When I got my first writing gig for a tiny local newspaper with a circulation of 2.3 people, one of the veteran writers on staff told me, “Just remember, haters are gon’ hate.”
I have always appreciated "what you are doing" (writing stories that lead me to reflect, remember, and think which often produces an occasional tear, a smile or an "out loud" laugh often in a place where decorum is called for) instead of "what they are not doing" (your critics, who most likely, if ever, bring anything positive to anyone anywhere at any time). I also share your observations and musings with many others, so there is exponential benefit that your writing has it pings around the corners of the internet. You are "the man in the arena" so write more and read your messages less . . . all the while enjoying the personal satisfaction of a job, well done . . . very well done.
I was getting to write something along those lines, William, but I couldn't have said it nearly as well as you did, and I'm just going to stop right there. Except to say that I love Sean's stories, and those detractors are just hateful people. It wouldn't matter who you are, they have no life except to criticize others and try to get your dander up so you'd make their day and reply to their nasty little selves.
Yes sir, you are right, Mr. Dietrich. Haters gonna hate; Lovers gonna love. I've had my share of haters - and I don't even put myself out there with a daily blog/column/essay. They often remind me of the voices of the critics I hear when I wake up at 2:30 or 3:00, when one of the dogs has decided she didn't really take care of all of her business before we went to bed, and she can't wait a minute longer. Falling back between the sheets and not quite being able to go back to sleep is when those voices are the most persistent. It's how the haters get into your head. As much as anything, those voices sound like others, but they're probably the voice of the inner critic that's the hardest to shut off. That's the voice in my own head that says, "You're not worth it. You're not any good. Why'd you try to do anything anyway?" The haters sink their teeth into our own doubts. I call them basement people. They're the ones who are always calling out from the dark with bad messages. But I believe there are also balcony people. They're the ones leaning over the railing, cheering you on, encouraging you to make it to the finish line. They're not even necessarily living. Your granny who made the best biscuits n' gravy. Prob'ly your daddy, too, leaning his skinny frame over the banister, tapping his toe to Hank Williams, and saying, "I'm proud of you, son." I bet you've got more balcony people than you know. You're doing good. Doesn't have to be perfect. Maybe some of those haters will even find out they have one or two folks in their balcony, too. You're doing fine.
Lander, you said it beautifully. The “inner critic that’s hard to shut off” is the part of us that basement people reach out to and torment. They don’t spend their time sending words of encouragement to people they admire because it isn’t as satisfying as tearing someone down. What a very sad way to live. I hope they eventually find some balcony people. Sean has more of us up there than he knows.
I can particularly resonate with the part about the dog having to go out at 1 AM. And yet it's the cat's mess I'm cleaning up! Good characterization - basement people. I know a few of those. I wouldn't let them within a mile of Sean's writing! Pearls before swine, and all that.
Lander, now you’ve got me tearing up again. Usually Sean does that. You really put into words what I would like to say to Sean myself but I’m not good with words like you guys. Thanks
David, the longer I'm around the more I come to know one of the most valued words someone can articulate is "thanks." I appreciate you taking the time to say that. Thank you.
I just wish I could believe the balcony people aren’t just trying to be kind for the sake of, of, of I don’t know what. I just I wish I could believe. I wish I had a dog. You never have to second guess their loyalty.
Dear Sean - by chance I came across your blog post titled Southern Gentlemen. You captured many of the random thoughts plaguing me at the time.
I‘m not American or religious and have no insights into the cities, customs and mayonnaise brands I’ve read about in the meantime. Yet, your authenticity, all-encompassing heart and simple goodness (for want of a better word) entranced me instantly. You have, without a doubt, the soul of a storyteller.
The unexpected bonus of reading your blog is the messages and musings of your community, right here. Delightful and uplifting, highlighting how much we humans share at heart.
There are way more of us who love you than not. Your words are shared all over the internet, in emails and on social media. I start my day most days looking for your column. A lot of us have driven hours to see you in person, to stand in line and get your autograph and one of your awesome hugs. You’ve been on the Opry! Some people are dumb and have no heart, so they write mean things to make themselves feel better. I know words hurt, even though we were taught that they don’t, but when someone hurts you with their negativity and meanness, remind yourself that you touch people, in their hearts and minds, and we love you.
