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Internet Marketing Bashing

This post was most recently updated on March 27th, 2014

donnamerrilltribe.com I must have had my head in the clouds for the past two years.  I have spent the past two years blogging passionately.  I love the community I am in with other bloggers and internet marketers. 

I’ve enjoyed such positive energy and have made so many wonderful connections all over the world.  I always say that the best part of this business is meeting so many different people with different ideas.   

 

Yes, I stay in my niche, but also have many friends in others.  Hey, that’s where the learning opportunities come from.  I can visit my buddies that are techies.  I usually have to read their blogs twice to get an understanding of what they are teaching me, but it is worth it.  I’m learning something new and even though I don’t do technical stuff, I need to know a bit about it if I want to hire someone to do something for me. 

 

I have have many network marketing friends, too.  I am not a network marketer, but have learned the ins and outs of the business through the experiences of my friends who are.  I love to cheer them on and help them along their way to success.   I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. 

 

We are basically all here to market our products/services.  Internet marketing is a giant world unto itself, serving the the world wide market.  I am so grateful to be part of it all.  I am also grateful that everyone I meet has something positive to share. 

 

Immersed in the Law of Attraction, I understand how I have been so blessed to be in contact with the many people I meet on my blog and in social media.  I have many friends that are, as I’ve said, involved in Network Marketing systems that I’m not part of.  But I connect with them on a human basis and enjoy watching them grow.     

 

BUT…………. Lately, I have experienced some internet marketing bashing.   

 

There was one person who I had to spam block from my blog comment roll because he was purely an attention seeker.  I even had to ban him from my email.  He was actually calling me names.  And he isn’t even a friend of mine (friends can always call me names… lol).    Now this was like a sucker punch to me.    Now, I’m not a gal easily brought to tears.  I’m pretty tough around the edges, and I consider myself a victor rather than victim.  But I was brought to tears.  Not because of harsh words, or menopause blues lol …..  But mainly because I live by the Law of Attraction, surround myself with positive people and put up pretty good boundaries when it comes to negativity. 

 

“Was my head in the clouds?” I asked myself.  Is this internet marketing bashing, putting others down just because you don’t agree with everything they say or do… is this a common thing? 

 

I just didn’t notice it?  Hmmm…. 

 

So I did a little bit of research on various social platforms and even on some of the more robust blogs.  My findings were that there are lots of people out there who are really bashing each other, apparently for recreation and attention. 

 

IS THIS NECESSARY? 

 

What happens if you bash a product or service?  How do you appear towards others?  And IF you are trying to bring followers into your fold, whom might they be?  Negative begets negative!  By going out and bashing other marketers you will either be ignored, or will attract mostly other fellow bashers.  Sounds like life in the school yard doesn’t it? 

 

We are all internet marketers if we include all folks with a business, opportunity, product, service, story, cause or point of view.  Part of being in this business is to keep on learning and keep abreast of other products or services to how they are being marketed online. 

 

Agree or disagree, if we have the mindset of staying focused on our own business while being respectful of others we disagree with, we can reach our highest goals.  Working from an ethical position, we will attract more readers, visitors and followers, while inviting more people to the table of discussion where we can learn from one another.   

 

So after my mini-trauma, I came to this conclusion: 

 

I need to be more watchful for internet marketing bashers… from an eagle eye perspective.  Take notice of the behavior of a basher and quickly dismiss him/her, on one hand. 

 

On the other hand, develop a way to teach greater respect and honor for one another instead of hiding our hidden agendas behind computer screens.Internet Marketing Bashing  I must have had my head in the clouds for the past two years. 

So, what’s your experience?  Have you noticed Internet Marketing Bashing?  I would like to know, Donna

 

 

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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60 Responses to Internet Marketing Bashing

  1. F D Gifford May 3, 2013 at 8:17 pm #

    Well said Donna. Although I have not had a specific Internet Marketing bashing, I have been told that “I only post to try and sell” something. (This comes from Facebook friends) It was bit harsh. I post information about health plan design strategies, that large companies pay big bucks to consultants to learn. And, I am giving it away free to the small business owner.

    Now, Free is a funny word, because nothing in life is free. But I am also trying to be totally transparent. Today’s internet world now puts Angry Birds on my phone, Pandora Radio Playing on my laptop, and they are both “free”, just like the Nightly News, on NBC. But they are not free at all. Just paid for by a third-party sponsor.

    Thanks for sharing your post. Like you I find the online marketing community, for the most part, very rewarding. As I grow, and see others grow, it gets better and better. Here is a thought. Some day soon, the members of the tribe all attend Bloggers World and see you give the keynote address and you can tell the story about this IM Basher and how is was the final push you needed to become the Keynote Speaker.
    F D Gifford recently posted..The Dangers of Childhood ObesityMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill May 6, 2013 at 1:10 am #

      Thanks so much for your great comment!

      I just love the on line community, but people need to get real. We are not spending all this time on here for nothing. It is part of a marketing plan and it is “attraction marketing” We get to know like and trust people and then market with each other.

