Taking the Sting Out of Rude Article or Blog Comments
That Sticks and Stones Saying is Way Off
Reminders
Instead of rushing to your article or blog the second you get notified of a new comment, take a moment to prepare yourself. Remind yourself that there is a good chance that an anti-(your topic here) poster may have found your page. Remember that people of all maturity levels have internet access. Some people get their kicks from downrating articles, responding viciously to random blog entries, and taking anonymous potshots at strangers.
Frame of Mind
Be in a good mood before you check out newly posted comments. If they're not positive, that might deflate you a bit, even on a good day. The same remark could feel devastating if you're already having a hard time. It's a basic thing you can do to guard your fragile feelings.
Dismiss Asinine Remarks
If you wouldn't spend hours self-analyzing your life because you read something rude in a public restroom, apply the same thinking to stupid blog comments. A person who only takes the time to write, "You Stink" is not targeting you, in particular. They probably didn't even read what you wrote. Don't worry, they'll go on a junk food binge soon and go to sleep afterward.
Read it Again
What if it's a coherent, on-topic post? Read it again, but give the poster a friendly, conversational tone of voice. This is a good way to find out what the intent of the responder is. Are they rude, or just blunt? Many very smart, warm, funny people sound harsh in print.
As a bonus, if it was meant to be rude, reading it a 1950s dinner party style makes it sort of funny, which takes the sting away. To continue this line of thought, respond in character. Thank the poster for their interest, and for taking the time to add their valuable input to the discussion. After this, you can consider the topic closed.
Look at the Majority
Don't just see the 2 negative posts while ignoring the 20 positive remarks posted! Take the time to feel good about the nice things others have said about your work. Try to give their voices more weight than the rude ones out there.
Why Do You Write?
You published your thoughts online, in public, for a reason. You had something to say that you felt was worth sharing. Mission accomplished, even if it didn't happen the way you planned. You sparked a conversation about your topic of choice, and possible inspired strangers to look up more facts for themselves.
Do you write to earn cash? If your page is sponsored by advertising revenue, page views, or reader donations, even mean remarks are money in the bank. It may not make you feel much better, but at least it pays. Learn to see these onscreen scuffles as a literal silver lining.
Published by neonola
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- Remember why you write.
10 Comments
Post a CommentFunny and informative. Well done.
Nice article and good advice. Thanks. :)
Very wise indeed, and I could learn a thing or two about developing a thicker skin and seeing the humor in their comment.
Good advice!
Good advice. Enjoyed the read!
Great advice. It's all about how we perceive things.
Excellent advice. I am not sure what 1950s dinner party conversation is like, but think I can fake it. freakmamma offers some good advise as well. Even a nice comment can be misunderstood. I got blasted a few times here at AC for what a CP thought I said. I was astonished and went to reread what I wrote. In one instance I knew the CP read things into what I said that were not there. In another I was being insensitive to an insensitive writer. That CP did not PM me, but another one contacted me to berate me for what I wrote.
I love this. Great advice and much-needed for many
Solid advice. Sometimes people 'say' things without realizing how they will sound in text form; sarcasm and wit rarely translate well in written form :]
Very good advice.