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What Do YOU Think?
An interesting, and somewhat painful, situation happened on a fellow marketers blog recently. A comment was made about me by a blog reader that was uh…not so nice. The situation sparked conversation and a follow up post from the blog owner. In my opinion, the conversation and opinions were very interesting and it got me to thinking whether we, as blog owners, should censor the comments that come through our blogs.
Censoring? Or Free Speech?
As US citizens, we are granted the right to free speech in a public forum. Now, we don’t have the right to scream, “FIRE!” in a public area when there is NOT a fire, but we do have the right to state our opinions and beliefs.
But is a personal blog a “public forum”?
Let me back up and give you the short version of what happened.
An excellent and well-respected marketer was doing a multi-part review of One Week Marketing on her blog. This marketer did this review on her own free-will. She did not contact me before doing it or while she was doing it. She bought the course and spent days with her readers as she worked her way through it. She and I both made some sales as a result of her review and many people who had felt lost with OWM actually went back to it to try again. All in all, it was a good review series that contained very valuable feedback and constructive criticism for me that I listened to.
However, in her “final decision” post, a comment was made by a blog reader that really, really teetered as being a personal attack on me.
This lead to some controversy. The blog owner then went on to make a follow-up post about a reader she had that chose to remove himself from all the blog owners lists because she chose to allow that comment about me to be approved and posted on her blog. The blog owner then went into great detail about her comment policy for her own blog and a great conversation in the comments began. In short, the blog owners policy for comments is that she does not censor unless she considers the post to be “racist or threatening” (or spam…lol).
Here is a quote from her post regarding this situation and her blog comment policy:
If I did NOT allow Dorothy to have her say on what her personal experience was, THEN I would be an unethical marketer. If I filtered what my subscribers experiences were, THAT would be wrong of me. THAT would make me the kind of marketer who makes things look great through rose colored glasses in hopes that you would click on my link and buy her OWM product.
Not a great situation – no real “right” or “wrong” here, but I’m telling ya, I totally respect the transparency in which this blog owner handled this situation. And, yes, I also really appreciate someone being that loyal to ME. It felt nice to know that someone felt deeply that what they read wasn’t “right” in their opinion.
That said, the reader who did the un-subscribing emailed me and told me about the situation and his reasons for doing what he did. I emailed him back and thanked him…and of course, added my 2 cents about the situation.
I’d like to show you my response now so I am also transparent on the situation. However, I will not be showing the original email sent to me (not my right to post someone’s private email to me without permission), but I will say it was very well-written, stated his reasons for his actions, and did not attack anyone personally.
Ok, here is a screen shot of my response email (with personal details removed):
So, this all brings me back to this question…
Should We Censor Blog Comments?
I do believe this is a judgment call. Your personal blog – your personal choice. To me, my blog is like my home – it’s not a forum. Heck, ask my kids what I say about our home. I’m always saying, “This is NOT a democracy!”…..lol! And it’s not. We don’t elect who makes the rules around here – Mom makes ’em (and sometimes Mom lets Dad make some, too! haha! Just kidding!)
My point is that my home is not a public forum – and neither is my blog.
I won’t allow someone to USE my blog as a platform to personally attack another human being. Besides, as Angela pointed out in a comment on the post in question, by me POSTING that personal attack, couldn’t it make me somewhat liable legally? That content is on MY site after all.
BUT – those are all MY thoughts and MY policy for MY blog.
Now, the comment in question, while a bit “bitter”, did have some “constructive” feedback and comments. I can handle bad – I can handle someone not having nice things to say about my product. That was all part of the conversation that was going on.
However, when words like “sheep”, “wannabe”, and “poser” come in to play in reference to me PERSONALLY – well, now we’re treading on thin ice…. and it’s a thin line, isn’t it?
It can be a very thin line when trying to decide if someone’s somewhat hateful comments are actually offering valuable feedback that contributes to the conversation – or if someone was just using you and your blog to spark controversy and get their bitter feelings out in the public.
I don’t envy the decision that had to be made there – not at all.
What Do YOU Think?
I’m about to point you to where the original comment in question is and where the follow up post is, but before I do…
I am asking – no, I am BEGGING each of you to PLEASE not get personal if you choose to comment about this situation (either here on the other blog). PLEASE DON’T. This is not High School. We are all grown-ups and professionals so please let’s be respectful and behave that way when adding to the conversation. THANK YOU.
Whether we are marketers or readers, we are all people with feelings and families. Heck, it was my husband who found that comment about me – and I’m not gonna lie, IT STUNG. I work hard to help others and to NOT be like “all the other gurus”…and yes, I do try to make some money along the way. But I’m a big girl and I can handle this personally. So please don’t post personal attacks about another human being. I won’t post them. It kills me to think that someone’s loved one or friend could read something nasty and personal about someone they care about on my blog. I won’t take part in that.
If you want to do things like that, you’ll need to get your own blog 😉
Alrighty, here is the final review post where the comment in question was made (down in the comments section by someone named “Dorothy”):
http://www.tiffanydow.com/blog/main/final-one-week-marketing-decision
And here is Tiffany’s follow up post regarding her comment policy and the situation at hand:
http://www.tiffanydow.com/blog/main/i-dont-censor-my-subscribers-sorry
To Tiffany, I’d like to say – ‘Girl, I don’t envy you ONE BIT over that situation. You just stick to what YOU believe in – You are doing great things for people!’
Ok, now, I want to hear what you all think about this. Do you think blog owners should censor their comments? Do you feel your blog is a public forum? I don’t care if you agree with me or not…. let me have it!
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I have always been taught to leave comments as they come in and not censor in anyway. When people submit comment feeds to the aggregators it is a way to show popularity. But on all my sites I will loosely monitor them as to eliminate something horrible. Which thank god I never get….yet that is 🙂
Ah, a dilemma I deal with on a near daily basis.
I do censor comments on my blog, but only if they stoop to cheap shots and name calling. Comment sections on my blog frequently become heated debates and it’s easy for some people to turn to personal insults and to stray off topic. Once it gets to that point I have to step in. If I feel the comment will bring down the overall integrity of my blog, it gets removed. Other than that, I allow all comments. My readers generally do a good job and dispersing the negativity.
I had a football (soccer) blog last year. One of my friends made a post on it about another team. It was a very cruel and nasty post, and got lots of hits and of course many comments.
What should have been banter between rival fans, ended up getting nasty and bitter. As a consequence, I pulled the entire thing from my blog.
Firstly, I was trying to build up a reputation, and having that on my site was a big blemish, even though I didn’t write it.
Secondly, it upset a lot of people, and while controversy is healthy, downright attacks are not.
So, in my opinion, I think it depends on what the comment is like, and each and every one of us has a different moral code to others.
I’m not sure freedom of speech does exist, at least not in the form that most of us think it exists in.
Perhaps in the states it does, I don’t know, but I know for a fact in the UK it does not exist. You cannot say what you want.
Interesting post.
Hi Jennifer,
My opinion is that your blog is your property and YOU have the right to ‘sweep the floor’ to clean up the dirt when you feel it is getting dirty. Your definition of dirt may be different from mine. I may sweep my floor more often or with a different broom than you do. But it is mine to keep clean to my standards as is yours.
I agree with you that “Dorothy” branded herself and not you and that when you get to the position that you are in, criticism is expected. Unfortunately, it will mostly come in public forums from folks who don’t know the whole story or refuse to get it.
I delete useless comments that don’t add any value daily almost on my blog (actually, Akismet takes care of a lot of ‘sweeping’ for me.)
As we used to say in the Navy “Don’t let the b8%tch get you down!”
Fred
I was following that review closely to see what she would say. I think the tone of her review (throughout) set it up so that people could feel ok about going negative with the comments.
I think her overall review felt pretty negative and hostile, which isn’t necessarily the best perspective to come from with a review.
Anyway…
My blog is my blog. It’s not the warrior forum. You don’t get to personally attack anyone on my blog. There have been times when people have made comments that I felt were uncalled for, but they were about me or the post, so they got left. I replied in a professional manner, and many commentors came to my defense. While it’s one thing to make a nasty remark about a post or something I said. It’s something totally different to let people say nasty things about other people. Thankfully I’ve not had to face this on my blog, everyone’s playing nice, but I would absolutely have deleted the comment, then sent the person a private email letting them know why I did it.
Hang in there ~ that was a rough review, but you handled yourself well.
Jackie
As a blog owner, poster and follower, I would not have qualms censoring inappropriate comments of a personal nature on my blogs for the following reasons:
1. Personal attacks do not add “value” to the product or process. Rip the product or content, because, in the end, criticism leads to a better product. In other words, fix the message, don’t shoot the messenger.
2. We, as a society, have allowed common decency to decline. Politeness and manners are disappearing to the point that debates focus on personalities and not issues.
3. We have allowed the negative to replace the positive.
Glen Palo
Well it depends on what was said and if it was on someones blog other than yours it really doesn’t matter I am very upset when I get censored but censorship is more rampant on the web than any where else in life and after this last year or so I have just changed my words to reflect my angst in a more polite way.
Truth is though, that I’d like to be able to say whatever I wanted without some other individual kicking me out or shutting of my access to the site.
That bites.
Wow… that IS a Sticky situation Jenifer. Tough to hear I am sure.. but i like the way you are addressing it now.. but getting back to your post. I totally Agree with what you have to say, I Personally feel That it is YOUR choice as the owner of the blog. If you feel that a comment is too Off color from a subscriber and you like some of the points they make, then maybe a good solution(even though i know this takes valuable time and can be quite difficult..) is to contact them and ask for a different version maybe a not so OFFCOLORED version of their experience is what you can re post so that way another account can be told.. I personally would only do this in very RARE situations..
Just my thoughts… i love what you are doing and your products… Thanks Jason Call.
Absolutely the comments should be moderated, not censored. Since the world is full of morons, for a lack of better definition, who insist on making their ‘views’ known… for no other reason than because they can – someone with a sense of reality and a brain on their shoulders needs to step in and do something about it and the owner of the content being commented on is probably in the best position to do so.
There’s no question that it’s good to have debates, opposite views etc. in an open society, but not when there’s clear abuse under the flag of ‘democracy’.
Therefore moderation is an important and useful tool. If anyone can’t be polite, respectful, decent & ethical – they have no business interacting with people who can.
A ‘comment’ is just that– a comment; a comment on a post is just that–a comment…on a post. If you have a comment section and want it utilized, how can you put restrictions on what as said to include ‘bad reviews’? I can understand restricting vulgarity, hate, and down right offensive material, but if someone posts an honest, albeit negative review, they should be allowed their say.
One because it allows others to see what an experience can be like. It allows them to weigh all the options and know what they are getting into completely. If someone is reading the post, they are looking for the information and many people want to hear real life experiences before they part with money online. Once they read all the reviews, then they can determine if the good outweighs the bad.
So long as the comment itself is not downright offensive, I don’t see the harm. If nothing else, it opens up the lines of communication even more because perhaps some people (like myself) who wouldn’t otherwise post a comment normally would feel the desire to post a comment just to negate the negative review.
I think the ‘my house, my rules’ analogy isn’t the best here simply because you have a comments section. So it’s more like an open-door policy that allows others to freely post the comments they want. Sure, you have moderation control, and you can post rules regarding what comments are allowed, but just because it is not a forum in the means of having many threads, you do have many posts (threads) that allows others to post/comment (reply) on it. It’s almost one way or another–if you don’t want people coming into your house, don’t open the doors (allow comments). Just as people that you allow in your home will not always agree with you and will not always say things that you consider kosher, so will the people that comment on a blog post. So long as they are being respectful and not posting offensive content and hate, I believe their comments should be allowed to be live.
As far as legal liability goes, I think that area is quite gray for the simple fact that it’s not your content that is being posted–it’s someone else’s comment/opinion in response to your content. If someone actually wanted to sue, investigation tactics such as tracking the ip of the poster or scanning your computer cache/history would do well to prove you did not post the comment.
I moderate my comments on all my blogs. I do not allow spam or anything that is beyond the realms of being respectful. I have had people criticize me personally on my blogs or something I have posted about and I have allowed such comments to appear because as I said earlier, I think it sparks good conversation. And if nothing else (as you have shown and I have done before as well), it can spark a new blog post. 😉
Wow Jenniefer.
Like you, I’d separate valid criticism of the product (no matter how harsh) from personal, ad hominem attacks,
The moment the OP started talking about your personality and disposition, imo he crossed the line. Regardless of the other valid content in his post, I would not have approved it.
A blog is private property, NOT public speech, and free speech issues don’t come into play. As far as I’m concerned, it comes under the heading of “keeping things civil.”
I think that this is blown up out of all proportion and should be left alone because its going to turn into a cat fight and not very constructive.
Furthermore, its not helping anyone, especially newbies..
Why don’t you and Tiffany get together and produce a good product for newbies to understand and make money online. Hey, I would consider buying it
I did enjoy your Dam beaver.
James.
Hi Jennifer,
I think you and Tiffany are great. I have purchased
OWM and some of Tiffany’s products. You both are
incredibly knowledgeable and generous with your knowledge. Tiiffany Dow has a great number of valuable videos on Youtube. I read Dorothy’s comments and I think she went “over the top” as they say in the UK. As far as censoring, if someone makes comments that are opinions that are bordering on slander, then they should be deleted. What good are those types of comments?
If the comments are based on facts, then I would argue against censorship. Most of what Dorothy said was not based in fact! OWM is very valuable – Tiffany Dow agreed – that is high praise indeed because she is one smart cookie! (sorry for the cliche). I repeat, I am a fan of both you and Tiffany, and maybe you should do a Joint Venture! Every smart internet marketer should stay in touch with you and Tiffany Dow. Your One Week Marketing and Tiffany Dow’s Building an E-Book Empire are super products.
Analyzing a product and launching an ad hominem attack on the author are two different things. I perceive the post by “Dorothy” to be a personal attack. She mentioned greed. She had a problem with your style – referring to it as “gee golly”. After reading and rereading, I believe Tiffany’s handling was a way of winking at the negativity Dorothy wrote. At the very least she could have addressed it – neutralizing the personal comments. Maybe it’s me, but I got the impression that Tiffany is one of those people who will observe something, but because it’s not happening to her, will laugh it off or minimize it. My .02.
Michele
I, too, agree that each blogger has the right to decide what the commenting rules are. Offensive remarks and obvious spam are off limits on my blog.
I’m beginning to regret subscribing by email to this blog.
The amount of comments is breaking my internet!
Should we as blog owners censor comments? Absolutely!
Anyone who cries foul when their comment has been edited or even deleted needs to just simmer down. Free speech does not mean say anything and the results be damned.
This is YOUR house, Jennifer, so your readers live by YOUR rules. No one’s forcing them to post a comment here or anywhere. So if they can’t play nice, then they just need to move on to somewhere else that allows their version of free speech.
It’s just as simple as that. 🙂
i would see this as a sign that you are winning in a big way,i mean they wouldn’t make comments about a nobody would they.i reckon anybody with half a brain knows that you are one of the good guys,the stuff that you give away for free is always good quality and easy to follow and if acted upon will actually work.don’t let this kinda thing get to you,this game needs quality educators like you. best regards james.
Jennifer,
Thanks for opening up about this cause it’s really
about your reaction to a negative reaction. Whois dorthy? What’s her documentation? It’s so easy to slam people without putting yourself up for scrutny.
Jennifer live long and prosper. Remember the old saying opinions r like _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ everyone has one. Peace
Jennifer, I wouldn’t worry to much, how much traffic will you hopefully be getting from the post, good or bad people sometimes just need to make them selves look or feel better with negative posts, I think your products are great and I’m still trying to make money in a positive way. I don’t think we should censor blogs unless its done in a visious and hurtfull manner. Thanks Tim
Hey like they said to each there own most of all
people will give a positive and a negative on anything
somebody else say . As for me I think your lens are
very informative and give the reader the information
they was looking for , I have read your lens on affiliate
marketing and got a lot of good how to and what to do
now step and they help me out . and the new one the
Dam way is the best information source to make money online I have seen from you some of the tips
gave me some real cool result .In a google search on a keyword phrase I found some real nice niche
on a subject that i know I mean come on I found
the keyword phrase came back with a search result
of 1 in 4640 and the rest are as follow 1 in 5030
1in 6830 and i did searches on eight phrases and all of them are not over 1 in 30,000 the highest was
1 in27,700 now that is result from me reading the
information you gave me so in my opinion she just
trying to take some of your readers don’t let it stress you out I am one person that can say THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SEE I CAN DO THIS I CAN START MY OWN BUSINESS ONLINE AND CAN MAKE AND NEW WAY OF LIFE FOR MYSELF ONCE
AGAIN THANK YOU
Hi Jennifer,
I have been there. I have screamed and complained about the constant bombardment, and then, i just told myself to get on with what all these people are doing and be in their places.
You, are a breath of fresh air. I love your freebies, I love your honesty, and I love your take on how to market.
Worry not! The sky has not fallen. Keep doing what you are doing.
Maria
Funny how some negative people must make villains out of helpful people – presumeably jealousy of other people’s popularity and success – a coping mechanism for insecurity and lack of ability . There are too few thoughtful and considerate people out there – it should be obvious when people genuinely try to help; equally obvious when criticism rings hollow…
My advice would be to challenge this person to show how she would have done since she is so sure she knows best. I doubt she would ever actually do anything half as helpful as you do – and it’s better to accomplish something with a few tiny flaws than spend forever refining a masterpiece nobody gets to use.
Hello
Having been a subscriber of your interesting and informative blogs for some time, I must say I really appreciate the time you take to help others.
With regard to comments made on a product, I agree with you that everybody must be able to voice their opinion although, when it gets personal, then a comment should be edited or removed completely.
The internet is a very powerful tool and there are thousands of genuine helpful people out there although there will always be a minority who spend their time taking every opportunity to slate other peoples products, perhaps trying to enhance their own, not only for digital products but also the retail products. Perhaps they are paid to do it – just a thought!!
It is difficult to know who to believe although, over time, when subscribing to people who you believe are genuine, you learn who the true people are and, as with all sales, you are more likely to buy from people who you can relate to and are open and honest. Like yourself.
After going down the digital/affiliate route for a couple of years, I then decided to start my own retail business, working from home. I have been going 6 months now and, I am glad to say, the business is growing every week.
I try to learn new things every day about marketing and I am always eager to read what you have to say so keep up the good work and make lots of money, because, at the end of the day that’s what we are all doing it for.
Hi Jennifer,
First, a blog or forum is not “public” as covered by the Constitution. The owner can censor anything he wants to censor. That truly is not debatable. If censorship was not allowed there are many very popular forums that would have already had lawsuits brought against them for censorship.
As to publishing Dorothy’s comments: I personally would have contacted D and told her that if she wanted her comments published she would have to re-write and remove anything that even hinted of a personal attack. I feel that Tiffany was definitely remiss.
You said “To Tiffany, I’d like to say – ‘Girl, I don’t envy you ONE BIT over that situation. You just stick to what YOU believe in – You are doing great things for people!’”
I respectfully disagree with you. No personal attack should ever be tolerated and the proper decision was not a difficult one to make.
I actually feel that D made some valid comments which were worth reading. However, her attack invalidated all she had to say. With that said I doubt that you have been injured by D; anyone capable of using OWM can see through D’s verbiage.
I’m not so sure that Tiffany is not injured. I personally have never heard of her before but based on the way she handled this indecent I would not go back to her blog. (And that is said feeling that her review of OWM was, in my opinion, a good one.)
Thank you for the opportunity to comment and keep up the good work.
Carlton
Hi Jen,
I’m all for free speech and honest reviews.
People are entitled to write about what they experience with the product, but I’d be inclined to spam out anything that sounded like a personal attack on an individual.
You did OWM the way you did because of where you were at then.
If you were launching OWM today, it would be different because of where you are now.
That’s PROGRESS, not someone trying to be a wannabe.
Just you keep doin what you’re doin because the more you learn the more I’ll learn.
Thank you for being one of just a handful of marketers I respect,
John.
I monitor my blogs and do not allow any bad language or adult content on them. I do not oppose differing opinions, since everyone has one and you can always learn from other’s opinions.
I love being on your list Pot pie Girl, because you are a non-hypie type internet marketer, who doesn’t over inflate or over sell programs. Thanks!
