To delete or not to delete? That is the question?
I run a number of blogs, for myself and for clients, and participate in a few others, such as this one.
And for the main part they tick along nicely – I write about what I know on my own blog, and what I’ve been briefed about on my clients’ blogs, monitor and reply to the comments and everything is fine.
But occasionally something happens that makes me stop and think (granted, not very often!)
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Such a thing happened yesterday when someone posted a rather unfounded accusation on my own blog, which initially made me angry and then more resigned as the day went by.
I don’t mind people disagreeing with me, I don’t mind people with alternate points of view, but I do mind blatant trolling, especially done under an assumed name and making a pretty dodgy accusation.
So what to do? The commmenter himself said ‘I bet you edit / delete this’ – and to be honest deleting it would have been the easiest thing to do. No one would see it, no one would wonder if it were true and no one would be any the wiser.
However, I chose to leave it and respond (I hope) rationally and calmly.
So it begs the question, what should you do on YOUR blog if someone attacks you / disagrees with you / posts spammy links etc?
Of course you should all have your own policy on this, but to my mind, unless a comment is blatantly spam and left only to get links, then it should stand.
There’s nothing to be gained by editing or deleting – in fact it can make you look stupid and defensive when there is no need.
If it’s an opposing point of view then great – blogs are there to generate debate, aren’t they? You’re going to look better by putting your side across in an intelligent manner than you are by deleting a comment and risking the commenter telling others what you did.
An out and out attack? Leave it – answer calmly and rationally and the commenter looks worse than you do.
A competitor promoting their product or site? Personally I’d be tempted to leave that too – others can draw their own conclusions from your competitors’ behaviour.
I’d love to know your thoughts on blog commenting, and what YOU do when a blog gets a comment you weren’t expecting or didn’t like.
About Sarah ArrowSarah Arrow is the managing editor of Birds on the Blog, in real life she is the communications director of a same day courier service. She is an enthusiastic UK based pro-blogger and co- author of the soon to be published Zero to Blogger
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31 Responses to To delete or not to delete? That is the question?
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I read your blog regularly and as you may have noticed wrote a little piece aimed at this particular commentator!
I think you’re absolutely right to leave in any comments that are genuinely meant, even if they disagree with what you’re saying. In fact that is one aspect of blogging that differentiates it from most other forms of business communication – its interactivity and option for live debate – which makes it so much more interesting and true to real life.
But no-one is going to be fooled into taking seriously such spiteful or mischievous nonsense or blatant self-promotional comments that have little or nothing to do with the original topic. As you say, these only end up reflecting badly on their commentators.
I welcome all comments on my own blogs, although I am a bit stricter with CancerComicStrip as despite that being essentially humorous, the base premise is a very sensitive area and I’m careful to steer the humour away from anything potentially hurtful. Also being medical it attracts a fair share of comments promoting weird, wonderful and utterly unproven remedial advice and products, which I reject.
Keep up the good work, Nikki!
Twitter: SuzeStMWrites
I read your blog regularly and as you may have noticed wrote a little piece aimed at this particular commentator!
I think you’re absolutely right to leave in any comments that are genuinely meant, even if they disagree with what you’re saying. In fact that is one aspect of blogging that differentiates it from most other forms of business communication – its interactivity and option for live debate – which makes it so much more interesting and true to real life.
But no-one is going to be fooled into taking seriously such spiteful or mischievous nonsense or blatant self-promotional comments that have little or nothing to do with the original topic. As you say, these only end up reflecting badly on their commentators.
I welcome all comments on my own blogs, although I am a bit stricter with CancerComicStrip as despite that being essentially humorous, the base premise is a very sensitive area and I’m careful to steer the humour away from anything potentially hurtful. Also being medical it attracts a fair share of comments promoting weird, wonderful and utterly unproven remedial advice and products, which I reject.
Keep up the good work, Nikki!
Twitter: SuzeStMWrites
I would keep any comment. Stay composed and calm then reply if I felt offended. some times a provocative comment is a disguised blessing as it shows the concerned blog stir some thing, of course as long as its all done genuinely without any bad intention to demean or insult any body or group.
Blogs are good platform for people to share their views and to learn how to debate, disagree and stay respectful to each other.
Regards. S
I would keep any comment. Stay composed and calm then reply if I felt offended. some times a provocative comment is a disguised blessing as it shows the concerned blog stir some thing, of course as long as its all done genuinely without any bad intention to demean or insult any body or group.
