I Don’t Censor My Subscribers, Sorry
March 11th, 2010 | 
Author: I knew the OWM review would wind up getting under people’s skin – especially because people love Jennifer as a person. Got another unsubscribe – this time because I let Dorothy have her say in my comments area and they weren’t very nice about Jennifer. This person was appalled that I would give Dorothy a platform to disparage the way Jennifer does business online.
He thanked me for helping him all this time but said because I let Dorothy say those things, he’s lost all respect for me. I won’t email him back, obviously, but if you happen to read this know that I’m not in agreement with you.
If I did NOT allow Dorothy to have her say on what her personal experience was, THEN I would be an unethical marketer. If I filtered what my subscribers experiences were, THAT would be wrong of me. THAT would make me the kind of marketer who makes things look great through rose colored glasses in hopes that you would click on my link and buy her OWM product.
THAT would be dishonest.
Now if someone comes here and says something racist or threatening, sure I’ll delete it – I don’t want that kind of stuff here. But her honest opinion of what she thinks IS relevant to the conversation we were having. Everyone deserves to be heard and a blog – a peer to peer socialization and exchange of information IS exactly the perfect place to do it.
I’m sorry you feel the way you do – this is not Avatar – it’s not utopia – and there ARE bruises to be seen on each and every marketer’s body of work – even mine.
Tiff
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Posted in Career
What are you, Tiff? Some kind of anarchist?
lol yep!
Tiffany, I can’t agree with you more. As long as no real harm is done (like threats or racists comments) I do believe you should keep those comments on your blog. That’s part of a discussion. You have people who agree and people who don’t. Why bother having a discussion if you would censor everyone’s opinion. No, I have to say, I’m behind you on this one
Hi Tiff,
On my blog(s) my general rule of thumb is that I have no problem with a person disagreeing with me, or people leaving comments disagreeing with other people leaving comments, but I’m adamant that it has to be kept civil. Even heated arguments are okay, but no insulting or behavior that’s really obvious flaming or trolling. In those cases I will delete a comment. Otherwise, I’m glad when 2 or more sides of a story or discussion come up. It can be a great learning experience for everyone involved!
Hi Tiff,
Good post – am in agreement for you. I think people should be allowed to have their say and only be censored if it is racist, threatening, libelous. If you start censoring people’s comments then you are only giving them part of the story and skewing their view of the situation in your favour. Effectively, you’re maniplating them, which I think is dishonest.
Good for you on your decision and keep it up – it’s nice to see a really ethical marketer!
Wishing you all the best
Jason
Well said Tiff and I agree with you. If you run a blog or a forum, IMO you have to allow (or encourage) for different views to be published — even if they’re contrary to yours.
Ray
I agree with you. If you open your blog to comments and only allow the comments that you agree with then you will lose respect. As long as it isn’t spam. I you say Joe Blow is great and I say Joe Blow sucks then if you are being real you have to allow that post.
To the person who unsubscribed I say ” Get Over Yourself “
I think that’s a very democratic stance Tiffany & good on you for standing up for that person’s rights in a democracy, so she could express herself without fear of “retribution”.
It’s a shame more people don’t have the courage to express their thoughts in a fair way when the platforms are available.
Kindest,
Poppie
I have lots of blogs, and my attitude to commenters is this: my space, my rules.
Although I haven’t read the post or the comment you’re referring to, I would NOT allow any commenters to disparage a third party, for any reason, in any comment, on any of my blogs, ever.
Here’s why:
1. My message to a commenter is simple: if you’ve got hassles with anyone, take it up on YOUR blog, not on mine. Want free speech? OK: you can set up a Blogger blog in less than a minute, and rant to your heart’s content.
I’ve seen cases where prominent bloggers were stalked, and hassled (online AND in person) because of comments someone else made, which they published.
One prominent ex-blogger no longer blogs, because she couldn’t handle the firestorm which resulted.
2. It’s my blog, so if anyone gets sued, I’ll be involved.
If you disparage someone on my blog, and I allow the comment, will you indemnify me? My bad (and completely and utterly naive) if I let you put me in an invidious position.
