This document summarizes a panel discussion on handling negativity online. The panelists were bloggers who discuss fashion, food, and lifestyle topics. They addressed where negativity is found, what constitutes a negative comment, how to handle truly negative comments, and the technical aspects of deleting, blocking, or moderating comments through tools like IP addresses and comment policies. Maintaining a positive attitude after negative comments and balancing authenticity with avoiding controversy were also discussed.

1. Rising Above the
Negativity

2. Panelists
Brittany Mullins
•
Eating Bird Food
•
http://eatingbirdfood.com
•
@eatingbirdfood

3. Panelists
Heather Shugarman
•
Then Heather Said
•
http://thenheathersaid.com
•
@ThenHeatherSaid

4. Panelists
Julie Fagan
•
Peanut Butter Fingers
•
http://pbfingers.com
•
@PBFingers

5. Panelists
Courtney Horan
•
Sweet Tooth Sweet Life
•
http://sweettoothsweetlife.com
•
@SweetToothCourt

6. Where is negativity present?

7. What constitutes a negative
comment?

8. How do you handle a truly
negative comment?

10. How do you delete, block or
moderate comments?

11. Handling Negativity:
The Technical Side

12. IP Address
•
Every computer on the internet­ has a unique identifying number, called an
IP Address

13. IP Address
•
May use IP address to link anonymous commenters to past comments
they’ve left on your blog
•
Be your own Inspector Gadget

14. IP Address
•
Login to Comments section of WordPress Dashboard
•
Copy and paste IP address into “Search Comments” bar to find all
comments by that user

16. Blocking an IP Address
WordPress Dashboard:
•
Login to Settings  Discussion

17. Blocking an IP Address
wo Options:
Comment Moderation
•
Comment will be held in
queue for your approval
Comment Blacklist
•
Comment marked
as spam immediately

18. Comment Policy
A policy that stipulates what kind of comments will be removed from your blog

19. J’s Everyday Fashion
“J’s Everyday Fashion is a website that
provides free fashion advice and inspiration.
The focus of this website is on YOU and
helping you achieve your personal style, not
critiquing J's outfits. We guarantee that you
won't love every outfit that is posted (fashion
is way too subjective!), but we ask that you
please keep negative comments to yourself.

20. How do you remain positive
after a negative comment?

21. How do you balance putting
your “true self” out there with
putting on a happy face and
trying not to “stir the pot?”

22. In closing…

23. YOU DO YOU!