This may sound crazy coming from a
person who is perceived to be a social media professional and
aficionado. But I'm tired of social media. It makes people forget to be nice.
When did people stop being nice?
I think social media killed nice
feedback. Hear me out.
When we like something now (whether it
be a “Facebook like” or just a like like), we share it. We
“Facebook like” it, or share it on Twitter, email links, etc. But
do we ever bother to stop and leave a nice comment for the author
anymore? Or are the comments sections of online posts reserved for
arguments and nasty responses?
There does seem to be an exception when
it comes to blogs, I admit. Maybe that is because of the more
personal nature of blogging, and the connection readers feel to the
blogger. But when it comes to professional writing, does anyone ever
feel compelled to leave a positive comment? Or do they “share” it
now?
Of course, sharing a well-liked article
with your friends is the ultimate compliment to a writer. But
unfortunately, the writer will likely never know that it was shared
with others. The writer only sees the negative feedback that was
left, oftentimes ripping the writer to pieces.
Sure, yes, I am a writer, with 1-3
pieces published online every day, so I am writing this from a personal place
of exhaustion and rejection. I've had my fill this week with negative
feedback that professional conduct prohibits me from addressing. But
oh, how very badly I wish I could respond to some of these people and
correct their judgments and condemnation. But alas, I shall not.
(For an example of completely wrong
judgments, check out Buy
Gun Stocks When a Democrat is in Office. The comment, “this is
just another Ron Paul plug by a disgruntled Republican” deserves,
nay, begs for correction.)
I'm not writing this as a plea for
positive feedback. I'm jaded enough to weather the storms that blow
my way. I write about divisive subjects (stock market, finances,
religion, and politics), I have it coming. If I don't irritate a few
people, I'm probably not doing my job well.
But I do write this on behalf of other
writers. The world of writing is anything but fun. You invest your
heart and soul into everything you do. Every piece of work (yes, even
the ones about the stock market) is personal. Next time you like
something you read, don't just “like” it online. Leave a comment
and support the writer- the underpaid, hard-working, oft-maligned
writer. Tell the the writer you appreciate the perspective, the
analysis, or even just the fact that they looked into the subject.
Otherwise, the writer may never know he or she did a good job, and
will be left with nothing but the negative feedback to gauge the
success of his or her career.
Erin Ann, just wanted to let you know that I enjoy reading your writings. You have the ability to capture the reader's attention and I even find myself at times reading your articles about the stock market, something I really know nothing about nor has it been that interesting to me. Thank you for the hard work you put in to capture my attention as a reader. Not an easy feat.
ReplyDeletethe nature of public writing is that you will receive more negative than positive remarks. Sorry. That is just the way putting yourself out into the public works For writers and speakers. I do agree that there is a number of inter-net media commentors(is that a word) that seem to wander around the blogs and write nasty, ill-thought out comments. Probably the same people who yell crudities at speakers. It's hard when you put so much of your personality into your writing but don't take it personal. Just a thought, you are not required to read any of these negative remarks just delete.
ReplyDelete