***This is a copy of yesterday’s newsletter, I don’t normally share my newsletter on the site but it got such a good response I wanted to share it. If you’d like to see what else I talk about on Fast Copy Fridays, sign up to my copywriting tips. ****
Hello again,
So another Friday, another Fast copy tip. Today is a reminder about how to react to things when they don’t quite go your way.
The example I’m going to use has gone hugely viral and relates to an independent author, fighting back in the comments after the reviewer commented that despite a good story, the typos and poor grammar made it a difficult read.
I’m highlighting this to remind you that once you hit that publish button, your words are there for all to see, for a very very very long time.
- In blog posts
- In Tweets
- In client emails
- In blog comments
In this case, the author handled it badly, but there’s also something sad about the written witch hunt that follows. Neither is good energy spent.
Don’t believe that this only happens to “amateur writers” I’ve seen many professional business websites that have a hint of snide remarks at the competition and whilst they might make the owner feel good, the audience instantly turns off.
Venting is good, writing down frustrations are good, but always ALWAYS take a breather before you hit that publish button and ask yourself:
- Will I still want to publish this tomorrow?
- Is this something I’d want prospective clients / employers / grandchildren to see?
- Is there a lesson I’m missing because of my emotional reaction?
Yes, be passionate, yes, stand by what you believe in, just be careful how you use your publishing energy.
Till next time,
Keep believing,
Amy.
Hey John, thanks for stopping by, always lovely to see you here.
Sometimes the initial reaction and urge to write something or say something is unrelated to what you actually want to communicate. So “I’m hurt” or “I’m upset” can become criticism or an attack on the other person.
I think that’s what happened here, and I think your pre-qualifying rules sound essential for anyone publishing content!
Amy, this is a very important lesson. Before I say anything negative about anyone or anything, I try to think of the long-term consequences of saying it. I do this both in conversation and when writing, and it’s helped me a lot.
Of course, I don’t always succeed with spoken communication, but it’s worked fairly well with written communication.
I feel sorry for the writer who responded to the review, even though I think she was inappropriate.