Nasty Comments

By Shannon Gurnee
In Blogging Randomness
March 10, 2010
43 Comments
3202 Views

 Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory

This morning, I was talking to another blogger online. She is a wonderful person who works really hard to promote her blog and make it the best that she can. She was telling me about a site that we both belong to – Top Mommy Blogs. As many of your know, I work really hard to promote my site on Top Mommy Blogs. Apparently, for the first time I am discovering that you can leave comments on the site you vote for.

She discovered that someone left her a comment saying she didn’t deserve the position she was in just because of her giveaways. First of all, that is rude to say to anybody. Secondly, that is really rude to say to a mom who is busting her hump and spending time, energy, and often times money to give you the opportunity to win something – free of charge!!!

I spent some time consoling her and then became curious as to who left comments on my site and how they rated it. I found one comment that gave me a 1/10 rating – what the heck? Here is the comment the person left, “I’m surprised that this blogger is #5! Not impressed at all with the way she runs her site.” I looked up the name on my comments for my blog and only one person matches this name – it’s not a name like John or Jennifer. This person has only left comments on my personal posts. So I’m not sure why they would have left a comment like this?

I tried to not be irritated by it, but now I’m blogging about it, so it must have irritated me enough. First of all, I work my rear end off on my blog. And yes, sometimes it takes a little while to get back to people via email.  I don’t always get to respond to personal comments, but I sure try to.  Ask many of my readers.  That is something I find important – to build a relationship with the people who visit my site.  If someone leaves a comment on a personal post, I try my best to respond.  I know how it feels to follow a blog you love, leave tons of comments, and never hear anything from the blogger.  I still get that with bloggers I know.  I try to be different though.  I work hard to create a site that is family friendly, personal, and has topics that others (hopefully) can relate to.

I appreciate all of the positive and uplifting comments left. Word to the wise. Realize that your comments are read by somebody and most likely will affect that person in one way or another. I’ve talked to bloggers whose feelings were hurt by mean comments, sometimes leading to tears. If you can’t say anything nice, you have 2 options. (1) Stop visiting the blog or (2) don’t say anything at all!

About Has 6454 Posts

Shannon Gurnee is the author of Redhead Mom formerly "The Mommy-Files", a national blog with a loyal following. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development with a Minor in Business Management. Shannon and her husband, Frank, have a large family with 6 awesome kids and love living on the Central Coast near San Luis Obispo, California, as well as traveling around the world. A full-time Social Media and Professional Blogger, Shannon also serves as a National Brand Ambassador for many well-known companies. Her blog focuses on motherhood, family fun activities, traveling, fashion, beauty, technology, wedding ideas and recipes while providing professional opinions on products, performances, restaurants, and a variety of businesses.

43 Responses to “Nasty Comments”

  1. Shauna says:

    I totally agree with this post 110%! I just DO NOT understand or get why some people are so rude! We should all be here to uplift and support each other not leave rude comments and low ratings! Shannon I love you and your blog and want to thank you for all you do! You truly are awesome! Love and warm Hugs to you my precious friend 🙂

  2. I agree. Imagine what better place the world would be if people stopped being rude and attacking one another. There’s just no sense in it. Keep up your awesome work, Shannon. I truly enjoy your blog and appreciate the work you put into it. And hopefully you’ll receive and feel an outpouring of love from bloggers who follow you. I think you rock!

  3. Lin says:

    I completely agree with you! I’m so surprised that someone would leave such a negative comment about you/your blog. Just in the few months I’ve been following I can tell you put a lot of time & effort into it to make it enjoyable for us (your readers). Shame on that person & anyone else who decides to say anything nasty, havent they heard of ‘if you have nothing nice to say, then dont say anything at all’?

  4. Cindy says:

    If it helps, I think yours is one of the best mom blogs out there! Some people are only happy if they’re complaining. Don’t let it bother you. You’re awesome!

  5. Jennifer M says:

    Either the person has no idea what goes into blog or jealousy. I agree with Cindy some people are only happy conplaining. I know stuff like that bothers everyone, but as long as you are doing your best and happy in your heart, I wouldn’t give it another thought.

  6. The Gosfam says:

    You go Shannon!! I want my blog to run like yours someday. You are GREAT!!

  7. pixie13 says:

    Some people have nothing better to do with their time than be ugly to others. You obviously work very hard on your blog & I can’t imagine why anyone would have something nasty to say about it except out of jealousy. Try to take it as a sign you’re doing well. The blog trolls only come out when people are successful.

