This post is inspired by Barbara Todaro's post Have You Lost Your Blogging Virginity ....
Writing our first post can be very intimidating for some people. I know it was for me. There are some mighty big fish in the sea of the ActiveRain community. It's easy to default to believing that we cannot measure up to them or that we will never grow as big as they are.
If someone leaves a comment that you find offensive or otherwise inappropriate ... let me introduce you to the DELETE button. Hover your mouse over the comment box and the "Delete" "Report" and "Comment" links will appear.
It is your Blog! Feel free to Delete an unwanted comment. If it's spam, for example, someone selling knock-off Gucci bags with links back to the website, I recommend you Report it. By reporting it, the ActiveRain staff will manage it possibly blocking the IP address.
This may or may not apply to newbie members as much as others. One thing to consider when reading a comment on a post or answer to a question is the relationship the commenter may have with the poster. This is something you likely may not know anything about.
There are countless offline hours spent on the phone and exchanging emails between members of this community and true friendships are formed.
There are "private jokes" "ribbing" and "bantering" between members in comments that are truly intended for the poster or commenter. These comments may easily be taken out of context by a reader simply because the comment is being read through different eyes from a different perspective.
It has happened with me. I've left a ribbing comment intended only for the poster. One or more members read my comment and perceives it as an attack. If that happens, I feel the best course of action, for me, may be to delete the comment and apologize. Sometimes things get more muddled when we attempt to explain them.
As Barbara states in her post: "The so called “seasoned members” who not only slap you in the face, but they kick you in the ass, too!!!"
Things are not always as they appear. That said, don't be confused by a balls out snarky, crappy comment that is personal and attacking on ones character. I've seen them and I am appalled by them.
I believe if it continues, those people will not be long for the Active Rain community. The natives will get restless and band-together in arms to ensure those folks are removed. Such bedlam is not welcome in this community.
Bottom Line: If you need help with crap comments on your post, reach out to an Ambassador for help or send Barbara Todaro an email. In her own words, she is serious about defending newbie members.
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