teaching sewing confidence, tip by tip

Tuesday, 7 July 2015

Anonymous Comments - One Truth and One Lie


 Wow, a comment on my blog this morning left me momentarily stunned.


It's small to read so here's what it says

"This post is almost two months old - can you please stop linking it up at every single link up party across the quilting interwebs? I think we've all gotten the point."
What galls me is that this person opted to remain anonymous - leaving me unable to enter a dialogue with them, understand why they have an issue with my blogging behaviour and correct the inaccuracies in their statements.   Quite simply 'Anonymous' can say what they like about me and I don't even know who they are. 

Yes I can reply to their comment directly on the blog post not knowing if they or anyone else will ever drop by and read it there or I can delete the comment so no-one ever knows about it, just me and 'Anonymous'  - instead I've chosen to write this blog post - it's my right to reply.


One Truth and One Lie

Here's the truth - yes, in four days time the blog post you commented on will indeed be two months old,

but here's the lie - I don't keep adding this post to linky parties, in fact I haven't since the week I created the post, and as you pointed out, this is almost two months ago.  Even then the number of linky parties I added it to was very limited as the post contained a giveaway (now over) and most linky parties don't allow you to add giveaways so my activity at that time could hardly be described as "every single link up party across the quilting interwebs".  If you have evidence of my blog post being added to linky parties without my knowledge then please share so I can investigate further.

Dear 'Anonymous', I'm not clear what the point is you believe I'm trying to make, although according to you many feel the same way "we've all gotten it".  Whatever happened to compel you to leave this comment on my blog this morning I hope your week gets better from this point forward. 

For me the week ahead remains unchanged, I'm still going to have lots of fun sewing, crafting and spending time with friends and loved ones.  You may or may not (and if you're not then I just don't care!) be pleased to hear I'll be linking any posts I like to any Linky Party I want to.  If you want to join in too click the image below to find out all my fave Linky Parties.





Until fairly recently I blocked anonymous comments from my blog but decided to reinstate them so I could connect with more of my readers - I know not everyone wants/has Google accounts, etc, to enable them to comment but you'd still like to be able to comment.  In the weeks since I reinstated anonymous comments this is the only nasty comment I've received and there have been many more lovely ones that totally negate today's experience so, for now, I'll leave anonymous comments open on my blog.


If you're a blogger do you allow anonymous comments?  If so, have you received nasty comments from 'Anonymous'?  Maybe you've received the very same comment and this is a spam comment landing randomly on many blogs? Whatever your experience please share in the comments - anonymously or otherwise and have a really great week ;D


Update at 2.04 pm, Tuesday, 7 July 2015:
Checking my visitor stats website I have found out more about 'Anonymous', I now know that 'Anonymous' lives in Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States and was making their fourth return visit to my blog from that IP address.  They visited at 8:01:56 and moved to the comment section of the post at 8:02:54, they visited my blog for a total of 48 seconds.  I also know their internet service provider, IP address, host name, operating system and even the browser they used and it's highly likely I know where they work too as this information all points to a domain name though I won't disclose any of that here.  Probably not all blog readers realise this stat information is freely available to all bloggers for their blogs and remaining anonymous doesn't guarantee anonymity.  

 I also now know from my stats that 'Anonymous' came to my blog via the Building Blocks Tuesday linky party.  This linky party is an ongoing one that appears to be new each week but actually carries the link up over for at least a month and over this summer period even longer.  My block was added to this linky almost two months ago at the very beginning of the link up period and not today as 'Anonymous' presumably assumed.

