What Do You Do About "Pain In The Butt" Subscribers And Followers?

30 replies
I've published a newsletter for roughly 16 years, and been very
active on social media for roughly 5 years.

In that time I've always had several loyal subscribers that
often feel the need to give me immediate feedback every time
that I publish an ezine or make a Facebook post.

The fact that they feel the need to respond every time that I
publish an ezine, tells me that they are fairly loyal readers...
and some even often make purchses. At the same time, they often
catch me just as the caffine is beginning to aggitate me :-)

The same thing with social media friends/followers... but when
they publicly point out that you made a spelling error, or
publicly ask about the affiliate program... well, you (I) often
feel like just blocking them.

So do you guys have this type of followers or subscribers? How
do you handle them?

I'll confess that I did use to unsubscribe or block these people,
but also wondered if they were just trying to be helpful.

On top of that they often email asking WHY I deleted them as
a subscriber or as a social media follower. When they get an
email notice from my autoresonder, telling them that they have
been unsubscribed, they often email asking that they be added
back.

I guess that's an interesting problem to have, but how do you
handle it?

Willie
#followers #pain in the butt #subscribers
  • Profile picture of the author JamesW3
    They do seem to just want to help. The same way you feel when your subscribers correct your spelling mistakes, for example, might be the same way they feel when they read a post that has spelling errors. People have pet-peeves. But, i suggest you do not block potential revenue because of something so minor. If it comes down to it, just pay someone to respond to their immediate responses or to correct spelling/grammatical errors.

    I know it is aggravating but it is a simple fix.
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  • Profile picture of the author KenJ
    Originally Posted by Willie Crawford View Post


    So do you guys have this type of followers or subscribers? How
    do you handle them?


    I guess that's an interesting problem to have, but how do you
    handle it?

    Willie
    Hi Willie,

    I just let them carry on being "Helpful" My frame of reference for life and business will be very different to some of the people who subscribe to me. Sometimes this can be to the level of existing on a different planet!

    When you add up the pros and cons, are you really suffering from their attention to the degree that it ruins your business?

    Another way to look at it.

    Many people have the grace and goodwill to put up with me. Maybe I should offer the same level of grace towards others.

    KenJ
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  • Profile picture of the author Tim Franklin
    You have to be diplomatic, up to a certain point, I guess a certain amount of constructive criticism, can be expected. You sort of have to wonder why they focus on perhaps a spelling issue when there are far more important things in life.

    I know I never got paid a dime more for correct spelling or grammar, so I do not really care about the grammar police, I say they can walk a mile in my shoes and knowing they really can never do that, I just go on about my business.

    If it concerns an unhealthy public obsession, where they may tend to try to be a troll or some other confrontational antagonist, I would take some action to reduce the abuse.

    For the minor well meant infractions I would just invite them to participate in a closed forum if they wanted to have a non public discussion.

    Its an interesting issue.
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  • Profile picture of the author myob
    If it's handled with a bit of pizazz and charm, this actually can be a most excellent problem to have. Try offering other feedback options within your messages. Although I don't publish an ezine, I always do have contact info (with a short message welcoming questions or comments) at the end of every email/promotion which includes help desk, IM, postal mail address, telephone, fax, and sometimes social media links.

    It may not totally eliminate the pain, but I have found this encourages private feedback as well as greatly alleviates public exposure to embarrassing guffaws. A significant percentage of people seem to really want to help, and it does provide additional channels for communication (read - conversions and sales).
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      For the grammar cops, I usually just thank them. Then I ask if they can tell me where typos and errors hide until I push the submit button .

      For inappropriate inquiries, complaints, etc., I borrow a line my folks used when I was a kid. "This isn't the time or the place to discuss this. Contact me at..."

      If rubbing a little salve on the "pain" doesn't cure it, then it may be time for more drastic measures...
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      • Profile picture of the author IMstarter
        If they ask something in publicly about an affiliate product I think it is always best to answer them. If someone is asking a question then it is likely that other people will be asking themselves the same question.

        I don't think it is best to delete or block people because if they notice they may well get annoyed and start bad mouthing you. Which might always be a good thing if you believe that bad publicity is also good publicity.

