I posted an article about a popular restaurant on another site. I personally did not like the restaurant, which wasn’t the popular opinion. The regulars let me know it. They dragged me through the mud and crucified me nine times for my…get this…opinion. They were convinced that I was the only one in the State of California that did not like said restaurant.
I have my opinions just like you all do. What I get upset about is when my opinion isn’t in the majority and I get harassed for my thoughts. Am I supposed to give every restaurant I go to a glowing review from now on? Even if a restaurant gives me food poisoning or I develop an allergic reaction, am I still supposed to say I loved it just to appease the masses?
I’m not so sure anymore. I thought we’re all allowed to have an opinion but I guess I was wrong.
With that being said, at this time, I’m extremely disheartened and discouraged to continue my blog. It will be on hiatus for a bit. Agreeing to disagree is one thing, but being called “stupid, ugly, self centered, whiny, and spoiled” just for my own opinion is another.
I thank all my readers, followers & fans for your support. It really means a lot. I just can’t continue at this time but I will be back later this summer.
As a food blogger, I’m behind you 150%. A big part of living in the US is free speech and regardless of whether people agree with you or not, it’s your right to say what you want to say, even if it means disagreeing with popular opinion. So people didn’t like what you wrote. So what? The fact that they are resorting to name calling in the first place means that they don’t have the intelligence of dirt to have a calm, opposing viewpoint without spewing out cruel words. Besides, by you taking a hiatus because of them is giving them power over you. I say take that power back and continue to do what you do, knowing that it’s the opinion of people who really care about you that really matter in the end.
Abby,
Thank you so much for your support. I’m not leaving forever. Just need some time off to cool down.
Buck up & be proud you sparked conversation!
Vickie- It wasn’t the healthy kind though!
I understand your feelings are hurt and you are discouraged! If you stop what you love doing for a bit, do those people who slammed you not win? Their hurtful words hit at your core and your hiatus gives them a little bit of joy! There are lots out there who appreciate your blog and we can respect your hiatus but don’t be gone long…we wouldn’t want the haters to be joyful too long!
Thank you! I’m not leaving forever, just for a little while to get over everything & clear my thoughts
The last I checked, this was a free country and we have freedom of speech! Don’t back off your opinions because they are just that – YOUR opinions! BTW, what was the restaurant???? : )
Kathy- I’d rather not say the name, it already got pretty ugly on another forum. I got discouraged because I was exercising my first amendment right & got treated like I was in a communist nation. I’m just taking some time off to chill. Will be back soon.
I agree. Be glad you sparked conversation. Take a break and know that your true readers will be waitimg for you when you return.
Lynne- Yeah but it wasn’t a healthy conversation but one of hate & name calling. Not my favorite. I will be back though.
Then I guess they won’t fancy my opinion that they are narrow-minded pricks of an assholes. Actually, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind because that’s a fact, not an opinion.
Don’t let those words hurt you! It’s the nature of the public forum behind digital screens. I’ve been called many names before too, just because of a mistake I made in one word, and also…for stating an unpopular opinion. Any discussion is good, but not when it’s one-sided.
Sophia,
Thanks for understanding where I’m coming from. Yes debates are good but not when they’re one sided & filled with name calling. I will be back soon but need a little bit to gather myself.
Wow. Sorry to hear that people disrespected you in that way. Although it’s understandable for you to feel as you do, don’t let a bunch of crazies stop you from expressing your views. You’re an intelligent, articulate and respectful person, so surely whatever you said reflected those aspects of your character. Those were probably the restaurant owners friends, and they were sent to fit back like little yapping chihuahuas. Boo them! Your restaurant reviews are worthy of continuation!
Thanks Chrystal. I’m feeling a lot better since I wrote that post. Just need some time to heal & been busy too. I’ll ease myself back into it soon. :)