This post was most recently updated on March 26th, 2014
Just the other day I was commenting on a friend’s blog post and syndicating it on Social Media sites. The post was about a new WordPress plugin that I thought was fantastic. So I shared it on Google+ as I usually do.
In steps a Troll who berates me personally, bordering on sexual harassment, because of my gravatar. He didn’t even reference my post.
Now I ask you, how would YOU respond to something like this? This person is not in my circles, nor a friend. I’ve been told he is a self development coach of some sort. From what I gather, he is fairly new to online networking or marketing. Whatever the case is, I was shocked when I read his comment. I had to read it three times to figure out what the heck he was even saying, but it was an obviously blatant attack on my personal character. My first reaction was to give him a piece of my mind, but that is only a reaction and not a positive action.
Instead, I immediately blocked him and flagged him on Google+ because this kind of behavior is totally unacceptable on social media, or anywhere else for that matter. I went on to finish some work I was doing then noticed that the person I initially syndicated had seen it and put it on Facebook with a link to the original Google+ comment.
To my surprise, I looked at my Facebook and saw so many people come to my defense. As I read through the comments on both social sites, my first reaction was “Wow…look at all the friends I have coming to my defense! ” I felt blessed.
As the hours went on, it spread virally all over the place. People were not only coming to my defense, but also making it a point that this behavior is unacceptable!
So lets get to the subject of the power of social media.
This is a fine example of engagement with people. Some folks like to have large numbers of followers, likes… whatever… on their social sites. Others like to have more quality without regard to such numbers. I like the latter. I do engage a lot with other bloggers and marketers, but not to build numbers, but engagement and relationships.
When we are using social media, we sometimes think that maybe it’s a waste of time.
The example I just shared with you, though, goes to show that people form bonds on social sites. They really get to know you, learn to like you and even trust you. I know, I have said that over and over again. But it is so important that you see the reality and truth behind it.
When it the time comes for you want to offer a product or service through social media, your social media connections can be immensely helpful as long as you have built your social brand around honest and sincere engagement with people.
So, I ask you to think about how much you are interacting on social media. How much are you giving by syndicating others? How much engagement are you doing? It is not about the money here, but rather the close bonds we make.
Many Blessings,
-Donna
Hi Donna,
what a great example of how Social Media can work.
In a way through someones ‘unpleasant’ comment you ended up with a lot of support and by the sounds of it, well deserved recommendations.
Like you I would not have responded and just ‘muted’ him.
The Social Media ‘Tatoo’ we end up with is strongly determinded by our interactions online.
Thank you for sharing this.
Love and Light
Yorinda
Yorinda recently posted..Get more Comments Exposure with the Support from B3 former TSA
Hi Yorinda,
It is so powerful isn’t it? It was a surprise to me how many people showed up and came not only to my defense, but also to keep social media ethical.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Summertime Psychic Fun
Twitter: workingonthego
July 1, 2013 at 4:30 am #
Hi Donna,
I am delighted to hear your story and that so many good people came to your defense. It seems to be a growing problem of people making comments and behaving in a way that would not be tolerated offline.
I hope you continue to have a positive online community .
Rosemary
Hi Rosemary,
Sorry for the late reply, but my blog has been going nuts these days with so many visitors. I kind of lost you in the shuffle.
I am happy that you enjoyed this share. Goes to show how powerful social media is.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Making Your Business Bloom
Yikes, Donna, I do NOT understand what makes some people tick! It’s so bizarre that someone would just arbitrarily attack another person. Do they want the attention that badly? At any rate, good for you for not even responding. I could see if it was a disagreement, even if it got heated, you could deal with it. But a personal attack? What could you say, really? It’s not like you can make sense of something irrational like that.
Anyway, to your bigger point – having a community of people who are on your side is the best thing. It helps diffuse the fact that you feel like “what did I do??” (nothing) or perhaps feel insulted (you shouldn’t – an attack is about the attacker, not about you). And of course that type of community only comes with participation. You have to give to receive, you have to be present and you have to be yourself. All things you do so well!
So I’m sorry to hear about this but then again, look at how much positive came out of it.