        Ignoring them is probably the best option.

        As for those that like to point out errors, you could always send out an email to your subscribers telling them that you don't particularly like being told about grammatical mistakes by putting a funny spin on it. A short message with mistakes put there on purpose or asking them to proof read your email so that when they receive said email they will be happy to read it free from mistakes.

        I understand where you are coming from. I don't mind a bit of personal contact with subscribers but when they email to report spelling mistakes they must have something better to do.
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  • Profile picture of the author Marc Rodill
    A few questions to elaborate on your thread.

    First of all, why do you care if they point out a spelling error? I thought you would be beyond that type of thinking? So what if you make spelling errors? And so what people point them out?

    No big deal. Right?

    Here's my second question. What do you mean, when people ask about the affiliate program? You mean, to become a member of it, or to attack it?

    I'm not really sure how that would bother you unless it's the latter. But in which case, I just figured you would be used to it by now? I mean you're a pretty seriously known guy.

    Anyway - I find it interesting you would delete people for these reasons emotionally. I can see why you would delete them WITH PURPOSE though, since they receive notification.

    :-D

    That's a whole different story in itself.

    But to put it in perspective...

    I've often been that pain in the ass subscriber. So I throw people a bone when they do something that agitates me. I just put myself in their shoes. Sometimes I've been THAT guy. So I just let it go.

    Marc
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    • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
      Originally Posted by Marc Rodill View Post

      First of all, why do you care if they point out a spelling error? I thought you would be beyond that type of thinking? So what if you make spelling errors? And so what people point them out?
      Marc, I actually pointed out a spelling error on a webpage, about 10
      years ago, and the webmaster told me that he wasn't going to change
      it because it might impact his conversions.

      I don't generally care when someone points out something like that
      because I write so fast that it's inevitable. Many days I'll write several
      articles, and create several pieces of recorded content. As long as the
      message is understood, I don't generally care...

      Emails from subscribers offering to proofread my materials before I
      sent it out to the world, do irk me a little sometimes though

      Here's my second question. What do you mean, when people ask about the affiliate program? You mean, to become a member of it, or to attack it?

      I'm not really sure how that would bother you unless it's the latter. But in which case, I just figured you would be used to it by now? I mean you're a pretty seriously known guy.
      Often, if I'm promoting something via social media it's not a direct "buy
      my stuff" but more a comment or discussion on the product, with an
      affiliate link pointing to the product. When someone asks questions
      about the affiliate program, that causes some people to raise their
      shields... although agencies like FTC want that full disclosure anyway.

      Anyway - I find it interesting you would delete people for these reasons emotionally. I can see why you would delete them WITH PURPOSE though, since they receive notification.

      :-D

      That's a whole different story in itself.

      But to put it in perspective...

      I've often been that pain in the ass subscriber. So I throw people a bone when they do something that agitates me. I just put myself in their shoes. Sometimes I've been THAT guy. So I just let it go.

      Marc

      To me it's more about not allowing anyone to shift my energy. If a
      comment is on the verge of doing that, and it's a recurring problem,
      then I eliminate the source. I do a lot of things to keep my energy
      level up.

      Willie
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    • Profile picture of the author TheEye
      People have different degrees of people skills.

      Most things that upset me aren't from people wanting to do me harm. They come from people trying to help me in a way that I'd prefer them not to. It is up to me to improve their people skills.

      The last straw breaks a camels back.

      When people have a go at you, it probably has nothing to do with you. They probably have just had a bad day.

      You do not want to block these people. They are part of the "20%" that will take action.

      They have shown that they are willing to take action so convert them to your cause.
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      • Profile picture of the author Marc Rodill
        Originally Posted by TheEye View Post

        People have different degrees of people skills.

        Most things that upset me aren't from people wanting to do me harm. They come from people trying to help me in a way that I'd prefer them not to. It is up to me to improve their people skills.

        The last straw breaks a camels back.

        When people have a go at you, it probably has nothing to do with you. They probably have just had a bad day.

        You do not want to block these people. They are part of the "20%" that will take action.

