I’ve been wanting to write about this for a while.
And now since I’m helping Penelope decorate her farmhouse and she’s mentioned me on her blog, I’m suddenly inside her blog’s vortex of unmoderated negative comments and I must admit, it stings. (Penelope has a much higher tolerance for them than I do and I still love her for mentioning me).
But then, when I think about human beings and how we are, I get it. It’s not like I have never said anything negative about every single person in my life when they are not around. I don’t think anyone can say they haven’t done that.
Some bloggers think leaving negative, unmoderated comments on their blog keeps it real and I think that is a completely valid personal choice.
However, the best argument I have ever read on negative comments is this post, and was written by this blogger called; How not to Suck at Blogging
“Delete negative comments. If you get a comment that isn’t constructive or is abusive, just delete it. Don’t respond. Don’t even finish reading it. Don’t waste another second with hate-mongering trolls. Leave a constructive comment on this site and I’ll love you. I appreciate people who expand the discussion and help me grow. Leave a whiny rant and I will delete you. It’s my blog. Deal with it. [Learned this the hard way]” Manvs.Debt
Until I read this paragraph on this awesome not-to-be-missed-post (if you are a blogger, seriously, read this one!), I didn’t know what to do.
And now I’m clear, my commitment with this blog is to inspire you to have a home that fills you with happiness every time you walk in, so inside of that, I’m not interested in defending and protecting my point of view. It’s my blog and if you don’t like what I have to say, you are welcome to keep surfing!
So that’s it really. My blog is about happy. I’m committed to spreading happy all around and that’s what lights me up and keeps me writing!
What’s your take on them?
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I totally agree and have never understood that whole negative comment thing. If you dont like what you see… keep serfing or say nothing at all… but to take the time to leave ugly comments… Get A Life! Keep inspiring girl!
I think everyone is entitled to an opinion, positive or negative. However, I don't think negative comments need to be made unkindly. There is much to be said for the old adage "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all". If you wish to make a negative comment because there is a constructive reason for doing so, at least do it keeping the other person's feelings in mind.
Honestly it is beyond my why anyone would want to leave a cruel comment. Disagree? Fine. But attack? What’s the point?
To me it’s the same as vandalism. When I see people destroying property for no reason, aside from some depraved personal satisfaction (I imagine), it makes me cringe. It literally sickens me.
I can understand stealing something. I don’t approve, but I can understand the impulse. I don’t understand destructive criticism. Is there really a point? Even if you think it’s constructive criticism (which, having seen some of the comments on her site I know they don’t) they’re remarks best kept to oneself.
I used to have a habit of finding fault myself. Not rude or offensive, just pointing out what I thought were helpful observations. It took me a while (years) but I finally realized, unless people ask you specifically to point out flaws, they don’t want it and it won’t do any good to tell them.
Thanks for bringing up this issue.
Ugh. Often, online sniping comes from cowardice; it's terribly easy to make unkind comments when veiled in anonymity.
I agree with the poster above, not just when it comes to the internet but life in general. The world batters us all around enough. Instead of "trying to help" by giving negative feedback (really? if you're honest, doesn't criticism actually usually come from a passive aggressive desire to smack someone down?), a smile and an encouraging word goes much further in supporting improvement.
Thoughtful disagreements can allow us to see issues in a different light. But rude attacks make us all retreat even deeper into our respective shells.
I agree that anonymous negative comments comes from cowardice!! People feel safe when they can remain anonymous over the internet, but would they have the guts to say something negative to another person's face?? I think if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all!!
I really don't know what people get out of leaving mean comments. There are ways to disagree without being rude. I would be very upset if someone was rude to me on my blog. What a love about blogging is the wonderful community of sharing and supporting. I'm glad none of those mean commenters come and visit my blog!
I must be really naive as I didn't think there were too many meany bloggers out there.
Nice post Maria.
Like all the other comments, I do not understand the need to leave a mean comment. Especially on design blogs where none of the topics can be even bordering on the insulting to anyone out there. You either like what you see or you dont, you either agree with the advice or dont, and none of this needs a negative or abusive remark.
Brooke from Velvet & Linen once told me 'everything is beautiful and happy at Velvet & Linen' – and this is how I feel about my blog too. I don't make rude and mean comments about the people or spaces that I post.
I know that others feel that it is unrealistic and 'Pollyanna' like to only portray the good, but there are enough horrible things in the world, and it is not like the world of magazine pictures is a realistic place anyway – it is an escape.
