Why is it...

Well as opposed to my regular self Yesterday I was a complete fool so I know where your coming from. I notice a lot of people posting lately like even when people are doing good and try and turn it negative. I don't know Kim maybe the water
-WD

Here's the funny thing...

It used to be that some newcomers to this forum didn't post much because they were afraid to. The forum had a reputation for being tough on folks. Some newcomers thought that veterans "ganged up on them."

Now we have a lot of incredibly bright people with lots to offer who don't post here any more. And one reason is because every time they do, their posts, their products and even their characters are questioned.

I'm not sure if it's a new trend, but I do see it.

Cheers,
Becky

One question: What can we do to change it?

~Michael

Kim, it's just not worth the effort. Some people think they know it all, and anything posted they will dispute, because they have to prove to everybody how much better they are.

It's one reason many of us don't start new threads with information now.

Bev

Maybe we work harder to SUPPORT the threads that stay positive, and abandon the ones that turn negative.

Feed the good.

Starve the bad.

All the best,
Michael

I think these people who post negativity and critique perfectly functional threads and / or members are amongst a growing number concerning how the internet is used universally.

It's actually one of those new, annoying and ultimately unwanted trends.

We've all heard accounts on pretty much any website where you can post your view.

The problem is people....

Who are probably too afraid when it comes to confronting a real person,
and feel that this is their only 'real' outlet - to attack someone who will never see their face.

Cowardice, by definition.

If there is a good point to critisice - then fair enough & by all means have your view.

Sorry guys, I may have inadvertently brought these people to your doorstep &

corrupted this thread's integrity!

Please forgive me as a no-nothing newbie.

I agree with Michael - starve them, they simply do not deserve the attention.

Craigslist ghosting is effective because people think they're being seen/heard yet aren't. It would be an interesting concept to combat forum spammers/trolls.

At the same time, there is a way to share differeing points of view. Heck! Smart marketers welcome them.

Also, when any post is made, it is open to criticism.

HOWEVER, it is how things are said, or which elements are being criticized that determine how it will be received.

Another way to put it is that constructive criticism and difference of opinion is not synonymous with negativity. For that matter, it's possible to post a response that AGREES and still have it come across as negative.

The best answer is from Ghandi (paraphrased) - Be the change you want to see.

There is no doubt in my mind that we are responsible for making it happen, that it can happen, and that it won't take all that long if we really want it.

Letting it go is critical. I saw how some were not letting that happen in a certain thread. I kept thinking "just let it go and we can get this thread back on track". BUT, I knew if I said it, that I would be the one adding fuel to that fire.

Anyway, the WF is still the best forum online, IMHO, but we can make it even better.

All the best,
Michael

I feel if you give your opinion in a post, someone will jump over you and put there opinion on you. Then the debate begins and then finally, one of the two will say one word which ticks the other off and then an argument breaks out. Of course this doesn't excuse what they do but I feel this is how it gets started .

Opinions bring arguments most of the time, some are worse then others, thats all.

I think it's best to ignore these people and not give them the attention that they seem to be so desperately craving. I agree that it's not always possible however, and sometimes not always even advisable. As long as your response is professional though rather than giving the impression of 'flinging yourself into the fray' then there's some hope that light will dawn on the offenders and they'll realise that they are metaphorically standing in the shop window of their businesses and not centre stage in an amateur dramatics production.

Booing and hissing at them only helps turn the whole thing into a pantomime.

Too often, the trouble is that people let their emotions do the talking when they disagree.

You can disagree without being confrontational. It's an attitude thing. Michael Oska is one of the best at disagreeing in an agreeable way. Of course, he's from Wisconsin so he's naturally gifted.

Steve hit a key point earlier too. Too many people try to build themselves up by tearing someone else down. They get a temporary sense of power, but don't realize they're only multiplying their esteem problems because you can't truly build your self esteem through negativity.

What some don't realize, is that while they're busy criticizing, they are also building their business image in a negative way. It's self-sabotage.

Have a "toxic thread" button which works a bit like the "report post" button.

If enough people click it, the thread gets moved to the "toxic threads" section where the slanging match can continue. Those that want to get involved or just spectate know where to find them. The rest of us can get on with learning about making money because you can simply avoid that section.

I'd like to thank the British government for this one - I pinched their idea of "toxic banks" that hold all the crap while the good stuff thrives elsewhere.

Cheers,

Neil

If you're referring to a particular thread I think *might* have prompted this, all I can say for that is that some humans are just miserable, pathetic beings with nothing better to do than drag someone else down. I think that thread was the most recent example that stands out in my mind, even though I know, unfortunately, there are other instances.

I think people who hide behind their computer screens with an elitist or just plain nasty attitude have either given up or never bothered trying to make themselves truly happy and just want to bring others down to their level. In real life, of course, they would never have the guts to say half the things they do online.

If you're TRULY happy with yourself through and through, you won't be trying to make other people miserable. End of story.

On the flipside, I'm glad that particular nasty one decided to talk in a way, because even if she didn't say anything then, she likely would've made a racket later - AFTER she wasted more of people's time. It sucks when these people make it into the forum, but they're all over the Internet: the only difference is here, we catch them quickly and they're gone for good.

When a particular thread inspires, moves, educates, or is otherwise enthralling to me as a whole, I'm not going to let it go down in flames. Deal with the trolls swiftly and harshly, then carry on. Appreciate the greatness for what it is.

Hi Kim

I actually hear from internet marketers that wouldn't even dream of starting a thread as they would be too frightened of the backlash that they would get which is a real shame.

I just wish it could be stopped so people could have a great experience on here without the hassle.

Thanks kim for bringing it up

kind regards


sam
X

Admittedly I have called people out when they were spouting opinion as if it were the gospel and could not back it up .

There has been occasions where I have been wrong and have paid the price .

The blind leading the blind rarely produces a good outcome for either.

While I see some post getting too heated and egos leaving the brain behind , there is a big difference in even heated debate and being disrespectful to another member .

From my line of site , the moderators here usually do a very good juggling act when it comes to leaving the table open to debate and closing it down when the line is crossed .

Does a member , new or old , that fears a difference of opinion, really have the fortitude to make it in IM ?

A big dog barking behind the fence of a computer monitor can just bark. If you can back up your points with fact , most dogs will either tuck their tail between their legs and run or at the very least the majority will realize that their bark is just noise and they lose credibility .

As far as true trolls are concerned , they rear their head for a short time .

A true warrior will stand their ground . Admittedly ( myself included at times) the tone used could stand some improvement