Carol Lynn recently posted..3 Things Your Competitors Love To Hear You Say
Oops, I didn’t see this message until now.
I just don’t like it when I miss a comment but here I am and I want to thank you Carol.
Yes, the bigger picture is that having a community of people that are on my side (and some I didn’t even know) is priceless!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Making Your Business Bloom
Hi Donna,
Sounds like a rather unpleasant situation – but one that at least offered you the opportunity to see how supported you are by those who know you better, and like you. 🙂
I JUST had an experience last week that had both positive and negative aspects to it in regard to customer service, and I was so moved by the entire scenario, it inspired a post.
So yes, social media certainly can be powerful.
Great post!
Dana recently posted..Customer Service – The Good, The Bad and The Unaware
Oh my gosh Dana,
Sorry for this late reply! Sometimes I don’t get notified when I get a comment and I have just manually been going through my posts. I don’t like it when I’m not being efficient.
I want to thank you for your comment and also bringing to the table your sharing that makes this subject more informative.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Making Your Business Bloom
Hi Donna,
First off, I’m sorry that happened, and it’s a shame that there are still people who act like that online!
I think you definitely did the right thing by taking the high road and just flagging and reporting him instead of stooping to his level and getting into that!
I have heard so many people talking about “oh I have 1.5 million fans on Facebook (or whatever number, and my response is always.. “and how many do you know and could count on in a hard time?”
It looks like you found the correct formula! I am trying to do it the same way as you, close bonds mean much more in the end! Great post Donna! Looking forward to reading the next!
Best Regards,
Jeff Sollee
Hi Jeff,
I believe everything happens for a reason. Here I pointed out what one must do so they don’t get emotionally effected by a Troll.
We cannot wage war on something as silly as that can we? Just a waste of time.
As for the numbers game, I love quality, not quantity.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Lead Magnet Creation
Hi Donna,
Thanks for telling your story and I believe no one would ever believe in his words. The man is in fact damaging his own reputation for saying all the unpleasant words on social media.
Sometimes, I read friends post on FB and these people really have nothing to do till they can even post about their negative thoughts on others although they don’t mention name. To me, when I read such post, it doesn’t give me good impression about the person who posted it.
So, do you think people would ever want to have such a coach as Mr Coach who tried to tarnish you name ? I wouldn’t think so !
You have shown a good character with such challenge ! I am proud of you, Donna ! You possess a strong leadership character and that is needed on social media.
Cheers
Pearly
Pearly Quah recently posted..Staying Hydrated With Kangen Water®
Thank you Pearly.
I know YOU of all people can understand the aspects of negative energy. This was a fine example of how people want to throw it around. But for me it has been far too long since I learned how to deal with that. Block and flag.
The rest was handled by awesome people I know and some I didn’t to protect not only me, but the integrity of Social Media!
This poor man just didn’t know what he was dealing with!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Lead Magnet Creation
Donna,
I can sense you are MUCH, MUCH better then when all that happen… and I am very happy for you.
It seem like the incident reinforced what you have been talking for a long time.. branding your self for the quality for the content, for the friendship, for the honest and sincere engagement that you enjoy to have with people.
I am very happy that many of your social media world come to let you know you are a great friend for them and what ever that person said or did was not acceptable.
As always, wish you well in every way and much happiness in all you do.
_nickc
Nick Catricala recently posted..Adversity May be Useful at Times
Thank you Nick!
Oh you know negative people don’t bother me at all. You get it! When negativity comes my way, I am like a mirror. One cannot get upset for another person’s foolishness. It is their energy, not mine!
However, this experience proved to me that there is a lot of power on Social Media. We make friends, share and help. When something like this happens, it is a Grateful experience to witness.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Lead Magnet Creation
Twitter: saraharrow
June 16, 2013 at 3:28 pm #
What a horrible experience Donna and you did the right thing to block him. Indeed you are blessed to have many supportive friends to help your through this experience.
I think you’ve also highlighted the importance of a mentor in the online world to help you get to grips with how it works, and this guy certainly needed one and could’ve learnt a lot from you.
