LinkedIn — reasoned disagreement
Popular advice: [the common advice]. I think this is wrong for [specific group]. Here is why: 1. [Reason, with a concrete example] 2. [Reason, with data or experience] 3. [Reason] Where the advice does make sense: [situation]. What I do instead: [alternative]. Happy to be proven wrong. What have you seen?
X — short take
Unpopular view: [position]. Reason: [one sentence]. Exception: [where you would be wrong]. Change my mind.
X — 4-post argument
1/ Most [audience] believe [common view]. I think it is costing them [cost]. 2/ What I have seen: [evidence from experience or data]. 3/ The better approach for [group]: [alternative]. 4/ Where I might be wrong: [limit]. Counterarguments welcome.
Bluesky — reversal
I used to recommend [advice]. After [experience], I stopped. Now I recommend [new advice] for [group], because [reason].
Tips
- Disagree with an idea, never with a named person. Posts that target individuals attract pile-ons instead of discussion.
- Include the exception to your rule. It shows you have thought about the counterargument and disarms the easiest reply.
- Only post takes you would defend in a meeting. If you would not argue it with a colleague, do not argue it in public.
- Engage with the best counterargument in the replies, and update the post if someone changes your mind.
Frequently asked questions
Is a contrarian post just clickbait?
It becomes clickbait when the claim is made for attention without reasoning. With evidence and stated limits, it is a legitimate way to challenge assumptions.
How do I handle angry replies?
Answer the ones that make an argument, ignore the ones that do not, and avoid quote-posting critics. Thank people who point out a real flaw.