      If people on your Facebook are sneering…delete them! I say quantity is so much better than quality.

      If you are giving good information and then giving an opportunity, what’s wrong with that?

      Oh those bashers!

      Donna

      P.S. Oh boy would I love to be a speaker on Bashing
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Is Your Spouse Supportive Of Online Business?My Profile

  2. Ricky March 27, 2013 at 2:50 pm #

    Sorry to here about your Troll, it a sad fact of the internet, I call it computer courage 🙂 Under the guise of anonymity people will do and say just about anything. Once one is identified use all the blocking abilities of the internet to cut them off.

    -Ricky

  3. Michael Belk March 26, 2013 at 11:22 am #

    Donna, it is hard sometimes to step outside your boundaries, but it benefits us more than we realize.

    I visit all type of niches because like you I love to be able to do some things myself.

    Also it is about connecting with others. I love the information I have learned by reading other sites and I would learn more if I could.

    Lisa taught me about HTML and It has been invaluable.

    I love your views as well.

    • Donna.Merrill May 6, 2013 at 12:12 am #

      Thank you Michael,

      It is about connecting with others. We can step out of our niche and benefit from so many different people. To me, that is one passion I have and am grateful for blogging.

      I just love to connect with others and of course keep it positive!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Is Your Spouse Supportive Of Online Business?My Profile

  4. Dee Ann Rice
    Twitter:
    March 19, 2013 at 1:55 pm #

    Donna,

    I have not noticed the Internet Marketing Bashers out there but I have no doubt that they are there.

    I think there are always going to be those people who are just out to destroy others. It is the same thing with hacking websites to cause damage. What good comes of it and why would anyone go to all of that work just to cause another person harm.

    I do not understand why people want to hurt others because I am a person who wants to help others.

    I think it happens in all parts of life though. There are always going to be those people you run into who’s only goal if to do harm to others.

    I own a farm and when I got married I rented my farm house out. I over time became friend (or I thought I was friends) with my renters. Then they moved out of the house and I discovered that they had done $55,000 worth of damage to my house. I spend days saying “How could one human being do this to another? I do not understand.” I still have no answer to that question.

    I really think that we just have to steer clear of those people who are only out to harm others in some why.

    Like you said negative breeds more negative. This is why I try to surround myself with positive people looking to improve themselves and those around them.

    I can really relate to the topic of this post.

    Dee Ann Rice
    Dee Ann Rice recently posted..Google Reader Will No Longer ExistMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 20, 2013 at 11:59 am #

      My goodness Dee Ann!

      That is some story! This is why I try so hard not to be friends with my tenants. My heart is there for them, but I must keep a boundary up.

      Something like that happened to me once with a crazy tenant, but not as sever. It took 3 months for me to remove her and she sabotaged the plumbing by pouring concrete into the toilets. Go Figure!

      I do steer clear of negative folks, but because the coexist with us, we need to be guarded.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Plan Your DayMy Profile

  5. Tonya Stephens March 18, 2013 at 7:37 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    My take on this is: You must be doing something right for someone like the basher to come to your blog seeking attention. I know that may be hard to understand but some of the top internet marketers I know say if they don’t get these types of comments then they aren’t working hard enough. This is even harder when you do Video Marketing because the person can attack not only your content but also the way you look or talk!
    Chalk it up to the pitfalls of doing business online.

    Forget about it!
    Tonya

    • Donna.Merrill March 19, 2013 at 5:50 pm #

      THANKS Tonya!!!

      Well, it was my first time with a troll. But now I’m on the look out to delete any troll like behavior. I usually ignore this behavior, especially on the social sites, but now the delete button has become my best friend!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Plan Your DayMy Profile

  6. Carol Lynn March 18, 2013 at 12:27 pm #

    Donna, you just keep your head in the clouds. The way you live your life, you attract such positive energy and positive people. But that doesn’t mean that negative people don’t exist. There are those “trolls” on blogs, on sites and in forums everywhere. They like to stir up trouble and get people to react. You know what I have to say to that? DELETE!!!

    If someone has a legitimate complaint or concern then you can address it even if you disagree. But people who say mean things just to rile you up deserve to be ignored. You did the best thing by blocking and removing that person from your list. He has nothing to do with you and his behavior is only a reflection of himself.

    So keep being positive and surround yourself with the people who matter. There will always be meanies. And they will always get deleted!
    Carol Lynn recently posted..How To Write Product Descriptions That SellMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 18, 2013 at 2:50 pm #

      Thank you Carol Lynn!

      Yes I love that delete button. Responding to all my comments made me just realize that this guy came in when I was reviewing a touchy subject. I had a guest on it and maybe that’s why he slipped in.

      Sue had mentioned to me she had experience with the same guy. A trouble making troll that didn’t like the company I was reviewing. Well, it was EN and there is so much controversy around that platform.

