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What I Learned From Going Viral on Huffington Post

Filed Under: BLOG, Crazyiness, learning, Life in General, Writing/Blogging Tagged With: , , ,

No matter how forewarned you can be, nothing can quite prepare you.

As a writer for some time now, I knew the reality of going viral from all I had heard.

But what does going VIRAL mean?

Having an article go viral simply means, it is viewed by a very high number of people in just a short period of time.

See, as writers we are constantly in search of that great, white whale of an article that will get shared socially by thousands to be talked about by the masses very quickly.

And yet, I never really believed it could or would happen to me to be quite honest.

By the way, I was told that you can never quite predict, which article will be the one.

Even when you are writing it, there is no sign that this would be it.

And let me say that there is more truth behind that than you could ever imagine.

Also, as much as you hear about being on the receiving end of nasty comments from internet trolls when it does happen, as is with being in labor and subsequently giving birth, the same can be said about when you actually visually see your words twisted, chewed up and spit out by the masses, you never can imagine what it feels like.

Still, it did finally happen to me and I went viral with nasty internet troll comments coming in like wildfire on The Huffington Post, as I am a blogger with backstage access to write for them.

Screenshot of My Huffington Post Viral Article

It was my 4th article to be published on The Huffington Post for their parents blog, which was published late on a Wednesday afternoon.

Wednesday night and into early Thursday morning, there was a small amount of interaction, but mostly by other writers.

Mid morning on Thursday, I had my younger daughter’s kindergarten orientation.

Before I shut down my MacBook, I noticed I had one comment that was definitely a bit snarky from a name I never saw before.

I turned my phone on silent and was off the grind for a little less than two hours all said and told.

But when I returned and checked in on my article, all hell had broken loose.

I had almost 400 Facebook likes and about 50 vile comments, each worse than the last.

I stared at my computer screen in disbelieve and my insides began to twist.

See up to this point, I have been very lucky as a writer garnering tons of comments on my own blog, but for the most part even if they were not in agreement with me, were always respectful and politely written to state why.

Not so with the comments, I had received and the ones to follow for hours and days later, too.

By that night, my article had been shared over 1.3K times.  

Almost 175 comments filled with pure ugliness and hate, most not having truly even read my whole article, but skimming and scanning to finding their own meaning behind any small morsel they could.  I truly tried to stop reading, but of course would glance back once in awhile making sure I didn’t miss anyone who might have been a legitimate reader and commenter, until one commenter actually said that both my husband and I were terrible parents obsessed with our body image, especially the mother (me).

That sealed it for me and I literally felt the tears burning inside my head. 

It nearly broke me, but I am NOT a quitter and never will be.

Still, I don’t feel that I owe an explanation to those who didn’t even really bother to read what I had poured my heart out to.

Yet, there was some lessons to be learned for me through this experience.

What I Learned From Going Viral on Huffington Post

Such as…

For one thing, if you are a parent then you know that not every moment of the day can be scripted like a 1950’s episode of Leave It To Beaver.

Parenting is messy, as is raising kids.  Kids say and do things in this day and age that isn’t always polite of G-rated.

Parents sometimes make mistakes even in the best of intentions.

An innocent conversation, where parents and their kids are joking back and forth with one another can possibly end up not as rosy or upbeat.

Some lessons learned from having my writing go viral…

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Doesn’t mean that there isn’t infinite amount of love still felt among the family unit even after the dust settles.

Families love, argue, take the good with the bad and still are always there no matter what day in and out.

And at the end of that long day in particular, where my words were most definitely misconstrued and overanalyzed by the masses, still my own family was by side.  

For my husband, took one look at the article and comments to utter, “You nailed it honey and couldn’t be more proud of you, but stop reading those damn comments, because these crazy people don’t know you or me and couldn’t ever know fathom the depth of love we feel for each other or our kids.”

As for my girls, they still curled up to me as they do every night, while we read bed time stories together and relaxed into my waiting arms after a long, crazy day whispering that they loved me and just wanted only me.

