Staying Above the Fray: How to Avoid a Blog War

If you have never been in a "blog war" with another blogger, count your blessings because they can be UGLY! I am an opinionated blogger at times (not here, but elsewhere) and while having opinions is quite effective for drawing in readers, it can also attract trolls. If you ever find yourself about to descend into the abyss of having a heated exchange with someone who clearly does not like you or appreciate your right to free speech, back slowly away from your computer and go take a walk.

Earlier this year I found myself in a useless debate when a blogger (troll) harassed me on my blog and then proceeded to call me horrible names because she fundamentally disagreed with my stance on a particular issue. I could certainly deal with the name calling because I'm a big girl and, thanks to blogging, have grown think skin. I could not, however, deal with how topsy turvy my emotions became because I wanted to justify my opinion and tell her how wrong she was. After two days of nonstop bickering, I learned the hard way not to get into an argument with another blogger because neither of you will change each other's opinion. It's really that simple. It will only become a masochistic exercise in futility. In other words: Don't even go there.