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June 24, 2012 by: Shell

Evolution of Dealing with Blog Trolls

If you have been blogging for any amount of time, you have probably encountered a troll or two. A troll is someone who leaves a nasty comment: not just someone who disagrees with your opinion, but who really attacks you. It’s usually more of a personal attack than specifically about what you have posted.  Trolls are known for jumping to conclusions, overlooking the obvious, nitpicking, taking things out of context, and not having a real clue about who you are as a person.

It seems most bloggers go through a few different stages of how they deal with blog trolls.  I went through stage 1 for sure… considered stage 2, though really kept that one to emails instead of actually on my blog(but we’ve all seen stage 2 somewhere, haven’t we? I always want to bring the popcorn along as I watch), and then finally, there’s stage 3.

Stage 1

Ohmygosh, someone said something mean to me. They were just flat out rude for no reason. I can’t deal with this person who doesn’t know me and who I don’t know. So, I just want to quit blogging. *cue bursting into tears*

Stage 2

Oh yeah, you want a piece of me? Well, first of all, I’m going to write a post about what you said, calling all my readers to action to go attack your blog or to leave comments on mine, telling me how I’m right and you are wrong. And then I’m going to tear apart your silly comment and explain in detail just how wrong you are.

Stage 3

Oh, look at this person who doesn’t know me and doesn’t have a clue what the hell she is talking about. But this blog is my space and I don’t have to allow anyone in it who is being an asshole just for the sake of being an asshole. And that even though I could explain to the troll why they are so very wrong, it’s not worth it because the troll just wants attention and will only see their deluded version of reality anyway. So it’s delete and move on. Without any tears and without any drama.

Unless of course said troll keeps coming around. And then you can either revert to stage 2 or at least post on facebook for the entertainment of all.

How do you deal with a blog troll?

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Comments

  1. Sarcasm Goddess says

    June 24, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    I have never encountered a troll. (Or maybe I’m just too dumb too realize it). I kinda want one to come ’round. Then I’ll know I’m a real blogger!

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:13 pm

      LOL Maybe check your spam. Sometimes they wind up there. Thank goodness. 

  2. Lori says

    June 24, 2012 at 10:15 pm

    I had one for many months using different names and making many mean comments on every single post.  i finally figured it out one night when I realized all the ip addresses were the same.  Because of my troll, I had to start moderating comments.  i wasn’t going to let them poop all over my blog.  They finally gave up a month ago….

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:14 pm

      It makes you wonder how on earth people have the TIME for something like that. Like they really don’t have something better to do? 

  3. Alison@Mama Wants This says

    June 24, 2012 at 10:20 pm

    I’ve never had a troll!! Though I’ve always watched with fascination at how others deal with theirs 🙂

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:14 pm

      It is sort of entertaining to watch some of them play out. As long as I’m not involved!

  4. Rach (DonutsMama) says

    June 24, 2012 at 11:05 pm

    I haven’t dealt with a troll, though now that I’ve said that, I’m sure there will be one soon. Though #3 sounds like the best option, I can’t help but think I’d want my blog army to come in and kick some serious butt.

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:15 pm

      I think that’s why a lot go with #2 for a while. But I’ve yet to see that sort of thing actually change the mind of a troll.

  5. Danielle says

    June 24, 2012 at 11:26 pm

    Yeah, I’ve somehow avoided the blog trollers as well. Maybe they are afraid of me because I’m crazy. Insanity has its rewards.

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:15 pm

      LMAO!!! Maybe we should all put warnings on our blogs “Crazy blogger. Troll at your own risk.”

      • Danielle says

        June 25, 2012 at 2:51 pm

        Yeah, like a mental illness disclaimer!

  6. angela says

    June 24, 2012 at 11:28 pm

    I haven’t had one yet. Is that just inviting one in? I will cry for sure 🙂

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:16 pm

      Just remind yourself if/when it does that no matter how personal it might feel, it really ISN’T personal. They don’t really know you.

