Last week an angry reader emailed asking if I went to journalism school or if my employer picked me up “off the street somewhere.” He was angry with a story I had done about a new local business- a bar to be exact. He also questioned by news judgment. Apparently, to him (and several others that commented on the story) a bar is not worthy of newspaper space. He had commented to other readers that they should drop their subscriptions and read other reputable papers. My first reaction to this sort of thing is rather instinctive. I want to tell them where they can put it. After all, I don’t go to his workplace or email him there and tell him how to do his job.
But I’m recognizing the need lately not to let this type of stuff get to me. There are always going to be people who don’t like what I’m doing. There are probably just as many or more who do appreciate my work. The latter are a less vocal group, to be sure. Having thick skin goes against my nature. I take everything to heart. But I’m learning to learn what I can from these situations and not let it get to me.
Or at least I’m trying.
I can see where you’re coming from, but your compassion is one of the things I really admire about you. Maybe instead of growing some thick skin you could just get some battle armor and wear it when necessary.
Hey, at least you know someone is reading your stories
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