Sarah Arrow recently posted..That’s Pinteresting: How to create boards that get noticed
Hi Sarah,
Not so bad for me. I’m used to a little bashing here and there because I’ve been an entrepreneur for such a long time.
After 30 years you do run into some goof balls! It is all the way you handle them.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Lead Magnet Creation
Hi Donna, this is my first time on your blog and I must say that I’m impressed with what you’re doing here. Keep it up.
Awesome post. There is immense power in social media. Your story illustrates this point beautifully. You’re absolutely right. It’s not about the number of followers one has or the number of likes one can get from his/her post. It’s about the relationships that you build over time as you engage with others on social media. The key is to be a person of value and give value without expecting anything in return. The laws of the universe guarantee that what you put out is what you will get.
Thanks for sharing this with us and the reminder to always focus on the relationships we are building.
Etieno Etuk recently posted..The Importance Of Taking Time To Take Care Of YOU
Twitter: FollowNateLeung
June 15, 2013 at 3:38 pm #
Hi Donna,
Social Media is powerful. It’s the new generation “word of mouth”. Social media through the power of the internet is bringing people together and you can’t be selfish about now syndicating other people’s content. It’s definitely not about the money, it’s about the relationships that you build that lasts a lifetime. Great post Donna!
Hi Nate!
You said it. Social media is the new generation of “word of mouth” and that is exactly how I like to build my business.
The relationships we make are fabulous!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Lead Magnet Creation
Hey Donna,Long time no talk :)When I get upset I take a couple days and collect my thoughts. You have to accept that some people are just jerks for whatever reason.It\’s great that your online friends took your back and I would be grateful for that! Over the last couple months I have been so busy and haven\’t had a lot of time to participate on social media, other than my silly status updates on Facebook.One example I have seen is Trey Gardner of Greengeeks. Someone bashed him for whatever reason and he took care of it without vulgarity and very professionally. I admire people that handle angry people that way! I always keep in mind if I put something in writing I can\’t take it back 🙂
Hi Garen
Great to see you again! Well, there always will be those who like to bash others for whatever their reason is.
It is so simple to deal with: Block, Report Abuse, Go on with your work.
As they are called Trolls in the industry, there is a saying that if you don’t feed them, they will go away. Works every time.
I am on social media to share blogs and to act silly once in a while. When I seen how many people were outraged, I knew that Social Media has so much power.
We are all out here as marketers and won’t stand for inappropriate behavior.
Good to connect again,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Twitter: GarSpecialties
June 14, 2013 at 10:57 am #
I have joined a blogging group called Bloggers Helping Bloggers and I have created a social network. I enjoy reading their blogs and I hope they enjoy mine. I comment on many different blogs and I am surprised that there is not the courtesy of responding on mine. Blogging has benefits for all. Not just reading about different experiences but it also helps with SEO for all.
So far I have to say I have been lucky as no one has been rude. Blocking and flagging him is a good idea.
Arleen recently posted..How to Travel With Your Dog in the Car, at the Airport and in Hotels
Hi Arleen,
Looks like you need to join another group! When we join blogging groups, there needs to be reciprocity!
I have been in some groups like that and after giving people a chance, if they don’t come back to my blog, I leave.
There are so many groups out there that do have rules of reciprocity and I suggest you search them out or email me and I’ll give you the heads up.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Twitter: Amis Interactive Communities
June 13, 2013 at 5:37 pm #
Donna, you have made it clear that we must have interaction with real people by providing good usable content.
That was amazing how you thought being yourself, how to handle this guy without going out of your character. Well done!
I feel we learn more from those who do not understand that those who just edify what we say. I mean, to have some type of activity on your site is better than just nice words from those who seem to be the same readers, visitors.
Love that you stuck to your belief and allowed thought before responding to his threat. Good Job!
Thanks William,
Although it took me three times to read it to wrap it around my head, there was no emotional feeling. At first I was puzzled as to “why” then I thought maybe this guy was hacked.
Whatever the case, it was inappropriate and I did have to block and flag that behavior. That was it for me.
When I seen so many reactions to this from social media it was heart-warming. Especially those who know me.
