Should I be blunt? Blunt usually works well for me, so I will give it whack.
- In case you haven’t noticed, I was born with red hair. I did not have any say in the matter. In your email you said,“I hate your red hair and wish that you would get it off the header.” I’m sorry you feel so strongly, but I must tell you that I’m still trying really hard not to laugh. What do you suggest I use in my header? I mean really, how can you go through life and not love a redhead?! We are an awesome minority and the photo below is proof. Of course, that is purely my unbiased opinion.
Image: source- Another day and another email stated that, “Your template is so boring. How long are you going to keep it this way? Please change it because I cringe each time I visit your blog.” Hmmmm. I almost don’t know what to say to that one, but let me try. I created my template and find the colors relaxing, peaceful and I think they rather match my hair coloring. The pictures are larger in my posts and I have plenty of room in the sidebar for all the widgets that mean something to me. If you cringe when you visit, why are you visiting? Are you one of those people who like to bang your head on a wall and then complain that you have a headache? Tsk. Tsk. However I do not want you to worry because your wish is going to come true. I’m working on a new template and I’m not sure if I will use the same colors, but I’m pretty sure my red head will still be in the header.
- The next email was from the very famous Anonymous who forgot to leave a link to their blog. Do you know him/her? The note said, “I am an atheist and find your belief in God almost as silly as fairy tales read to children. Surely a woman as intelligent and witty as you claim to be would see how erroneous your beliefs are and how they hold you back from having a successful life.” All I can say to this is that you might want to work on your converting technique because it is a bit rough. I have atheist friends and none of them are rude to me about my religious beliefs. Maybe you should try practicing the rule that I gleaned from the movie Bambie. Thumper is the bunny rabbit and his mother taught him that “If you can’t say somethin’ nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.” For the record, Anonymous, just ask my mother and she will tell you that I am intelligent and witty.
- As far as the comment, “Be real! No one has a life that is always so happy!” Why do I always get this comment? I’m trying to be p-o-s-i-t-i-v-e because it helps make life h-a-p-p-i-e-r. Obviously, this reader has been living in an internet cave because wasn’t it just a few weeks ago I was blogging about my father’s death? There was also the terror of my daughter’s brush with death a few months ago. To top it all off, today my husband was laid off again. Obviously, degrees on the wall don’t override tenure or familial connections within a company. Yeah, it rather stinks like Limburger cheese and I hate the stress. I hope this is being real enough for you. All the weight of earning income for the family is back on my shoulders which hold up the intelligent and witty red head that the first and third Anonymous writers don’t like very much. I think, however, there are millions of other families that are financially struggling, so I’ve got company.
Since I am in the midst of making some major changes to my blog and my life, I am reaching out for your personal preferences and opinions about my blog. I won’t necessarily use them all, but I want to know the feelings of the vast majority of my readers. I created a poll that you will find in my sidebar. All your answers will be anonymous which will give you the freedom to be brutally honest. If you want to be specific in the comments section, you can do that also. I would greatly appreciate your candor, expertise and opinion.
Oh, I did leave out the spammers that are obsessed with their body parts. Let me just say that if you send me the emails in English, Chinese or any other language, I do the same thing to them that I do to Bella’s little piles of poop. Yep, gone forever without examination. Ewwwwww….please tell me that you didn’t get a visual of that poop thing.
You did?
Yuck!
I’m sorry, I just couldn’t resist the temptation. Just be glad I resisted posting a picture.
Your face all scrunched in disgust is rather funny!
I do not understand why someone would read a blog they don't even like and then take the time to post a reply. Some people have too much time on their hands.
I love your blog. I am glad you are intelligent and do not let rude people tarnish your talent.
Why can not people be nice to each other?
Oh my – I am speechless – How or why would anyone say those things.
I love your red hair – and I love your blog and blog template and blog colors. It's separated nicely if I have time and in the mood I look right and if not I just read your posts.
I wish you luck on your move – I hope you can find something you like in the move. I love your cheerful attitude. Telling people about your bad day only makes it a bad day – finding the one good thing in your bad day and blogging about it – turns it into a good day.
