Getting comments on a blog post is one of the most positive outcomes you can experience as a blogger. Comments are rewarding on so many levels. Think about it, your readers are...
- Moved to action by what you wrote
- Giving you feedback, either to improve your idea or validate it
- Interested and engaged
- Reaching out to you to let you know that they're listening
- Firing you up to post again and again and again
This list, of course, can go on.
But what happens when you get a negative comment? One that throws you off, crosses the line or just generally seems like the person made an appearance to stir the pot? Let's discuss.
Negative comments generally fall into one of two categories:
1. Wholehearted disagreement with your post
Description: Things may get heated during a debate like this, but no line is ever crossed. You do, however, feel like the person commenting is just trying to goad you on.
Approach: Engage the person. Ask a lot of questions. If you're so sure about your point, get them to defend theirs. If you're being asked to defend your point, defend it .... but recognize the other person's point, particularly if they've made you rethink your position. If your guest just seems to want the last word and is becoming repetitive in their arguments, then let them have it and move on. But, remember, always make sure that they know that their input was appreciated. In other words, be the bigger person.
2. Rude, obnoxious, line-crossing behaviour
Description: Pretty self-explanatory here. This can include the use of foul language, name calling, slurs .... generally things you wouldn't want said to your face.
Approach: This is a little trickier to deal with. Do you address or completely ignore the comment? Do you delete it? First, you have to measure just how far the line was crossed in relation to your own standards. Sure, sometimes this will be quite obvious, but the important thing is that you set a standard and stick to it. For example, just this week Cathy Mosca reminded Tom Peters' readers of their "living room" rule, which means, "Don't behave in any way you would not behave towards guests in your home." Simple, efficient and sensible.
I look at it like this: If someone writes something you wouldn't accept in your home, let them know with a warning, private email being best. If they really cross the line, either ignore them or kick 'em out. Remember, this is your blog. Though you should keep in mind that your actions are being measured and evaluated too. So be a good host at all times.
Last point: there is no hard and fast rule on how to handle this issue. Blogs being blogs, so much is up to you to decide for yourself. If it feels right to you, that's all that really matters. If you're looking for more guidance, though, take a look at the replies I received when I put the question out to my Twitter followers. These are good answers from smart people.
So, how do you handle negative comments?