Before my retirement the company I worked for had an informal saying that went around about ”Attaboys”, you could get one “Attaboy” but one “aw$h1t” would cancel out a thousand “Attaboys”. While one “mess up” does stick with you more than the “Attaboy” it’s still true there are more positives out there than the negatives.
Vain and prideful people do things like write letters to people they feel superior to so that in their broken world they can feel better about themselves.
You have your own style which is similar to Ricky Braggs, Lewis Gazzard and Mark Twain. It’s southern, earthy and sarcastic and it’s also honest, real and humorous.
Why would anyone criticize your work except to appear intellectually superior. If they only knew how small and inferior they appear to others. Your style of writing appeals to so many Americans because you write from the heart and say what others can relate to in their lives. Thank you for using the gift God gave you to brighten the lives of others.
Pls note that I admire and appreciate your daily efforts. I'm one of your far-far away "Lovers" and southern English is not my mother language. Meaning it takes me longer time to read and understand contents! I enjoy it very much.
You are fruitful Tree, Stay jocular and be yourself Mr Dietrik!
The purpose of hate mail, rude…crude…unkind comments…is to teach us NEVER step into this realm ourselves! The short time we have here should be a life of encouragement and helping others with a positive spirit! Love you dear writer for all you do to make our world a better place!
Sean some people are just unhappy, that is just a fact. I once got a haircut from a young lady that had something else on her mind. She messed up my haircut and looked at it and started crying. She had some personal problems and when she looked at my haircut it was the final straw. I looked at her with a smile and told her not to worry, that it would grow back. She kept crying and went to the back. I waited till she came back to the front so I could pay her. I told her not to worry that my Chippendale days were way past me. I did get a smile and left hoping her day went better.
Sean, your writing reaches down inside and touches hearts. It moves people to laugh, shed a tear, and sometimes to think in an introspective manner about life. I have you right up there with our pastor at our Baptist Church! As for these occasional hate mails, I have learned that hurting people hurt people. And the internet provides anonymity and a way to spout off without speaking to someone in person face to face. All I know is that you are a blessing. It’s on my bucket list to meet you one day . You are one special guy. Keep up the good work doing what you do best, which is being you! We love you Sean!
It’s easy to say “just ignore them,” but hard to do. I think our pride makes us focus on the negative comments over the positive. I guess the best way to handle it is too feel sorry for people who are so miserable that they want to spread it around. And remember that there are way more of us who love to start out our day by reading your column than the haters.
Good morning Sean and happy Sonday to all yall. Reading is like eating to me. When I pick up the old Grisham novels I have to go slow like Im working my way thru a tasty but tough steak. Then there are writers like c.j. Pettit which is like your favorite meat loaf sandwich.
Then that brings me to you Sean. I only read one Blog,colum or whatever this is and I like it. You are my first cup of coffee good. As a loyal member of the fan club let me say keep it up. Whats jocular? Its an athletic view of life. Its whatever you say it is. Its why I'm happy to read you at 0300 and L.B. and I have to take the dogs out.
I have to wonder if they really love your work deep down where they bury all of their other regrets and insecurities and the hate mail is just an attempt to choke back the bile that climbs up trying to purge that ol' foe, Mr. Green? As a fellow writer (who did NOT follow her dream) I can confirm, Mr. Green also comes to visit me when I read your column. But in my house, when Mr. Green comes-a-callin’, I invite him to stay for tea and discuss all the things I HAVE done and all the things I CAN be proud of, not write hate mail to the object of my j-j-j-jealousy. 😘
Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness. ~ Mother Teresa
The most worthwhile, influential people are not those who are highly educated, are infinitely wealthy or those who head powerful governments, institutions or corporations. For those are the people who are more likely to sit in darkness.
I’ve noticed it’s the plain folks, many who have suffered tragedies, who not only accept God’s light but they’re most willing to share it. Keep shining, Sean Dietrich.
I have always appreciated "what you are doing" (writing stories that lead me to reflect, remember, and think which often produces an occasional tear, a smile or an "out loud" laugh often in a place where decorum is called for) instead of "what they are not doing" (your critics, who most likely, if ever, bring anything positive to anyone anywhere at any time). I also share your observations and musings with many others, so there is exponential benefit that your writing has it pings around the corners of the internet. You are "the man in the arena" so write more and read your messages less . . . all the while enjoying the personal satisfaction of a job, well done . . . very well done.
