Article Downraters, Negative Comments and Nasties - an AC Survival Guide

If you find yourself a victim of verbal assault or an article downrater on Associated Content, or elsewhere, do not despair. Though some Content Producers thrive on this stuff, as givers and receivers, most individuals do not.

As both sensitive souls and alligator skins coexist on AC, some Content Producers take downrating and petty comments more seriously than others.

To the tender-hearted writers, I say, Do not lose your humanity, it is a blessing and part of who you are as a passionate writer.

However, a calloused epidermal layer (and a sense of humor) helps lower stress and maintain a writer's focus, when hurtful comments or ratings are hurled at you personally. And, this reptilian metamorphosis doesn't happen overnight.

Meanwhile, here are some tips and observations I've learned from the Net school of hard-knocks - going on 15 years now. Now it's much easier to separate the human behavior chaff from the wheat.

1. Why Do Associated Content CPs Attack?

The Why varies as much as the Who. Whether it's stress, jealously, poor self-esteem, mental illness, pain, idleness, ego, personality disorder, drug side-effects, personality conflicts, or a bad day, you may likely never know.

More importantly, you can't fix it, whatever it is. Peace and knowledge-seekers like to know "Why," so they can fix the problem. Yet, contemplation is typically wasted time and energy. Leave the "whys" behind for a newfound freedom.

2. How to Respond to Content Producer or Other Attacks?

This is largely a matter of personal preference, but some responses are more productive than others. Additionally, we may know how we should respond, or not, yet have a bad day ourselves.

As a guideline, remember why you writing, or are here at Associated Content. Reaffirm your goals, and consider if the actions best serve you now and in the future.

Negative Comments and Downraters Hurt, What Should I Do?

Put anonymous drive-bys and people who have never demonstrated your best interest in perspective.

Some points to consider as a writer on Associated Content and beyond.

Generally, what people say reveals more about them than it does about you.