Chapter 1: The Impact of Online Criticism

In the realm of online writing, negative comments are an inevitable presence. They often reveal more about the commenter than the content itself. Sometimes, I chuckle; other times, I find myself momentarily taken aback. Occasionally, I’m genuinely appalled. That inner voice of the so-called "fake writer" whispers, "You’ve been exposed!"

Having spent three years and penned over 1,300 articles, I still find myself puzzled by the existence of these online critics. Yet, I have no desire to speculate on their motives. Feel free to express your opinions; it truly doesn’t faze me.

You might say, "You're just pretending it doesn't bother you. Writing about it shows you care!" And to that, I acknowledge my guilt. Yes, reading negative feedback does sting a bit, and I’m writing to voice my frustrations. But ultimately, it comes down to this: I’ll write what I choose, and you can say what you like. Let’s agree to disagree. What animosity lies between us?

So, what’s the real benefit of engaging with these critics? They likely contribute nothing to my earnings from writing. So let’s just relax—everyone involved.

To me, online critics resemble a particularly meddlesome mother-in-law. They thrive on your irritation and seem to seek conflict for amusement. If you’re not looking for a showdown, here’s my advice: read what they say, reflect on it, and consider the underlying message. Absorb the valuable insights, create more content, and move on.

Are there innovative strategies to handle online critics? Certainly, but why should I devote my time to unraveling their mindsets? Are they potential customers or clients?

The answer is no, so I’ll pass on that.

Understanding the Nature of Online Writing

The crux of online writing is that it’s fundamentally a people-driven business. This isn’t just a cliché; it’s vital to grasp how online interactions work. You may find yourself interacting with countless fans and, possibly, a handful of critics.

Consider the multitude of people, diverse groups, and audiences. Ask yourself a straightforward question: Can you satisfy all their expectations when they click on your headline and read your article?

If your answer is "yes," then I have to disagree. Even the most eloquently crafted 20-minute article will not meet everyone’s expectations. It’s simply unfeasible.

Why, you ask? Because how could you possibly know what each reader expects? Do you conduct market research for every piece you write? Unlikely.

You may have a general sense of your audience based on their engagement, but reader expectations are largely concealed. Unless you possess some mystical mind-reading abilities, you’re just as lost as the rest of us.

Does this mean your work is lacking if it doesn’t resonate with an unidentified reader? Perhaps, but I’m all ears if you have insights on that.

Reflecting on Online Behavior

Having navigated this online landscape for quite some time—be it on LinkedIn, Twitter (now X), or Medium—I’ve noticed a pattern. Visitors come and go; they read, react, and often leave harsh comments before disappearing.

The first critic may dismiss your work outright. The next might skim your writing and leave disdainful feedback. The third could stumble upon your article, agree at first, but ultimately disagree with your conclusions, and then vanish.

What’s the common thread here? They leave.

Never expect these individuals to return to critique your next piece. If they do, consider it a success; you’ve either intrigued or enraged them.

Now, let’s examine our own online behaviors. Do we typically return to criticize the same creator repeatedly? My answer is no, and I suspect yours would be the same.

Instead, we tend to move on, assuming the content creator has little to offer. This is the strategy I propose: treat online critics as if they’re irrelevant.

As Kevin O’Leary famously quipped, “You are dead to me.” These critics will continue their lives unaffected, while you might bear the emotional scars of their comments.

But don't dwell on it. You’re striving to improve your craft daily, and that’s what matters.

What about constructive feedback? Tackle that when you have the time. Stay focused and pour your energy into your writing.

The Conclusion

In closing, remember this: no one can fully meet your expectations but you. If one writer doesn’t satisfy your needs, seek out another until you find what resonates.

That’s the end of the story. Wishing you a productive day!

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