I will say that I love you Jen, and I have learned a TON from you. I read your blog more than any other three blogs combined.
I have a lot of respect for you and will stand up for you. However…I do see some valid points in that other site.
I personally haven’t bought OWM because it does cost a bit much for me (prices have been raised, correct?). And some of the bonuses, I already have for free. I do think OWM could be improved some, or at least the offer page.
However…again, I do still respect you and have learned a lot from you and have no problem promoting your product.
As for comments, I agree that your personal blog is not a public forum. I will delete any comments that are overly rude, racist, spam, or however I see fit.
But sometimes when I do get a rude comment, I do leave it there as it gives me a chance to put in my two cents. Usually you can correct the rude person and then more people will support you.
On a side note…I don’t like spammers. I will approve almost any comment on my blogs as long as it is relevant. But if you jusst post a short “thanks!” and put your link, it will get deleted.
On blogs I actually care about, I don’t even leave a link (like this one).
Anyway, sorry you have to deal with people like Dorothy. But as I heard another marketer say, 1/3 of all people will love you, 1/3 will hate you, and 1/3 are neutral.
Just keep helping people, and we’ll be here to support you. 🙂
Well I for one do monitor my blogs ,because frankly it not hte place to bad mouth any one.It is really not the place.If you have something to say thats on your mind and ou need to say it I suggest you email the person and make your comments thee between the 2 of you.It is in real bad taste to bad mouth some one ou don’t know on an closed form form not not being invited to do so.I ahve ben marketing on the inte net for 10 years and I have aslo been trianing be in business for about 6 years.I was introduced to your things and productsthrought Ken Evoy of site biuld it.I not teach in MLM but it is not old school I do it through educational marketing. said that to say this I have read your Renaged Markrting program.I think it is a very good pice of work.it is good work because you are real in your advbice and I also believe you are just being real it this project.So what theres soem things that are out of place.It just being real and human.I find it refreshing with all the hype but out by some og these so called Marketing pros.I for one don’t blow my horn much at all.Like me or not it you choice so to speak.Well to finnish up Jennifer you handel the whole thing like a pro good for you.
What I would have done as moderator of that forum was either
1) put the comment but edit out the “…poser…” paragraph part and put in the post “…EDITED BY MODERATOR AS INAPPOPRIATE. You can evaluate a product negatively, but avoid making very negative personal criticisms of others.” She didn’t call you the anti-Christ or allege that you abuse small children or helpless animals.
2) if it is someone who is a regular on the forum, I might email the person and tell them to edit and resend
As soon as things get personal, a whole column can go down the tubes. It didn’t in the case in question, but easily could have.
Personal attacks against the blog owner are uncalled for. However, if someone has a strong opinion about a post, I think they should be able to state their reasons as to why they have a different opinion, as long as they are nice about it and use appropriate language.
PS: I love the Dam Way book!
Deciding whether or not to allow people the right to post uncensored comments is not the question you want to ask.
You should only allow people to bare their tormented affiliate marketer souls if you’re willing to respond in a way that makes both you and the person commenting feel better.
How do you do that?
Use empathy.
Why? When done properly, empathy has an amazing ability to defuse just about anyone’s wrath, mainly because they feel as though they’ve really been “heard”.
Empathy assigns no wrongness to either party; It transcends blame. When you feel empathy towards someone, it is not likely that you will take their comments personally. It allows you to effectively listen to what they are “wanting” rather than dwell on their negative attitude towards you.
Yes, allow people to comment without censorship. But only if you’re willing to use empathy liberally. There’s a whole lot of frustration, anger and resentment out there. You can do the entire internet marketing world a great service with just one empathic act.
But then, you probably already knew all that…
Reference: Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg
Jeff
It would seem that Dorothy has been burned before. Once you have been in Internet marketing for a while, you find out about the gurus. They act all sweet and caring and they are not doing it for the money (they’ve already made 10 gazillion dollors this week), they only want to help people. That’s a bunch of hooey! (Does it sound like I’ve been burned a few times myself?)
Yes, Dorothy may have gone a little overboard, but dropping off a list just because you don’t agree with it is childish.
As Fred said above, Dorothy’s comment says more about her than Jennifer. Would you trust working with someone like that? I wouldn’t.
I say let them have their say. They are only hurting themselves in the end.
By the way, I bought OWM and had no success at all, but that’s the way it works sometime. I have no problem with Jennifer. We tried, it didn’t work. Wait until you are suckered into buying one of those $2000.00 courses that don’t work either. Then you will REALLY have a reason to be upset.
Good luck PotPieGirl and to all of your followers. I still read your emails.
Steve
Hmmm. Tough one. On the one hand, we *should* be monitoring and censoring spammy and “off-color” (porn) comments. On the other hand, I do believe in freedom of speech/opinions. I have allowed many, many comments by those who do not agree with me – though I do generally rebut the opposing comment in some fashion.
That said, I do not consider *any* of my blogs to be “public forums”. Isn’t that the purpose of membership and forum software – to open things up a bit more? I think I would censor any kind of post that appeared to be a personal attack, and tell them to take it to the Warrior Forum or some such.
Like I said – tough one.
I agree with Tiffany in saying that censoring comments to not allow anything negative and post everything positive is unethical marketing/blogging and doesn’t show the true picture of whatever is being discussed. They should not be filtered. Obviously there are circumstances where comments could be censored like those using foul language, spam, unwarranted attacks, lies, etc… but it should be the blog owners decision. The fact is that some people will have bad experiences with every product/service and they should be able to voice their opinion on it just as those who have great experiences with the same product/service. I will say that I didn’t read the comment in question by Dorothy so I can’t give any opinion directly about it.
Hello Jennifer,
My Grandfather made a point that has lasted me through life. “If you don’t have anything good to say about someone, don’t say it.”
With that thought in mind, constructive criticism I accept in my life as it points the way to clearly thinking about what may need improving. It also should be done with the other persons best interests at heart. Thus not being being presented in an offensive manner which only raises defensive thoughts in a person instead of helping them.
Hope this helps others before they make negative blogs about people and their efforts to teach and help people learn internet marketing etc.
Thank you for reading, Jay
My blog isn’t in the same category as yours, but I do monitor the comments. Most of the ones I reject are spam. If a person gives a negative comment that doesn’t use foul language or racism and isn’t an outright flame, I would allow it as I believe people do have a right to express their opinion whether it agrees with mine or not
I had a blog question – mind you this was simply a question on Cindy and Soren’s blog regarding Clickbank Pirate. They deleted my question. I’m not saying I’ll never buy anything from them, but, well, I think you gather my thoughts…
Having said that, if the attack was purely personal – I have no problem with someone editing it. One final however, however,… I know some that think some things are personal when they really aren’t. If I said “I question someone’s ethics who attempts to do something black hat”…. might be considered a personal attack to some. I don’t – I consider that simply an opinion based on something that’s pretty controversial.
I choose to monitor and censor the comments. Reason being is that my blog receives somewhere in the neighborhood of about 10 comments a day with quite a few of them saying something like “best blog I’ve seen in some time” or something basic that doesn’t really say anything. I also tend to get a lot of comments with links to prescription drug sites.
Dear PotGirl:
I guess online marketing is so frustrating that some people have to blame it on others. I have been trying to sell affiliates products for over 8 months now without one single hit. I made websites, wrote articles till I’m blue, I tried one Squidoo lense where the only
visitor is myself. My website has been removed from all major search engines for no reasons, even though
I paid for the web promotion service. I’m starting to belieave that I’m cursed. So maybe I should start picking on somebody too! Not! I will start to at least protect my affiliate links. And keep on kicking. May be one of those days I might sell a product on line.
Don’t take it personally. Some b logger’s will do anything to be seen. I have your course, and I believe that if I follow it to the letter and stop being
lazy with just article writing like I tend to do, I will eventually succeed. Your course is the most useful
to me so far, at a reasonable cost. But you know some of Click Bank e-books are kind of scramming
types. We affiliates have to watch out all the time which one we try to promote. Best of luck and to
every affiliate marketers. Those who made it deserve much recognition. This stuff is far from easy. It takes lots of courage and determination to
succeed.
Disagreement is fine; rudeness is not.
Wow, y’all – great feedback! Each time I go to respond, there are MORE comments!
I want to say a few things…
First, I want to be clear that this is not starting a “cat fight” between Tiffany and myself. No way.
I have the utmost respect for Tiffany AND for her work – besides, I don’t “play” that way.
I truly want feedback, thoughts, and opinions on this. Not only do I think it affects all of us, but I also happen to learn a lot from each of you.
I’m not always right and I don’t know everything. My way is not your way, etc etc etc.
I just love hearing your thoughts on something that *I* am thinking about…and I thank you each for sharing those thoughts with me!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
edit to add: hey Jay… maybe THAT’s what it is! My Grandmother preached The Golden Rule to me relentlessly when I was a child. I was raised with “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all” mentality – and it sure stuck!
I though the comments were made on another blog. That being the case the issue should be with the commenter and not the blogger. You want to censor your blog-go for it. Private blogs are not a public forum, with or without paid memberships. Free speech rights should not be an issue here, this is not youtube or a news website. For you blog do what you will, as you see fit.
It just appears that you have a good relationship with Ms. Dow, but you want others to decide something for you. And I’m a bit confused why you are doing this after the fact.
The First Amendment applies only to the US government.
My private property is my private property, and I decide who can say what. Period.
I do moderate (NOT CENSOR) comments on my blog, because I have a right and a responsibility to keep the environment civil and suitable for my guests.
It’s my property, just as my house is.
I don’t do business with people who think it’s okay for their “guests” to insult people, and I wouldn’t treat my guests that way.
I think the really sad thing about this is that anyone would have any question as to what the First Amendment and “free speech” really mean.
Jennifer, i adore you!! you are the only person online so far to talk to us “newbies”like we’re not stupid!! yes you should moderate nasty comments,especially if they are just a “dig” at someone,there is no need to be nasty and some people who should keep nasty comments to themselves. most of the time it’s jealousy that does it.here’s an example for you….at school i was tormented by a girl who was very popular,she was a beauty(long blond hair,nice figure etc) i was shy,plump with red hair!! ohh how she hated me!! i bumped into her a few years ago,she has her hair red now(same colour as mine, she told me that the reason she was so nasty to me was because she was always jealous of my hair(i did get a lot of attention for it lol) so many times.when a person is nasty.it may be because they are jealous of what you’ve got,or what you’ve achieved. food for thought??
I think Tiffany was right to allow the post in that if she only allows certain viewpoints then it isn’t much of a “review”. However, as an earlier commentator suggested, I think she should have edited out the personal attack.
Nicely handled all round.
I have to say that commenting on blogs can be nasty at times. However, people should have a place to voice the opinion that they want to share. Now should it be done in a comment section behind a somewhat cloak of being unknown probably not. However, if you disagree with what is being put and want to “slam” the person you will want to do that on your own blog with a comment linking to your blog if possible rather than laying it out in the comment section of a blog.
I guess I don’t see what all the fuss is about. When you’re in the Internet Marketing biz, you should expect that kind of treatment. This line of work is about akin to used car salesmen and abulance chasers. We’re teaching people how to make money teaching people how to make money teaching people how…you get the picture. It’s like three guys shipwrecked on a desert island. When they get resued a year later, all three of them are fabulously rich from trading hats with each other.
When I first found your site I was really impressed with your information and your products. I stopped paying much attention after you recommended Wealthy Affiliate. I did the free account with them and felt like I needed a shower with lots of soap after visiting their site. That’s sheep getting shorn.
However I still read your blog and have recommended it to others who wanted to get into Internet Marketing.
In reference to deleting comments, there was nothing in that comment by Dorothy that you could sue her over. Cold, maybe; libelous, no. So I would have left it in. She didn’t make any racial slurs or sexist statements or anything else that could get the site owner in trouble by publishing it.
The only comments I delete are the obvious ones where they are only trying to get a backlink. But then, I have it easier than you. I sell information and marketing services to real business people, not people with no business skills trying to start an online business. Those people have such an uphill grind it’s no wonder most of them fail and become bitter.
Internet marketing is one of the toughest businesses there is. It takes one heck of a lot of work and long hours. Not that nonsense most of the “snake oil” salemen are giving them about making $36,000 in 24 hours after their first site goes up. Those are the clowns the FTC should be putting out of business.
However, unlike those guys, you have never implied that people can get rich by doing next to nothing.
Hi, Jennifer: I read the posts and comments. I left the following comment on Tiffany’s blog:
“Tiffany: I agree to a point about censorship. However, I will reprimand a poster who chooses to personally attack someone whether than keep comments on the product itself (I review books). I believe Dorothy’s comments went beyond respectful behavior. That is a reflection on her. I personally would have removed the post, explained why and ivited Dorothy to repost but keep the comment focused on her experience with the product. This is your blog, however, and I know we all see things differently and react differently”
I find personal attacks unacceptable–whether in person or online. As a reviewer myself (books) I make a point of never bashing an author. Luckily, I have never had to reprimand a commenter, but would if necessary. I think you handled your end of this whole situation very well!
Hi Jennifer,
YOUR blog is YOUR BLOG. To “screen” what others are commenting on before it actually posts is what a responsible owner should do. It’s your call… if it benefits your readers then post it, if not then let it go.Constructive criticism is good and your response to Tiffany’s post was well done. The Book of Proverbs says,
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
The ‘wisdom’ you bring to the Affiliate Marketing arena is priceless. Thank you for all your hard work…Hmmm, if I’m not mistaken, I think you mention WORK in OWM quite a few times. That’s what it will take to be successful in ANYTHING… HARD WORK.
I don’t think I would change my policy because of “Dorothy”. You have allowed comments on your blog for quite some time now. Have you ever had the need to delete offensive posts before this one? Keep doing what you do, and never forget who you are, (or want to be), and this will not be the end all event that it seems to be today.
I am a contractor and this situation reminds me of something my Dad used to tell me when I thought it was “face pinching time”. He said ” if you can’t argue with these tradesmen at 7:00 am and buy them a coffee at 9:00 am, then you need to find something else to do”. I remember that everyday whether or not I’m on a construction site. Life is simply too short to deal with people who hide behind a keyboard and take “pot” shots at you. I completely understand that the harsh criticism stings, but at the end of every day you Jenifer need to be able to look over what you have “built” and be pleased with what it is, and how it was made.
I am trying your methods and although I have not had a great deal of success, it is starting to make sense to me.
Thanks for a very interesting post!
Hey I get to talk now!
The bottum line is a blog is your property! I personaly enjoy the banter of a heated subject and would only remove a post if it were totaly out of line.
I value your talents and hope that you get bigger and bigger! ( but don’t ever change) the world and the net need more people like you!
Thank you for everything
ROCK ON!!!!
I have more thoughts on this:
I’m sorry, but I’m calling LAME on what Tiffany wrote – “If I did NOT allow Dorothy to have her say on what her personal experience was, THEN I would be an unethical marketer.”
Dorothy did not talk about her own personal experience with OWM. She did however, make several other references “ex: JV-partner-scratch-my-back-I’ll-scratch-yours mentality” and “the words sheep…wannabe…poser come to mind.”
When you don’t fit what other people think you should be, some of them lie, ridicule and slander you. Jennifer – there are a lot of Dorothy’s out there waiting to sucker punch people. It’s envy – not jealousy. Envious people feel robbed, which explains the venom (remember Cain & Abel – Cain was so envious he bashed his brother in the head, killing him). Maybe Dorothy feels superior to “gee golly”, and that she deserves your OWM money, not you (even though you did all the work).
I thought of this because it reminded me of someone who called me when the Segway’s came out – LIVID – he said “I could have done that – that should have been ME”. I couldn’t believe it.
So I suggest you decide on whether you want to moderate your posts on your site, and leave the tiffany dow experience behind you.
Thank you Jennifer. “emmie” or who ever you are, shame on you.
Censorship in the age of “Snarkiness” is a must. These days, more and more people behave as though since they never have to look you in the eye through the computer wires, they have no accountability to their words or actions.
Tiffany’s policy is just that: Her Policy. Some of what Dorothy said was relevant to the product review, but some of it was simply mean, in poor taste, and could’ve been expressed in a much more tactful, elegant and fair manner. It says more about her issues than it does yours Jennifer.
I’m very new to all this IM stuff, and I don’t have a blog yet. But when I do, I will definitely review comments before posting. I have zero tolerance for “snarkiness” and for those who vomit negativity into any environment… a productive critical discussion? Bring it on. Crossing the line into meanness? Take it to your shrink, not the blogs.
I do it all the time. If a comment does not seem to me, to be profitable to my readers I trash it with out a twinge of guilt..
If I edited a comment, that would keep me up at night but a quick kill doesn’t bother me the least.
I keep the lights on, on my blog and I get to decide who gets to say what.
Having said that I must say I have not only allowed comments I disagreed with but have published articles I disagreed with. I did so because 1. They were thought provoking and 2. Stated contrasting or opposing points of view without flaming anyone.
Cordially,
Myke
I believe everyone is entitled to an opinion, but I also believe once someone starts hitting below the belt it’s time to go! I ran restaurants for years, and everyone was entitled to their opinion of the food, service, etc. If someone didn’t like it and had something to say, fine. The moment their comments became derogatory to me or my staff, they were leaving or I was calling the police. It’s the same way with the internet. My blogs are my “restaurants”. I also believe anyone that had half of mind would know to read more than just that one comment, and would see where the majority was. But, to, I ‘m partial to Jennifer! 🙂
If I received a personal attack, I would confront that person. Its amazing that people can put themselves behind 3000 lb. vehicles while running you off the road and hide behind the internet, yet they would not treat you the same way or say the same thing to your face.
Okay, I don’t have a blog, and I’d have to give it some thought. Okay, thought given! Yes, you “own” the blog, so It’s kinda like someone saying something in your home! Shouldn’t they come into your home and if they can’t say anything nice, keep their mouth shut? Jennifer, you are, I believe maybe THE most honest and down to earth marketer that I have run across. I would take up for you anytime! Wish I’d read the post! HAHA! I am serious though. You are one in a million, and very generous and polite and kind and funny!
That person was jealous!! I have been in the health care field for many years and dealing with the public you must finally learn that some people don’t want to be happy! They are stupid and they like to attrack attention by being drama queens. Any NORMAL person would have no reason to be like that! Forget about it!!!
Darby put a good light to this dark subject.
I might add that censorship is not in and of itself a bad thing. You cannot blanket answer the question, however. Depends is not the black and white answer people want, but it is the most responsible.
IMHO to censor a negative review of a product just to keep it looking good is unethical. To censor some nasty hurtful response that would be offensive to observers is prudent.
But it is a personal thing….And guess what…How Tiffany (and I like her style alot) runs her blog…each of us runs our blog…lets let our understanding of the clients we serve dictate what and when we censor anything.
It is a tough call, whether to censor or not. “Dorothy” did have a right to express her opinion, however I think she used very poor judgment in slamming the writer of the product, you. It is one thing to not agree with the product, but it is nonconstructive to slam the creator. I do not agree with her thoughts on the product. As with most products I have found, you get out what you put in. It sounds to me that “Dorothy” probably did not put much into using OWM or probably others that she has bought, and just assumes that the blame falls on the products and not herself.
Jennifer, What an open discussion. It’s hard when you’re criticized publicly and I applaud how you handled it with your comments on that post.
I think each person makes the rules for their own blog. For me, I don’t mind if someone disagrees with me, that’s the discussion and exchange I hope to create so that we learn from each other. However, if someone is just bashing someone then I wouldn’t let it stand. It’s not a platform for that, it IS a platform for discussion and exchange of ideas. I believe you can do that without being personal.
I DID buy OWM, and although I can’t say it did “wonders” for me, I also must say it’s because I never made myself sit down and work the plan. That aside, I learned a TON from it and from your work on Squidoo and am grateful for that. At some point, I’ll go back and do it all step by step, for now, the things I have learned are working to get things rolling for me. Thank you, for what you do and what you give to the community.
You absolutely have the right to determine what is published. You are offering a service and your clients don’t need hecklers from the audience to distract them. Keep up th e good work.
OK, I censor for the same reasons you do and one more: when they get off topic
It’s my blog and I want the comments to stay on topic for the benefit of the readers. If “D” wants to do a personal attack on anyone she can start her own blog,
my blog has a focus, a purpose, a job, and if the comments don’t help with that I hit “DELETE”.