So, when all is said and done, I went viral over an article that I bared my soul about my own perceived body image insecurities after a mere joke made by my husband to his beloved oldest daughter.  

We aren’t monsters and are just simply parents, who love our kids with all our hearts.

We are no worse for the wear from the original event that caused me to delve deeper, nor are we from the hateful comments.

Yet, now I am more than prepared for the future times that I may receive more unpleasant comments for I am a writer through and through who will not have her voice silenced.

So, thank you to The Huffington Post internet trolls, who made my skin that much thicker and I say bring it on next time!

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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Lynn Morrison says

    It truly is a double-edged sword….and it is certainly unfair that the price we pay for bringing our words to a larger audience is public-shaming and condemnation.

  3. Bev says

    Well first, congrats on your post going viral, that’s awesome! I have thought about the idea of submitting to HuffPo, but frankly, it scares me. There are some vicious people out there with apparently nothing better to do with their lives than to spew hatred and put others down, and it’s hard not to take it personally (at least, I know I would!) I love what Kevin said. It’s true that no one knows the love that you have as a family besides you guys, and those trolls can pretend that they know you after barely reading one article you wrote, but they don’t, and they never will. Continue to stay strong, Janine, and I commend you for baring your soul to the world 🙂

    • Janine says

      Aw, thank you Bev and it is weird the whole soul baring concept, but I admit at this point I couldn’t picture it any other way (if that makes sense).

  5. Meredith says

    Janine, definitely still in search of my own white whale, and so appreciate you sharing your experience. Kills me that people have to spew, especially when your heart is so clearly pure, but love the way you use this as a growth experience for next time!

    • Janine says

      Meredith, I knew the reality, but still it is crazy how others reading on a larger site do totally spin and misconstrue our words. But I promised myself that I wouldn’t let this stop me from sharing more here and there, too. Trying to grow a thicker skin now for the possibly of a the next time. Hugs and thank you always 😉

  9. Kathy Radigan says

    I love this! It is such a strange feeling when you start seeing a lot of comments from people about something you wrote. And especially strange when you realize that some of the people commenting haven’t even read the piece!! I am so proud of you!! You handled a subject that really needs to be talked about, and you did it with honesty and love. I know your words will help move the discussion. And as I always try to remind myself, if people are saying things about you, you must be doing something right! xoxo And yes, at some point you just have to stop reading the comments! xoxo

    • Janine says

      Aw,t hank you Kathy. Seriously, you are always such a wonderful friend and and blessed, as well as honored to have you in my corner!! xoxo

  10. christina says

    Congratulations on the article’s success, but more importantly congrats on your wonderful take aways from the experience! I love what your husband said, and how you all are a true ‘family’.

    • Janine says

      Aw, thank you Christina and I feel truly fortunate that my husband and family are so supportive of my writing and career. Seriously, my husband and not to sound dramatic or prejudiced (OK maybe I am a bit, but still) is the best 😉

  11. Kathy Radigan says

    I loved this piece! Not reading the comments is really the best advice, but I never can take it myself! They call to me!! Lol! Congratulations! xo

  12. Kirstenjill Hudkins Robbins says

    I completely get this. I have had some ugly comments on posts that weren’t personal to me that have punched me in the gut. I’ve kind of expected it with some of the touchier subjects I’ve written about, but when you get a mean comment on your post about Costco…well, you’re not really prepared…at least I was not. Congrats on your success, though!

  14. alisa/icescreammama says

    It’s tough to deal with people’s ugly, but overall it’s a great experience to know that your words have resonated with so many and struck a real nerve. I stopped reading comments long ago. It’s better that way. You do what you have to do and don’t worry about what any else has to say about it. 🙂

  15. Ginny Marie says

    I have gotten a couple of nasty comments over the years, and it is surprising when it happens, especially on a personal post! Some people were really nasty on the IL farm facebook page after they published my Monsanto post, but I was prepared for that. It’s wise to have a thick skin in this business! I’m sorry so many people felt they had to judge you on that post. I don’t know why people think they have to do that.