        They have shown that they are willing to take action so convert them to your cause.
        Amen about it being up to you to improve them! Do you actually still do it? I just leave it alone. Too time intensive. Heck - mine aren't even that good... but... others. Wow.

        And good point about the action takers. You're right about that!

        Marc
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        • Profile picture of the author TheEye
          Originally Posted by Marc Rodill View Post

          Amen about it being up to you to improve them! Do you actually still do it? I just leave it alone. Too time intensive. Heck - mine aren't even that good... but... others. Wow.

          And good point about the action takers. You're right about that!

          Marc
          I still do it, if I have the time and enthusiasm.

          I have found it best to pick out, one thing, to reply about. If there are more, I bite my tongue about the others.

          It needs to framed as you helping them.

          For example "I am pretty thick skinned about ... but other people may not like it. A better way would be to ..."

          The aim is to get them to think about what they are doing. Hopefully, they will change.
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  • Profile picture of the author gjohansson1
    As far as helpful replies referring to spelling errors or dead links to affiliate offers (which stinks by the way when it's out of your control), I welcome all feedback and thank them most of the time.

    BUT...

    When someone subscribes to my list then tells me how I should type my emails or sell a product, then I gladly unsubscribe them. My service doesn't send an email after unsubscribing (GetResponse) so they can just continue on with their life without my emails.
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  • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
    What the Russian Spammer said :confused:

    Willie
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    I think we all have those type of subscribers.

    The ones that come to mind are those that feel the need to reply every time a broadcast email is sent out. It's always the same people. I don't mind people who reply every now and then and ask a question but it's the people that reply to every email and it's always just comments that are of no consequence. Maybe they are lonely and enjoy the interaction? It's possible.

    In any case, I just bite my tongue and reply to them. People are different and it comes with dealing with the general public. You'll always get those who want (or need) extra attention. And in most cases they mean well.
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  • Profile picture of the author nicholasb
    I just ignore them or remove them from my list and social profiles
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  • Profile picture of the author paul nicholls
    one of the things i have found when creating top quality new blog posts is people will email me telling me about a couple of spelling mistakes or that a link doesn't work

    Some people tend to completely overlook the actual information within the content and just look for problems, spelling mistakes, grammar errors and broken links. It is very annoying but these types of people always feel the need to tell you.

    If I get too many emails from the same person over a short period of time with those types of emails I will just take them off my list. It's quite clear that they have no interest in the actual info you provide except for getting the satisfaction out of telling you that you have made mistakes.

    It's a tough one but I guess it's just one of those things Willy :-)
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    • Profile picture of the author ExRat
      Hi,

      What Do You Do About "Pain In The Butt" Subscribers And Followers?
      If I had that problem, I would note that the problem lies within my own attitude, not theirs.

      For me there is no greater sign of respect than when someone is following my business and offers to effectively 'work for free' by helping me to polish my delivery. Effectively, they are saying that, 'my admiration for you is so great, that I can't bear to see you not looking perfect.'

      To throw this back at them is the equivalent of a king slapping his most loyal subjects because they are fussing over him too much.

      Many internet marketers I have come across act in this way, yet they still preach that their success comes from 'wanting to solve peoples' problems'. They want their followers to talk good about them, click their links, buy their products, but if those followers want to interact with them in any way (even if they are trying to be helpful) then they are a 'pain in the butt' - the marketer is just too busy to desire any kind of interaction with their unwashed followers.

      I don't generally care when someone points out something like that
      because I write so fast that it's inevitable. Many days I'll write several
      articles, and create several pieces of recorded content. As long as the
      message is understood, I don't generally care...
      That's enlightening.

      Often, if I'm promoting something via social media it's not a direct "buy
      my stuff" but more a comment or discussion on the product, with an
      affiliate link pointing to the product. When someone asks questions
      about the affiliate program, that causes some people to raise their
      shields... although agencies like FTC want that full disclosure anyway.
      So if they know that you are getting a commission, they don't want you to have it?
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      • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
        Originally Posted by ExRat View Post

        So if they know that you are getting a commission, they don't want you to have it?
        Sometimes. Then again, there are people who will see an
        affiliate link, chop off the affiliate ID at the end, and go buy
        directly from the merchant, getting satisfaction in knowing
        that NO affiliate earned a commission.