She is wrong about your always trying to sell stuff like the gurus too, I’ve been on your list for several years and I never delete your emails before reading them, they’re always helpful.
Rick
As the Owner and Chief Editor of the blog you have an absoult right to decide what goes in and being distributed.
In the earthly world, I can hardly expect to walk into the Editor of The Sunday Times, give off and slag someone off and expect the newspaper to print, publish and distribute “My Agony Hangup” article, it just because I feel so. No way, I’d be thrown out of the Editors office head first!
The web amplifies human nature, the good sides and also (unfortunately) the bad sides and many poor judgments…
Kind regards from a nice London,
Peter
Hi Jennifer,
We all know it’s the empty vessels that make the most noise,and that forums and blogs abound with empty vessels venting their spleens.
Genuine criticism , and informed opinion, should be welcome on blogs,even when they do not support your cause. Personal insults have no place on blogs and forums ,and I would delete them and their originators without a second thought. For what its worth ,I found OWM easy to follow,and appreciated the lengths you went to to make it that way ,and although I do things differently these days,
(I have some doubts about Squidoo and its integrity) OWM certainly got me off the starting block,and I continue to use the methods described.
I agree with Angela Booth on Tiffany’s comment section. Your blog is your blog. It is not a public forum. If you choose to publish comments criticizing your products, you may. If not, not. If you choose to publish comments that attack your character, fine, if not, not.
Is that ‘moderating’? Or censoring? Get real folks.
Personally I find a of of whining about a lot of products on blogs. All the “gurus” say hey folks this is WORK. Yeah you’ll have to write a lot. And find good keywords. What’s new?
I find Jennifer’s instructions are painstakingly step by step and easy to understand. To DO – well, that’s work. If someone else makes it easier to understand, it still has to be DONE.
Lastly, a comment is a comment. Not an article. This is the longest comment I’ve ever left anywhere. And it’s way too long.
Stay positive everybody.
Jennifer,
Your website is your property. You do not have to take that abuse. If those comments bother you,(it would bother me,too.) I would screen comments. She has free speech, but you don’t have to listen and spoil the atmosphere of your website. No one has the right to step on anyone.
It’s a shame that some people strive to validate themselves by criticizing others in a demeaning way.
I think you’ve handled a rather unprofessional approach in your typical, professional manner, Jennifer.
Your hard work has taught me plenty. You go, girl!
I really believe it depends on the purpose of your site. But I do think it your blog’s main purpose is sales you should refrain from censoring (unless the post in question would be offensive to everyone reading it). As an aside–if you’re going to be kind enough to post every comment, your readers should afford you the same courtesy when commenting (using a fake name while being nasty just makes the intent seem that much worse). I’m with you–that comment would have taken the wind out of my sails too. You are a great resource for newbies and veterans alike. And I personally think the price you charge is a steal for the information you provide. I still refer back to my “checklist” when I’m getting a campaign off the ground.
Hi Jennifer,
I’ve read through the posting made by “Dorothy”. I bought your OWM course, the premier version. Although I think there are SOME valid points among her posting that are worthy of debate, I think some of the tone of it was unnecessarily nasty.
I think constructive criticism is OK, whether or not you agree with it, but it shouldn’t get nasty and offensive and would agree that the blog owner should not publish those sorts of comments.
I think you should be glad to read constructive criticism because it will help you if it’s valid, but not personal attacks. That’s my humble opinion. I hope it helps and doesn’t offend.
David Beedham
Why does the right to “free speech” apply to someone’s personal blog? If someone wants to exercise their right to free speech, they’re more than welcome to start up their own blog and say whatever they darn well please. Even then, they can get into trouble if what they post is libelous or violates copyright law.
Even lively discussion forums have rules about this sort of thing. You usually have moderators who go around putting out fires: They lock nasty threads (or sometimes outright delete them), and they ban people for refusing to play nice. In the Warrior Forum, for example, if you have a problem with someone, you’re supposed to take it up with them directly. You’re not supposed to use the forum as a means of bashing and tarnishing their name. I guess we could scream, “Help, help, I’m being repressed!”, but using any particular discussion forum is a privilege, not a right.
A blog where discussions take place isn’t much different. The owner of the blog is the moderator, so to speak. The moderator makes the rules as they see fit. If they’re draconian or inconsistent about their rules and delete comments “just because,” they risk getting a bad reputation. But they expose themselves to other risks if they let almost any comment go up.
Hi Jennifer,
Yes, it’s a tough situation.
I understand those who are against censoring in the name of free speech. However, bloggers also have the right to police their own blogs. It’s your yard, and you should be able to lay down the rules.
If it’s a matter of free speech, then start your own blog, or do it in a community-based forum.
Anyhow, that’s my 5 cents worth.
All the best,
Laurie
Hey Jennifer!
Glad you addressed this on your blog too, because you and I both know when you have a list of loyal subscribers, they might agree with you more often than not since they already respect your advice, so I’m interested in what your list (which I’m on) has to say, too!
On Dorothy, I felt she was more frustrated with the marketing tactics she felt you employed rather than your personality. She even said: “She probably is a truly nice person, just making the wrong decisions.”
I know you and I can both understand ANY person’s skepticism. Look at Rich Jerk and all his cookie cutter clones. When you come along (with your “golly gees” lol – hey I’m from the South, so I “get it,”) and I come along with my “y’all” talk and tears on Ustream in front of over 100 people (cringe), it’s NORMAL for people to automatically assume we’re phonies.
Isn’t that a sad statement about the state of affairs for Internet Marketing? Be real sounding and their alarms go off that you’re fake. Thanks for paving the way, RJ!
The reason I let Dorothy have her say is because she was a paying customer of yours. She was or is on your list. She’s entitled to her $0.02. I responded to her in a comment follow up saying that you were undoubtedly a sweetheart, so in regards to Michele above saying I was “winking” at Dorothy’s negativity, I wasn’t.
I don’t censor mean comments about myself, by the way, either. I’m fair game too.
Tiff 😉
Jennifer,
I read the comments by “Dorothy” and found them to be the kind of catty remarks that are often traded in women’s groups. This is unfortunate, but it happens.
Anyone who iclaims to be an adult should behave as an adult. and avoid making personal attacks in evaluating a program.
If Dorothy found the program too difficult for her, she should get some help to understand it. It is possible that she expects making money on the internet to involve no effort. We all know that it is work, that it demands time and close attention.
Hi Jen,
I feel (as you do) that our blog is our property and if you don’t like people leaving their dirt on your doorstep, don’t invite them in. We certainly have the right to censor comments.
All the best,
Theresa
Deleting comments really is a personal thing, but in my view I am being unfair if I censor negative feedback, even more I am being dishonest. The only time I will delete comments is if they are a blatant attack on me or anyone else… not just a negative review. I can live with the fact that not everyone agrees with my opinions but I don’t promote hate so if it is just plain hate mail ~ it goes.
Sadly this person seems to have an issue with you AND your product and it does fall into a gray area. I don’t see a problem with leaving it up, but it did not have to sink to personal attacks either.
PS I have some exciting news for you, I am testing your OWM plan on my new book. I tried affiliate marketing and it just isn’t me but I’m going to try it and see what it can do for book marketing. I’ll be back in a few months to let you know how it goes and what I had to change 🙂
The people that make it hard for you to love them are the ones that need love the most.
Don’t sweat it, kiddo. You’re #1 in my neck of the woods.
The wind in my sails is fine, thank you!
Someone saying something not-nice about me is almost irrelevant.
I used a real-life example for a reason. It’s important to me that we each take a moment to put ourselves in the shoes of someone else.
In this case, I think it’s great if we each take a moment to try and relate to me, to Tiffany, AND to Dorothy. (yup, that empathy thing, Jeff).
Taking the time to do that can really help us individually as we ask ourselves what WE would do in this very situation.
As someone in the WA forum once said, “We are always branding ourselves as something“. I think that is such a strong statement for those that choose to work online.
Every word we say (type), every action we take, each brands us as something in the eyes of others.
In Tiffany’s case, she was in a catch-22 situation. If she chose to NOT post that comment, there would be backlash – and by choosing TO post that comment, there was backlash.
In my opinion, she did the very best thing in that situation – she chose to stay true to what SHE believes in and how she wants people to view her blog AND her.
At the end of the day, doing what YOU feel is right according to your values is a good way live.
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Hi Jennifer,
I agree with Laurie Lacey. It’s your turf. You have the right to edit.
It’s tough to take, but glean what constructive criticism there may be, and ignore comments from the tacky and the tackless.
Your responses have been above reproach, and confirm why so many of us trust and follow you.
I suspect you are still fine-tuning your products, and I can forgive that long before all of the shiny objects and b.s. that have kept me broke and broken. I know your heart is in the right place.
I believe that you need the negative feed back as much as the positive however the personal slams are out of line and should not be published.
Let me make this easy: They crucified Jesus, yet no one could say anything bad about Him other than He accuse the “blind of leading the blind.”
You can do whatever you like with your blog, but how far do you travel from integrity, respect and honor before you realize that your character – or, lack thereof – is showing?
Let me see… I make money with your system. Check. Now, I critique you in a manner that smacks of “essence of unappreciation” for the sake of “keeping my people happy.” Check.
I don’t see any problems here. It is what has become the American Way: Get all you can; “Can” all you get and show everybody that your loyalty is only to yourself. What’s the problem?
Oh, my bad. I forgot that people like you – who have old fashion values like appreciation, respect, honor, consideration, etc. – would be hurt over stuff like this. I am sorry for the idiots who can no longer understand the workings of a “class act.” (Did you know that the word “idiot” came from the Greek word idios? Idios means “one’s own.” From its origin an idiot is one who does things his or her “own way” – right or wrong.)
You can’t stop people from “speaking their minds.” Of course you can and should set your own limits regarding your own blog(s).
In closing, try not to be hurt or upset by what people say. The world is not a nice place. Often, it is not a very smart place. Like I said earlier – they crucified Christ! 1 Corinthians 2:8 Not smart at all! ; > Keep being who you are. There are so many who appreciate it.
As a blog owner, I feel I have the right to delete any comment that I want. If someone says “boo” to me and I don’t like it, I have the right to delete it. It’s my blog, my home, my space, everyone else are just guests. With that said, I can understand Tiffany’s point of view on this since she felt she would be covering up an unhappy sale. I’m not sure if she did the right thing, because I truly feel people should be nice to each other and “Dorothy” crossed a line. I just don’t know why people have to be hateful to each other. Her displeasure could have been expressed without getting hateful. Jennifer, you are a nice person and I think the comments were uncalled for.
I watched a television special not long ago, featuring several celebrities who have been brutally criticized in the media. Once these comments become published, the public then follows along like a herd of animals, adding more venom the words. It showed me first hand how deeply unkind or slanderous words can cut.
Free speech must be tempered with diplomacy and the golden rule. In my opinion, Dorothy’s comments stopped being constructive half of the way through. It crossed the line.
Should we voice our opinions in name of free speech and honesty, at all costs? Not on my blogs.
Hey Tiffany!
Missed your comment while posting my last response.
Thanks for stopping by!
You said…
“…Isn’t that a sad statement about the state of affairs for Internet Marketing? Be real sounding and their alarms go off that you’re fake. Thanks for paving the way, RJ!”
So true!
Also, I’d like to add “you’re right” – buying products to learn how to make money online DOES cause an emotional trigger – especially when you’re new to all this.
I have no ill-will towards Dorothy. I can hear that she is frustrated – either with me or OWM….or both!
By the way, when have I ever said, “golly gee”? lol! I know, as you said, that was in reference to my highly astute-sounding Southern accent (and writing style), but that’s just me.
As Popeye said, “I yam what I yam!” hahaha!
Glad you stopped by!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Jennifer,
Gosh, this was a sticky situation, wasn’t it?
My mother taught me that if you don’t have anything nice to say you shouldn’t say anything at all. However, not all of us listened to our mothers 😉
I think it should be up to the individual blog owner to decide what their tolerance level is. I do agree that removing blog posts because they don’t serve your selling purposes is wrong.
In this case, I would have removed her post too if it had been a personal attack.
Keep doing what you are doing Jennifer, you’re just great as far as I’m concerned!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am on both your list and Tiffany’s. I have found both of you to be very upstanding women who really contribute to your readers.
I did OWM way back when I first started in IM last year. I think there are great points to the program and some that just did not work well for ME. However, to each his own and I think Dorothy’s comments were beyond rude. Rudeness is commonplace these days when people are able to hide behind the internet.
However, I would have to take each blog comment and assess whether I wanted it to be a reflection on my own blog sites. What you accept on your sites means a lot in the eyes of other visitors. Respectful disagreements are one thing, but stating ugly opinions with no basis in fact are another.
Jennifer: I think a blog owner has the right to censure comments on their blog though I personally wouldn’t do it unless it got crude. I certainly wouldn’t let Dorothy’s comments bother me if I were you. Tiffany ceratinly appeared to be on your side and Dorothy has a right to her own opinion which certainly didn’t reflect on her very well.
Hi,
Been following you at a distance.
I did OWM, and although it didn’t work for me, your sincerity and ethics always shone through like bright sunshine.
First point is that I never saw a statue built for a critic, but I’ve seen lots built for doers. You’re a doer.
Next point is important. Be bigger than this – be the swan who ignores the screams of the sparrows.
If you let it get to you, you’ll come down to their level.
Decide in your heart – forgive – let it go and move on and up – try to FORGET it.
Do NOT dwell on this any longer! Flies dwell on dirt, but bees make honey.
Jennifer – I’m so sorry that happened to you. Doesn’t seem to matter how thick-skinned we think we get with age, mean comments hurt and some people just don’t think before they write (or talk).
As to the question at hand, I’m all for censoring comments. I’m with you – it’s my house and I’ll keep it the way I want. I pay the hosting fees just like I pay the mortgage on my home and no one else can use my money to bad-mouth me or anyone else. I pay for a lot of things as an adult that I wish I didn’t have to pay for. I won’t also pay to let someone else use my property for spouting off. Let them get their own hosting account. 🙂
On a side note, YOU made all the difference in the world for me as an internet marketer. I started on Squidoo a year ago last month. I bought OWM several months in. Until I read this blog and used OWM, I’d had very little success. You, your style, your personality, your willingness to share and your great instructions in OWM turned things around for me.
So – (a little late) THANK YOU!
Erica
Hey Jennifer…Haven’t read all the posts here, but one I did made much sense. If this were my blog and it violated, or came close to violating my rules, I would send it back and tell them to take out all that borders on personal attacks. Otherwise, it wouldn’t go up.
It’s real easy to sit in front of an impersonal laptop and write anything that comes to mind, regardless of another’s feelings. And call that TRUTH. But the guideline I’ve used having been many years in the print publishing business is this: What would I say, and how would I say it, if I were speaking to that person face-to-face?
Keep up the good work.
carlen maddux
PS. Your profile is rising rapidly on the Web, and so you might as well be prepared for critiques on your products and points of view.
PSS. Also, you might want to take this opportunity to review your own blog rules and define them more clearly for yourself and your readers, if that’s even necessary.
I am a big fan of yours, Jennifer and really appreciate all that you do. I have learned so much from you and am grateful for all that I have learned from you.
I agree that it is the blogger’s prerogative to decide whether or not to allow certain comments, but I can also see that to only allow the good comments on a review blog seems kind of false.
To be completely honest, when reading all of this, I was more taken with your reaction to this than the blog comment, and I wonder why this bothers you so much. It seems like the classic-having one hundred people like you and choosing to focus on the one who does not-syndrome. Did you take note of all the positive comments about OWM?
We all have to take our lumps once in a while when in a public forum. You can’t make everyone like you, and I’ve learned that these types of people will come along. We all just have to expect it and let it roll off our shoulders.
Besides, it did occur to me while reading the post that this very well might have been one of your competitors or a fellow affiliate marketer.
All there is to do now is to let it go and laugh!
Thanks again for everything, Jennifer! And PLEASE keep up all the fantastic info!
~Emma
I feel that comments should be monitored. Some individuals do not have enough common sense as to what they should or should not put in a post. You should be able to post your thoughts on a product, but it does not give you the right to demean or slander anyone.
Hi
I think a person has a right to state their opinion about a product (whether good or bad) if they have honestly tried the product themself. I don’t think it is good to personally attack other people. Alot of times when people do that (especially throwing the slams at someone who is honest and very successful as yourself) are doing it out of pure jealousy. They are jealous that they have yet to achieve the success (and may I add, that you are as successful as you are because you have built the trust and people follow you) so instead of just trying to learn something from you, they feel the need to bash to try and take something away from your success. If I were you, I wouldn’t let it get to you. When you have thousands of positive about you all over the web, that one little negative isn’t going to hurt your reputation so just keep doing what you do best 🙂
There is no need to use derogatory remarks or defamation of character to get your point across. Constructive criticism consists of neither. Freedom of speech guarantees us the right to speak/blog our thoughts, but inflammatory remarks reflecting anger and jealousy are fear based and lack maturity.
Emma, you said –
“To be completely honest, when reading all of this, I was more taken with your reaction to this than the blog comment, and I wonder why this bothers you so much. It seems like the classic-having one hundred people like you and choosing to focus on the one who does not-syndrome. Did you take note of all the positive comments about OWM?”
Oh my! Did it really come across that way??!
I sure didn’t intend it to!
The negative about ME is not really my point here. I was hoping that by using a real-life example from my life, that it could help us each think about being in the shoes of the 3 people involved and begin conversation about what we each would do had we been in those shoes.
At some point or another when working online, this is a situation we will all be in.
Thanks for speaking up so I could clarify!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
I read her comment, and i see why it stung, but i don’t believe one bit with her comment(but we all have our opinions)
I might say that your OWM guide did leave me confused at first since I was new when i got it, but these were simple concepts that can easily be researched upon and understood
about the overflowing in box stuffing, I have never seen you blast promotions like crazy like other affiliates do, you have always recommended products that only complement what you teach, and not just chase some quick commissions
anyway, I do not think that censoring comments is the right thing to do, I do feel that we can all share our opinions good or bad, people change when they see you caring for them(thats something i learned from(gary vaynerchuk) and maybe this person was influenced by other unsuccessful affiliate and wrote that.
either way good handling of the situation, i like your transparency, it shows that you do care about us.
-Luis Carrillo-
I can see several issues from this. Any blog that doesn’t require private membership is a “public forum”. Even blogs that require paid membership still fall into this category. After all, every comment is free to be read all over the internet by people. Like forums, we expexct comments and issues to be “moderated”. Why should a blog be any different?
In fact, I would expect a greater degree of moderation from a blog owner simply because whatever is written is accessible by ANYONE. At least most forums require you to read and agree to terms of use before posting.
I don’t agree with the way Tiffany handled it. Dorothy had a bad experience with OWM…that is fair enough to post as a comment. However, Dorothy then began a personal attack on Jennifer’s “style”, which SHOULD have been moderated. It had nothing to do with a review of OWM.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m really shaking my head in disbelief when people are taking the time to write in agreement with Tiffany and then say “I haven’t actually read what Dorothy wrote?”
I’m also slightly bemused at the general attitude that comments made ‘just to get a backlink’ are totally despicable and must be deleted, but comments that attack someone else’s very integrity are perfectly okay and something to expect?
Just asking.
I wish I had the time to go through all the comments here, but I don’t.
I think being transparent is important, but that does not include personal attacks on individuals.
Several months ago, the site owner of a site I subscribed to made a rash comment about a particular author’s request to to him to give her credit for her trademark phrase he used.
His followers went to the point of harassing this poor elderly author and even posted bogus negative reviews of her books. Meanwhile, the letter he received from her was probably a standard form that was automatically sent out.
I’m sorry, blog owners and COMMENTERS need to be aware the the internet is extremely powerful and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
I’ll go back to the topic though, transparency is great, but each blog owner needs to use his/her own discretion when dealing with personal attacks or vulgar commenters.
That’s my two cents!
