WOW serious negative backlash from readers-had to pull a post

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791 followers

so within hours of posting a blog post promoting a child's gummy vite I got numerous emails asking if my site had been hacked, why am i posting stuff promoting that "crap". I think the readers are right, to be honest, and felt weird writing a post about it, but the company had sent me free products and i felt weirdly obligated to say something positive.

I feel awful, like i betrayed my readers. Which I guess I did but it was unintentional. Still trying to find the balance between money-making (fairly non-existent at this point) and staying true to myself.

It will be okay, right?

:(

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Recent Comments

41

Probably the good thing to come out of this is that you have responsive and engaged readers which are perhaps what we are striving to create. So they have helped you with regards content although it came about through a flash point, moving forward you have a feel for what they want or for that matter don't want to see. They are buying into your brand well done Hillary.
We are all going to make mistakes if you need some lessons just sing out mine are on a daily basis and some are spectacular lol, they are what teach us the best lessons and what can create the biggest opportunities.

4

Amen to everything Alexander just said!

1

That is the problem with the internet, you can be judged on one comment and they don't know you from a bar of soap. We like to think we are fair minded but sometimes we lose sight of the fact we don't have all the facts!

I am glad you got out of this one fairly unscathed and you did the right thing, perhaps you should say you were duped?

You will be okay!

3

Michael - ? Internet - When did that happen? Is it something to catch fish?

I need to watch the news and read more !

2

Talk to Cathy, I think she may have a few answers for you...

2

Uh Oh. Now you brought the boss in..........I must be in trouble Michael ! I may sneak off to bed :-)

1

Wise decision and move out of the shed too!

2

As soon as I can find the door !

1

It is so easy to be an armchair quarterback. Hind site is so good. You did what you thought was right at the time. Hang in there don't give up.

4

great word

2

thank you. it can be scary to put things out there on the web when people rely on you, and then they feel betrayed by you.

3

I think to feel betrayed they would have to go deeper than one innocent mistake.

2

Consider the source and move on. I understand the feeling of betrayal, however its only a few out of many that feel that way. Many more are supporting you. Keep up your good work and move forward. Don't let this stop you.

1

Hi Hillary,
Don't feel bad, you did what you thought was right. Some people always have negative comments no matter what you do. You can't please everyone. Continue to do what you think is right for you. You'll be fine. Have a good weekend.

Mary

3

Being a pastor - I get to walk the line often. I can say from personal experience, be you. Whatever that is - be you. Eventually the RIGHT people follow and you dont have to worry about whether it makes you money. A lot more rewarding!
Great blog and great job.

3

and i think that's why i am upset--more with myself than anything, because even while writing the post i felt uncomfortable about it. Lesson learned.

2

yep - but don't let it get you down! We can learn, OR we can get stuck. Too many good things ahead for you to get stuck! You got this!

3

thank u!

2

Be true to yourself. Do not give a positive review if you do not like it. Even if you get the product for free.

2

Not to worry. It takes time to develop networks, readers, and people who trust you.

Like Jude said, it will sort itself out in the long run !

Steve

2

thanks steve.

1

All will be well ! You are doing something. My bet is that many of the responses came from couch potatoes ! Just sayin !

Some of the best and most successful bloggers in the world have made errors of judgement at times. I've seen them apologise to their readers and then blog about happy topics afterwards and their human-ness is immediately forgiven. Turns out your intuition and values were great - be proud you have them.

2

Yes. This too will pass. Lesson learned. Be kind to yourself.

3

thanks. something i am very bad at, but getting better at, slowly. Your kind words are greatly appreciated.

Don't worry, it will sort itself out :)

2

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