    • Janine says

      I am sorry you had to deal with that on your Monsanto post, too as you wrote beautifully on that topic and most definitely admired what you had to say, too.

  18. Carrie Groneman says

    Janine, I know you get a kigjillion comments, but I want you to know how proud of you I am and kuddos for not letting naysayers, nor mean-spirited commenters break you. You write from the heart and keep it up. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow

  19. Emily says

    Good for you on that thicker skin! All of us writers/bloggers need that because those trolls will come out one way or another. I once had a piece on Huff Post too where the comments really hurt, but when I finally took a step back and stopped being defensive about what I wrote, I realized that I was still proud of my post and didn’t care what anyone else thought!

    • Janine says

      Emily, thank you and you are so right to be proud. And I personally think we both have so much to indeed be proud of! 😉

  20. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    if there is one thing I know for certain in life, is that there is always someone who is going to put a negative spin on something and try to totally ruin it. Screw them. It was a great article and congrats on it going viral.

  21. Jhanis says

    Congratulations on the post Janine! I read it and it totally made me realized that these small things which we thing nothing of (and no harm meant) could have negative effects on our kids. Such an eye opener so thank you for writing it. So sorry to hear about the trolls though but haters gonna hate no matter what they see/read so keep your head up high. You go girl!

  22. Rabia @TheLiebers says

    Awww, Janine. I’m sorry that happened to you. I think there are just some people out to find the worst in everything and to make everyone feel as crappy as they do. I actually read somewhere that some people actually get paid to troll the internet because it drives up page views!

  23. Diane Roark says

    Janine,
    I totally agree with every word Kevin said!!! Congratulations and stop looking at the comments.
    You nailed it! Congratulations!!

    Blessings,
    Diane

  24. Eli@coachdaddy says

    I’ve had one troll, if you could even call him that – he questioned my sexual orientation and childhood after reading a post about concussions in the NFL. I addressed his concerns, and never heard from him again.

    This Huff Post phenomenon is perplexing to me. Parent bloggers all over would love to pen a post that gets all kinds of viral. And we know the piss and vinegar will come out, because of the scope of the readership.

    Some people exist almost solely to troll; I suspect they don’t leave tips at lunch, either.

    Your message and your words were superlative and something all parents should think about. That’s the takeaway here. Going viral on Huff Post is like playing baseball for the yankees – it’s the same as you would do in Milwaukee or Kansas City, but on a bigger stage. With harsher critics.

    Just another reason not to wear pinstripes!

    • Janine says

      Eli, I love that you likened this to the Yankees and seriously you nailed it. On a side note, we had such a great time at Saturday’s Mets Game even if they did lose, so the Mets fan in me 110% got it!! 😉

  25. Kenya G. Johnson says

    Well firstly, congrats on going viral! I’m know there’s got to be some excitement in that that overrides the nasty comments (I hope). I tell you every-single-thing I read on the internet (the very public stuff) has more jerks than people who are resonating with the article. It can be something as innocent as a puppy sleeping next to a baby and a commenter is going to find something the shred the sweetness. I almost wonder at this point if people are paid to do that. I just don’t understand someone going in on someone like that. It’s just crazy behaviour.

    • Janine says

      Totally crazy behavior and Rabia also just said something similar to these people getting paid. Definitely such food for thought in my eyes. Thanks Kenya 😉

  26. Bill says

    Well congratulations! I had no idea. It just shows that good things happen to good people, and I am very happy it happened to you. Well done, Janine, and Happy Monday to you.

    • Janine says

      Aw, thank you so much Bill and I can never say that enough to you, my friend! Happy Monday to you, as well!! 😉

  27. Kelly Frey Suellentrop says

    Unfortunately, going viral always seems to mean you get the bad with the good. Why is it never all good? 🙂 But congrats to you, because it is obvious that more people loved what you said by the number of likes and shares it had. And people who leave nasty comments are saying more about themselves than your writing. As you said, you know your truth, and those of us who have been following you do too! You rock, lady!