        That's just the way some people think, and that's their right.

        Willie
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        • Profile picture of the author davidkings
          You get a mixture of subscribers who like to give their opinion. I guess the ones who give regular harsh comments can be blocked.
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  • Profile picture of the author RossK
    Willie, I know what you mean.

    I am NOT a details person and spelling, grammar and correct sentence structure is something that I hate being corrected over - as I feel it detracts from the point I am actually making.

    I remember that I used to get offers from entreprenurial types who said "I see you made a spelling mistake on page 14 of your newsletter, I offer a blah, blah, blah service for only $XXX".

    To be honest there isnt a lot you can do about this except know that with the same annoyance that you have towards their comments they feel the same about your attention to detail.

    Personally, I took on their points and used eLance for a professional proofer to get things moving quicker - it reduced their comments to virtually zero.

    Great to hear that your newsletter is still going strong though, most people would love to have a newsletter that has been so successful.
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  • Profile picture of the author JimDucharme
    Hi Willy,

    In a situation where someone is being negative openly about myself or what I do or who I work for, I try to respond openly with a positive and constructive attitude. Even if you don't win them over, that kind of response will be viewed as a positive by others reading it.

    People watch and note how you respond to the negatives online. They probably care more about how you respond to a mistake than the mistake itself.

    Regards,
    jim
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Willie, can't say I have your problem. For the most part, I hardly know I have
      subscribers. While I can't relate, I think I'd like to, at least occasionally, have
      your problem.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        These people not only opened your emails - they read them!
        They gave you access to their email boxes for your broadcast emails.

        The rule of list management for quite a few IMers seems to be "you gave me your email so I'm going to send you stuff whenever I want.....but don't bother me with your petty comments because I'm not interested".

        Sounds harsh, doesn't it? There will always be a few problem children on your list. You can answer them, argue with them or ignore them. Tossing them off the list is an "I'll show you" moment that's self serving to me. In my opinion you only unsubscribe those who are abusive or overly demanding.

        You can create draft emails that cover the most common comments and just shoot one out in response. "Thank you for pointing out the error of my ways" or a simple "thank you for responding to my email".

        kay
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        • Profile picture of the author JimDucharme
          Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

          These people not only opened your emails - they read them!
          This is very insightful.

          As Kay points out, at the very least you know these folks are actually paying attention and that's gotta be worth something.

          I suppose it's possible someone might just be annoying enough to use a spell-checker and then email you, but god I hope not .

          Regards,
          jim
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      • Profile picture of the author Willie Crawford
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Willie, can't say I have your problem. For the most part, I hardly know I have
        subscribers. While I can't relate, I think I'd like to, at least occasionally, have
        your problem.
        Steve, from my understanding of your situation, you've actually recognized
        that you had the level of success that you wanted, and gave yourself
        permission to enjoy life more.

        I admire that in you

        Willie
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  • Profile picture of the author gcbmark20
    Knowing that people are following you and are interested in what
    you have to say always gives me a real buzz.

    I don't think that this is even a problem and of course there
    is always a line that needs to be drawn.

    But it all depends on the scale of these emails/notifications happening
    and whether the same individuals are doing this to have a pop at you
    or they are really trying to help.

    I know most of my new subscribers would love to have people
    contacting them and telling them they have at least read their
    content.

    I don't think that their is a one quick answer for this it all depends
    on how often, whether it is trivial or not and of course your
    own attitudes towards this.

    All the best
    Gavin
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I unsubscribe pain in the butt subscribers manually. My newsletter only goes out every 3 days, but only about 1 in 1000 subscribers complain about ridiculous things. I like to track them via IP address. Seems like pain in the butt subscribers are skilled at scamming and being crafty.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Blades
    The grammar police are everywhere, all you can really do is tell them thanks for pointing it out and move on. If they make it a job to keep pointing out your errors or affilaite program, then it maybe time to remove them.

    One thing I learned online, is that people on the internet can be very weird, and like Will pointed out in another thread, people will get jealous and try to sabotage your online business. If someone keeps coming back to point out your errors, there is a good chance he is only there to try and throw a wrench in your business.

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