I LOVE this post, it has made my day (guess I need to get a life), wish I could say more but 3 of the kids are not in bed and I have to go. LOVED IT!
supergrand2009@yahoo.com
It's your blog and you can do with it what you want.
If they don't like it, or your red hair on the header, to bad, so sad.
Joan, that is what I always think…how do people have so much time to go to blogs they don't like and then write LONG emails? I want that time!!!
discovervitalitynow
Thank you. If you figure out the answer to that question of yours, I want to be your partner and we will market it together. (wink)
Modista Modesta
Thank you. I kind of want to keep everything pretty much the same, but I'm going to wait to see what the poll says and then I might be influenced.
shirley
Cracked me up because I imagined 3 screaming children running all around you while you were trying to type! Thank you!
Vicki
You made me think of that song, ? It's my party and I'll cry if I want to…?
I would just have to change the word "party" to "blog"
LMBO
Personally, I like your blog the way it is, Red. Not sure why people who don't like certain blogs and/or bloggers take time to visit and criticize.
I just came back from Blissdom Canada, a blogging conference, and some of the speakers shared some of the bizarre comments that people left them on their blog. People are strange and some should not be allowed to own computers! We now call those people "Trolls".
I hope you don't have any more trolls stop by! 🙂
Lovin' the picture of all those redheads. Who says we're going extinct?
Anyway, it's your blog. You should be able to design it the way you like. But I don't see how you can be the Redhead Riter and not be sporting red hair somewhere on the blog 🙂
This is your mom, I have the answer!!!! People who do nothing but find fault with others are miserable evil ugly nasty selfish human beings!!!!They just envy you and what kind of intellect is it to go to a blog or anything that is so repulsive to spend time doing it???What kind of nut ball is that. YOU ARE MY CHILD, YOU ARE A WONDERFUL CHRISTIAN WOMAN WHO IS DROP DEAD GORGEOUS AND HAS AN IQ YOU NEVER BRAG ABOUT. NOW , BRING THEM ON , I AM READY TO FIGHT. YOU KEEP LOVING JESUS, SEND THOSE CREEPS TO MAMA,LOL. I LOVE YOU AND I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND IF YOU CAN LIFT JUST ONE SOUL, THE ANGELS REJOICE.
LOVE YOUR
MOM
Love your red hair and I always wanted to be a redhead myself. I just finally had to give up and accept my inner brunette (of course now I guess I'd be gray…)
It's very nice of you to open up the comments like that. Some people are just mean, right? Your blog looks beautiful, there's a lot of visually great stuff on it. The only thing I would change, and this may just be my screen size, is that I have to constantly scroll over to see anything on the right sidebar because your blog is wider than the screen. Normally I'm too lazy to do that so I miss that stuff which, I just checked, is pretty interesting. That's it.
Red, I am truly sorry, your plate is pretty full. I keep my fingers crossed for your husband. When it comes to your blog: this is your virtual corner. What you do here is up to you and no one else. I do prefer you blunt. Sometimes I think it is a bit to blunt for me, but then if I dont like I can leave. And I love redheads and not only because of you and me. Hugs across the pond!
Some people are so rude! I loved how you laughed in their face!
Tyla,
Thank you!?
Shash,
That's funny! Yeah, there are a lot of people who should (in a policman's voice) "Step away from the computer." LOL
The Redhead,
THAT is what I was thinking! Hey, isn't it so nice to see so many redheads in one place? I want to go to a convention!
Linda,
Thanks for telling me that because I had no idea my screen was wider than yours. How wide is your monitor? I think, if I remember correctly, my template is 1200 pixels. Maybe the solution is to get rid of the skinny bar, but retain the large posting area. Anyone else have the same problem?
Thank you, Paula. My husband is up this morning realllllllly angry. Since I am so blunt, I'm not giving him any advice LOL
Stacey,
Thanks! Yep, the laughing is my vindication (wicked evil laugh) LOL
Anonymous who is apparently my mother,
First Mom, I have taught you how to log in so that you are not Anonymous. What are my readers going to think if my own mother doesn't catch on to the teaching! LOL Thank you for being prejudice about me. I can always rely on you to take my side. Besides, I have to blame you, Dad and God for my red hair LMBO LMBO Maybe I should just forward the messages to you and let you take care of them. Oh goodness, that made me laugh. Now I have to go call her so she will read my comment LOL Ain't life grand!
