From reading her blog, I've discovered that as authors, we are susceptible to all kinds of trouble involving our online reputation, or brand. I wanted to hear what Melissa had to say in regards to dealing with negative reviews and with the internet trolls known as sockpuppets. I was thrilled with the information she shared, and her tips for handling yourself in these situations are invaluable. Take a listen and leave a comment, because this is so important and I'd love to discuss your opinions.
5/30/12
Handling Negative Reviews with Melissa Agnes
Today I'd like to share a special interview I did with a friend of mine, Melissa Agnes. Melissa is a social media crisis manager who offers specialized consultation and training services to both businesses and agencies.
From reading her blog, I've discovered that as authors, we are susceptible to all kinds of trouble involving our online reputation, or brand. I wanted to hear what Melissa had to say in regards to dealing with negative reviews and with the internet trolls known as sockpuppets. I was thrilled with the information she shared, and her tips for handling yourself in these situations are invaluable. Take a listen and leave a comment, because this is so important and I'd love to discuss your opinions.
From reading her blog, I've discovered that as authors, we are susceptible to all kinds of trouble involving our online reputation, or brand. I wanted to hear what Melissa had to say in regards to dealing with negative reviews and with the internet trolls known as sockpuppets. I was thrilled with the information she shared, and her tips for handling yourself in these situations are invaluable. Take a listen and leave a comment, because this is so important and I'd love to discuss your opinions.
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Good interview. Here's what it taught me: there are two types of unpleasant feedback, negative and unacceptable. Negative feedback is opportunity. Unacceptable feedback is defined not by what is emotionally painful for you, but by what would be offensive to other readers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this interview, ladies!
That is right on, Maryanne! Glad to know I managed to be clear in my messaging! Thanks for taking the time to listen to our interview :)
DeleteMelissa from MelissaAgnes.com
I have never heard of the term sockpuppets!
ReplyDeleteAre you happy to have learned of them? In other words, did you find the interview useful?
DeleteThanks for your feedback!
Melissa from MelissaAgnes.com
Great interview! I agree about keeping negative comments or comments that disagree with me, but deleting the nasty stuff. I have a comment policy on my blog that sets out what I will and will not accept and makes it clear that I will delete spam or inappropriate comments.
ReplyDeleteThat's great, Leanne! Good for you for having the right mindset and protecting yourself at the same time! Im sure you have experienced the advantages of your actions!
DeleteThanks for the great comment!
Melissa from MelissaAgnes.com
I hadn't heard the term "sockpuppets" before either. I've been fortunate to only have supportive comments so far, but I haven't been "out there" very long either. I understand leaving negative feedback as long as it's constructive and polite. However, I'd never hesitate to delete a comment that was abusive or vulgar. I never didn't think of having a published comment policy. I'll have to think about that.
ReplyDeleteI've decided to nominate you for the Liebster award. Come by my place for more information: http://melodypearson.com/
It's definitely worth the thought - and I'm glad to hear that so far you've experienced nothing but positive support. But you should still be prepared for the day that you may experience something a little less encouraging.
DeleteThanks for the great comment,
Melissa from MelissaAgnes.com
A very interesting interview, Laura! Just yesterday, a fellow author posted on Facebook requesting advice from other authors about how to handle a person "attacking" her on Amazon. The reviewer stated things about her book that were blatantly untrue, gave it a low rating, and then had as many people as she could vote it as the "most helpful" review on her list so that new readers always saw it first. Her sales have suffered as a result.
ReplyDeleteThe overwhelming advice? Don't do anything. It will only come back to bite you.
This isn't the first time I've heard of tactics like this. In fact, one of my books was given a one-star review on Goodreads before it was ever published. The reviewer even stated that she only read a brief blurb from my book on a blog, and she decided the book was only worth one star. She then went on to give all of my other books one-star ratings without even reading them. Unfortunately, I'm not alone in enduring this type of treatment, and we're really powerless against it.
In light of this, Melissa's insights were quite helpful and inspiring. I hope other authors learn something from the interview, as well!
Hi Raine,
DeleteI'm sorry to hear about your misfortune. Angry people like that can be so frustrating and it's so unfortunate. It seems to me that you have the right attitude though, and if you keep focusing on building the relationship with your readers, you'll have more people on your side who won't buy into the negative actions of an unfortunate few. Keep your head up and continue the great work you've been doing!
Sincerely,
Melissa from MelissaAgnes.com
I've never heard of sockpuppeting either - ugly! Of course I've seen some pretty harsh reviews and I agree that Melissa's approach makes a lot of sense. Hope I'll be able to remember it the first time I get one of 'those' reviews.
ReplyDeleteJust remember to take a breather and respond to it with an open mind. This can sometimes be hard since authors are so close to their work and it's so personal. But if you need to, if you find yourself in that position one day, come back and listen to the interview for some encouragement! :)
DeleteThanks for taking the time to listen and leave a comment!
Sincerely,
Melissa from MelissaAgnes.com
Really liked this article.To relate to someone who.is causing distress is very important.It's also important to say no.Yes people of all sorts of persuasions will work together to help each other. Hadn't heard the term" sock puppet" but my naiveity makes me smile.Excellent interview.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to listen and comment, Geraldine!
DeleteMelissa from MelissaAgnes.com
I enjoyed this! She's spot on. Not everyone is going to love your book and only your mom thinks you're perfect! ;o) Never heard of sock puppets! lol Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete