Bad Comment On Internet Writing Site From Total Newbie, Would You Retaliate?
@windchimebooks (314)
United States
April 17, 2009 12:22pm CST
I've been writing for one of the Internet writing sites on the Web for a couple of months now. I usually get fairly good comments.
However, today I opened up one of my articles and there was a kind of nasty comment. I wouldn't have minded if it had had some useful advice or constructive criticism, but it didn't. It was just kind of a nasty remark, no reason that I could see.
I checked this writer's account and ssw that he was a total newbie, has written his first article on this same writing site. He has no comments, no ratings, etc. The one article he posted is fairly well written but it's an article that covers some type of investment accounts that, unless you work on Wall Street, you aren't going to have the least idea, as a regular person who isn't rich, what the guy is talking about. (I'm not rich and I don't work on Wall Street, I just googled some of his info to figure out what he was talking about.)
Here's what I was tempted to do. I was tempted to add a comment that this was a totally confusing article for the average person to understand, although it is well written.
On the other hand, would this be constructive criticism or was I just wanting to retaliate for his nasty remark he made on one of my articles? Plus, this is his very first article on this writing site. Wouldn't it be kind of bad karma to do this on my part? I mean, the guy has just started. Should I discourage him? I'm angry, yes, at his needless and nasty remark on one of my articles but he is new.
I decided that this guy will probably do himself in. Chances are if he left a nasty remark for me he's done that to others. Or others who read his stuff are going to leave the type of comments that I'm thinking of now. So I decided just to let it go and not reply or retaliate, even if his writing is confusing to the average person.
That's what I've decided to do anyway, but I'm curious. What would you have done here? Thanks for your viewpoint.
5 people like this
21 responses
@strawberrychocodahi (4818)
• Philippines
17 Apr 09
May i ask what kind of criticism did you get as a remark on your article? what did that newbie posted anyway? is it really abusive, not related to the topic or something far below the belt because if that is the case, i think that you have the privilege to tell it to the Admin of the site.
There are some blog sites that offers help if your writing has been attacked by spammers and trolls. You can report this to them .And as for getting even with this person, well just make sure it will not be offensive, more on the constructive way because as you have said, it was a newbie.
2 people like this
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
17 Apr 09
Hi, It was along the lines of "what a load of crap." Mild, I guess, but just nasty and not constructive at all. Probably wouldn't do much good to complain, since everyone has a right to his or her opinion I guess.
I write for a lot of other sites and it's only on this one site that I got this bad comment, so I'm thinking it's just someone new who doesn't know any better. I don't mind negative comments, as long as it's something constructive. Still, I agree with you. I don't think I'm going to say anything about it, I'm going to just let it go. But that's good to know about spammers and trolls. And I agree with your viewpoint about any comment left on my part, if I did decide to do that, being constructive. Otherwise I'd just be sinking down to this guy's level and who wants to live there? Thanks for your reply.
1 person likes this
@jazzsue58 (2666)
•
20 Apr 09
It's not you that's the problem, it's them - some people make a non-living out of spending their security benefits on trolling from libraries.
They get a kick out of the sendback they get.
The internet equivalent of smelling dogs' bottoms because it feels nice.
@lelin1123 (15595)
• Puerto Rico
17 Apr 09
I would have ignored it and consider the source. If he continues to write nasty comments yes he will do himself in. No one likes people writing nasty comments this is not what we are here for. If you wanted to respond you could just "say your nasty comments were uncalled for". If he is writing things aimed at the rich he will not get very far on this sight. Sorry that you received a nasty comment, it does hurt because I once received a nasty comment on another website and I didn't like it at all. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Good luck to you and have a great day!
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
17 Apr 09
Thank you. I'm sorry that happened to you as well and you're right. It's always shocking to find such a remark, like an attack out of theb blue.
I think everyone is right in the advice to just ignore this guy. You're right, he will do himself in and I totally agree that his writing (and it does seem to be aimed at the rich) isn't going to make him much money at these sites. We wouldn't be writing for these sites if any of us were rich already.
Good advice here. Thanks for your viewpoint.
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
17 Apr 09
i'd just ignore him unless he does it again.
if he's doing it to a lot of people,he'll probably get himself kicked off soon enough.most of those people do.
