Yes, you read that right – this post is about the perfect way to NOT get your content read.
All the classics still stand:
- The over sized pop up that covers the entire screen and has no obvious close button.
- OTT captcha (ok, that only stops it getting comments but still worth a mention).
- Not letting anyone know about your posts – it doesn’t matter how amazing your content is if no one knows it exists.
Last week I encountered something that was on a whole new level of putting people off. It’s the first time I’ve seen it, 
and I think it’s a new thing, although I may have just been lucky enough to avoid it until now.
I clicked into a post that sounded interesting from Twitter, I can’t remember what it was now because I didn’t actually get to read it.
I read the first paragraph or two, then there was a cut off telling me I had to share the post to read the rest.
I mean on what planet is that going to encourage anyone to share your post?
Why would I choose to share something I haven’t read from someone I have never heard of?
The rest of the post could be about absolutely anything. It could be offensive, or just trying to sell something.
There’s a fair chance it was neither and was just a genuine attempt to get more shares, but with so much good content to read and share without the bribe, why would I need to ever find out by sharing it?
Had I been able to read the entire post, maybe I would have liked it and shared it, and maybe I wouldn’t. Maybe I would have returned to the blog again and maybe I wouldn’t. But by putting that tactic in place, it has ensured that I will do neither.
Normally, I wouldn’t dream of telling another blogger what they should or shouldn’t do. I don’t think for a second I am qualified to do that, and even if I was, it’s none of my business.
Everyone can do whatever they want on their own blog, that’s part of the reason for having a blog so you can express yourself and make that little piece of the internet your own.
In this case, I am willing to make an exception. If this was your blog, or you also do this, please stop now. For your own sake.
By all means, ask people to share, but let them read the post first.
Has anyone else come across this or something similar? Do you do this? Am I being too harsh? Please do let me know your thoughts in the comments 🙂
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I’ve never come across this before but it does seem like an odd thing to do. I have had ones where it’s half an article and then to read the rest you have to click on a link which redirects to another site but if I’m half way through I generally know if I’m interested in said article/blog post so I don’t mind so much clicking on.
I’ve come across that one too and I don’t mind it as like you say you already know if you’re interested or not, and if the second site turns out to be non-related, you haven’t shared it with others!
I haven’t seen it (yet) but I’m sure it will become a “thing” soon. I loathe pop-ups, especially the giant ones and I hate the sneaky little “sign up for my newsletter” boxes that are already ticked – if I want your newsletter I’ll tick the box myself! Great post and I pinned and stumbled it 🙂
I hope it doesn’t become a thing, but I fear you are probably right that it will. Yes, I hate those boxes that are already ticked too. If I want to sign up, I am perfectly capable of checking the box myself. Thank you 🙂
This is totally ridiculous and you are not being too harsh. How can you share something when you don’t know what it is? It comes across and being pretty underhanded to me. I’m happy if people read my posts. And why would you want to sabotage your post that way?
Yes, I thought it was quite under handed and it made a little suspicious as to what would be shared. Why not just let people read it and choose if they want to share it based on the post? I’m happy to have people read my posts too and if they choose to share them, it’s a nice bonus.
HA! That’s totally rude to cut you off and request a share. I agree this would put me off forever!
I was really shocked that they thought it might work, and I definitely won’t be back!
Not seen it but totally agree with your stance!
Thank you 🙂
Thankfully I haven’t come across this yet – with any luck I won’t! #effitfriday
I hope not, I’m really hoping this isn’t something that catches on!
I’ve never seen that one before, but like you, would have simply stopped reading right there. Seems pretty nervy.
There is definitely something weird about it!
I haven’t seen this yet, but it sounds even more obnoxious than “buy my book” DMs. Next you’ll have to buy a book to read a post! Visiting from #weekendblogshare
Spammy DMs drive me mad! Lol, it wouldn’t surprise me if someone tried that one 🙂
Oh good lord! A share to read the rest demand is just ridiculous and I’ve not come across it yet!
Brilliant post – luckily I don’t think I’m guilty of any of them but as a newbie blogger (1 year) I’m still learning the (many) ropes and just wing it! 😂🙈
X
I’m just hoping it doesn’t become a “thing”! Thank you 🙂 There’s so much to learn and a lot of it is trial and error.
I agree with you. I don’t do random shares.
I don’t even like it when you have to “click through” to read the rest of a post – irritates me to no end.
Your EffitFriday made me smile.
Popped by from the AtoZ 2016 list – added you to my Feedly.
I don’t mind clicking through to read the end (it does irritate me a little but not as much as begging shares). Thanks for stopping by, I can’t wait to start the challenge 🙂
Oh my goodness! I am not a natural saleperson so merely having to promote my own posts on Twitter makes me feel a bit awkward-the little voice inside my head keeps saying “why are you doing this? No one is going to want to read your silly post,” so the idea of someone having the audacity to demand a share is utterly alien to me. Oh God hang on-I hope it wasn’t me and I haven’t put something on my blog by accident? Argh! #effitfriday
I’m the same, I promote my posts but it still feels kind of weird doing it. I know, I was shocked. Lol, it wasn’t you, I’ve visited your blog since 🙂
Ugh! I never came across this, but my God I was run from it, I totally agree with reading content before sharing. People are seriously that desperate is beyond me. O hope this won’t be a new trend I believe on choice and up to tye reader to chose to share X #effitfriday
I know, I would hate to come across as that desperate! I really hope it doesn’t become a trend. I would like to think if people are sharing my stuff it’s because they liked it, not because I bribed them! x
Quite possibly one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard of BUT I have seen similar on FB so maybe it’s coming from over there. Which is a whole other conversation about Twitter/FB…..
I’m just hoping it doesn’t catch on! It is beyond me how people think it will work!