A couple weeks ago I was “featured” with my girlfriend on “HotChicksWithDouchebags.com.” (EDIT: please do not comment there & defend me!)
It is a high traffic blog where the taunting in comments is as much a part of the site as the pics. I was honored and thrilled. What a great opportunity to practice “Troll Aikido!” So I embraced the “honor,” resisted defending myself, and ended up changing more than a few minds.
By the end of the 200+ comment thread, several people had deleted their earlier insulting posts. A few even checked out my site and became readers. One even joined in this week’s HugNation!
I got this email, too:
“Negative criticism brought me to your site, so I just thought I’d send an email to say I appreciate you for being you. And, yay that negativity turns on itself to bring people together despite their intentions to bring people down. May good will always do that.”
Now, how differently do you think that would have gone if I said, “Screw you! You’re just jealous you losers!”?
The whole experience reminds me of a line in The Course In Miracles that says, “In my defenselessness, my safety lies.”
Amen, douchebags…amen.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hahaha. Yes. It reminds me of this link:
http://redwing.hutman.net/~mreed/
I see myself as a Kung-fu master (at least I try and be):
http://redwing.hutman.net/~mreed/warriorshtm/kungfumaster.htm
I have not had as much of an impact in changing people’s minds about me (and I was featured on some equally insult-genre based sites) but then again, when you are a Kung-Fu master, that isnt the point. I will admit it is a breath of fresh air when you do.
Kat
Sometimes you have to consider the source. Negative people say negative things so as to bring people down to their level or below. That is how they stay afloat. Good job keeping your cool and spinning it around!
Well, if you are a douchbag, then Ich Bin Eine Douchebag!!:)
I’m so glad I was able to join in this week. It seriously made my Tuesday
Hopefully, I’ll be able to participate next week as well!