Great post!
def delete – wouldn't give it a 2nd thought, my blog – nuf said!
Maria, love that you delete negetive/petty/hurtful comments!Who wants to read that? Who wants to be associated with that? Not sure who it speaks worse of, the writer or the blog it self?
Working with designer who answers the WHY and HOW to acheive the look and feel you want, Pennelope is a VERY LUCKY lady!
A
Entirely agree with all the other comments. It is your blog Maria, and if someone doesn't have something nice or constructive to say, then it's pretty darn easy to go look elsewhere.
We don't all like the style of other decorators, that's what's great about us, we like different things and make the world interesting by the variety we bring to it!!
I know what I like, and that's fine for me. I only use pics I enjoy on my own blog, and I'd expect any other blogger to do the same. So, to leave cruel comments about a person's blog pics seems ridiculous to me.
And, if I disagree with something that's written in the body of a blogger's post and I think my point of view can add something to an interesting discussion, then I'll comment…. but only in a balanced and respectful way, and with the understanding that I'm not attacking the person, merely putting forward a point of view that may differ slightly.
A couple of weeks ago someone left a comment on my blog saying something about 'if I had my comments link in the normal place, they'd be more inclined to say something nice…. but as they had to search for it, they wouldn't!' Thing is, it IS in the normal place, so no idea what she was on about – lol.
Hi Maria – thanks for this post. Blogging is such a unique area of "publication". If you're reading a newspaper article and want to make a comment (positive or negative), it's rather a long process to reach the writer. However with blogging, we can comment on anything anytime. There's no opportunity for the comment writer to edit themselves – we just type away. Now that my blog is becoming read by more people, I've noticed that I'm getting comments from people with varying views on things. Since my blog is mostly about flowers, I'm not getting anything negative – who can say anything negative about a rose bloom? But I will heed your advise when it does come (and I know it will).
As far as your blog is concerned – you teach us so much in such a postiive way, I'm surprised to see you get ANYTHING negative.
I don't see how anyone could ever leave a negative comment for you Maria. You seem like such a kind person. Seriously. I have learned so much from your blog. I feel like I should pay you a fee!
Sharon
PS – If there is one thing I despise more than negativity it is anonymous commenters. Is that negative? Ha!
I escape regular life's drama by looking at your blog and being inspired to dream big on the things my home can become. I'm not here to read other people's opinion on what you say, I'm here because I believe in what YOU do. If people want to give you constructive critism or any type of negativity they think you should receive, then they can do so privately. By posting it under comments is WRONG! That to me is considered attacking you and I wouldn't stand for it, delete them. Readers should be here because they like you and if they don't agree, they don't have to come back. Maria I think you have a wonderful and happy blog and you are right, it would be spoiled by negativity. Keep up the awesome work 🙂
Hi Maria, The other bloggers are so right! I am with you on the negative comments! I don't think twice about deleting them if they are ugly or hurtful. They take away from the 'spirit' of your blog unless you are one of those contentious type in your face blogs asking for that sort of thing. I tell my readers, "If you want to throw tomatoes at me, fine…but make sure they're FRESH!" Otherwise, I'll feel obligated to clean up the mess.Ha!
I just started writing about somewhat controversial things. It's controversial because I express my opinion on a topic not everyone will agree with. I don't mind people disagreeing because that makes for good honest conversation.
However terrible, hurtful, and downright ugly comments are another thing.
I recently wrote an article on Making Time for Your Children. I got the most vile and hateful comment I could ever have imagined in regard to discipline. The woman used such vulgar word pictures that I was stunned. I deleted it of course. She did not sign anonymously because she was dead serious. She even made it clear what she wished would happen to me personally..Wow!
But being me :o) , I went to her blog and read what she wrote there. She was a very angry and damaged person. I just said a few kind things on her blog. I understand people like that–hurt people…hurt people. It's that simple. She never came back, thank goodness but I hope I got her attention.
Hi Maria, I try and not take negative comments personally but it does hurt. What bugs me is that I have a poster who post in Chinese or Japanese script and I haven't a clue what they are writing. For all I know they are probably telling me to go to you know where.
Couldn't agree more Maria.
You always make me happy!
Great Post. Beautifully and clearly written as always.
xo xo
Brooke
Hi Maria, Negativity is a way of thinking for some people, however the older I get, the more able I seem to be in reading someone's negative energy. When you don't have any control over that (like walking away in a face to face meeting) because a blogger can just write whatever they want, it is hurtful, especially if you are a postive energy person. I do think people who want to be hurtful and nasty have low self esteem and "issues" that need to be resolved. So take the high road and delete it and don't give it any weight. I love reading your blog and I wanted to come to your defense on this one!