      It was a second part to the series because the first blog post was hanging around the first page of Google for months. People flocked to it and I approved the good comments ya or ney! There were differences of opinions and that was OK for me.

      The problem was, I didn’t have the answers to their questions, so I was grateful for an EN top dog to come to my blog to explain things. I’m not part of EN, but respect people who are in it. Hey, I have tons of friends that use that platform.

      I thing the troll just wanted to fluff his feathers to show people he knew more than the company’s owners. What a way to attract negative attention!

      But I stay in my cloud with all my great peeps with positive energy.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Plan Your DayMy Profile

  7. Mayura
    Twitter:
    March 18, 2013 at 8:01 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Gosh… I’ve noticed you all are talking about it on Facebook. Sue Price mentioned about it at her place too.

    He left with a red nose or pink face? 😉 lol…

    So you like Network Marketing and I should like it too? If you are not in Network Marketing, I’m not your friend? We had no such a discussion ever. That’s why I love friends I made online. They do *RESPECT*.

    I can relate there too dear 🙂 The friends I’ve made are not in the same niche and you know, everyone else using WordPress too 😀 lol… But I know how we respect each other, hang out and support even we do have different opinions or preferences.

    I’m sorry about what has been through but I love what you did Donna 😉 Can you feel it? Like a BOSS 😉

    Well, the thing is we don’t hate people but the actions. If he’s wise enough, I hope he will get the message and learn something out of it. Else, I don’t know, may be he will get it someday and regret what he has been doing.

    Have a successful week with no bashing around Donna 🙂

    Cheers…
    Mayura recently posted..Manage Your Website in Google Webmaster Tools: Part 1My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 18, 2013 at 2:33 pm #

      Hi Mayura!

      Respect is the key word here! I never encountered this behavior before so it was shocking to me.

      Having friends in all different niches, I can relate to them and what they are doing. I am not a network marketer, but have many friends that are. If I can help them in any way, I will.

      Also, I can learn from so many in different niches. Well, YOU for example!
      Each time I come to your blog, I am always learning something new. Sometimes it is over my head, so I save that post and share it with my husband so he can apply a principle that you have taught.

      I often refer you as the Mayura University because there is ALWAYS a learning curve on your blog.

      The thing is, we all respect one another. We all learn from one another and this is a great feeling.

      As for the other guy, well, he’s gotta do what he’s gotta do. He is out of my life as soon as I blocked him.

      Thanks Mayura,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Plan Your DayMy Profile

  8. Amy Hagerup March 17, 2013 at 11:14 pm #

    Donna, I am so sorry to hear this but really feel we can all learn from you being willing to be vulnerable here. It has been interesting to read the other comments too. I had someone opt in to two different lists of mine on two different blogs in very different niches so I looked him up. I found a post he had written on someone’s blog that was very suspect. So I deleted him from both of my lists. We certainly have to be careful on the internet – that is for sure. Thanks for sharing your heart with us. Blessings, Amy
    Amy Hagerup recently posted..Why You Need to Learn LinkedIn for Your BusinessMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 18, 2013 at 1:19 am #

      Hi Amy and Welcome!

      It’s good you did your homework! Usually when a person does this, he/she is going around blog hopping and leaving the same message. Why? Thank Goodness I don’t understand that behavior.

      We do have one thing on our side: The Delete Button!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Plan Your DayMy Profile

  9. Beth Hewitt
    Twitter:
    March 17, 2013 at 7:11 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    UGH! Thankfully I don’t think there are too many internet marketing bashers out there, I have been fortunate over the years not to encounter too many, although if i was to think about them, I am sure more would come out of the wood work, so I shall not think about them at all.

    They drain far to much of our joy. But we have top mindful and know what has to be done, should we uncover one.

    Good for you and getting rid. 🙂

    Onwards and upwards,

    Beth 🙂
    Beth Hewitt recently posted..Is your Blog Niche Broken ?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 18, 2013 at 12:52 am #

      You said it Beth!

      Onwards and upwards! I’m over it, but needed to blog about it because there are many of us that just don’t have that negativity creeping in.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Plan Your DayMy Profile

  10. nick catricala March 17, 2013 at 6:08 pm #

    Donna, what a deep blog post you have here… I feel for you and I can understand why tears come into life… Bashing seem to be something that brings happiness to certain type of people, so it does not matter if they are bloggers, internet marketer, techy or what ever… what ever they are they are and that is the truth and cannot be changed by anyone EXCEPT then selves.

    Sorry to read this type of post here… but I understand you needed to post it so you can feel better in some ways.

    Now I suggest that you just forget and be YOURSELF again… you deserve to be YOU and not someone others try to make believe that you are different.

    You shine, your loving heart shine, your sharing and giving shine… and you will be fine.. just forgive who ever come strong on you… he or she did not know what she or he was doing anyway 🙂

    Be the best you can be.
    nickc
    nick catricala recently posted..How do you handle life when a turn for the worse appear?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 18, 2013 at 12:51 am #

      Thank you Nick!