I have no way of checking the bona fides of commenters. You may be who you say you are. You may not.
That being the case, why on earth would I publish what you have to say about a third party? Get your own space, and publish it yourself.
Tiffany, I wish you the best with your “no censorship” policy, but you may want to rethink it.
Hey Angela!
I guess it depends on how you view your blog. For me, it’s a two way street – I post things to you, you post back. I learn from you. I listen and do more for you that could help, etc. We learn and grow with each other. That’s my experience. If it was just a podium, I could censor like a white house chief of staffer
~ but I consider this a community of sorts. Well, at least to me – and I value Dorothy’s $0.02 as much as I do my own.
Agreed!
I even let people call me out on my own blog and Facebook profile streams. Every time I do it, I learn something. Either (a) I was wrong, or (b) why their reality and results were different from my own. It is always win-win because we all learn something new (and so do the people who just read along without joining the conversation).
Each of us have our own strengths, realities and values. We grow together. Losing a subscriber and allowing opinions just helps each of us to find our own tribe of like minds. Your lost subscriber definitely didn’t fit in your tribe Tiffany.
Keep being real! We all appreciate you!
Laura
I guess I don’t really understand what the problem is. You gave an honest review of the product, never did you ever attack or say anything negative about the author as a person. The last time I checked we still operate in a free market system. If I recall, you even gave the author ways to improve her product, without charging her for your expert advice or time.
In terms of comments, I say let the chips fall where they may. When you put yourself and your thoughts out in public, in any venue, you’re bound to rub someone the wrong way. If you don’t, then quite frankly, you really suck at communicating your ideas.
Ciao!
Glenn
As a blogger, I allow almost every post except for the abusive, racist, or otherwise “uncool”.
As a blog reader, I hope for the same. There is nothing more boring than reading a blog where all the comments agree 100% with every post. There is no learning going on, no furthering of a discussion, no analysis of materials… just a whole lot of “Yes, I agree”.
Though if you are having trouble sleeping, those types of blogs are great… put you right out.
Tiffany, I felt your review of “One Week Marketing” was fair and constructive.
To me, Dorothy’s post was too much like a personal attack on Jennifer to be fair comment. I would have removed it for that reason but “your blog – your rules”.
Jennifer’s reply was impressive. She stuck to the subject and ignored the rest. That’s what a professional does.
If I have a disagreement about any product I buy, I take it up with the supplier.
I don’t know Dorothy, whether she actually bought it or whether she ever contacted Jennifer about her doubts about the product.
John Williams
Hi John!
Jennifer is definitely a classy lady to deal with this. The reason I allowed Dorothy’s comment is because it reflects what genuinely happens with marketers and their products. It’s a perfect example of how we get disgruntled. Whether or not her opinion is right or wrong, it’s viable because it’s what she’s come to decide with her own experiences.
Tiff
Tiff,
That’s great to hear that you don’t censor on this blog. I was actually a little hesitant to voice my opinion about your overall tone towards OWM and Jennifer as another business owner.
As a OWM product owner, I found your review helpful in some ways and you did bring up some valid product review points.
However overall you seemed to be a tad bit bitter in your delivery at times but you made a course correction in your very last blog post review.
I’ve been a subscriber AND paying product customer of Both of you ladies and find you both to be extremely passionate toward your individual businesses and honest, ethical product owners.
It’s unfortunate that the gentleman unsubscribed from your blog because he’s decided to take your OWM product review personally.
He shouldn’t have because I’m sure Jennifer’s bank account won’t suffer because of your product review and he’ll certainly miss out on valuable lessons you continue to share here on your blog.