Keep the good vibe going on your pages!
Amy
I just took a few minutes and read the post you were referring to. I think that Penelope's audience is different than your blog audience – it is people who don't really think about or understand design. As much as we love it and it is a component of our feeling of well being, seeing a balanced and aesthetically pleasing house, some people simply don't care. Until my neighbor put her house on the market, she actually used large black garbage bags to block out the sun in her master bedroom. I could see them from my deck…no one else could see them (except for my neighbor) – but I could not get over the fact that someone would use black garbage bags to cover their windows.
OK – a clarification – I love Penelope's blog, and I think her readers are witty and smart – I am not saying that all of her readers don't understand or appreciate design – just a few of the ones who were making disparaging comments.
And, after all, to some design is a frivolous luxury and not important. We all have things that are meaningful to us – but I think the important thing is to treat each other with respect and dignity.
Hey, Everyone.
In my 40s (it took that long), I decided that I simply would not put up with negativity. I want low blood pressure and happiness in my life. I believe that what we surround ourselves with can really affect the quality and tenor of our lives, and I just refuse to be around hurtful, spiteful people.
I would totally delete. It's not worth my time or emotional energy.
HAPPY SUNDAY!
Laura
Well said Maria! (Although, how naive am I that I seriously can not imagine some one leaving negative comments here?) Of course we all SAY negative things in our lives, like you said, but typing them and potentially leaving them in the cyber world for all to see? That's beyond me! As always, your blog and your writing lift me up and make me happy/inspired…thanks!
I just visited Penelope's blog for the first time, and I have to say, all that negativity really bummed me out. There's so much negativity built into life already, I don't need to go looking for it.
Thanks for keeping your blog a happy place.
Donna, that was a lovely and selfless thing to do. You never know, you may have made a difference in some way. She sounds like she'd have a miserable life, as those kinds of people are rarely happy, and take that out on others.
Linda. 🙂
Honestly, I haven't had to deal with a negative comment yet, Maria {knock wood}. I would probably delete it though, as well ~ half the time they are anonymous anyway so why give it/them the attention they don't deserve. I think negative comments are unnecessary on blogs. If you don't like something you're reading, or someone's taste in decor, or a craft they made, move on. There's no need to say anything if you can't say something nice and supportive. We have to deal with nasty people in our real life, so I'm certainly not going to deal with it virtually!
I have no idea how Penelope puts up with all the negative comments.
Nie Nie recently posted one of the most gracious and kind responses to a troll that I've ever seen.
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2010/04/letter-to-e-mail.html
I read Penelope's post and saw some of the comments..each one was like ripping off a bandaid..you know..that sting…I don't know why people feel so compelled to spew such negativity..but think to myself, it's their problem..not mine..and I am going to have a good day while they probably will not… Your blog IS happy and I LOVE visiting daily to learn how to make my enviroment a great place to be in! Keep on keepin' on Maria..and I hope Penelope sticks to painting that wood work white!
I like your happy blog and your philosophy. I can take constructive criticism, but the whiners of the world are not welcome.
Hey, Maria. I took a look at some of those comments as, well. Wow. Pretty nasty. The problem is, people like to judge. We like to judge anything from the color of someone's hair to , well, how they want to treat all the woodwork in someone else's home. I'm pretty convinced this is just part of our biological make-up. However, there is a way to judge and analyze things without being so hateful and hurtful. Sometimes I think people find themselves to be clever or funny when they do this. But, as some of your readers have pointed out, it's can often times be a sign that that person is just not that happy.
Another thing is, when this much passion and emotion comes out just from a simple decorative color solution with regards to someone's home, we KNOW we are doing something important. If you wanted to paint the wood fence in the yard white do you think anyone would care? It's crazy – it's like once we step into the home, we tap into such a raw, emotional and passionate space in people. Just proves what we do IS important…and that we have the ability as designers to really make a difference in people's lives. If we didn't tap into any emotion, what would be the point?
Unfortunately, sometimes we tap into emotions we really didn't want to tap into. Looks like you did just that.
It doesn't really matter to me if you paint PT's wood white or purple or brown. It's your client, your project and you are the one who has discussed her design needs with her – not me, nor anyone else. So, it's not my place to judge your design decision. Would I do the same? Maybe, maybe not. I couldn't make that judgement unless I had more information. That decision can't be based on one photo.
