Working with the public can be a real pain. Working online, even worse – when manners and basic human courtesy tend to go out the window for some creeps & trolls (and even seemingly “normal” people!) that hide behind their computer monitor and throw out the craziest comments. I get my share. I’m sure you do, too!
So… how do you deal with it? 
[...] yes, this IS an ironic follow-up to my video about being sensitive to comments (lol). I’m opening myself up (wide open) for some interesting criticism, I’m sure. [...]
Follow, Friend, Like & Share With Your Friends!
Quirky, Fun, Corny and Full On! Join Lynn in her home office, and other fun places, for interesting topics & open discussions!
Video Blog by Lynn Terry © 2013. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress. Designed by 
Tweet this Video
Share on Facebook
Share via E-mail
Hey Lynn. I shared a video response on your YouTube channel. Here is that link: http://youtu.be/zbB27NmTf3Y
Short answer: yep, I’ve dealt with trolls. Lots of them!
Loved the video reply!
LOL @ geocities. I so remember that! That’s where I published my very first website back in the 90′s too.
I’m sensitive too. I do have thicker skin now, like you, but things still get to me. Sometimes much worse than others. People can be downright rude and hateful, and really cross the line.
I totally get what you’re saying, and have no idea why certain types of people seek out confrontation on hot or touchy topics. It’s so pointless, and very frustrating.
You make a good point about putting yourself out there, and the risk involved. It’s a responsibility we have to assume if we want to have our “voice”…
But some people just have no couth. At all. Plain and simple. Ugh. “Words really can hurt” – so true…
Best one so far was a spammer who posted 60 items on my Blog. Believe me Security on all my Blogs has been tightened (thanks in part to Regina Smola of http://www.wpsecuritylock.com)
Also try to do a daily check of my Blogs
Regina ROCKS for security!
Hey Lynn!
First, I wanted to say, not only have I been enjoying your videos, but you also inspired me to make my own. That leads to a question I have for you.
I think it’s one thing for someone to bash via a blog comment, but, I think, the hurt is taken to a whole new level when someone watches one of your videos and insults you personally. I spend a lot of time on YouTube and have seen the harshest, most cruel comments left on videos than I have ever seen on blogs on message boards.
Would you do anything different when it comes to dealing with trolls on YouTube than any other site?
On the other side of things, to me, it’s kind of annoying when a blogger or vlogger create a post or video specifically addressing trolls. I understand you made this video to open up the discussion about dealing with trolls. I’m referring more to posts and videos made in which the person vents about criticism and addresses the comments. This sort of thing just seems to fuel the drama and make the blogger/vlogger seem unprofessional or even that they are courting negative attention.
So, my question would be, do you think troll activity should be addressed so that all blog visitors or video viewers know about it or should you deal with it (and it’s aftermath) privately?
Oh my gosh, YouTube is the WORST for rude out-of-line comments. I don’t know why, but it seems to attract the worst kinds of trolls – lol.
When it comes to YouTube, I just delete the catty/nasty comments. Sometimes I’ll respond to them just for fun, but usually I don’t even bother.
I get what you’re saying about addressing “trolls” publicly. I rarely ever do that (maybe once or twice in my history online) and only if it benefits my entire readership for me to expand on a topic or a view – but that’s rarely the case.
I usually deal with it “where it is”. So I’ll reply to the comment, the email, and be done with it. I don’t usually let it go much further than that.
Most of the time they truly just want to get a rise out of you. So why give them the pleasure?
Although… lol… I am going to address a specific comment in tomorrow’s video. Stay tuned
I’m addressing it for the sake of example, and a continuation of this open discussion…
Hey Lynn,
I like the security, delete and block options. : P
Taking a “time out” is an awesome way to deal with an emotional issue. Exactly as you described it.
If the confrontation is in real life then that’s what the boys in blue in white cars are for.
Just offer to call for a white taxi with the pretty lights on your cell with a bonus offer of overnight accommodation in the crowbar hotel. NO? OK “See Ya”…
911 may work but I prefer a direct line on SPEED DIAL. LOL
I hope you are having an AWESOME no hassle day!
smiles,
LOL I called “the boys in blue” on one of my neighbors last year for harassment. Over the top!! That’d make a good story for another video sometime in the future, lol…
I’m sure I haven’t had anywhere near the troll focus that you have, but I’ve not really been bothered by anyone online. I’m on a number of forums often and I have run across some interpersonal rudeness, but I always either state my case and forget it or find some other place to be.