Got to love their concrete arguments! lol. I hear you with the negative reviews and I think it's funny how people have to just poo on other people's parades. Ah well, maybe they think they are enlightening us or helping. Oh no, there I go being positive. heaven forbid 😉
The very first time I had one of those emails, I was so distraught. Now, however, I know that people who write me anonymously just BASHING things I can not change like my hair (Hello!) just need to breathe deeply and think about what they are saying to me. :o) If they still feel this rage, well, I know a therapist that might be able to help them LOL LOL
Wow, I can't believe someone would say (err, write) such hateful things. I'm pretty sure last time I checked most computers had a back button on them you could use to leave a website if you didn't like it.
You strike me as someone who can take criticism, even if its unwarranted.
Some people have strong opinions and just have to vent them…its just people…you know how it is!
Personally, I enjoy your blog, especially the poems that appear here from time to time.
Best to let it just ride over you. They say any attention is better than none, even negative. seems to me you have been able to stir feelings in people and that's what interesting blogs hope to do.
As for your red hair, I love it..Hugs ?
People are just that, people. It makes them feel all warm and fuzzy inside when they look down on others. I know how narcicists live among us!
Well hey there miss its been a while since I've touched the blogging world. It is certainly getting cold in our area. I hope you are fairing well in this weather. Brr!
– Priscilla
I love your header on your blog, but more importantly I love what's inside your head! You are a brilliant, strong, positive, imaginative, creative, loving, generous, caring and beautiful woman! Did I leave anything out? Well, if I did I am sure that YOUR REAL MOTHER will add in whatever I left out! These words are written not by your mother but by your newfound friend. And I am sure that there are plenty of other friends you have who would gladly step in and defend you also. But what would we be defending you against? Jealous, petty, hateful people. The only thing you can do with people like this who criticize you unkindly is ignore them. Any blogger who makes it big on the Internet becomes a prime target to these types of malcontent people. So consider that you have made it — because all your Witty, Intelligent & Addictive friends know you have!
I was so sorry to hear that your husband lost his job. You have been through a lot this year with almost losing your daughter, the death of your father, and now your husband losing his job. You above all people know that life is not always a picnic, but the strong are the one's who learn how to survive life's hurdles — so try as best you can to remain positive through these trying times.
This is a true story. A very long time ago there was a king who gathered his wisest men around him. He asked them to come up with something that he could have inscribed on the inside of his ring that would be words to get him through life's good times as well as life's bad times. These are the words the wise men came up with, "This too shall pass."
Seriously? I would have to laugh too. People-gotta love'em! I was told that to get into blogging I needed thick skin. This must be why! Constructive criticism (not what I'm seeing here, but what you're asking for) is good though albeit painful at times!
IMHO whatever you do with your blog transformation leave the negative comments on floor like split ends that have been cut off and need to be swept up and put in the trash (that what that little icon next to the comments is for)
I agree with your Mom! She is right on! I am laughing with you at those individuals sending you emails like that. I think they are very jealous of your blog, of your striking looks, your relationship with your family, friends, other bloggers and most especially your relationship with Jesus. So I think we should pray for these bitter individuals, and maybe they will overcome their hatred of others.
I love your red hair. It beats my dishwater blonde any day!
Red, i love your mom! how cool is it that she comments on your blog! Waving!! Hope you are well..i'm commenting here since it's a non contest post and i love ice cream, 🙂 🙂 🙂
WOW!!! Maybe I should be glad that I don't have many followers. As far as your red hair…I grew up with auburn hair. I was sometimes called red. My hair turned brown so now I color it blonde. My daughter, however, is still a redhead…so I'm pretty partial to red hair. Keep the upbeat posts coming…I look forward to them. God bless you!!!
Good day, I am a follower on Twitter. I recently unfollowed you when an application showed that you were not following me. But a day or so afterwards, you unfollowed me and I realized the app was in error. So I refollowed you. I do enjoy your blog, but I am cleaning up followers because I am unable to follow others when the numbers don't balance out. Love the red hair by the way! Enjoy the rest of your week!