There's so much more I could say here, but I don't want to suck up your entire comments section!!! I think it's great how you are handling this – with class and integrity. If nothing else, it's helped you reaffirm what your blog, business and life stand for. And that is really a gift.
About a year ago, I decided that I wanted to change how I viewed the world….no more spending time and energy on negative things. I try to change my thoughts and my habits and my behaviors to reflect happiness and positivity. Certainly, I've got a ways to go, but it surely has changed my view of the world and my life in particular. Delete the negative posts….NO one needs to read them, not even the curious among us. Wouldn't it be a great world where we all concentrated on the good things? Hey, we might get more good thing coming to us! Do what's right for you Maria, and feel no guilt because you extricated negativity from your blog.
Hi Maria…We spoke this past week regarding business, so I feel I 'know' you quite well already! I was given a very solid, sound, and wise piece of advice from an elderly architect friend, out on a nature walk near his home, as he was near the end of both his illustrious career and his life, as he was in failing health. He said " Always find the good in all you see, because there will always be bad design, so you must look past it, and find the one good thing, because it will always be there. It's up to you to find it."
That was the moment as a designer that I stopped being critical of others work. It also ran into my personal life..Find the one good thing, and the rest (that I just may not happen to 'like'…not right, not wrong) just isn't an issue any more. Your blog is heartfelt, you are passionate about what you do, and your love for people is apparent, or you wouldn't put the effort into blogging. I appreciate your gift, and I thank you for sharing your joy for life with all. You are amazing!!! Mindy Sunday, designer
Maria
Your dedication to a truly educational and interesting blog is obvious every time I read it. Your good cheer and enthusiasm for what you do are obvious and refreshing. Regardless of what someone writes about, there is no need for ugliness and slander. I agree with one of the previous comments – hurt, angry people seem to need to hurt other people. I remind my daughters of this in their interactions when others can be so catty and critical. My advice is: let it go and move on. The same for blogging – delete the nastiness and cruelty and move on; it is a waste of time and energy to even think about. The ugly stuff is about the commenter, not you.
On a general note, I am not sure what is going on in our world, but there seems to be this movement of hurtful words being used under the guise of constructive criticism in many of the media forms – from fashion, decorating, cooking, singing, you name it. I think it a sad comment on our culture that so many people endorse this. Enough ranting – I love your blog and Penelope is one lucky girl!
Your advice is clearly substantiated with a beautiful portfolio. Who are all those people … and may the world please see pictures of their homes before it listens to a modicum of their design advice?
Love your blog. Love your advice. Keep it up!
I just spent time at Penelope's blog to read the post and some of the comments. Some were harsh and uncalled for. Even though the posters have a "name" – they are still anonymous, i.e. they don't link to their own blog – no one knows who they are. Hence all the negative comments. Most commenters on design blogs are other bloggers who appreciate beautiful images of homes and if they don't like something, they probably wouldn't comment.
So, I'm with you – if I got a negative comment that didn't add to my "happy" blog, I would delete it.
Maria,
Words that make this world go round are a blend of good and bad. Cause and effect, right and wrong all effect us in one way or another.
It is always "Your Choice" to filter what you see, read, hear and feel. How we touch others is a blend of many things. But that's what makes us unique is HOW we touch others. You have no problem with it. So delete the negative and don't look back. Stay Calm and Carry On.
Bette
Maria,
I totally agree. I recently read a blog I was unfamiliar with and was shocked and dismayed by the content. It never occurred to me to leave a comment about my feelings. I just said to myself, I think I'm done here and that was that. I do think that there are certain bloggers who are trying to stir controversy and get those kinds of comments. But I'm always shocked to read anything in the comments section of a design blog that veers negative. Or like when people get snarky about home tours over at AT. Good post and good food for thought.
Maria, you are my blogging role model. Now if I can just get my comments turned back ON again! Turned comments off when I got hit with spam in my comments all day long one day & cannot get them back ON!
I vote with the "delete" camp. If people want to spew mean and negative thoughts, they should do it on their own blog. It's free.
Can't tell you how much I appreciate your posts and shared wisdom on blogging. Thank you, Maria!
LOVE your optimistic post. If I had one supernatural power, it would be the ability to ignore people — mostly b/c of negativity. Your point of view is refreshing. Cheers! xoxo
I absolutely love how you can take a sticky situation and write about it so well. I admire your courage.
