the “It is as it is” mentality especially among the formerly vibrant 60s generation who are letting themselves fade into comfortable old age. Come on, stand up and rage with me, and make your voices heard once again.
- Stephanie Stroter
  
  I use the phrase, “it is what it is” when I have concluded that continued discussion of the topic or issue at hand, with that particular person or group of people, is an exercise at futility, on my part.
  
  Or when I realize, that in a given situation, I have done or said all that I can do, and the other players are unwilling, unyielding or uncompromising, in which case I am essentially wasting my time, and thus, it is what it is, and I wash my hands of it.
http://www.raptitude.com David Cain

Heh.. I was skeptical when I saw the title. To be blunt it comes off as manipulative to me and it’s one of those headlines archetypes I hate. But you pulled it off, Mars. This is a great post and I’m loving the hard stands being taken in the comments.

Anyone who’s read my blog for a while knows my positions are pretty clear (just look at my post on voting) but I do pander sometimes. I gotta sharpen the axe…

Having said that though, I think sometimes people get behind a particular position and then get wrapped up in the emotion of it and forget exactly what it is that’s supposedly so important. It pays to take a second look at stances you’ve had for a while.
http://reworkingtoday.com/ Derek Jensen

Yes! (expressing the uttermost ability to say awesome stuff here)

There are two things I truly can’t stand all the time! So on the interwebs we have these internet marketers and many of them stay behind the scenes and produce nothing but splash pages for someone to pay a ridiculous price for and give them their email. Money and emails does not form a community. Yeah they are most likely not going for a community but to tell you the truth I know so many more people that are more willing to buy or sign up for something with an actual community. For instance, Corbett Barr at ThinkTraffic.net is coming out with “Traffic School”. If there is a price I am more willing to pay him because he has an awesome community. I’m NOT going to sign up for something that has a splash page with a trying-to-hard intriguing video and a fancy email address box. I just won’t! Why? You just want my money because you have no place for me to call home and meet others (this is called a community).

The second thing… (much shorter but bugs me probably more) If you want people to help you be willing to take constructive criticism. I learned this the best from Jordan Cooper and Nicholas Cardot.

Other than that I stand for helping people out in any way possible but they certainly can’t be FAKE people, people just wanting to make an extra dollar, or hypocrites. Yes we can all be a hypocrite at some point but when you get pointed out, admit it and everything will be okay with me.
http://www.alemja.net/blog Alexandra Jackson

YOU, Mars are becoming my favorite person, all the enthusiasm and attitude, it’s delicious.

Ever since I got into art a little over a decade ago, I’ve noticed something, just how resistant society is towards creativity. I’ve watched art and music classes get cut in public schools, and people sneer at the fact that people want to go to college for something creative. I’ve had my extended family do this, they never say it directly but you can read it on their faces ( and wouldn’t you know they are teachers, doctors and have their own businesses). People have asked me how I can go to school for art since they believe that common notion that art is all subjective (complete BULLSHIT and I can go on a whole rant as to why) never-the-less how can I go to art school for Video Game Design when they think the computer does all the work for you (and when the computer tries it ALWAYS fails pretty hard)

It came to me the other day just how strongly I feel about the creative community at large and how I want to DO something to rally people and garner more respect for the creative community. I want to prove that societies notions about creativity are wrong, that you don’t have to be in museums or making millions to be successful. To me the greatest thing would be for myself and other people like me to make a living doing the things they love. For me it’s either I live a life creating something every day or I have nothing.

I agree with you about corporate culture, complainers, hypocrites and religion. Especially religion since I can never understand why people want to follow something that tells them how to think. Explore other ways of life! Different ways to think! Don’t go with “the way” because a book written by other men and preached by corrupt higher ups say you should!
I’m a bit biased on critics though because I’ve given several critiques, comes with the whole artist thing but with good critiques you get something out of it as well. The problem is that most people don’t know the difference between critiques and giving their opinion, that’s also another rant I can go off on.

Awesome stuff and I hope you continue to write awesome stuff to inspire people!
- http://byderekj.com Derek Jensen
  
  Mars is awesome and going to be one that I continue to listen to because I want too! :)
http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey David, I know what you mean.
When I wrote the headline, I too thought “man, this is obviously attention-grabbing-in-your-face-style”

But I like experiments, and I wanted to see how (and if) people open up to a discussion like this. And amazingly, they did, in ALL varied styles and degrees.
Ellen

LOVE this!