Beyond that, we need to keep blocking and reporting or flagging any inappropriate behavior we come across to keep the standard of social media respectful.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Good for you Donna.
As the Internet has matured, I believe you see less and less of the Troll behavior – in most places.
But when you get those comments, it’s still a shock. It’s personal, and you want to lash back out.
You did the right thing – step back and rise above the situation.
But then you continue, and what a heart-warming story to see so many doing the right thing and rise to your defense.
Thanks for sharing, and for taking the high road.
Jon Patrick recently posted..Share your MLM Lifestyle as you Grow to Succeed!
Thanks Jon,
Because I’ve been an entrepreneur for so many years, this stuff doesn’t get to me. I simply rise above it.
What did get to me however, was so many people being outraged at it. Only goes to prove that social media works!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Hi Donna
This is my first visit. I enjoyed your post.
It’s sad that there are so many trolls and that one had a go at you, but delighted that your friends defended you. Amazing that social media is so strong. That’s encouraged me to be more involved in it.
Thanks
Shan
Shan recently posted..It’s Not Just Teens Who Get Acne
Hi and welcome Shan,
It is great to know that you are encouraged by this to get more involved in social media.
We all need to be on it as bloggers and/or marketers. We make such great connections with people and that is the Power of social media.
The example I have written was to illustrate that when you get out there and start socializing you WILL make friends. Friends you make can lead to so many different things. We can end up masterminding, joining groups, learning and caring.
It is a wonderful tool if we use it correctly.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Twitter: marquitaherald
June 11, 2013 at 7:24 pm #
Sorry to hear about the difficult encounter, but of course I agree with everyone else that you did the right thing. I have to admit I’ve had mostly very good experiences with social media, though I’ve certainly observed a few interactions between others that left me stunned. As you’ve illustrated, we can’t always control those around us, but we can control how we respond.
marquita herald recently posted..Cultivate Courage to Defeat Your Fears
Absolutely Marquita,
I always say you can control the situation, but NEVER let the situation control you. Block, Flag, and go on with the day!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Twitter: nkeriakos
June 11, 2013 at 1:40 pm #
Hi Donna,
I am so sorry for whatever that guy said about you and I am so glad that you did the right thing by blocking him. I think he will learn his lesson the hard way after what have gone viral about what he did. It is absolutely his loss. I think he needs to develop himself and his attitude before he can be a self-development coach.
On the other hand, the love and support of the community is priceless and here is the power of social media and engaging with others and building relationships will come to the surface. It’s never a waste of time to build relationships.
Thanks Donna for sharing this experience with us. Have a great week ahead.
Be Blessed,
Neamat
I just had to share this Neamat!
It shows how building relationships on social media works! I have no time for Tolls. I just blocked and flagged. When I seen how so many people were outraged about this, it did my heart good.
Having relationships and having others attack someone that is being abusive on social media keeps it nice and clean for the rest of us.
About a year ago a Facebook Friend of mine asked me to go to his Youtube channel because someone said something very nasty about him. I commented a good testimonial for him in that thread of comments, but ignored the “attacker”
We do have to stick together!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Twitter: suejprice
June 11, 2013 at 3:55 am #
Hi Donna
I missed all of that on social media. Just went over and checked some of it out now. Geez!
You did the right thing blocking him and flagging him. There are some weirdos around but they are so in the minority.
As an Australian I am forever grateful for social media. That I can hangout with my friends around the world. I have made so many good friends because of it. But we do need to be careful.
I recently had a guy friend me and we had a few conversations. The next thing he sent me an obscene photo. I was shocked and it has made me much more cautious.
Thanks for sharing your experience here Donna.
Sue
Sue Price recently posted..Passion and Business – Part 2
Oh My Sue!
I had something like that happen to me too on Facebook. I was talking business with some guy and then…wham he did something similar.
As businesswomen, we will get our share of “crazies” but it is how we deal with it that counts.
It doesn’t affect me at all. I just block and flag and all is well.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Twitter: cheryschmidt
June 10, 2013 at 9:10 pm #
Good for you Donna! This is a Great message to everyone. Social media is all about being social!!! I am so sick of people asking to connect with me and when I accept I immediately get a link inviting me to take a look at this or that..