Hey Sunshine – I think it came across as bitter (harsh) at times because I had my blog admin open and wrote about it AS I literally read and implemented the steps. So my frustration at times, shined through clearly. I’m not bitter – I say the product was worth my $77 and I gained a lot out of it. BUT it helped me see the problem – organization. So now, whenever I get an email asking me about OWM (because I get many) I can say, “Hey I hear your frustration – I bought it too, but don’t give up – open XYZ pdf and that’ll help you out…finish the course and you WILL see results.” So ultimately, I’ve benefited Jennifer – and she’s made some sales from my review, too. She’s made almost $300 from my review and since it’s on my blog and indexed – I’m on page 2 – she’ll probably make more sales in the future. She may have also avoided some refunds because even in the comments section, you’ll read people saying they had bought it and given up but now are going back to do it because they’ve seen what the issue is
I respect Jennifer – she does really well when she does step by step and she writes the way I like to read. I just offered my $0.02 on improvements
And thanks for your kind words!
Hey Tiff…I just wanted to say I totally agree with constructive criticism related to the product, goodness if I had a product, yeah I would like peoples opinions,whether good or bad as long as they are related to the product, ie: what it lacks…where it can be improved…etc…as long as its not personal…thats just plain nasty…Basically Tiff you just tested the product, and gave your opinion…you took the time…and made the effort..gave it a go…how many people do that these days…real people who care about what they are promoting Or selling Or just Plain Want To Help their subscribers and anyone else out there who needs it…goodness…some people…really need to get a grip…hey!!! You’ve done a great job Tiff and I totally agree, as a complete newbie, it was one of the first products I bought, and I could not begin to implement as it had so much missing info, which PotPieGirl may have just bypassed assuming that we may know these bits and pieces…who knows…but I started getting other material to read here and there, trying to bridge the missing gaps…getting even more confused by the day…losing little sanity I had left…seriously spending quite a bit of money…and still…stuck…overwhelmed with information…but… where & how to begin…???
Tiff you really are one Cool Girl…Much Respect!
Hey Vida – I wonder did you upgrade? If not, that’s where the detail is – if so, make sure you tap into those upgrade bonus materials.
AMEN sister Tiff! You go girl!!
So, if the big ole baby couldn’t handle that Dorothy was giving her two cents worth, then like some of the others said, get over yourself and move on!
Good gracious! I just don’t get how some people act sometimes. But hey, that’s what makes us original and to each his own.
I stand behind you Tiff 100% and I think you did the right thing! Keep up the good work and being true to yourself….that’s one reason we love you so much!!
Deb Lamb
Freelance Writer
Amen sister! Right on! For those who can’t handle the good and the bad (reality baby!) like I always say, Walmart is hiring.
Peace out!
JC
I agree with Sunshine that Jennifer’s bank account won’t suffer because of Tiffany’s product review
.
I didn’t know about OWM before this case study. I have already told several people about it. And I am going to buy it.
A blog shouldn’t be about ME being right. You’re so very right it’s a forum not a soapbox.
I draw the line on blatant spammers. They are obvious to all so no need for details. I also blow out personal attacks, they really have no value.
I welcome different opinions though, it’s always a great learning experience for me.
What I really appreciate is someone who explains the nuances of their differences so as to really get a true grasp on the why. There is always a gray area to explore and occasionally the opposite point of view does have value under certain circumstances.
As a marketer my job is to provide high ongoing value for my prospects and customers. Along the way I hope it becomes acceptable to offer even more great value at a fair price…
The idea is to build trust and loyalty and that is never done through intimidation but only through respect and quality communication…
Not every person who tries any product–no matter how good it is, is going to like it. That’s just a fact of life.
There are times when the product sucks, which I don’t believe to be the case with OWM. There are other times when it’s about the person using the product.
It could be that the person is not making an honest effort, or it could be that the product doesn’t fit the person’s learning style or something.
We aren’t all the same. Therefore, it would be illogical to assume that one product with work for everyone.
Tiffany do you also not censor comments because you believe in the Constitution and the 1st amendment?
Um well I wasn’t really getting that political, Edward
If that was the case, then I’d allow someone to post racist or obscene comments, wouldn’t I? But I don’t. There has to be some common sense applied IMO.
Tiff
In your email informing us of this post you asked “Do you sometimes write controversial posts…?” Short answer is yes. What’s been irking me lately is bad ethics among the gurus – a pet hate of yours too from what you saw over the years as a ghost writer, you’ve told us often.
