Writers responding to reader hate mail

[EmbassyRow]

I was taught to write the angry reply. Vent. Give the commenter hell. And then hit delete.

I have a smart co-worker who keeps me in check when hateful emails come my way. He says the same thing every time (because my first thought is always the irrational one): Don't reply now. Wait a day. Come back to it. You'll have a clearer head then, you won't be as mad and the reply will be more effective.

 

[Oggiedoggie]

In addition to typing out an angry reply and then hitting "delete," I usually sell their email address to phishing sites.

 

[spikechiquet]

I'm sorry but that makes these guys looks pathetic and insecure.

I was taught to write the angry reply. Vent. Give the commenter hell. And then hit delete.

I think more people need this philosophy for facebook as well! :)

 

[HejiraHenry]

Sometimes it's helpful to state the obvious to e-mailers, just because what seems obvious to us may not be so obvious to others.

I otherwise tend to let most stuff pass, "Thank you for you interest," etc.

And on those occasions with an e-mailer has a good point or a good idea, I try to acknowledge that.

The most hateful communications I get are voice mails in which the caller does not leave a return number.

 

[Bamadog]

Sometimes it's helpful to state the obvious to e-mailers, just because what seems obvious to us may not be so obvious to others.

I otherwise tend to let most stuff pass, "Thank you for you interest," etc.

And on those occasions with an e-mailer has a good point or a good idea, I try to acknowledge that.

The most hateful communications I get are voice mails in which the caller does not leave a return number.

Or I get the breath heavily and hang up-type voicemails. Always fun.

 

[ZummoSports]

I am always surprised that if you respond calmly -- via phone or email -- to even the most hateful callers/emailers, 90 percent of the time they are satisfied with the reply and to be heard.

Or they're pissed that they couldn't get the rise they wanted out of you.

In addition to typing out an angry reply and then hitting "delete," I usually sell their email address to phishing sites.

This made me laugh.

Sometimes it's helpful to state the obvious to e-mailers, just because what seems obvious to us may not be so obvious to others.

I otherwise tend to let most stuff pass, "Thank you for you interest," etc.

And on those occasions with an e-mailer has a good point or a good idea, I try to acknowledge that.

The most hateful communications I get are voice mails in which the caller does not leave a return number.

Or I get the breath heavily and hang up-type voicemails. Always fun.

Those don't bother me because I never had to listen to what the caller had to say. I can just press 4 and move along with my day.