Why Deleting Comments Does a Writer Good
I wasn’t sure if I should publish this article. I wrote it about two weeks ago and have literally been re-editing, sitting on it, and trying to work up the courage to just download and press the submit button. But, I believe it has a very important message, and for the very reasons outlined in this article, I have decided to publish it.
I have written over a thousand freelance articles during the past two years. These articles have ranged in subject matter from poetry to health to motivational and inspirational in nature. They have come from my heart and with time, I’d like to think that the quality and content has improved and only gotten better.
Within this time, the vast majority of comments I have received (especially from Triond members) have been supportive, uplifting and a godsend truly beyond what words of gratitude could ever fully express. But, on the rarest of occasions I do happen to receive some not so pleasant comments.
I know many new and seasoned writers have experienced similar unwelcome comments and I write this article mainly for them; as support and a reminder that this world would not be as limitlessly beautiful if these unpleasant, momentary nuisances deterred them from pursuing their writing dreams. I write this to say to my beloved, fellow writers, please keep writing; hold fast to your dreams – the world needs the endless pure light that shines brilliantly from your heart illuminating even the darkest night that attempts to extinguish it.
So, onward we go:
When you take the time to sit back and reflect, you begin to see things with greater clarity. You are able to suddenly realize the toughest of critics are merely trying to frighten and make you question the true intention of your work – and I implore you all, do not let them. As artists, creators and inventors of new visions and ideas, you are leading the world toward greater things, away from boredom, away from a static existence, and, ironically, closer toward the fulfillment of their dreams. The fear and emotional upset critics are placing on you is actually a reflection of what holds them back from pursuing the beautiful passion found within every heart when the spirit is calm and peace allows it to flow naturally.
Trust with everything in your heart that despite human err or unkind critique, the good, uplifting message in your heart will always transcend any potential obstacle.
So, Why Does Deleting Comments Do a Writer Good?
I’m a voracious reader. I enjoy delving into new concepts and ideas that help me reach all my dreams and goals. Many of the books I read explain that you must focus on the best things in life, people who only support your dreams, and positive energy, etc. What you think about most, manifests in your life and reality. If you focus on the positive, more will develop in your life; if you focus on the negative, logically, the opposite is true as well.
Said another way, everything is important, from what you listen to, to whom you surround yourself with, to what you decide to eat during the day.
Now, metaphorically, take a moment to reflect upon the comparison below:
Most people have encountered an uncomfortable food situation like the following: Someone you know tells you that you should eat something they made. The food item is fried, unhealthy and upon offering it to you, they explain that it would hurt their feelings if you do not eat it. This does not mean that you have to eat it. If it is not good for you, if it will knock you off your healthy lifestyle goals, and if it will make you feel guilty in the process, there is absolutely all the logic in the world to not only eliminate that influence, but to block it from being able to enter your world at all.
You have a duty and right to protect yourself from any person who offers you something that is not good for your health! Yes, this is contrary to much that our society supports. Be polite; do not hurt another person’s feelings, etc. However, I’m a big believer in “out of the box” thinking. Furthermore, based off statistics, about 85% of the population is overweight. Are you going to listen to the people who remain overweight or your own intuition, the voice from your spirit that loves you the most?
Comparably Words are Literally “Food for Thought”
If a reader does not like your work, that’s completely fine; to each their own. This is what makes life interesting, if we all liked the same things, our world would be a very different place. But, if you do not like the comment, if it makes you feel bad, deleting comments is perfectly fine, logical and success reinforcing.
Regarding the Critics
In my opinion, constructive criticism is just that – it’s constructive.
Constructive means it helps build, not destroy or leave you feeling deflated, guilty or hurt in the process. When you build something, like a house for example, you might constructively say to the architect: “You know that window would be better over here where the sun rises because it will help keep the heating bills down.” This comment does not discount the architect’s original idea it simply suggests a new idea (building off yours) that could greatly improve your life!
When reader’s leave comments like this, then you have the decision to either “move the window” or keep it where you originally placed it because maybe you liked the window where it was. Maybe it was an artistic, sentimental, or just your own personal prerogative reason. You see, this is the power and freedom of art and creating. It is a reflection of the heart and no two hearts are or will ever be the same. When we are able to universally realize this, we can then accept and develop a greater appreciation for the fact that there truly is no right or wrong way to express the heart (except of course, if it is with the purposeful intent to harm another person, which is not art).
True artists understand that their work is meant to teach and inspire others about how infinitely precious life is and in turn each and every person. Again, your purpose is to lift others up and show them that they too can reach their dreams. You cannot do this if they are able to successfully pull you down to their level.
