You know the expression “write what you know”? I think it exists for a reason.
When you write what you know, you give the theoretical a real life application. It makes the information seem real and relatable rather than artificial and contrived. It gives your writing a tone of understanding and knowledge that can’t be acquired simply from reading a book or a news article. It makes me want to keep coming back and, even if I disagree with what you say or do, I have an appreciation for what you’re writing.
It’s a special kind of writer that can do research and write realistically about topics she knows nothing about (for instance, Jodi Picoult. I don’t know how that woman does it but she is good). Most of us can’t do that. Most of us have to write about our experiences and our knowledge because, well…that’s all we have.
I will tell you, though, that nothing makes me click away or not return to a website faster than the author or authors trying to dispense advice on topics they clearly know nothing about. With so many aspects of life to write about, why bother with stuff you don’t have a clue about? However, if that’s what you’re interested in and that’s what you like and you feel compelled to write about it, why not just turn the topics on their heads and present information in a different light?
For instance:
- If you have never had kids, don’t tell me how to save money on kids’ clothes or how to keep them occupied for cheap or how to host an inexpensive birthday party. While I get what you’re trying to do, it’s a whole different experience when you’re actually a parent. And no, babysitting your nephew for a weekend does not count. It would be helpful to me, as a reader, to know what you’ve learned about money from your friends who are parents. Or how your parents handling of money affected you.
- If you’ve never dealt with a hostile or unfriendly workplace, don’t tell me how to handle a boss who’s a bully or an obnoxious co-worker. What you would do if you ever encountered that is completely different than actually encountering that situation. Instead, talk to me about what your ideal workplace looks like or how you’ve become a better employee by working in a nurturing environment.
- If you’ve never been in debt, don’t tell me what I should and shouldn’t be doing to get out of debt. And don’t tell me you understand what I’m going through. You don’t. You’d be more helpful if you told me what you’ve gained by living a debt free life. Do it without condescension, though. Because if you’re condescending, that would make me hate you more.
- If you don’t cook, don’t write about saving money at the grocery store or cooking from scratch. How do you know? Instead, think about how your mealtime habits could present useful information. In fact, you know what would benefit your readers? Writing about how you go out to eat every day without going bankrupt.
- If you’ve never planned a wedding, don’t tell me how to do it “on the cheap” (one of the many expressions I abhor). Don’t give me details on how to score a sweet deal on a dress or flowers or location. Instead, tell me why you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your wedding or other ways to use that money instead of on a fancy wedding.
- If you’ve never dealt with financial or actual infidelity, don’t give me tips on what to do next or how to spot it. Just like the bad boss or workplace, what you’d actually do is entirely different than what you think you’d do. I have no positive suggestions for this one except just leave it alone. Don’t even broach the subject.
An exception to some of these: if you are a seasoned industry veteran (ex., wedding planner, therapist, HR rep, financial planner. etc), then feel free to write away. You have insider knowledge that could benefit readers from all sides.
There are plenty of ways to discuss financial evergreen and popular topics without a) sounding cliché; b) sounding like a know-it-all asshole when in fact you know nothing about the topic; and c) being boring. If you want to write about those aspects of personal finance, great. Fabulous! Just make sure that you’re drawing on what you know and your experiences in order to make it as authentic (and as useful) to your readers as possible.
Because that? Is good writing.
I also think it’s important to pay attention to how long it takes you to write a post. Too long? You probably don’t know the subject well enough. And your readers *will* notice. Great post, Jana. And PS – you are an amazing writer. Seriously.
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Thanks, Cait <3 That means a lot to me.
I never thought of the length of a post reflecting lack of knowledge. But yes, readers will notice if you’re just talking out of your ass.
That’s a great point. I sometimes find that I get halfway through a post and then I start contradicting things I wrote in the first paragraph. That’s when I stop and say “hmm, I guess I don’t really have a clear viewpoint on this yet. I better do some more research/reflection on the topic so I can convey a clear message when I do finally finish this post.”
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I agree with you on the level that people shouldn’t write what they don’t know. I try not to do this because I fear of looking like a HUGE idiot in front of my readers. I also think people should avoid writing about something they don’t know about because other people have had that idea and now the PF community is flooded with the same types of articles.
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The PF community is flooded with many of the same types of posts, Lauren. It gets kind of boring to read. There’s only so many times I can read about using coupons or budgeting. I appreciate the posts that offer stories behind them rather than just dry, repetitive information. And you can only get the stories with experience.
AMEN.
I think one of the most awkward things I’ve ever seen was when a PF blogger tried to write a technical post about investing or something, and a reader CORRECTED their information in the comments. I cringed and I wasn’t even involved.
I feel like some people just get too caught up in what they think they should say to get readership or positive feedback and they end up making significant mistakes.
Bridget recently posted…I hate making payments against my debt. So I got rid of the debt.
I can only imagine how awkward that must have been. For everyone.
I think that you make an excellent point. Many people write about topics just to get drive traffic to their sites regardless of what they know and don’t know. As readers, we can tell research from personal experience.
THANK YOU! One of my biggest pet peeves is to read an article with someone talking about something they know nothing about. Especially kids or marriage.
The kids and marriage thing get to me a lot. There is no way you can dispense useful, practical advice if you’ve never lived through those situations. You can talk about someone else’s impact on you but don’t tell me what I should and shouldn’t be doing. It just makes me mad.
I struggle with this as well (as a commenter). I’m not married and don’t have kids. But some people have some great blog posts about those topics and I’m always thinking “remember that for the future.”
That’s a good way of looking at it, Jenna. I do the same thing, especially for the posts that are really specific about sophisticated topics. And food. I bookmark recipes and food topics a lot.
Workplace conflict? Financial Infidelity? Yep- I definitely have some *insider* knowledge and help people learn how to manage or resolve those issues.
But the big question- do I have your permission to write about Rock bands and music sometime? I might know a thing or two about that, too… 😉
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You know something about music??! I’m shocked!
Of course you have my permission to write about those topics 🙂
God save us from being boring a-holes! There’s a lot to be said for well-thought-out and original posts on personal finance. Unless you have the ability to be a good teacher, that is, research a subject matter and impart that knowledge in an accessible easily-digestible manner, then you’re just a dilettante… or an a-hole. 🙂
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