You have arrived!!! Even your haters are commenting. They are stupid!!! Don't they know that the more comments you get the more your blog is worth? So let them hate. To hate like that is such negative energy. I'm glad you wrote a blog about their comments.
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad and that your husband lost his job again. I've gone down that road a few times with my daughter's dad. It's awful and stressful!!
I too love your red hair and your points of view. Keep it up!!!
Katharine
Here's how you should create your blog template…. anyway YOU want! It's your blog, which I love by the way, and if someone doesn't like to look at it well, they can move right along. Some people sure have a lot of rudeness in them to send you such ugly comments!
P.S. I agree with everything your mom said in her comment. You're a gorgeous lady with amazing red hair and a beautiful Christian to boot!
Greetings! I have been out of the blog world for weeks due to a death in the familyh, but i stumbled upon this in a blog frog community and HAD to respond.
First, let me tell you how creative your blog title is. I have been tempted to use it as the Unicycle Writer, but haven't (yet).YOu really are witty and intelligent. Creative beyoned words.
There should be no animosity towards your beautiful red hair, we are all different and this is what makes life interesting.Don't change a thing.
Lastly, I am a Jesus/God fan, but many in this world are not so you can expect these comments when you take a stand. I wish I had the courage to speak more openly about my faith like you do. So ignore those people, they are only doing Satan's work in casting darkness on the light your bring.
As for your blog layout? I really don't get into all that design stuff. I just like to write and read other writers creations. I keep my blog plain and simple, altho you gave me good advice once to end with someting ( I never did it, but want to, so tell me again if you can). So to me your blog is just fine, it is the content that counts….don't change a thing!
In conclusion, ignore the rude comments and know that you can't make EVERYONE happy, nor would you want to!
Peace Out,
Unicycle Rose
just wanted to add my two cents (Canadian funds) i really enjoy your blog, i try and get here as often as i can. it is your blog and your rules. like i say on mine. i have noticed trolls everywhere, i think to myself, "self? why don't they get a blog of their own so we can troll on them?" but that would not be very mature now would it? make today GREAT and i hope to be kept informed when you move to the .com address. all the best~~
I am stunned at how rude those comments were that people left! They must be jealous of your success and are trying to bring you down.
Keep up the good work you are doing with your blog.
I love your blog… and the red hair. I figured that when I got my first negative comment I had made it as a blogger. If someone was unhappy with my words and views then I must have been worthy to say them. I put myself out there… I'm honest and say what I feel and believe. You don't like me, don't read me. And as far as Anonymous comments go… it's sad that people have to hide behind their words. I just take it to mean these people are ashamed of what they believe in.
I can't believe people can be that rude!!! I definitely fall into the "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" category. Funny – I always thought it was MY mom that that came from…
It's YOUR blog! You can do or not do anything you want on it!
I'm speechless that anyone would leave rude comments/emails… I mean really, if you don't like what you see/read kindly use the "x" located in the top right, no need to immortalize your thoughts!!! Love that Redhead Convention pic! Redheads Unite!!! 🙂
Red hair rocks! My husband made me dye mine red and turns out I'm allergic to red dye. My hair fell out!
My blog is super simple and I like that. Content is what counts in my book. Fancy blogs with boring content is what annoys me.
I once had someone tell me I was too happy and he thought I needed to become more "real". Turns out he had HUGE issues so my smile was tough for him to deal with. I had problems at the time too but I learned to try to live moment to moment and not dwell on problems but on solutions.
Looks like lots of women will support you!
Ahhh Red… I only just found this now… and I am shocked. Shocked i tellya.
Who would be so rude??
Who has the spare time to bother??
I say, If you don't like it, move on!
Personally I love that pictures of your red hair in the header. I think it's perfect.
I MIGHT change up the font… but that's all.
And can I say, that I am totally IMPRESSED with the way so come across in this post. Me, I would have gotten all kinds of upset and sad and misreable if people were so mean when i was only trying to be witty and intelligent?!
YOU? You replied back with humour and good sense. I applaud you Red.
