People angry-tweet at me a lot.
This happens most often whenever I publish a piece about a certain high-ranking political figure whom Twitter trolls either really love or really do not love.
But it happens when I write health content, too. Apparently, everyone seems to think they know more than me when it comes to nutrition science, and thinks they could write better articles than I can.
Anyway. The point is, if you’re publishing things online, someone, somewhere, is always watching/reading.
This is great. Sometimes. I mean, it’s what you’ve always dreamed of. Strangers you’ll probably never actually meet in person are reading words you made into Things. That’s awesome!
But every once in awhile, it’s not.
The more of a “personality” you become online, the more vulnerable you become to the kind of scrutiny none of us ever really ask for — but have to learn to deal with anyway.
Honestly, people can be extremely mean online. But they can be mean in “real life”, too. You’re never going to be able to escape the haters. Which is why it’s so silly to spend your energy responding to them, worrying about what they say, and trying to “please” or “compromise with” them in some way.
Haters, trolls, whatever you call them — they spend time on the internet looking for articles that reinforce their beliefs. And when they find things they feel aren’t perfect or up to their personal standards somehow, they do not hesitate to leave rude comments, send angry emails, and so on.
You can’t get away from them. But you can learn to thrive despite their toxic energy.
Here’s what I’d like to say to anyone who feels the need to attack me personally for the work I make public to the world:
I’m not going to yell back at or insult you in return. I honestly don’t care what you think about me. If your life is so sad that you feel the need to be rude to strangers for just doing their jobs, I hope you find happiness somewhere at some point. But you’re not hurting or affecting me, really, in any way. So thanks for trying, but nah. Bye.
Sure, these things hurt, and we wish they didn’t happen. But every interaction, even if it’s one-sided, teaches us something. It helps us build up a shield to deflect the comments that might otherwise bring us down. You’ll always take certain things personally. But it does get a little easier to let some things bounce off you.
And please, don’t feel pressured to be perfect all the time. It’s not worth the energy. Everyone makes mistakes, and if people want to point yours out to your face, let them. If that’s how they want to spend their precious time, let them. Spend yours creating things, and be proud of yourself for that. Waste no time on those who don’t matter. You need all the moments you can spare.
Meg is the creator of Novelty Revisions, dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words. She is a staff writer with The Cheat Sheet, a freelance editor and writer, and a 10-time NaNoWriMo winner. Follow Meg on Twitter for tweets about writing, food and nerdy things.
Meg Dowell Writes 
I write to learn by doing. I know many will not accept me, but that is ok with me. When I talk in public many overlook me, saying that I have deformed speak, and I do. I use video to work on that problem daily. It has been a life challenge for me to get to where I am today. I did it on my own. I fear no one, and I am like a radio if you do not like the show, change channels. This is the way I feel about what others think. Yes, so many are looking for something to raise heck about just to say they feel differently. Keep up keeping on, the others will either come around or fade away.
YES! THIS!! I honestly believe audiences are drawn to confident creators. But also those who are able to admit the areas with which they are not as confident or skilled as they’d like to be.
Thank you I believe that and I do not discourage myself
Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this post from the Novelty Revisions blog on why the haters never have anything nice to say about your writing.
Reblogged this on Plaisted Publishing House and commented:
What i learnt about haters….I tend to get totally peeved off and start to rant…then slowly settle down and think. Then i will reply or i will do a post if i think it is warrented. It usually helps. In the last year most negative comments i ignore or look for the positive within…
Thanks for the pep-talk! :) Have a great week…
You too! And you’re very welcome. :)
Reblogged this on Amy-Westphal.com and commented:
Great words to live by if you’re just starting out. Thanks!
I’m sorry anyone experienced this. But can kind of relate. I was once on publishing site where I learned I was blatantly being ignored so before I left I asked why was I being ignored? One guy rudely told me he didn’t realized I was an author he thought I was a troll. The attitude didn’t change after the site learned otherwise. I told him trolls do not ask questions pertaining publishing. Afterward, I found a publisher. I’m thankful I haven’t encountered this again. Most of my fans and public meetings go smoothly. If there are haters they never say so.
Wow, I’m so sorry you went through that! That sounds awful. But I am SO GLAD everything worked out in the end for you. :)
It’s happened to me, and while I did find it irritating, I did not respond in kind- that never works. There were a couple of pointers, from which I have benefited, nestled inside the profane rants- so I can be grateful.
That’s good to hear. I think it depends on the situation. Sometimes, you’re fine just ignoring someone’s comments. But sometimes, it’s OK, even beneficial, to defend yourself as an authority or just as a creative human being. Over time I think we get better at judging by circumstance.
Anyone who puts any creative content out their, including expressing their views, is brave. Online, people write things they simply wouldn’t say to someone’s face. I agree people should not let it stop them expressing themselves on different media.
Oh yeah – it’s what we pretty much sign up for. But it’s very easy to think “oh that will never happen to me, I don’t write about controversial things, those trolls will never find me!” Oh, they will. :P