This is not what social media is for, as yo say Donna start engaging with others..
Thanks for sharing your story with us.. Chery 🙂
Chery Schmidt recently posted..Helping People Find Their Way
Hi Chery,
Yes Social Media is just that. And the fact that so many people replied to this man only goes to show that all of us that use social media correctly won’t stand for any nonsense.
Most of us are here to be social and not have products pushed in our faces, nor have any Troll stepping out of line.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Hi Donna, you are living proof of how valuable relationships are. Especially in social media. You definitely did the right thing by blocking this guy. I hope he isn’t a self development coach. That’s just plain ignorant on what he did, but it looks like he already created a bad name for himself. Hopefully he’ll change soon. But I’m glad you’re ok and you’re way above that negativity!
Hi Sherman,
He is a Self Development Coach. But after my peeps jumped all over him, he apologized.
I couldn’t see the public apology because I blocked him. But my friend messaged me and he asked me to forgive him. Of course I did. I can always forgive, bu never forget lol.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
June 10, 2013 at 5:58 pm #
Hi Donna,
Well, first off, I’m sorry about what ever that idiot said about you. I wasn’t aware of this, but in the end it showed you how many real friends you do have and that’s great.
Social media is powerful no doubt, some people have lost their job over what they said on Facebook or Twitter. We much accept the fact that it’s become part of our life, whether it’s good or not at times.
Thanks you for sharing this experience of yours.
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Why Is It Easier To Entertain Negative Thoughts Than Positive Thoughts
Hi Sylviane,
Ahh Talk is cheap isn’t it? It is really not about the person, but rather how strong we are as part of social media.
If someone is abusive on any platform, friends will come to the rescue. I like that part of social media because it keeps it fresh and clean.
Plus I was so grateful to all those people who jumped on it.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
June 10, 2013 at 5:44 pm #
When I saw that posted on Facebook today Donna I couldn’t help but get curious to see what kind of imbecile would pick on you of all people. To see what he had said and to find out he was a self development coach shocked me to all ends.
I know I’ve been bashed in the past as well and had to step away from it before I reacted and I was so thrilled that I did. I had my community come to my rescue and at that time he was part of a community I was involved in and he was kicked out due to his behavior. His name ended up being the one that got slandered for picking on me like that so I have a feeling this guy is totally going to regret what he said to you. His reputation just took a nose dive big time.
Thank God for our community. It’s not about the numbers, it’s about the people. Your situation just goes to show that they’ll be there for you when something like this happens and you’ll be there for them. We stand by each other in good and bad times. That to me is what a true community is all about.
I’m glad you walked away from that for awhile because your friends definitely came to your rescue. I wouldn’t think they would do anything but.
You are loved Donna, truly loved and respected so that guy is a pea in the sea. He’ll never add to much now so be careful what you put out there because it will come back to you, good or bad! 😉
Have a splendid week now. You so deserve it!
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..Who Really Won The Commenting System War
Thank you Adrienne,
Well he apologized and apology accepted. He said that he hoped I would forgive him and I did of course.
My guess is that he is new to social media. Well he learned his lesson from my peeps.
We have a strong community of like-minded business people. We make personal connections with many and socialize. That’s what it’s all about. When someone steps out of line, we do need to step up and keep our community strong.
Social media is just that, social. So if someone is rude in any way, it cannot be tolerated.
I love my peeps!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Hi, Donna,
great point taken. I personally blocked many people on facebook because of their intentions. They are out to prey on others. I usually sense those kind of behaviors and block them right away.
It is unfortunate that social media is getting more contaminated, but there are still good communities that provide high quality help and exchange of ideas. Well, we still have to focus on the good while fighting the bad. 🙂
Margarita recently posted..How To Raise A Valedictorian | High School Graduation 2013
Absolutely Margarita!
