You Need a Thick Skin to Participate Online
Earlier, I read a thread on Geeks about Trent Reznor, the Nine Inch Nails frontman, deleting his Twitter account. Trent embraced Twitter quite awhile ago after discovering what an amazing outlet it can be. He quickly recognized the excellent means of communication Twitter provides. He helped raise over a million dollars via Twitter for a fan of his needing a heart transplant. He talked about the band’s upcoming tours and album, and reached out to fans. Trent loved the fact that fans got to know the “real” side of him, and that they learned there is more to him than just being “the NIN singer”.
Trent told the truth as he saw it on Twitter. He wasn’t afraid to say what he thinks about anything or anyone – positive or negative. However, this created some “hate tweets” from users. Reznor wasn’t happy when people lashed out at him for something he thought or said. He withdrew from Twitter for awhile at one point, and posted about his hatred of the site on his own blog. He returned recently for a short while, but it didn’t last. The account is now completely gone. He has stated that “idiots rule” on social networks.
My advice to Mr. Reznor is to grow a thicker skin. When you are in any type of spotlight, you are going to have critics and haters. Heck, I’m not even famous, and I have my share of people who leave idiotic, hateful or rude comments on each and every social networking site I’m on. You just let those roll off your back. If someone gives constructive criticism – learn from it. If they are simply a troll, ignore them and move on with your life. There are thousands upon thousands of GOOD people on social networking sites, ones who support you. They are the ones who buy tickets to your concerts. They are the ones who purchase your CDs. They are the ones whose opinions you should care about.
There are always going to be trolls, idiots and haters. Why let people like that rule your life, how you conduct yourself, or how you perceive yourself? Why would you judge all people on social networks based on the idiocy of a few? Isn’t that a bit much?
This wasn’t the only good story that caught my eye in our community today, but it is the one that spoke to me the most! All of you have been posting some excellent things on both Lockergnome and Geeks. I hope you take the time to check out what others are doing, as well.
- Clearwire is finally supporting OS X.
- How do you handle indecisive people?
- Convert your car to electric to save money.
- The Microsoft EU e-store collapsed during the rush of customers wanting to pre-order Windows 7 at a discount.
- The DoJ vs Google – is this another Microsoft fiasco?
- Don’t count Yahoo out just yet.
- Airlines are winning – and keeping – customers by using Twitter.
- Keep malware – and naked reporters – off of your computer.
- Say goodbye to the F-22 fighter jet.
8 Comments
sean808080
July 22nd, 2009
at 4:14am
sad to see trolls scared away someone who seemed to get it. trolls have been around as long as there have been new ways for people to connect. ignoring them seems to be the best approach.
Zagorath
July 22nd, 2009
at 4:37am
Well said!
You should try to see if you can get him to read this, although it’s very unlikely…
Lisa
July 22nd, 2009
at 4:43am
This is my 10th year of writing “scam-busting” articles online and I have to agree that, at least at first glance, it DOES seem as though idiots rule the internet. I get about 1 “Thank you” or “That was helpful” comment for every 200 “You’re a moron” or “F you”.
Chris is absolutely right, you MUST be thick skinned. Anonymity and distance embolden people and they will say and do things they would never have the courage to do to your face. To survive online you HAVE to learn to separate legitimate criticism from idiotic knee-jerk reactions.
On the other hand, there are only so many times you can hear “You totally suck” before it starts to get to you.
steve
July 22nd, 2009
at 6:07am
To Trent Reznor: You’re missing a beautiful opportunity here. No, not all that stuff that you used to love about Twitter. The frustration and anger that Twitter brings up in you could be your fuel – your best music has always been the stuff you’re angriest about. Shouldn’t you be tapping into all that angst to drive your creative process? Just a thought.
To Chris Pirillo: I like your site and your commentary, but these floating ads that fly across my screen, forcing me to close them in order to even read your posts are driving me nuts. I’m all for bloggers making money through ad revenue, really. I totally support that – but you’ve gone a step or two too far with those. Just my opinion. I figured that responding to a post about growing thicker skin would be a good place to insert this critique. ;) Cheers!
Kitty
July 22nd, 2009
at 6:57am
He’s right though. Even on your site, the people who have the least to contribute and the biggest agenda, are the ones who talk the most, drowning out, if not altogether abusing good users.
Ron Knights
July 22nd, 2009
at 8:33am
Chris,
Yes, I guess you need a thick skin.
But then again, people should know how to act mature. There should also be a way to govern or banish the trolls and hateful people.
At times, it’s seemed that you have been affected by the insults against you. I’ve seen it in your videos, etc.
But Chris, you’re only human.
Over the past decade I was active in the 3D online community. The Trolls kept after me that long before I finally left.
Now I’m in the Geeky Community, and have attracted a loyal following.
To date I’ve only attracted one Troll.. He’s a loyal Troll, having followed me for 14 months.
iEllie
July 22nd, 2009
at 9:56am
I fully agree with you on this. If you are going to put yourself out there whether it be musically, on the Internet, on TV, the radio or anything you have to have a thick skin. People are judgmental and everyone has an opinion. The Internet allows anyone that has an opinion to voice it which is great but can be hurtful. In the end you have to just let it roll of your back.
No one likes a Troll but they are out there and if you don’t want to deal with them then don’t put yourself out there.
WebCelebCarbonFootprint
July 22nd, 2009
at 6:07pm
LOL I’m sorry, but what a tool. NIN always annoyed me. I remember when the I want to F you like an animal song came out… and if you went out they would play it once every 15 minutes (so it seemed). To me the aholeness of the song is similar to the way he has reacted by pulling his Twitter account.
Sorry Trent, but you really AREN’T God. lol