Article Downraters, Negative Comments and Nasties - an AC Survival Guide

If you find yourself a victim of verbal assault or an article downrater on Associated Content, or elsewhere, do not despair. Though some Content Producers thrive on this stuff, as givers and receivers, most individuals do not.

As both sensitive souls and alligator skins coexist on AC, some Content Producers take downrating and petty comments more seriously than others.

To the tender-hearted writers, I say, Do not lose your humanity, it is a blessing and part of who you are as a passionate writer.

However, a calloused epidermal layer (and a sense of humor) helps lower stress and maintain a writer's focus, when hurtful comments or ratings are hurled at you personally. And, this reptilian metamorphosis doesn't happen overnight.

Meanwhile, here are some tips and observations I've learned from the Net school of hard-knocks - going on 15 years now. Now it's much easier to separate the human behavior chaff from the wheat.

1. Why Do Associated Content CPs Attack?

The Why varies as much as the Who. Whether it's stress, jealously, poor self-esteem, mental illness, pain, idleness, ego, personality disorder, drug side-effects, personality conflicts, or a bad day, you may likely never know.

More importantly, you can't fix it, whatever it is. Peace and knowledge-seekers like to know "Why," so they can fix the problem. Yet, contemplation is typically wasted time and energy. Leave the "whys" behind for a newfound freedom.

2. How to Respond to Content Producer or Other Attacks?

This is largely a matter of personal preference, but some responses are more productive than others. Additionally, we may know how we should respond, or not, yet have a bad day ourselves.

As a guideline, remember why you writing, or are here at Associated Content. Reaffirm your goals, and consider if the actions best serve you now and in the future.

Negative Comments and Downraters Hurt, What Should I Do?

Put anonymous drive-bys and people who have never demonstrated your best interest in perspective.

Some points to consider as a writer on Associated Content and beyond.

Generally, what people say reveals more about them than it does about you.

Ugly grammar can be fixed, ugly people can not -- divine intervention aside.

The Net is filled with countless personalities, clashes are the rule not the exception.

As in real life, drama kings and queens, disgruntled people, inflated egos, and lemmings persist. Ignore them or let them talk to your feet. If they talk to your hand, it slows down your writing.

Much of what is said on the Net is worth less than a grain of salt - look at the millions of blogs.

Misery loves company and begs for more.

Something as inconsequential as a bad avatar hair day offends some people.

With few exceptions, you really do not know who is behind the avatar, and they do not know you. Many individuals would never say in person what they say online.

If a negative comment on your article really bothers you, you can delete it. It's your page. If someone gave you a sign that says, "You are a terrible writer," would you hang it on the wall?

Even the best writers have editors, critics, and nay-sayers.

Emulate success not failure, listen to winners not losers, value experience and productivity over hype and propaganda.

Ego is a good thing unless it is misdirected or misapplied.

Most people do not write as well as they think, emotional consequences vary.

For some, negative attention is better than none at all.

Unless you're akin to a sociopath, no one is immune to being hurt despite the best intentions to be strong. Do what it takes to recharge your batteries.

Sometimes negativity arises from simple misunderstandings. The written word has its limits.

Closing Thoughts on AC Article Downraters, Negative Comments and Harassment

As for Associated Content, or any writing venue, remember what writing means to you, what your goals are and what is needed to reach them. Be proud of your accomplishments and delight in improving your skills. Mistakes can be opportunities.

In doing so, be grateful that, sensitive soul or not, gifted, good or aspiring writer, your life has more meaning and direction than to waste on pettiness. Your joy, accomplishments, motivation, and smiles are treasures, exactly what emotional pirates wish to steal.

Or simply remember this line from a friend of mine, "Don't sweat the petty stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff." A crudely worded philosophy, but memorable and it works.

Keep the Faith and Keep Writing!

Authors Note: Most sites have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, racial and ethnic slurs, hate speech, and the like. It is prudent to report such behaviors for all concerned.