You Lose Credibility When You do this as a Writer
A habit you should avoid as a writer.
As a writer, instead of complaining about the service or lack of service, just leave. No one is asking you to stay.
I just unsubscribed to a few publications I used to write for. I have nothing against the publications but sometimes, they’re just not a good fit. So instead of complaining about an editor, instead of complaining about the marketing, I simply left.
You don’t need to complain about it on social media. Yes, it may be good to hear, but that is between you and the publication. Keep that stuff private.
People have their own issues to worry about. The more you keep complaining, you start to tune people out.
This makes people think you’re still in high school. If you are in high school, then it’s not a problem. Most of us are adults. There is a time to complain and then there is a time to be silent.
This is not directed at anyone in particular. It’s just from reading a few complaints people have mentioned. If all of these complaints could be compiled into one section, then you’ll see the same complaints have been asked before.
It’s almost like we’re living in Deja Vue. We’re seeing the same complaint over and over again.
What you should do instead
If you have a complaint, simply do a quick search. Someone has probably made the same complaint before.
Most websites have a search button. If they don’t have a search feature they may have a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section. Try that and then you may prevent yourself from complaining online.
If those options are not available, then send a private message to another writer. They may know the answer or could at least direct you to another site.
Yes, a lot of people use social media but it doesn’t need to be where you vent every single complaint over and over again.
Writers have a community. Try to use these avenues to maintain your credibility. Once you lose your credibility as a writer, it’s hard to get it back.
Tom Handy is a top Writing, Finance, Investment, and Bitcoin writer on Medium, and the father of two kids. He retired from the Army and sits on several non-profit boards. You can find him on Twitter @tomhandy1.