The Blog Issue is a series of posts on common issues that bloggers face every day. Today we’re looking at an area that can break even the most seasoned blogger – negativity. We start with an outfit shot, as always…

Primark cardigan, Banana Republic silk shirt via charity shop, H&M jeans, Schuh brogues, Primark swallow brooches

Although the Disney corp may beg to differ, we all know life is not a bed of roses. No matter how lovely you are (or how fabulous your outfit is), there will always be someone who disagrees. Sometimes they’ll be nice about it and offer constructive criticism, and other times they’ll just be damn rude. This, we accept. So how do we deal with it?

I’ve picked up on three different reactions to blog negativity:

1) Get upset, rant on Twitter, cry, delete comment, rant on Twitter again
2) Wrestle back control by introducing rules
3) Ignore and/or laugh about it

If you get a negative comment on your blog, nasty email, pissy Formspring question or cruel tweet, please don’t be a number 1-er. Getting upset about the (mostly unfounded) opinions of faceless internet strangers is not worth your time. You have more important things to do, like watching paint dry or scrubbing the kitchen floor. If you feel yourself getting emotional because someone said you look good for a 30 year old even though you’re only 24 (as happened to me this week), take a step back and remind yourself that all internet trolls are overweight 32 year old men wearing ill-fitting Star Trek t-shirts and stained brown cords. Okay?

When the delightful Jessica from What I Wore received a barrage of personal abuse on her blog, she took a stand and created a comment policy. This seems to work for her, but it’s not something I’d impose on Little Bird readers. I strongly believe that when it comes to the internet, comment is free and it’s near-impossible to control what people say. So that leaves you with…

Ignorance. Blissful for a reason. So what if someone thinks you know nothing about designer labels? Who cares if they call you a snob, a stuck up bitch or a grammar nazi (I am at least one of those, anyway)? Insults only become credible if you let them. If I was Oprah I’d tell you to believe in yourself, shrug off the negativity then look under your chair for a ticket to Australia. And if you can have a giggle about it too (I’m a particular fan of pseudo-niceness, also known as the backhanded compliment, in anon comments. You look great for a plus size girl, you look amazing for your age, good luck with your continued weight loss…), then even better.

Most personal nastiness, whether online or off, stems from jealousy. It’s an issue we’ve covered in The Blog Issue and one that will only thrive if we give it so much undeserved attention. So put on your best ‘I don’t give a shit’ face, move your mouse over that little red cross and continue being your fabulous self. Can I get a ‘hell yes’?

Have you ever experienced negativity on your blog? How do you deal with it? Do you let it get you down or just walk (or click) on by?