And yes, delete the negative comments! Delete! Delete! Delete! 🙂
I don't get the whole negative comment thing – why bother? I mean, disagreeing with something is different from being downright rude and knocking another person's efforts. I disagree with bloggers often. 😀 But I like to think that I do it in a friendly way.
It's also sad that you've started to get all this negativity since working with Penelope – I came here from her and boy! have I learnt a heap. So thank you for that.
Just like you would never have someone in your home who spewed negativity, neither should be they invited to be part of your blog.
Keep on inspiring those who love what what you do.
Hi Maria,
Thank you for the link to the new blog and though I might be there for days reading her interesting style, I refrained from reading any negative comments. My blog subject doesn't seem to provoke negative comments but if it did I would simply delete and move along. Really, if someone wants to be negative about gift wrapping and giving gifts then something is clearly wrong. I am with you….just hit delete. Thanks for the blog link to Penelope, she is delightful and can't figure out why she would get any negative comments (or you for that matter). All the best.
I always love it when you post about blogging. I have learned so much from reading your posts on the subject.
Thanks!
IMHO, no reason for it. If you don't care for what you read, then just move on down the road.
Best wishes to you!
I definitely subscribe to the advice about simply deleting the negative comments–I refuse to facilitate rude behavior by publicizing somebody's snarky opinion. If they need to say something obnoxious, then they should start their own blog and say it there….
If the negative comments are constructive criticism then you can take the parts you need to make changes and get better at what you do. If they are just nasty, delete. They are just time wasters.
I suppose some people feel powerful when they leave their ugliness for all to see on blogs and forums — only they normally don't leave their names or faces. Very brave and courageous folks, really. Like you, Maria, I wouldn't give them the time of day as they must have not other useful value in their own lives if they have time to diss others. I can understand if it's a creative disagreement that can be stated politely. Otherwise, delete, delete, delete! Love your happy and colorful blog and so thrilled that it will stay that way! There's plenty of negativity in the world. I come here to leave all that behind and learn exactly what you are sharing — how to create a beautiful, colorful home and continue being happy.
Clarification on "very brave and courageous folks – NOT!!!
Hi Maria
I am a new follower to your lovely blog. I love all the tips you give on decorating…I'm just going through them all now!
Pamela from French Buttons
Amen sista. It is your blog. You do the writing and as the owner, have total editorial control over the subsequent commentary.
Not only does the name of your blog make me smile, I enjoy each and every post. You have created a positive, happy space and we are grateful!
-Ann
I don't understand why anyone would take the time to leave negative comments. It eats up a lot of time to leave comments, which is why I only do it when I like a blog.
I follow your blog regularly because of all of the great design inspiration I gain. As a new blogger, I am soaking up all the advice I can get from you. I have subscribed and look forward to new posts. If you don't like what you see on a particular blog, (which sometimes you don't), you just move on. There is no reason for nasty comments. Keep doing what you do, because you do a GREAT job!
well maria, another valuable post on blogging and insightful questions.
want to thank you for being a mentor for me, i have learned so much from you and appreciate your giving and sharing nature.
i had one experience with a negative comment…..my audience is not as large……it was horrible and was from "anonymous". i have since made it impossible for any anonymous to comment. life is too short.
gratefully
debra
I am sorry that things were said in a negative way ~ didn't their mothers teach them any manners?
Yes, yes and yes again. I remember that post your linked to about negative comments and yes: if the negative/critical comment does not further your blog erase immediately. Why keep the 'ick' in the beautiful space that your blog is. xo
Thank you all for such amazing comments! I love all of you for being so supportive! xo Maria
Blog bullying is so middle school, right?
Maria, you are a bright light, so shine on!!!
pve
The Country Diary Of An Edwardian Lady, 100 years ago, & a common scrapbook of its era, is one of my mentors for blogging.
Did you know Thomas Jefferson kept a scrapbook? Until recently historians assumed it belonged to his children. Negatives placed in it? Not.
Constructive criticism, a-la Roger Ebert, is loved on my blog. Negative comments? Get a life.
A 'good' thing was decided against on my blog too. I placed a donation button on my blog for animals. Linked to it myself & felt stressed at seeing the animals and guilted by the producers. Not part of the mission statement for my blog. Off the button went.
Love ALL your posts Maria.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
I just wanted to tell you that I love your blog! It's so refreshing and inspiring – thank you!
I love your blog too. I was surprised at all the negative comments. Oh well – to each his owns right?