      Oh it didn’t take me long to bounce back. It was just the shock of having a negative person getting into my space.

      That usually doesn’t happen to me. But lesson learned: I need to be more aware of the trolls out there.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Plan Your DayMy Profile

  11. Mary Stephenson
    Twitter:
    March 17, 2013 at 5:20 pm #

    Hi Donna

    Sorry about the idiot, oh and that is what they really are. I have not had anybody on my blog that has done that, but of course that could change at anytime, if he is still reading what you write. But as always you have the right to delete any and all of his comments that was ever put on your site. Would never give anyone the white space for such rude behavior. Would kick them out of my house and our blogs are part of our homes.

    I have had a few controversial comments on a few videos for another site. But I have seen what some comments have been put on YouTube, there is no way that they wouldn’t first be approved by me.

    If people that think if they can start out nice and then get rude, actually remain to write another day on my blog, will have another thought coming. I have definitely toughened up after having content stolen. Some folks just aren’t nice at all. What they say to you online they have zero backbone to tell you in person.

    Yes the internet is a brutal world out there and I did not go into this thinking that way. It is the harsh reality of the fact that there are low-lives in all walks of life.

    Great post and always remember there is a delete button and blocks.

    Mary
    Mary Stephenson recently posted..Conversations With Myself!My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 17, 2013 at 11:42 pm #

      Hi Mary!

      Yes, it is brutal out there, but I never knew it until now. I have learned from my comments that these folks are called “Trolls.” They seem to be everywhere.

      At least on our blogs we can block them. But on sites such as Youtube, there are so many jerks making terrible comments.

      A friend of mine a few months back asked me to get on his Youtube and respond to one of those Trolls that were ripping him apart.

      I did! We do have to stick together!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

      • Mary Stephenson
        Twitter:
        March 18, 2013 at 12:44 pm #

        Hi Donna

        You can set up all comments on YouTube to be moderated and you can delete them at anytime. I did have a discussion with someone on YouTube which did not agree with me and I allowed it to go and responded to him. Since he remained civil I allowed his comments to remain. If it had turned ugly I would have deleted all of what he wrote and I would have blocked him forever being able to comment. With all the trash comments on YouTube I would not even consider any comments to go up without moderation, even if they had made a comment before that was nice. It can just get so out of hand on that site, it totally cheapens the message. Some people have too much ideal time on their hands and have no life, that they have to go out and make other people’s life miserable. Your friend should have just deleted all comments from the idiot and blocked him.

        Mary
        Mary Stephenson recently posted..Conversations With Myself!My Profile

        • Donna.Merrill March 18, 2013 at 3:23 pm #

          Good idea Mary!

          I have been neglecting my Youtube lately. Have to catch up on that and keep comments moderated.

          Oh he did delete him after all. This troll wasn’t friends with him on any other social platform. Just a Youtube Troll….so many out there!

          Thanks for the heads up,
          Donna
          Donna.Merrill recently posted..Plan Your DayMy Profile

  12. Sarah Arrow
    Twitter:
    March 17, 2013 at 4:22 pm #

    Oh Donna, how awful for you :(, and no you are not alone in having to ban people from your site. I’ve had readers become friends and then turn toxic, which resulted in banning them. It never rests easy when this takes place.
    The internet is a wonderful place and yes, we should have more respect and see things with a positive intent.

    • Donna.Merrill March 17, 2013 at 11:31 pm #

      Hi Sarah,

      Oh I know how that is! When people turn toxic, I politely tell them to go away!

      Some clients I have come in with good intentions, then want me to be their mommy. Yikes! Who has the time for that. We have to ban those who have toxic energy.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  13. Lisa Magoulas March 17, 2013 at 11:36 am #

    Donna, I’m with you on the mindset of the law of attraction. Keep up your positive attitude and absolutely ban the negative people from your website, FB, Twitter, you name it. I know so many people who do negative things for attention. I have slowly removed myself from an interactions with these people. Ya know, there are so many networks and opportunities out there. Most people in this community are happy to assist others. It\’s a win-win situation because as you said, we all can learn by interaction. Great post and high five for sticking to your values.
    Lisa Magoulas recently posted..Overview of Popular Detox DietsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 17, 2013 at 11:29 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      Me too.. my mindset is of the LOA, that’s why this was so shocking to me.

      Thanks so much for your kind words, really made me feel better.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  14. Jan Bierens March 16, 2013 at 6:25 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    Guess we all have clashes every now and then with ‘someone’ on the internet. After all *this* is real life to, for most sane people anyways.
    The internet is ‘anonymous’ and that can mean there is less of a barrier holding people back from being their pitiful selves sometimes.
    There are some everywhere and I’m glad to see it does not bother you to much.
    Just do your thing, you’re good at it.