Blogs are good platform for people to share their views and to learn how to debate, disagree and stay respectful to each other.
Regards. S
We keep all comments on here, open and transparent and if someone doesn’t like or doesn’t read properly what is said, then a discussion can open.
Open and personal attacks show more about the person making them than the person receiving them.
Unfounded comments at least give you the chance to respond to the person and get in touch, of course they may not bother – again a reflection on them.
We keep all comments on here, open and transparent and if someone doesn’t like or doesn’t read properly what is said, then a discussion can open.
Open and personal attacks show more about the person making them than the person receiving them.
Unfounded comments at least give you the chance to respond to the person and get in touch, of course they may not bother – again a reflection on them.
Spam? definitely. Competitors? It depends on the frequency. I went through a period when the same person, a direct competitor, was commenting on my blogs. Not undermining or contradicting me, but I got the definite feeling this person was piggy backing on my efforts.
Under those circumstances I felt that the same name coming up so often, and in such a blatant way, was upsetting the balance of the blog so I stopped approving the comments and they immediately stopped being posted.
I think it’s perfectly reasonably not to approve comments if the motivation for posting lacks integrity. Therefore, I wouldn’t approve the trolls either. I want a sensible dialogue on my blogs, not the type of thing where readers might be put off.
I agree – it’s all about the reader experience, so I don’t approve obvious spam or trolls but allow everything else. I don’t see much of a place for editing comments – maybe if they used sweary language.
Spam? definitely. Competitors? It depends on the frequency. I went through a period when the same person, a direct competitor, was commenting on my blogs. Not undermining or contradicting me, but I got the definite feeling this person was piggy backing on my efforts.
Under those circumstances I felt that the same name coming up so often, and in such a blatant way, was upsetting the balance of the blog so I stopped approving the comments and they immediately stopped being posted.
I think it’s perfectly reasonably not to approve comments if the motivation for posting lacks integrity. Therefore, I wouldn’t approve the trolls either. I want a sensible dialogue on my blogs, not the type of thing where readers might be put off.
I agree – it’s all about the reader experience, so I don’t approve obvious spam or trolls but allow everything else. I don’t see much of a place for editing comments – maybe if they used sweary language.
I agree with all the comments so far, but I think you have to be careful not end in a slanging match. As they say “Less is more”.
I agree with all the comments so far, but I think you have to be careful not end in a slanging match. As they say “Less is more”.
Much like other posters above have said, I will always remove (or simply not moderate) spam, but generally everything else is allowed through.
Note that some things which are innocuous fall into the ‘spam’ category for me (e.g: “Cool post thanks dude ” is clearly spam).
Apart from that I filter out anything potentially offensive to my audience (I feel responsible for material I permit on my sites / sites I manage).
I have permitted criticism, mildly cheeky posts from competitors in the past and so forth – and will most likely continue to do so. If you start censoring a blog too heavily you’ll stand a very small chance to attracting a following of posters to write comments for you!
Much like other posters above have said, I will always remove (or simply not moderate) spam, but generally everything else is allowed through.
Note that some things which are innocuous fall into the ‘spam’ category for me (e.g: “Cool post thanks dude ” is clearly spam).
Apart from that I filter out anything potentially offensive to my audience (I feel responsible for material I permit on my sites / sites I manage).
I have permitted criticism, mildly cheeky posts from competitors in the past and so forth – and will most likely continue to do so. If you start censoring a blog too heavily you’ll stand a very small chance to attracting a following of posters to write comments for you!
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I have chosen to not delete anything so far on my facbook fan page or you tube comments. I have found that generally negative comments can promote interesting debate. Sometimes if I leave it a few days before commenting , other people have a chance to make comments. I find this makes a more interesting blog than just me setting the agenda and controlling everything. Bring it on I say!
I have chosen to not delete anything so far on my facbook fan page or you tube comments. I have found that generally negative comments can promote interesting debate. Sometimes if I leave it a few days before commenting , other people have a chance to make comments. I find this makes a more interesting blog than just me setting the agenda and controlling everything. Bring it on I say!
Although an irritation (and if I had a blog) I would be inclined to leave anything legal there. It’s about whos reputation is hurt most, and the owner of the blog has a body of work behind them from where their reputation can be got, not just one responder’s comment.
Although an irritation (and if I had a blog) I would be inclined to leave anything legal there. It’s about whos reputation is hurt most, and the owner of the blog has a body of work behind them from where their reputation can be got, not just one responder’s comment.
