I know that I'm not the only one who gets them, but the spam comments on my parodies sometimes REALLY bum me out.  In the past, I'd go months without getting any...and then I'd get a ton all in a couple of days.  Usually they would be total nonsense, and sometimes even made me laugh.  Anymore, though, most of the spam comments left on my parodies are SO hateful in nature...(the most recent one I reported compared me to Adam Lanza  :()...it's hard to not start taking them personally.

I know I can report them...and I do...and they're always removed...but it still really bothers me when whoever these mystery posters are seem to hate me SO MUCH. 

Am I alone in this?  I don't go through the recent comments and read every comment on everyone else's parodies...so I'm curious to know if anyone else has noticed comments that are especially mean spirited and/or hateful on their parodies...or if it really is just me.

Is there a way to put in a "check" or "flag" so that it can say "Your comment will be reviewed and will be posted if approved" 

Of course someone may have to be designated to approve the comments. That will get rid of the idiot spammers.

..just my 2 cents

By the way, I have read some of the parodies, everyone's is really good. We have some talented people here.

You may be interested in hearing Lindy West's comments on mean internet comments.  http://vimeo.com/50006487

You may be interested in hearing Lindy West's comments on mean internet comments.  http://vimeo.com/50006487


While we're on the subject, the original poster is so not alone that... well... this:

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  - Isabel Fay, Thank You Hater! (Warning: contains occasional and adorably-cute use of NSFW language.)

Hi Arwen. I look at it this way:
* They can't possibly hate you because they don't know you. They hate the point of view you represent.
* By responding with abuse instead of reasoned counter-argument they're damaging their own cause
* The nail that sticks out will be hammered down. If you choose particularly polarizing issues, people will respond emotively
* There are those here who value good technique and creativity regardless of your point of view. And if they do challenge you, they'll do so respectfully and persuasively. They're the comments worth heeding.

Speaking for myself, I usually choose innocuous themes, but as an atheist, I've had a few one-bombs over religious topics. Isn't it odd how if your message sucks, so does your pacing! None of them has hit me with hate comments or spam though. You'll see some classic examples on the main board right now. John Barry dared to come out against the NRA in two parodies this weekend. Well, you can see the result for yourself. The worst comments have already been removed. Personally, I'd prefer to see them stay there and hoist the haters on their own petard. I'm sure JAB is sitting back with a wry smile on his face at all the fuss.

Have the courage of your convictions, or as we like to say in Australia: 'Don't let the bastards grind you down'.

...or if it really is just me.

Hell, no - there's huge numbers of barely-(/sub-)literate idiots out there who seem to take some kind of pleasure from bad-mouthing others with more talent.  Whatever you do, don't let brainless morons get to you, they're just not worth it.

You may be interested in hearing Lindy West's comments on mean internet comments.  http://vimeo.com/50006487
that was awesome. i'm in her boat; i know i'm supposed to ignore comments but they get to me, man...

Hi Arwen

When I've had snarky comments on my parodies it's been quite obvious that it's because I've expressed an opinion or idea they've objected to - I know I should steer away from controversial themes, but I'm an opinionated little madam so I find that very hard when a subject grabs my radar. ;D I've also had the odd comment that's so off-the-wall I honestly couldn't tell if they were having a go at me or not.

The way I look at it is this: when a person is sitting in front of a computer screen, hundreds - maybe even thousands - of miles away from the person they're typing to, it's easy as pie to suddenly become incredibly brave. Braver than they'd ever be in real life, where the danger of getting their face punched by the fella standing right in front of them makes them automatically turn their A-Hole Filter on before they open their mouth. Some people need the high that comes from being that 'brave' - it gets like a drug, particularly if they don't get many real-life opportunities to feel that powerful. It's their illusion, and most sensible people who read their words will see it for that as well. Doesn't mean what they say doesn't hurt sometimes - but I think I'd rather be the hurtee than that sad person addicted to hurting.