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
17 Apr 09
Yes, that's a very good point. If he did that to me for no reason I could see just out of the blue, while it's always a bit shocking to find some stranger has just left you a nasty comment, it can't be an isolated case.
I think you're right. Chances are pretty good he'll go away eventually. Thanks for your viewpoint.
2 people like this
@vera5d (4005)
• United States
17 Apr 09
I would let it be. I've gotten almost 98% positive feedback on the thousands of articles I've written on my sites and on AC but once in awhile I'll get one of those crazy people who writes nasty stuff too. (Usually though they aren't writers or bloggers - just probably some 14 year old kid who thinks its cool to make stupid mean remarks)
Anyways, I delete them. I know sometimes people will disagree with opinions and if that's the case (and they do it in a polite, friendly manner) I'll let them be. But the others I just get rid of or ignore. If he keeps it up, I'd report it to the site administrators - but for the most part its better to let it go. Chances are if it's a site like AC or others nobody is going to be too keen on reading his stuff and leaving comments for him, which means he'll probably not earn very much and give up sooner than later. Good luck! If you are on AC let me know I will read some of your stuff there! (Send me a pm though because i don't always find my way back to discussions!)
2 people like this
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
17 Apr 09
Hi, Thanks. I agree with you. I'm sorry this happened to you in the past as well. First time it's happened to me but I haven't been writing that long on this site (no, sorry, I'm not on AC, this is another site..I'd rather not say which one because right now this site is having some controversy and the discussion would veer, I'm afraid, in that direction since their controversy is affecting a lot of their users at present).
However, I do read articles on AC. Send me a pm with your user i.d. and I'll be happy to read some of your articles on there.
In the meantime, I don't think I can delete the comments left on the site (or you might have meant just delete the article).
Anyway, it's just one comment from a total newbie. I never thought about silly kids doing this, but judging from this guy's one article I would say he's definitely an older adult (his article was on investments).
Still, I'm glad to know other people's viewpoints here. I, too, had decided to just let it go, but it reinforces my belief that it was the right thing to do hearing from others about similar experiences. Helps a lot. Thanks for your viewpoint.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
17 Apr 09
I would have replied back but as politely and logically as possible. On the other hand, if I couldn't be polite, I would have just stayed away. Anyway you're right, karma will no doubt get him in the end.
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
17 Apr 09
You have a good point there. I might have tried to sound polite, but chances are it wouldn't have come off as polite since I was irritated.
And yes, I agree about karma. I'm a big believer in "what goes around comes around." So I don't really have to do anything here.
Thanks for your viewpoint.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
18 Apr 09
Can't believe a newbie writer who dare to think so highly of himself.
Maybe can highlight to the Admin to take note of this writer. It is very damaging for a writing site to accept this kind of writers.
So sorry to hear about your bad experience. I think telling Admin is a right thing to do, you do want to protect other writers from this kind of malicious remarks, especially if he does that to a new and promising writer, he will destroy the self-esteem of the new writer.
1 person likes this
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
18 Apr 09
Hmmm, now that's a good perspective. I never thought of it that way, but that is certainly true. This newbie obviously thinks very highly of himself to make such negative comments to others.
That's also something else I hadn't thought of. I hesitated to put even constructive criticism on his one article because of him being new and I didn't know if I wanted to discourage his writing. But I never thought of the fact that he might willingly do this to another new writer. I will ask admin to look at his comment (and chances are he's probably done this to others so they may already have others writing about him as well).
Thanks for your viewpoint.
@AnythngArt (3302)
• United States
17 Apr 09
I think you did the right thing. If he continues to leave more comments on other articles of yours with similar tone, I would contact the site. I would not feed his ego by contacting him or leaving him remarks. That will only stroke his ego and feed into what he already believes (that he is right about whatever point of view he has).
It's often frustrating to encounter folks like this online, but it's worse to get into a war with them via nasty comments (although I have seen plenty of folks do it). All it gets you is a headache, and everyone else thinks you are as crazy as the guy who started it. Once it begins, no one goes back and looks at who began the fight or harassment.
Best to keep your cool. Sounds like he doesn't have much of a writing market anyway. Keeping the upper hand (for your part) will serve you best in the long run. Don't let this deter you from your writing!
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
17 Apr 09
You know, that's a very good viewpoint you have there.
You're right. Getting into a war with such people is a losing situation no matter how you look at it. Plus, it takes all that energy to deal with such a person.
