Respond Like a Professional On Your Blog
Anyone who has a blog knows that the more visitors you get, the more common negative comments will become. Even if you normally don't bother about what others think of you, sometimes these comments can be very hurtful. Just step back for a minute before you respond and take time to think. Here are some tips to help you keep your sanity and make full claim on your blog.
Your Blog Is A Public Place. Yes, people should respect your home turf; it is your blog, your rules and all that. But you really shouldn't be surprised to receive attacks and criticisms. One of the most powerful things about blogs is its social nature and few people get that.
If you can't bear to receive anything negative (true or not) then you don't need a blog. You need a private fan club.
Respond to the comment. No matter how difficult, you should acknowledge and respond to the nasty comment. Keeping silent is simply sweeping the problem under the carpet and that person is not going away until you deal with them.
Respond calmly even when you feel nothing close to calm. Most people need to take a few minutes, hours, or maybe even days before they can respond in a way that does not appear hostile, let the post simmer while you take that time to cool off.
Ask yourself if you can learn from them. While you're taking time to calm yourself down, think it through. Does what that person say have merit? Sometimes we may believe so strongly about something it's easy to say "They're wrong and I'm right" but think about it seriously, are they really wrong or are you just letting your pride and emotions get in the way?
If you are right, there's always something you can learn from the situation. For one, do not behave like that when you comment on other people's blog.
Make your response a gracious one. Be sure you don't respond in anger, it will only make you look petty. Respond in a polite and reasonable manner and you will be shown as a mature blog owner who cannot be pushed around by someone trying to stir up controversy on your blog.
Choose your words carefully and be judicious. There's a world of difference between saying "I'm tired of you attacking my blog, leave me alone and go away" and "I'm sorry you feel that way. I stand by my decision but can understand where you're coming from."
You get many more blog readers than you do actual comments. Even though they may not leave their calling card behind, you should know there are more readers than people who comment and it's the readers you want to keep on your side. So, if you tell people to go away as in the example above, they might really leave and never come back.
There's no need to reciprocate an attack. Doing so only makes you look like you condone bad behavior and more than willing to get into a fight with anyone who doesn't agree with you.
Your blog is something you should be proud to say represents you and your business so you want to make sure to keep petty fights or arguments far away, no matter who actually started it. When your readers who post positive comments visit they don't want to see silly arguments, they're interested in a quality blog so that means you must always stay professional. Think of anyone making comments as your potential business partners or customers. They may even respect you for bring a positive light to what they had to say.
About the Author
Lynette Chandler understands blogging can be confusing for some business owners. She helps them cut through the noise, and build blogs that make a difference in their business. Get a complimentary video, visit <http://www.BloggingStarterPack.com/>
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