Hi Jennifer, I am still working through the process you have going, and so appreciate that I feel like I can trust you. Means alot in this world. As far as the “Sticky Situation” goes, it seems to me that if a person was writing something about a functional problem they had with your business system, that would be wrong to censor. That would make it look like you were just in it to sell something, and not open to looking at another person’s point of view, and possibly something lots of people were having a problem working with. On the other hand, if the person was just saying something about another person that was gossipy or catty, or just to be mean for meanness sake, it does not really pertain to the subject. I would have no problem censoring that type of remark, and I do not think that is wrong or even bad. It distracts from the professionalism of a serious working environment to have that type of situation. I also agree it really reflects badly on whoever would come to a blog about a subject like this and personally attack someone, as well as someone who allowed it to be published. As much as you try to help us all, shame on them. Thank you for the giving spirit you show.
Thank you PotPie Girl. I appreciate your patience.
Well, I don’t think honest heartfelt opinions should be censored. I get the feeling that Dorothy felt “taken” by the one week marketing plan and her words were probably chosen out of frustration.
To be honest after reading the 6 step niche sites I kinda got the feeling that this was going to cost more than it led on to be. It started out like, “I’ll teach you for free” then went to, “oh you’ll need to buy this that and the other”, and by the way “I have a marketing plan that really shows you how to do it.”
I understand that there are some things out of your control that I’d have to buy in order to set up my business, but I felt incensed that you included WordPress Goldmine as one of them. Basically you said that you were going to speak as though we already understood certain things, and if we didn’t, we’d need to get this WordPress Goldmine. And from the sounds of it, the marketing plan leads us to buy even more if we really, really want to know how to do this stuff.
It’s the carrot on a string approach that’s so offenisive. Don’t say free if people are coming out the other side a couple hundred dollars lighter.
It seems to me that the more I see of these marketers who make so many thousands a month and just want to help the little person get started, makes me think that there’s more money to be made in telling people that online marketing is profitable than there is in actually doing it. Otherwise would you really need to be making that much more profit showing others the way?
NO, you should NOT censor blogs. Obviously, if someone is attacking another person on your blog, immediate removal of the thread and removal of the blogger is appropriate. That is not censorship, that is self preservation. But, as long as it a critical review of a public offering, critics will abound. Authors do NOT have the option to approve or disapprove the critique of a novel or short story that is in print.
Let me say this, please: After buying the cheaper version of OWM, I have been desperately trying to find a guide to using it. While reading through the original poster’s thoughts on OWM, I learned things. Things that I didn’t get from OWM. It has been said that those who can–DO. Those who can’t –Teach. Jennifer, I hope you are happy as a doer, because the teaching style is not at all clear to a rank newbie like me.
Were I you, Jennifer, I would work with that woman to produce a guide to OWM for Dummies. I would buy it in a heartbeat, if it told me what to do in what order to make my dream of IM guru a reality.
Hi Jennifer,
My Blog is My property. Just as a newspaper can edit or not publish letters to the editor, I can choose what to allow or not allow
I normally allow disagreement and opinions. I do not allow for bullying, name calling, cheap shots or foul language.
I’m interested in discussion. I am not interested in inflammatory remarks.
By the way. Love OWM and your efforts to share your knowledge both in paid systems and all the free suggestions and help you give.
There is an old saying that “sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you”. Whoever coined that phrase got it vastly wrong. Words work their way into the psyche and stay.
It is perfectly ok to have the reaction you had. It hurt and that is your personal take on the matter as it was very very public.
It is never right to personally attack someone.
I will allow constructive criticism on my blogs but cutting or downright nasty comments would not get published. Perhaps it would have been kinder had Tiffany notified you first to ask your opinion on publishing that comment. Had the shoe been on the other foot I am sure she would have appreciated you doing that.
I guess we all have different ways of going about things and thats what makes the world but it costs nothing to be kind. Dorothy achieved nothing to bring people to her side. What she did achieve was to have the rest of the community react negatively to her and to have us back you up. It shows your star is on the rise.
Constructive is a far better way to counteract something we are not happy with.
Keep doing what you are doing Jennifer. Its great.
Bonnie
I am responsible for whatever is posted on my blog, whether it is a post or a comment from a reader. My blog represents me after all. If someone has an opinion that I strongly don´t approve they can start their own blog and shout it as loud as they want. My virtual real estate is my property and should stay under my control.
Being siad, if my readers have a different opinion than mine they are welcome to write about it as long as they don´t abuse their ¨freedom of speach¨, you know that taboo, the old rusty knife that you find pointing to your face whenever you ask the foul-monthed to be polite.
sure, it’s your blog, not theirs and your free to edit it however you see fit. Your ethics or lack thereof will be evident in how you edit, 4 all 2 see.
Jennifer…I appreciate that you’ve taken the higher ground and though I haven’t yet gone to the blog post you referenced, I just wanted to say that since I purchased your program last summer, your voice and constant guidance has helped me to slog through when I feel dispirited. With the One Week Marketing program, I was able to immediately to double my monthly income from Squidoo. Now I have a specific action plan to follow. Your program and your dedication to provide continual updates free-of-charge through your blog posts is truly appreciated. So just a positive pat on the back to say thanks for all you do and keep up the good work. What makes your program stand out from all the fly-by-nighters is your constant support and it is ever so appreciated to helping those of us who are trying to make an income online so we can spend more time doing the things with love and spend more time with the people & pets we love. X0XOXO
Wow, great topic here. So many sides to this debate.
I completely understand your analogy about this being your home but at the same time, anyone that blogs is opening the doors of their home to the public, right?
That being said, and I understand you do not want your blog to be an open forum necessarily, but even forums ARE moderated. In this regard, I agree with censoring our blogs and weeding out spam, name calling and personal attacks.
As for this specific situation, I have lived through some public criticism myself and I think that is just something we have to deal with when we enter the public domain.
I see it a little like Amazon. The reviews help the consumers make purchase decisions. Even though Dorothy did not have anything good to say, a lot of others on Tiffany’s site did have good things to say.
So, essentially, we saw both sides of the coin here with the positive outweighing the negative and even Tiffany herself giving her nod of approval. As an OWM fan, I can say that she did make some good points in her review. Nonetheless, I like seeing both the positive and the negative. If it were not for the different points of view, sites like Amazon would not thrive as a resource for consumers.
Great job and thanks for writing OWM!
Jeff
HI Jennifer, I do believe that a person should monitor comments on their blog. In fact, I am waiting to see if Tiffany Dow is going to publish what I wrote on her website. Sorry it was not very nice. But I was nicer to her than she was to you. However, I can understand it if she decides not to publish it (I made a copy just in case:)
However, If she publishes everything readers write then there should be no problem with what I said. This woman seem to have a real problem with you not just OWM, that’s the part that irked me. It is ok to give a review of OWM, it was not ok or necessary for her to say the things she did. What the heck does berating an individual has to do with not liking a certain product. Well, I gave her a piece of my mind and a few other pieces I am not using right now:)
Jennifer, I think you are the cat’s meow and I wish you and your family well…always. I truly appreciate the help that you have given me…thank you!
KEEP YOU CHIN UP,,,YOU ARE SIMPLY FABULOUS.
Well Jennifer,
I have a relationship blog trying to help couples and I get a lot of comments from porno and drug sites so, I screen every last one of them before they go live.
Freedom of speech is one thing but, not when it’s costing me readers. Ok, I will be the first to admit some of my first posts really vacuum and I would have no problem if someone would comment and say so.
After a few I would just delete the post and keep moving on but, allowing porno sites to advertise on my blog just defeats the whole purpose of it.
I’ll welcome all positive comments to help other marketer’s as long as their site doesn’t harm relationships.
I’m not afraid of personal attacks on me because, who knows it could actually work out to my benefit and get more response with the comments like it’s doing for you right now.
Controversy can be a good thing after all!
Didn’t bother clicking the link to see what was said about you because, I really don’t care! It wouldn’t change my mind about how I feel about you anyway. I think you are doing your best and I’m learning from you. I have admiration and respect for you so, that’s all that matters to me.
You can’t please everybody even if you were passing out hundred dollar bills so, save your money and just do your best, have fun with it and know everybody doesn’t want to be your friend.
I know, it’s hard to believe! Just like, life’s not fair but, we have to get over it.
Yes, Dee – as you’ll see, I did publish your “mean spirited” comment – the exact type we’re debating. Even though, you mistakenly reported that *I* had called Jennifer a wannabe, poser, greedy etc – which I didn’t. Oh well, I’ll publish it even though you didn’t comprehend who said what.
I published your comments moments ago – BEFORE you posted here. And I replied to you as well.
tiff
Jen,
Hard to say what is right or wrong. I believe it is the individual web owners decision.
However, I personally would not allow comments that basically call someone less than honest. (Unless it is a certain politician). Especially if it is someone who I trust & feel like they are doing their best to provide value.
Many people like to say a course won’t work, when in fact, it is them that won’t work. Nothing in life is free, and buying a course is not going to solve their money problems. Buying the course and putting it into action will.
It is sad that this has happened. I know that there are countless IM’ers who stay in the shadows and don’t share their secrets with the rest of us for just these reasons. They’re making the money, so why invite the heartache.
I personally have benefitted from your OWM and made some of my first sales. Remember, for every 1 person out there that’s upset with you, there’s 100 that are happy to have crossed your path.
Lonnie
Jennifer:
I have a blog and several lenses about designer puppies. Some people in this world believe these dogs should not exist because of the puppy farms that produce a large number of them (they do forget about the wonderful breeders who produce healthy and well-cared for puppies)..
I have been personally attacked in both forums and in my blog.
I addressed the blog comments one at a time until one of my attackers turned real personal. I do edit comments and will continue to do so. Blogs and forums are about sharing ideas and expressing opinions. We do not issue a license to mudsling.
People who comment in blogs and forums can be as passively aggressive as they want to because they can remain anonymous and hide behind a cutesy name. If one of them had to meet me in person, I do not believe he/she would have the audacity to say what the things they write.
I draw the line when I am attacked instead of my ideas. That’s when the blogs comments get deleted. They don’t deserve any more of my attention.
I can understand the blog owners viewpoint, but I say that without seeing the original comment.
Like others, I feel that if the comments become more of a personal attack, threatening, racist etc. then by all means I would take action, but even then I may ask the person commenting if they wanted to change their comment to more of their HONEST experience with the product..
I know sometimes people kind of ‘lose it’ and say things that they really don’t mean, especially if they’re frustrated and can’t make things work, even though that is no excuse for being a jerk.
If it comes down to someone having an honestly bad experience with a product, then that’s their opinion. Unfortunately, we all know that regardless of the product or service, there is always going to be ‘those’ people. Personally, I bought OWM and was completely satisfied and thought it was worth the money.
It’s unfortunate that many are so quick to post piercing posts or comments before thinking things through though. Maybe emailing the course author for help, maybe getting a refund or even spending more time with the product first would be beneficial, or at least fair to all concerned. Then maybe posting their honest opinion. All things aren’t right for all people, but it’s a shame that there are often times when someone slams a product, service or marketer when they are actually the ones that can’t make things work.
I’ve not seen a survey or anything, but I’d be willing to bet that Jen’s course would get very high marks from ‘almost’ everyone that purchased it. Unfortunately, even the amount of refunds isn’t an accurate barometer, there are also those that are habitual ‘refunders.’
I would imagine that if the course was totally free, and you actually set up the campaigns for the would-be marketers, there would still be a very few that could find fault, and would be quick to let as many people as possible know about it.
A very good friend of mine with whom I play music keeps pointing out to me that those who attack us do so because they’re jealous of our success. I’ve come to see that she’s right. And you know why those who are snarky are not successful at music? It’s because they think they should just magically be handed the great gig, that some big producer will just walk up to them and hand them a contract, and that it has nothing to do with spending HOURS every day practicing and learning to play the instrument!
Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly at first. But TV has taught everyone to want instant gratification. I’m working your program (slowly, and in my spare time, which means I’ve renamed it One Month Marketing, LOL!) And I’ve paid for the product and made a bit besides. If you put the work in, it’ll work. If you don’t, it won’t. Just like anything else in life.
I think comments should be allowed. It speaks to your integrity not the author of the comment. I bought OWM and it didn’t work for me but i am brand new and feel i need to go back and redo it. I am sure if followed it does, as you have proved. Even if that comment was made on your webpage it should be allowed, for your sake. otherwise, what are you hiding. As far as i am concerned you are a sweet person. Just remember one thing ” the guilty person runs” and you my dear, are not guilty and should not feel guilty of anything.
Best regards,
Jess
Hello Jennifer,
I’m going to be frank here. I think you do many wonderful things, and are genuine about helping others. But I think the poster who claimed you should be more empathic hit the nail right on the head. Dorothy is probably so sick of all the scams out there, and she’s taking her frustration out on you. I do believe, though, that both Dorothy’s post and the OWM review had valid points. Do you really need coaching for your own product? Don’t you think it says something on your part when a person who bought OWM for the sake of getting help needed help after reading your guide? And the fact that they’d have to pay money for the coaching when they thought they were through buying products? Just sayin’.
PS You are from Georgia, I’m from Alabama. That’s another reason I like you! Enough said!
Hi Jen,
Haven’t read the actual post, but I feel that if someone leaves a really nasty comment in a blog, then it should be deleted, or at least the part that is objectionable should be.
A note can be left in the post saying that it has been removed due to rudeness, or bad language, or whatever.
Blogs are not platforms for personal attacks.
Jean
Jen I can see why the content of Dorothy’s comment upset you! I don’t think she is well acquainted with you or your offerings…I’ve received many helpful tips from you; too. I suppose my response is, Dorothy had a right to her opinions. I did not like her opinions being quoted as facts, tho, and think the blog owner could have (should have!) pointed out that her opinions were ONLY her opinions. Yes, I think you have to censor comments (for profanity, racial slurs, etc.); but yes, you should definitely allow “anti” opinions as well as “pro” – but personal attacks are unwarranted
First of all, I’m a fan of both of you.
I just read the post after reading about it over the past week or so. Maybe because of that it seems pretty mild.
And the controversy is great linkbait isn’t it?
Ultimately I do believe the blog owner has the right to select which comments he/she allows. By the way, is this censorship? I happen to believe a broad range of opinion is best because none of us knows everything. But at best I think we’re just gabbing with friends.
Also, the tone of Tiffany’s critique had a real aggressive edge to it. So no surprise, someone took it a bit further.
The worst I’ve had happen is a person complained about service they received from the vendor, which was a comment I approved, then replied with my own experiences – and offered what guidance I could about resolving the complaint.
If I think a comment is even the least bit legitimate (aka not spam or hate speech) I will allow it – with the proviso that I am entitled to respond to any claims made in my own (hopefully respectful) way.
Each LEGIT challenge is an OPPORTUNITY. A challenge to your name or your service or your products is an opportunity to demonstrate your character.
A completely irrational challenge (hate speech or just irrational spam designed to waste your time) should simply be deleted or ignored… because no amount of sensible arguments with soothe the tortured sould of the irrational mind.
Boy this was way to verbose. Sorry. Haven’t commented in a while and thought this was a good topic to bluster about.
I’m new to all this. I’ve had only a few blogs and never got anywhere. I had no comments and then the one I have now just went berzerk with 3-400 comments in a period of less than a week. I had no idea what i had done. I let everyone of those comments go. Didn’t even read most of them. Soon everyone that had come there to see my videos on Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran just as quickly left as quickly as they had come. It was a hopping blog for a real shor t time now it’s back to zero again. I don’t even know what they went berserk over. Maybe the war footage and the firefights and explosions. Stories about Navy Seals there. I’m way off your point. Freedom of sppech can be very damaging. I would think if I had a good blog and a reputation and someone was making comments that were bad I’d remove them. I’ve been in hot debates where I have stooped to name calling and dirty comments about another just to not be overwhelmed, but then I got overwhelmed anyway. No one likes to lose. Anyway this gibberish probably didn’t help. Forget Freedom of Speech cover your own butt.
I do believe comments should be allowed.Just like here.I dont own any of Tiffanys products or Yours.I believe comments that are constructive reviews,or suggestions for improvment are neccessary.
After reading Dorothys post,i personally would have deleted her post and told her to rewrite it without any flamming,ect…even the word sheep was uncalled for,it had no meaning except to irritate and flame.It had nothing to do wit OWM at all.
If she didnt rewrite it,since it is MY personall domain she is treading on,i would have found a way to BAN here from ever posting on my domain again.PERIOD.
She seems to be unhappy because she thought she was going to make money right away and didnt.
Anyway,good luck to you,im a noob and still learning.
Just like the WF.Say something wrong,you go on vacation.Allen doesnt mess around.
Now ill go look at the videos you just sent me.
Jennifer,
I think Tiffany did the right thing by keeping the comment on the blog. I got the impression you felt you benefited from the comments but you wouldn’t have if you hadn’t read them and I think it likely that if Tiffany had the mindset of taking them off the blog, chances are good she wouldn’t have relayed them to you either, With a censored blog, the reader doesn’t know if there were no negative reviews because no one felt negatively or because of censorship. If all the readers know that negative reviews are not removed, then a large number of positive reviews are given more weight than they would otherwise have.
Hi Jennifer,
I believe anyone has a right to approve or disapprove a comment being put on their blog. We all work hard and don’t need the negativity that some people feel they have to spout out.
I think I would have contacted the poster and gave her the chance to remove the personal remarks about you and if she chose not to, I would censor them myself.
Everyone has a right to their opinion. Maybe OWM did not work for her but that does not mean it is a bad product or poorly organized guide and to attack you personally was just wrong.
I also think the reviewer, as someone said before “set the tone” right from the beginning. IMO a reviewer is supposed to be neutral and review the product only and give their opinion as to, “Yes, the product worked for me because… or No, it did not work for me because” and nothing else.
I applaud you and your Southern grace in handling this “sticky” situation.
First off, I think you should leave the comments. It shows that you do truly post all and don’t pick and choose the “good ones”
Second, I have know Jennifer long before she even started her business. The way she presents herself online is exactly the way she does in real life. She has worked long and hard for everything she has. She is not out to screw anyone. Sure she wants to make money, we sure as hell don’t do this for a hobby, but the advice and the products she sells are the same ones that helped her get to where she is today. I wish I had the time and patience to do all she has done. Every time I see how well she is doing, it make me want to make some changes to myself and follow her path.
Anyway, I am rambling, but anyone who thinks she is a phony or a person who is not up front with her customers is probably just someone who doesn’t have what it takes to be in this business to begin with and instead of pointing the finger at themselves, they have to blame someone else.
I know since I am a friend of hers that people may find my comment biased, but if I didn’t really believe everything i just wrote, then I would just not comment.
RC
Hi Jennifer!
I have loosely followed Tiffany’s review of your OWM course because it had been something I was interested in but did not want to spend money on should I find that it complicate my IM journey further.
That said, I did read Dorothy’s comment, and while I know it had a bit of a bite to it at the end, I am having a hard time understanding what all of the fuss is about. Maybe it is because I understand that people’s emotions can become a bit charged in this industry as a LOT of us feel like those who are selling products are in some type of club where it is us and them, and we are at their mercy. And the piles of garbage out there are just too numerous to count. Not to mention, we all DO have different learning styles, just as some teachers have different teaching styles, some teachers are fantastic, and some, not so great.
About Dorothy, I think that putting yourself in her shoes REALLY involves trying to get to the heart of why someone might have such intense things to say as she did. Let’s say Dorothy bought One Week Marketing, was in a crunch for some money, and truly needed to see some gains at the end of the week, as is proposed in the title at the very least. Dorothy goes through your product, is a complete newbie, and is frustrated because, like Tiffany said, it seemed unorganized, she was jumping around, and could not get the flow she needed in order to do the work and complete that one week to the fullest possible extent. Consider that Tiffany is an experienced marketer. Tiffany struggled, she had to refer back and forth to things,became frustrated, and even wanted to quit. Dorothy is a complete newbie perhaps. I point that out only to emphasize that if Dorothy failed to be able to do the work, it does not mean that she is just lazy and wanted everything to be handed to her. Perhaps the product, in her mind, did not do as you said it would.
Now not only is Dorothy frustrated that she did not make headway, she is told (through emails and upsells) that in order to really pump up the action, she should get this, this and that. She is frustrated, and EMOTIONAL. To her, you are no different than the other guys who come to us with the luring song of how much they want to help us, but when it comes down to it, are always pumping our inbox with more products that we really need to make it to succeed. The fact that you push Wealthy Affiliate has made ME, personally, suspicious of you. I have had a BAD experience with them, that I won’t get into on here.