Hats off to you. xx
Lana,
"most computers had a back button on them"
Yeah, but that would mean they also have a conscience :o)
Sometimes Life
Hugs back! Thank you ?
Priscilla,
I love it cold! Bring on the brrrr! My advice is to wear thermal underwear!! WooHoo! Sexy things!
Joan,
You say too many nice things about me. I'm going to start thinking that my mother has paid you off :o) Thanks for the story too. I actually haven't ever heard that before and thought it would be a great idea to really put it on the inside of a ring or even on the outside of a bracelet or necklace. Don't you?
laughwithusblog,
I'm glad you found the humor in it too. {{hugsss}}
Teresha@Marlie and Me,
Alyssa loved your analogy!!! She is hyper-vigilant about split ends. The moment she see's even one, she is ready to chop off an inch!
katlupe,
Thank you! You're so sweet all the time. You know we really don't live too, too far from each other, so eventually we have to meet each other face-to-face.
Marie Young (Young Creative)
Believe it or not, I always wanted to be blond and I didn't care how little or how much as long as it was blond!
Fototeqnika
I love my mom's comments too. I definitely need to do a better teaching job with her log in though because it drives me nuts! LOL
Debbie,
As you know, my daughter is blond and I am red headed. So if you and I were together, people would think I was your daughter's mother and vice versa! Funny!
Curiosity
Thank you for following and I'm glad you enjoy my blog.
Kat from California
You made me laugh with your "They are stupid!!!" because that is what my daughter said too! She scrunched up her nose and acted indignant. LOL Thank you!
Crystal
Thank you very much! Yeah, I am still looking around to see what template strikes my fancy. It will be funny if I just keep it the same LOL
Unicycle Rose,
I left you a note on your blog. I'm so sorry for you loss. He was so young. Life just doesn't make sense sometimes.
I have been racking my brain to remember what I told you. Was it how to end a post or to put a footer on the bottom of your blog? I can't remember :o(
poet
I have never heard of these people referred to as "trolls" and I must tell you that I burst out laughing when I read your comment! Thank you!
Ellen Marie "Mama" Pike
I truly can not fathom anyone being jealous. THAT makes me laugh!!! Thank you for the encouragement!
Carolyn (temysmom)
You are so right…we really do put "ourselves out there" and do the best we can which of course, is awesome because we are women! LOL Sorry guys! I had a moment of We Are Women, Hear Us Roar!
McVal
Just like that song…"It's my party and I'll cry if I want to, cry if I want to, cry if I want to" LOL
Morgan
LOL "x" That was cute!
Lynn Hahn
Oh my goodness! I can't believe your hair fell out!!! Wow! I guess that red is strong LOL
Simoney
Oh do tell! What would you do with the font? I'm very curious.
Getting upset really only ruins our day and does nothing to the person who is trying to upset you. Never waste your precious energy like that on someone that doesn't know how to "play nice." :o)
I'm wondering if they did not all come from the same troll?
OMG!! The NERVE!!
#1 – Your red hair is GLORIOUSLY GORGEOUS and your TRADEMARK! I vote it STAYS!!
#2 – Your template DOES allow for your beautiful images to be more visible and it's arranged clean and classy! They can "CREATE" their own blog the way THEY want… this one is YOURS. *sigh*
#3 – I feel that a person's faith, whatever it may be… is part of WHO THEY ARE. If we all thought and did everything the same… well now… that would be rather BORING!! I have no problem with people sharing the way they believe on their blogs… no matter what it is… If something is offensive to ME, I don't GO THERE… But I have made some beautiful friends with very different beliefs and we can love each other just the way we are and appreciate the goodness that we share. People trying to SHOVE (literally) their beliefs down others throats is WRONG…
#4 – Now THAT person OBVIOUSLY doesn't come around much since you share openly ups, as well as downs… and STRIVE to lean to the positive as much as possible. You are my HERO!! ;D
#5 – I removed "ANONYMOUS" from being able to post on mine because some things people without the juevos to put a name to their post can send me into quite a tailspin if I'm in the wrong mood when I read it. DISABLED… *AAAHHHHhhh* ;D Of course that would PUSH your mom into putting a name to her endearing posts. Hmmmm…. (I'm having the same problem with my mom… Let's work on our MOMS!!) ;p
#6 – I'm nervous the Tell the Truth Thursday is going to disappear because there is not future questions posted… :`(
#7 – I LOVE your images that accompany your posts!!
