If you're a frequent reader of my blog, or any of my writings in book form or even 14o characters, you'll know of my disdain for snarks. These are the passion poppers, people who put others down to make themselves feel more important. They are abundant. And the more true to yourself you become, the more you put yourself out there, the more you stir them up. Unfortunately, that's just the way it is.
I've had a couple of snark encounters recently, and they're weighing on my brain so I thought I'd write about them. It's what I do. Here they are:
Snark Attack #1: I'm at a party, there are many people there who I don't know; I only know the host. This snark, upon overhearing the host say that I have a big Twitter following, proceeds to state: "I don't allow that at my company. We do real work." Hmmm. That certainly stopped the social chatter. Impolite, certainly. Goes back to that adage if you don't have something nice to say, keep it to yourself. But it's more than that, really. I love my Twitter friends and the varied, rich and global community it provides. For him to dismiss all that with a snark attack was frustrating. But, since I didn't have anything nice to say, well, I didn't answer.
Snark Attack #2: I know, I've got to get ready for this, but seeing my first not-so-great review of my forthcoming novel HERE, HOME, HOPE was tough. The fact that the reviewer felt compelled to post at all and then included the word "-eh" stings. But hey, everybody's entitled to her opinion, right? Even if it's blech, or eh. At least she cared enough to write something, I tell myself hopefully. In facing - and overcoming - this type of a snark attack, it's more about resilience. I'm sure this is why many artists don't read reviews at all. Fifty great reviews don't replace the sting of an "eh", they never could. But believing in yourself and what you have to offer the world will.
So here's to a snark-free week for you, and me, and the knowledge that when you put yourself out there, become more true to you and give your dreams a shot, you will face the snarks.
Bounce back. Shake it off. Resilience will pull you through.