How to Handle Negative Comments on Your Blog

It's bound to happen. If you run a blog, forum, or website, sooner or later you are going to get some kind of negative feedback. Follow these steps and you'll come out smelling like a rose every time.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yourself
• Objectivity

1. Thoughtfully and objectively read the negative comment.

2. DO NOT take it personally.

3. DO NOT get defensive.

4. Stick to the facts when replying. Arguing or defending your position will only cause further irritation for you (and possibly your readers).

5. If you have nothing nice to say, if you cannot remain neutral and stick to the facts - say nothing. Wait it out for a few hours or days, then return to the post with a fresh eye.

6. Always thank your commentator with "thank you for your observation." This neutralizes the thread instantly - leaving your antagonist with not much left to say.

Tips & Warnings

• Chances are, even if the negative comment has merit, it was posted with an antagonistic voice. When you reply with calm and equanimity, you have effectively disarmed any malicious intent.
• Further, when reading through the comments, all your readers will recognize you are a reasonable person. The more calm you are the more your negative commentator will look irrational and unreasonable.
• Effectually, you can always have your say without saying anything at all.
• Realize that everyone has a voice and to suppress them (in the form of argument, retaliation or abuse) is an invitation for some form of demise.