I'd like to say this was a happy occasion, but the comments left by readers have been... ummm... a bit harsh! As my profile indicates, I've made horrendous financial mistakes in the past which I am trying to atone for and correct. I know
But I AM making progress and I welcome all of you to join me in my struggle, through the ugly and triumphant.
12 comments:
Welcome to the club Kat! I'm so happy for you, hope you pick up some new readers from the exposure. As for the comments, bah. I had one or two that got to me too, couldn't keep my cool. Oh well, that's why we do this anonymously. If you want to see harsh
Yahoo Finance Profiles a Blogger
Wow, yeah, a little bit of harshness...but it still is kinda cool that you got featured!
Hi there-well done on the extra exposure and keep up the excellent work you've achieved so far!!
Heh heh. Thanks, Miss M, graduated learning and SharonRose. I'm actually pretty honored. (I'm also freaking out since my I quoted my ex and he may find out about my blog!) I'm not too concerned about expanded readership since I'm not doing this to make $ (hence no ads). Thanks again. Your words of encouragement keeps me chugging along.
Congratulations on the exposure Shtinkykat. There was similar harshness when MSN featured my blog a few months back. It's easy for anons to trash our lives and decisions but far less easy for us to own up to mistakes on a blog. Time spent with family is important and worth it in IMO. But it is frustrating when family don't understand your priorities.
My family think I'm cheap for taking the bus over the train when holy crap I can't afford the bus! And I tell them I'm on a tight budget - they just don't realize how tight it actually is.
Have fun in Vegas!
Sallie: The MSN article about your blog was where I first read about you. I thought you were very courageous in being so frank about your financials. It inspired me to start my own blog. Thanks again for your encouragement.
I know your concern, the title of my article that was featured is the punchline to a joke I've been using for months. My family could easily find it, it's always a danger. Regardless of your reasons for blogging it's nice to get some attention.
Kat,
Check back in the comments section -- after reading your note, a reader reconsidered and wrote back in to apologize! (Kind of.)
It's important to grow a thick skin if you're going to put yourself out in the public eye. At least no one knows it's you! My real name is attached to everything I write.
Remember, too, that anonymity lets people shoot from the lip. There are no consequences to what they right, and therefore they'll say things they'd probably never say to your face. In addition, some people equate "mean" or "obnoxious" with "funny." (You should see the comments that get deleted...!)
And some people are just cranky. As my friend Liz Pulliam Weston (another MSNer who gets flamed) likes to say, "Half the world is on Prozac -- but it's the WRONG half."
By writing about debt and personal finances, you are providing a valuable public service: You are showing other people in your situation that it really IS possible to take control, however belatedly, and to create a clear plan for the future. Some people feel utterly hopeless about their finances until they read how other people are handling it.
Finally, none of the people who commented know the reality of your life -- and since they're not living your life, or paying your bills, what you do with your money is your own business.
Warm regards,
Donna Freedman
MSN Smart Spending
P.S. Thanks for visiting Abby's "I Pick Up Pennies" site.
Oh, the price of fame! Now you know how Britney feels, heh (apparently she reads online comments about herself and gets horribly upset). Aside from the spewer who had the grace to come back in a better mood and apologize, at least those commenters had something more to say than "U R an idiot". But as Donna mentions, those get deleted :)
Most people that make these kinds of comments are stupid! Does it make them feel better to be jerks? Cheer up! I think you are doing a great job by trying. You rock in my book!
Donna F: Thank you, as always, for your thoughtful comments. Wow! I'm surprised that the person followed up on his/her prior comments. I really wasn't hurt by any of the comments since none of them were offensive. (Thank you to the MSN crew for moderating the comments!) It's amazing how you and Madison (referenced by Miss M's comment) blog with your identity open to the world. I enjoy your blog and thanks again.
MMK: I'll be happy to take the abuse so long as I get Britney's $! (But, I don't want to flash my goodies, though...)
MOU: You're too funny. Thanks for the compliment. :-D
Wow, that was some great coverage and I enjoyed all the comments, too. (Even the harsh ones.) I know how lousy it is to get insulted by random anonymous people online, but hey, it's just a blog! And at least we bloggers are putting ourselves out there (albeit anonymously).
Thanks for sharing!
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