So back to Dorothy. In HER mind your original product did not deliver what she needed, in a method that was clear to HER, so, she is emotional and frustrated and yes, a bit bitter in her comments. But so what. She didn’t call you a liar or a cheat. THAT is not cool. Unless you DID lie to her or cheat. There were aspects of your delivery that, based on her frustration, she felt aggravated by and therefore brought attention to. She was trying to say don’t let Jennifer’s cutsie style fool you. Perhaps this was because she had trusted in what felt like your good girl demeanor, and was incredibly let down by it.
All of that aside, instead of pegging Dorothy as some poor soul who just can’t hack it in the IM industry, or as a jealous competitor, perhaps try and REALLY understand where she might be coming from. Try to understand maybe where she was before her encounter with you and other IM’ers, during, and after. Maybe think if there IS anything you do or have done that seems to be even remotely close to what she is talking about. Did she choose the perfect way to express it? No. But does that mean her comment was slanderous in anyway and should be censored? I don’t think so. If it doesn’t apply to you, it doesn’t apply. But, if there is ANY meat in there at all with those gnarled up bones, perhaps it is something for you to “chew on”? Like I said your association with Wealthy Affiliate which IS an income revenue for you, if I’m not mistaken, has slown me down on listening to everything you say. You DO seem to me to be like one of “them”. I’m NOT saying that to be ugly, at ALL. I’m just pointing out that there are things that you would have NO idea of, that could trigger this type of thought or emotion in someone else.
While what I have said is quite long, and I could go on, I hope that I have given you or your readers SOMEthing to consider.
My last point is this. Trying to make anyone else feel better by pointing out weaknesses or character flaws in another party, such as Tiffany or Dorothy, is NO different than what Tiffany did by allowing Dorothy’s post to be on her blog, or Dorothy’s post to begin with. And, IMO, I have read plenty of it in these comments. Just my .02.
Thanks for letting me sound off!
Lauri
PS – Censor hate, racism and TRUE discrimination? Yes. Censor comments made in frustration? Um, no.
In regards to me setting the tone negatively…here’s the deal:
I bought OWM with no discount, with no request for a review copy. I WANTED to expose the raw emotional mindset a real customer has when they spend their hard earned $77 on something. If I got a free copy or kept it “neutral,” who benefits? Not you – not Jennifer.
I told Jennifer that I wrote each blog post AS I literally went through the steps. How much more real can you get? Do you want me to spend weeks on something and then not show you what I went through and say, “yeah, go get it – and here’s my affiliate link (sorry you can’t know for sure why)?” Not me! I wish more marketers did this type of review.
I specifically did this for one reason – tons of people told me they “gave up,” so I wondered WHERE they gave up and WHY? Showing my emotions – the moments I was annoyed, the moments I had that were AHA moments of glee – let my readers AND Jennifer see how it all unfolded.
That’s priceless to me.
It showed tons of my subscribers that if they’d just gotten over that hump, they would have seen sales. If you read the whole review, you’ll see it all unfold.
But then, we’re so used to fake “you scratch my back, I’ll promote yours” reviews that we don’t even know what it means to be authentic anymore – and when we see it, it ruffles feathers.
Oh well – I stand my review and what I had to say about OWM. I also think Jennifer’s a great girl 🙂 I also believe you don’t censor people’s opinions – even if they say you’re phony. Otherwise, shut your blog comments down completely because your cheery, over the top, “everything’s rainbows and unicorns” disposition won’t be believable anyway.
Wow, those words were really kind of stinging. That is one of the reasons I try to keep to myself online.
It seems that the minute you become successful and let people know, here come the naysayers and the criticizers.
I say that they act that way because of negativity. The same negativity that keeps them from success everyday.
Personally, I would have deleted it, simply because it’s my blog, and I prefer positivity.
It’s like my grandmother always said, “If you can’t say something nice, than keep it to yourself!”
Really, people who act that way have their own karma to deal with. I say don’t add to it by acknowledging them. Simply let them live with themselves, and their egos.
Don’t let it get to you Jennifer! A whole lot of people think you are wonderful, including me. And I appreciate what you have offered to share with the IM community.
I thought that One Week Marketing was just what I was looking for, and it works perfectly fine for me. I understood it from start to finish 🙂
Well, I went over and read Tiffany’s blog post and the comments and here’s my .002:
Tiffany does have the right to do what she wants with her blog–edit comments or not edit comments. Personally I would not allow the comments to deteriorate into a hate fest and would either delete the post or at least the personal attacks.
IMO Tiffany set the tone that led to the type of comments that were made and felt that her review of OWM was overly harsh. I was actually a bit shocked when I read it and also questioned her statement that she did the review because so many of her readers were complaining to her about OWM. If you bought a product and didn’t understand it or had a problem with it wouldn’t you go to the person you bought it from? But then maybe her readers aren’t the sharpest lot. I don’t know what your relationship is with Tiffany (I’d never heard of her before) but to me this review is a red flag.
Oops, I meant the person “Dorothy”, not you Tiffany, you are great too! LOL
I have read a lot of your stuff, and passed it on to my husband to learn IM when he was getting started.
I had typed out my comments, and then found that it looks like I was talking about you Tiffany. LOL
Dorothy should come on here and advertise her website. So much free traffic going to waste!
Lyn said: “…questioned her statement that she did the review because so many of her readers were complaining to her about OWM. If you bought a product and didn’t understand it or had a problem with it wouldn’t you go to the person you bought it from? But then maybe her readers aren’t the sharpest lot.”
I’ sure my subscribers will be pleased to read that you’re questioning their level of education. Nice.
Anyway, there’s a big reason they didn’t go to Jennifer – a few, actually:
1.) MANY buyers are too timid to go to the product owner and say, “I don’t get it.” – Remember back in school when a kid wouldn’t raise his or her hand if they didn’t grasp something they assumed everyone else was getting? Some are also too timid to refund, believe it or not. They feel bad – like it’s their fault. ESPECIALLY newbies.
2.) Many of my subscribers voiced that they liked Jennifer personally. So what then, you have someone you respect and consider an online friend, and you g back and tell them their product wasn’t good? No – they came to me instead, asking me if I knew anything about it.
3.) The instructions were confusing in OWM – you’re told NOT to email her and elsewhere TO email her. You’re also UPSOLD on a $97 course for someone to walk you through OWM.
Now if I buy a product I expect not to have to buy another person’s (not even hers) coaching program to teach me how to use it…especially if it’s marketed widely as a product for newbies.
Hi Jennifer
First I would like to say that I have been following you for awhile now and although I have not purchased anything from you your free stuff is fantastic.
I personally would have allowed the comment to stay on my blog but I probably would have commented immediately and put a stop to the schoolkid mentality.
I have purchased programs in the past that were suppose to be easy etc, which ended up being really confusing to me. But what I found is that with a bit more effort on my part the information did become clearer. What may be easy for one can be a real struggle for another.
Just remember you can’t please everyone. As far as the comment about wanting to make money that is really laughable. Last time I looked nice people have to eat also.
Keep up the good work!
Hi, Jennifer,
I am one who purchased OWM and did not follow through, but it was me, not the material. I read it thoroughly and learned enough to understand what to do. I made some sales and had a good start, but life got in the way for a while–illness, family deaths, etc.
Now, I am at a point that I can devote some time to IM, again, so I am dusting it off and starting over with a better understanding due to the few attempts I have made in the past, and pushing forward to eventual success. Even if it takes a while, I will make it. Based on the sales I have made, I expect your OWM program to be the guide to get me there.
As far as ‘censoring’ others’ comments on my blog, I feel the same way you do. My blog is my blog. If someone wants to make comments I don’t appreciate, they can get their own. At the same time, I do not arbitrarily delete comments unless they are SPAM, spewing defamation, or other material that I do not want to be associated with.
I appreciated your response to the situation. Keep up the good work. By the way, I look forward to your emails, which have never filled my inbox, and read them before any others.
Thanks for all you do to help the rest of us succeed!
Hi Jennifer
Well I am one of those newbies that is being lead astray or something I believe in free speech and I don’t believe this had any thing to do with free speech
I know what it is like to look for something that will make me money and not have to do anything for it or just plain get over loaded and do nothing But that has never given me the right to take out my short comings on someone else The bottom line is who is this person and why does she feel this way and with that said why let her post personal things about some one else all of these post are about not posting about hate but lets face it words are just as powerful as a gun when used to hurt some one I have been hurt by bouth and one was just as bad as the other and yes words can kill
so I believe a blog owner should control personal attacks on other people if it is your blog and you allow these attacks you approve of them even if you do not agree with them to let them go is to approve of them Well You have got me started on the right path and what ever you decide to do is ok by me and thank you for the help so far
Ha! Meant to say .02 not .002!
“I hate PotPieGirl’s program because…” Cool.
I hate PotPieGirl because her program…” Not cool.
Thank you and good night.
Wow, that is a difficult dilemma. On my personal blog, I keep it comment free because I don’t have the time to moderate comments. On other public blogs, I keep it open. Thankfully, I’ve never had any rude comments.
A someone who bought OWM, I will say that it helped me tonnes and I don’t quite agree with Tiffany’s post or the commenter. I think it’s a great help for newbies who feel intimidated by building a lens.
Wow.
No, DOUBLE Wow!
I went to get something to eat and watch “Damages” with my hubby for a little break. Took me quite a bit to catch up with all the comments here.
Thank you, everyone!
(and Hi RC!)
RC is a friend of mine and we have known each other for a long time – long, LONG before internet marketing was ever in my vocabulary.
Anyway…. some great points have been made and it’s clear that everyone feels strongly about this. I think that’s great!
Someone mentioned something about maybe this is why so many just go about making money online quietly and never try and teach it or go “public” (something to that effect – my apologies if I misunderstood it).
I think that is a very interesting point. Definitely food for thought.
I appreciate all of you!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Well, Tiffany–that was my take on your review. Since you feel that anyone should have their say regardless of what they say and how they say it. I notice however that it’s ok with you for someone to slam PPG because it is their right but the minute I wrote what my opinion was of your review you were right there on it. You aren’t offended by the nasty comments made about PPG on your blog yet you are offended when I suggest that your readers might not be overly sharp. What a difference in the way you handle things and the way PPG does.
I’ve bought OWM. And yes, I do question your readers’ intelligence if they don’t go to the person they bought the product from for help. Why didn’t you suggest that they do that–that she would be more than happy to help them? Since you know her and all.
I’ll have to go back and comb through OWM to see where she says not to contact her because I guess I totally missed that one. PPG has made it more than clear on her blog and everywhere else that she welcomes people contacting her.
No, Lyn the problem I had was you insulting innocent readers and buyers of PPG’s products…say what you want about me – I couldn’t care less.
Your opinion wasn’t about my review, it was a slam against my subscribers who also bought PPG’s product.
Jennifer knows, as an IM product owner, that her products are out there readily available for review and public scrutiny.
Ok, glad we cleared that up …. let’s move on, shall we?
Thank you!
THE GOLDEN RULE STILL LIVES
What a question?
Will Pepsi allow CocaCola to place banner ads on their site? No.
If this was a perfect world with responsible people I would have said “Yes”. But it is not. It is a weird place with weird people. People coming to my space are guests, and just as I will not allow “bad” guests into my house.
My thought, for what it is worth.
Regards
Rian
Hi Jennifer
I think this person posting is very wrong to have said the bad things about you, if she is unhappy with your product then by all means have her say about OWM but not you as an individual. I think the blog owner should censor all comments and not allow grievences towards individuals.(if she is unhappy with her purchase why didn’t she contact you instead of being mean) never mind Jennifer you know how it goes stcks and stone may break my bones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Weeehaaaa. I am a LIBRAN, and i love to argue.
i will happily cross sides to keep the discussion alive.
My comment here is – while it is all really a storm in a teacup, it seems to have generated a response, and no matter what, it is good.
even though some of the responses are worded a little on the sharp side, the old adage still works _THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BAD PUBLICITY.
Jennifer – you were right to address this – you have reacted exactly as i knew you would – and finally my wife also allows me to make some of the rules.
Lastly keep on being a real person, feelings and all, as opposed to the hot-shots that are out there under pen names being a little supercilious.
Rob
Hello Jennifer,
Yes I do feel that there should be some form of Voluntary Censorship on Your blog page just to keep things in order in the name of a productive Positive environment (Trash in, Trash Out).
This is Business, Not Jerry Springer on tv. We need Help not Confusion. This is a Businesss Environment to learn and you are leading that format. Just Lead !. Not all Ducks can become Eagles. Not everyone was meant to leave their jobs working for someone else and become independent. Not everyone will Get it. Do YOU and grow Your Businesses. Stay on Track.
Everyone has a Choice to make when it comes to business, learn or complain. Internet Marketing is Not easy at all, some will make and some won’t.
You are here Helping people and I certainly do not expect you to work for free either. This is not a charitable event, it is business. To much Charity can attract the people who want to Play the Blame Game for their lack of patience in getting started easily. Your products and services are Very Valuable and have meaningful applicable content.
Quote: Prepairidness equals Opportunity and that Can equal Success. Not everyone will get that, but you PotPieGirl have already come through your learning curve and so should we all, by trial and error. You are reducing everyones start up expense in what you do for them education wise. Nothing is guaranteed, but you give us the chance to feel this just might be possible to do and be Rewarded $..
How many people complaining within this blog would take their Own time and re$ourses to help others the way you do, I doubt very few if any. It is Easy to Complain. Ask them to go to work tomorrow and work for Free !. Until you make a Sale that is exactly what your doing Jennifer.
Do not let your blog be over run by just anyone. Keep it Positive and Valuable for us all. Your Positive light tone along with your Simple can do attitude is what inspires us all to Believe we can do it too !. This is Your Garden (blog), keep it Beautiful !.
Remember, it only takes one or two rotten apples to spoil the whole thing. Weeds can overtake any garden, then what ?. Swearing too. Leave the Weeds to the Weeds somewhere else.
Keep doing You, so we All can be inspired, especially while we perspire our way to Success.
P.S., I think Tiffinay is trying to utilize this blog to build up her Traffic flow. BUT PotPieGirl will Win Every Single Time; you got Content Girl !.
Thank You so much PotPieGirl. Keep it light and Positive !!!. Beautiful Flowers Everywhere !!!.
Keep up your much needed Valuable efforts.
Everyone else, go for Your Dreams $$$$, your in Very good company here.
Carl.
Actually my opinion was completely about you, Tiffany. You wrote a scathing review of OWM which set the tone for the nasty comments. You then think it’s perfectly ok for your readers to write those nasty comments. And yet you’re completely miffed that I suggest that people should be sharp enough to go to the person that they bought the product from. Considering what you said about OWM and what your readers said about PPG, what I said was mild.
And why didn’t you (being PPG’s friend and all) reassure them that PPG would be more than helpful and encourage them to go to her? Instead, you choose to write a completely harsh review that basically says it’s not very good.
No, my comments are completely about you and how you’ve handled everything. And I’m pretty sure you’ve completely missed the point.
A review of a product should be just that… this being said I feel as though the comments of the review should be of the same nature… you like the product or you don’t, it was easy to follow or it was hard etc… I personally feel as though blog comments should be censored… and never ever allow comments be posted that attack others period…. In fact I do NOT nor will I ever follow people who allow these types of comments on their blogs.
Generally speaking, when people attack others; its because they feel bad about themselves for whatever reason therefore; they will put others down in someway, thinking that this somehow makes them look better. I don’t have time for people who conduct their lives in this manner. Life is way too short!
Keep up the GREAT work Jennifer – you ROCK!
DianiaLee
I suppose someone can choose to allow insulting comments on their blog as long as the content doesn’t veer into libel, hate speech, threats or other illegal areas.
But really, why would somebody?
And by the way, in my book it’s disingenuous of Tiffany to say that she would be unethical by moderating that comment out. There were TONS of comments on that post, some pro-OWM, some anti-OWM, some spam, and some not-so-cogent. Just like on any highly-commented topic (including this one!) It’s not as though there were five comments and removing one would obliterate 20% of the opinions expressed. Taking out one comment for incivility doth not a censor make.
Clearly Tiffany’s online persona is a little more strident than many, and that works for her readers — it’s great for her and great for them. But of course, branding defines who you can sell to, and also who you can’t.
Lyn “Well, I went over and read Tiffany’s blog post and the comments and here’s my .002”
I see you corrected yourself, but I find it interesting that you want to pounce on and insult what you believe to be the intelligence level of another person and/or group of people, yet life would have it that in the same post you yourself look exactly like what you are putting down.
Can people PLEASE have an intelligent conversation about this without making rude statements and poor judgment calls? They are RAMPANT on this post, yet I don’t see THEM being censored… In fact, not to be rude, but they begin in the email to Jennifer’s defender, in an ever sweet sort of way.
I have greatly appreciated many of the free tips that I have received from Jennifer. As I mentioned earlier, I was wary of her b/c of her HUGE push for WA, which did not do the right thing by me. So when Tiffany did her review, I was very open to hearing about it, because she (Tiffany) has reviewed OTHER products, and I have really been able to benefit from them. Plus, I had been impressed with many of Jennifer’s free tips and was curious as to what else I could learn from her. Trouble is, sometimes I find people’s free information is as good as, and sometimes better than, their paid material. Sorry, but it is true.
Personally I need things to be very linear and cannot handle bouncing around like a basketball when trying to learn and implement something new. I guess that comes from being from a lot that’s not too sharp I s’pose. Or perhaps it is because of my learning style.
I also know from Tiffany’s review , that if I am ready to plunk down my hard earned money, I will have to lay out 77, not 47 or whatever it is. Honestly that kind of irks me, because the product should stand alone AS IT IS MARKETED. I think full disclosure should include the TOTAL costs that could possibly be involved (including the upsell that basically tells you that you won’t quite make it as well as you could if you don’t have it) so that before jumping in thinking you are buying one thing, you KNOW what you are getting into as far as money outlay is concerned.
Anyway, I will say that this whole discourse about the “Mistake” Tiffany made and how Dorothy has “branded” herself, have done NOTHING to sway me to purchase from or through Jennifer. Tiffany’s review definitely piqued my interest and gave me lots of food for thought – yet this whole blog post killed it.
That is too bad. I do find Jennifer charming, but I am beginning to see my own red flags strewn throughout this page.
I can’t believe I spent so much time going through this but, I wanted to find out how to handle this, if and when…
IMO, if extra attention to the comment hadn’t been made, the issue would be mute. Obviously, people sweep their areas differently.
Jennifer, thanks for making this available. You handled it like a trooper.
Dan
Jennifer, I can understand how comments like this would hurt your feelings or probably (I am guessing), stay on your mind for a little while yet until the stinging wears off.
I have to agree with Tiffany though that if she did not allow negative reviews it would seem that her blog was intentionally one sided… and in the future, should she perform any other unbiased reviews… if she deleted the negatives .. her blog would no longer be perceived as unbiased.
Now… having said that… I feel that there does have to be certain guidelines in place to prevent some comments that are incredibly rude, racist or hurtful. It seems that Tiffany does have certain lines that she does not allow to be crossed. (and that is a good thing!!)
As for the comments made by this Dorothy person, I really saw them for what they were… which as far as I am concerned as a sensible and mature reader, they were nothing more than words being fired out by someone who is clearly frustrated and has decided to use you as a whipping post.
Personally.. even though I am as soft as a boiled turnip… and I have to admit that this would bother me also… if I were you I would block it out of my mind.
I am sure that Dorothy would have never dreamed that a couple of lines of type would have gleaned so much attention… and I would be willing to guess that she probably didnt really set out to truly hurt you. She might have just felt fed up and was having a bad day for all we know.
There were far more positive comments than negatives. Most people form their own opinions and most of the opinions formed (that I have read) see you for who you are.
We are all human and nobody is perfect. No course is perfect either.
We all have the right to make a living and if more people combined making a living with all the good deeds and helpful guidance that you put out there… the world would be a better place.
Let it go Jennifer. Just be who you are. I am sure Tiffany would agree as most other readers would also.
Perhaps some of the constructive suggestions from Tiffany might give you some ideas for tweaking in the future as well.
Consider this a milestone in a wierd kinda way. As you say… when you are in the public eye… you are bound to get a poke in yours occasionally.
Water off a ducks back.
… oh and by the way… I really enjoyed the DAM way… it is in my opinion an excellent ultra-condensed little course that is packed with valuable information. It really is all many might need in order to get the wheels turning.
