So, you’ve been blogging for a while, you’ve got some good momentum going, and you’re starting to develop a decent following. And then, one day, someone (or a group of someones) doesn’t like what you have to say. Or the way you’ve said it. There’s some backlash against your blog.
On one hand, this is good news! I know, I know, but hear me out: it means that not only are people reading your blog, but they’re having an emotional reaction to it. You’ve made it!
On the other hand, nobody likes being criticized. But, if your blog has brought you into the public eye, chances are, it’s going to happen at some point. People always have something to say about public figures, and it’s very easy to say it while hiding behind one’s keyboard.
Blog backlash can happen in the comments of your blog, on your social media profiles, or on forums and websites devoted to discussing blogs and bloggers (Get Off My Internets, a.k.a. GOMI, is the most well-known of these). There’s not much that you can do to prevent it from happening, but AmpliFound has a few do’s and don’t's about to handle it with grace.
What you should do:
Ignore it.
mrwgifs.com via NBC
It’s the simplest solution – just ignore it!
Trying to please everyone all the time will just drive you crazy. Sometimes, people just might not like you or what you have to say, and that’s okay. Unfortunately, ignoring criticism, especially when it’s not constructive, is often easier said than done, but if you’ve been blessed with a thick skin, doing nothing is often the best solution.
Take it to heart.
If the criticism you’re receiving is constructive, and coming from a long-time reader, why not at least consider it? Someone who has gotten to know you through your blog may have some genuine feedback that may help you out.
Last year, John and Sherry Petersik, writers of the DIY blog juggernaut Young House Love, posted an innocent appeal for feedback at the bottom of a post. It resulted in a few thousand comments of constructive criticism. Many readers felt that John and Sherry had lost their spark and creativity, and others felt that they were featuring their children on the blog and social media so much that it was starting to feel exploitative. As a result of this feedback. the Petersiks took a few months off to think things over and ended up shutting down their blog. They took the feedback they received very seriously, and realized that shutting down was the right choice for them and their family.
The backlash you receive probably won’t be as severe, but it may encourage you to make a change. If your readers are complaining about your spelling and grammar, let that inspire you to become a better proofreader. If they’re complaining that your recipes seem derivative, then maybe you could try harder to come up with something original.
If blog criticism is legitimate and constructive, your readers will feel appreciated if you listen to them and make positive changes. So, try to keep an open mind.
What you shouldn’t do:
Don’t feed the trolls.
There’s a difference between thoughtful criticism and outright trolling. If you’re being targeted by mean, abusive trolls, then don’t engage with them. Block them, report them, get rid of them, but don’t get interact with them. That’s exactly what they want.
Don’t give up.
Being criticized stings, but don’t let it get the best of you. If everyone who heard criticism about their work got discouraged and gave up, nothing important would ever be accomplished!
Has your blog ever been trolled? Or were you ever on the end of reader criticism — well-intentioned or otherwise? How did you handle it? Let us know in the comments below!
