The clever fortune I received in last night’s cookie, “He who throws dirt is losing ground,” made me think of a funny approach a friend of mine takes to dealing with his detractors. You see, Richard Zimler, a well-known, highly regarded novelist whose works have been published in 23 languages and been bestsellers in 13 countries around the world, receives a lot of correspondence. He always responds. Some of the communications would be considered fan mail from people who simply love his writing. Others comment on their own experiences based on the topics about which he writes. Some will share alternative perspectives, challenging Richard to think about and engage in healthy deliberation on tough issues. Then, there are the others… the haters… people who, through the perceived anonymity of digital communications feel free to say whatever they want, however hurtful it may be without any desire to communicate in a civil manner. For them, Richard has a special message. He replies with this:
Dear So-and-So,
Due to the high volume of emails and messages I receive, I am not always able to respond individually to comments from readers. But I want to thank you very much for taking the time to write me. Rest assured that I am deeply grateful for your support!
All the best,
Richard Zimler
Yep, you got it… he responds with a fake autoresponder message! Funny, right?
Richard told me that some people will read it, register a fleeting sense of irritation, take a deep breath and move on… he never hears from them again. Then, there are the others… the real haters. They come back in a fury with an even uglier message in response. For them, he has a special message. He replies with this:
Dear So-and-So,
Due to the high volume of emails and messages I receive, I am not always able to respond individually to comments from readers. But I want to thank you very much for taking the time to write me. Rest assured that I am deeply grateful for your support!
All the best,
Richard Zimler
Hysterical! He sends them the exact same fake autoresponder message… the hater gets caught in their own hateful feedback loop… Richard is left chuckling… as a result of the dirt being thrown at him, it is he who is gaining ground!
So… the next time you receive nastygrams not worthy of your attention, remember this: There is no need for you to chuck dirt back in the faces of the haters… simply reply with your own personal, friendly autoresponder and dissolve into laughter instead of misery.
Happy Networking!
P.S. – If you’re looking for a fascinating historical fiction read, check out Richard’s book, The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon; it’s one of my favorites!