Wow. Seems the pot has been stirred quite a bit since I posted – what, about 50 comments ago? Whew.
Isn’t the real issue here kinda two-fold? First, you have the inbuilt anonymity of the internet. It’s something you see on message boards all the time. ANYBODY can pretty much say ANYTHING at any time without ever having to do it face to face with anyone.
Then, you have issues of perception. As an experienced programmer of 30+ years I can usually tell within 5 minutes of talking to another techie whether I’m chatting with a peer or a newbie. But that ain’t necessarily so in the world of IM. Some “gurus” have got it all together, while others might as well be parking cars. And some IM newbies seem like geniuses.
Now, add the two conditions together, and what do you end up with most of the time? Chaos.
PPG: I did not read all the comments, but I have to agree with Glen Palo. Responsible adults talk about product/service but don’t slander. I have seen blog posts about products/services that were well below what was advertised. These posts should be honest about what happened but not rude or defaming. Even a public forum should not allow personal attacks. For what it’s worth!
LtDan
I was following the Case Study on Tiffany’s blog and did step in once earlier in the study when another commenter attributed a negative reason to the “fact” that you hadn’t responded to a PM he sent you.
On the other hand, I get very irritated when people make claims that a particular marketer’s product is a waste of money (to put THEMSELVES in a good light) but then don’t have the courage to name who they’re talking about.
In Tiffany’s position, I would have allowed the part of the comment that referred to your product and edited out the part that was a personal attack.
As you say, a blog isn’t a democracy and therefore any commenter should accept that the blog owner has the right to delete or EDIT a comment, provided the overall meaning isn’t changed. So it wouldn’t be acceptable to edit a negative product review to make it positive, but IMO it’s perfectly acceptable to edit out swearing (if you don’t like it on your blog) or personal attacks.
Offensive and persistent comments which exclusive aim is to undermine the blog structure should be censored.
I underline the word ‘persistent’.
Otherwise, people should freely speak their minds without being censored.
Well, I would say that it’s the Internet marketing here, not Candyland so if anyone can’t face a negative critique, they should think of doing something else.
In summary, I’m subject to do like Tiffany: let my subscribers and readers post their honest thoughts and feedback. This doesn’t imply that I agree with them, I just apply what we’re supposed to live in: democracy.
I’m not the kind of person who likes all these comments that say the best of something even when this something is the worst think that ever happened. I don’t like bootlickers either. I’m not politically correct but I can look myself in the mirror each day without blushing at all because I’m honest.
I like what both you and Tiffany do for the newbies and not so newbies out there. Each have their way to work. I just regret to have read this post because like you I think that you’re adult enough to deal with such matter alone and not in public place. I’m sorry it this hurts but it’s my opinion; which you are free to not share.
Dom.
Wow, Jennifer… I always thought of you as a warm, genuine, funny Southern gal with lots of profound, practical knowledge and strategies to share with a starving audience, but now thanks to Dorothy…
I see you for what you REALLY are….
A warm, genuine, funny, and RESILIANT Southern gal with lots of profound, practical knowledge, etc.
Love your stuff, kid!
(BTW, y’all… Tiffany Dow is pretty cool, too – I’m a fan of both of these go-getters… but PotPieGirl was my FIRST love! hehe)
You have helped a lot of us get started, For that we thank you.
Keep up the Excellent work your doing and the helpful ideas you publish.
In any other business people like this would be removed from the premises without hesitation .
” Any and All Abuse of our personal will not be tolerated at all ”
Yes you should remove any comments you feel should not be posted on your blogs.
You can’t no matter how hard you try to please all of the people all of the time. And you have every right sweep clean, delete what you don’t want or need on your blog.
Ever body is entitled to an opinion and the freedom of speech and we all have the choice to let it effect us or not. I think the latter is better but you have the freedom to choose, and I don’t want to influence that.
But there is always a lesson however small in everything, if you want to look for it.
I bought the OWM pack(feb 6th)(WA jan 20th) and it all seemed difficult, when I started.I was doing exactly as it recommended,but I still don’t understand how Nick could do all the steps so quickly.I got to the part about domain forwarding and got completely stuck.I wrote to several top people only to get no satisfactory replies.Only when Dam marketing came along 6 weeks later did it click and I found out how its done.PPG please add that section (page 7/8) to your OWM pages.I have 3 squidoos,2 enzines,9 domains ready(infos).I have made no sales,but I am not giving up NO WAY (I’m in the last chance saloon).One question I would like to know is why if there is so much money in selling through PPC and articles do all these people need to be writing all these guides,which seem to be everywhere I look.My inbox is full.Maybe these people are bored with earning thousands a week,so need more.I personally have nothing and would be gald of anything.I may as well get all my questions out since I’m here.On keywords I have come to realise that all the best keywords are already used by the PPC crew or the top marketeers.When I look for keywords all I find are low numbers.Maybe these deposits of gold have been found and mined.Anyway as for the question of freedom of speech I used to get these crackpots causing problems for me on my Ebay it,s not nice.Don’t worry I put it down to hormone inbalance(Squidoo that one next) to sum up THANKS PPG
Whew – that was a lot – those comments, geesh!
To answer your question – I go for the “not censoring” the comments. Why?
1. one commenter was right – its not a “for members” only blog, thus all comments are supposed to be public.
2. you do not have any disclosure that your comments will be moderated
3. perhaps you should just take out the “leave comment” portion so you do not have to moderate or you would minimize similar posters like Dorothy if it does affect you.
I am neutral here. But with your blogpost in reply to the blogpost on the other side and the comment of one of her readers – YOU WERE AFFECTED. 🙂
Whether offline or online – it’s how you take things. That’s what matters. If you take Tiffany’s comment constructively, that’s fine. If you take Dorothy’s comment otherwise, that’s also fine.
Everybody has their way of speaking their mind out and as you know, no matter what you do, no matter what your intentions are somebody, somewhere out there would take it otherwise.
Just get on with what you’re doing if you think its valuable. We are of different breeds, upbringing, races. Not one is the same but each is complementary. That’s how God made us. In synergy with one another. As Tiffany said, she learned something from your OWM but. . . . . . .!
What matters most is your hubby still loves you! Isn’t that better?
CHEERS – keep smiling. 🙂
Have not read all the reactions here yet, but yes, I would happily censor obnoxious comments on my sites. Maybe it’s because I’m not American, but I don’t believe everyone has the right to free speech in all circumstances. A privately owned website is just that – a private space. It’s like an extension of my home, and just like I wouldn’t allow someone to insult guests in my home, they don’t get away with it on my sites either. Let them create their own sites if that’s what they want to do.
Having said that – I wouldn’t censor a comment just because someone was disagreeing with me. Disagreement is fine, as are negative opinions about a product (so long as they don’t cross the line into defamation obviously) – but personal attacks on individuals aren’t. I guess it’s sometimes a fine line between the two, but if a comment feels ‘off’ to me, I’d have no hesitation about deleting it, and banning persistent offenders from commenting at all.
Life’s too short for internet drama!
Hi Jennifer
If you have an open forum or blog then some people WILL take advantage – and probably say things on a blog they would never dream of saying face to face.
Both You and Tiff are good marketers and give sensible advice.
Too many people expect everything to be done for them.. Shiny,Shiny ?
BTW I agree with Roger that domain forwarding should be included a bit more in OWM.
Thanks to both of you for your help.
Keith
To censor or not to censor that is the question..or is it…I think not…it seems we all agree censorship takes place to some degree ALL the time to what degree is a matter of personal choice…if your choices remain consistent they will reflect who you are and you will attract the following that will be most reflective of that and responsive to you as you are being true to yourself
Someone somewhere raised the question of liability, I think that can be handled by a simple disclaimer….the one at the beginning of these comments reads as follows……. Note: I ‘Do Follow’ All Comments. Because of this I moderate all comments before publishing. This means that your comment will not show until I approve it. Thanks for understanding! **… now if someone slanders me in here does the owner of this blog have any liability…since she obviously approved the comment….might it not be wise to just let everyone know that the the comments do not necessarily reflect the opinion or beliefs of the site owner and leave it at that and follow YOUR beliefs as to permit a comment or not since it is YOUR property and all choices made by you there will carry consequences
Oh and lets not overlook the viral nature of controversy…lol …well done
If you still have free speech in the US make the most of it. It’s long gone in the UK.
You make any comments about things your not happy with and the PC do-gooder will s**t on you from a great height as well as a criminal record.
A recent newspaper report detailed how school children are being put on a special register if they make any anti-anything comments in the playground. They know not what they do – so lets brand them for life.
Is it right to censor blog comments?
Yes, if you want to. It’s your web space so you have the right to police it as you see fit. Who’s to say you are right or wrong? It’s your blog and you are the god!
I think if you are a marketer it can be useful to allow constructive criticism because it may add credibility to your content.
But if comments include anything that might be viewed as a personal attack or libel, then they are best deleted or edited.
I think Dorothy’s comment did seem to stray into personal attack, in which case I think it would be right and proper for the blog owner to delete or edit the comment.
Some people lack basic social graces.
Thick skin is the answer.
Fuggeddabourritt!
I think that the comments were harsh. It could have been more civil in nature. However there may be more value adding to you personally because many people have validated you as a person. I think Tiffany has also validated you and although critical she has endorsed your product. So my opinion is as long as the comments do not amount to hate speech, lies, defamation and spam, allow them on your blog.
Hey Jenn…
I have a few blogs.
I censor some and some I leave “open”.
It depends on the situation.
E.G. one is on a newspaper site – it needs to be monitored. The reputation of the newspaper is at hand.
Another one is my personal site and I say whatever I feel about ant given topic. I let commenters do the same.
So far… everyone has been civil, polite and stayed within the bounds of decency.
As the general thread of these comments shows, it’s really a personal decision for the blog owner as to whether monitoring goes on or not. I find that there are some very good WP filters that catch most of the really bad stuff (Akismet) and this is usually enough for me.
Heck, personally I have more trouble with the posts that praise me rather than the ones that express differing views.
Then it all boils down to two things:
1) As blog owners we are in the public eye and subject to “review”.
2) There are people on this planet that simply have no social skills and don’t know how to express themselves in a meaningful way.
Pretty much everyone agrees that Dorothy ‘tagged’ herself more than she did you.
My own personal opinion is that you appear to be a pretty decent human being. Comments like Dorothy’s would effect even the most hardened of individuals. I want to thank you for your energy, efforts and delightfully refreshing demeanor. You put a fresh simplicity into this potentially confusing topic of IM.
Thanks again,
Merlin delMar
Well Jennifer, my Mom always told me that “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” The commenter could have used more “tack” in her comment.
I think that having this controversial blog up is a good thing. There was no need for the attack on you personally, but to voice her opinion about was okay, to a point.
When people are unclear on a procedure or having problems understanding the steps being done, why don’t they just email you? That would have cleared up some of the FOG that was going around and the comment wouldn’t have been necessary. The only dumb questions are the ones you don’t ask!
I hope you put two feathers in your hat for the excellent job you did on ‘The D.A.M. Way’. I enjoyed it and will be doing it today!!
Just be who you are and if some people don’t like that, well please ask them to go ride a flying fig!
Thanks for being our PotPieGirl!
Kathy
You’ve done a good job here of turning a lemon into lemonade! Great buzz work. And great question.
I still think of blogs or any online presence as virtual real estate. Would I allow someone to post a sign with a personally insulting comment about myself or my neighbor on my own property? Don’t think so. Heck, if I wanted to I could boot someone out of my house for disagreeing with my politics. Not that I would, but it would be within my rights as a property owner.
Now a public park, or “public forum” in the virtual world, is a place for open speaking for sure – and yet still there must be limits, and verbal attacks are not cool anywhere. Like I tell my son, it’s okay to be angry, but it’s not an excuse to be destructive.
As creators of cyber real estate we have important roles as editors and moderators. If comments like these show up in forums it is a moderator’s job to give the writer of the remarks an opportunity to restate their opinion in a less offensive manner or just block the member. A blog editor could do the same thing, or just delete it all together.
It’s easy to get confused with what we think of as “news” — you know that whole thing about news reporters having to give the whole story, and syndication in blogs feels really similar to that. But we all know the truth is that everything ever reported is told through someone’s colored glasses, and there is no such thing as “objective comments”. Why don’t we just accept that opinions are like.. er…certain parts of our anatomy..and everybody has one? But just because I have one doesn’t mean I have to stink up everywhere with it. I’m a firm believer in air fresheners and responsible editing.
As a conscientious member of my neighborhood I keep my visible front yard looking as good as I can- that’s just part of being in a community. You’ve got to look out for your traffic. When I visit blogs where what I feel are nasty comments are made (and yes, it is subjective), I leave them. Who needs it? There’s enough trash in the world, and plenty of great blogs and community forums I’d rather spend my time in.
And for what it’s worth Jennifer, I love your work. Keep it up.
Lois
I personally don’t like commenting on any blog… and as a result I just don’t allow them…PERIOD.
With this policy all the problems associated with them just doesn’t exist.
Hi Jennifer,
I really don’t think this is a difficult issue. It seems pretty cut and dry to me. A person simply has the right to make decisions on what appears on their blog/website.
It is up to the individual to determine if the blog owner has enough integrity and guts to allow controversial posts. And, if you enjoy getting involved with negative conversations, follow those blogs. There are ALOT of frustrated and angry people that have been misled by the majority of Internet marketers. The marketers have brought it upon themselves. ALL of them have their own agenda. As long as affiliate links exist, virtually NOBODY can be trusted, so it is useless to attack any one in particular.
Yes, you have every right to censor comments on your blog. You do the work on the blog, you pay for the domain, you pay for the hosting. When the people making the comments pay my bills then they can tell me what and who to censor. Until then….this is my “home”…as you say Jennifer…and these are my rules.
There is no room whatsoever for nasty remarks and name calling. It is not helpful to the people who are reading the blog.
Since I bought OWM when I was a newbie and benefited from the advice anyway, I can say that the review itself was overly harsh but that is my opinion.
On the other hand there is a positive side to all of this…whatever the negatives were that people found in the product you have the opportunity to change, if you think it is warranted, and update your product to make it even better than it is. So….I think I see an opportunity here Jennifer! You go girl.
Michele
.
Hi Jennifer,
As much as I hate censorship of any kind by anyone, you own the blog, you decide what should be in it. Everyone has a right to their opinion, but you do not have the obligation to present it to the world just because they happened to type it into your blog. If they want to tell the world their opinion, let them get their own medium.
Bob
I never found the original story by Dorothy.I’m not into Blogs.I read a few,when investigating a product or service.
I believe in free speech. She is entitled to her opinion. I would senser inappropiate words or language. Inappropiate language when upset about a product or service, usally reveals more about the complaintent, than the product or service.
TJ Campbell
( Spike67)
I think that it can only help to censor a blog. When blogs are left uncensored, they can get cluttered with off topic conversations and spam. In order to keep the conversation relevant, you must censor.
Hi there Jennifer and all,
Lordy! … There are just so many topics which this one incident raises [lol]!
Personally, I remember the first time somebody suggested to me that what another person was thinking or saying about me was none of my business! Wow. I was struck dumb! What on earth did he mean?!?! Of course it was my business … it was about ME! Eventually my faith in this person’s usual wisdom made me ponder enough to get his real meaning and I realised he was so spot on [lol].
The thoughts and words being generated from inside somebody else is all about them and very little to do with me personally. Of course, that doesn’t mean that another person’s perspective cannot be very helpful for me. There is usually something helpful in all feedback, if only we can be objective enough to sift the genuine feedback from the personal emotions that the flavour it [lol].
So, as you said I think Dorothy, bless her, maybe has a few issues or whatever which are very little to do with yourself or OWM. That doesn’t mean that her experience with OWM doesn’t hold valuable feedback.
Personally, I wouldn’t choose to hang out with Dorothy or, to be honest Tiffany. While Tiffany’s review may have great points, I think great points can be fed back without what I felt was a bit of sniping. Sniping always injects a bit of hackle raising in me. But of course that’s just my own internal interpretation [lol].
Do think you should censor? I think if it’s your blog it’s your call. Personally I like any environment I spend time in, either physical or cyberspace, to be genuine and respectful. If it’s not I don’t go. And I wouldn’t go back there. I’m happy at WA where I can hang out with obviously genuine people like yourself.
Paula.
So Jennifer…
How are you getting any work done if you are reading every one of these posts, as you graciously say you are?
I say it’s time for all of us to get back to work.
Over and out.
carlen
Hi,
I don’ t think there is much to gain in censoring what a customer says as there is in making sure the customer is pampered. In other words, censoring if they are obnoxious is one thing but censoring when they are expressing frustration is another. A customer who is frustrated with a product is just golden in providing an opportunity to turn that frustration into a devoted follower. Sometimes, though, nothing will do, and in that case move on … “next”.
As far as this customer went, I’m thinking that the customer just gave up on the purchase and did not try to get hold of the vendor (potpiegirl) to get help or to follow-up. If she had, she would have been surprised with the response. And, she may have changed her belief system as well.
I personally feel that the problem is that most new Internet business owners expect business-in-a-box, the so-called turnkey business, and when they get a blueprint that they have to follow, which means, work!, they balk. That’s not what they want. So, rather than change their mind-set, they rant and spout garbage against the producer of the product. In many cases, refunding their purchase will not resolve their thinking. “Stinky thinking” as Zig Ziglar says.
I also think that the economy is creating a lot of fear and confusion and uncertainty. This then gets directed to those items that we can direct, and not feel that we will be threatened, such as posting on a blog. What can anyone do to me? I’m just commenting on this blog thing. Who’s gonna read it anyway. Therefore, until we change our mind-set and get away from the fearful, confused state we live in, this type of behavior is here with us.
What I think we as blog owners can do is recommend to people like that they try to resolve the issue with the vendor/creator of the product and then to tell us what their experience was like, then, and only then, allow the commenter to vent. But, not before verifying what happened from the other party.
That’s my take on this.
joe
Like many others said, it’s your property, and you should delete a comment if you want.
As soon as Dorothy wrote a personal insult, she lost her credibility. This whole thing becomes good publicity for you!
Some of my blogs I allow comments, but most I do not. It just takes too much time to manage them. I would not hesitate to delete a personal stab though.
i have been following you for over a year. All this has prompted me to finally get off the fence and order your course. All I can say is that you are a better woman than she. Mucho praise to you potpiegirl. i admire and respect you. keep up the good work.
Hi Jennifer,
I think one’s blog represents them and their professionalism. They should allow different points of view as long as it is presented objectively and respectfully. When these boundaries are exceeded the blogger should disallow the comment.
This is not an issue about property or liberty, but about professionalism.
Tiffany Dow is no friend of PPG – a friend of Satan perhaps but not PPG. NIce (PPG) and Nasty (Tiffany) can never be friends. Good and Evil just don’t mix.
I would have never blasted a friend that way or allowed anyone else to do so to such an extreme. I don’t expect your readers to be to bright – after all look who they are following.
PPG “ROCK.” Tiff, just remember that, jealousy and envy will get you no where. And as for Dorotthy, she needs to follow the “Yellow Brick Road” until she disappears.
OK, I have said my piece and I am finish with this. END OF STORY.
Jennifer,
Just be yourself (and you are). Most will like you, a few will dislike you. And being yourself is just plain easier than being anything else.
Few of us have experienced what it’s like getting “reviewed” constantly. Influential people like yourself with lots of blog comments are open to “fringe” comments from people who hide behind their Internet anonymity.
My advice? Clearly indicate on your blog that you moderate comments before publishing comments, or you reserve the right to delete comments. You don’t have to explain to anyone how you moderate comments, that’s your business.
If someone is mean spirited and using your blog to convey that to you, they’ve violated a cultural sense of decency. Delete them.
If someone has constructive criticism, your good nature will be your guide.
Best Wishes from Chicago, IL
Complex issue. I agree with you Jennifer, your blog is your space and each blogger has a duty to themselves to do what they see fit. “Free Speech”, like all of our rights, is not absolute. I do think the “blogs” have given a platform to those who would have been deemed irrelevant 20 years ago. Some of these people would have been in the shadows but for the internet and blogs so they allow themselves to act on blogs the way they could never get by with openly. Anonymity brings out the worst in people.