Off to enjoy my week now :D



Clicking on a image will take you to a new page of crafty goodness :)
 





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47 comments:

  1. Newbie Jen7 July 2015 at 14:50

    Wow, Chrissie. I don't know what to say. Personally, I thought the idea of linky parties was to link up and have fun. I am really sorry that someone clicked thru my linky and made this comment. I had no idea that keeping my linky open for an extended period during my summer holiday would be anything but positive. I hope this doesn't happen again. Again, so sorry.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chris Dodsley @made by ChrissieD7 July 2015 at 15:00

      Thanks Jen but don't be sorry, you're not responsible for the comment. I was about to email you just to tell you about the post with the comment having come via your linky, I wasn't expecting you to do anything but just so you'd know before you saw the post. You have, however, beaten me to it! I hope you're enjoying your break the pic of your daughter in the sea with her snorkel board is wonderful. Have a great holiday - Chris :D

      Delete
  2. Unknown7 July 2015 at 14:51

    OMG how rude! I applaud you! And invite you to my link up every wednesday and thursday ;o)
    I wish for you a perfect week.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ~Diana7 July 2015 at 15:29

    Some people just need to bitch~moving on...

    ReplyDelete
  4. LadySchep7 July 2015 at 17:14

    Yikes! I allow anonymous commenters, but haven't received any negative comments yet, but I probably have a lot less traffic on mine. Some people need to be reminded that if they don't have anything nice to say, it's better to say nothing at all.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Patchwork Fairy7 July 2015 at 17:29

    Gosh! I wonder if it was a 'troll' just going round saying stuff for the fun of it? - sort of like people saying inflammatory things in online groups. I allow anonymous comments but not seen one like this, although I too don't have as many as you do probably so the chance is less. It's horrible but one of the new nasty cyber bullying things we now have in our world. Keep on linking and blogging and feel sorry for that person needing to be so nasty.

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  6. Jill7 July 2015 at 17:34

    It's sad that there are people out there who feel the need to leave comments like that. Over the years I've had just a handful of hurtful comments on my blog, FAR outweighed by lovely positive ones, but each negative one still does have an effect.. I don't think allowing or not allowing anonymous comments makes a difference either - some people are happy to put their name to their negative comments!

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  7. Jayne7 July 2015 at 17:57

    I do allow anonymous comments, never have I received a nasty comment. I love how you handled the situation. Classy, unlike little anonymous! I can only imagine how irritating and aggravating it has been for you.

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  8. Pam @Threading My Way7 July 2015 at 21:19

    I disabled anonymous comments due to the large amount of spam I was receiving. Thankfully, I have never had any nasty comments. Sorry you had to wake up to that comment, Chris, but you handled it well. Keep linking up your projects to my link parties, no matter how old they are.

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  9. Lisa7 July 2015 at 21:45

    Chrissie - I love this post. So glad you shared - I really did have a smile and a happy giggle when you declare that you will link to all linky parties you choose - exactly right!!! You go girl!!!

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  10. Kathy E.7 July 2015 at 22:38

    Wow. Some people really feel empowered when they can tell others what to do. To do it anonymously and with the wording they chose, is just cowardly. You have every darn right to post your link wherever and whenever you like! Of course, *anonymous* needs to get the facts right before pointing fingers. This person wants to upset you...don't let him/her have that power over you! Laugh and enjoy life and be wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Celtic Thistle8 July 2015 at 02:14

    How nasty Chrissie! I disabled anonymous comments a while ago as I was getting lots.of spam but I hadn't thought about also disabling comments like these too as a coincidence. I think to post a nasty comment is bad enough but to do it anonymously is beyond the pail!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Preeti8 July 2015 at 02:26

    I get anonymous comments filtered into spam but still once in a while they creep into one of the old posts. I also see that I get views from some weird sites too :(
    It's good that you are following statistics to keep a check on your blog. I think we all need this as best practice.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Nita8 July 2015 at 02:32

    Well, wtf is all I can think of to say. Or the cliché "what is wrong with some people??" I've never had a pissy comment on my blog, but my blog is so small, I can practically count my followers using just my hands and feet, lol! I feel sorry for that poor miserable person. What a way to live.

