eugenev2
Shohin
I like this tree murderer shirt, I think Jelle should start selling them. You know start a positive thing from negativity
Dealing with social media
- Thread starter leatherback
- Start date
Sagebrush
Mame
Rockum, this pretty much sums it up, unfortunately. As I reach my later years I think back on whether it has always been like this. Conclusion is yes. Difference was in the old days these folks were shunned by a much smaller community that heard about their abnoxious behavior. The community probably didn't say anything but the offender knew everyone else knew about it. The % of these persons maybe a little higher today but with one keystroke they reach a worldwide audience of small likeminded persons that reinforce it. Is the communication tech bad. Jelle I can't say for certain but as a whole we are richer for the contributions folks like you make in all fields. Stay strong, good luck and keep making a contribution!As a long-time newspaper reporter, lemme welcome you to the world of mass media exposure.
I've been writing for about four decades for one type of newspaper or another--a substantial period of which was pre-internet. The vicious, obnoxious insane commentary has always been around. I Used to get threats of physical violence, as well as threats from lawyers about coverage (which were based on simple facts in stories that their clients simply didn't like--not because of any legal basis).
It was comforting back then to know it took some effort to make such threats, you had to sit down with a pen or a typewriter and write, get an envelope and devote a stamp and a trip to the mailbox. Now all it takes in a second or two at a keyboard. The Internet has been a boon for lazy people (mind and body).
When I get crazy ass comments on whatever on news stories, I mostly ignore them (unless they contain actual physical or legal threats, then I have to pay a bit more attention.) The kinds of comments are like funny baseball cards for journalists--who's got the craziest, the nastiest, etc. Some are quite hilarious and most are incredibly dimwitted. There is solace in most of the people making idiotic comments are pretty much complete morons, or schizophrenic assholes.
Bottom line, unless you get a message from a Miami mob boss threatening your family, let the shit slide off your back.
You are doing a lot of good content and I can only imagine how much effort and resources it requires. It is a shame you are getting some crazy comments but it seems from previous replies it is part of the equation nowadays. Fortunately, I see I get a lot of positive feedback on YT and here as well. You are providing a lot of interesting information for our community and you inspire folks around, speaking for myself you inspired me to start my own channel for sure. Ignore the negativity and keep going. Cheers.
Cruiser
Omono
Shirts were designed on customink.com. It’s easy to use, straightforward.
The images and font are open access on the website.
Not trying to advertise for them or anything. Just throwing info out there for those that want to make bonsai shirts.
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LemonBonsai
Shohin
I used to be on youtube. Had a gaming channel when I was younger. And I used to ALWAYS reply to my trolls, and kind of troll them back if I could. Correcting their grammar and saying "if you're going to take the time to leave a hate comment atleast do it right" was a favorite of mine, amd if all else fails I could always thank them for engaging on my video to aid in the algorithm. This usually really pissed them off 
Alot of my subscribers also found it very entertaining to see how I dealt with trolls in a respectful yet still mamahed to hurt their ego
Alot of my subscribers also found it very entertaining to see how I dealt with trolls in a respectful yet still mamahed to hurt their ego
leatherback
The Treedeemer
Yeah, I often reply in the "Excellent thought, looking forward to your video on the subject" in a lame attemt to troll-back.I used to be on youtube. Had a gaming channel when I was younger. And I used to ALWAYS reply to my trolls, and kind of troll them back if I could. Correcting their grammar and saying "if you're going to take the time to leave a hate comment atleast do it right" was a favorite of mine, amd if all else fails I could always thank them for engaging on my video to aid in the algorithm. This usually really pissed them off
LemonBonsai
Shohin
Thing is with trolls is they think that all they want is a reaction. But the thing is if you react calmy that just pisses them off more haha. If you remember that, and think about how your calm reaction is probably making them rage behind their screen, their comments go over a little nicer.
ShimpakuBonsai
Chumono
I wanted to post a very long story with my own experiences on this subject (running a car forum for 10 years and a dashcam video channel on Youtube) but I decided not to.
Once you get trolls on you channel you need to know that you are doing something good.
My fiance pointed me to this Nightwish song.
Once you get trolls on you channel you need to know that you are doing something good.
My fiance pointed me to this Nightwish song.
leatherback
The Treedeemer
which one? Still up?
leus
Yamadori
Ah, trolling on the internet is as old as the internet itself. You can replace "Unreal Tournament 2004" with pretty much anything.
Not saying anything new here but with technology these days, anyone with a keyboard can make themselves a super azz in just a few strokes. Ignore those and carry on. I now have found your videos and will be watching them more often!
Scrogdor
Chumono
It doesn't matter what topic you post on social media, there will always be trolls and just people who are out of touch with reality/ people. I'd ignore it and not read the comments. If you choose to read the comments, just ignore the outlandish comments.
roberthu
Chumono
The purpose of social media is getting attention, good or bad. I stopped caring what people say online a long time ago. Also a reason I don't post much at all on social media.
neogenix
Seedling
The number of times I've seen someone who's a creator feel this way is insane, and plainly, humans suck. The saddest part is that the vast majority of consistent commenters seem to be trolls, where the vast majority of viewers are not. I'd encourage everyone who watches youtube to make one positive comment to a creator they like (or sub to their channel / patreon / etc...), as I'm sure it'll make the creator feel better about the world.