  29. Tamara says

    There’s the spirit! Bring it!
    I have never tried to be on the HuffPo because I can’t handle it. I Just can’t. I say it’s because I only do paid sites, but it’s mostly that I’m so scared. I have very little troll experience and I’m afraid it would lay me out.
    I’d like to believe I’d be brave like you, instead!

    • Janine says

      I think you would be totally brave, but I do know what you meaning about not getting paid, but also can’t resist having my voice heard to a larger audience. Yet the troll comments can be as said overwhelming.

  30. Randa @ TBK says

    I take comments really personal. I get hurt easily, I’m working on “growing thicker skin”. Recently a big brand shared a post I did for them on a sponsored ad. I was so excited to see my photos, so I jumped in ready to read the comments. Not a single positive one! Most of them were not bashing me, but ouch. I worked hard on that post!

    I read your Huff Po article and I think you did a great job. Keep up the great work mama!

    -Randa

    • Janine says

      Aw, Randa I am seriously so sorry this happened to you and thank you so much for all your kind words here, too once again! 😉

  32. Liesl Testwuide says

    Oh, those damn internet trolls! I picture them all, living in their moms’ basements wearing tidy whities with Cheeto stains. Great piece – I wish I had been prepared as well, when I went viral last summer. People get sooo personal and cruel. Great piece! Thanks!

  34. Sinea says

    Trolls. Yep. That’s what they are. Jealous, too, I’ll bet. You have such a nice life, Janine. Your are truly blessed. Nothing to apologize for. I agree with your hubby…the comments really don’t deserve the time and attention of reading them. So, pray for those who wrote them and walk away! ♥
    Congrats on writing a challenging article for a VERY challenging audience!

  35. Ducks 'n a Row says

    Janine, what an experience! First, I am so proud of you writing for Huffington Post – a tough audience – and having your article go viral! Wow!!! Next, sounds like you had an abundance of encouraging feedback that drowns out the negative attacks. YIPEE!!! Those attackers attack most everything that lives and breathes. How sad.

  36. Jessica Ullrich says

    Janine, I’m so sorry that people shared negative comments on a personal piece that you wrote. You’re such a kind, good-hearted person, and I’m glad you didn’t let them get to you. (I can’t help but read the comments either, good or bad!) On the flip side, your piece clearly resonated with a whole bunch of people! Nearly 2K likes! Awesome!

  37. Jen says

    Bravo Janine! You wrote it perfectly, your husband told you the spot on truth and you do need to ignore those damn comments and be proud of the writer and mother you are!

  38. Dara says

    that’s kind of amazing that you had a post go viral. Also, once something does go viral, there are going to be haters! I have gotten hate tweeted to me and it has not been fun. I can’t imagine how awful it would be with so many hate comments coming in!

    • Janine says

      Dara, I never been hate tweeted and could also imagine that being awful and sorry you had to deal with that, too.

  39. Nina says

    So sorry to hear about the nasty comments, Janine! I would’ve been upset too. I remember reading that post on your blog. It’s never fun and it sucks people have to be disrespectful (like, if you wouldn’t say something to a person’s face, then why comment it? sheesh!). At least though you are getting out there and getting your words read and going viral.

  40. The 21st Century SAHM says

    Thank you for writing this! I have been working on developing my “tough skin” but man is it hard. And you are right — the ones we want to go viral don’t and the ones we don’t think too much about explode. I wrote an off-the-cuff post asking Costco to open an hour earlier. Totally satire and not something I expected anyone to take seriously. I was attacked by so many people telling me how spoiled I was for complaining about such a silly problem. Ummm…. satire, people! Ugh. So here’s to thickening our skin! Keep going. Your confessions are excellent.

    • Janine says

      Thank you so much and seriously crazy at what people can’t get as sarcasm and satire. I am baffled and definitely glad it isn’t just me though.