  7. Kimberly says

    June 24, 2012 at 11:33 pm

    I haven’t had one yet. I’d like to say that I’d handle it using #3, but who knows. I have enjoyed sitting back and watching how others deal with it though. And yes, I’m a sucker for watching other drama. 😉

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:16 pm

      Me, too, girl. As long as I can just watch from behind the scenes and not be involved.

  8. Cathy says

    June 25, 2012 at 3:59 am

    Trolls we can sort of live with, but stalkers are another story entirely. 🙁

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:17 pm

      Ugh. Yeah, those are no fun, either! 

  9. myevil3yearold says

    June 25, 2012 at 7:29 am

    Hey,
    I have missed reading yor blog while I was MIA. I got this one lady who tore me up and down for my blog’s name. She said I that I was a mom who should build up my child and I just tear her down by calling her Evil. I hate to admit it but it hurt me deep to the core. She doesn’t know me enough to know how much I love my children and it is not like it is her real name for God’s sake or that I ever call her that outside of the blog. It was more of just a catchy blog name.
    Anyway, I have been there and I am stage 2 still.

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:17 pm

      People like that have no sense of humor. 

  10. JDaniel4's Mom says

    June 25, 2012 at 7:39 am

    I love your stages! I don’t think I get many trolls. Maybe it is good thing!

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:18 pm

      Thankfully, I don’t get them all the time! 

  11. Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says

    June 25, 2012 at 8:07 am

    I’ve just had the nasty emailer, but she continues to harass me off and on. I responded, nicely, to the first email, but have ignored all subsequent ones – just stashing them into a folder – just in case.

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:18 pm

      Ugh. Is that your one about your blog name? 

  12. Leigh Powell Hines @Hinessightblog says

    June 25, 2012 at 8:14 am

    I haven’t had one on the blog, but have had them on Facebook which is an odd place to have one. 

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:19 pm

      I’ve actually seen more on fb than blogs lately, in general. So weird. 

  13. Tricia says

    June 25, 2012 at 8:37 am

    I haven’t had one yet but am sure it will happen. And when it does, I definitely foresee these stages in my future.

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:19 pm

      I think everyone gets at least one eventually!

  14. Kate says

    June 25, 2012 at 8:43 am

    This happened to me for the first time recently. I chose NOT to react~Stage 3, seemed the lesser of the evils and I feel like I’ve encounter morse in my life. After all I have an exhusband, his new wife, my husbands exwife, & enough drama to keep me on my toes without giving this person any of my valuable time.

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:19 pm

      So true- they aren’t worth it!

  15. Kmama says

    June 25, 2012 at 8:48 am

    I’ve been lucky and have really avoided the trolls (or perhaps, my blog is just too boring for trolls).  In fact, I haven’t really seen much blog drama in a long time.  It’s pretty nice.

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:20 pm

      It is nice not to have seen much lately! A few comments lately inspired this post, but thankfully, nothing major.

  16. Angel says

    June 25, 2012 at 9:03 am

    fire vlogging ring any bells for you???

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:20 pm

      That’s its own stage. 😉 

  17. Mary @ A Teachable Mom says

    June 25, 2012 at 9:03 am

    I need a good cry … now I know – a blog troll will get me there! Wait, scratch that. As co-dependent as I am, I’d probably need a therapy session to get over someone not liking me on my blog. Too expensive. If I get a troll, I’ll send them over to you to kick their ass!

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:21 pm

      LOL I can do that. 

  18. Katina says

    June 25, 2012 at 9:25 am

    I must not be popular enough..,, I haven’t had a blog troll yet! However, I did have a crazy YouTube commenter! You are right, delete and move on is best!

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:21 pm

      Youtube, facebook, blogging- they find a way to come out somewhere!

  19. Delilah says

    June 25, 2012 at 9:36 am

    Just had a troll issue last week. I got hit with a roving gang of trolls and spent one whole day deleting comment after comment after comment on my blog. The first comment had me in Stage 1. Comments 2-5 had me in stage 2. Comments 6-42 had me in Stage 3.  Comment 43 had me blocking IP addresses. Not a fun way to spend the day, that’s for sure. And for what? Their comments were stupid and full of irrelevant hate. I sure wish people like that had something better to do with their time so I didn’t have to spend my time dealing with them. Great post, Shell. 