    ReplyDelete
  14. pajtr8 July 2015 at 02:55

    Wow... What a shockingly rude and ridiculous thing for cowardly "anonymous" to say!!
    Congratulations, Chrissie, for handling it in such a classy way...
    And thank you for writing this post!
    (I was especially delighted how you pointed out that anonymity is an illusion in modern communication! Truly, media activity is traceable, our personal information/identities are knowable!)
    Bravo, Chrissie!!
    Pat T.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. pajtr8 July 2015 at 03:05

      On a side note, I personally appreciate seeing links kept up, as I often "discover" people and projects long after they were posted! It's the reason I much prefer blogs, current and archived, to more "immediate" media forms...

      Delete
    2. kmscearce21 July 2015 at 06:57

      Hi Chrissie I know I'm in the wrong place but I am very new to the "blog world". I was curious where or how to get labels like the little one you have on the reversible tote, handbag, pocketbook (lol). ! Sorry about the nasty comment you received. Some people are just so miserable with themselves they feel the need to share their unhappiness :-( thank you, Karen

      Delete
    3. Chris Dodsley @made by ChrissieD26 September 2015 at 00:04

      Hi Karen, I've only just seen your message here about my labels - there's no email attached to your profile so I can't reply to you but if you see this message do drop me an email, madebyChrissieD at hotmail dot com, and I'll be happy to give you the info - Chris :D

      Delete
  15. Catherine8 July 2015 at 03:02

    I wonder if Anonymous ever bothers to write a blog post her(him)self? If they see a post in one or two places they do not need to click through and read it again so what is their gripe???? So glad you used your blog to get this off your chest. I have never had an anonymous comment as my blog readership is so small. I for one like to link up to several link parties if I think I have something interesting to show and tell.

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  16. Beth8 July 2015 at 03:21

    I'm sorry you were subjected to such rudeness. Clearly, it was a reflection of the commenter, as your forthright and measured response was a reflection of you. I'm glad to be one of your readers rather than one of her co-workers, that's for certain.

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  17. Lin8 July 2015 at 03:49

    Such a shame you have had this horrible comment Chris. But I am pleased that you have replied publically and agree with everything you say. My blog does allow comments from anonymous but I have never had any and fortunately no unfavourable comments. I was interested to see how much you have been able to find out about your anonymous! Enjoy your week and don't let it bug you anymore. xx

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  18. Blue Moth8 July 2015 at 04:23

    I love all your posts, including this one. If I miss one I might see it on a linky. So keep linking and I hope you don't get any more random comments from saddos.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Michele8 July 2015 at 05:51

    I too disabled anonymous commenting a while ago due to the spam I was receiving. Everyone else already said what I was thinking about that commenter. Obviously we all support you and Yes you did handle this well. I'm betting though that the person won't apologize for getting it wrong. People like that tend to think they are never wrong.

    ReplyDelete
  20. lalaluu8 July 2015 at 08:11

    I sometimes see the same project linked up to multiple linky parties in one week, since there's a linky party out there for every day of the week practically, and really that's how it should be. No one wants to wait to share their just finished quilty goodness! Of course, if I've already seen the blog, I don't click on it again. However, I do understand that not everyone knows about all the daily linky parties, so these bloggers are trying to reach out to as many readers as possible by posting to multiple linky parties. I personally just chose one and move on; I'm not trying to expand my readership or anything. I'm just documenting my quilty progress for myself, family and friends (and sometimes the online community stops by). I have had positive comments only so far (blogging less than a year), and honestly, the most hurtful comment I received was at a local guild meeting show 'n tell. Our quilts were being paraded anonymously for voting and a lady beside me said, "Is that supposed to be a string quilt?" And that was our challenge, and I used the pattern from Sunday Morning Quilts for Scrapper's Delight, which IS a string quilt, and I used ALL STRINGS to piece it! Yes, I'm still miffed about it! :) I am chalking it up to traditional vs modern quilting POVs though, and thankfully, my bee friends within the guild are VERY supportive and are intrigued by my more modern quilting choices! As for your anonymous commenter, whether they hide behind that or sign in and leave their name, I think my feelings can be summed up by saying, "If you don't have anything nice (or perhaps constructive) to say, don't say ANYTHING at all!" And maybe this is beating a dead horse but, WHY do people have to tear down others to make themselves feel better? Nothing good ever came of degrading anyone - walk a mile in their shoes, realize that a small positive comment might make a big positive difference in someone's life, and understand that in quilting, specifically, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