You're right, if he leaves more negative comments I will contact site. But for right now, I think you're right. I think not doing anying is gaining the upper hand here. Thanks for your viewpoint.
1 person likes this
@Jezebella (1446)
• United States
17 Apr 09
I have gotten bad comments on a few of my articles, i just shrug them off anymore. I figured there are people out there who get their jollies off of putting other people down. I probably would have commented on his article that it was confusing and I had no idea what he was talking about and suggest he try to break it down a little more.
1 person likes this
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
17 Apr 09
Thanks for your viewpoint. Yes, I thought about leaving a comment about his confusing writer, but I was a bit afraid this would just start a war with this guy and I didn't want to expend the negative energy (well, to be truthful, I did at first because I was mad at the nasty remark he left for me). However, I've often thought that people who immediately leave any type of nasty remark can't handle even constructive criticism. Probably cowardly on my part a bit, but I just didn't want to waste my energy on this guy when I thought about it.
However, I'm glad now I chose to ignore him. I think everyone is correct here with that advice and it makes me feel better so many feel the same.
I'm always surprised that people actually like being hateful to others, but you're right in that it's best just to shrug it off. There are people out there like that. Who knows why. Guess it's better to feel sorry for such people rather than hate them. Must be an empty life or they must be missing some happiness somewhere.
Thanks for your viewpoint.
1 person likes this
@jazzsue58 (2666)
•
20 Apr 09
I think the admin should ban anyone who can't give constructive criticism. A lot of places do - accentuate writers would have got him on his first day there, but then again Michy is an alien who doesn't sleep and that ...
It's not bad karma. He did it deliberately just to wind you up. Think about it - would you, as a newbie, slag someone off on your first day? Of course not. I often see things here that are totally indecipherable but I don't tell the person that, I ignore the post and move on.
I'd say, there's a plus side to this - if you are genuine about being a serious writer, things like this don't half toughen you up!
I got a scathing attack on one of my discussions that was very well written but totally opposing all my views. I skimmed it quickly and then put it in the recycling bin of my mind, never to be opened again (along with my discussion)
But at least I'm not scared of opening my rejection emails now!
@jazzsue58 (2666)
•
20 Apr 09
The site's even more exciting now, with lots of opportunities to make money! I'll send you links to Michy's associated enterprises like the "Write a letter" forum. Visit her blog for really good links to valid paying sites as well.
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
20 Apr 09
Yes, you're probably right. Why else would someone leave just a nasty remark, especially as a newbie.
Yes, it did toughen me up a bit. It certainly stopped bothering me as soon as I saw all the other opinions here were similar to my own.
I looked up the site you mentioned, accentuate writers. Looks like a brilliant forum. I didn't know about it. I'll check it out some more later on.
Good thoughts here. Thanks for your viewpoint.
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
17 Apr 09
Very profound advice. Thank you. You're right. Retaliating out of anger would just damage my own personality.
I have a sign up on my computer that says "do no harm." I think I'll add your saying as well.
Thanks for your viewpoint. I think you're absolutely correct here.
1 person likes this
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
18 Apr 09
Yes. At first I was so irritated I just wanted to get back at him, but now I'm glad I didn't waste any energy doing that. And you're right. I hadn't really thought of that before but when I think instead of all the good people in my life, the good people who have helped me, even strangers, it creates a lot more positive energy.
Thanks for your viewpoint.
1 person likes this
@lowlycook (265)
• Philippines
18 Apr 09
Hello there pal! I've received my share of nasty remarks. I'm a web content writer. If you pay much attention to them, they'll eat you. What I do is listen for a while, get the good points, and then trash the rest and just shrug my shoulders at them. "So what?" I merrily tell myself. "BWAHAHAHA!" I add. The guy is not important in my life, anyway. Who's he or she, that I should be affected by what he or she thinks? Most times, remarks from newbies don't count one bit. That's their way of getting attention. These guys are often attention-hungry. So, just throw their smart remarks away, laugh, or treat yourself to your favorite dessert. But never forget to learn something good, even from smart alecks who have nothing good to say. Like, perhaps, never be like them, ever.
1 person likes this
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
18 Apr 09
Hi, I like absolutely everything about this response..especially the treating myself to my favorite dessert part :).