Traditional education is about teaching kids to follow the rules, be good, sacrifice your own joy for some future “payoff,” and live safesafesafe.

We need an education revolution.
http://www.figureitoutwithcj.com Purplecj

Thank you, Mars.

I’ve been working through taking they grey out of my website. I’ve known for some time that I’ve been hiding and pandering over there. I’ve been pondering weeding the website instead of hiding behind moderate words.

Your list inspired me to get going. Just say it already.

And one thing that drives me insane? People checking their damned phone while they are spending time with an actual flesh and blood human.

At times I think I hate cell phones all around. I don’t typically carry one.

gasp

The sheep around me think I’m insane.

Thanks again for speaking it out and starting such a great discussion.
http://www.stretchd.com Nick Laborde

I’m not going to get into a rant about how much I hate (fill in the blank) . That doesn’t serve any purpose but waste my time and yours. If I don’t dig your shit then, I’m not gonna waste my energy hating it.

To answer your question, I stand for sticking to my core values with absolutely no apologies. Two of those values are, be useful and interesting.

Will everyone find me interesting or useful… HELL NO!

Do I care? I would be lying if I said I didn’t. But I know that it’s pointless to try and impact somebody that doesn’t wanna be impacted (in a positive way). I would rather focus on people who do… a much better return on investment.

I actually wrote a post on this the other day “Why everyone shouldn’t like you”

I received a comment that actually demonstrated perfectly the message that I was conveying.

Commenter -

“Enlighten me please: is it absolutely necessary to get the message across by happily wallowing in verbal mud? What’s the fascination with fuck, prick, shit, wanker, douche bag… have I forgotten something?”

My response (summery)

“I could filter every single word and make sure it’s not offensive to anyone. I’m not going to do that… So many options is what makes this World so great. If that choice is “wallowing in verbal mud” or running everything through a politically correct filter… so be it. I just won’t be the one to water myself down to appease everyone.”
http://twitter.com/joshualong joshualong

I’m tired of seeing hard working, honest people get fucked by the financial system!

American’s have been sold a flawed gameplan that includes working their fingers to the bone for 40 years during the prime of their life, putting money in an account that Congress created for their ultimate benefit (401k), to have some schmoe say he’s managing it and get’s paid whether he makes or loses their money, and to tie up all their wealth in their homes because it’s supposedly the best investment they can make.

I’ve found better solutions and am going to empower people to succeed with them, while reinventing banking in the process.

Keep up the goodness Mars!
James

Haha! Nice Meg.

People should read more dead philosophers.
http://www.kindovermatter.com Amanda | Kind Over Matter

AWESOME POST! It totally hit home. I made one of my subscribers LIVID today by announcing the reopening of my Etsy shop in my newsletter, which houses designs using the word Fuck. I knew it was a risk because my blog & designs that I give away for free there are very uplifting but also, safe. I put several warnings, one in the subject line & then one before the link to the shop —I lost a handful of subscribers today but… TRUTH : My potty mouth does not mean that I don’t hold love, kindness & beauty in the highest regard. Fuck Safe. Fuck not taking a chance. Fuck not putting your whole self out there. Fuck people that don’t have a sense of humor.
- http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian
  
  Awesome that you took that risk, Amanda – the people that unsubscribed obviously don’t belong to your true fans. I know it can be CHALLENGING to be blunt and raw, but if that’s you want to (or need to) express yourself, YOU HAVE TO DO IT !
- http://www.inspiredwish.com Jeanie
  
  I saw those last week. I thought they were awesome! You may have lost some, but you’ll gain some too. I wanted to see them BECAUSE they had censored on them!! Honestly, I think I like you blog more now.
http://strongerthought.wordpress.com Kat

People who live in a techno fairy world and only get to know “community” on Twitter will someday realize that the people who can make food from dirt are the ones who are actually free.
http://www.axisofawesomeblog.com Trever Clark

On the whole, I’m a big fan of Chris Guillebeau. In the past, he’s written a lot of highly informative, kick-ass, life-changing blog posts. But ever since he published his book and has been touring, I think he’s written some real drivel on his blog.

And the worse it is, the more people retweet it and claim that it’s his best work. I think that everyone is afraid to say anything because he’s such a ridiculously nice guy.

I think it’s also an “Emperor’s New Clothes” type of situation.

