Recently I was active on a Yahoo group answering questions from other members about video editing, etc. when I got totally smeared by other members.  For what?  For using my referral link when answering a members request for my preferred video hosting service. 

A very active member labeled me an "evil marketer" and several members followed his lead and called me names and even told me go (beep) myself.  When I defended my post I got attacked further.  Then I found out members had reported me as a spammer.  The active member who had tagged me as "evil" also said my sales copy for one ebook was nothing but lies. (I guess to prove I was evil.)

It's one week later and I am receiving a ton of spam to email addresses that have been "spam-free" for years? Coincidence?  I doubt it.  I had no idea people in a public forum would report you as spammer just because they disagreed with what were you saying.  I was angry and hurt. 

So what does a person do in a situation like that?

I did several things.  I stopped responding to the attackers.  I started a Women's-only Video Forum on www.thevideoqueen.com  (which I had wanted for myself for YEARS.)  And I started a new Yahoo Group --Video Blogging Business-- so no other innocent person had to go through what I did.

As a side benefit, I got over my fear of "going public" that I didn't even realize I had.  I started a great ezine article about this and I hope to show it to you soon.

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That's a wrap! Say it with video!
Nerissa Oden
http://www.TheVideoQueen.com
FreeVideoEditing.com

©2005 Nerissa Oden. All rights reserved.