They Pick Your Hubs Apart: Trolls and Overly-Critical Commenters
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Go away Trolls, leave me alone!
Trolls and overly-critical commenters. Some of us feed off of their comments, but most of us rue the day that these individuals find our hubs. It seems like the more hubs I write, the more trolls and overly-critical jerks I seem to attract. It's sort of like that famous Biggie quote, "Mo money, mo problems." In this case, the quote should be "Mo hubs, mo problems".
So what is a Troll exactly? I'm not talking about the grumpy old troll under the bridge or the troll that tries to eat the three billy goats gruff, nor am I talking about the creepy little plastic dolls with sparkly bellies that one can rub in order to get a wish. An internet Troll is someone who "posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room, or blog, with the primary intent of provoking readers into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion" (wikipedia). In the case of the Hubpages community, I believe that Trolls don't just post trouble in the Forums, I believe that they have a motive to start arguments within the comments on our hubs, as well. The question is, do you allow them to post their absurd criticisms or do you delete their comments once and for all?
I've had quite a few internet Trolls post comments to my hubs, as of lately. On one of my haunting hubs, I had a person who claimed to be a "concerned historian" who said that I was "lying to the public" for my own selfish purposes about a story that I had posted. So what did I do? I clarified within my hub that my stories were simply legends and not based on actual facts...that's why they're called legends. Then I ignored his comment, for I'm sure the whole purpose he posted to my hub was to start an argument and feed off of the negativity. That is the MO of internet trolls, to get you all riled up and pissed off in order to entertain themselves. The best way to deal with Trolls is to ignore them!
The Difference Between Constructive Criticism and Overly Critical Down-right Rude Comments
The second type of annoying comments within hubs is the overly-critical, rude and abrasive comments. You know the ones I'm talking about...the comments that seem to literally pick your hub to bits and pieces, shredding it until it's nothing but a piece of shredded toilet paper on the floor. To me, these are the worst commenters and should have a lower hubscore because of their negativity.
Now, I don't mind someone who plays devil's advocate and starts a truly engaging conversation within the comments, but I do mind when someone corrects me in every facet of my hub. If you don't agree with the information that I'm writing, don't tell me that I'm wrong about everything, simply suggest ways in which I can improve my hub. Constructive criticism is one thing...rude and embarrassing correction comments are another.
What about people who correct misspellings and bad grammar or punctuation? I actually encourage this in my hubs' comments because I am a stickler for proper spelling and grammar. If I misspell something or my grammar sucks, I want someone to tell me. Sometimes I'll mention a misspelling to another hubber, only if it's truly noticeable (like in the title of the hub), but most of the time I try to lay off of correcting misspellings because not every hubber wants to feel like they're in English class again.
Oh, and just a quick word of advice. If you're going to correct someone's hubs, don't start the correction with "hate to break it to you" and sentences of that sort. The hubber will become automatically defensive and not want to read a word you have to say. Approach your constructive criticisms in a gentle and friendly manner.
How about you? Do you ignore internet trolls that comment on your hubs or do you argue with them? What about overly-critical commenting?
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Dear Kittythedreamer,
First of all you had choosen anic etopic to read about and really this can be a good discussion forum also in coming times.
If you ask me frankly I do agree you in your suggestion given in the last paragraphs regarding the way it needs to be corrected. like spellings and other grammatical mistakes if you are expert in that.
In my school days, while I always scored 100/100 in maths my teacher gave a badge to me ,which meant 'NOBODY IS PERFECT" but in the badge it was written as " PODBODY IS NERFECT" replacing the first letter in both the words.I asked her the reason for giving to me.She said since your are perfect now arrogance should not come to you and perfection comes only with practice and hard work. so even though you are perfect in some thing you are un-perfect in another thing.so life is a continuous journey of practice only
Though I am new to hubbing ,but as a natural attitude , I always try to appreciate the selection , way of writing, and content and then will request them to change is something needed to be.
Good hub have happy hubbing. voted up!
Great topic to address! And I also prefer people to tell me if I made a grammar mistake. If I correct someone else's, I tend to message them privately. Just seems rude to call them out in the comments! I also have my messages set so I have to approve them, which limits the trolling.
