Stewart vs. Cramer Controversy

I haven’t been following the whole Jon Stewart Vs. Jim Cramer arguement and I don’t really care about it either.  What I am paying attention to is this – controversy creates interest.  It’s true in politics – the only way a challenger gains credibility is when the incumbent responds to the challenger’s charges and criticism.  People start to pay attention.  Another example of this playing out is the whole Rush Limbaugh situation.  Forget about whether you like him or hate him – doesn’t matter.  Look what the controversy is doing for him and his business.  He’s been in the news, and is the news for the last few weeks.

Controversy can be controversial – i.e. Stewart vs. Cramer, or controversy can be less confrontational.

The point is this.  Being controversial can be a strategy, but you have to manage it well – much like a chess game.  Realize that controversy creates us vs. them.  Is it the right strategy?  Depends on what you are trying to accomplish.