If you can't say something nice…

The Disney character Thumper sums up my response to people who sit behind their computers and send hate messages out to those of us who actually want to make the world a better place, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”

This familiar comment has been passed down from parents, grandparents and teachers for generations. Thumpers words of wisdom from the 1942 Disney film Bambi ring true today and as far as I’m concerned, they will forever. 

The internet and social media have provided easy outlets for people to rant, complain, criticize and trash others. When our own President calls someone a “so-called judge” I would expect nothing less than more haters to continue their hating of everything and everyone who either disagrees with them or has a different perspective.

Recently I encountered a few online haters on Facebook and email. People who think it’s their prerogative to give me their unsolicited feedback. Frankly, this blog post is the only form of a response that I will give because haters just want a reaction–they live to trash, incite people and put others down to make themselves feel good. To that I say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”

The article The Sad Truth About Online Haters Is That They Are Just Losers, published in Entrepreneur magazine, talks why haters hate and what it says about them and you and me.

“The world has way too many haters already. Everywhere they go, they bring and share loads of misery and negativity to everyone they meet. Haters seek a response from those being hated upon. Don’t give them one,” advises Author Peter Voogd.

“The good news is that if you are being hated on, that means you are doing something right,” remarks Voogd. I totally agree with him but a part of me feels sad for someone who feels compelled to sit at their computer and think of ways to put other others down. 

You will never see me hate on anyone online, it’s just not cool, not my style. Frankly, I really have too much invested in my own goals to care about what a hater thinks. Constructive feedback, sure. But, hate mongering, no thanks.

If something turns ugly, I stop responding. Believe me, it’s not easy. Haters are not rational people, they seek only to stir-up trouble and enjoy the fireworks. Sorry folks but you’re wasting your time with me. 

Applying the phrase, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all,” is a great way to limit your feedback to positive and supportive aspects of business conversations and avoid being a hater.

Think about it. 

I recommend this article too An Entrepreneur’s List of 17 Techniques for Handling ‘Haters’.