Blogger Confidential: Rude Comments

Have you ever been faced with an issue while reading or blogging and thought: I wonder what other bloggers think about this?  No matter what genre or audience you blog for, we all face the same problems.  Are you a publisher or author wondering what goes on in a blogger's (and by extension a reader's) head?

Blogger confidential is a series of 9 questions asked to 10 bloggers about the nitty gritty details of blogging. Everything from what prompts a blogger to pick up a book, to what happens when a book doesn't live up to its hype.  This series was inspired by Wastepaper Prose's Author Insight series.

What's your policy regarding inappropriate comments on your blog? How do define "inappropriate"? (Rude, self-promotional, etc.)

"Seems like we've managed to steer clear of this also because we haven't had any rude comments, and honestly if we did get some, chances are we would just delete it. We're both very opinionated but we don't feel that our blog is the appropriate place for stupid or unnecessary arguments." Vanessa and Isalys from Book Soulmates

"I don't allow them, same goes for my forum. My sites are set up to be family friendly. I don't have the time to deal with nor do I tolerate rude comments, put downs or comments that I couldn't read if my children were sitting on my lap while I'm reading through my blogs and forum. I also don't allow for bashing. There's a way to get a point of cross without coming out and bashing someone or their book." Katie from Mundie Moms

"Well, if they attack me personally, I delete and forget about it. If they simply state a different opinion than mine, I accept and maybe respond. Self-promotion I've never minded, but lately it's getting ridiculous. So I might have to do something about that... I'd love to know what others do!" Sabrina at YA Bliss

"Personally, I am okay with people having their say on my blog. The only comments I delete are the ones that sound like spam. Other than that, I want to hear people’s opinions, even if they are rude. I leave rude comments alone, and respond only if I feel the need to defend myself. I screencap it all, though, so be prepared for your words to haunt you even if you delete your own comment. :)" Penelope from The Reading Fever

"There's very little that I'd deem inappropriate in terms of insulting me but if personal attacks get involved that's when I step in. As for self-promoting comments I don't think anything of them because they get deleted. I do have a section on my policy that generally addresses comments." Donna from Bites

"We haven't have any inappropriate comments on our blog. But we've definitely seen them. Being rude or calling a reviewer a name isn't very nice and we don't understand why some people would do that!" Sash and Em from Sash and Em a Tale of Two Bookies

"As far as comments, self-promotional I usually delete, if you want advertising, buy it. Rude, like small digs, or sharp disagreements, I'll usually respond and leave them there. Unless they get graphic or really nasty, then I'll delete them. Responding wouldn't work most likely." Rachel from Parajunkee

"I don't have a written policy regarding comments on my blog, but since it is MY blog and is, in many ways, a reflection of myself, I tend to think that I have the right to delete something if I find it particularly offensive or inappropriate. However, I will also say that I believe everyone has a right to his or her opinion, so I welcome healthy debates, as long as people keep it relatively respectful. Lucky for me, the people who comment on my blog have for the most part been extremely sweet and courteous. To this day, I have never had to delete a single comment that wasn't spam (ex: unsolicited advertisements that have nothing to do with the topic being discussed)." Natalie from Mindful Musings

"I’m lucky – I don’t think I’ve gotten rude comments on my blog. I have gotten a couple of self-promotional comments but I usually just ignore those. If I get rude comments (e.g. contains swear words or angry comments that don’t have a point), I’ll probably delete those." Chachic from Chachic's Book Nook

"For the most part, our readers are intelligent, articulate and respectful. Occasionally, we get comments from ignorant people, but before we even get a chance to respond, our readers have addressed it. FYA is a pretty self-governing place, and there's only been a few times when we've had to remove a comment for being hateful." Sarah from Forever Young Adult