Interestingly, your recent fired up comment on Kelly Felix’s “confession” blogpost has had the domino effect of my calling out someone else on my blog – arguably one of the most popular IM gurus – because of his inability to be true to his own published ethics during his current pre-launch shennanigans. As an unknown blogger maybe I can get away with not attracting detractors, but imagine if an A-Lister spoke the truth about some of these shonky practices.
Hi Tiff, I think you should just advise a visit to the Warrior Forums – He’d know what life was ‘really’ like there – (Bruises an’all
Reminds me of that famous quote by Voltaire:
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“I disagree with what you have to say but will fight to the death to protect your right to say it”.
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T.B. Yellow
Ps. Tiffany I disagree with your blog artical
Pps “Censorship is the best vessel there is, without it, we’d all sink” – T.B. Yellow
Ppps I meant “article!” in my Ps
Hi Tiff,
I think you’ll gain more respect and followers than the other way round. When anyone gets scammed or buys a product that simply doesn’t work it can leave you feeling useless and disheartened (I’m not saying that OWN fits into either of those categories by the way)
I have a heckler at the moment on my new blog. He/she cannot understand why I’m not showing up on Alexa yet! After a week? lol Can anyone?
I’ve let them have their say as everyone is entitled to their opinion. It does get a littel frustrating though at times, expecially when they don’t seem to read logical explanations!
For what it’s worth, I don’t feel you have done anything wrong on your OWM review. If anything, you will have done Jennifer a favor as you have shown that you can earn on her program although it does take a considerable amount of effort.
I try to only censor profanity and blatent spam as a rule. If someone doesn’t like you they can easily click away
Keep up the good work Tiff,
Nicola
I agree with you. I have comments set to HOLD, until i approve them. The reason? I woke up one morning when the site was 3 days old and there was a comment from another affiliate, who was marketing HIS product, that was something like mine, so he made bad remarks about MY service and tried to steer people to his site. Who, in their right mind would let someone do this? I think you are right. I just say, let them go. If they can up and leave that easily, there was no loyalty anyways!!!
be well,
JB
(to David) Yeah, she is. I’ve seen her at the meetings. We have jackets
Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I agree with you and the other people on here who stated that as long as the comments are not insulting, racist or threatening then it’s ok to publish them.
Tiffany: I agree to a point about censorship. However, I will reprimand a poster who chooses to personally attack someone whether than keep comments on the product itself (I review books). I believe Dorothy’s comments went beyond respectful behavior. That is a reflection on her. I personally would have removed the post, explained why and ivited Dorothy to repost but keep the comment focused on her experience with the product. This is your blog, however, and I know we all see things differently and react differently.
You handled that person better than I could have. I believe his response is just another sign of the times in which we live; tear in to anybody or anybody’s reputation without regard to their feelings. I liken this to the “Simpsons Mentality”
I have been getting information from Pot Pie Girl for over 12 months and from Tiffany for a little more than a week or so. I am not Jennifer’s best paying customer, but I have found her information very helpful and straight forward, and she is very generous with free advice.
If I couldn’t understand or had a problem with any of her products, I would take it up with her. (Unlike most Gurus she is approachable and contactable.)
Reading Dorothy’s gripe, I wonder if she is real or a phantom representing someone with a different axe to grind?
I would not have accepted her personal and insulting comments about someone else … especially not about a competitor.
Geoff
Tiff,
In full agreement with your take on leaving that post. Like it or not, blogs end up being open forums. Yes, people congregate here and look to get honest feedback. And, in this case, honest product reviews.
I, personally, did not think that Dorothy’s comments were over the top. I do not agree with her, but even if she is a disgruntled customer she has the right to her opinion.
Just like a review at Amazon, I think that we should be privy to the good and the bad opinions about products. Yes, even as a comment on a blog post that reviews a product.
I think that a lot of us look for honest feedback about products before we buy. We all know that WF may not be the best place for this so we turn to more personal sites where we feel we can relate to the author and a certain amount of trust has been formed. And, for that reason alone, I applaud your decision to keep the good and the bad.
Always Keep It Real,
Jeff
I am a new here but have read many product reviews and my thoughts are they should be about the product!