  41. Seana Turner says

    Seems like this sort of falls under the “be careful what you wish for” category… I thought that article was very honest, but the critics seem to be waiting to pounce these days. Sorry your first viral had such a negative overtone. Glad you aren’t intimidated!

  42. Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly says

    Quite honestly, I want to see one of these haters do the parenting thing better than you, and not just in that moment, but each and every day. Being a person who’s quite honest to herself, I do make mistakes, I make them about every day. But I try my best to learn from them, to ask for forgiveness if needed, and to move on, not beat myself up over it. I cannot change the past, but I can influence our future. All those haters are just immature bigots, whose opinion means nothing! Congrats on being such a wonderful mom, and for writing this special article that will certainly help many parents out there!

    • Janine says

      Stephanie, I literally cannot say thank you enough and I know you are amazing mom, so seriously coming from you that means the world and then some to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! 😉

  43. Elaine Alguire says

    I can relate somewhat. And it’s amazing the physiological response we have to reading things like that. I know it from my post on there that went crazy, in ways I did not like.

  46. Jessica @ Absurd, She Wrote says

    You are so brave. I had a mention in the HuffPo recently and only had one negative response but it was from a family member, so that definitely hurt. Good for you about being transparent about what going viral really subjects a writer to. Keep writing! Good writing is honest writing.

    • Janine says

      Jessica, thank you so very much and so sorry you actually had a negative response from your own family member. Hugs to you totally! <3

  47. April G says

    Congratulations on your viralness! I haven’t read the post yet, but I’ll be heading over there. Keep writing and know that many more of us are on your side, even when we don’t agree with you.

  48. Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says

    Oh, man! I didn’t know it had gotten ugly like that! I read it and thought it was great. I have heard similar stories from theory bloggers who have had viral posts. I have never had one like that – on one hand I would love to, but on the other I would be terrified. Good for you – you are awesome and those trolls need to go back into their hiding holes.

    • Janine says

      Lisa, thank you, thank you, thank you and I was totally taken off my game for sure, but still can’t totally believe my writing caused that kind of uproar and excitement (all be it negative).

  49. Echo says

    Congrats on going viral, my friend. You definitely deserve it. I think the biggest thing about going viral, even though I never have, is just to keep your convictions about what you are writing, which you did! I am so proud of you Janine!

  51. Alexa says

    You got trolls! You’ve officially MADE it!

    Stand tall and proud and beautiful. I will never read the comments if I have a post that goes viral! xoxo

  52. Susanne Lewis Kerns says

    It’s so hard. I’m such a people pleaser that even the least troll’ comments can bother me. We need a troll support group.

  53. Alyson Rennick Herzig says

    Congrats on viral but NeVER read the comments! You are an amazing and awesome parent and person. The hate filled vile commenters spend their day sprinkling disgust on whomever they sink their talons in. It is no reflection of you, and you’re right we can’t be 1950’s parents all the time.

  54. Dana says

    People are stupid. I say that like it’s easy to brush off, but I’ve only had a few nasty comments on my own blog, and they bug the hell out of me. Good for you for not letting them get you down for long!

  55. Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama says

    geez I had no idea!! I’m so sorry that you had to read the nasty comments. But I am happy it went viral because that means what you wrote struck a cord with many! People have such big opinions behind a computer screen but usually wouldn’t be able to say anything to your face.

    • Janine says

      Thank you Nellie and you are right so many hide behind the computer screen and wouldn’t be able to say the half of it to your face.

  56. Jack says

    People have no problem unleashing ugly from behind a keyboard. Many times they haven’t the foggiest idea who you are, what you really said and why so they just spout off.

    I have had people threaten to take away my children, threaten to call my employer and say any number of other horrid things all because they didn’t like what I wrote.

    You just have to learn how to ignore those people and remember who you are. It is never fun to see that kind of crap, but you don’t have to buy into it either.