Very well said. xoxoxox
I definitely agree with those that have said that we're all entitled to an opinion- be it to agree or disagree but that those that are said in an unkind manner shouldn't be left to sit on your blog.
I have also had readers coming into the comments section for a debate that has nothing to do with the subject at hand and I've kindly sent them to blog posts on other blogs that deal with the debate they're concerned with. (designers vs. decorators, certifications, etc.) I'm pretty sure these readers feel that I shut down any other opinion other than mine but there are times when I don't see the point debating an off-topic subject that we will always disagree on. (and when I'm on the mood for it- bring it on!! 😉 ha)
But, the fact is our blogs are places we go to for happiness, inspirations, positive vibes. If criticism is not constructive, I see no point to it on a happy blog.
thanks for broaching this. sorry i have been mia – i am drowning over here!!!
xoxoxoxo
I SO agree!
Why is it that people forget the rule that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all?
And if a negative comment is made (on my blog at least) I have noticed that they never have the guts to do it with their name and always leave it anonymously… I feel like that is just cowardly!
But anyway, I agree, it is your blog, and you have the right to moderate comments! Thanks for this post!
Hi Maria,
Boo to negative, hurtful comments. I agree with the others – delete the snarky posts that serve no purpose other than inflating the anonymous snarkers ego.
-•:*♥*:•.-
If I didn't think you knew a thing or two (or tons) I wouldn't read your blog so faithfully. You rock!!
Arlene
My take on offensive comments is that there will always be people who need their adrenaline fix however they can get it. These trolls invest themselves in negativity in order to get a reaction. They thrive on conflict. At a minimum, it makes them feel alive. Maria, delete and be happy!
I was just reading Penelope's comments, and pondering the same thing as before I came over to read your post.
It amazes me how people spew negativity so easily. I LOVE Baker's post that you linked to… one of my favorites. Tim Ferriss's ideas about comments are awesome too- he has the "living room" philosophy. Comments are like his living room, and if you aren't going to be nice and courteous, as if you were over visiting in his living room with him, you don't belong there. I totally agree…. but also respect Penelope's idea too. It makes for some interesting reading here and there, but I'd never allow it on my blog. Loving your writing by the way.
Maria, I'm writing this from a tiny library in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, and I LOVE YOUR BLOG! It has helped me furnish my "Happy Place" (which might exist one day!). KEEP BLOGGING! Yay!
I've found the same applies to “friends”. They say negative statements, talk behind backs and are really negative and hurtful. In my opinion what it boils down to is jealousy. They want what you have or what you are and are no where near it or will ever be. So, take it as a compliment and be above them. How's the saying go? You can pick your friends, you can pick your nose and you can also pick your bloggers!!! By the way, if you find out how we can pick our family, can you let me know? LOL. Keep it happy Maria!! Your doing great!
♥ Donna
Your blog inspires me to do my blog. In my small community of blogging, I don't get really any negative comments, I don't get comments at all. I am trying to fit in and stay true to myself but can't get this blog off the ground. I am sorry that others don't think you are worthy of your talents, I do. Send advice my way. Delete the UNHAPPY people.
Amen on this! I have stopped reading the comments on Apartment Therapy because I find so many of them snarky, deconstructive and frankly just a downer. When people post pics of their home, it may not be your style but is leaving a negative, mean spirited comment going to add to the discussion? Design and color are highly personal-don't fault people for showing what works for them.
I relate online sniping to cruel reality tv, its not intelligent and no one benefits from it.
First, thanks for linking Penelope's blog, I'm following it now, I really love her posts.
Second, I have a hard time with this one, as I had my own rather successful, heavily trafficked blog for years. I want honesty, but more than that, I want to have a positive energy zone. And, my blog is MINE I don't owe anyone license to be negative.
So if something rubs me wrong, I unapologetically remove it and go on about my day 🙂
Good for you. The internet is a big place – if people don't like what you have to say, they can go somewhere else. I love the comments on this blog, and I don't want to read anyone who is being negative without being constructive any more than you do. I think most of your readers feel this way. This is the corner of the internet we all share together! Disagreement is not the same as being nasty. And people being nasty doesn't add to the conversation.
Don't let them get to you!
Just want to say what a great blog you got here!
I've been around for quite a lot of time, but finally decided to show my appreciation of your work!
Thumbs up, and keep it going!
Cheers
Christian, iwspo.net
Thank you I just started my blog yesterday!! What a perfect subject to start with…I like Happy TOO! I said I would start slow and am so inspired by creativity..No room here for Not Happy. See you soon.
wow gotta love that