I have 3 things I want to say about people leaving negative comments on my blog....
1. I have NO PROBLEM with people disagreeing with me. In fact, I quite like it. I have always loved hearing others opinions and why they feel they way they feel about a variety of topics. These differing opinions often lead to really interesting and thought-provoking conversations. But a debate with rude insults, harsh words and personal attacks can never lead to an enlightening conversation. THAT is where I have an issue with rude blog comments. If you wanna disagree...PLEASE DO...but do it respectfully.
2. People always say that I need to get tougher skin, that I CHOOSE to publish a blog so I am CHOOSING to open myself up for negativity. I am probably the LEAST offendable person on the planet...seriously. But can you imagine how it is to start your day, a fresh new day with plans and possibilities, by opening your email and reading snarky and personally attacking comments directed towards you? From strangers whom you have kindly invited into your life, much like I would invite someone into my Living Room? As a rule of thumb I consider all blogs to be someone's personal space and conduct myself as I would if I were a guest in their home.
3. Blogs are intended for debate and challenging ideas. That's why you started a blog in the first place, right? Nope...I started this blog almost 5 years ago because my daughter was in the NICU and each and every day was a struggle for me. Our loving family members far and wide were calling to get updates and I just couldn't share heartbreaking news over and over again each day. So I began this blog (thanks to our friend Bryan) to keep them informed. I never expected it to be any more than that. I don't need/want it to be an inspiration to the masses, but I have met MANY wonderful people and formed MANY wonderful friendships because of this blog. So going private would be really sad.
1. I have NO PROBLEM with people disagreeing with me. In fact, I quite like it. I have always loved hearing others opinions and why they feel they way they feel about a variety of topics. These differing opinions often lead to really interesting and thought-provoking conversations. But a debate with rude insults, harsh words and personal attacks can never lead to an enlightening conversation. THAT is where I have an issue with rude blog comments. If you wanna disagree...PLEASE DO...but do it respectfully.
2. People always say that I need to get tougher skin, that I CHOOSE to publish a blog so I am CHOOSING to open myself up for negativity. I am probably the LEAST offendable person on the planet...seriously. But can you imagine how it is to start your day, a fresh new day with plans and possibilities, by opening your email and reading snarky and personally attacking comments directed towards you? From strangers whom you have kindly invited into your life, much like I would invite someone into my Living Room? As a rule of thumb I consider all blogs to be someone's personal space and conduct myself as I would if I were a guest in their home.
3. Blogs are intended for debate and challenging ideas. That's why you started a blog in the first place, right? Nope...I started this blog almost 5 years ago because my daughter was in the NICU and each and every day was a struggle for me. Our loving family members far and wide were calling to get updates and I just couldn't share heartbreaking news over and over again each day. So I began this blog (thanks to our friend Bryan) to keep them informed. I never expected it to be any more than that. I don't need/want it to be an inspiration to the masses, but I have met MANY wonderful people and formed MANY wonderful friendships because of this blog. So going private would be really sad.
I guess I just wanted to further explain my feelings on this issue.
17 comments:
This makes me sad. I know that I am one of the (probably many!) who stop by every day and don't usually leave comments. I know I should because, like you said, I'm being invited into someone's life and being mute is kind of rude. But to hear that others are being offensive makes me really sad.
I'm sorry to hear that others are being unkind. And from those of us who are usually silent - we appreciate you letting us into your life and hope you continue to do so!
You have to read cjane's post today.
It must be a full moon.
Well said!
I'm saddened when people attack others on blogs. Like you said, if you don't like reading it, DON'T!
For what it's worth, I enjoyed your commentary and certainly enjoy reading your blog every day. I would be sad if it went private.
Regards, Christine F.
very well said!
I like you do not get offended easily as I feel it is a choice just like agency for us all to choose whether we want to be offended or not. Just as Jesus chose not to be offended at those that crucified him. It is sad to hear that people boast such hate and attack others just for their own enjoyment. You are a sweet lady and blog that I follow and enjoy reading. I truly hope that people will stop spreading the hate, which also is a choice but not on those that choose to have a positive outlook and they should be respectful of your choice and not attack you in a disrespectful way. My thoughts and heart goes out to you! Keep your head up and think just as Christ did....They know not what they do.
I know what you mean, sometimes my own friends have left me comments that leave me shaking my head at times (um, maybe that makes some of them crappy friends, but I digress). I hope you don't go private and instead just delete those nasty comments. Some people have nothing better to do than try to make others feel bad. I say rock on with your bad self.
dude.
jodi was spot on (as usual) when she said you should just turn off the comments for a while. if this is really for you then give the peanut gallery a breather. then, if someone has something really profound and/or important that they want to say/convey to you about your post they can just email you! that way they can't hide behind anonymous.
Please please please don't got private. I read your blog on a daily basis and would hate it if you "went away".
I hate it when people feel the need to be ugly. But I especially hate it when they hide behind anonymous.
One thing you can do is not allow anonymous comments on your blog.
I am one of your every-couple-of-days readers who very rarely leaves comments, but I would hate to NOT be able to read your blog! I agree with you about the whole behave as I would if I were a guest in your home philosophy... unfortunately, some people make for extremely RUDE guests!
I look forward to reading your blog everyday. I sit down with my cup of tea, switch the computer on and you are the first blog I read.
It would be a very sad time due to some very sad people if I couldn't read about you and your lovely family and all your inspiring thoughts and ideas.
Best wishes
Kim xx
I don't know you personally (roommate of a roommate??), but I sure would miss you if you went private! I really enjoy your thoughts, talents, and family. You make me think a little more, and I love/need that in my life.
But I would have a really hard time with negative comments. Ugh. Stinkers.
Good luck with whatever you choose to do. :) Follow your heart. xx.
Can I just say Ditto to it all?! To what you have said and to what other posters have said. I love reading your blog, but dont comment that often.
So sorry people are being punks. Amazing that some can grow older but not grow up.
thanks again for sharing your thoughts - you have an amazing way with words and somehow I feel like you just explained how *I* feel about the blogging community - how did you do that?
at any rate, I pray that you continue to speak your mind and share your thoughts because - after all is said and done - this is YOUR blog - others can read or move along - and you can just hit delete ;-)
JUST DO IT!!! :o)
thanks to you I started a second blog - for taking pictures of me with my children - based on Aleida's challenge.
One of my favorite quotes ever is 'never take to heart the opinion of people you don't respect'
Keep doing what you are doing - Blog trolls are just that...trolls.
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