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RSSNil Illegitimus Carborundum
“Stupid. Not funny. Tries way too hard.”
“I wish i could give this ten thumbs down”
“I’m confused why the creators wasted their time making this.”
-Recent quotes about dyers.org
You may already know from my StumbleUpon post that a lot of work and a little luck has pushed the traffic around here to ten times what it was a few months ago. Although traffic bumps give you the opportunity to meet some really great people, they also bring you into contact with an expanding group of critics who aren’t shy about voicing exactly what it is about you that they find unappealing.
It’s statistically unavoidable, so how do you deal with people who simply want to drag you down?
When I was going through a rough patch as a kid, my grandmother, a tough, but very kind woman once told me, “Nil Illegitimus Carborundum”. When I looked quizzically at her through my moppy mullet and coke bottle glasses, she told me,
“Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”
In other words, there are always going to be people out there who don’t like you. What’s important to remember is that you only need to pay attention to the opinions of people who matter to you. Don’t let people who don’t matter get under your skin.
Also, remember that like a DJ, you may not be getting accurate feedback for your performance. For every person that gives you the finger from the dance floor, there are 200 who are silently dancing along with you out there in the dark. Just because they’re not saying anything, doesn’t mean that they’re not out there happily riding your groove.
So what do you do when the bastards are rattling the door to your DJ booth? Ignore them. Smile and wave. Focus on the positive. Know that even though they’re talking badly about you, at least they’re talking. Whatever you do, don’t let them in. When you’re in the booth, you’re in the zone. Lock the door and do your thing for the people who matter.
Don’t let the bastards grind you down.
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November 27th, 2007 at 8:11 am
One of my favourite phrases. I think I came to the phrase in a very similar way to you - via my grandparents.
At the end of the day you have to consider why you blog. Yes, it’s great to get comments and feedback both good and bad but why do YOU blog?
For me it’s my release. I can rant, rave, ponder, post silly stuff and pretty much anything I want. I don’t have advertising on my blog and make no money from it at all. Therefore it’s just a bit of fun for me.
I also rather like Carpe Diem (sieze the day). And of course Terry Pratchett’s version, Carpe Jugulum - sieze the neck!
November 27th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Every day is like a battle. It can end in either victory or defeat. The choices that you make throughout the day will either hurt or help your efforts to win the day. (and it is good to have allies also)
November 27th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Kill the enemy!
November 27th, 2007 at 9:37 am
And here I thought this post was going to be about “Bewitched” with Will Ferrell and Nicole Kidman. What a let down!
November 27th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Grandmother’s Rock!! They are so intelligent.
What she told you back then is so true. It’s the kind of rule that I would like to follow 100% of the time. But, constructive criticism was never easy for me…. especially when it is something I feel strongly about. Like, a post, for example.
Great post!!
Shana
November 27th, 2007 at 11:13 am
One person’s trash is another’s treasure!
A lot of online folks like to push their weight around while they’re anonymous because they’re far to cowardly to say what they really think in person…
I really, really dislike cowards…
November 27th, 2007 at 11:15 am
Awesome stuff.
At least if they’re specific enough in their criticism then you can use that to focus on your weak points and make it more pleasant for a wider array of people.
November 27th, 2007 at 11:15 am
Oh and my grams favorite bit of advice for me when i was complaining about someone…
“anyone who has to be friends with and liked by everyone will end up being a friend to absolutely no one.”
and also when I would be paralyzed by indecision..
“you sit on the fence for too long and you’re going to get a sore ass”
November 27th, 2007 at 11:51 am
You know, keep doing your thing. Don’t let a few idiots ruin it for the rest of us …
November 27th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Yeah, screw those people. They sound like trolls anyway, those people who make it a point to go online and tell other people that they suck for no reason.
Honestly, the fact that you have enough people reading to attract detractors is a triumph in itself. It means you’re hitting the big time!
November 28th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Dude, you should see some of the scathing HATE we get at Chicagoist. Just remember that online, less than 1% of your readers actually comment, and the other 99% remain quiet because they like what you’re doing.
November 28th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
I’ll back Tankboy on that–Chicagoist gets some seriously stupid shite thrown their way…and honestly, these days I don’t get it because they’ve really upped their game and writing over the past year or two.
I just get scathing letters from Chicago bands *cough* The Changes *cough* because I blatantly stated my absolute loathing of them on stage…good times. good.times.