The free dictionary defines this term as:
fence sitter
n. informal
A person who takes a position of neutrality or indecision, as in a controversial issue.
Take a look at some of your messages which contain particularly controversial topics. For example, when it comes to blogging practices, we have topics such as keyword density, Black Hat or grey hat SEO and the like. For blogs which address many other issues, political, religion, etc. could be controversial.
In these positions, a express a definitive opinion on the issue? You choose a side and defend? Or simply present you both sides of the issue and the decision of left to your readers? The latter is what I would call fence sitter.
Even if the term I chose may seem to have a negative connotation to some, I think that the two approaches can work well when it comes to writing for blogs. Try going back to some posts from your favorite blogs. You will find that some of them vehemently take up position in all matters. Yet, I am sure that some of them prefer to take a neutral voice.
So what is wrong with that? In some cases, we really look sides. There are some problems, I think, that require bloggers to speak and hear their thoughts. He played safe will not work all the time. When the time comes for you - and I am certain that this will be, several times on - so don't hesitate to jump the fence post. If you skip to the left or right, it does not matter. Just make a choice and stick to it!
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