In the end, no matter how much we try to interpret another’s art, we will never fully know what the artist’s vision was. Again, the greatest purpose of art is to help us understand our own hearts and how we can find common ties that link us all together universally. The greatest lesson we learn in the process is that everything we see in our world is actually a reflection of who we are. You can only see in others what you see in yourself. So, ironically, the critics are actually revealing their flaws, insecurities, etc to you. Given that fact, you can either focus on them or just let them fade softly away like you do worries and instead let confidence and strength guide your path to success.
So, do yourself a favor, delete comments if they make you feel bad in any way. It’s like opting for an “apple a day” over food that’s not good for you. It does a writer good.
You have the power to make all your decisions; choose the very best ones for you and the betterment of mankind.
Remember writing takes exceptional courage. When you write from the heart, it is an exhilarating and sometimes terrifying feeling. You are basically saying to the world, this is me take it or leave it. It is also widely known that public speaking is one of the greatest fears in society, sometimes rated higher than death. Writing is a form of public speaking. And, in the end, this is why I decided to publish this article. It is my way of standing up for my fellow writers and me. Never let anyone frighten you and make you think your dreams are unattainable. Never!
Joie Schmidt © Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved.
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October 19th, 2008 at 3:58 am
Well, honestly, I’ve never deleted any comments before but oh well, I will never know if I will in the future. I’m new in this freelance writing field and have experience some unpleasant comments but I wasn’t much bias towards them because when I read through all of the comments, there are some good and bad ones and it makes me see through something that’s full of differences…and make well use of it. anyway, a constructive comments fires me up rather than letting me down XD
Thanks for the good read
October 19th, 2008 at 4:05 am
I like your style, but to my mind your food comparison went off at a tangent to the core matter of your text.
But the core matter is an important truth well explained and commented on by you, congrats.
October 19th, 2008 at 4:53 am
really impressive, u r great every time ur article gives some new encouragement to write…
thanks for sharing this informative article….
October 19th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Thanks for your invaluable advice. Take care!
October 19th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Most comments I encounter are supportive and pleasing, but I always think how great it would be should every commenter would write a thing he didn’t like about the content, or how he thinks it could be improved. Just a thought
(I’m now sitting here reading the article again and trying to find something I don’t like, didn’t realize how difficult it is.. 
October 19th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Thank you for your article. I am just a beginner in this industry, it has always been my dream to write but i am not really confident in doing this, i hope just like you ill be able to stand firm and follow my dreams. Thanks for being my inspiration. God bless!
October 19th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Another good article, I believe in free speech but also in free deleting!
October 19th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Nice article! I have stumbled it!
October 19th, 2008 at 11:15 am
I commend you for writing this article. you’re so bold but on fine points. I agree that we, as writers are free to express our thoughts and ideas on the premise that it will uplift, enlightens and educate our readers and so and readers MUST give us the same treatment. Those who may disagree with us must put it in a constructive criticism…
October 19th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Very well written. I agree with you 100%. There is sometimes an underlying reason for negativity as you stated, but we do not have to allow it to remain. Good advice within your sharing here.
October 19th, 2008 at 11:27 am
I agree with great article very much so. Thankfully I haven’t had to delete any negative comments, but I’ll remember your advice incase I do get them in the future.
October 19th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Very encouraging piece.
October 19th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
I always feel a little bit littler after reading one of your pieces. I know just the kind of comment that you mean — not constructive at all. And since they are not constructive, that makes them destructive. I’ve never deleted a comment but have seen at least one lately that I’d like to. I responded to it and left it there for everyone to read though so that they could see what kind of person the commenter was. These sort of things come from jealousy and insecurity. And when you read the commenter’s own work, you realize where their judgments reside. I try very hard to be non-judgmental, even in the most difficult circumstances. If we raise everyone up around us, we will most certainly rise too! Keep up the great work, you’re an inspiration and shining light.
October 19th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
You are such an inspiration to me. I learn something from you all the time. I have only receieved one or two critical comments and I figure they have a right to thier own beliefs. You are wise beyond your years. God Bless You!
October 19th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I deleted a comment that I felt was a bit demeaning towards me. I later regretted it, plagued by a feeling of guilt that I had vindicated the writer’s ego that he was right in his misanthropic missive. I tend to want to leave my comments alone. Unless the comment insults the intellect of the reader of my work then, yeah, it gets voted off the island. It is just ‘his/her opinion’ and like an anus, -everybody has one. – just don’t need to here about theirs so, off they go postee purgatory. Yeah, I can see the need to boot bad comments I suppose…
-thestickman
October 19th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
It’s interesting to note the various reactions to this heartfelt piece as you had a bit of a time trying to fully articulate all that you wanted to say and it seemed to confuse people. It was a bit of all over the place yet still an enjoyable journey read.
