How to Respond to a Blog Attack

Take a deep breath., Read through the comments to understand why you're suddenly being attacked., Closing comments, deleting comments, and judicious use of your ban options often seem to be good ideas, especially in the midst of a large attack., If...

31 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Take a deep breath.

Be calm.

Step 2: Read through the comments to understand why you're suddenly being attacked.

Is it something you have said or done? Is it a stalker? Are you being mistaken for someone else? Is it a hate incident? Why exactly are you being attacked? , They may be good options, depending on the type of attack, but otherwise they should be used very selectively if at all. , you did nothing, and you're being attacked for your race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, appearance, etc.), screencap and delete the material and ban everyone involved in attacking you.

Alternately, you can close the comments but leave them visible and comment on the incident, if you choose. , Acknowledge the legitimate complaints (see apology, later). ,, You can delete everything and/or friends lock the place in question until the attackers go away, you can stand your ground, or you can apologize. ,, The article on apologies here is a good start.

Be aware, though, that apologizing can sometimes open the gates for more problems. (see warnings) , It may also make you a permanent target for stalkers or people who think you're a "lolcow" for doing it. , On the other hand, being known as the person who got into a fight over whether a board's "no inappropriate comments ever" rule might be a little less laughable.

Step 3: Closing comments

Step 4: deleting comments

Step 5: and judicious use of your ban options often seem to be good ideas

Step 6: especially in the midst of a large attack.

Step 7: If the attack is a simple hate attack (e.g.

Step 8: On the other hand

Step 9: if the attack is over something you've done

Step 10: but there's a lot of false accusations

Step 11: trolling

Step 12: or hate from some users

Step 13: screencap everything

Step 14: delete defamatory accusations and trolling and ban users involved in such conduct

Step 15: but don't delete legitimate complaints or ban people simply for disagreement.

Step 16: Screencap everything involved

Step 17: especially if you plan on using deletion as an option.

Step 18: If the attack is over something you have said or done

Step 19: you have three best options.

Step 20: If the attack is over a false accusation

Step 21: from a stalker

Step 22: hate-based

Step 23: or from trolls or spammers

Step 24: you can and should make a public or private response

Step 25: along with noting openly why you banned/deleted/closed comments on an entry.

Step 26: If you apologize

Step 27: do so sincerely

Step 28: without passive-aggressiveness or excuses.

Step 29: If you choose to stand your ground over your behavior or what you said

Step 30: keep in mind that this will earn you friends and enemies.

Step 31: Ask yourself if it's worth it - do you really want to be known as the person who started a 10 page fight over the size of a rock singer's genitals?

Detailed Guide