I haven't been hit by any trolls--I've been very lucky. I've got a couple of quite negative emails from time to time; but in some ways, addressing a hot subject is asking for it.
That's what surprised me about YOU getting troll comments, Kitty. Your topics are FUN! You shouldn't be the target.
On the spelling and grammar thing; well, I know we've all got a few spelling and grammar mistakes in our hubs; the more prolific we are, the greater chances of an error slipping in. Most of the time, it's easy to overlook, provided the writer is generally speaking a grammatical writer with correct spelling. If that isn't the case, if the writer pretty obviously flunked every English class they ever took, I give up on reading that writer. I can't stand it! So I just move on to other writers who have mastered the basics and have something I find interesting to read.
A wonderful hub and I love the creativeness here. A "troll" is a great title for all that you have discribed. Thanks so mucn!
CyclingFitness - I don't think you're a troll at all! You always leave encouraging and insightful comments on my hubs at least. :)
VENZKHVAM - Thanks again for your wonderful comments.
danielleantosz - I agree, it is rude to call people out for everyone else to see. I try to be discreet about it or tell them that they can delete my comment if they feel necessary.
Paradise7 - I get troll comments all the time, believe it or not. And it's usually on dumb hubs such as the flower tattoo hub that I recently did. I disabled the comments on that hub because I had two girls attacking my terms and attacking my writing...it was ridiculous. You'll notice that some of my hubs don't have comments enabled because I just didn't want to give them the chance to leave comments any longer. And I agree with you on the spelling and grammar thing, I don't tend to read hubs that have too many misspellings & grammar issues because I feel like it just makes me dumber to read them!
vocalcoach - Thanks and I didn't make up the word, it's actually a term that's used a lot to describe people who just want to stir up trouble on the internet. :)
This is a really interesting hub. I also get a strange comment here and there. Since I am sometimes a sarcastic little snot in my hubs, I am never sure if the commenter is trying to be rude or if they are trying to be funny but I don't understand their attempt at humor. I try to give them the benefit of the doubt and laugh it off unless the comment is obviously meaningless. I just delete those comments.
Kitty, I hate to break the news to the grammar police but I've never known a single professional author who doesn't need the help of an editor at some point. And since Hub writers have to edit their own work, guess what? Somewhere down the line every single one of us will make a grammatical boo-boo. Yes, we have the power to correct it once we've spotted it, but obsessing on the grammar of others is much more of a reflection on the pointer than the pointee.
And btw, I happen to love your topics. Rock on, girlfriend.
You have chosen a good topic for a hub here, kittythedreamer. I am in complete agreement, my friend. It is our own responsibility to find and fix mistakes in our own hubs. We should read other's hubs for the content. I am a firm believer of "if you haven't got something good to say, don't say anything." The comment section of a hub is not where readers should be looking to write controversial remarks. Keep you interesting hubs coming KTD because many of us appreciate your engaging writing style.
Jeannieinabottle - I hear ya! I feel the same way sometimes...and sometimes I don't even understand what the commenter is saying at all! How sad is that? Haha...oh, well. I guess as long as we can laugh then we are in good shape my friend!
Beth - Hate to break it to you, but you're absolutely right. We all slip up, especially when we're intent on writing a certain amount of hubs per week. And of course I don't obsess about grammar of others, but it pisses me off when people misspell their titles! LOL. Thanks for being so hilarious. :) And by the way, your topics rock too!
Husky - You are such a loyal follower, thanks so much for being you! And I've sort of always liked that idea "don't say anything if you can't say something nice"; but, as of late, I've been very inclined to speak my mind...gently or jokingly but still to be honest. I've come to realize that it feels GREAT to be honest and upfront about things, but that it just takes a certain amount of tact in order to do it properly. Thanks again. :)
kittythedreamer anyone who reads your hubs knows that you are an excellent writer of interesting topics! Why disable comments on any of your hubs, just delete the trolls! I am sure that you are missing out on more positive feedback and interesting discussion than trolling! Delete the trolls and disable them with silence. Keep up the good work! ;)
Lenore - You're probably right...I shouldn't disable everyone else from making comments. Thanks for the word of advice and the encouragement. :)
I haven't had much problem with negative comments. However, I think your advice on the subject is very good.
