This document provides tips for handling negative blog comments. It advises responding to comments quickly, respectfully addressing points raised while correcting misinformation, and inviting further discussion. The example shows how a company representative politely responded to criticism, providing clarification and contact information. Their response changed the discussion tone from negative to positive, showing how addressing concerns can improve perceptions. The document also suggests creating clear comment policies and moderating unacceptable content.

1. How to Handle Negative Blog Comments

2. Mack Collier – Social Media Strategist Stay in touch with me here: Blog – http://mackcollier.com Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/mackcollier Email – mack.collier@gmail.com You can find this presentation online at: http://www.slideshare.net/mackcollier

3. Perception http://www.flickr.com/photos/magicasland/

4. Reality http://www.flickr.com/photos/49889874@N05/

5. You can’t ignore negative comments or ‘bury’ them…

6. When customers receive a response from a company after posting negative feedback, 33% then post a positive review, and 34% delete the original negative review. http://www.flickr.com/photos/loudtiger/ Source: Harris

7. If you handle negative feedback correctly, you can often convert a ranter into a raver http://www.flickr.com/photos/eelssej_/

10. Identify your role with the company

11. Be respectful of comments left, don’t lose your cool

12. Politely respond, address the points raised, correct any misinformation

13. Give readers a way to contact you for further comments

16. The article is filled with inconsistencies. One thing I did get from this article is, I will never buy furniture from Hardwood Artisans. Let's see... he pays his craftspeople $20 an hour without health benefits, charges $6k-8k for a bed, and is building a $700k house... what's wrong with this picture? The furniture is not only expensive, it's exploitive.

17. Here’s what I suggested to Alison…. Respond Clearly identify who you are and your relationship to the company BE RESPECTFUL of the opinions expressed Thank the commenters for their opinions, and politely offer your response Politely correct the misinformation in the article INVITE the commenters to continue to discuss this with you here in the comments PLUS give them your email address If they leave additional comments, answer them

18. Here’s the comment Alison left Hi, I'm the Director of Marketing for Hardwood Artisans. Thanks to all the commenters for all the interest in Hardwood Artisans. I do have one quick correction, no fault of Tom's. We've had health insurance available through the company since August of 2007. Employees can elect to take advantage of the company plan, but some have their own plans or get insurance through their spouses. Personally, I have the company plan. If anyone would like more information or has more feedback, feel free to email me at alison@hardwoodartisans.com or post here. I'm always happy to answer questions. Alison Heath

19. After Alison left that comment, the tone of the comments changed… “It sounds like a nice company “ “We have been buying furniture from Hardwood Artisans for twenty years. The furniture holds up really well. “ “I wish there were more companies like this. “ “I've been a client of HA for over 15 years…These guys build stuff my grandchildren will later fight over. “ “Still, if nothing else, my hat is off to Alison for being willing to step into the lion's den to answer questions “

20. What about real trolls? http://www.flickr.com/photos/magicasland/

21. Create a Comment Policy For Your Blog Encourage comments, and clearly explain what type of comments are acceptable Spell out exactly what type of language is acceptable You NEVER have to let a comment that attacks you or your readers stand, or one with profanity If you moderate comments, let readers know

22. Any Questions? http://www.flickr.com/photos/hiddedevries/