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:22 pm

      OMG. That is CRAZY!!!!! 

      Hope they are leaving you alone now. xo

  20. Barbara says

    June 25, 2012 at 9:43 am

    Sigh, the sad thing is that trolls don’t just exist on the internet.

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:23 pm

      True. 

      And IRL ones aren’t as easy to get rid of.

  21. Jessica says

    June 25, 2012 at 9:55 am

    Oh I needed to read this. I just had a really rough facebook message the other day from someone who is a “fan” of my page and it bugged me for days. I hate when it’s a personal attack and it’s hard to take the high road. I did Stage 1, thought about doing Stage 2 but am ultimately at Stage 3. Whew.

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:23 pm

      When it’s personal, it’s hard to ignore. I had one recently where I had to remind myself that the person didn’t know me or my situation and was nitpicking from ONE post they read.

  22. Robin | Farewell, Stranger says

    June 25, 2012 at 10:10 am

    Will I jinx myself if I say I haven’t had one? I’m amazed that I haven’t, but I’m sure my time will come. 

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:24 pm

      Seems like they eventually come around to everyone at some point! 

  23. Ashley {@} My Front Porch Swing says

    June 25, 2012 at 10:14 am

    Oh how hard it is to get past stage 2.. of course, there will always be crazy people out there. And jealous people. And crazy jealous people. So thank goodness for the delete button!

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:25 pm

      Stage 2 is so tempting. Especially when the troll really doesn’t have a valid point to stand on. But ultimately, they aren’t worth our time.

  24. Jackie says

    June 25, 2012 at 10:21 am

    I thankfully haven’t had to deal with this yet and hope that I never do. But that would be deluding my self, right?

    I’m think that getting past 2 would be hard even with the thoughts of 3 running through my mind!

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:25 pm

      I had a harder time getting past 1. I took things way too personally.

  25. Jennifer says

    June 25, 2012 at 10:46 am

    I have been very, very fortunate with this. Either because I call it out in a manner that makes it distasteful for them to stick around or because they get deleted and therefore no attention. Not sure which it is.

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:27 pm

      I think deleting helps. Giving attention encourages them to come back.

  26. secret mom thoughts says

    June 25, 2012 at 10:58 am

    I’ve never had a troll on my blog either. Not that I want one.

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:27 pm

      I don’t think anyone wants one!

  27. Leigh Ann says

    June 25, 2012 at 11:48 am

    I always say that you’ve never really made it until you start getting negative comments. I have not made it yet. Trolls are such aholes who clearly have too much time on their hands.

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:27 pm

      I never get who the heck has that kind of time!

  28. Mariella Lombardi says

    June 25, 2012 at 12:35 pm

    I encountered trolls on many websites but I never got into an argument with them, it is just worthless. I definitely think stage 2 should be avoided at all cost, as well as stage 1. 

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:28 pm

      They’ll never back down or change their minds, so it’s pointless to argue.

  29. Heather says

    June 25, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    I don’t get too many trolls, but I think my mind goes directly to Stage 3. I’m not big on engaging people when I feel like they already have their mind made up about something.

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:28 pm

      True. It is pretty pointless to try to argue with someone like that.

  30. Nicole says

    June 25, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    I haven’t had many – or maybe any – trolls. I guess I’m just that loveable.

    Meh, but those people – get a life! You have nothing better to do than leave nasty messages, then I feel sorry for you (also, loathe you, but hey).

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:29 pm

      LOL Pity and loathing. That sums it up!

  31. Jen says

    June 25, 2012 at 1:16 pm

    I like to take a shot of whatever alcohol is within my reach for every troll comment I get. Some days, I get very drunk very quickly and others I am stone cold sober.
    It’s a difficutl job but someone has to do it. 😉

    • Shell says

      June 25, 2012 at 1:29 pm

      Maybe I should add that to stage 3. 🙂 

  32. Ness says

    June 25, 2012 at 1:37 pm

    Luckily I’ve never had one on either of my blogs. I’m too boring for trolls :p

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:17 pm

      The funny thing is that when I get them, it’s usually on the most random, non-controversial post ever. 

