A reader unsubscribed from my email list yesterday.
This isn’t uncommon or surprising ? every blogger worth his or her salt will have unsubscribes from time to time and for one reason or another.
Usually, you won’t know the reason. Personally, I choose to assume the reader adored me so much their loved ones held an intervention and “unsubscribe from Kevin’s list” was part of the rehabilitation program.
However, every so often an individual will provide actual feedback.
Yesterday’s unsubscribe was one of those individuals. And the feedback? Not pretty:
“Too many emails and none of them useful.”
I admit it. The email depressed me.
I had just published one of my favorite posts. It was personal and vulnerable. It was designed to give bloggers hope ? to inspire them.
And I had emailed the post, in its entirety, to my subscribers. There was no link to click. They didn’t have to visit my website to read it. All 422 words of encouragement were right there in the email. For free. No strings attached.
But this reader, Alex, wasn’t impressed.
Not only did he choose to unsubscribe, he chose to kick some dirt on his way out.
Alex’s email ruined my morning. The enthusiasm I’d been feeling vanished…
For two whole minutes.
That’s when another reader of mine, also named Alex, sent me a very different email.
This Alex thanked me. He told me how much he appreciated the posts I’ve been writing. He told me to have a great day and keep up the good work.
He handed my enthusiasm back to me.
The Journey is Long
Throughout your blogging journey, you’re going to cross paths with many Alexes ? both the good and bad kind.
You’re going to face people who ooze discouragement. People who will make you doubt yourself. People who don’t simply unsubscribe, they have to make you feel bad while doing so.
Ignore those people.
If there’s constructive criticism within the shade they’re throwing, be sure to take it to heart.
But the rest of it? Forget it.
Don’t waste your time obsessing over the Alexes who discourage you.
Focus on the Alexes who say “thanks.” The Alexes who tell you they appreciate what you do. The Alexes who encourage you after your day expectantly took a turn for the worse.
Those are the readers who matter.
They’re the reason you write.
