Friday, May 2, 2008

Ambivalence is the Best Revenge

Have you ever written a post, one you were proud of, and were disappointed to find no comments? When I first starting blogging, I had to create another identity, just to test out my comment section. It was a good day if I received one remark, even if it was Kenny Surtani telling me where I can buy handmade suits for less. Even now, I am extremely grateful if I get more than 3 comments on a post. More than 5 comments make me feel like a rock star. I don't know what I would do if I ever exceed my all-time high of 15 ( from a blog-hopping party).


I haven't seen a Troll since I was a child.
What are these Trolls I hear talk of? I have heard mention of marauding bands of naysayers and cyber-bullies that lurk in the blogosphere. They lie in wait to attack innocent and unsuspecting bloggers. Lately I've come across several posts where maligned posters direct attention to an offending missive. I take the bait and follow the link to view what the hack journalists and their commenters have to say. Pumped up and prepared to help out a fellow blogger, I end up disappointed.

Any attention, even negative, is better than none. Directed to a post I never would have normally come across, I am helping draw attention and boost ratings to an undeserving blog. I am left to wonder, who benefits from this? Certainly not me. Nor the cause I wanted to help.

Ambivalence is the best revenge.
Sometimes it is better to ignore bad behavior as opposed being drawn into an argument. Attention is like oxygen for the fires of controversy, fueling the flames. If you cut-off the "air-supply" by not paying attention, the inferno will die out. Often, after living well and looking good, ambivalence is the best revenge. I'm still working on the first two!...

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm working on the first 2 as well. Great advice, Momma! Happy Weekend!

Tara R. said...

Fortunately I haven't fallen victim to any trolls, hopefully never will. I do agree that by ignoring them will draw less attention to them, attention they are obviously seeking. Great post.

4funboys said...

I...think your blog is great- reagardless of the # comments.

ps... the egg shells work! When I get a chance... I'm posting a pix.

Bad Momma said...

Awesome! Glad to hear the eggshells worked. I forgot to also mention a pie tin with about 1/4 in of beer ( if Tony will spare some). Give him a can ( or bottle) with his next egg salad sandwich. Can't wait to see photos.

Thanks for the blog-love. I was inspired by some bloggers complaining about trolls. I am happy with my friends! It's "quality" not "quantity"

Joeprah said...

I am always wondering, "What do I need to do to get people to comment?" I mean some blogs post a photo and 5 words and get 27 comments. I write, what I think are, well thought posts with animated gifs, movies, and all sorts of photoshopped goodies only to get maybe a dozen posts. Not to mention I frequent over 125 blogs on a semi-daily basis. What gives? I am not sure why I get comments when I do, and why I don't get comments. This is something that confounds me.

I think I am guilty of the last two, If I see injustice in bloggy land I speak up thus bringing attention to those I feel are doing something negative. I hardly shut up, even in blog land so ambivalence is hard for me. I am not sure if it fits my personality at all.

You be awesome, don't sweat the comments or at least we can be each others support group. ;)