Do You Fight Back in the Your Comments Section?

1. 78

   EricDockettposted 5 years ago

   I have a lot of top 10 articles on this account and others where I give my educated opinion on the best "whatevers". I get a fair number of comments that basically say, "You (or your article) are useless because you didn't include (this person or thing that I like) on your list. Blah Blah Blah! Anger Anger Anger!"
   
   Usually I just laugh it off, especially when the thing they thought merited inclusion is just so obscure. And I can't include everything in the world on my lists.
   
   I post their comment and let them have their say, as long as they aren't too harsh with their language.
   
   But sometimes they are being unfair and I feel like blasting back at them. Again, I usually refrain. It feels like punching down somehow.
   
   What do you do? Do you fight back against people in the comments or let it slide? Do you post comments that unfairly blast you or delete them?
   
   Just curious about how other writers handle it.
   
   Edit: Just realized my title is goofy. Maybe staff can fix it because apparently I can't edit it. Sorry.

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      Will Apseposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      I have forgotten them within a second of hitting delete.

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      samanthacubbisonposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      Lol! Sorry Eric, but I can't change the title!
      
      I often find that even trying to educate people (instead of retaliating) ends in more backlash, so I just ignore those comments. People are going to have opinions. Though if you were reciting your list in front of someone, I doubt they would start rubbing your face in those opinions.
      
      And as Paul said, it's always good to keep an open mind when people are trying to have an actual conversation or provide some constructive feedback.

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      1. 78

         EricDockettposted 5 years agoin reply to this

         The thing is, some of my articles on my other account are the equivalent of "Top 10 Flavors of Ice Cream" and some people react strongly because I don't mention Butter Rum Pecan Swirl. I can't even try to educate them. It's just an opinion based on my experience which I thought they might find helpful. Why get worked up over it? LOL!
         
         The internet is an odd place.

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            samanthacubbisonposted 5 years agoin reply to this

            Lol. What some people choose to invest their time in.

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   3. 68

      Sherry Hewinsposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      I have a lot of lists of ten songs, or musicians. People often pipe in with their favorites. I just thank them for the recommendation and say my list is obviously not a list of every great song or artist.
      
      I had more of a problem with people getting argumentative in questions, and I ended up stopping those.
      
      One person told me my list was predictable, so I said "OK, where's your list?" That's about as confrontational as I've gotten.

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2. 69

   PaulGoodman67posted 5 years ago

   I never fight back. I approve a critical comment as long as it is substantive, but I pretty much never reply nowadays. Sometimes other readers fight on my behalf in the comments section, which is interesting. I think the author getting embroiled can seem unprofessional, if you aren't careful. It can also be a bit of a time waster in my opinion.
   
   Though I don't get involved, I don't actually mind controversial comments that spark an argument because it can mean a boost in views.
   
   If it's just puerile nonsense or a brief exclamation, such as "this is bullsh*t"  then I just delete it.
   
   My most controversial article is probably "Reasons to Not Have a Pet Cat". I mean lots of people get pets with no ideas of the duties, challenges and no idea of how to look after them, so it seems reasonable to point out things like the fact that you will need to clean out the litter tray. Many commenters take the view that I am a cat hater or dog fanatic, neither of which is true. Anyway, I just approve the comments and carry on with my day. I have developed a thick skin from being here.
   
   While I'm here, the other type of hub that confuses people is pros and cons lists. Some people assume that it is some sort of opinion piece rather than just a list of benefits/positives/arguments in favor, and a list of negatives/arguments against. Pros and cons lists are essentially just aids to critical thinking, that's all. But I been accused of all sorts of things just for listing them. It can seem unfair if you are accused of having a belief or opinion that in reality runs counter to your own, but at least it shows that you've been fairly successful at being neutral in tone if that happens! Again, I don't reply.
   
   One more thing, I think it's also important to keep an open mind with critical comments, because readers can occasionally point out genuine errors, which I see as useful, rather than problematic.

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   1. 78

      EricDockettposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      It does seem oddly petty when authors fight back, doesn't it? Like you, I never mind disagreement or a thoughtful counter argument but I agree that it isn't productive to wade into the muck.

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         mcgreg28posted 5 years agoin reply to this

         What Paul says lol. Hey, at least the critic read your article.

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3. 99

   DrMark1961posted 5 years ago

   I get an occassional "You are an idiot. MY vet said (the opposite of what I have said)" No problem. At least that idiot has read my article, and may think about it later.
   I just delete and go on with my life. I never bother to argue (well, at least on this site).

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4. 65

   Glenn Stokposted 5 years ago

   Those that offer an alternative viewpoint are fine, and I approve those. But if they come across as a troll, or someone who wants to start an argument, I delete it and I don’t engage.

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      EricFarmer8xposted 5 years agoin reply to this

      I do not see something like this as being productive so I wouldn't argue with people in comments. If they have a good point to make I will publish the comment and maybe give one response that would be able it.

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5. 62

   CYong74posted 5 years ago

   If it's a nasty or nonsensical comment, I deliver a one-shot killing blow. DELETE.

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