Handling "Problem Posters" on Your Email List

Promotional Skills for The Chronically Amateur
(How to Get Your Message to the American Sheeple)

Part 16: Handling "Problem Posters" on Your Email List
by Shonda Ponder

© 2002, Shonda Ponder

When managing your discussion lists, you will, no doubt, have some recruits on your list that you would rather not see post on that list. This is to be expected, as not everyone thinks like you do, and most people are interested in a variety of subjects -- some of which you could do without. Handling these type of posters, sometimes, is like walking on eggshells -- especially if the poster has their own individual following, many of whom may be members of your own list.

When confronted with these types of posters, never address them in public with your concerns. Always address them in private, in order to save them, and you, any embarrassment. If the situation looks like it might get hostile, stop any emails going to your list from that poster by setting that poster to moderated status. It is probably a good idea to temporarily do that while you correspond with him privately. You can save yourself some needless bickering if you do not have an autoreply that tells the poster you are moderating his emails.

If the situation does not resolve itself after a few emails, simply ban the poster from posting to your list. This can be done quietly. If the poster responds with contempt, simply treat him as you would any other contempt you receive: DELETE. Do not respond in kind.

In the same light, there may be times when you, yourself, are asked not to post. Depending on the situation, always treat list-owners with more respect than they give you. This will keep the door open for more communication in the future. Never close an "open door". And, if you ever do, never let them know you've closed it unless, and until, you have no other option.

Sometimes people you think you don't need right now, or have no use for, will be the most important people that you will have to deal with later. It's always better to shake the dust off of your sandals and walk on.

These rules should also be used for people who are not in leadership position. The simple, honest truth is no one knows what tomorrow may turn up. You should do well to prepare yourself for the unexpected at all times.