    • Donna.Merrill March 17, 2013 at 11:23 pm #

      Hey Jan,

      Thanks for stopping by. Yes, it is like real life. Need to set boundaries with real people as well as those trolls!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  15. Gene Call March 16, 2013 at 5:41 pm #

    Donna—thanks for sharing good insight. you hit a “hot button” for me for a very different arena. I am a committed Christian convinced that Christianity results in the most fulfilled life and the best world. Yet we don’t have that reputation for those things. Instead the world talks about how hateful, judgmental and harsh we are because so many who label themselves as Christ followers go around bashing each other and anyone who does not accept their views! Wow—what should you expect to come from that except a negative aversion—as you had to do with this person. . . I know—took a different tangent than your post but you sparked my thinking! Thanks Donna!

    • Donna.Merrill March 16, 2013 at 8:31 pm #

      Hi Gene!

      Oh how I like it when people think! I understand you completely. I’m a Roman Catholic. I try my best to live by the laws of Christianity also. Do unto others is my motto. I keep that as a mindset.

      I do understand that bashing being Christian. I’ve experienced people snubbing me, family and friends even getting angry with me. But, I don’t debate. For me, living life the way I do with peace and love is the only way I can spread my own joy.

      Hey, that’s why I said a prayer for him before I blocked him. I reacted with a hurt feeling, then anger, then the grace of forgiveness.

      Thanks for bringing to light your take on this.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  16. Michael Shook March 16, 2013 at 2:41 pm #

    I guess that’s where you’ve been Donna, head in the clouds. But you know what, there are lot worse places to have been spending your time. There’s nothing wrong with finding the best in people or in yourself and emphasizing that. Not only is there nothing wrong with it, but living that way can bring you a peace and sense of light that nothing else can come close to.

    I have found out that it is not my job to fix the world. It is my job to take care of myself so that I can have plenty of light and love and goodness to share with the world and that I really like doing.

    I have seen some ugly flame wars around, on the WF, on blogs, on FB, and none of them (that I have ever seen anyway) have resulted in anything good. Way better to let those folks go, just like you did and bring yourself back to where you want to be – shining your positive light out into the world. 🙂
    Michael Shook recently posted..How To Get Positive Thinking TipsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 16, 2013 at 8:24 pm #

      Hi Michael,

      Well that’s how I see it too. My life is peaceful and full of light. I think this is why this guy knocked me for a loop!

      There is no way to “fix” a person like that. If they want to step out of the negative and into the positive, they will find their own way.

      It really doesn’t do any good, but there is so much of it going on, I just had to shout it out!

      Oh yes, I am back in my “place”

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  17. Corina Ramos March 15, 2013 at 5:07 pm #

    Sorry you’ve had to endure that nonsense Donna but some of them suckers slips through and managers to throw a wrench in your day.

    The good thing is you blocked him. Poor guy…feel bad people have to resort to such tactics for attention.

    I’m all for others having a difference of opinion, it makes for good conversation but there are some folks out there who take that to extreme just to get a rise out of others and to them I say, get over it already 🙂

    I’m not surprised people pursue others like you who have this positive aura about them, I think they’re just trying to see what makes you tick you know…
    Corina Ramos recently posted..How To Blow A Job InterviewMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 16, 2013 at 8:15 pm #

      Hi Corina,

      Before I blocked him, I did say a prayer for him. I know that might sound strange, but if negativity comes my way I won’t let it come in. If it does, however, I need to say a prayer for that person because they are lost souls.

      Also, it helps me in the process of forgiveness. No use carrying around that negative energy with anger, fear, pain, etc. It just helps me out.

      I do encourage a difference of opinion, and many have on my comments, but with respect and ethics. That’s healthy and it does create a good conversation.

      Thanks for your kind words,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  18. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    March 15, 2013 at 10:45 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Sorry for being so late in the conversation here.

    I think that those being mean on other people’s blogs are really not professional to start with.

    If you don’t agree with what was said, you can always express it in a nice and polite way. No need to be mean, arrogant and stupid.

    But, some people are so miserable that they actually love to hurt others. Like the idiot who tried to hurt with a rude email this past Tuesday as I was telling you on our mastermind group.

    Those people are to be avoided by all mean. As a matter of fact, they are usually not liked and avoided, indeed. Not good vibration to keep around.

    Thanks for discussing this with us 🙂
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..French Sayings English Sayings All And The SameMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 16, 2013 at 8:05 pm #

      Absolutely Sylviane,

      You live by the Law of Attraction, thereby circle yourself with many positive people.

      When a troll creeps in, it does knock us for a loop! Best to ignore it and go on. But being aware of it helps us repel it.

      Thanks again for helping me in our mastermind group,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  19. James March 15, 2013 at 9:29 am #

    Really great post Donna. I have personally seen a lot of this bashing over the last 4 years. I have had really great relationships that I let go of because they started needlessly bashing people just to create drama.

    Unfortunately, many people out there think its a good idea. It has gotten out of hand and isn’t really very useful.