  8. Barbara M says:

    Shannon, I’m a dedicated fan of your blog.
    You do such a great job!!
    Why some people need to rude, who knows?

  9. Danielle says:

    So sorry you had to come across this. It is no fun when people are rude, for no apparent reason. On a lighter note, I love reading your blog. Keep it up!

  10. Sarah G. says:

    I don’t understand that at all – you do a GREAT job with your blog! I always enjoy your posts, both giveaways and personal. And you’re friendly and write well! Just ignore that rude commenter.

  11. Heidi V. says:

    I’m a lurker, I don’t agree with the comments left on that site. Comments can make your day or drive you to tears either way people should realize that their is a person who is making a great effort to keep a blog going, if you don’t like it, look to the right see the red X and find another blog. I see no reason to hurt someone who is doing a great job! BTW, Keep up the great job you do, brush off your keyboard and keep the great post coming and let no comment upset you it’s not worth it.

  12. Brittany says:

    I wish I would have left a comment when I left you a rating of 10. Your blog is the only blog I visit on a regular basis. Yes, you do have great giveaways but even if you didn’t I would still read your posts. I love how I can get a good idea of your personality through your topics and discussions. If I don’t like someones blog I don’t visit it. I’ve always believed that mean people are the ones with the problem, not the ones they choose to be mean to.

  13. Deanna U says:

    Some people do not understand the time and dedication it takes to run a successful blog. Not only do some of us have other jobs, but we are also mothers, wives, maids, chefs, etc at home. People who have a problem should really keep it to themselves and move on. Pretty sad, I am sorry you have to deal with this.

  14. cheryl c. says:

    It is hard not to feel hurt by negative comments. I have found that some people just go through life being negative. We probably all know someone who complains and looks for the worst in everything. I think that people like this must be either insecure or just plain unhappy. It is best for you to try not to think about the negative comments, but instead, focus on the positive. There are many of us who enjoy and appreciate your blog! 🙂

  15. I think you are fab!

    I can’t believe anyone would say that about you! Well… some people just have too much time on their hands.

    Not that I can say much, I’m pretty sure I blog hop too much! 🙂

  16. You go girl!

    I hate nasty commentators; especially the ones who generalize and assume they know everything about you.

    One particular one left on my blog, stated that I was only blogging to get free stuff for my family. Excuse me? Did this man have any idea how much time and effort I put into blogging? And did he happen to go through my reviews, and see that the majority of them are for things that I PERSONALLY BOUGHT MYSELF? Then the guy didn’t even have the cojones to leave his e-mail address, so I could reply and give him a piece of my mind. The guy was obviously not a parent, either.

    And you do ask a great question… why are they on your blog in the first place, if they don’t enjoy the content?

    Keep up the fabulous blogging, and don’t let one bugger get you down 🙂

    Faye @ GreenOrganicMama.com

  17. Lindsay says:

    I also agree with this post. I really like your blog and I’m sorry to hear that people say such hurtful things. Just know that you can’t make everyone happy 100% of the time. Just do what makes you happy and what makes you proud of yourself and your blog. 🙂

  18. Oh wow – I had no idea they could even leave comments…that is not necessarily a good thing – they can bash anyone. Your site is amazing, and I don’t know why anyone felt the need to leave such a terrible comment. They were most likely jealous…plain and simple.

  19. Shellie says:

    I’ve only been following you for a short time but I want you to know that I really enjoy your site. I read things out loud to my dogs and cats and they seem to like the rythm of your writing. 🙂 Keep up the great work. The person who left the nasty comment probably doesn’t have a life so needs to make others as miserable as he or she is.

  20. Jessie C. says:

    Ignore them, do not let rude and nasty comments ruin your day, Shannon. Among all mom bloggers, you are one of the most responsive, responsible and friendly in my book. I appreciate a lot and love how you take time sharing thoughts, ideas, deals, and recipes with us. It takes passion and one sincere heart to keep all these together, kudos to you! We love you!

  21. Cake Mom says:

    I love your blog! There are always going to be nasty heartless people in this world. You do not write your blog for them. You write for yourself and for those who love your blog!

  22. Aisling says:

    The fact is that there are just people out there who are negative and unhappy and get some perverse pleasure out of hurting someone else. It’s awfully hard to ignore them, but I try to remember that I’d much rather deal with them than be them and have to live with that attitude all the time.