I have gotten a lot of help from Jennifer that did not cost me a penny. She if a lsdy of honor and has helped a lot of people,including me.
If I purchased a product that I was not happy with, I would contact the person that sold it to me, under no circumstancss would I write a review that sounded like I was giving the owner advise on how to organize their files!
In my humble opinion, PotPieGirl will cry all the way to the bank!
Dixie
Hey Dixie!
It’s in no way meant to make her cry – to the bank or otherwise
As an info product creator, I know Jennifer can appreciate the fact that someone took the time to work her system in public and on her own blog people were saying they were confused. I get TONS of emails from people loyal to her AND myself, but who gave up on OWM, so what I did did both her AND her customers a favor. People are going back, reworking the system, buying it new, etc. If those who gave up now succeed, it’s going to help her make more money 
I checked my spelling, guess I missed Lady, such a very important word!
Excuse me Please!
I am a new here but have read many product reviews and my thoughts are they should be about the product!
I have gotten a lot of help from Jennifer that did not cost me a penny. She if a lady of honor and has helped a lot of people,including me.
If I purchased a product that I was not happy with, I would contact the person that sold it to me, under no circumstancss would I write a review that sounded like I was giving the owner advise on how to organize their files!
In my humble opinion, PotPieGirl will cry all the way to the bank!
Dixie
The reason I, and I suspect almost everyone here, reads your blog and follows what you do is because your honest. The whole series was really good, and I found it refreshing that you laid out your unbiased opinion with nothing to gain from it. Plus, if you are making people upset, you must be on to something! Keep up the great work! Really looking forward to more reviews.
BR,
Jeff
Hey Jeff!
I did use an affiliate link, I want to clarify that. But I do that with everything I talk about. No if the product had sucked, I would have said, “It sucks” but still used my affiliate link. LOL! I’m a marketer, so if someone wants to go check it out and buyer beware after my statements, I’m fine making a commission on it. In fact, I’m sure I turned many people OFF the product by saying you have to toggle around, do a ton of writing, etc. That’s fine. I’d rather a missed commission than a missed opportunity to be honest with my readers and earn a bad reputation in the process.
Well, you said it: it’s not Candyland, it’s the Internet marketing and we have to be strong enough to deal with criticism, both positive AND negative.
I came here because I’ve read Jennifer’s post about it and then read your post and Dorothy’s comment in question and didn’t find anything wrong with neither of them. Dorothy’s comment was in phase with your post and her own experience and I think it’s normal to have the right to state whether it works or not.
I’m always doubtful when I see 100% appraisal somewhere as I’m pretty sure that, for any reason everyonde can’t succeed with the same product: we all work them differently and thus have different results. Note: I never bought the OWM because I think it’s overpriced. That’s my personal opinion.
On the other hand, since the very first day I subscribed to her blog, I’ve always appreciated Jennifer’s help but this doesn’t mean that I like everything she writes; in anything we do, even for free, there’s food and drink.
I agree 100% with you as I would have leave the post too.
And I’m really sorry to learn that you lost subscribers because you allow democracy and integrity in your property.
Keep up the great job, Tiff
Dom
aka lensmaster prosperity66
Looks like Dixie said it all: If I purchased a product that I was not happy with, I would contact the person that sold it to me, under no circumstances would I write a review that sounded like I was giving the owner advise on how to organize their files! That just you playing the big woman shame on you.
Tiffany, do you not censor because you respect the 1st amendment of the Constitution?
Obviously I respect the Constitution but that’s not why I’m not censoring. As I said, if someone posted racially abusive comments or porn comments or said something about Jennifer’s appearance, etc., sure, I’d delete it. I didn’t censor Dorothy’s opinion about her experience with the product. And let’s not fool ourselves into thinking that persona is a personal attack and not something relevant to the marketing discussion here, because marketers DO develop a persona as part of their selling. You have Hillbilly Marketers, Rich Jerk, etc. Dorothy questioned if her persona was real or an act. It’s relevant. She even stated that she was sure Jennifer was really a nice person – just making mistakes in her marketing tactics. I think some people who got so ruffled forgot that part.