Dare to disagree.

2 days ago, I had the idea of writing this article. Very often I comment on articles or blogs. Most of the time, it's to show appreciation or offer my opinion on the topic.

Other times, I do what the title here says. If there's something I do not agree with, I express it. In a constructive way, of course. I do not attack personally. I simply say my point of view on the article, or most of the time on a part of it.

Is it a good idea to do that?

Until 2 days ago, I would have said a resounding YES! I saw it as a way to show that I'm a real person, not just someone who wants to be liked by everybody. I thought it was being honest and authentic. I still think it's the case, but now I wonder... Would you be offended if I offered a differing opinion?

I am tempted to reread Dale Carnegie's "How To Make Friends and Influence People." I can't remember what Carnegie would say about what I'm talking about here. Do you? What are your thoughts? Should it be done in private messages only? Would you say that if the person is offended, that he/she shouldn't be if the comment is indeed constructive? Of course, the choice of words is important. What one thinks is ok might be considered offensive or rude by someone else. We have all different levels of sensitivity.

I would add that, in the online marketing world, it's different than in social contexts. You don't want to destroy business relationships with a poor choice or words, but at the same time, if you feel you walk on eggs all the time, you might not grow as fast as a business person.

Do you dare to disagree?