Everyone who writes online does so because they love to write. Some have photos they want to share. Some share therapy. Some thoughts. Almost everyone writes from experience, sharing what they have learned with others who want to learn. Social sharers also enjoy the responses and interactions with those who have read their writing. This is where friends are made, ideas are shared, where we feel good about what we do.
Then there are the spammers.
Spammers attack all kinds of social networks, emails and blogs in particular. Lately it’s been open season for those who have nothing else to do but create chaos.
Here’s a real comment from a real follower:
Very pretty! I hear you in the “cracks of my joints and the squeals of my muscles.” I definitely want to work on that this year as well. Happy New Year Claudia! I wish great things for you in 2016!” Maddie
Somehow I missed the yellow brick road last time — I loved your story! Thanks for repeating… Deb
Both subscribers and non-subscribers are usually referring to something specific in their writing. There are times when you get “I really like this!” or “Great post!”, but these are usually from followers you already know. (I know, sometimes I use less than 5 words too.)
But spam always comes from someone you don’t know, usually doesn’t have a legitimate image or link, and often talks about things that have nothing to do with your post. It’s usually just a generic compliment for you to keep doing what you’re doing. For example:
Without a doubt, his writing is extremely persuasive and that is probably why I am making an effort to weigh in. Second, while I can easily notice the jumps in the reason you make, I’m not really sure how you seem to put the ideas together that produce the actual end result. For now, I will certainly subscribe to your position, but I am confident that for the foreseeable future you will better connect your facts. daddy
Other:
Thanks for commenting and sharing this story. Somehow when this happens I tend to attribute to myself as well. Like he’s a defective adult or something. But having done workplace advocacy for a long time, I’ve realized how often this is just ignoring a coworker they don’t like is so acceptable… Roman
Those are just a few. You can see right away that they have nothing to do with what you have written. I have seen many others where some nebulous person says: “Your blog is very useful. I’m thankful you’re writing these things.” They are generic and aimless. They usually choose older blogs that no one goes to anymore. I have seen conversations between two different people on a totally different topic. right in my comments section.
I don’t know how they get in there or what they want there. I don’t know if they are just playing games or if they are pulling information from my site or just trying to get me to respond so they can keep playing. But I don’t trust any message that doesn’t come through the front door. I don’t appreciate the invasion of my personal space by people playing in my backyard without my knowledge.
Strangers drop by all the time and comment and go on their merry way. But if you look at how many people comment on your posts (I think everyone does to one degree or another), keep in mind that not all comments are true comments about you. Most of these spammies are simply found in your email notifications as someone who commented on your writing. Who knows if they have viruses or attachments?
There’s nothing wrong with taking the extra step of approving your comments before they go live. Anyone can write anything anywhere and anyone can write their email address anywhere. So keep your eyes open. If it’s too incredible, it’s not. If you’ve gotten a ton of feedback on your deals and usually get half a dozen, snoop around. Something happens.
Filter your enthusiasm with a little caution. That way, you can take your feedback for what it was meant to be: responses to your hard-earned efforts.