Focus on the good and block the bad! There are so many out there seeking attention that is negative. I just love pushing that block button!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Hi Donna,
I’m always amazed that people feel they can post anything they want. If they don’t like your post, your character, whatever, just move on. There’s plenty of people out on Social Media, find one you click with. Some people are just miserable, jealous and down right rude. So sorry you went through that. The good out of this lousy situation is that you found out how many people really adore you. 😉 Block, ban and delete! Lisa
Lisa Magoulas recently posted..Diets Make You Fat
Hi Lisa,
Well the latest is that he made a public apology and asked for my “forgiveness” – Of course I forgive the guy, look at what he had to go through with everyone.
In a way I feel sorry for him. We all make mistakes. And we all can forgive.
Just hope he learned his lesson not to harass anyone else.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Twitter: BarbaraCharles
June 10, 2013 at 9:57 am #
Hi Donna,
Sorry first that that was going on. I wasn’t aware although I think you mentioned it briefly. People are so damn crazy!
But the love and support you got is a wonderful thing, yes? I’ve been amazed as well by the number of friends you can make in social media.
It’s an interesting thing this social media. It can be used for good or for bad. If people would only use it for good on a regular basis, we could change the world.
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Barbara
Barbara Charles recently posted..WordPress Hacked – Cleanup and Prevention
Hey Barbara,
I think most of us use it for the good. Yes, people come in for business reasons, but find out that socializing with folks all over the world is a fascinating thing.
If someone steps out of line, they will have a gang to tell them so. It was so amazing to me when I seen this comment that I had to read it three times saying “Whaaat???”
Then, just blocked and flagged and went on with my business. I was so surprised at the reaction of so many people to this, it was a great feeling.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Twitter: lizmcgee
June 10, 2013 at 9:47 am #
Hi Donna,
I’ve heard lots of commentary on social media and I think it’s hard for some people to really get involved with. On the other hand there’s so much to love about it. I have friends in places I’d never otherwise have. I get to step into the personal lives of people all over the world and I’ve really come to love that. Yes, it’s more reading and writing but it can be so worthwhile.
I probably don’t do enough socializing. I am starting to do more however, simply because I’ve come to enjoy it, and really that’s the way it should be.
Thanks for the great post.
Liz 🙂
Liz recently posted..9 Email Marketing Mistakes To Avoid & Fix Now!
I’m with you Liz!
I find it fascinating how many people I have gotten close to that are in parts of the world I could never reach otherwise.
I grew up in NYC, so I need to be around people of all cultures. But the connections in social media where I can be in my living room and chat with someone across the globe in their living room just amazes me.
I find it the best part of business!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Twitter: harleenas
June 10, 2013 at 6:51 am #
Hi Donna,
I am with Corina here – you did the right thing indeed of blocking such a person. In-fact flagging them off is the right way to teach them a lesson.
I get a lot of such people, and surprisingly, more come on from G+ than Facebook as compared and they will just post irrelevant remarks to the comments you make, or the posts you share. I do the same as you do, and there was just one such case and the person went on to my Fanpage and left a comment under something I had shared there – but there again I removed or spammed him off. There is no other way to deal with such people and they are taken care of there after.
I so agree with you – it IS the friends, bonds, and connections we make on the social medias that come to our help, and those for me, just like you, are a limited few who I’d rather know personally, instead of having lots of fans or followers and not knowing who is who.
I honestly prefer quality friends than quantity, and have always done that on all my social media profiles.
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..6 Bad Ways to Reduce Stress You Should Avoid
Hi Harleena,
I find that a small group of close “friends” on social media is so much better than a large group of people I don’t really know.
Every so often I have to shave down my numbers because I want to connect with those who will want to be engaged.
This post was a fine example of how friends stick together. And again, it is not for just me, but for social media itself! We want it pure and engaging.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Hi Donna,
Your gravatar has nothing wrong. This was a strange reaction. Maybe he wanted to attract peoples’s attention. He succeeded somehow but not in his favor.
Yes, social media is still like a jungle. All kind of predators lurk in the dark. In times like this it is important to have a strong community of people who know you and can help.
It is surprising for me but it seems that YES strong bonds can appear in this environment, too. This is good to know.