I'm sorry you've had to deal with this as well but you definitely have the right attitude. I agree with you.
Thanks for your viewpoint.
1 person likes this
@lowlycook (265)
• Philippines
18 Apr 09
Thanks a lot, Windchimebooks! Just keep writing!
1 person likes this
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
17 Apr 09
Thanks for your viewpoint.
Yes, I've come to the same conclusion myself. You're absolutely right on both counts, whether he's a newbie and doesn't know any better or a jerk. And any type of retaliation would, indeed, not only expend my energy in a useless way but would, indeed, lower myself to his level.
Thanks.
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
18 Apr 09
Even when I disagree with someone someone says even here, or one of the other Writing sites I am, this does not give me a reason to comment poorly. I usually avoid making a comment with ones like that for Fear of retaliation. But at the same time, you are right. They have probably done it to others, and will continue to do so until something happens and they have been Banned or enough people retaliate on him or her as well. Wishing you the Best.
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
18 Apr 09
Yes, I totally agree with you.
When I see something I don't like or don't agree with, I don't make a nasty comment. I may put a different opinion, but always in a polite way. I think we owe it to each other to treat each other as well as we can, especially in today's society.
If I don't like an article, etc., I just don't comment.
Yes, like you and everyone else says here, he will probably end up hurting enough others with his silly ways so that I don't have to do anything to retaliate. He will end up getting himself banned anyway. I'm glad now I chose not to replay in any way since I see now it would have been a poor waste of personal energy to do so.
Thank you for your viewpoint.
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
18 Apr 09
Very profound and good advice. You are right, sometimes people use the Internet to say negative things to strangers because they expend their negative energy that way.
I agree with you. Thanks for your viewpoint.
@frygirl (382)
• United States
18 Apr 09
i would just let it go because sooner or later he will hang himself on this site and like you said he is a newbie maybe he doesnt understand how the site works i dont know thats my opinon on this matter.
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
18 Apr 09
Thank you for your viewpoint. Yes, I totally agree. I think the best thing to do here was to let it go, because it is just as you say.
@net_ankit (643)
• India
18 Apr 09
You know after read these long discription of incident happen with you, I can say that you are writing many articles & yes you are also writing for others. you already know that the guy who commented on your article is new in this & he is not getting any comment from viewers and think that you are getting comment & yes compare those comment with this 1 nasty comment. See the ration.
Do you really think that you have to give more important to him?
Just Ignore him & do your work as you do.
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
18 Apr 09
Thank you. That is intelligent on your part and is a good thought. Yes, I do get many good comments on my writing and what does this guy get? If he is nasty like this to others he isn't going to get many good comments.
Yes, I do understand your thinking here and I agree with you. Ignoring him is the best thing to do here.
Thank you for your viewpoint.
@MsBoomBoom (130)
• United States
18 Apr 09
I wouldn't respond to his article but I'd respond to the comments he made about yours. I'd tell him exactly what you posted here. You can do this without retaliating..just questioning. I'd probably begin with 'thank you for your response, I like to know what readers think about my articles....throw in a few specific questions here and there and end with 'in future it would be help to provide useful advice or constructive criticism' for improvement.' I don't think that would be retaliating all..simply stating the facts.
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
18 Apr 09
That is food for thought, certainly. I don't think I want to connect in any way at present with this particular person, but I think that is good advice if such a situation rises again.
Thank you for your viewpoint.
@ButterflyEs (209)
• Canada
19 Apr 09
Hi Windchimebooks, I would've done what you have decided to do as I believe in ''what goes around comes back around''. We are free to express our opinions but I believe the constructive criticism is the best way to go and nasty comments are definitely unnecessary. In my point of view, you have definitely done the right thing by leaving it alone. I don't think it is worthwhile to surround oneself with negative energy for such things; plus, he will probably be getting some nasty feedback himself soon enough. I hope this helps and have a wonderful weekend :)
@windchimebooks (314)
• United States
19 Apr 09
Thank you. Your reply does help. Yes, I, too, believe in "what goes around comes around." Still, at first, I was so shocked and angry at this entirely useless comment that I did want to retaliate.
Seeing yours and all the other replies here agreeing with my action to do nothing reinforced that my decision here was the right one. Lots of food for thought here and replies like yours made me feel much better about the whole decision.
Thanks for your viewpoint.