    • Janine says

      Jack, said perfectly and sorry you have to deal with this, as well, but definitely don’t have to buy into this not one bit. Thank you so much!

  57. Chris Carter says

    Oh Janine!! I just absolutely HATE that you even had to experience this madness that happens online!! As you know, I too have had the consequential nastiness of hundreds of awful ugly comments on a few of my own HuffPo articles, and it stings- bad.

    BUT I absolutely LOVE how you have handled it, and you shared this beautiful truth today- you and your precious family are in tact and wonderful in every way… no need to look at ANY of those vile words. They don’t belong to you- they belong to the haters.

  58. Julie says

    Unfortunately the internet is full of trolls. People like to take away from our success and it is amazing that your post went viral and was able to reach so many people. As long as you are able to recognize the trolls for what they are and are able to ignore them, then you’re doing great!

  61. Leslie says

    Janine, I remember reading that post and seeing it shared a couple of times on Facebook. Honestly, your point of view resonated with me. I’m so sorry that people are so insensitive and ignorant; and I commend your positive attitude. Your husband is right, ignore the negative comments. Trolls just feed on it!

  62. Mandy says

    I think we all strive to bring the realness to our blogs and writing. Kudos to you, and forget the haters!

  63. Rea says

    Awww so proud of you too my friend!! Your husband is right! When something goes viral on Facebook for example, I always find myself browsing through the comments sections and there are really ones that are below the belt and just simply disrestpectful and craaazzyyy like way overboard! Most of the time I get tempted to comment back but I never did because it wasn’t my post anyway but the bottomline I guess is, there are always people who feel like they know you too much to comment negatively on your personal life. But we welcome them anyway because they make us stronger! Way to go! xoxo

  64. Leah says

    I loved that article. I’m so glad that it resonated with so many… and PLEASE don’t read those comments. These people exist so that they can tear others down to make themselves feel better!! That’s it. Their negativity serves no purpose and it comes from a place of jealousy. You are awesome and your writing is awesome and how you dealt with everything is awesome too:)
    xox

    • Janine says

      Aw, what can I say, but thank you and hugs for all your kind words and support here and always, Leah!! xoxo 🙂

  65. Tiffany says

    That’s why I started blogging with my BFF. If one of our posts starts getting a lot of comments the other one will read them first and protect the other person from the negative ones by using the delete button. I know it’s kind of like blogging in a happy bubble but sometimes the negative comments are too much

  66. Katherines Corner says

    Janine, congratulations on having a post go viral,
    Congratulations on being recognized by the Huffington Post as the writer of interest ( we bloggers all know you are)
    Congratulations on staying strong while in the cross-hairs of those who hide cowardly behind anonymous monikers.
    Your attitude, love an strength are all reasons I call you friend. xo

  67. Sherry says

    What an awesome article! You know the world is full of haters, and it’s so easy to hate online when you don’t have to face the people you’re hating. I agree with your husband; you clearly nailed it.

  68. Michele says

    Thanks for sharing this, I am always interested in people’s experience with a post that went viral. I very unexpected had a post go viral and it threw me for a loop and occupied me for days. Unlike you, I did not have to deal with any trolls. Mostly people liked my article and were supportive. I think for me it was the timing; I wrote a post about basketball during the NCAA tournament and people were reading about that topic.

    • Janine says

      Michele, I loved hearing that you had a more positive experience with your article going viral and gave me hope that this may still exist when viral comes into play. So thank you for sharing that with me here tonight.

  69. Alison Chrun says

    I know this all too well! I’ve now come to understand that just because my article has generated a lot of comments, doesn’t mean they’re nice. I’ve almost been brought to tears, but I am NO quitter either!! Haha! Congratulations!!