Hi Kitty
I'll add my praise to the heap..great topic. I haven't had any negative comments..just yet. There was one person who left a statement that made me laugh. All it said is "Irregardless isn't a word." That was it. (he's wrong, it is a word. Looked it up just to be sure) But I replied he was in error and that if a concern for just that word was all he got from the article, then I had failed him. He didn't come back. I really don't mind having grammar and spelling pointed out, but I believe I would prefer it to be in an email. I wouldn't want readers to become distracted with looking for the errors rather than reading the content. Thumbs up!
Dahoglund: You're lucky, my friend! But perhaps it's because your hubs aren't as controversial as mine? Usually you share wonderfully written western short stories and the like. But you may acquire a troll somewhere along the way...just ignore them though because you're awesome!
Hey, Terri. Nice to see you again! That's funny that he thought irregardless wasn't a word...wow...that is pretty sad that that's the only thing he acquired from your hub. I love your hubs, keep up the great work!
Oh God.. I hate to tell you this.. but...I'm just kidding. I'll tell you what, I don't mind one bit if people tell me my grammar sucks. I'm not the best editor, so it's greatly appreciated in my hubs. Good job on this hub, it's very nice to read something that everyone thinks about but no one talks about. I know I play Devil's Advocte in hubs, simply because I want to hopefully incite a deep thinking conversation. If it's wrong baby I don't wanna be right! Also, to Terri, irregardless is technically a word but it's a double negative word and isn't proper to use as per http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/irregardless.
Taco: I know the double negative...I didn't want to get into all that. I put in my response to the guy.."I like it. I'll use it." about the whole debate. The belief is that it's a mix between the word irrespective and regardless. I believe the debate's been going on for something like a century!
haha, yea, this is true. I think it falls into the same category as using the word ain't. It's a word in that it's used in common vernacular but standard english hasn't accepted it. However, I say we use it!
This is great. I usually ignore them unless they have absolutely no knowledge on the subject at hand. Here's to hoping for an automatic banhammer on these terrible trolls.
Kitty,
You are a sweetheart and your hubs are fabulous, creative and spunky! You have a good attitude about the predictable negative comments that will get us all at some point. You also have quite a bit of folks with great taste who truly enjoy your writing. I guess trolls need to do "something" with their time.
Keep up the great work- Voted UP & UABI, mar.
odd spartan - Thanks so much for reading. I agree, I hope someone bans them from the Internet totally! :)
Mar - Nice to see your face again! Thank you so much, you are entirely too sweet. I try to have a good attitude, sometimes the Trolls get me riled up though. But you're right, they are only looking for something to do because they have nothing else going on in their lives. Thanks!
This was such a wonderful hub, thank you. I have had my share of trolls, at one point last year I thought of giving up HubPages because of the nasty and horrible comments. However, I have such a wonderful group of friends that I have made through HubPages that I stuck it out for them, and I am glad I did.
Rachel
I don't really get enough challenging comments on my hubs - I LIKE challenging comments on my hubs because those tend to bring in lots of comments, and make the page more popular.
What I get too much of is people thinking that I have the time or inclination to spend all day arguing with them about things on facebook. AS IF I should spend my time or energy pointing out how stupid people are when they aren't trying to hear any of it - but still seem to want me to argue with them so that they can get more and more angry.
I don't get paid for anything on facebook - so it's pointless for several reasons there. I welcome it here.
rachell - I agree with you. My closer followers on Hubpages make it all worth while. The nasty rude comments are easily ignored and overshadowed by the supportive, sweet comments that my followers write. :) Thanks!
Wesman - Good point, my friend. I barely ever even get on Facebook because of the drama. And no $$$ = I don't care to hear you're crap! :) Thanks for writing and sharing. Keep it up.
Hey, you all will never believe this, or maybe you will...this hub picked up an internet troll! I deleted his comment because it was purely off topic, but he was saying that we were stupid liberal asses and wannabe english teachers. How funny is that!?
Of all people on HP, your hubs are always interesting and fun, never controversial so I think that perhaps your Trolls want to chat but have no other way to communicate to you? lol
I am glad that you addressed this, everyone has dealt with grammar issues, and maybe a few rude comments...?
