Comments on: Talk It Out: Should I Remove a Blog Post?

By: Kiran

Kiran — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:25:38 +0000

A very thought-provoking question. Personally, I agree with Holly’s suggestions and point of views. I would not remove the post, instead would include an update or perhaps a disclaimer expressing this post is written based on my personal experience. Blogging etiquette is a tough one, and every one should be able to express their opinions, provided it is based on genuine personal experience.
Kiran´s last blog ..Busy week!

By: Megan

Megan — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:33:16 +0000

I have had this problem with a travel blog. I posted about a place i had stayed that i enjoyed but got feedback in the comments section about another traveler having a very bad experience there (along the lines of an assault by the owner). I did exactly what holly suggested. I posted a dated edit at the bottom of the post about what i had heard advising people to be careful should they stay there. It’s a tricky one though.
Megan´s last blog ..Treehouse Products

By: whorange

whorange — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:26:49 +0000

i’d keep the review up but add an “UPDATE: _______” to the bottom of the post with your concerns and some of the feedback you’ve received since then.

i had a different dilemma: i posted a really nice post about an artist whose work i loved, and when i met the person at a gift fair, they were soooooo snobby and rude to me and to other guests! i was so tempted to delete the post i wrote, but i didn’t. i just won’t write about them again.
whorange´s last blog ..leg inks: whoranging for tattoo socks

By: kevin

kevin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:48:20 +0000

do it all the time. Not chanchinh the sense of it, just tweaking. Have occasionally deleted, after thinking about it overnight. I think we have to allow ourselves that freedom. Its not like thoughts, ideas, have to be cast in stone.
kevin´s last blog ..contact

By: Meg

Meg — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:14:16 +0000

Being a fellow blogger myself, I would not feel badly about removing the post. It sounds like sadly the owner of the store is really taking advantage of his customers. Not only am I a blogger, I’m also a store owner myself and customer service is #1. So unfortunately by supporting and blogging about this store owner you are also supporting his unfair treatment of his customers.

By: Anon

Anon — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:19:46 +0000

Holly, It is funny that I just came across this post of yours today. I have recently had a similar experience. I have been receiving emails of complaint about a company that I have been posting about and who has also been a paid advertiser at one time.

I have not had any personal issues with this company, but my readers have informed me about fraud, a long criminal record that can be viewed online (no less!), customers unhappy and not receiving product, etc.

So far, I have left their paid advertisement post in the archives, however I had to send an email advising them that we would not be able to continue posting for them. I was hoping to not get involved in the problems at all, but I was left with no choice when they sent an email requesting info be posted (an unpaid service we do). I am waiting for the ‘you know what’ to hit the fan as I don’t expect them to be happy about it.

It certainly is difficult to figure this one out and I don’t pretend to know the answers. I don’t think I’m done with this yet though!

By: Carla Vallverde

Carla Vallverde — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:24:13 +0000

I would definitly take it out. Internet is today one of the most powerfull economy and marketing weapon, if the person in question didn`t respected the time he was on the top, lots of clients going to shop, talking about his produts, it`s really a bad business, not only for him, but for you too. You would not blog about his shop, for sure, if you knew about it, now it is done, this only thing you can do is to un-blog it.

By: jen

jen — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:30:41 +0000

it’s your blog so i think whatever felt right at the time is the way to go.

perhaps if this were to happen again (hopefully not!!) you could clearly update the post with what has happened. it’s certainly not your fault this store owner did what he has done but if you state all that you’ve learned on the blog post i think that is fine. you could even write a new mini post saying what happened with a link to the original one?
jen´s last blog ..A Little Friend Come to Life at Last

By: Clare

Clare — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:02:07 +0000

Wow – interesting question. I think I’d probably leave the post in place but add a note to the top and bottom to point out that other readers have had issues.

I’d be tempted to get in touch with the store and ask them for a guest post or an interview to see what the issues were and to help them redeem themselves.
Clare´s last blog ..Sylvanian Families The Caravan

By: Ku

Ku — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:43:33 +0000

While I agree with most everything said thus far. I have to add that it is in part up to the read to be responsible for their purchases. Do thorough research before you buy. Protect yourself. There will always be glowing reviews out there. Some warranted and some not. Same goes for negative reviews. Keep current. Voice your concerns to the shop owner. I would. At least then they know what is being said about them if they don’t know.

I would not remove the post. However, I would update said post with a link to other sources should this become a concern at the bottom and make a forward note at the top. Invite your readers to voice their opinions in a civil and appropriate manner. Make sure you forewarn potential readers that they too should read the comments. Your blog should never turn into a battlefield. That is when it should be locked if possible from further comment.