That said, if it weren't for creators like @leatherback, @bluesky, etc... I would never have gotten back into bonsai, and I can be certain there's a huge part of the bonsai community that just wouldn't be around without creators like these. Thank you all for what you do, and sorry that humans suck but we can just hope that the trolls get fleas where none of us would want fleas
That said, if it weren't for creators like @leatherback, @bluesky, etc... I would never have gotten back into bonsai, and I can be certain there's a huge part of the bonsai community that just wouldn't be around without creators like these. Thank you all for what you do, and sorry that humans suck but we can just hope that the trolls get fleas where none of us would want fleas
MHBonsai
Chumono
Your content is exceptional and a big help to the bonsai community!
I follow another YouTuber that is a woodworking guy that takes a whole other thought process to the negativity in the comments…he actually sends awards to the most obnoxious comments, and even brings them up and/or posts them in his next videos. Outstanding way to take their power from them and make it positive.
On the flip side, there is no such thing as bad publicity….congrats on your success!
I follow another YouTuber that is a woodworking guy that takes a whole other thought process to the negativity in the comments…he actually sends awards to the most obnoxious comments, and even brings them up and/or posts them in his next videos. Outstanding way to take their power from them and make it positive.
On the flip side, there is no such thing as bad publicity….congrats on your success!
Colt Carson
Sapling
When wondering why there are so many keyboard warriors and trolls, remember this…
"Think of how stupid the average person is, then consider that means half the people are dumber than that!" - George Carlin
"Think of how stupid the average person is, then consider that means half the people are dumber than that!" - George Carlin
Wait a second, are you Jelle? I had no idea you posted on here. Granted, I am pretty new to the practice and to the site but let me take the opportunity to say: you make some of the most enjoyable, understandable, and valuable Bonsai content I’ve found out there. For someone new to this wonderful pastime, having access to the resource you provide, which is delivered with great knowledge and wisdom in a digestible and humble manner, is invaluable. YouTube is the absolute worst platform when it comes to people (or bots) commenting hurtful, malicious posts just for the sake of doing so. There’s a reason the cliche never read the comments exists there. It’s a shame because many people express their gratitude to the content creators and may even provide valuable critiques here and there as well, but by and large it is a breeding ground for trolls to parachute in, type the worst thing they can imagine, and move on.
I implore you to try not to take it too personally. It is the only joy many of those leaving those comments can derive in life sadly, and ultimately it has nothing to do with what you are doing and everything to do with their having nothing better to do than to try and ruin someone’s day who is making a lot of effort to make a fantastic, but knowledge intensive and intimidating pursuit more accessible and enjoyable. Seriously, I’ve come to see the key element in the practice of Bonsai is time. It is involved in every action we as practitioners undertake. To be able to offer learnings understood through years of practice and save others the trial and error (and likely SAVE the lives of many a tree in the process) shows how offbase the thoughtless trolling is.
Thank you for what you do on your channel and I hope whatever latest uptick in nasty comments dies down as quickly as it has ramped up. I’m sorry they’ve set their sites on you but please remember, they’re sad people looking to bring you down with them.
bangsaturday
Sapling
Some digital beings are just nasty to begin with,
They have nothing positive to contribute arriving at your video or posting...
Their objective is to create havoc, wreak negativity, and diffuse their anger from within.
These people are energy suckers, and do not deserve your time...
Letting these people live in your mind rent-free is what you should avoid at all cost.
Do what you do, in continuum.
You should just stop reading comments altogether.
As much as the positive comments drive you up to the heavens, those negative ones will drive you up the wall...
They have nothing positive to contribute arriving at your video or posting...
Their objective is to create havoc, wreak negativity, and diffuse their anger from within.
These people are energy suckers, and do not deserve your time...
Letting these people live in your mind rent-free is what you should avoid at all cost.
Do what you do, in continuum.
You should just stop reading comments altogether.
As much as the positive comments drive you up to the heavens, those negative ones will drive you up the wall...
Cajunrider
Imperial Masterpiece
In the beginning, when you site traffic is inconsequential to YouTube, unfortunately the only one who can help you is yourself or people you trust on your channel. You have to actively delete and block those accounts. Once you have built a name for yourself and your traffic is bringing meaningful income to YouTube and also to you, then the YouTube support people may be willing to help. Instead of you blocking those users, YouTube can ban them for you. It is a bit harder for them to get back at you with that action. When the income from traffic is large enough, the larger accounts of YouTube hire moderators and lawyers to keep their channels clean.
I would not try to argue and defend your posts. That would be a waste of time. I have dealt with this for more than 3 decades starting with Bulletin Board and Relay Chat site. The trolls have always been there. Defending your posts would be the same as throwing bait out there for more trolls.
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