Maintaining a blog is a balancing act. Any blogger knows this. There is always the challenge of what and how much to share, how transparent we wish to be. Yesterday's post caused a bit of a stir. First of all, I want to thank all of you who left me such sweet and supportive comments, it meant the world to me. On the flip side, my post touched a nerve for someone who left me some pretty nasty anonymous comments.
This has me thinking that any good writer is bound to run into controversy now and then. After all, isn't it every writer's goal to inspire others? To make them feel? To hopefully touch someones life in a positive way? When our writing creates a strong reaction, whether positive or negative, I believe that is a telltale sign of our most powerful work.
Inspired Design is more than trying to provide readers with a mini escape from the doldrums of everyday life. It's my little niche where I try to inspire others as well as myself. After all, life isn't always as picture perfect as the images blogs portray. People want to know they are not alone in their challenges. If I have something to say that I think may help someone, then I'm going to say it.
Have any of you bloggers written a post that created controversy? What post created the biggest stir and brought out your readers emotions? Do you always play it safe or do you reveal your inner self with all of it's vulnerabilities?
Enter to win a pearl bracelet and matching earrings from Jess David Jewelry. Winner's choice of color!
Awww hunnie.....dont let the naysayers hurt your feelings....just like in real life, you cant please everyone all the time....keep up the great work:)
ReplyDeleteEnter my Icelandic Design Knit Hat Giveaway!!
Debby, oh yes I have gotten my share. I will email you. Bottom line is people that are not happy, that are jealous, that are intimidated cannot possibly find hapiness or joy in others lives if they cannot see it in their own. These people typically want to "inflict'' their unhappiness on others to bring them down. You must rise above it and march on. You really do have to ignore the haters and don't give them the power. I have learned a long time ago and it is my mantra ' you cannot be all things to all people".End of story. Be yourself and I can assure you, that you will have plenty of adoring fans:)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately yes! In my personal life as well as in my blog...
ReplyDeleteI mean, I've had nasty comments, not because of a particular post (I'm not that good!), but because some people are simply frustrated at themselves and at what they're doing (or not doing), which is not my fault! But there you have it! people are what they are and we just can't change that!
But the most important thing, is that they don't change you: who you are, what you are, what you want, what you value, your own principles and values, and where you're going!
"If someone keeps trying to bring you down, it's because you're above them"
Gonna frame this one and display it, in bold!!!
And sweetheart, keep doing what you're fantastic at, keep being my daily inspiration (selfish, I know), and one of the people in the "blogosphere" that I keep looking up to!
Hope everything will workout right for you! Just follow your heart!
Sending you a HUMONGOUS HUG!!!
Adoro il verde.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to understand the depth of anger and resentment some people feel. Just remember the words of George Hebert, "Living well is the best revenge."
ReplyDeleteI just read your post from yesterday ... and I applaud you for being so honest ... and to me, this blogging thing is about dreaming and pushing ourselves to be even better, and to inspire not only ourselves but others. You are right on ... your blog is beautiful and I encourage you to continue on your course! I am new to the blog world and you and your blog are one of the ones that encourage me to grow and continue on!! My mom always taught me not to "point" ... because while one finger is pointed at your target, the other four are pointed back to me ... perhaps these nasty people should take a look at themselves. Thank you for being you!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you had nasty comments on your blog post,i don't like bullying as you know and i felt i had shared too much on one of your previous posts in my second comment as i felt i had blurted out something that was far too personnel and it didn't make me feel good seeing it in black and white,it made it too real and a part of now and i much prefer to day dream and read blogs and coo over beautiful pictures such as yours that take me far away to heavenly places and to be inspired by your writing and the questions you raise that make me think!
ReplyDeleteLife deals us all hardships at one time or another and i think you are far too fabulous to have to explain yours,
Keep smiling xxx
I just read yesterday's post, I have an incredibly busy week. First off I think I must say congratulations to you. I know this is going to sound crazy but my best friend, after 18 months of counseling, crying and trying to work on her marriage has finally filed for divorce. I have been her confidant every step of the way and finally congratulated her on making probably the toughest decision she will ever make. She told me it made her day to have me recognize what hell she has been through and she has the courage to change it!! So congratulations on changing your life.
ReplyDeletePeople can be really mean and nasty, I told my friend that she might be perceived as the villian because she is happy and at peace but she cannot worry about that, you will find out who your true friends are. You only get one chance at this life, make it the best. Go off and live that happy and beautiful life that you deserve and keep up those beautiful posts. Your blog is an extension of who you are, thoughtful and beautiful!!
I don't know why your post would have received any negative reaction. You were being truthful and honest which is refreshing. Sharing a part of yourself with your readers. You weren't bringing anyone down, just revealing a little more about what you were going through. And through it all you continue to inspire us all on a daily basis.
ReplyDeletexoxo
just don't let them get your attention ,being jealous they will never get that far, just enjoy what you do ....I love your post and its very inspiring
ReplyDeletekisses
www.rochellekecloset@blogspot.com
I love your blog...
ReplyDeletethe images and words inspire me a lot.
I read blogs because they bring me to a beautiful world, somewhere fun, exciting, and wonderful.
And I rarely comment with snark because I know personally that it is not easy to maintain a blog.
Don't let people like that get you down - I've got negative blog criticism before and it definitely sucks but it's not a reflection of you by any means, it's a sad glimpse into the sad life of a jealous and mean-spirited person. So hold you head high and hang in there!
ReplyDeletexoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.com
Like anything made public, I think people are always going to try to contextualize what you put out there based on how they read your blog. If they think of you as a design blogger, they may ask why you mention beauty products. If you provide an insight into your personal life, they may grimace and demand pretty escapism. The bottomline: this is your lovely corner of the internet. Use it as you wish and know that many readers enjoy whatever journey you take us on. You've created a reference point for you and others to reflect, and that's quite valuable, indeed. :)
ReplyDeleteOff to read yesterday's post. I've been travelling quite a bit which is not good for blogging. Controvery is good. Make people think.