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  21. Helen@Till We Quilt Again8 July 2015 at 08:37

    I disabled my anonymous awhile back due to the spam-- was just not worth it. As to the anonymous commenter-you have a choice to read a post or not- be a bigger person--just move past the post if you are not interested. Blogging is a sharing community where we share + learn. Thank You Chrissie for doing it so well!!

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  22. kc8 July 2015 at 08:38

    Class (or lack thereof ) shows. You handled that situation with plenty of respect (not necessarily deservedly, but why bother stooping to their level) and good humor. I, too, hope their week gets better. Can you imagine having to live in such a sour place? Please keep delivering your goodness, quilt or otherwise, everywhere you see fit. There are lots of us who appreciate it!

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  23. Denise Bongiovanni~8 July 2015 at 09:01

    People need to get a life. I guess there was no dog to kick so they picked you! I like your blog, good advice, inspiration and now laughs!!!

    Have a great day Chrissie!! I plan on enjoying my day as well, too bad we all won't!

    Nini~

    ReplyDelete
  24. mumbird38 July 2015 at 09:08

    Hi
    There are always nasty people out there looking for attention! Just ignore - they really want to make a scene! I like your blog and I love linky parties - so inspiring to see what everyone is doing!

    ReplyDelete
  25. kingman quilter8 July 2015 at 09:12

    Chrissie - I love information security - and you're right - people have no idea of the digital "trail" they leave behind on the internet. Pay no mind to unkind and idiotic comments. Chances are "anonymous" could lose his/her job if you took the issue to the company from which anonymous posted their unkind comment if, indeed, the company has "information security" policies in place. (i.e. Employees shall not use corporate assets for personal business.)

    Carry on - ignore ignoramus idiots......I enjoy your blog tremendously.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Carol- Beads and Birds8 July 2015 at 09:56

    Your'e good!! I often look at my blog stats, but never delved into them. I allow anonymous comments, but I also approve all comments. Most of the anonymous are spam and are deleted before they appear. I have never had a mean comment and I think I would react much in the same manner as you did. Some people are just born to be mean. Other's have a bad day and can't control their actions. Thanks for the post and all the information you offered. Thanks for continuing to blog too. We are a friendly blog loving bunch. You certainly came across a bad apple!!
    xx, Carol

    ReplyDelete
  27. kathy8 July 2015 at 10:34

    I use blogger. It allows me to set approval on any comment over ten days. This keeps spam from appearing on old posts. There are a lot of settings to customize how you want comments to appear. From approving all to allowing anything. I go back and forth about 'anonymous'. Currently (my opinion), it's not difficult to 'register', somehow, so missy anonymous can leave a comment. If they want to leave a comment bad enough, they will jump thru the hoops.
    And yes {{reminder}}; EVERYTHING online is forever. Play nice.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Unknown8 July 2015 at 10:48

    Chrissie I love your blog and check in very often. I also love linky's for the wonderful inspiration! Thanks for all you do, and may anonymous just go bitch somewhere else!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Cathy Smith8 July 2015 at 13:26

    Chris- I never cease to be amazed how small minded people feel empowered to say anything they want all because they are hiding behind a computer screen. I seriously doubt that they would have the "intestinal fortitude" to say the same thing to you face to face. As you can see from the previous comments here you have a loyal following that appreciates your creativity and your kindness in sharing it with us. Focus on that, not on a nasty twit!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Lucy | Charm About You8 July 2015 at 13:56

    I disabled anonymous comments because of spam too and since a lot of people have done the same I think anyone that genuinely wants to engage and leave comments on blogs would take the time to register!! This person clearly had too much time on their hands, you have to laugh at it not being so anonymous!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Kathy H8 July 2015 at 15:47