  33. Lauren Johnson says

    June 25, 2012 at 1:50 pm

    I just had my first troll a few weeks ago…it was pretty upsetting. Not sure why people feel the need to make those comments. They should just move on to another blog and shut up!

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:18 pm

      Ugh, sorry to hear that! I don’t understand what their point it. I think they just have too much time on their hands.

  34. Adrienne says

    June 25, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    I have not had a hater at the blog yet, but I did get some very “opinionated” comments when I was featured for my SITS day. My bio and post were sort of geared in the homeschool direction, and that brought out some colorful comments. But, stage 3 is the best. Screw them! It’s not worth the tears or time, girl!

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:18 pm

      Oh, yikes! People are crazy, aren’t they? 

  35. Cindy Bryl says

    June 25, 2012 at 2:01 pm

    I guess this is one reason to be thankful not many people comment on my blog!

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:19 pm

      I don’t think it really has much to do with size, just random bad luck. 

  36. Teresa (Embracing the Spectrum) says

    June 25, 2012 at 2:27 pm

    Oh yes, I did have a blog troll. It was my sister. I wound up calling her out and then got law enforcement involved. It was a special kind of trolling. 🙂

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:20 pm

      Oh, wow! Talk about drama! 

  37. Meredith says

    June 25, 2012 at 2:42 pm

    Ha!  You basically hit the whole range of my emotions spot-on!  I hate this (the blog troll), and thanks for making me feel less-crazy!

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:21 pm

      Trolls really are so annoying. Though I guess they like the drama they stir up.

  38. Carolyn says

    June 25, 2012 at 2:42 pm

    Thankfully I haven’t had a troll, and I hope I never do. Wishful thinking?

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:21 pm

      Probably. 😉 

  39. MiMi says

    June 25, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    I still remember my first troll. I totally did the number 1. I’ve also done the number 2. And now the 3. Although, a little piece of me will always do number 1.

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:22 pm

      I have to remind myself not to slide back into #1. I take things personally.

  40. Julie says

    June 25, 2012 at 3:44 pm

    Thus far, knock on wood, i have not encountered a troll.  When that time comes, I’ll write about it PYHO and we’ll judge what stage I’m in 😉  Honestly I’d probably do all 3 anyway!!

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:22 pm

      There ya go: a post idea! 

  41. Emmy says

    June 25, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    Yea I have to admit I get pulled into the drama of watching others deal with it to and while it is entertaining in the end I wonder if it is all worth it. So far luckily no troll for me- just the weird random spam comments.

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:23 pm

      It’s hard to look away from- like a train wreck or traffic accident. We know it’s horrific, but we just can’t help it. 😉 

  42. Kristen says

    June 25, 2012 at 5:35 pm

    I’m a very tiny fish so I haven’t had a troll but I am sure I would cry. It is hard to put yourself out there and then have someone be mean to you…especially a first encounter with your blog. Now, if I was drinking rum while reading the troll’s comment…it would be game on!! 😉

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:24 pm

      Well, if you get one, get out the rum right away. And then email me. And we’ll take care of it. xo

  43. lisleman says

    June 25, 2012 at 10:49 pm

    I was told I looked like a troll doll once. So I put my pants back on.

  44. Lady Jennie says

    June 26, 2012 at 3:58 am

    I have not yet gotten a troll yet.  (Trolls, that is not an open invitation).

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:24 pm

      Not an invitation at all! Especially since you’d just delete. 🙂 

  45. Heather says

    June 26, 2012 at 6:57 am

    I had a troll about a year ago, but they gave up after a few months. I tend to feel the need to show everyone IRL the troll comment just to validate that what they are saying has no merit. It really is amazing how many people spend so much time hating.