I totally understand as it is often difficult to talk about something of which you feel passionate, step back, and then divide it up into smaller portions for people to be able to follow your thinking – as that may have been a more workable option for you on this one – so, expand to yet more articles.
It’s probably why you got some men scratching their heads and saying, this isn’t quite logical nor does one part of the argument flow into the next – what exactly does she mean?
Some of your commentors have a point about the fine line of making sure a writer chooses to become mentally tough when they read something that challenges them to do better; so, don’t run from it but rather embrace something difficult, placing a positive spin on it as you are in process figuring it out – which is what I learned to do over time of trial and error.
You also have a point as there are some people who are so sour in life just looking for someone like you to dump on – all because you are promoting a positive outlook. Trust me to know of what I speak as I was one of two of the family optimists among crusty destructive pessimists and it was a nightmare growing up around all that dark emotionally stingy negativity; I called them killjoys – way too destructive on all levels. In the end, I walked away as there is little one can do for such people as the only way they can learn best in life is by the process of falling down and kissing concrete. They are not teachable; don’t waste your time with them. Delete those kind of foolish comments as they are irrelevant to the piece.
I do think when people are commenting they could really benefit by choosing to try being more diplomatic and neutral sounding in voice with others in order to help them develop easier. It doesn’t have to be the excessive praise culture but rather truth delivered with a dose of decency and kindness for that person. People are more inclined to respond well to honey!
Thanks for putting this out there as I know it was a difficult write for you. I’m not the fearful type nor insecure as I’ve encountered so much in life and been so harshly tested that my heart has gained warrior status. I do know this article is quite good for many insecure people or those not sure what to do in regard to internet writing so this answers a lot of questions for them as they are in the process of growing.
Why not take this article and break it down into several pieces easier to digest for the average reader? I had no problem following your heart and mind as they changed places along the way here but more concrete thinkers are not so nimble and would benefit from you breaking it down more.
Personally? I like the way you write as it is conversational and flowing. Most of all what really appeals to me is that you put forth the supreme effort to try to inspire others which is admirable – and I’m all for admirable! Thank you!
October 19th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Great article!! Truly your words are ‘food for thought’ — I like it that people should be in control of what other ‘feed’ them. I’ve had lots of negatives about my writing which is ‘Christian-based’ and if I did not get them out of my mind – wow, I’d NEVER write again. I’ve left some of the negative feedback in my comments but I agree with you 100% that we as writers should be in control of what we do leave there — I deleted anything with that ‘four letter ‘f’ word’ but have left others. NOW I’m going to sift through my feed-back and unless the critique is just that – critique and not ‘tear you down hate stuff’ I will delete it!! THANKS SO MUCH for this VERY GOOD ADVICE!! We should all focus on the positives and get rid of the negatives!! WELL DONE!
October 19th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Bad publicity is good publicity, right? We can always pull through a bad comment.
Thanks for sharing your always awesome advice.
October 19th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
great article…i see ur point and some comments for some ppl. are rude.i have had nice inspiring comments so far and hope they remain but i always thought the same ,it is a diverse world and what floats ones boat may not float the others!
October 19th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
I’m with Ken Gack on this one. The negative comments are there for you to read, reflect on, learn from disregard if you feel that’s the correct response. Life is all about the good and the bad (and the in between).
I have learnt much from negative criticism. Learnt about myself, others, human nature.
Negative comments are a challenge, and challenges help you to grow! Be thankful for them.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
interesting article,deleting negative comments depend on the message it convey,if it’s meant to improve you as a writer -keep it and be grateful,somehow… if the comment is just merely to discredit(out of envy-most often) or to demoralize you because it’s what makes them happy-well,don’t think twice-DELETE.
October 19th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
As of yet, I haven’t had to delete any negative comments, but I’m a newbie. If ever the time comes that I evoke such feelings a reader has to “stick-it to me” then bring it on ‘cuz my wit is quick, and my index finger hovering over the delete button is even more swift.
I truly enjoyed this article. You made a good decision by submitting it!
By the way, if you see my name, read up!
October 19th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Every writer has a right to be heard and every reader has a choice to be a critic and give opinion or say, but the it’s the writer that had his or hers first say then come all the comments. So if it’s a debate who wins? No-one why? It’s argumentive that’s why. The writer is the creator of a topic, title, therefore for it’s originality, the creator deserves all the credit and a fair comment. If someone wants to critiscise then they either envy or are just jealous. You do have a good point and I am on your side.