  23. Gina yengel says:

    So the best advice I could give is simple…consider the source…I had a similar experience in my own life, and it is an unpleasant experience to say the least..I started a local homeschool meetup group where parents along with their children could share ideas, lesson plans, etc..I also scheduled regular meetup’s @ my home (and also at my expense) to further our children’s learning..Often I would have “field trips” at my house where I would hire people to come to teach the kids about animals, recycling, science etc…These were hands on events, I learned quickly that people are rarely grateful for effort put in by others, and frankly just don’t care, as long as they can show up (or in your case click on) and everything is there waiting for them. the women in my group started gossiping about me @ my own house..LOL..I realized it is what it is…take it from where it comes & know you are a better, and bigger person for not being that way..I also have to mention that in my opinion people that are so quick to pass judgements are generally just bitter because they lack the creativity, ingenuity, and actual perserverance to make something work…In my eyes you are doing an awesome job..Thank you for sharing..

  24. Jennifer B says:

    I come across blogs due to giveaways, but if I really like the blog I will comment and actually read the blog. I have found your blog to be one of the most inviting and interesting. I really like your non-giveaway posts. And I like that you make all your readers feel included. there are always the negative people. And really I feel sorry for them. Walking around always trying to tear down others.

    *hug*

  25. Auriette says:

    Some of these nasty comments may be made out of jealousy. To you, you are an ordinary mom, working hard. To someone else, though, you’re a bit of a celebrity. You get opportunities that a lot of other people don’t get because you’re a top blogger. With that “status” comes resentment from some people. I know it’s really hard not to take comments like that personally, but try not to dwell on it. It probably really has nothing to do with you or how you run your blog.

  26. Amy says:

    Like all the other ladies here I totally support you. I love your blog and appreciate the time and effort you put into hosting giveaways. People can get so wrapped up in their version of what a person “should” do. For example you “should” only use a blog to journal. Blogging is so much more than that! It can be anything you make it. I love the support, information, and yes the free goodies I get from your blog and others like it. If that isn’t what this woman is looking for then she should find herself other blogs that only focus on journaling. If her comments continue I would consider banning her from your site. There is enough nastiness in this world without letting it infiltrate this amazing support network. Lets all pray for this woman. She certainly needs it.

  27. Christina says:

    Shannon, I just love your blog. You totally rock! To the people making the nasty comments: ” weren’t you ever taught that if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say it”? Apparently not. God help you and the people that have to deal with you on a daily basis.

  28. Christine says:

    I just left a long comment on somone’s blog saying the same thing because she was hurt by negative comments regarding her birth story. Her birth story….it doesn’t get more personal than that so how could a reader even be in a position to negatively comment on something that is unique to each mother? Whatever happened to if you don’t have anything nice to say to not say anything at all. I honestly think people are just trying to get attention that they must lask in other parts of their lives. My blog is new so I have not gotten any negative comments but if I do I am going to try my best to just feel bad for the commenter because they must just be an unhappy person if they are seeking attention and conflict on people’s blogs.

    You know I love your site! 🙂 I will be proud if mine turns out to be half as good as yours!!!

  29. Alot of people are just jealous. It makes them mad that your site is sooooooo much better then any they have. Dont let them bother you. Your true followers and friends are right here!!!!

    Sarah

  30. *LyndiLou* says:

    I haven’t been around as much lately… but I will always always love you and your site! You’ve always been very sweet and you have awesome posts and giveaways! I know you’ve taken time to get to know me personally and that’s GOT to be hard with a fan club as big as yours! 😉 Keep up the good work… and good luck in forgetting the rotten words of a grouch!

  31. The Worthys says:

    I love your Blog!! You always have FUN Giveaways (Even though I have not WON…I still try?) and Fun ideas to do with our family and kids. Thanks a Bunch…Keep up the good work 🙂

  32. Michelle says:

    I do not understand how people can leave hurtful comments as if they do not realize there are any repercussions. You do fabulous and you run your blog very well and professionally. I personally do not think it is very fair to offer extra entries to gain votes, but I would never degrade anyone who chooses to do so. They work equally as hard on their blog. Hosting giveaways is not easy and it is very time consuming! People need to start showing some respect!

