Searching Questions

Let negative comments sink in a while, and get past the urge to retaliate. Although it’s natural to defend yourself, 9.9 times out of 10 you’ll regret acting in haste.

Think about it.

1. You ‘may’ have misunderstood the real meaning of the comment, so when you re-read it, give people as much benefit of the doubt as possible. People don’t always say it right, so it’s best not to make things worse. Besides, at least someone made the effort!
2. Other readers will likely be very even handed, and over reacting doesn’t show you in a good light.
3. They may have misunderstood the article, and they’ve done you a favour. A gentle explanation will help round the conversation off nicely.
4. They may have a good point, and now is your chance to show just how willing you are to take other’s views into account.
5. Don’t do anything that makes you ‘look like an idiot’ – people are quick to judge, even if they don’t bother to work out the context.

The next question then: Do you publish negative comments?

1. Not in all cases, but it is an opportunity, if you look at it in the right light.
2. Encourage comments by responding in the right way, it might just produce a positive comment next time.
3. Don’t forget that responding in a  good way is a great way to ’show’ people what you’re like
4. Don’t underestimate the intelligence of the rest of the readership, we can all spot the unreasonable from a mile off. Some people may even jump to your defence.
5. Try and turn those negative ones around. Some people are just built that way, get over it!

If you try and hide a negative conversation, then it may just take place somewhere else.

Pause…..I wonder if I should leave the comments open on this post.