    I try to avoid it myself. sometimes, I will see something that I don’t like going on, and will blog about it, but I try to keep names out of it, and focus on where I see a problem, and better ways to overcome it, rather than just an excuse to bash the competition.
    James recently posted..How to Find A Niche Market For Your Affiliate BusinessMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 16, 2013 at 7:53 pm #

      Hi James,

      After I ignored this guy, I just had to write this post to bring to light the situation.

      It has happened to many people before, as I’m noticing on my comments, this is my first experience. Call it my head in the clouds, or pure luck.

      Like you, I seen something that I don’t like and blogged about it without mentioning names of course.

      Thanks for stopping by,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  20. Sue Price
    Twitter:
    March 15, 2013 at 1:50 am #

    Hi Donna

    I am disappointed you of all people were subjected to this type of behavior. I have seen it happening and am appalled by it.

    I saw something a couple of hours ago Franco Gonzalez put on Facebook. I think it is a perfect message to people who behave in the way that guy did to you.

    Here it is…… NEW DIET JUST RELEASED: “The For The Rest Of Your Life Challenge!” Guaranteed to Melt off the Weight and Even Make You Money!!!

    NO OPT IN NECESSARY…. here it is:

    GET OFF YOUR ASS and STOP CRITICIZING OTHERS!
    Go DO something productive! Starting NOW helps.

    (this message has been brought to you by the FOR profit group: “Save Humanity by Teaching Them To Get Off Their Asses, Stop Criticizing Others and DOING Something Productive Instead”)

    Don’t you love it?

    You know I was taught never to put down competitors, never to bad mouth others in business. I have stuck by that all my life.

    Great post Donna and the way you operate in your business is professional and supportive of others. Keep doing just what you do.

    Sue
    Sue Price recently posted..Would You Rather Be Right Or Happy?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 15, 2013 at 1:59 am #

      Hi Sue,

      Thanks for sharing Franco’s Facebook Message. I think this sort of thing is catching on. Ah…that good old collective consciousness.

      I have visited a few blogs today talking about the same message. It’s incredible.

      I wrote this post so bashers can maybe get the message, be enlightened, and productive.

      Then I see other blogs with the same message and now your comment about Franco! The universe is a perfect thing!

      Thanks Sue, I appreciate you holding my had when this happened and I had a mini-meltdown.

      I was shocked! But now I’m aware and I only hope more people will be aware of this and shun those bashers!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  21. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    March 15, 2013 at 12:26 am #

    OH Donna What a Great Story and I am sorry about this BEEEPP OK I to was put in this exact same situation a few weeks ago. I invited a few gals that I met on skype to do a challenge with me (It was Free and I am actually Loving it) Well this guy found out and attacked me and Yes I cryed (Like you said “‘menopause blues”” May have had something to do with this. But this guy trashed this free challenge and he had NO IDEA what he was even talking about.. I guess these girls are only supposed to listen to him.. Yes I to need to be more careful about my choices of whom I spend my time with online.. Thanks for sharing this make me feel better Sorry But it does.. Chery 🙂
    Chery Schmidt recently posted..Welcome To The Official Blog Of Chery SchmidtMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 16, 2013 at 7:38 pm #

      Awww Chery!

      Sorry that you were in that position. Seems like another Troll trying to gain attention to what you created.

      The behavior is unacceptable in the marketplace. You were doing something for free, he found out, trashed you to gain attention. Would you follow someone like that? I wouldn’t. Neither would most people.

      You cried too? Holy Cow! I think it is because we don’t attract Trolls. When they do come in for the attack, we respond with an emotion. We are just not used to that energy.

      But now Chery, your skin has toughened and you are well aware that they are only trolls.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  22. David Landen March 14, 2013 at 11:29 pm #

    I have always gravitated towards positive people but there are times when you have some negative that you have to do deal with. In your case, it sounds like this person was a “troll” just trying to stir up trouble and or grab some attention. I think you took the proper steps by blocking this person before he had a chance to attract more of his type!
    David

    • Donna.Merrill March 16, 2013 at 6:37 pm #

      Hi and Welcome David!

      Yes this guy was a troll! I’ve never met a troll before so this did take me by surprise!

      My circles are made up of positive peeps! But lesson learned: Don’t feed a troll lol.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  23. Gladys
    Twitter:
    March 14, 2013 at 9:21 pm #

    Hello Ms. Donna

    I am so sorry this incident happened to you. You know I have always said if people have to speak condescending to another human being it is because they want to feel good about themselves. It is like someone that is climbing the ladder and one comes behind them and pulls them down. He could never put you down, because you are defined by your values and your integrity. I don’t know you well, but I see the beautiful smile on your picture.
    I am very new to all of this, but Internet or not, KNOW ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO BASH ANYONE.
    Thank you for sharing your heart.
    I appreciate you.
    Gladys posted Rekindle a lost belief
    Gladys recently posted..Time is a precious tool…use it wiselyMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 14, 2013 at 11:16 pm #

      Hi Gladys,

      Thank you so much for your very kind words! I do appreciate that.