  33. Badger Mom says:

    I actually saw that comment when I was trying to figure out how to vote for you (before you told me it was just a static click on the icon!). I just ignored it thinking it was one of the many lurkers out there that have nothing better to do than be jealous of someone else’s success. It’s the like the folks that put really terrible reviews up on Amazon just because THEY didn’t like something about a product. Perhaps the book cover wasn’t the exact shade of blue they were expecting because of the color details on their own monitor, etc. Granted, these people are putting comments up with no thought whatsoever that they’re being hurtful to a REAL person behind a blog that is worked on with great effort and time. But it all amounts to the same thing. Some people are jerks. Unfortunately, you can’t change that. There will always be jerks out there. I just hope that karma comes around and bites them in the caboose one day.

    Shannon, you’re great. Your blog is great. What you do is great. Your family is great. All your hard work and effort on other sites – just great! Just ignore the idiot. Not worth your time. We all love you! 🙂

  34. Lauralee Hensley says:

    I agree. Why do people even keep coming to a blog that they don’t like.
    Yet, their are people out there that like to belittle or tear down others, just to
    somehow make themselves appear to be the bigger or better person.
    However, in reality they often do just the opposite.
    So, I’d like to say, I think you are doing a great job and I appreciate all the work
    you do on your blog and with the sponsors to bring us (your readers) great
    giveaway entry opportunities.
    Seems like this is getting to be a harder, colder, crueler world out there and it
    would be nice if especially women could build one another up, instead of
    trying to make each other cry or get even.

  35. I never understand why people leave rude comments either. Who has time for it? If a blog isn’t what I thought it was, I stop visiting and save myself lots of time while realizing that same blog may appeal to others. Try not to let that comment get to you (I know easier said than done), you have an awesome blog that anyone can tell you put tons of time and heart into. Keep up the wonderful work!

  36. Kayla says:

    Unfortunately for every 10 positive comments, there will always be 1 negative one-That’s how some people are and that makes me feel very sad for them. Negativity is like a disease in the fact that it spreads and infects other people-It’s worth your while to ignore them and focus your energies on more important things!!

    Their loss ^.^

  37. Wendi P says:

    I saw the comment you are referring to prior to you posting it and I just scratched my head and wondered why that gal would even bother leaving something so negative. It is very curious as to what drives some people when most people are aware of one of the golden rules; If You Can’t Say Anything Nice Then Don’t Say Anything At All… duh!!

  38. Aline says:

    Shannon couldn’t agree with you more. I just don’t know why people have to get so nasty about things.
    There is so much that needs to get done in life, being nasty and hurtful is just a waste of time. Another one of my favorite blogs (Because I Said So, Mom Knows Best) is getting hit with accusations of cheating on her giveaways. The poor blog owner is just so upset and miserable over this. I really feel for her cause she’s doing a ton of good, but someone has to come along and ruin her day.

  39. Katy M says:

    It’s pretty unbelieveable that people even take the time out of their lives to comment negatively. Don’t they know, if they don’t have something NICE to say, they shouldn’t say it at all.

    I hear a lot of backlash against bloggers and it’s really what keeps me from starting one myself. I don’t know if I could take personal attacks like that.

    Sorry it happened to you.

  40. Mummatutu says:

    I totally agree with your 2 choices when you have nothing nice to say. However, you should always keep in your mind, you can please some of the people some of the time but you can’t please all of the people all of the time! and jealous people are DOWN RIGHT MEAN! I like your blog so I could care less what anyone else says! Keep up the awesome work and you deserve to be higher on the list!

  41. I so completely agree with this post! I know as a fellow blogger that it is so hard to keep up with everything sometimes. I am mostly up till the wee hours of the morning working on my blog and answering emails because I dont want to take ANY time away from my family, as my business already takes some time away from them already. ANYONE to leave a nasty comment like that is just mean. Granted i just found your blog but I LOVE it! keep up the hard work and thank you so VERY much for having it and sharing it with all of us. I have promoted your blog anywhere and everywhere that I possibly can! 🙂

    Inky hugs,
    Cristena

  42. I’m sorry you were hurt by nasty comments. Know that your friends and true followers will always be here for you.

  43. hollowsins says:

    I can see why it would bother you..how rude.I love your blog..I have found many things of interest besides the giveaways.I know I don’t always have time to leave comments on all the posts I read so I am sure other busy moms probably do not either,but that doesn’t mean that it is not noticed or appreciated!

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