How To Deal With Online Tolls

In short

This podcast episode provides guidance on how podcasters can effectively handle feedback, particularly negative comments and 'trolls.' It emphasizes the importance of emotional control, evaluating criticism for validity, and using feedback to improve content. The host shares strategies like 'killing them with kindness,' asking for clarification, and leveraging dedicated focus groups. Ultimately, the message is to not let the fear of judgment or negative feedback hinder the creation and sharing of valuable content, as it's crucial for growth and serving your true audience.

Key takeaways

• Always 'wait' before responding to negative feedback or trolls to avoid emotional reactions.
• Evaluate if the feedback has a valid point, even if it comes from a 'troll,' to identify areas for improvement.
• If you choose to respond to negative comments, always do so with kindness to disarm the critic.
• Understand your target audience; not all negative feedback is from your intended listeners and shouldn't deter you.
• Don't let the fear of negative feedback stop you from creating and sharing your content, as it's essential for growth and reaching your audience.

Chapters

1. 00:00

   Introduction: Getting Useful Criticism

   The host introduces the topic of obtaining valuable feedback for podcasts without succumbing to online trolls.

2. 01:00

   Understanding Feedback Givers: Trolls vs. Focus Groups

   The episode distinguishes between unsolicited, often negative 'trolls' and constructive 'focus groups' aiming to shape content.

3. 01:30

   Initial Response to Trolls: Wait and Evaluate

   The primary advice for dealing with trolls is to pause before reacting emotionally and to objectively assess if their criticism holds any validity.

4. 03:45

   Engaging with Trolls: Kindness and Inquiry

   If choosing to engage, respond with kindness and consider asking for clarification or suggestions on how to improve, as this can disarm them.

5. 05:30

   Handling Extreme Negativity and Bad Days

   Discusses strategies for dealing with overly aggressive trolls, including respectfully standing your ground, blocking/reporting, and recognizing that some negativity stems from others having a bad day.

6. 07:45

   The Fear of Judgment and Target Audience

   Addresses the common fear of being judged and receiving negative comments, emphasizing that not all feedback is from your target audience and shouldn't deter you.

7. 09:45

   Leveraging Focus Groups for Improvement

   Features insights from other podcasters like Madam Strangeways and JR Sparrow on how they actively seek and utilize feedback from dedicated listeners to refine their shows.

8. 13:00

   Feedback as the Breakfast of Champions

   Stresses that constructive feedback is vital for growth, allowing podcasters to identify and fix issues before widespread release, ultimately leading to better content.

9. 15:00

   Don't Let Fear Stop You

   A final encouragement not to let the fear of negative feedback or judgment prevent you from sharing your podcast, as your content can benefit a large audience.

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