ReplyDeleteI think you have such a positive attitude about that anonymous commenter. That person obviously has issues. You're awesome and nothing can change that.
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad that you received these comments, I find your blog a breath of fresh air!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.intotheblonde.com/
Debby-
ReplyDeleteYour blog is amazing, and I love your honesty.
I have been trashed several times, and usually post the comments. One group really attacked me because an architect didn't renovate a home to it former "Glory" and I am happy that he didn't. It was ugly.
Great post.
Teresa
xoxo
such pretty pictures!! sighhh :D controversy is good on blogs, I rather read blogs that have a personality than ones that just post nice pictures and say things like "i went to the park, it was pretty", you know?
ReplyDeleteFunny how people who leave nasty comments always hide behind anonymity. Cowards! Sorry you received such nasty comments, Debbie, you don't deserve that.
ReplyDeleteJust went back and read yesterdays post..not sure how I missed it. The post was brilliant on so many levels.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely correct, we all need an escape from the chaos life throws at us (expected, unexpected- it doesn't matter).
I think anyone who reads blogs and thinks that the authors have a picture perfect life... are a bit out of touch with reality. No one wants to air out their challenges in life ~ but some times by doing so, it helps them to get out their emotions and in turn it helps others who may feel they are the "only one" who has ever gone on a detour in life.
You are creative; inspiring; and its always a pleasure to stop by and visit ... your posts, images often bring a smile to my day that I would otherwise not have.
Keep on doing what you do! It makes the lives of others much fuller!! xo HHL
P.S. to answer your question ...YES... I've had people ask me why I share the challenges Mr. G and I have had with his family (which I haven't written about in a while ..but will be again soon) to having people tell me I need to stop writing about my accident. Yet , if I am able to help one person ... that is all that matters!!xo
Good writers always stur up something in people, whether the good or the bad. You inspire so many, so dont let this affect you!
ReplyDelete:)
Barbara
You go girl! Cause controversy! I love real people with real emotions. Keep it up, it's perfect!
ReplyDeletexo
Sharon
You inspire me Debby and make me smile. Your true friends stick with you. Count me in!
ReplyDeletexo Cathy
wow, sorry you had someone lash out at you
ReplyDeletei have been pretty lucky, but a few times i have had comments about my old ladiness if you will
whatever....at least i am out of bed and not walking around in sweats or yoga pants all day!
hope you have a fab weekend
brett
I had to go back to re-read your yesterday's post.....did I miss something? Anyone who cannot see life's beauty through your post and be inspired must be totally blind and heartless, or even more sadly, too bitter. What a sorry way to live! I am a survivor on many levels and I have refused to let the hurt turn to bitterness. I choose to forgive. I choose to love. I choose to encourage. I choose joy and laughter. I choose life! Thank you for being open and sharing your life with us. We are all better for it!
ReplyDeleteHow typical for people to write nasty comments anonymously!
ReplyDeleteI think I've only offended one reader who wasn't even a follower and definitely did not get my humour ;-)
I'm going to steal a phrase from hubby: "Don't let the bastards bring you down!" Maybe he stole this one from someone else ;-)
I dont understand how someone would post something negative, especially yesterday. You opened your heart and your life which is a very big step and its no ones business what you do or how you do it. I find it so odd that someone will go all they (anonymously of curse) and take the time and energy to leave a nasty comment. It's beyond me!
ReplyDeleteSad to hear that you are going through such tough times but it is a part of life, you can be upset and tired but never stop running :) You have put up such a great blog, its just different people tend to have different opinions on things or some times jealousy takes place, and sometimes people jsut doesnt know how to displays their opinion nicely :)
ReplyDeleteGoodluck with everything :) hold your head up high because all your readers here defintely believe you can do it :) and just avoid all those bad comments :D
Oh, my dear and lovely Debbie... I would like to share a phrase I read a while ago: "Everyone who does something, anything positive, useful or beautiful, will be criticized and insulted. The trick is to know it, accept it and do it anyway"
ReplyDeleteI admire your transparency... and if I am sure about something it's that your blog has never been a lie to anyone.. between the lines and between your beautiful images I was very able to notice you were having a hard time... however if you didn't want to share that would be ok as well..
I feel sorry about the unhappy people... and I feel happy for you starting a new stage in your life! keep it up my dear!
Debby,
ReplyDeleteIt takes a lot of courage and self confidence to share with others - whether it is in a personal conversation or via a blog. Please know that you are helping people with your honesty and transparency even if they don't always tell you.
I think it draws people closer!! I've noticed that the more I share about me personally...the bigger response it gets. That has been telling.
Please continue to be yourself and follow your instincts. I'm completely in your corner!!!
Big hugs!
xoxo Elizabeth
I read the post and not sure what got people upset?? I read it a few times too. To me haters are just background noise, I tune that out.
ReplyDeleteHello lovely friend,
ReplyDeleteMy reply is as follows:
A blog is a form of expression, and if one is not allowed to express, what is the point? This is your blog. It is not, however, a place to attack, and the person who left you a negative comment is, although expressing themselves, doing it from a place of inner distraught. This is not for your benefit, or the benefit of your readers, but for their own. (though seemingly directed towards you) They are writing this for no other purpose than for selfish reasons. Truly. Someone once explained this to me, and after some thought, it all became clear in my mind.
I have not yet read your post, though I will in a few minutes. Please keep blogging and sharing as you might, and in any case, practicing grace will always rise above those who choose not to.
Warmly,
Sarah