It rather depends what they say and how they say it. If the comment contains expletives I would delete it immediately (I reckon most people would). I saw the comments that person left on your blog yesterday Nikki and I thought you dealt with them very professionally. At first I would have been tempted to delete it but on seeing the fact that he was challenging you to delete it I probably would have done the same as you and left it. Personally I think the commenter came off looking rather childish and silly anyway so I think you made the right decision. Even if you had deleted, in order to benefit psychologically from you deleting it, the commenter would have to break his anonymity in order to brag about it so either way I don’t think you could lose.
It rather depends what they say and how they say it. If the comment contains expletives I would delete it immediately (I reckon most people would). I saw the comments that person left on your blog yesterday Nikki and I thought you dealt with them very professionally. At first I would have been tempted to delete it but on seeing the fact that he was challenging you to delete it I probably would have done the same as you and left it. Personally I think the commenter came off looking rather childish and silly anyway so I think you made the right decision. Even if you had deleted, in order to benefit psychologically from you deleting it, the commenter would have to break his anonymity in order to brag about it so either way I don’t think you could lose.
It does depend on content – and where it is possible to define it, intent.
If it’s just a sarcy or snarcy comment it’s best to leave it as it shows the author up for the poor unfortunate that they are.
On the other hand – if it is edging towards legal areas of defamation it has to go – else legal action can ensue, especially where third parties are involved or could be identified from any content. Case Law exists that can leave you in trouble – and some have been known to abuse this for nefarious reasons.
There are those with “Issues” who do need attention. They will Seek It Out – Create It – Revel In it – and keep on going.
There is an increasing understanding and pool of knowledge of how those with Sociopathic tendencies – and even full blown Sociopathic Natures – will and do operate via the net.
The term Troll is not appropriate for these characters as they do not present in classic Troll Guise.
The Net Sociopath or even “Netopath” will play games across multiple net venues and even involve others as Lieutenants in what can be seen as Net Bullying and Mobbing . This tactic is used to side step T&Cs across multiple venues so that they stay just this side of both social and legal limits to be able to continue.
Opinion replaces facts – subjects are changed and added to to keep the subject away from their conduct – and the killer give away is if asked a direct question about what they had written or done there will be not answer – they can never account for their own actions. If they do not respond they will lurk seeking the opportunity to respond and attack later.
Law enforcement agencies world wide are playing catch up world wide on the nature of Harassment and illegality such Netopaths display and how they operate.
So to delete or not? If it’s a Sarcy/Snarcy incident – back it up and keep copies – preferably in a locked and password protected Pdf. Be careful how you respond as you may be opening up a Netopath control game and they always like to play Pied Piper and haver you following them across the net.
If it’s heading into legal realms on defamation do the same and record your reasons for removing it. If your dealing with a Netopath they may attempt to turn on you and claim you are abusing them and involved in defamation. Again Back it all up in Locked Pdf.
If you believe you are dealing with a Netopath, Back up everything across all net venues and keep it recorded – and on each occasion notify the owners of any service of breach of T&Cs – explain how their service is being abused for the Netopath’s amusement across multiple venues. If the Netopath starts to contact you or associates by multiple routes – call in the police and seek Harassment charges.
One thing to remember is that a Netopath does not think or feel like you – they are very different and “Your” thinking and feelings just get in the way. Whilst you attempt to understand the Netopath as a normal person you simply can’t and they retain control and enjoy your confusion.
This link provides a chilling insight into the nature of a Netopath – or Sociopath in everyday life.
http://www.cix.co.uk/~klockstone/spath.htm
If you end up dealing with a Netopath the secret is to recognise them early and don’t act or react as they expect.
It does depend on content – and where it is possible to define it, intent.
If it’s just a sarcy or snarcy comment it’s best to leave it as it shows the author up for the poor unfortunate that they are.
On the other hand – if it is edging towards legal areas of defamation it has to go – else legal action can ensue, especially where third parties are involved or could be identified from any content. Case Law exists that can leave you in trouble – and some have been known to abuse this for nefarious reasons.
There are those with “Issues” who do need attention. They will Seek It Out – Create It – Revel In it – and keep on going.
There is an increasing understanding and pool of knowledge of how those with Sociopathic tendencies – and even full blown Sociopathic Natures – will and do operate via the net.
The term Troll is not appropriate for these characters as they do not present in classic Troll Guise.