This all being said, I think a blog owner has a duty to the other readers to keep it civil. Whether you call that censorship or responsible blog ownership is a matter of purview. Constructive criticism is always welcome but in this case it is personal and frankly, IM is a business.
There is no place for non-business rants on business blogs. Either you’re a serious business person, or not. Very binary. When somebody on your business blog starts acting like someone in their basement in their pajamas, it’s time to pull the plug.
BTW, I’ve been doing this IM thing for about 6 months, bought your OWM and followed the bouncing ball quite easily, thank you very much. I would toss out Dot’s comments like a bad pair of shoes, but frankly I don’t understand Tiffany’s review. Short of drawing this out in crayons I don’t know how much clearer you could have been.
Keep the faith and yes, control your own blog as you see fit. It’s responsible business management.
A blogger has the absolute right to monitor their blog and delete any comments they find offensive, especially if they are vulgar, racist, sexist, spammy, or personally disparaging. By personally disparaging I mean talking about a persons looks, weight etc.
That being said I would be suspicious of a blogger that did not include negative comments even if they were of a personal nature. Comments such as “so-and-so is so generous with his/her advice, caring, giving, nice person” are included, so why not “greedy, rip-off etc.” These are only personal opinions, and as such deserve a forum as much as the positive opinions.
This also opens up an avenue for a meaningful dialogue. It gives the moderator a chance to ask the person why they feel that way. If the person can give a legitimate reason, then maybe they have a legitimate grievance. If they can’t give a reason, then they will be shown as a blowhard that just wants to blame others for their lack of success.
Hi Potpiegirl!
I honestly don’t have a definitive opinion on this. On one hand I think censoring isn’t right, so as to have real opinions, but then again, I think it’s wrong to slam someone publicly. It is my belief that there are ways of saying things, AND ways of saying things. It may take a little more creativity, but there are tactful ways of getting your opinion across without hurting the other person. It seems to me that Dorothy is showing where she is at in her own maturity and spiritual evolution. Folks who are more spiritually evolved just don’t need or want to treat other people poorly.
As hard as it is to hear those kinds of comments, I hope that you can distance yourself from it enough to see that her comments are a reflection of her and not you. I don’t know you either, but I’ve seen you around WA and I think you are very sincere!
I don’t know much about blogging, as I am a newbie, but is it okay to just take out the personal attacks, and leave the critique in tact? Or is it all or nothing? I don’t really know myself, but I do think that publicly bashing someone is wrong.
I’m sorry that you were hurt by her callous comments, but as you said, when you open yourself up to the public, this just might happen. I hope I remember how you handled this when it’s my turn to be publicly slapped.
You seem to be a very gracious gal and I applaud your honesty and sincerity. Take what you think is good and relevant from people’s comments to make your product better and let go of the BS spewed by mean spirited people. You appear to be very sweet and genuine. Stay that way and don’t let it get to you!
Kristen
Even after a year I feel like a newbie. I have bought a lot of so called guru stuff. Of all the people out there four are worth following in my opinion. Jen is one of the four and at the top as far as trying to help her friends(customers) and neighbors (the IM world at large).
There is and old saying ” nobody kicks dead dogs” the only perfect person whoever lived on earth was murdered by those who disagreed with him. And if she Dot, wants to criticise someone criticise those jerks selling useless products for $xx7.00 time after time and telling you need one more for more money to get the job done.
Jennifer –
I agree with a comment someone else made earlier about attaining a level of success, and then others wanting to bring you down.
Sorry she had a bad experience, but 80/20 rule here is that MOST people have a good experience.
You offer TONS of free information on your blog, e-mails, etc. so I know it’s easier said than done, but please try to take her comments with a grain of salt.
You’ve given me tons of advice and tips that I would have had no clue about, so for whatever it’s worth – thank you for all your help!
Hi Jennifer
The very fact that you are concerned about anybody slamming another person whether it be you or someone else speaks volumes about your character and that is a good thing. However as I have learned in life you have no control over what somebody else says or does. You only have control over what you say and do. Looking at the comment by Dorothy and remembering some rude and vicious comments that I have received I would also say that you are tender hearted and that also is a good thing. Should you sensor your own blog? About 500 years ago Martin Luther said in his trial “to go against conscience is neither right nor safe”. I would say this statement is applicable for you now. Being a good example is often looked down upon, but that does not mean that you should give into the worlds view. Your heart and mind tell you that you will not allow someone to slam another on your blog then follow your conscience and set a good example.
Concerning your products there will always be someone that feels they would do it differently or do it better. Because a student ask for help from a tutor does not mean that their regular teacher is a bad teacher. We all learn in different ways sometimes hearing the same thing in a different way causes the light to go on in our head. For me claiming to be a newbie would actually be a step up! I have purchased a couple of your products and I certainly do not feel like I was cheated. Follow your conscience and stay tender hearted.
Robert
Ya know Jennifer, I am one of the people that gave you a five star rating at IMRC and you are of the people that helped me to better understand Squidoo and given me an incredible amount of newbie knowledge. I set back and observed and learned a lot over the past few months and am ready to take action on my course for Internet Marketing. I sincerely appreciate your hard work and kindness that you have afforded people as well as the info that you share. Thanks 🙂
I am the kind of person that at times does take things too personal but I have been able to separate it to the causes that are truly deserving to be defended … my son. Personally, I do not think that it is good to censure a post unless it is vile, vulgar, or inhumane or exploits person or ideas.
I believe that a negative comment shows credibility to the one that lets it stay on their forum. It kinda seems odd if no one has anything negative to say about someone as the world is kinda full of those that enjoy negativity. Even the most honest, sincere, and unassuming people have those that think and speak negatively about them
I think letting a person have their say that demonstrates even more so that you have nothing to hide as a forum with no negative comments can and does seem suspect. Those that speak positively more than vouch for those that speak negatively …. look at your supporters … myself included … that have taken a stand for you.
My belief, let someone have their say, and let those that read decide for their self what is best for them. Brush off negative comments with a smile and best wishes as it will certainly show strong character and add even more credibility for you.
And thanks for taking the time to help those that truly need it …. hmmmm that would be me. LOL LOL
Sincerely, C J
I’m gonna leave another comment on this and I hope it doesn’t come across “phony”.
My comment is that ,”Tiffany, you are OK” and “Jennifer, you are OK”.
I bought OWM, have ten lenses out so far and no sales. I’ve sent in a ton of questions (and gotten them all answered promptly) and felt kinda bad that I was such a big stupid dork (just like Tiffany explained about how newbies sometimes feel)
After reading Tiffany’s review I felt a lot better knowing I wasn’t the only one confused. I wasn’t tempted to spend the money on the upgrade and won’t now. Jennifer has inspired me to make money FIRST-THEN invest in tools to help me be more efficient. That is what I plan to do. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE, the DAM system SHE GAVE ME FOR FREE! (another thing Tiffany mentioned-sometime the FREE stuff is better!) and even though the OWM hasn’t made me any money (yet) I consider us more than “even”. I plan to use it instead of the OWM because it allows me to focus on writing articles, and less on all of the other moving parts mentioned in OWM. I’m worried I’ll screw one of those moving parts up and the writing will be a wasted effort whereas the DAM system lets me WRITE WRITE WRITE….which(for me) is “where the action is”.
Anyway, I’m getting off of my main point which is that while for me PPG takes a back seat to no one in her desire and ability to provide value to us all, I would much rather read about reviews of products from Tiffany since she allows the good the bad and the (not too) ugly on her site. (“we’re so used to fake “you scratch my back, I’ll promote yours” reviews that we don’t even know what it means to be authentic anymore”-WORD! GIRLFRIEND!)
Reading reviews isn’t everything but it sure is something. I agree with Tiffany that her review was BENEFICIAL to both her readers AND OWM!
PPG stay the way you are and Tiffany stay the way YOU are.
I have always tried to keep posts on my blog clean and unoffensive and for that reason i have never had to censor any of my posts. i have however visited many blog who do use bad language and fail to censor it.
I think people should be able to express their opinions and speak their minds but in the most tasteful way possible. We have to remmeber that anyone, including children, could be reading our blog posts so it is important we keep them well written and unoffensive in my opinion.
I wouldn’t allow name-calling, not even in such an indirect fashion. I would allow negative comments if I felt they had some constructive points and were maturely presented.
Otherwise they’re just trolling, and everyone knows not to feed the trolls.
If someone thought my product was garbage, and some will, I’d be validated knowing I’m popular enough to get some critics. You should be celebrating, there are always going to be some “Debbie Downers.”
At least you’re not iger Woods or Jim Edwards….Tigre is coming back (like a Tigre) Jim Edwards may be looking for something else to do. When in the public eye expect crticism and measure it’s value it might be beneficial and if not consider the source. As it is you are being successful and your critic who really doesn’t know you may not be and may never be without getting proof for their convictions. My opinion; Keep on a keepin’ on you’re doing an excellent job for yourself and those who follow you.
Hi Ms. PotPie:
This is both a comment and a question.
My comment is, people cannot use my blog as a platform to smear other folks. Period.
Question, How were the brownies?
Thanks for the inspiring information you provide.
Sears
Hi all =)
Yes, I’m reading every single comment – and yes, there are a few that have “teetered”.
However, in light of this conversation that *I* started, I feel I need to step out of my own comfort zone just a little and let people have their say.
A few things –
– I do state that I moderate comments. It’s wayyyyy up there ^^ above the beginning of all comments on each post.
– Tiffany and I didn’t start talking until AFTER all this happened. She and I might have spoken in a forum situation before years ago, but we were not in any sort of contact before this situation or as her review was happening (I made a point to NOT speak on her blog – or in any way – while the review was happening. I wanted the feedback and review to be “untainted” and felt if I spoke, it would change things).
Based on that, please do not bash Tiffany for “doing this to a friend”. She didn’t do anything TO me, nor were we “friends” as this situation played out.
I am really amazed at how much feedback this post has generated. I guess it’s time it was talked about.
The “interactive” internet is still a very young medium. We will all have choices to make from any (or all) three sides of this situation at some point or another.
Will this post, and the feedback, change the way you act (or react) in the future?
Thank you all for your feedback – It’s all been very valuable to me!
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
I think it’s a case with Dorothy of “Out of your own mouth, you’re condemned.”
Once in the public eye, luv, you can’t just run away and hide from these comments. You’re bound to have one or two unhappy people, (because that’s all they are), trying to pull you down. The more popular and successful you are, the harder they’ll try.
I’d be tempted to leave a post on Tiffany’s page, thanking Dorothy for her constructive comments, but at the end say something like;
‘In respect of your observations of me as a poser, etc., I feel I must treat them in the same way you feel about me.’
But apart from racism, outright threats and the like, Blogs should never be censored.
I know you’ll understand what I mean, luv, when I say if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
This Dorothy will be expecting you to metaphorically haul off and deck her! This is a classic case of bringing out the old velvet glove. People will see that you have the grace to rise above such comments, and they’ll side with you in droves,
Every good wish,
Mike
Well…since there are now over 200 comments to this post, it’s quite possible that someone has said this before, but here is my take on the matter.
A personal blog is just that. Personal. So it’s up to the blog owner on whether or not any censoring takes place and, if so, how much.
Perhaps if a person put some sort of disclaimer like professional videos do saying the the opinions expressed by the commentators do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the blog owner. Or something to that effect.
Of course, people should be a bit more courteous and even professional and not attack someone on a personal level. Certainly opinions of a product (both good and bad) should be expressed. But anyone who makes personal attacks is, in my opinion, just plain stupid. If something like that happened in a lot of the forums that I’ve been a part of, that person would immediately be banned.
Anyway, you asked for feedback and that’s mine.
I’m still struggling with affiliate marketing and haven’t yet made a sale. But I think I’ll get there eventually.
Thanks for all the stuff you put out.
Dear Jennifer,
I must confess that I was a little surprised that you even wrote this post. You are one of the most loving, positive, giving people that I have ever had the pleasure of “meeting” (online). So my question is why would you give one minute of energy to this negative event?
It makes sense that you would be bringing attention to this to help others, but in my opinion, I don’t see that it serves that purpose, even to decide (debate) matters such as blog censorship. The reason is that there is no right or wrong answer – only opinion.
You said you have discovered that when you become a public figure that there will no doubt be people that will try to knock you down. Not everyone is going to love you. It’s so hard to realize that, unless you decide not to give it your time.
I remember the first time I realized that people could hate someone for no reason, and it was a startling and devastating thought. I also had to realize that I cannot control what other people think and feel. I can only control what I do, think or feel.
Jennifer, I have watched you give away more of yourself than anyone could ever imagine. As a fellow Wealthy Affiliate member, I have watched you selflessly coach countless people to get their internet careers going, without any expectation of payment or gain for yourself.
The same with your blog and everything else that you do. You are a giver. You are only interested in helping others succeed and that comes through loud and clear in everything you do.
So instead of giving your time and attention to this, instead put your energy into to doing what you do best – go help a single parent pay for their groceries, or a retired pensioner stretch their fixed income.
There will always be haters and doubters, but you get to decide who gets your attention and energy – them or those of us who love you and believe in you. Choose the positive energy.
Cheers
Debbie (aka mosaic)
I feel that review was unfair totally.
There are so many factors involved within Internet Marketing.
How can one process or product be responsible for the success of everyone?
I mean, we all have different levels of ability and comprehension and organizational skills.
The readers need to take responsibility for their own growth. This may be from more than one single source.
This is similar to some peoples expecting President Obama to lead us into world peace.
This is a process that each individual must take responsibility for, within themselves.
So, how can one woman be expected to tailor a product to meet the needs of everyone?
I would just focus on those who appreciate you and not spend any energy on anything else.
Hey Debbie =)
You said:
“I must confess that I was a little surprised that you even wrote this post. You are one of the most loving, positive, giving people that I have ever had the pleasure of “meeting” (online). So my question is why would you give one minute of energy to this negative event?
It makes sense that you would be bringing attention to this to help others, but in my opinion, I don’t see that it serves that purpose, even to decide (debate) matters such as blog censorship. The reason is that there is no right or wrong answer – only opinion.”
I would like to answer that =)
This is not about ME.
While the situation involved me, my hopes for this post are not ABOUT me.
There is plenty of negative about me on the internet, but I don’t waste my time – or YOUR time – talking about it here. While I’m not a teacher, I love spending my time and putting my effort towards trying to share things I’ve learned.
THIS situation was a real learning experience for me and I want to share that.
There are 3 sides to this situation – none are “right” and none are “wrong”. It IS a matter of opinion. I think it is really cool, and important, that people are stopping and really thinking about it now.
We each have put ourselves in all three of the sides and asked ourselves –
“How would I feel if I was the one that left the comment? What was going thru her mind?”
“How would I feel if I was the one the comment was left about? How I would I react?”
“How would I feel if I was the blog owner and faced with deciding whether that comment should be published or not?”
As the interactive internet grows up, I think it is important for each of us in this industry to stop and think – and help grow it in a positive way.
If talking about it here on this post helps open the conversation to lead to that positive change, then I think it’s a good thing that I wrote this post.
Just my 2.5 cents =)
Thanks for stopping by and thank you to everyone who added to the conversation.
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Jennifer,
I sometimes ask my wife “Why are you yelling at me,I had nothing to do with it” She responds..I”m not yelling at you ..I’m just venting! It sounds to me that Dorthy not only has issues with your product but the Internet in general. ( She is convinced that you are really a 67yr old overweight man held up in a one bedroom apt. in Newark ) You and I know that you are above petty rants on a blog.
Look on the bright side….It has caused some buzz, and the only bad PR is the PR that leaves you out.
Thank Dorthy for her coments, and remind her that true Southern Women only praise in public and scold in private.
Keep up the good work
Ray
Hey there Jennifer!
Though I do not agree at all with what Dorothy said about you, I stand by Tiffany’s decision…
We’re all exposed to the negative thoughts and words of other people when we put ourselves out there on the internet. No getting around it: it’s gonna happen.
Censoring anything short of outright threats or slander would fall into the “gray” area of ethics…
I know, as do most of your readers, that you have given a lot to new marketers out there (me included!), and that you do a lot of good. That in and of itself should make comments like Dorothy’s be like water off a duck’s back. Trust in the good that you are doing, and let Karma handle the rest.
Now, I’ve got to get back to work! 🙂
Blessed Be!
~~~~Joshua
Unless there is profanity and crude comments, I think blogs should be “natural” and left to grow organically.
The OWM plan is very frustrating and poorly organized. I bought it an kept trying to do it but it just took too long. Another product that promises so much (one week marketing) and delivers so little (no sales after two months).
Jennifer,
Its a shame that all of your good productive time has to go into this. You do so much good to help and now you have to work on this. In the old days, they would just block the reader and say what we want. We cannot do this anymore. Not a day goes by with every commercial, every ad, every voice on tv that you hear, has a disclaimer with it, saying how they are not responsible for this content and that. Why can’t everyone just write good things and be happy, and as I said before, if someone says something that i do not like that is an attack on me or someone I know or like, I will speak up and thats ok. Its my right. Whether it gets published or not, is up to the site the comments are made on. The conversations ends here, as my old friend would say!. Don’t Worry, Be Happy. remember that song and THOSE days?
JB
To Tiffany (up a couple of posts regarding OWM), I purchased One Week Marketing and followed it to a T.
I found it to be an easy read, just followed the checklist and even added a few other pings and marketing beyond what OWM explains. I’m not making a ton but I’m happy to be making an extra hundred dollars or so every couple of months. Each month for the past 3 months has been better than the last and this is on a very part time basis. Plus, I’m learning a skill and Pot Pie Girl is always sending out emails (DAM) with marketing tips.
Jennifer (Pot Pie Girl), you are very much appreciated. Thank You!!!
I am very impressed with the number of intellegent responses there are to this post. I am sure than Jennifer is also impressed especially because she is responsible for gathering so many rational thinkers to her blog. It is a refelection of her effiorts, personality and heart felt sincerety. Doing business on the interent is tricky but sticking with it will over-come the tricks.
Further, it’s obvious that disppointments are in the minority and venting frustrations can be helpful when so many good people are willing to respond to the wounded member in a positive way. We can all learn from the experience. Keep the comments section open.
Hey there Jen. Why do I like your posts? Because after reading just a fraction of it, it’s quite apparent that for 1, your a “lady” with class. Not just a “woman”. There’s a big difference between a “lady” and just a woman. A person cannot have respect for themselves, if they show they have no respect for others. They may say otherwise, but they will only be lying to themselves.
For 2, a person has the right to post/blog as they may. Yet their own values will show by doing so. You on the other hand, have great values. Again, I can tell by the way you write. You will be rewarded for such by the way your children turn out.
I come at this as a teacher, who had to write a gazillion reports in paragraph form, some of which had to tell the parents things they were not going to be thrilled about hearing.
We are taught simply you describe the actions period and cannot make judgmental or speculative comments about the person, including their motive. So I could not say, “The obnoxious kid is jealous of his new baby sister so he acts like a cry baby at recess.” I could say, “He cries when he loses at 4 square more than he did at the beginning of the school year.”
“She’s just like those blah blah blah people”. Would then be, When I see a link to a product it reminds me of tactics I see from less reputable marketers”. Still may sting, but eliminates the personal attack.
Umpires let the players say what they want about the call, about how unfair it is, about anything until it gets personal and they say, “You are…” bang you are out.
In this case there was that one paragraph that could have been deleted and the rest of the message would have been there –message received in all its glory.
There must be people out there like in the news industry that have policies about slander and personal attacks that could help Internet marketers bloggers who put themselves out there, but still allow constructive criticism.
Just the facts, ma’am.
Hey Jen, Why do I like your posts? Well, for a few reasons. 1). As others, your just trying to help other people by ebbing the learning curve on the net in a field you have experience in. 2), You present yourself personally as a “lady”, and not just another “woman”. There’s a big difference between a “lady” and just a “woman or female”. Obviously a lady is a woman/female, but you get the drift i’m sure. 3), You show self respect. One cannot have self respect and always disrespect others. They may think othewise, but they are just lying to themselves. To me you seem to be a lady with impecable character. Your reward will be seen in your children as they grow.
I feel one has the right to post/blog as they feel. Their own character traits will be noticed within their own blog. That will speak volumns. As for me? I would have to ask myself “What would Jesus say about my blog?”
Well, there is always pro and con in everything so, I think just ignore it.
