Comments on: How to Manipulate People For Fun (and Profit)

By: KayBee

KayBee — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:18:25 +0000

Fascinating article in applied psychology of web sharing and trafficking. Ryan’s book does a deep dive on this and provides many insights into how journalism works in the internet age.

My question, regarding the formula Outrage + Controversy = Massive Traffic, is if I’m will to substitute something else for outrage (and accept lower rates of virality), what would that something else be? Surprise? Humor? I’m trying to stay above the line here.

By: Sapna

Sapna — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:49:17 +0000

Hi Derek,

I did something similar to what you have said, it created a stir for sure and JC has to clear his stand on this:

h4hitech.com/john-chow-does-not-like-comments-or-interactions-he-means-business/

Thanks for this one.

Sapna

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:35:04 +0000

I totally agree with you Derek. I think politicians are the best example of people who have mastered the art of: Outrage + Controversy = Massive Popularity

By: Dorci

Dorci — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 02:57:58 +0000

Frankly I don’t give a crap about creating controversy if its sole purpose is to create controversy. I don’t write just to stir empty emotions that go nowhere. I write to contribute to the good of this world. I may not always accomplish that, but that’s my focus. This world needs truth and encouragement and love, not more anger about nothing.

By: hopeformankind

hopeformankind — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:07:50 +0000

Marketing used to be doing your homework as far as what people want/need and trying to provide a solution. Advertising was the process of getting the availability out to people so they could access the product/service of improvement. This is simple humanitarian manipulation and a VERY sad find. You clearly have a level of intellect that could make not only your left hemisphere proud of you but your heart (empathy) and right hemisphere (creativity) as well. Hopefully you dont spend your whole life using your smarts to find new and deceitful ways to take short cuts. May you get all the experiences in life that you need to make yourself whole in this life.

By: hopeformankind

hopeformankind — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:58:25 +0000

I believe you have just presented the “how to” that is the seed of human failure. Shame on you. The positive responses explain why it works. Shame on them.

By: HonestKyle

HonestKyle — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:47:37 +0000

I think the key to making this work in almost any field or market is finding out the core values of your demographic and then find an instance of outrage attacking those values and report.

For example, I’m a musician, and I’m attempting to use the things I learn here to get more people to my site, join my e-mail list, and ultimately buy my album.

When I started a new band, I asked one of my childhood friends (and excellent drummer) to join, but he wasn’t allowed because of his wife. Her exact words on the subject were “Rock bands are for high schoolers that want to get attention.”

Now, if I wrote a blog post using THAT as the title, I’m sure I would get a swarm of traffic to my site – probably from both fans sticking up for me AND from fellow musicians. And may even capture a few e-mails in the process.

Unfortunately, I can’t use it because my friend is still married.

But I’m glad I’ve gained more perspective on this topic and can leverage controversial music news to my benefit because of it.

Great post Derek! – new reader here 🙂

By: Mladen

Mladen — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:16:40 +0000

Wow, Derek, this is awesome. Few days ago I wrote a post that attracted lots of comments (both positive and negative), but I didn’t understood why, until I read this post.

Now that I know the reason, I will defiantly focus more on this formula in my future posts.

Thanks again.

By: Smith C

Smith C — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 21:29:49 +0000

So I had no idea any of this was even possible Thanks for the tips!!

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:57:52 +0000

Thanks Derek,
Happened upon your post by way of Spencer at Niche Pursuits. Couldn’t have come at a better time. I am in the process of building an ecommerce site with blog. I will be selling scented candles with dog themed containers and labels, with profits going to animal rescue groups. We were in the candle biz for 10 years and built a nationally successful business, so I know that aspect of it well. I’m just not sure of the marketing angle and how to get the recognition and traffic for sales.
I will be buying this book through your link. Turns out I was looking for an item to add to another book I want to get the super saver shipping. This worked out perfectly for multiple reasons.

Any thoughts on promoting my business angle?

Thanks, Kate