  46. The Mommy Therapy says

    June 26, 2012 at 8:23 am

    I used to feel the need to be a lot of stage two, but now if I say anything, I simply say, “Looks like we misunderstand one another, hope you are doing well!” It satisfies my need to say something, but it doesn’t get me drawn in to the negative. Though I must admit that I love it when a reader defends me. It’s unnecessary, but so nice. 🙂

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:27 pm

      You are a bigger person than me- if it’s attacking, I will delete. I’ll leave the difference of opinions(b/c sheesh, I never expect everyone to agree with me!) but not when it’s just flat out being rude for the sake of being rude. 

  47. Mindy @ New Equus - A New Creation says

    June 26, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Great advice! I had a Facebook troll about a year ago when someone sent me a very nasty message. It was from a high school acquaintance who had (or so they say) their account hacked. They apologized profusely later but I just deleted both messages without replying…and it was REALLY hard to do that.  

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:28 pm

      Oh wow! I haven’t had to deal with that yet. I don’t think I could reply to that, either!

  48. Kim says

    June 26, 2012 at 10:16 am

    Have not yet been there or done that yet, thankfully. I am grateful for your suggestions, Shell, so I am ready when they do hit. I also appreciate the suggestion of the gal who said she was keeping emails in a folder just in case. That is most likely a prudent idea.
    Thanks for sharing your experience!

    • Shell says

      June 26, 2012 at 1:29 pm

      It is smart to keep them- though only if you promise yourself not to go look at them unless you have to! 

  49. Jess says

    June 26, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    I haven’t had a blog troll (yet) but I do have a very serious creeper man lately that I’ve had to block from my site. 

    • Clomid and Cabernet says

      June 26, 2012 at 4:51 pm

      YUCK on the creeper man.  I had one of those on Twitter…I think he’s gone now.  

  50. Clomid and Cabernet says

    June 26, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    Well…I feel left out that I haven’t had one!  I want a troll!  Just kidding…I have enough drama without trolls 🙂  I have had some unpleasant emails that have caused me to reconsider this whole blogging thing.  It’s a lot of unpaid effort to deal with negativity…but then I remember that it’s not about me…and some people just can’t keep it in.

  51. Ren says

    June 27, 2012 at 7:59 am

    I have a “fan” troll who likes to stalk me online. They pop up in a few spots though mostly on my blog. They comment about my life as if I post everything about my life online for the world to see and that’s all there is to me. Obviously not so. I’ve taken to making fun of them in public with a post or two. Most of the time it’s deleted with nary a second glance. Folks like that don’t really need the extra attention.

  52. stephanie @ babe's rockin' mami says

    June 27, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    I’ve had a few, I go straight to stage 3.  They aren’t going to get any attention or traffic from me!

  53. Jessica says

    June 28, 2012 at 4:55 pm

    I’ve heard that blog trolls mean you’ve “made” it. I’ve encountered only a few in my blogging tenure and each time, I just ignore them. That cartoon is priceless!

  54. Angela says

    June 30, 2012 at 5:11 am

    I vote for stage 3 with a glass of wine.

    (although if I had too much wine I’d launch stage 2 😉

  55. Leslie @ The Bearded Iris says

    July 2, 2012 at 7:53 am

    BRILLIANT! You nailed it, Shell. I have been through all three of these phases at one time or another. Mean or insensitive comments always crush my soul a little. The first time I got trolled, I did stage 1 AND 2, circling my blog friends around me and letting those trolls know we wouldn’t take their shit anymore. That’s one good thing about getting trolled…people do love to see a good cat fight (page views through the roof!) Ha! 

    I got to the point earlier this summer where I decided to close my comments completely so I wouldn’t be vulnerable to anything unpleasant. The problem is, I also don’t get to hear anything good, and even though people can talk to me through Twitter and FB, it’s just not the same. But your stage three attitude of delete and move on sounds like a great solution. Great post! Thanks! 

Welcome to Things I Can't Say: Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom. I'm Shell. Boy mom, beach girl, bookworm, ball games, baker, brand ambassador, Thinking yoga, food, and travel should start with "b," too. Finding the easiest way to do some things while overthinking so many others. Read More…

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