I’m still learning all this social media stuff and this is a valuable lesson. Thank you
Have a nice day
Silviu recently posted..How to Narrow Your Niche and Find Your Personal Hotspot
Hi Silviu,
The connections we make on social media are so valuable in so many ways. Building relationships with people from all over the planet is such a wonderful thing! It still amazes me.
As our relationships grow on social media, we constantly learn from each other. We start “trusting” certain people in and out of our niche. I have so many people out of my niche that I am close to.
Now that comes in handy if I have a technical problem because I just don’t go there! My friends can help me or lead me to a direction where I can find help.
When someone does something unethical, we all join in and put a stop to it. Most of us are on social sites to engage with one another at first and then maybe do business with.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Twitter: Lisapatb
June 10, 2013 at 1:52 am #
Donna, it never ceases to amaze me. People don’t seem to realize everything they say online can be seen by everyone. You did the right thing by blocking. I agree, its not the numbers but the qualty of connections and friendships we make via social media. They can be invaluable during times like these. We can’t put a price tag or score on that.
Hi Lisa!
Trolls are everywhere, but blocking combats the troll and poof…they are gone.
Yes, I rather have a small group than large numbers. I was so touched by so many friends coming to my rescue within moments before I could even say anything.
I love social media!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Twitter: MayuraDeSilva
June 10, 2013 at 1:03 am #
Hi Donna,
I’m with you there Donna, ’cause as I believe active community of 5 people better than inactive 1000.
I woke up this morning after having power outages here time to time, for 24+ hours and when I jump onto Facebook, just noticed your status. I had no idea whatsoever 😀 lol…
I’ve seen the power of social media and how people gathered when we need ’em the most eventhough we don’t want ’em to be there 🙂 Surprising indeed!
Ha ha… Today is another day to witness it 😉 Anyway it’s his loss and you don’t even wanna think about it Donna. Let him have his negativity. I’ve been through his Google+ profile and wonder how he insults a lady when he is a father of a daughter. How disrespectful! Respect need to be earned, eh?
Now think about lovely birdies in your garden and playful puppies you have 😉
You have a wonderful week there Donna 🙂
Cheers…
Mayura recently posted..12+ Helpful Blogging Tips for Pet Bloggers
Hi Mayura,
Oh I know from past experiences not to let a negative person get under my skin. At first it was a bit shocking because we just don’t behave like this on social sites.
Before I knew it, 35 people were jumping down his throat! Nice to know I have an army of friends out there.
But it is not so much about me, I think it is more about the ethics of social media.
If someone is rude, they are going to get in big trouble.
Oh yes, my birdies are just wonderful eating the insects that would destroy my plants. They are good workers. And my Dogs…Ahhh they are my little angels.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Bravo Donna!
You did the right thing by blocking him and flagging him on Google+. That’s getting him where it hurts. Sure you could have told him off, as a matter of fact I was like a sailor over here 🙂 I just couldn’t believe that.
When I read that he was fairly new to the online world my first that was “and that’s as far as it will go” because even though this is a big online world we are all connected by someone. There have been plenty of times I visit a blog for the first time and I see folks like you and Adrienne who like their blog and even comment and I think wow..it’s a small online world after all.
This nut just closed any doors that could have opened for him because no one will want to be associated with the likes of him.
And you’re right, it’s all about the connections we’re making and helping others, not about the money.
If he’s a self-development coach he might want to consider another line of work…or take a page from his own book.
Loved this post Donna, classy through and through. And we all have your back!
Corina Ramos recently posted..Don’t Miss The Kiss The Cook Giveaway Event
It is so funny Corina,
Kimberly messaged me that he made a public apology and asked me if I could forgive him.
Because I blocked him, I had to go through the thread on Facebook and G+ and I did. I told him that it was a lesson learned because so many people jumped on it on my behalf and on the behalf of social media.
People make mistakes all the time. I’m sure he will not make this one again.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..The Power of Social Media
Hi Donna,
what a great example of how Social Media can work.
This is nice stuff regarding promote website, definitely i will use this strategy to promote my website. thanks for sharing this useful information.
Thank you for sharing this.