Unsatisfactory Advice Columnist

Hello Devdas

I feel that as you are a member of the "blogosphere" you would be well suited to answer my inquiry.

I have a friend who, like you, runs an online advice column. Unfortunately, his advice seems... unsound, and potentially dangerous, not to mention it is just stupid advice. I'm not sure how to tell him but something has to be done!

HELP ME DEVDAS!!!!

-OP in GA

OP, it seems you feel that his advice is really bad, and maybe you don't want him to embarrass himself, especially if he publicizes his real name. I think the best course of action is to anonymously comment on his advice and tell him how you feel without giving him any indication that it was you. This kind of technique often works in other things as well, such as cooking, in which a friend gives a anonymous sort of advice to another friend to stop that activity.

Then again, this strategy may only strengthen his resolve to post his advice, which I'm guessing he sincerely believes is good advice. Have you considered perhaps becoming a blog partner with him? That is, he can add you as a contributor, so you have some say in his advice, and you can perhaps even edit some advice that is absolutely stupid. I'm not sure if you two are close enough for him to accept this, or if he just wanted to do his blogging by himself, but it seems that since you care so much, it's worth a try.

You might not be into the time investment that might be required to be a partner, though, but you still have another non-extreme option. You can just tell him directly that his advice is kinda bad and try your best not to hurt his feelings. I mean, just tell him that perhaps online advice blogging just doesn't click for him, and maybe mention his real talents if he has some. Remember, friends are usually supposed to tell friends when they're about to do something stupid.

But if his advice is really that bad, then maybe not so many people would visit his blog. If that's the case, he wouldn't be too dangerous, and he could still continue this hobby. Then again, there may still be people who don't know his reputation and ask him for advice, so try your best to convince him either covertly or directly.

I hope it works.