A friend is going through an issue that I believe is becoming more common. He wrote on a forum that we both frequent that someone he actually knows is trying to “call him out” on something using blog posts and comments rather than going direct.
Is this something you have seen before? I have, and more often recently.
Rather than sort out the issue (which is, as usual a simple misunderstanding) via email or contact form, the person in question has left accusatory and inflammatory comments.
Now perhaps there is some logic to going the indirect route, when someone makes a critical post because they have no direct contact with the person, but when they know the target of their anger/confusion/jealousy, surely the first thought is to get in contact with them?
This leads me to believe that rather than a change of behavior (which is the stated goal), the attacker is going after making the blogger either step down or shamed.
If I didn’t offer a solution then I guess this post would be kind of hypocritical, after all I am in a way calling out someone for their bad behavior :)
- If you have a problem with someone then contact them about their behavior – Not an attack on the person but point out the behavior and why you have an issue with it.
- Sometimes we think that somethign is written about us when in fact it isn’t, which of course some bloggers count on so they can say what they think with plausible denyability, so make sure before you take action.
- When someone is visibly hounding you then they obviously want attention, either from you or your audience, don’t give them the venue to talk to your audience, take it offline and contact them directly
- At some point you either have to decide the issue is done or walk away, don’t get heated or escalate, and never make it personal. Discuss don’t argue. Say your piece and leave it.
I guess this kind of thing is a symptom of bloggers being used to expressing their thoughts and having a safe and remote way to do it, but it can cause more pain than I think people realize.
Has this kind of thing happened to someone you know? Please share in the comments …