I once misspelled a word in the title and right after publishing I received a private email from a follower with the news. I was so appreciative because there is a way to approach someone and for the most part that has been my experience. So I say just keep doing what you are doing, ignore. It is not worth your time, which is better spent writing another smashing hub! Up, useful and awesome!
"but he was saying that we were stupid liberal asses and wannabe english teachers."
Liberal?? Liberal?? He's cut me to the bone. LOL
beth - hilarious! Too true...I guess I'm a "liberal" too. :)
With your diverse and prolific out-put- your an excellent writer & topic finder- its not too surprising you get this stuff kitty. Hope you don't include me in this because of my character flaws like writing seemingly know-it all comments on your hubs. Its just that there so good and interesting to me I get carried away. Will correct in future though. Like your way of handling these things. I've had to delete just one comment and in it the person was asking why the KKK were in my bed-room chasing me. Of course the hub was about no such event. Didn't want to embarrass them. Anyways you deserve your elite status and are a great asset to HP and us readers.
AP - Don't even say such things! Of course I don't think you're a troll or an overly-critical commenter. I enjoy your comments and insight into each and every hub you comment on. Don't hold back, seriously. Keep being an awesome hubber and follower (and I'll do the same for you). :)
How kind of you kitty, thanks.-- feel better now- just wasn't sure cause get carried away sometimes..lol. Your really great lady and I keep on being more impressed with you all the time. Your a talented dynamo on here. Lately have thought about the Wiccan hubs you write and want to find out more. I don't see anything wrong with doing good works however one chooses. Having seen the results and reading on black magic some, O man is that ever dangerous territory. I'd liked to be informed on this subject and your the writer for it.:)
AP - "black magic" is not a term that Wiccans even really use, to be frank. Wiccans believe that everything has an opposite, and then again no opposite, that everything is balanced. So we don't necessarily believe that a witch or Wiccan can be "evil" or practice "black" magic. But there are darker forms of magic, if the person's heart is on the darker side of the balance. It seems contradictory, but it makes sense if you are a Wiccan...you find out that everything truly has a balance. But in knowing this, true Wiccans are good people with a heart to do good for the planet and for the people.
Hi Kitty
I have been trying to catch up on my reading and you have written many hubs lately. I did notice that some do not have the option to comment and I really wanted to. So I was going to send you a message thinking that your "comments" section was accidentally deleted. But now I know the answer :) And besides, I'm not sure what is going on with the changes on HP, but there is NO option to contact the author? I'm also not getting email notifications of comments on my hubs or ones that I have commented on. Very aggravating.
Anyway, I love your writing and the variety of topics that you choose. Ignore the trolls and keep up the GREAT work!
Sharyn
Thank you for this informative hub. It has helped me on a new journey understanding social interaction. Thank you for leaving a comment / answer at the question I posted. Since, I am already following you I wanted to extend that thanks.
Tim
BethPerry hit the nail on the head: "I've never known a single professional author who doesn't need the help of an editor at some point." This point is especially with hubs because we do write alone, and the more you review your own text, the less you see your mistakes.
I think sending corrections by email is the most courteous way to do it. I also think we all appreciate having the chance to fix our mistakes.
Kathleen - Very true indeed! I realize that not all of my work is going to be grammatically perfect, and I don't really care too much. As long as I write decently and know what I'm talking about in the hub, that's what matters. Thanks for reading & commenting. :)
I get mad at trolls but I ignore them and if their comment is really bad I don't let it go on. If it's not to bad I just put it on and think them for their comment.
Enjoyed reading your hub. Now I have to go read one of your haunting hubs. Voted Up
CyclingFitness Level 5 Commenter 9 months ago
I hate to break it to you but... this is a great article. Sometimes people comment for the sake of commenting and also to grab someones attention to try to bring traffic to their profile or webpage.
I quite like these 'trolls' to comment on my hubs themselves. Sometimes they show that i've missed a particular angle that I can investigate.
Some people might also consider i've been one of these Trolls myself. Having a strong knowledge base on a particular area means if you do comment negatively on an article/ hub/ story there is the potential that they will take your comment very personally.
Great piece. CF