#8 – Your QUOTES are such a joy as they really add to your posts!!
#9 – Rockin' Friends and your community are AMAZING!! And I think you'll agree, it's quite the community even outside of BlogFrog and you pulled that together. I see those on your list and they are dear to my heart. I have enjoyed getting to know them and having them visit… I'm not quite sure when other things will settle down enough to really get back over at BF… but a special place in my heart is THERE!! ;D
#10 – Your tutorial are always something helpful. If it's not something someone needs at that given moment… NO ONE is MAKING them read… "Tune in TOMORROW, Folks!" Just Sayin'… ;D
#11 – I too am amazed at how much you can accomplish!! WOW!! It's obvious that you truly put time and effort into those you feature/highlight/support on your blog! YOU ROCK!!
#12 – I rate your blog a 10 and I don't need any secret ballot to state my opinions.
#13 – Yeah… THANKS for the VISUAL of BELLA POOP!! BAHAHA!!!
(((HUGS))), my FRIEND!!
Isn't it hysterical what people will do and/or say while hiding behind a computer? I've been told "I don't read your blog, unless a link is posted here." Duh. Then you DO read my blog, via a link, posted there. LMAO If you didn't want to read my blog, you simply would not, regardless of any link posted anywhere. I get ridiculous annonymous comments too, which I barely glance at and poof, with a click, gone forever, without a second thought.
Personally, I enjoy your blog. To those who don't, why go to it? The excuse is "it's like a train wreck, you can't resist." Dumbest thing I've ever heard. Me, I avoid looking at accidents and horrible things, I intentionally turn my head. Yes, if you don't like something, you CAN avoid it.
My motto, no one can make you unhappy or feel badly about yourself unless you let them. I never do. Sounds like you are strong too and won't be giving anyone that kind of power. Good for you. It's commical, I agree.
BTW, I just want to say good for you trying to keep things positive. You are smart.
Red, it's like I always say. Some people are just hard up for things to complain/be angry about. There are a whole lot of people who like you, and your blog, just the way you are. The rest can… well… suck it. 🙂
Whoever said misery loves company LIED. None of us wants to spend time with somebody who's so utterly miserable the best thing they can find to do is complain about hair color. For crying out loud lol.
And I love the comment from the Anonymous atheist who finds your belief in God to be silly, especially since you are so intelligent. Intelligence RULES! Even Quantum Physics is supportive of religion and is able to SCIENTIFICALLY prove many of the miracles written of in the bible.
Girl, we love you just the way you are. If we were all emotionally healthy we wouldn't feel the need to want to change or control others.
However it's written, in my book YOU ROCK!
What?!?! What is WRONG with people?
OK .. the name of the blog is "Redhead Riter" – goes to follow that the writer would have red hair!
This is YOUR blog; if you had blinky crazy .gifs all over it, I wouldn't write you and say, "Hey, I HATE your blinky .gifs; they give me a headache whenever I visit!" I MIGHT, however, write and say, "Hey! What's up with all of the blinky .gifs? I know that you want your blog to be fantabulous and all and I appreciate that. I do want to point out, however, that as I'm scrolling through to read your content, my eyes and attention are easily distracted by the blinky .gifs. I am one of those 'Ooh! Shiny things!' easily-distracted types anyway. Just thought I'd let you know. If you keep them all, I'll still visit and still be distracted. But if you'd take off a few, I won't be AS distracted. Thanks for all of your witty, informative content"
.. maybe .. or maybe I'd just shrug my shoulders and say, "Hey! It's her blog; she can do what she wants."
I guess that I've been fortunate in not receiving any of those crappy kind of emails, but, unlike you, I don't do many personal posts, mostly book reviews, and that may be the reason.
Just keep doing what you do and hit the 'delete' key on those emails. They're really not even worth a response.
Julie @ Knitting and Sundries