      I’m OK with the basher,but it sure opened my eyes to what people do to one another on the internet marketing platform.

      It’s a darn shame people go that far just to feel good about themselves.

      It is my hope that this message can be a wake up call to those who are using social media and marketing in a negative way.

      Thanks again!
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  24. Mitch Mitchell
    Twitter:
    March 14, 2013 at 8:55 pm #

    I go by the old saying “hater’s gonna hate”. The thing is it’s your blog and your space & you’re paying for it. If people don’t behave, they’ve got to go and you don’t have to entertain them in your space.

    There are people who bash any kind of marketing online, it’s going to happen. I hate those who seem to be doing it every single second of the day but I just stay away; that’s how you handle things you don’t like. As you said, many of us are trying to market something, and if someone else doesn’t like it… too bad for them.

    Be strong; you’ve got lots of support.
    Mitch Mitchell recently posted..Stupid Begats Stupid; Pinterest And YouTubeMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 14, 2013 at 11:23 pm #

      Hi Mitch,

      Thanks so much! People who bash or are negative want a response, probably to feel some sense of purpose. I found that if we give into a comment like that, we are only putting fuel on their fire.

      I don’t do negativity in any way shape or form. I do believe in the Law of Attraction and have had so many wonderful people come into my life wherever I go.

      I create strong boundaries with negative people, ignore them. and they go away. But in this case, not only did he bash me, but also my guest on my blog.

      My blog is my home and no one gets away with that. Especially on this certain blog whereby I was doing a review on Empower Network. Although I’m not a part of that system, I do stand up for those who are and are getting bashed by other people.

      So this post is kind of a follow up of my last one. What I’ve learned is that I need to give my own shout out that this is a maladaptive behavior! If I touch only one basher that will learn from this, I’ve done my job.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  25. Cararta
    Twitter:
    March 14, 2013 at 6:43 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    Have run into Bashing on a couple of forums and also noticed a few “interesting” discussions on Warrior.
    Was reading a thread on Warrior the other day started by someone who needed to make $15,000 in three months and asked for advise and suggestions.

    Two of the participants got into it rather hard and heavy…I just finished reading and left!
    Mostly see if I search Google for some info..will see lines that are way past “Don’t buy this Scam” until you read my review…Right!

    I’m not a fan of empower (You Know Who I Mean) and will voice my opinion on occasion…guess that could be described as Bashing?????

    Thanks Adreinne Smith on Twitter for the Share….something different for a change.

    • Donna.Merrill March 14, 2013 at 8:49 pm #

      Hi Cararta,

      On forums, there is a lot of bashing going on. But it is not appropriate to do on someone’s blog post or Social Media Sites.

      As far as searching Google and getting the “Don’t Buy This Scam” – That will usually lead you to another product someone is selling.

      As far as you voicing your opinion, hey that is great! Reminds me of a very old song that says “It’s not what you say…it’s the way that you say it” We can disagree about many things with respect to the person. But putting them down, calling them names is so out of the question.

      Thanks for coming by!
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  26. Raena Lynn March 14, 2013 at 4:43 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Fortunately I have not experienced the “bashing” you are talking about. However I know it is out there because I’ve seen it shared. I think my head is in the clouds sometimes because I’m so focused on pursuing my goals I don’t pay attention to some of the banter going on.

    In this post you made the comment “lots of people out there who are really bashing each other, apparently for recreation and attention,” the first thing I thought was sadly there are many people who need to get a life. I’m not trying to be harsh, but I thought about computer viruses. What do computer viruses have to do with this comment? I cannot understand why people who have time on their hands create viruses? Awhile ago, I was updating definitions for my virus protection, and there was a list of 40,000 viruses in a file. I know there are a lot more now. I was shocked because each virus represented a person or group who created them with intentions to hurt someone. Why? Maybe these people get a kick out of hurting others. They may not be blatant as a “basher” but their misbehavior comes from not knowing a better way to spend their time. Whether they are a “basher” or a virus creator, they must have a poor self image because they need to hurt others or call attention to themselves or make themselves feel better. It is sad, but it’s true. All of this type of behavior is unnecessary and does absolutely nothing for themselves or others.

    I’m sorry you had to go through this past week of negativity. Internet marketing is a big world and I do my best to get along with everyone. I just finished reading Adrienne’s blog on purpose, and I have to give her credit for the “Three Levels of Life.” We are all in for the same reasons…some for survival…some for success…and some for significance. I prefer to keep myself positioned away from the negativity so I can reach my goals of significance.

    Raena Lynn
    Raena Lynn recently posted..There’s A Tool For That…And It’s Free!My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 14, 2013 at 8:37 pm #

      Hey Raena

      Excellent point! I just don’t understand that either. Why would people like to put a virus around makes no sense at all.

      This type of behavior is self-serving, but for what I don’t know!

      I read Adrienne’s post too and I just loved it. I too focus on the same things and keep far away from any negativity.

