Today I was asked how I handle writing about controversial topics. My short answer: I check my caring at the door and write away. You have to have tough skin if you want to write about the things I do. I have written about abortion, the Pope, Catholicism, Jesus, guns, Penn State, feminism, the election, etc. I have also committed the holiest sin of Internet Holies and “asked for money.”

And I have lived to write another day.

Back during the election, I came across this post that pleaded with lady bloggers to, basically, keep their politics off their blogs if they knew what was good for them. It was promised that a mass exit of readers would ensue if coupon bloggers or DIY bloggers or laser kitty bloggers dared to openly support Mittens or Barry.

I was livid, but found myself writing about the election for another site and flying to Atlanta and trying to get my own Philadelphia business off the ground. I didn’t have time to peddle in dumb shit written on the Internet.

Around these parts, I value an opinion. And, if you’re here, you probably do too. Whether you agree with me or are fiercely opposed is beside the point. I do not pretend to be a crowd pleaser or anything beyond what I am: preaching to the choir. If you’re converted: awesome. If not: read at your own risk or carry on.

I know a few people who have been turned down or made fun of because they openly love the Lord. So, politics, regardless of an election, can be in the eye of the beholder. And that’s unfortunate.

I guess my point is this — and what I ultimately said — don’t publish anything that you are not comfortable publishing, but write for yourself. Write something that you would want to read. If it pisses a few people off? All the better, it means you got to them. But not in a Glenn Beck got to them kind of way; which is to say drowning in batshit crazy and gold coins. Make them feel something, look inside, and perhaps empathize with why you might be so angry, hurt or jubilant.

Because if you’re an amazing chef or photographer, I can — baring war criminal status — look past it. I’ve looked past Go Daddy for years and I still carry my feminist card high. If you’re good at what you do, have an opinion. Don’t let an unsubscribe or whatever shake you of what you have: authenticity.

Write it out.

Own it.

Feel better.