Giving up is not the answer. Neither is giving in. Stand your ground. There is a way of doing that without having to be combative. There is a way of hanging on to your true self, and demonstrating it, without resorting to aggression. But giving up and giving in is not the way. Simply and quietly claiming your right to be You is the way. - Neale Donald Walsch

Yesterday I wrote about how Steemit is not a “get rich quick scheme” and how important content originality is, for your reputation and growth here on the platform. The reason I wrote what I did was because I think many people needed to hear it.

People have various reasons for joining Steemit and the reality of the matter is that some people ARE here out of absolute necessity or even desperation. In those instances, building a good reputation within the community is even more important than in other instances where it is done purely for the fun of the engagement or the passion for blogging. So I think it is imperative that fundamental “do’s and don’ts are well covered. However, that reason aside, none of us want this space to become a dumping ground for rubbish either.

On Tuesday I wrote about “Ignoring the Negative Nancy’s on Steemit” – This post focused on not allowing negative individuals and trolls to bring out the worst in you – in other words, dealing with them firmly and then moving on! In an excerpt from that post I said the following:

Personally, when I am confronted with those that are clearly just out to “get ugly” I will offer them one level headed response and if they respond with further aggression or anything else unwarranted, I simply walk away. That’s it – Simple! Here on Steemit, I will simply “mute” them. I do not have time in my life for such negative nancy’s. My energy is far better channeled into something constructive.

I had no intention of writing these two somewhat parallel posts consecutively, it just happened to unfold that way – almost amusingly so, because as mentioned in the first of the two articles… in and amongst all the wonderful feedback and amazing input that came my way in the comments section yesterday, there was “that one” – you know… the one who is pretty much there for the sole reason of kicking up dust and putting everybody’s prickles up… yes, a troll!

Now, I dealt with him/her precisely as I said I would in the above excerpt, I gave one level headed and VERY direct response and when it became very apparent that this was nothing more than a trouble maker, I muted them… but I would like to make an example of them. No, I am not going to bring up names as that is not the purpose for me making the example. I am not interested in a dispute or any ping pong matches, I simply want to highlight that the few facts that I have brought to light in both of these articles are acutely accurate and REALLY should be noted!

This troll attempted to “pick a fight with / belittle” more than just one person on my comments section but I am only making an example of my experience and the result of such.

A few of the points that I have made mention of in the last two articles have been as such:

In ignoring the negative Nancy’s I outlined:

• That you shouldn’t give rise to those that are simply there to aggravate you on your posts.
• Not to let negative Nancy’s create a sense of doubt within you about your content.
• That you should always stand your ground - for yourself, your content and what you believe in.

In steemit is not a get rich quick scheme I outlined:

• The importance of posting genuine content that adds value to the platform
• Engaging on a genuine level and building an authentic circle around you.
• How essential it is to earn (and retain) a good reputation on this platform
• That Steemit is a community of constructive and productive individuals who don’t like rubbish

What was so amusing to me was that this individual did EXACTLY the opposite on all counts and picked the article outlining precisely those “do not’s” to do it on….hmmm not the smartest move…

They clearly didn’t read yesterday’s article from start to finish (or any others of mine for that matter) and therefore made statements that were completely inaccurate as well as unrelated - which was picked up on very quickly. My articles were labelled as the fluff* that I had been referring to – therefore not contributing anything to the community… and that their objective was to highlight individuals like me… lol sorry what?

They came there with the sole intention of causing trouble and they left being the one “in trouble”.

Not only were all their comments down-voted by other members of the community but they were muted by several people including myself.

Now I ask you with tears in my eyes… HOW on earth was that a smart move?

Mathematics may not be my strong point but it does not take a genius to figure out that if that is what you go around doing on Steemit… it is not going to take very long before you lose the respect of a large part of the community, never mind the drop in your ranking and value on the platform.

It makes NO sense whatsoever – and serves no purpose!

We have to stand up for what we believe in, even when we might not be popular for it. Honesty starts with being ourselves, authentic and true to who we are and what we believe in, and that may not always be popular, but it will always let you follow your dreams and your heart. - Tabatha Coffey

Being the youngest of four siblings and the only girl, I can tell you - If there is one thing I know how to do well, it is stand my ground! This is not because I want a fight, no – it is because I refuse to be walked over! It is because I know who I am, what I stand for and why I am here.

So here I am, making that stand. Nobody, least of all a troll is going to sit there and tell me that what I have shared with the Steemit community over the last three months has not been 110% real. I have spilled nothing short of my guts on this platform – with the intention of helping others who might be faced with the same or similar situations, dillemas, challenges etc. and I have absolutely no intention of stopping now ;)

So, on that note…

Dear Trolls and the like,

My advice would be that you read this ORIGINAL CONTENT from the start to the finish and think carefully before you make the same foolish mistake as the individual mentioned above – you are not going to get any heated reactions out of me. It is only going to take you nowhere slowly and really is such bad form.

Sincerely,

Me.

Until next time...

Much Love from Cape Town, South Africa xxx