If you ask me should we censor our blog comments? YES I will, but if the comment is still on the subject I will allow it. If not I will definitely delete it because this is my blog and everyone should be in good discussion.
“I was taking it all wayyyyyy too personally.”
from https://www.potpiegirl.com/2009/05/stop-selling-to-me/
Don’t take it personally, really.
You are going to get feedback you don’t like. YOU chose the industry – marketing where you yourself realize that everyone has been inundated with really bad products on top of bad marketing.
EVERYONE is leery and watchful. We have purchased too much that has left a bad taste in our MINDS, much less our mouths.
Therefore, any small mistake or error you make will be under a magnifying glass. There will be comments.
Inspect what is said for the truth and fix what is truly broken so that it cannot be said again.
Welcome these comments as a way to improve your product resulting in trust from the consumer and more sales to you from that priceless word-of-mouth advertising.
Censoring them says that you don’t want anyone to really LOOK at your product. And it is a product, not a baby.
You either want a reputation as someone who cares and does turn out a method that is useable, or you are the type that wants people to make impulse-buys without looking only thinking about your own bank account.
You have to decide. Then you will see your path.
Hi Jennifer and everyone.
I`m new to internet marketing (although I`ve sold via snail mail). As a beginner means a whole new learning curve for me.
Not only do I have to learn the techno side of marketing I also have to learn the psychology of internet marketing, (which to me is fascinating).
Selling products, I would say will be easy, give people what they want, simple!
What I see a great deal of is pure hype when it comes to salesletters etc. I think this is especially true of the marketing niche of internet sales. I see hype as a very negative marketing tactic.
I came across this blog on my way to educating myself in the art of internet marketing. What attracted me first was that great name POT PIE GIRL!
Secondly I could see here was someone who was, as I saw it, trying to be upfront and honest. Someone trying their best to give a service of value to their customers.
I do believe you have to sell yourself to a degree BUT
sales are not about you they are about your customers. What you/I think is neither here nor there. It is what makes our customers feel good enough about our product to buy it. Our focus must be on this.
( and of course the product must be of exceptional value to the customer.)
You may think I am getting off the point here. Well, although I am commenting on this blog, I do not think blogs are a help either to customers or ourselves.
Negative and personal comments will be made..
( human nature I`m afraid!) They are to be expected.
( a more direct approach for customer comments
would be a simple questionaire asking them their
likes and dislikes about your service/product)
Everything in sales, to my mind, has to be positive.
I`ve read lots of blogs and negative feedback is big time. How does this help sales …. it does`nt.
Customers don`t want to read negative things. We don`t either. Blogs and forums attract lots of people who have nothing constructive to say.
If a blog is deemed to be needed then all blatantly unpleasant and unconstructive comment should be witheld. ( it renders no purpose for anyone!)
Regards…. Paul Gloster U.K
Jennifer, I’ve got to admit I haven’t purchased your OWM, mostly because I’ve just spent too much money on one course after another with very little results from any of them. However, I after reading Tiffany’s review and Dorothy’s response, I probably won’t purchase it until you rework it as Tiffany suggested.
That being said, I think you are a very sincere individual who has tried very hard to help others. I’ve gathered that from the free stuff you’ve offered on your site.
Tiffany made a few low blows regarding your affiliate links in your products. Gotta say, I am shocked that she’d take shots at you for that. Affiliate marketing and links within products is a given. Absolutely nothing wrong with the practice.
As far as whether she should have allowed Dorothy’s comments or removed her comment is concerned, aside from the “sheep, wannabe, poser” comment I really didn’t see anything out of line or worse than Tiffany spouted in her review.
However, Tiffany gave an honest assessment of what she thought of OWM. I’ll be happy to purchase the product once you’ve reworked it as she suggested. While she gave an overall negative review, she gave credit for having gained several nuggets of info that she was unaware of before reading your product. So, it sure can’t be all bad 🙂
Anyway, in answer to your original question, should we censor blog comments, I say absolutely. Neither blogs nor privately owned forums are public domain, They are still privately owned, and like any privately owned property, the owner has every right to remove any comment they desire for any reason they choose.
Just don’t let it grind you down. Keep doing what you’ve been doing and make your product the best it can be so no one will ever take cheap shots at you again.
That’s my two cents worth.
Art
P.S. I couldn’t help but notice that while Tiffany was taking shots at you regarding your affiliate links, she has her own affiliate links pointing your your sales page posted all through her review.
How is it she tells people not to buy unless you change your format, yet plasters her affiliate link to your page all over her review?
Just sayin’
An excellent and very timely discussion. I’m wrestling with the same issue myself. On the one side, I want to allow the maximum freedom of discussion/speech. OTOH, aside from the fact I don’t care for “over the top” ranting and name calling, I fifn that posts with many comments distract the majority of my users who really aren’t there to comment/join in discussions.
I’m seriously considering moving to a system like Steve Pavlina’s large and heavily commented blog, where he links blog posts direct to a dedicated forum software. That way, everyone can have their stay, but people there to read Steve’s articles doesn’t need to wad through comment after comment.
Since Art wondered why I was annoyed at you using an affiliate link, let me reiterate what I said on my review – using affiliate links was FINE – GREAT, EXPECTED in fact.
What *I* had an issue with was Jennifer using an affiliate link to promote a coaching program teaching people who had JUST bought her product, HOW to use it. Shouldn’t the PRODUCT teach you that?
I even stated that the other affiliate links were fine – just odd to sell something, then say, “here’s a couple of gals who can teach you how to use my program” type of thing. But that’s a different argument 😉
Do some people not read the blog post thoroughly or skim or what? If you’d read it, you’d know exactly what I said.
Guess I should talk about the coaching program (Thanks, Tiffany, for helping me remember that).
When OWM first came out, there were people who wanted coaching from me. There are some people who learn better with a more “one on one” learning experience. Thing is, I didn’t have time to offer it.
In my mind, coaching is very serious and I would never offer it unless I had PLENTY of time to give the student(s) what they deserved from me.
Anyway, 2 women that are super good with OWM approached me about doing the coaching.
I know them, I respect them – so I agreed to allow it.
No one MUST have the coaching for OWM – but it is available if they’d like it or prefer to add an additional hands-on learning experience.
Yes, it is an affiliate link. They were using my name and my product as the basis of their service so that is the “tradeoff”, so to speak.
My apologies if my wording comes across as you MUST have this – it’s not intended. I just wanted people to know it is available if that’s what they’d like to have.
Jennifer
~PotPieGirl
Yes, Tiffany, I did read it, and my point is, you provided a completely negative review, yet you pasted your affiliate links at both the top and bottom of your review to the very product you were so negative about.
However,I do indeed agree with your analysis regarding sending customers elsewhere to get what ought to have been included in the product to begin with.
Please forgive me if you think I’m personally attacking you, i just found it a bit odd that you would post affiliate links to something you advise against purchasing. And as you were annoyed with my questioning your attacks on her use of affiliate links, I see no difference in your use of affiliate links to her product when you negatively review her product, than her use when she uses them to support her own.
That makes sense Jennifer – I would add that in there because it comes off as confusing.
Art, “completely negative review?” No it wasn’t. LOL It repeatedly stated that I found good info in it. It ended on a recommendation FOR the product.
Not sure how you come to that conclusion.
Tiffany made sales (and yes, had one refund) of the product she is promoting with her first OWM campaign so I don’t think she hates it THAT much…lol!
LOL Right? I made sales, yipeed when I did…and sold some OWM too. Even with the negatives. Why? Because it touted the positives too.
I flat out stated it worked. They just have to get over the hump.
Have tried to check that this has not yet been said but may have missed it in the flood of comments.
Suggest blog owner puts a clear statement of editorial policy eg that racism , name calling , offensive language etc will be censored.
Then all commentators know what to expect.
Tiff and Jennifer are both top of the league in my book.
“Will this post, and the feedback, change the way you act (or react) in the future?”
———–
nah, I enjoy playing the fascist dictator on my own blogs, and will keep on censoring away ; )
Actually, I keep comments switched off on most of my sites, partly because I don’t want to have to deal with this kind of BS & spend time moderating them. Although to be fair, I haven’t had any really nasty stuff – I think those kind of people are in the minority, although I guess those with more abrasive blogging ‘styles’ will attract similarly aggressive comments. I like a quiet life, so I tend to lean towards the ‘if you can’t say something nice (or at least constructive), then shut up’ perspective : D
Now that I’ve caught up with the comments here & on Tiffany’s blog, it’s interesting to see all the different perspectives on this. It seems most people agree that personal attacks are not a good thing, even if they don’t agree with censorship.
I’m surprised by Dorothy’s comment, since you always come across as very genuine to me – even if someone isn’t happy with the OWM plan, there’s no need to start insulting you or those who liked it. I suppose she’s had some bad experience with IM courses in the past, although that doesn’t excuse being rude, IMO. Although I do understand that sometimes it can be easy to get mad, type something inflammatory & then regret it afterwards – I’ve noticed that some blogs allow you to edit your comment for a limited period of time after posting, which I think is a good idea.
Still, I guess that’s the price you pay for being in the public eye, and for selling your own product (and for being successful too). I hope the negative people don’t get to you too much – as others have said, those kind of remarks say a lot more about the person who’s making them than about you or OWM. We all need to practice keeping a thick skin & a somewhat detached perspective when working online.
Ok Tiffany, I’ll retract the statement “completely negative” and reword it to mostly negative. You’ll notice in my first comment that I did in fact mention that you gave Jennifer credit for some useful nuggets.
I’ll stand by my “opinion” that it was mostly negative, as the negative comments were far more noticeable than the positives sprinkled throughout the review.
I have no axe to grind with you, just stating my opinion. You gave what I considered an honest review, more negative than positive (once again, jmo), and I gave you credit for your honest review, or don’t YOU read, and just skim?
Now, if you are feeling attacked, I’ll simply apologize. My remarks are not intended as a slam on you, I simply pointed out my agreements with your review and my disagreements. In other words, I gave my honest review of your review.
So live long and prosper 🙂
Quite the eye-opener. Not having any experience with personal attacks on any blogs I read (don’t have one of my own at this time), it never even occured to me that such would happen.
Polite up-bringing vs naivete vs selfish “I can do whatever I want”
I vote polite.
If I had a blog – it would state up-front “keep it clean”. Constructively critique a product – “I like it, here’s why; I don’t like it, here’s why” but leave off the personal attacks.
Even with emoticons, tone cannot always be read and misunderstandings easy to make – so be polite!
I don’t have any followers to my blogs yet, but if I did, I would have to go with your advice. Personally attacking someone in a comment on a blog is just NOT COOL. I am now considering buying your OWM program to test it out.
Hi, Jennifer
I agree with what a lot of posters have said about your blog being “your house”. I think you have the right to set rules of conduct. On the other hand, however, you don’t want to be seen as dictatorial in any way. My personal take is, yeah, censor it if it is clearly an ad hominem(unwarranted personal attack with no real substance behind it). If it’s simply criticism, try to respond to it in a positive manner. If that fails and the person turns it into a flame war, ban them and make sure that it is clear that the banning is because of their juvenile behavior and NOT because of disagreement. I have been a contributing member on a lot of discussion forums over the years. The way we handled it was a “three strikes you’re out”. Put a “Read This First” post on your blog clearly outlining the rules of conduct and you’re covered.
In the end, it’s still a judgement call but if a poster is engaging in ad hom for ad hom’s sake they don’t have the right to be there.
Jeff
Hi Jennifer,
This is the post I left on Tiffany’s blog post:
To be fair, I have been a follower of Jennifer’s work and this blog post is the first time I have learned of Tiffany. However, my comments will be neutral.
I first started out in online marketing in August when I joined Wealthy Affiliate, as a recommendation from a good friend of mine. It was completely on a whim that I joined, as I wasn’t even seeking to begin affiliate marketing – let alone learn about it!
WA opened my eyes to a whole new world of an interest that I personally find fulfilling. Do they have a lot of good stuff on there? Yes. Is it as clear-cut for newbies as it could be? No. Is it worth the $39 every month? Maybe. Would I recommend trying it out? Highly.
Jennifer is very active in the forums at WA, providing help to a ton of people. I was drawn to her style which brought me to her website. I found even more great tips on online marketing there. Could her website be more organized? Totally. 😉 I’ve also been on her email list and have received some neat things through that as well. Is it sometimes too much selling? Yes. Is it a waste of time? No. Can you unsubscribe at any time? Duh.
I will tell you that Jennifer, in my business experience, is a VERY giving woman. I haven’t seen somebody that works for themselves feverishly give away as much FREE information as this lady does! I don’t get anything for tooting her horn here. I can see why this lady is so successful. She deserves it.
I recently purchased One Week Marketing and I was overwhelmed, because it wasn’t set up as organized as it could have been. Is the content valuable? Yes. Is the product easy to follow and understand? No. Is it worth the price? Maybe. I also agree that the some of the upgrade and bonuses could have been included in the main guide.
I maintain that a review should always be “professional”. I believe that the moderator of all comments should only allow for “professional” commentary.
I feel that Jennifer shouldn’t have even gotten involved with commenting here. I don’t think she needs to defend herself (though she did so politely and professionally, kudos to her). If one stands by their work and KNOWS that it offers benefits (of course, some people find more benefits than others, just like anything you buy in life), then that’s all that matters.
When learning, people have different learning styles. In business, people have different “sales” personalities that work for them. Can these two women be different? Yes. Do they have to agree? No.
Tiffany and other commentators don’t have to love One Week Marketing.
However, OWM DOES offer a refund!
To be fair, I have been a follower of Jennifer’s work and this blog post is the first time I have learned of Tiffany. However, my comments will be neutral.
I first started out in online marketing in August when I joined Wealthy Affiliate, as a recommendation from a good friend of mine. It was completely on a whim that I joined, as I wasn’t even seeking to begin affiliate marketing – let alone learn about it!
WA opened my eyes to a whole new world of an interest that I personally find fulfilling. Do they have a lot of good stuff on there? Yes. Is it as clear-cut for newbies as it could be? No. Is it worth the $39 every month? Maybe. Would I recommend trying it out? Highly.
Jennifer is very active in the forums at WA, providing help to a ton of people. I was drawn to her style which brought me to her website. I found even more great tips on online marketing there. Could her website be more organized? Totally. 😉 I’ve also been on her email list and have received some neat things through that as well. Is it sometimes too much selling? Yes. Is it a waste of time? No. Can you unsubscribe at any time? Duh.
I will tell you that Jennifer, in my business experience, is a VERY giving woman. I haven’t seen somebody that works for themselves feverishly give away as much FREE information as this lady does! I don’t get anything for tooting her horn here. I can see why this lady is so successful. She deserves it.
I recently purchased One Week Marketing and I was overwhelmed, because it wasn’t set up as organized as it could have been. Is the content valuable? Yes. Is the product easy to follow and understand? No. Is it worth the price? Maybe. I also agree that the some of the upgrade and bonuses could have been included in the main guide.
I maintain that a review should always be “professional”. I believe that the moderator of all comments should only allow for “professional” commentary.
I feel that Jennifer shouldn’t have even gotten involved with commenting here. I don’t think she needs to defend herself (though she did so politely and professionally, kudos to her). If one stands by their work and KNOWS that it offers benefits (of course, some people find more benefits than others, just like anything you buy in life), then that’s all that matters.
When learning, people have different learning styles. In business, people have different “sales” personalities that work for them. Can these two women be different? Yes. Do they have to agree? No.
Tiffany and other commentators don’t have to love One Week Marketing.
However, OWM DOES offer a refund! That alone shows integrity.
Couldn’t find Dorothy – maybe Tiffany deleted it?
Anyhow, no personal attack is ever warranted and I’m disappointed Tiffany Dow published it.
Boo!!!!!
Jennifer.
I have come back to make a comment on an aspect that I suspect you knew about all along, and let it be a lesson to all of those of you that are new at online marketing.
241 comments so far!
this is a very good example of “viral’ marketing, it is simply a post like any other, but it is getting a LOT more visits than any normal run-of-the-mill post.
The subject is being discussed and argued about on forums and in meeting.
I applaud you of the small and subtle things that you do, and I suspect that they are planned and not Flukes.
WELL DONE!
SERIOUSLY – I LOVE IT!
One of the many reasons why it is foolish for any marketer to EVER unsubscribe of the e mail lists of the great marketers.
watch and learn everybody!
Rob Anderson
I would do whatever you feel comfortable with. If someone made a comment that was out of line at my blog I would certainly delete it.
“Least said soonest mended” springs to mind here. If I had been Tiffany I would have deleted it and if I had been Jennifer I would have ignored it.
Look, Jennifer, you’re a success at what you do because you’re honest, and you care about people. You’re for real, and that’s obvious to anyone who follows you or your blog. I personally feel that I don’t want negative, hurtful people around. Constructive criticism that builds your character is one thing. Bring it! But just being mean and destructive serves no useful purpose. The Bible says that the power of life and death is in the tongue. It’s true. You can kill someone with your words, either figuratively, emotionally, or literally. What you say counts. The old saying about sticks and stones is a falacy…names DO hurt you…sometimes forever. Verbal abuse is one of the most destructive forces on this planet. Having said that, you can choose to shut anyone’s mouth on your blog by just deleting them. And I’m all for deleting things that serve no constructive purpose, especially when you know in your heart of hearts that you’re all about helping people. Stand on your principles. Don’t allow anything on your blog that you wouldn’t do yourself. Be true to yourself, and delete ANYTHING in your life that’s destructive. Sure, there’s freedom of speech…but just because it’s legal, that doesn’t make it right. Shame on Dorothy. She needs to wash her mouth and her mind out with soap, as my mother used to say.
Well what a strange topic we have here. Look Jennifer, You can’t dwell on someone else interpretation of you because only you know you you really are to most people. I like to say censor some comments or mail but the things is that if you really listen to your critics, it will make you stronger. You can handle anything the world brings you. Its your turn in what you want to do but remember, use this to make yourself better in your beliefs!!
Yup, thats not polite to pick on someone. That kinda buzz wont do any good to the comment poster. I think there is need to be some censorship. I rarely get any comments on my blog, so i dont censore them.
I mean if they just post a comment, to get a backlink to their blog and not add any value about the blog post itself. We all are very different with different views, but it wouldnt be nice if someone would pick on someone else in my blog. Certainly i wouldnt tolarate that kinda behavior.
Andrew
Lol. After observing what took place here, I’ve come to the conclusion there were only winners. Both Jennifer and Tiffany scored big. Both got massive exposure from this viral thread. Both made sales. Both are viewed as honest caring marketers.
Congratulations.
This is how a review is supposed to work. make it just negative enough to create controversy and boom, it goes viral.
Well done Dorothy, Tiffany, Jennifer and unnamed source who brought it to Jennifer’s attention. 🙂
I typically leave comments open unless they cross the line of being factually inaccurate or are stooping to ad hominems.
I value the discussion that can come out of even heated debates and usually the cream rises to the top. This can be a very thorny issue, especially if you’re running an online community. Each community grows it’s own set of rules, so what works for mine may not be right for yours.
Quick question, Is that commenter still ranting about you or was it a one time thing?
Censoring blog comments is kind of a touchy issue. On the one hand, you have the people who are looking to spam you, and then on the other hand, you have to watch out for those who only wish to launch personal attacks on others (as seen above). Personally, I think it would only be fair to allow all comments (both good and bad) as it sometimes draws more readers in to submit their own differing opinions (i.e. an actual conversation)…
Hi.. First of all, i would like to thank you for being part of the Do Follow community, it let us, Marketers and Blog Readers, be able to find a healthy balance between getting a benefit out of our activity and letting us participate respectfully commenting the content being posted on the blogs.
Personally, i think the internet will always be full of bullies. People who hide on the back of their computers screen and behave in a way they will never copy in real, everyday life. This is shamefull. Althought this may sound contradictory, I think it may be beneficial in terms of creating controversy and a high comment flow… which will drive returning traffic to the website.
I hardly beleive you can always find some good out of those situations, whether it starts as a shallow word exchange, can always finish as having a loyal user comming back to the blog when the fight is finished.
Just my two cents!
Best Regards!
It depends on the website, I think. A website selling M rated video games, for example, wouldn’t censor. A kid’s book site should, though. Also, moderators can just delete comments that are past the line (spamming curse words, pretty much)