Negative Blog Comments
How do you deal with negative comments and critics about your blog? I thought I had a thick skin but some blog commenters can really push my buttons.
Right now I’m scrapping myself off the floor after a heated discussion with a reader ended with her writing, “Bye. never coming back here again.”
How do you do it? How do you not let this get to you?
Here are some things to consider:
1. It’s flattering that people take the time to criticize you — I mean there are ten billion totally stupid blogs out there. So that someone is taking the time to tell you they disagree means you’re worth their time.
2. I learn a ton from negative comments. There is usually some truth to them. I try to be honest with myself and find the truth. It makes me a better person. More honest with myself. Sometimes, if the
comment is totally stupid, there is no truth to the comment. But then, the comment is totally stupid, so other people can see that, and it’s innocuous.
3. There’s a lot to be said for silence. You don’t need to defend yourself on your blog. Your blog is your space, so if you feel defensive in your own space, there is probably something wrong.
4. A blog that attracts critics is a gift. If we have a whole blog community criticizing us we get more input faster. I think of negative comments as a special productivity tool for me.
Penelope
My goodness that is a great answer Penelope!
I totally agree! Criticism is an opportunity for change…but if the goal is to make it better, tact and respect are necessary. Sadly though, I think some negative comments are just misplaced frustration. It’s actually not aimed at the blogger…but the blogger is a convenient scapegoat. I know it’s easier to yell at someone in cyberspace than have hard conversations with my boss, husband or mother.