October 19th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
yes, i have deleted some of the comments, especially if it makes your article disgusting. sometimes, when articles are a bit long, readers tend to go for the comments. usually, when they see inappropriate comments, they tend to do the bandwagon effect, creating a less than professional article or content.
October 20th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Comments good or bad at least they are reading your stuff,you are correct remain positive its the only way. Keep up the good work it is very readable
October 20th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
interesting. Never thought of that. Although I have on Occasion been the one to give the negative comments. Which looking back where not really for the betterment of the Write or more importantly for the article. Thanks for posting.
October 20th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Another comment added to the article!
I LOVE recieving comments and feedback from my readers. (Im sure everyone does). Some comments are just ‘good work’,'great job’, ‘nice article’; yet they are positive and so appreciated. Even if they leave the same comment on every article, its an added view and comment, so I thank the person and keep the comment. But I deleted a few comments last month, not because they were mean, but because they did not mean anything! They were links to some webpage which I could not dare to visit. So I hit the delete button.
October 20th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
This is a great article….I’m so glad you submitted it. I for one am grateful to you for it.
Thank you,
Eileen
October 20th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
I received one negative comment that included a few nasty words. The next time I checked the comment was gone. I am assuming that some kind-hearted editor at Triond must have deleted it.
October 21st, 2008 at 12:04 am
I always enjoy reading your work. I have learned several different writing styles from reading your articles. Thank you. If an article came across that did not interest me, I would find a different article from that author to read. I have no interest in feeding my ego by deflating others. I have not experienced any negative comments as of yet but I think I would delete them also. I have a somewhat obessive personal when it comes to critism but I am getting better with this.
October 21st, 2008 at 8:27 am
I enjoyed your article. Thank you for posting it. I have never thought about deleting comments. I recently recieved my first hurt ful ones and they were from my own brother. He even tried to tell me how he would have written the article or that it was too long and ballroom dancing wasn’t of any interest to him. I tried to let it roll off my shoulder. It is hard when you have worked so hard. I have to take it as I would a rejection letter from a publisher and I have recieved several of them. I will not however stop. I will keep writing.
October 21st, 2008 at 10:19 am
God love you! Blessings
October 21st, 2008 at 1:27 pm
(just because i am saying this nobody go and do it) but i never seem to get negative comments on any of my work, i am not bragging i am just saying, i agree with r.j evans that some ppl just get a perverse joy out of criticising others. good article keep up the good work
October 21st, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Yes, publish this article. Don’t be ashamed because you speak truth. Look at all these comments you got and the votes. See. Keep it up.
October 22nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
this is a very good inspirational article…i have been fortunate so far not to have had negative comments to bring me down and stop me from doing something i love doing.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
To be honest, I delete hurtful comments all the time. I felt really bad about it too, before I read this article. Thank you for showing me that I do indeed have the right to chase my dreams and not be pulled down by unkind words.
November 10th, 2008 at 11:53 am
I wholeheartedly agree with your article. I believe that constructive criticism is wonderful, but also that a writer should not let it go to their head or heart. Very good write!
November 12th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
is that possible?
November 27th, 2008 at 6:58 am
Well, this is truly inspiring! And motivating!
November 27th, 2008 at 11:59 am
this is an awesome article, but how do you delete comments?
December 18th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I think many others have said what I wanted to say, my words therefore, are, this was an encouraging article and I agree, hit the delete button if you wish, after all it is your article and your right. I left some cruel words on a couple of mine recently, it showed me who were my Triond Soldiers, they came out guns ablazing in support of me and the ‘writer’ got what I wanted, shot down LOL. I enjoyed this work, thanks.
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:18 am
I think this is a wonderful and inspiring piece, I am new to Triond and would not have thought to delete negative comments before (I didn’t even know that you could) but I would have read them over and over until I wouldn’t dare write again. Thank you.
July 18th, 2009 at 12:14 am
“The fear and emotional upset critics are placing on you is actually a reflection of what holds them back from pursuing the beautiful passion found within every heart when the spirit is calm and peace allows it to flow naturally.” Beautifully expressed. I’m applauding right now. Thank you for sharing your insight. I have a comment right now I am trying to figure out how to delete because it could be hurtful to people who read my article.
June 5th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
I didn’t know that Triond allowed you to delete comments. I haven’t gotten any comments on my work with Triond. But who knows what the future may bring.
November 7th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
i find this to be very true very helpful article