Help! I have been attacked

As a writer, one of our main goals is to be heard. If our articles are read; we are elated. If someone comments and gives us their opinion; we are ready to open a bottle of champagne and celebrate.

What can I say, as a writer, even the smallest amount of attention is a celebration. Truly, we set out to be heard and something that seems so small is a great victory in our eyes.

If we are here to make money online, the more people who read our online articles, the greater chance we have of reaching our ultimate goal - to live off our writing.

Yet, there is danger lurking in the online world. It is a danger hidden by the computer screen. So beware. If you’re not careful, you can be attacked.

Online writing allows a person the chance to escape; to become someone different. A very shy person could become outspoken. You could also pretend to be successful when you really have nothing more than a laptop with a copy of Word.

The reader can also be very dangerous hiding behind the computer screen. The false security may make them feel superior to others causing them to say things they would never have the courage to say in person. These comments can be rude and offensive. They may even go so far as to cut another writer down, without even knowing who the person really is!

As part of the online community, there are some things we need to keep in mind. This will make working and writing online enjoyable for everybody.

1. Keep to Constructive Criticism

Online writing is a task that requires a lot of thought, time and patience, with sometimes very little in return. We are all writers here on Hubpages and we should respect the craft and respect others who also call themselves writers.

Every writer is unique; every writer has their own style; every writer has their own voice. Some will write reviews, others write comedies, and some just rant on what is bothering them. It is a great way to express your opinion and share facts with others.

Some will write in a style that takes you from the beginning to end with what seems a blink of the eye. There wit and humor entertain you and make you crave more. Others write more technical and it reminds you of the text book you used to fall asleep reading during school. Some forget their punctuation - some make up their own! Each writer is unique. But each one is worth something to someone.

Obviously, people as a whole, can be rather opinionated. When it comes to commenting on other people’s works, remember, you don’t have to like what they say or how they say it. But, they do have the right to write what they want in their choice of style and flair. If you don’t like their writing, that is your opinion. If you don’t agree with what they say, feel free to disagree! That is your right as a reader. But, when making a comment, choose to say something constructive. Bad mouthing or slashing down another writers is not only rude, but inappropriate!

2. Remember, what is put on the Internet… stays on the internet

Think twice before clicking submit. If you feel the need to comment, that is your right. But, beware of what you say. If you disagree with the subject, feel free to rant and rave, but do so in a respectful manner. However, if you feel the need to comment in a way that negative and derogatory toward another writer, think twice. After all, if there is any chance that you might regret what you just said, chances are good you should not hit submit.

At Hubpages, the author of the hubs has the opportunity to accept or decline any comment. Because of this power, you are now at the authors mercy as to whether or not they allow your comment to be seen by others. As far as I know, once it has been approved, there is no way of erasing what you said. That comment will follow you around on the internet for years until it is finally buried in the search engines.

While I am all for free speech, don’t dish out something if you can’t handle a return. I know there are other hubbers on Hubpages that will not approve of a comment that is negative. I, on the other hand, will approve of just about any comment. I figure it is your right to leave the comment, and if you have something negative to say, others can judge it for themselves.

Just remember though, saying something negatively will ultimately cause you to look like the ass. Therefore, think twice before you click submit or try to stick to constructive criticism that can’t be construed as offensive.

I feel this is an important topic to discuss. The main reason - because I have been attacked. Now, the attack has not come because of a difference of opinion. At least that is not what I took it as. The attack was personal.

This fellow hubber claimed I was both narcissistic and arrogant in my writing. I apologize in any way if I have ever come across as either.

I will admit I have written in a sarcastic tone at times. I also write from the heart. I have scribbled down words that can be considered a serious nature, and I have also approached topics in a way that could maybe be considered comedy. Mostly, I write what I feel and I write because that is what I like to do.

However, if you find my writing is not very profound or if you think I have a lot to learn, feel free to think it, but leave it out of the comment section. If you do feel the need to tell me this, I will approve them, but I will also rebut your comment. If you can dish it out, be prepared to take it back. I refuse to say anything negative, so ultimately, the only person you are hurting is yourself.

So, after this incident, I hope people remember this is a community. We are all writers and we should all be treated with respect. This is not the place to start arguments. It is also not the place to downgrade other writers. We are each special and each talented.

But if you are going to leave something negative, keep it in the realms of constructive criticism. That way we can all benefit. Otherwise, leave the negative comment. I don't mind. That way we can all laugh at you! Your insults mean very little to me when it comes from hiding behind a computer screen!

Disclaimer: This attack is true in nature. However, I will not reveal the fellow hubbers name because I don’t feel like I should draw attention to them. They don’t deserve it.