  70. Nicole Jankowski says

    I went back and read the entire piece on Huff Post and I want to tell you, it’s a wonderful piece. It’s a truly wonderful, goosebump inspiring, thoughtful piece and you should be proud. I hate the comments sometimes. I feel like I am drawn to read them like a voyeur is drawn to a horrible car accident. I shouldn’t look, but I am curious. I didn’t read the comments on your piece, though, because I read what you wrote here and was impressed by your message and attitude—I didn’t want to honor any of the nonsense with my own attention. Keep writing, I’ll keep reading, mama. Nice work.

    • Janine says

      Nicole, I truly cannot say thank you enough for your lovely words here and am totally appreciative of this as I never know what I will write that will strike a cord, but still so happy that I did for you and others. But again thank you for letting me know. Means the world to me 😉

  71. Jenny @ Unremarkable Files says

    Pssht. Just shake it off. Stop reading the comments, and if it’s really bothering you and it’s on your own site, turn comments off for that article. After a certain point, everything has been said and it’s just trolls spitting out the same things over and over – which doesn’t add value to the conversation anyway. I know how that feels and then the nasty comments (mostly not even on topic ones!) suck a lot of the joy out of it. But congratulations on your blog success!

  73. Melissa French, The More With Less Mom says

    You keep writing your truth! I admit to fear of the trolls, but how many more people did you reach that were reachable, than trolls that were just looking to pick a fight?

  74. Aunt Gloria says

    Congrats on your article in the Huffington Post! I guess the price of success is the negative aspect…..never easy to take. I would have a hard time developing a thick skin to manage the barbs of those who need to disparage. I could never be a politician for sure! But know you shared what was honest and try to take the criticism in stride. I think the criticism is a sign you’re doing something right! You and Kevin are doing a great job…..just remember that. Love you…..

  75. Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says

    Oh Janine, I’m sorry this happened to you. But I think it is going to happen with anything people find in the least bit controversial because for some reason people feel like they can say things on the internet that they wouldn’t say in real life.

    For myself, I usually just close out if I don’t agree, although I will say when I read that post on BlogHer written by a woman that supplied her kid with pot because she would have gotten it elsewhere anyway and allowed her to bring it to a friend’s house and smoke it with that friend made me particularly angry as a parent because she made a choice for another parent…and I did write a post voicing my opinion. And the other day I saw a thread on Facebook among some blog friends that I thought was quite nasty, and while I was extremely bothered by what they were planning, I closed out of the thread without commenting.

    • Janine says

      Thank you so much, Michelle and I will say that I think closing out of a thread sometimes is the best we can do, because to bait and engage these types of people only usually make it worse in the end. I am glad though for the pot incident that you did write your own article to voice your disagreement and sounds like I have some similar thoughts to you on this, as well.

  76. The Pinterested Parent says

    Janine, I read that article. I find it shocking that people could twist that into something ugly. I am 1, very happy & proud of you for your success & they 2 , saddened that you had to read all those harsh words. I have never gone viral, but I have been on the end of harsh criticism from readers before and it sucks. As you know most of my posts are on crafts I do with my daughter & people even are able to find negative thing to say about that. It is tough sometimes to have thick skin when dealing with these kind of people. Everyone is brave behind a keyboard. For all that scorned you, remember that 1000’s have agreed & shared you. Congrats again.

    • Janine says

      Aw, thank you Kim and seriously so sorry you have also ever had to deal with any negative criticism over craft article shares that you do with your daughter as I can’t ever see how anyone could be critical over that, because you truly put your heart and soul in all of those projects you do with Mai and just know that you are just a wonderful mom to your little girl, too 😉

  77. Natasha @ Epic Mommy Adventures says

    Congratulations on going viral! Everyone wants to experience that at least once as a writer and blogger. I’m so happy for you that you were able to experience it! In regards to your article on Huff Post, people can be so cruel sometimes. They really don’t consider what they’re saying and who they’re hurting with their words. Wishing you the best and continued future success!

  78. eli@coachdaddy says

    I hate this side of it, because there’s such accomplishment in getting published on that site. I’ve had only a couple of hateful comments on my own blog. It says all you need to know about the commenters and has nothing to do with your actual work – or you.

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