It�s been challenging reading the negative remarks on the cockybastard message boards.
The easy thing to do is say, �what-ever,� and disregard all the comments as jealous attacks or the ravings of anti-social lunatics.
But that is unfair and untrue.
Going the opposite route, and taking all the comments to heart, is the wrong solution, too.
I feel a hotness in my throat and want to defend myself to every negative post.
�Me? Greedy?! I make no money and write for free every week!?�
�Porn!? You think this is porn!? Geez, I need to loan you some video cassette!�
But I know that being defensive helps nothing and just adds fuel to the fire. Instead, I�m concentrating on reading and slowly digesting each person�s comments. After a waiting period (similar to a handgun), I�m deciding how much weight I want to give each message. Some are very insightful. Some are just mean.
Some are from people who have known me for years. Others are anonymous cheap shots.
There is a difference between someone trying to knock me down, and someone trying to give a suggestion from a place of love.
Unfortunately, both can sting at first glance. The hard part is facing the (sometimes painful) idea long enough to tell the difference.
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