Negative Comments-what do you do?

lrjohnson · #1 (**permalink**) 04-15-2006, 03:40 PM

I just got a really negative comment on my blog. There were no swear words or epithets. I was called an unsafe idiot, though. So here's my question: do you guys delete these type of comments, if you get them? Is it dishonest to do so? There's a part of me that feels that leaving "nice post" comments and deleting the negative stuff is like lying. On the other hand, I don't feel his comment was constructive criticism.

"Making your own popcorn in a paper bag, you may be cheap, but common sense says your an idiot. I hope your house is in insured and you have no kids. How about using a ziplock in place of a condom while your at it in your next blog tight wad."

nate · #2 (**permalink**) 04-15-2006, 03:58 PM

Personally, i'd delete it if it were my blog. It's obvious that person had no intention of giving any sort of constructive advice, and instead was just looking for someone to criticize.

lrjohnson · #3 (**permalink**) 04-15-2006, 04:26 PM

I decided to delete but add this comment:

"I'm deleting a comment; the part of the message I want to retain is that the gentleman believes popping pocorn this way is very unsafe. I agree that there are risks; please use common sense and either don't use this tip or monitor closely to minimize risk."

I might of left the comment except for the ziploc/condom part-it's a little tacky.

Thrifty Ray · #4 (**permalink**) 04-15-2006, 07:00 PM

Way rude...and totally uncalled for. I agree with you 100% about removing it.

Sounds like he needs to find another site...and something else to do with his time.

(I thought about your popcorn idea today while making a bg...and am probably going to buy bulk next time Im at the store...)

Don't let his comment bother you...it was just rude and out for the shock factor.

Lori63 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-15-2006, 07:01 PM

I think you handled it right.

mjrube94 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-15-2006, 07:49 PM

I think you did the right thing. It's fine (and healthy) to get comments that may disagree with what you're doing, it's another thing entirely to be mean/crude about it . Don't let it discourage you. This site is full of wonderful people who want to give and get good advice that you can't let a bad apple or two spoil the bunch. I for one admire what you're doing with your challenge, realize that I could never do it myself, and look forward to reading your blogs to see if you're doing things that I could learn from.

jeffrey · #7 (**permalink**) 04-15-2006, 07:54 PM

It's your blog and you can do with the comments as you please. There is a fine line sometimes, but go with what you feel most comfortable with. Those comments will happen from time to time and you just have to deal with them like with the SPAM - they are a part of blogging.

The other alternative is to leave the comment up, but in most cases it isn't worth the time for you to specifically respond to it (that usually just encourages the person who posted to get ruder), but let others respond to it for you. The reason that some people do this is because it ultimately brings more people to the blog - nothing like controversy and a bit of rudeness to get the comments flowing both ways. This can be a tough balancing act, however, since you don't want all your posts to be filled with rude comments.

In the end, simply do what you feel is most comfortable - the blog is your space to write about what you want and you are free to kick anyone out of that space (delete their comments) that you want for whatever reason.

lrjohnson · #8 (**permalink**) 04-15-2006, 10:05 PM

Thanks for your input, everyone. In the end it was the crudity that got me to remove it; I'm a little rough around the edges but I think a lot of people on this board would find the ziploc comment too crude. If he had said something like, "Use the pilot light to dry your clothes," or, "only take a shower when it rains," it would have been a more acceptable jab at my tighwaddery, and I would have left it.

The idea of controversy in my blog is fine. I know, just like good old Amy D, that some people might think I go too far. In my view, not buying microwave popcorn packs and making cheap conditioner last twice as long is a way for me to be able to spend money on retirement and travelling. Most folks know that I am not suggesting that microwave popcorn purchases are a ridiculous luxury. And most know that as with any idea, it may not work for another person. But some will find certain things shocking. I know people who still can't get over me not having full cable even though I can afford it. At least they don't find it unsafe or irresponsible :-) Those new to frugality should see that it comes in all flavors; it's a big tent.

Ima saver · #9 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 04:11 PM

I am sorry that this person was so rude to you. I am on a local forum, and we have so much of that going on. I had one local gal tell a new guy that he must have escaped from jail and must have a drinking problem. Now, that is really uncalled for. Some people really like to stir up trouble.
I find the people are this sight to be so helpful and so caring!! Wish our local people acted like that.
A question? Are you saying that each person has the right to delete any comments left on their blogs? (remember, I am new to computers)

jeffrey · #10 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ima saver

A question? Are you saying that each person has the right to delete any comments left on their blogs? (remember, I am new to computers)

when you are signed in and someone leaves a comment, at the bottom of the comment will be a "delete" button. You can delete any comment that you feel is inappropriate or SPAM (Nate and I try to clear out all the SPAM so you all don't have to deal with it, but sometimes SPAM comments get through).

Ima saver · #11 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 08:56 AM

Thank you, so far all comments I have read have been positive ones!! Nice people here!!

shengmei · #12 (**permalink**) 05-30-2006, 03:20 PM

I delete any adjectives. Adjectives are always designed to evoke emotions, not facts.

A lot of times I realize that adjectives are overrated and a post would offer the same kind of information without any of the adjectives.

DivaJen · #13 (**permalink**) 05-30-2006, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shengmei

I delete any adjectives. Adjectives are always designed to evoke emotions, not facts.

A lot of times I realize that adjectives are overrated and a post would offer the same kind of information without any of the adjectives.

So are you saying that you edit comments that are left, removing adjectives from them? If so, is this something you do across the board or only for certain comments?

shengmei · #14 (**permalink**) 05-30-2006, 05:21 PM

I haven't had any comments yet, but this is what I am thinking about doing if I ever get any obnoxious comments.

Personally I think these five adjectives are overrated when it comes to constructive criticism: "ridiculous", "absurd", "preposterous", "racist", and "laughable".

Broken Arrow · #15 (**permalink**) 05-30-2006, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shengmei

Personally I think these five adjectives are overrated when it comes to constructive criticism: "ridiculous", "absurd", "preposterous", "racist", and "laughable".

Absurd!

markio26 · #16 (**permalink**) 05-30-2006, 07:57 PM

no one can hurt you, unless you let them... i would simply delete and move on.. life is too short.

shengmei · #17 (**permalink**) 05-31-2006, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broken Arrow

Absurd!

That was funny. I like your dry sense of humor.

MarshallMiddle · #18 (**permalink**) 06-05-2006, 07:42 AM

I would delete it. I always encourage constructive criticism but, there a point where you have to draw a line.

boomeyers · #19 (**permalink**) 06-05-2006, 11:41 PM

Thank you for deleting the comment. It was offensive!

Ima saver · #20 (**permalink**) 06-06-2006, 11:07 AM

This problem very seldom comes up, I am happy to say.