When I get steamed in online business it’s usually when I’m dealing very big brainless businesses like a cetain pseudo-financial entity I’ll just call PP. I sometimes wish there was someone tangible I could focus on and argue with in dealing with those monsters, but big companies like that are so far beyond anything of human scale you’re typically left with nothing but frustration.
That’s definitely frustrating, Wade. I’m with you. If it’s the company I think you’re referring to, I have a hotline for support with my account (upgraded account type). I haven’t ever had to use it though, thank goodness!
I wonder if the attacks people recieve online are gender based. Are woman or men worse trolls, or do woman or men recieve more troll like behavior because of gender issues. Any thoughts??
Good question, Tom. Who knows. And who even knows who is male and who is female in most cases. LOL. (I’ve been male on one of my niche affiliate sites that I ran under a pen name – *grin*)…
I remember your story about the guy showing up at your backdoor, that was some scary stuff. Fortunately I’ve never had anyone just show up. I’ve received some strange phone calls in the past, but not so much anymore because I just don’t answer the home phone anymore.
Ooh, phone calls. Yes, I was getting calls from a man in another country awhile back – and he was bribing me with some type of “really personal information/data” he had on me that he wouldn’t publish if I paid. Ha! I had him blocked.
Weirdos!!
I have a habit of reacting right away which, as you know, means overreacting. Your method of walking away for a bit is great advice. I’m looking forward to the stalker story in the next video.
Oh I react. I just don’t respond. LOL. I wait until I’m done reacting, and THEN respond.
It’s probably video time again, but I have to admit that I’ve had little to no troll dealings over all these years. Well, I guess that “no” isn’t quite accurate. I did have one guy many years ago who objected to a tale I wrote about my dad because he was in the military, and this guy from another country wanted to go on some stupid rant about American’s bullying people in other countries. He got 3 chances, then I blocked him from everything and deleted everything he wrote.
I figure it’s my space, my money pays for it, my rules, and that means if your decorum isn’t proper, I have no qualms about removing you. I mention that all the time on my blog; I don’t mind people disagreeing with me, but there’s stuff I’m not allowing.
“I figure it’s my space, my money pays for it, my rules, and that means if your decorum isn’t proper, I have no qualms about removing you. I mention that all the time on my blog; I don’t mind people disagreeing with me, but there’s stuff I’m not allowing.”
My thoughts exactly Mitch!
I agree with Traci – that’s a good way to look at it!
Hi Lynn,
).
Great video! I find it hard to believe that anyone would give you a hard time but then I realize that there are some mean spirited people out there!
I have worked retail for years, own a gift shop now and am building an online business. There have been times when someone has said or done something so out of line – just plain mean and because I have been taught that the customer is always right, I really try to be kind and sometimes I just let it roll off. I often do walk away and give myself time to think. Not to say that I wouldn’t put someone in line if need be.
Online, I have only had a couple of remarks that were less than nice and I just answered kindly (but then, I don’t have your visibility, yet
You’d be surprised. It’s on a daily basis too. What ever happened to giving the benefit of the doubt anyway?! I especially dislike those nasty emails when someone has a technical glitch, or I have a minor screw-up, and they start spouting off “I thought you were someone to be trusted” yada yada yada – in not so nice terms.
I wish EVERYONE would *think* before they spout off hateful emails and click send. I mean c’mon – we’re all human!
*sigh* Deep breath, nice reply. Sometimes it’s not so easy. LOL.
Hi Lynn,
Good day to you. I had someone hacking my site few months back and it really spoilt my day. I was asking myself why do people to this … don’t they have other thing to do.
Luckily I found Anne Kennedy who saved my site and free of hacking.
What will people think never? Some times it really get my nerves too but I give a minute to die off ..hahaha
Love what you share , the tips, advices and your posts always awesome. Thank you
Thank you James
Hacking is the worst. I dealt with that a couple months ago myself – and am dealing with it again this week. What a royal pain, and a serious sidetrack to productivity!
I’ve said before, that the next niche I should get into is a rehabilitation program to teach real job skills to hackers/spammers so they can use their “skills” for good, not evil.
You have to wonder what drives people to go into that kind of lifestyle. Challenge? Rebellion? Who knows… I’ve always wondered though…
Probably not a fair description: but I always kinda figured older guys living in their mom’s basement as hackers/spammers. Not unlike bullies – they have issues, so they overcompensate and hurt others with their actions.
The sad reality is that there’s got to be money in hacking/spamming. :-\
Imagine what they could do with their obvious skills…. so many positive options… sad.