      Thanks!
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  27. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    March 14, 2013 at 3:05 pm #

    I must be living with my head in the clouds Donna because besides you telling us about this “person” I never see it. I don’t involved myself in this and I haven’t had anyone come to my blog and do the same.

    Does this mean it’s never happened to me? Wish I could say that but luckily for me the only incident I had was a little over two years ago. It’s so silly and immature that I was shocked and appalled but it actually happened to me on Triberr.

    I was invited to a new tribe on a Wednesday and that Friday one of those members wrote a nasty post about me because get this…I didn’t immediately follow him on Twitter. Were all the other tribe members following him? No!!! So why did he lash out at me? Oh and get this. The post he wrote had comments closed and he had no contact page or way to get in touch with him. Nothing on his social media accounts either.

    I had so many people come to my defense and he was even kicked out of the tribe but I left it anyway because I had a very bad taste in my mouth after that.

    Why people feel they need to bash others just tells me that they’re the ones with the real issues here, not us. If you feel passionate about something great but if you’re told to stop, be respectful. I know for a fact that what goes around comes around so it’s not up to me to see that they get what they have coming to them.

    I moved on and have never had another incident since. I prefer to attract into my life what I think about these people never cross my mind.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..How To Start Living With Purpose TodayMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill March 14, 2013 at 4:00 pm #

      Well, thanks for sharing your story Adrienne!

      Your reputation precedes you and I’m sure many came to your defense. I know what you mean about that! Many people came to my defense when I posted a rant on Facebook about how people can Bash!

      To me it is like bullying. The bully gains nothing. The person that bullies another is seeking some kind of self recognition or some other psychotic gain. So what happens to the bully? No one will play with him/her.

      Bashing is the same way and because my head was in the clouds, it was a shock to me how people could do that. Of course, I handled him and did not give in to his negative energy.

      The good thing is that I became aware of this situation. Blogged about it so others can be prepared if it happened to them. The message here is to not give in to fuel the fire of negativity.

      Thanks for sharing your story and if he ever bothers you again, I got your back lol.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

  28. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    March 14, 2013 at 2:29 pm #

    A much needed post Donna!

    Sorry to hear about all that you went through, but you are surely not alone. Though I am nowhere network marketing or anything of the sort, but like you, I also have friends in all areas because I like them for who they are and all that they share has always got something for me to learn from as I believe learning is a continuous process, and we learn from anyone and everyone.

    I haven’t had anyone using harsh words so far on my blog, though some might disagree to what I may write, and that’s very normal as no two people are similar and will have different views too. I approve those comments and we have a healthy conversation regarding our different view points and things end there. But yes, there is one person on one of the Facegroup groups who is just like the person you mentioned and just would get after what I posted – every time, on purpose, just to seek attention or to have something to say.

    What I did was reply to him very nicely at first, but when he wouldn’t stop, I told him firmly that he could go on as he wanted but here after whatever his comments might be to what I post – I would not reply to him, and that’s exactly what I do now. He does try to seek attention each time – but ignoring such people is the best. Yes, they sap us of all our positive energy with their negative talks, and we don’t have to hear or bear them in any way. I guess on your blog it’s different and if you have replied to him or put his comment to spam, he might have understood his mistake somewhat.

    Thanks for sharing this with us. 🙂 Have a nice day ahead 🙂

    • Donna.Merrill March 14, 2013 at 3:47 pm #

      Thank you Harleena!

      I appreciate your share of your Face Book Negative Person!!! And that is exactly what we need to do.

      First tell them nicely but firmly that we won’t give in to that behavior, then, just ignore them.

      A good healthy disagreement on our blog is always welcome. Discussing things brings us to a better understanding toward on another. But bashing is a different story.

      It is totally self serving and breeds negative attention. I just won’t play into that.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

    • Kimberly Castleberry March 16, 2013 at 3:46 pm #

      Sadly, this is so common in the internet world… bashing is one thing but often it goes far beyond that… to where it gets out of hand and goes beyond just bashing into attention seeking hateful behavior… that we call this term trolling.

      A troll is one who just can’t let others rest in peace and has to have their nose in the middle of something to get attention and to mess with someone’s day.

      The only way to deal with a troll is to starve them… meaning to cut them off from attention… as you have done with the blocking of the troll on your site.

      Well handled sweetie,
      Kim
      Kimberly Castleberry recently posted..FB Changes, New YT Layout, Google Plus Cover News, Google Reader Closing, and more!My Profile

      • Donna.Merrill March 16, 2013 at 6:20 pm #

        Thanks Kim!

        Yes, I see more and more Trolls around lately. I like the way you put it when you said to “starve them” he he.

        I usually ignore the Trolls out there, and sometimes on my social media sites, I will just block them.

        But a Troll on my blog? After reaching the ceiling, knowing I couldn’t do anything like punch him in his nose. I did calm myself down and did the appropriate thing: STARVE HIM!

        Thanks for visiting Kim,

        Donna
        Donna.Merrill recently posted..Internet Marketing Bashing My Profile

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