I’ve been thinking this for months. But now I’m saying it. Guillebeau needs to step his game back up if he wants to keep me as a subscriber.
- http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian
  
  interesting Trever, I haven’t followed Chris’ work for some time,as I’m more into the edgy crowd.
http://www.theartofaudacity.com Lachlan Cotter

To everyone who “took a stand” by complaining that someone else should be other than they are: EPIC FAIL. Show us what YOU’RE DOING to be different.

P.S. I WIN.
http://www.matttrostle.com Trostle

Dude, you fucking rock! I ran into your blog a few months ago and man, I’ve got to say, I love what you’re throwing down.

I have to admit, I’ve struggled with the whole polarizing thing. On one hand I think it can create hate – O’Reilly is a good example, his followers are driven by hating the other side, regardless of reason and logic. AND, holy shit, you’re right on with the Christians, talk about a hate group!

On the other hand, passion is what drives us TO follow someone. Buddhism is probably one of the better philosophic ideas but because they’re middle of the road, it didn’t take off like the Western religions because of the passion of their followers. Oh, that and the fact that you were killed if you didn’t follow Christ of Mohammad, I guess you can get followers by fear too!!

We should transcend the bullshit, live passionately and get your word out there, leave the hate behind.

Edit: Oh, btw, I noticed the eguides link to “Launch the shit…” ebook is broken.
http://www.inspiredwish.com Jeanie

I’m with you on corporate culture. It’s enough to make a person crazy! It’s un-natural. There should be a law against it.

I hate the mass producers of the handmade market.
I hate those that make hand assemble items then complain when someone bought from their supplier. Make it yourself or don’t complain.
I hate when someone says it’s one of a kind, when they bought the mould. (It’s one just like all those other ones!!).
I hate when someone is really popular yet there stuff is not interesting.
http://www.ryanrenfrew.com Ryan Renfrew

I cant stand the way people put all *!@ shit instead of swear words, the intents there, the message is delivered, we know what is meant, just have the balls and say it – pisses me off!!!

I believe there is now a tendancy to take a radical stance or an outragous opinion as a marjeting ploy. Fair enough if that stance truelly is your mission, you Way, or what you believe in. There is nothing worse than someone going of on a rant intentionally to piss people off and create a bit of a stirr,.

Having said that I am tottally for allienating the critic and nay sayers but I would rather do that by strengthening connections with the inner circles and foucus on the positives of these relationships forcing the naysayers out naturally rather than attack them directly.
http://www.biggirlbranding.com/about Big Girl Branding

* f you have to cuss, you CUSS ! — I agree and disagree! lol I cuss and I use funny symbols, depending on my mood and if I am attempting to use humor. ;) So hey, whatever fits, fits!

* I HATE any form of religion that pretends to OWN the truth. Especially Christianity, that’s the WORST form.— don’t think I agree here either… everyone has their own truth, like you said, including Christian or what have you. If they want to pretend that they have the monopoly on it, what’s it matter? As you say, YOUR truth is what matters to you, and like so, THEIR truth is what matters to them, no? I’m a Christian (recently getting back into my faith) but I don’t try to force my beliefs down others throats, or pretend I know all the answers. And lumping all Christians into a statement like that is a bit shortsighted I would say. That’s like saying all white people are Nazi’s or something. lol And really who are you or I to say they are right or wrong when it comes to their belief? Maybe Jesus IS the only way, but damned if any of us will find out for sure until we jump all off into the afterlife! ;)

And finally… good post babe. :) Seems to have sparked quite a bit of debate!
http://www.biddybytes.com Biddy Bytes

Problem with your anti- Christian stance (and I don’t know why it’s granered your venom more than others?) is that it defies one of your afore-mentioned pillars: Don’t need “Critics and Complainers.” I don’t have a particular tie in with any religious sect but that Christian-bashing of yours sounded as if it were a personal war. Confusing. On the other hand, I do like your brashness; I’ve gotten a few ideas from your site (Thank you!), it’s kicky and got a good flow. I’m a 65-year-old new blogger at http://www.biddybytes.com, a granny in this blog business really, and I’m trying to learn the highway signs that are ever-so-confusing, all the social networking, the tools all of you established bloggers take for granted (so all you really have to do is UPDATE those same skills). I am trying to learn them from scratch in the maze of techno-terms, the bazillion e-white papers that purport to show us how to do things. I spend so much time mucking about…

It’s been a pleasure finding your site.