The Net Sociopath or even “Netopath” will play games across multiple net venues and even involve others as Lieutenants in what can be seen as Net Bullying and Mobbing . This tactic is used to side step T&Cs across multiple venues so that they stay just this side of both social and legal limits to be able to continue.
Opinion replaces facts – subjects are changed and added to to keep the subject away from their conduct – and the killer give away is if asked a direct question about what they had written or done there will be not answer – they can never account for their own actions. If they do not respond they will lurk seeking the opportunity to respond and attack later.
Law enforcement agencies world wide are playing catch up world wide on the nature of Harassment and illegality such Netopaths display and how they operate.
So to delete or not? If it’s a Sarcy/Snarcy incident – back it up and keep copies – preferably in a locked and password protected Pdf. Be careful how you respond as you may be opening up a Netopath control game and they always like to play Pied Piper and haver you following them across the net.
If it’s heading into legal realms on defamation do the same and record your reasons for removing it. If your dealing with a Netopath they may attempt to turn on you and claim you are abusing them and involved in defamation. Again Back it all up in Locked Pdf.
If you believe you are dealing with a Netopath, Back up everything across all net venues and keep it recorded – and on each occasion notify the owners of any service of breach of T&Cs – explain how their service is being abused for the Netopath’s amusement across multiple venues. If the Netopath starts to contact you or associates by multiple routes – call in the police and seek Harassment charges.
One thing to remember is that a Netopath does not think or feel like you – they are very different and “Your” thinking and feelings just get in the way. Whilst you attempt to understand the Netopath as a normal person you simply can’t and they retain control and enjoy your confusion.
This link provides a chilling insight into the nature of a Netopath – or Sociopath in everyday life.
http://www.cix.co.uk/~klockstone/spath.htm
If you end up dealing with a Netopath the secret is to recognise them early and don’t act or react as they expect.
I have had that said on my blog where i presented the reality of Fairtrade in Uganda, the preson felt that I had something to hide and challenged me to psot his comment which I did but he never came back.
I don’t approve obvious SPAM or those out to promote their work on my blog..go write your own I say..
I agree with you blogs are for encouranging debate and you can’t have a debate without opposing views
Twitter: ethnicsupplies
I have had that said on my blog where i presented the reality of Fairtrade in Uganda, the preson felt that I had something to hide and challenged me to psot his comment which I did but he never came back.
I don’t approve obvious SPAM or those out to promote their work on my blog..go write your own I say..
I agree with you blogs are for encouranging debate and you can’t have a debate without opposing views
Twitter: ethnicsupplies
Mostly I approve comments, providing they are polite and focus on the topic in hand. That includes people who disagree with me. However:
1) I delete spam comments and those from obvious anonymous trolls looking for backlinks and Google juice.
2) I also delete rude, impolite and obnoxious ad hominem comments.
Occasionally, I get bombarded with (2) from what I call the Dendreonites, middle aged men who don’t like my position on Dendreon’s Provenge vaccine. The rudeness and personal comments from them are particularly vicious and nasty. I reserve the right not to give them the attention they so obviously crave.
Twitter: maverickny
Mostly I approve comments, providing they are polite and focus on the topic in hand. That includes people who disagree with me. However:
1) I delete spam comments and those from obvious anonymous trolls looking for backlinks and Google juice.
2) I also delete rude, impolite and obnoxious ad hominem comments.
Occasionally, I get bombarded with (2) from what I call the Dendreonites, middle aged men who don’t like my position on Dendreon’s Provenge vaccine. The rudeness and personal comments from them are particularly vicious and nasty. I reserve the right not to give them the attention they so obviously crave.
Twitter: maverickny
I wish I had that problem – I don’t get enough comments to worry about it!
Like most people here (everyone?) I’d let things stand so long as they weren’t blatant spam etc. I’d be inclined to edit out offensive language with a note saying I’d done it, not the poster, so that everything was transparent though – am I alone in that?
S
Twitter: presentations
PS: Do people take different approaches for blogs with NOFOLLOW to those without it?
Twitter: presentations
I wish I had that problem – I don’t get enough comments to worry about it!
Like most people here (everyone?) I’d let things stand so long as they weren’t blatant spam etc. I’d be inclined to edit out offensive language with a note saying I’d done it, not the poster, so that everything was transparent though – am I alone in that?
S
Twitter: presentations
PS: Do people take different approaches for blogs with NOFOLLOW to those without it?
Twitter: presentations