Comments on: What if an A-List Blogger Decides to Take You Down?

By: John

John — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:39:53 +0000

I completely agree. Those “attacked” or criticized do “have ample opportunity to defend themselves. That is why it is important for the blog author to present the truth which will ultimately serve to justify their criticisms. Without a factual foundation, allegations amount to heresay and may even constitute slander. I also believe that those who are the subject of criticism should respond with facts that dispell the blog author’s allegations.

Ultimately, a channel of communication might be established through which an exchange of ideas and suggestions may occur. If the blog author is attempting to expose wrong doing, then the ultimate hope may be that a remedy will occur which will ameliorate those problems posted in the blog by its author.

By: ravi

ravi — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:01:31 +0000

The beauty of new media is that those attacked have ample opportunity to defend themselves, especially through comments on the subject blog attacking them. If done properly (h/t to Writer Dad), the 2 (or more) sides of the story are revealed and the event is put in a context where folks can form their own opinions. And this is exactly what the First Amendment is all about– the free and open discourse of all ideas and opinions, in the belief that Truth is forged from this often fiery furnace. The darker underbelly of this new media is the same found on the old– censorship

By: john

john — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 01:59:35 +0000

I agree, that if possible, talk about the issue first with the party you may think is culpable. Of course the exception to this is if you know that the other party will not be open to an exchange or may retaliate, then of course, start a blog. See what happens.

By: sbpark1

sbpark1 — Fri, 15 May 2009 23:53:45 +0000

Thank you for this post. I’m afraid though, to echo Diogenes of Pasadena (44), you don’t even have to be an a-list blogger to do major damage. I think that small scale negative blogging can easily grow into a movement of distrust (in a brand or organization) that can realize serious problems.

Also, well-written doesn’t necessarily mean truthful. Events, especially personal events, go through the lens of personal interpretation and therefore suffer the potential of being false accusations. This merely builds on the thoughts of Jeff Kear (40)

My interest in this topic started because the organization i am currently working with is under some negative press from a small group of bloggers who are unwilling to talk things out in a reasonable manner. Further their anonymity frustrates the process of getting truth out into the open. Their work discredits our organization’s work and causes people who were dealing with us to go elsewhere, though they may not have personally verified the claims of these bloggers. It is a difficult and draining process, to say the least.

The heart of man, strangely, seems to find negativity easier to believe and harder to forget.

By: Strip Business 4-27-09 | Strip News | ArtPatient.com | ArtPatient.com

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:02:44 +0000

[...] against other people they don’t like. I’m sure some thought there was nothing to it but we all don’t always use our powers for good, do we? I’d say that sort of thing happens more often than we first assume; when someone [...]

By: REW Blogs Ryland

REW Blogs Ryland — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:05:27 +0000

“The beauty of the blogosphere is that anyone can share their opinion, but it really is important — particularly for top bloggers — to exercise responsibility and set an example of what good blogging means.”

Well said CDot.

Pick what seem to be the ‘right’ fights and do it for the ‘right’ reasons (i.e./ not always traffic or revenue motivated). Jason had every right to be upset and used his blog as a means of reaching out. He was fortunate that the offending firm was willing to listen and talk, as this isn’t always the case.

Anyway, be a good Netizen and use some discretion. Someone is always watching…

By: Making Negative Press, Flame Wars and Attacks Work For You

Making Negative Press, Flame Wars and Attacks Work For You — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:40:19 +0000

[...] some comment etiquette tips recently and last week Copyblogger had a post seemingly designed to talk people off the blog rant ledge. That’s all very nice and valuable but they both lose sight of two important laws of the [...]

By: CDot

CDot — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:29:40 +0000

Excellent points. The beauty of the blogosphere is that anyone can share their opinion, but it really is important — particularly for top bloggers — to exercise responsibility and set an example of what good blogging means.

http://www.wordpress.com/cshaner

By: Diogenes of Pasadena

Diogenes of Pasadena — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 05:44:18 +0000

You don’t even have to be an all powerful blogger.

Sometimes just having a mission and a voice is enough to get noticed and build momentum.

A pissed off employee or member started a blog about the illegal things happening at their credit union. Because of it, every employee knows about and contributes to it to expose their CEO and board and their questionable activities.

Now the federal agencies in charge of oversite are beginning their investigation (according to the blog). All because one person had something to say that mattered.

http://priorityonecu.blogspot.com/

By: LoneWolf

LoneWolf — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 22:24:17 +0000

Great article. I think that one of the reasons that this hasn’t been a major issue is that the people who become A-Listers have the restraint built in. This is part of what allows them to become an A Lister.

As blogs become more mainstream this may change as the audience becomes more mainstream and some may begin to pander to the baser elements of society.

It is worth thinking about what mechanisms can be in place to help in these situations.