    I enjoy reading your blog. I don't know why some people feel the need to say negative comments like that. If someone doesn't like a blog or what is posted, just don't read the blog anymore.i certainly enjoy the inspiration that you give to me. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Kim8 July 2015 at 16:14

    I stopped allowing anonymous comments along time ago because of nasty commenters.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Terri8 July 2015 at 17:07

    Anybody leaving such a nasty note, and doing it anonymously, is a coward. I always told my kids to consider the source of nasty comments. If you respect the commenter, then listen... if not - don't. It's a free country, she can say what she wants. Her comment says more about her ignorance, than it says anything about you. Don't take it to heart, my Friend.
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous9 July 2015 at 07:32

    Obviously anonymous who wrote that nasty comment has way to much time on their hands. They need to get a life. That was an unnecessary comment and mean spirited. Their intention was to upset you. Don't let them, they aren't worth the energy. I know it's easier said than done but try to take it from the source – they are probably jealous or just a troll. You have a lovely blog and your work is beautiful. It is YOUR blog and regardless of how many times you linked up "the same thing" (which you didn't) it's YOURS.

    Sorry I'm commenting anonymously. I don't have a blog. Blogger doesn't let me comment anymore. But I did want to take the time to let you know I enjoy your blog and your work very much.

    ReplyDelete
  35. WAZOO! Quilting9 July 2015 at 10:41

    I tried to do the 'linky' thing one time and did it incorrectly. I got a nasty reply from the original site and that made me decide to never try to link again. I am not a computer wizard, and will be happy being just a voyeur and not a participant. People can be so mean. Please tell your peeps that a lot of quilters are over 60 and didn't grow up with computers.
    Thanks for your great blog! Mine is not well attended, but it makes me happy just to let the few followers I have see what I am doing. Susan Slaton, the Wazoo quilter

    ReplyDelete
  36. Vivian9 July 2015 at 11:30

    Unfortunately, over the years I've witnessed a few really good bloggers stop blogging for periods of time (and some permanently) as a result of receiving comments like this. It can be hard to share yourself and then have self indulgent people post to YOUR site in ways that reflect that they don't really know you (because if they followed you, they would know what they are saying is not true).

    Thanks for the info about finding the source of comments. I've had a few spam posts in the past and didn't know I could actually track them rather than just delete them. Ignore the haters, they're not your audience!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Pat9 July 2015 at 15:48

    Yes, and they were probably reading blogs on 'company time', lol. It is amazing how many people entertain themselves by making negative and/or nasty comments anywhere they get the opportunity.

    I enjoy your blog and I think it is fun when I see you pop up in a linky party.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anonymous12 July 2015 at 19:06

    Hi Chris...I really enjoy reading your blog....its informative and professional. I think there are some jealous people out there. Keep on blogging Kim Griffiths :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. rachelg13 July 2015 at 14:36

    'Anonymous' probably shouldn't be commenting on people's posts from her/his work address anyway. Obviously too much time on her/his hands! Some people are just plain snotty.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Pinkadot Quilts14 July 2015 at 17:01

    It is most likely someone who is jealous of you for some reason! Move on and don't waste anymore time on negative people.I love reading your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Debra15 July 2015 at 08:48

    BRAVO! People need to relax!! I do allow Anonymous replys to my blog, but have never received anything like this. Sorry you won the "rude comment from Anonymous" prize. :-(

    ReplyDelete
  42. Sue Kaiser15 July 2015 at 09:18

    I love your response to the fool who made the comments. I know, I have been told, I am one of those who is anonymous but I don't know how to change it. Suekaiser826 at gmail dot com 😉 I love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Dee Spillane15 July 2015 at 11:00

    Hmm, rude yes. Don't like don't read is my thought. Live your blog even if I don't comment much.

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from everyone, thank you for taking the time to read my blog and share your thoughts. Please leave a message to let me know you visited, it's a great way to get to know you all better too :)

Chris Dodsley


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