Well said.
I was getting to write something along those lines, William, but I couldn't have said it nearly as well as you did, and I'm just going to stop right there. Except to say that I love Sean's stories, and those detractors are just hateful people. It wouldn't matter who you are, they have no life except to criticize others and try to get your dander up so you'd make their day and reply to their nasty little selves.
William, you're name is so closely resembling William Faulkner...
Maybe I should read up on him...to see any resemblance??
Yes sir, you are right, Mr. Dietrich. Haters gonna hate; Lovers gonna love. I've had my share of haters - and I don't even put myself out there with a daily blog/column/essay. They often remind me of the voices of the critics I hear when I wake up at 2:30 or 3:00, when one of the dogs has decided she didn't really take care of all of her business before we went to bed, and she can't wait a minute longer. Falling back between the sheets and not quite being able to go back to sleep is when those voices are the most persistent. It's how the haters get into your head. As much as anything, those voices sound like others, but they're probably the voice of the inner critic that's the hardest to shut off. That's the voice in my own head that says, "You're not worth it. You're not any good. Why'd you try to do anything anyway?" The haters sink their teeth into our own doubts. I call them basement people. They're the ones who are always calling out from the dark with bad messages. But I believe there are also balcony people. They're the ones leaning over the railing, cheering you on, encouraging you to make it to the finish line. They're not even necessarily living. Your granny who made the best biscuits n' gravy. Prob'ly your daddy, too, leaning his skinny frame over the banister, tapping his toe to Hank Williams, and saying, "I'm proud of you, son." I bet you've got more balcony people than you know. You're doing good. Doesn't have to be perfect. Maybe some of those haters will even find out they have one or two folks in their balcony, too. You're doing fine.
Lander, you said it beautifully. The “inner critic that’s hard to shut off” is the part of us that basement people reach out to and torment. They don’t spend their time sending words of encouragement to people they admire because it isn’t as satisfying as tearing someone down. What a very sad way to live. I hope they eventually find some balcony people. Sean has more of us up there than he knows.
I can particularly resonate with the part about the dog having to go out at 1 AM. And yet it's the cat's mess I'm cleaning up! Good characterization - basement people. I know a few of those. I wouldn't let them within a mile of Sean's writing! Pearls before swine, and all that.
Illegitimi non carborundum.
Lander, now you’ve got me tearing up again. Usually Sean does that. You really put into words what I would like to say to Sean myself but I’m not good with words like you guys. Thanks
David, the longer I'm around the more I come to know one of the most valued words someone can articulate is "thanks." I appreciate you taking the time to say that. Thank you.
I just wish I could believe the balcony people aren’t just trying to be kind for the sake of, of, of I don’t know what. I just I wish I could believe. I wish I had a dog. You never have to second guess their loyalty.
Get one
Dear Sean - by chance I came across your blog post titled Southern Gentlemen. You captured many of the random thoughts plaguing me at the time.
I‘m not American or religious and have no insights into the cities, customs and mayonnaise brands I’ve read about in the meantime. Yet, your authenticity, all-encompassing heart and simple goodness (for want of a better word) entranced me instantly. You have, without a doubt, the soul of a storyteller.
The unexpected bonus of reading your blog is the messages and musings of your community, right here. Delightful and uplifting, highlighting how much we humans share at heart.
Love you all ♥️
There are way more of us who love you than not. Your words are shared all over the internet, in emails and on social media. I start my day most days looking for your column. A lot of us have driven hours to see you in person, to stand in line and get your autograph and one of your awesome hugs. You’ve been on the Opry! Some people are dumb and have no heart, so they write mean things to make themselves feel better. I know words hurt, even though we were taught that they don’t, but when someone hurts you with their negativity and meanness, remind yourself that you touch people, in their hearts and minds, and we love you.
A lot of times you will have 500 positive letters but it is the one negative letter that always seems to stay with you.
Before my retirement the company I worked for had an informal saying that went around about ”Attaboys”, you could get one “Attaboy” but one “aw$h1t” would cancel out a thousand “Attaboys”. While one “mess up” does stick with you more than the “Attaboy” it’s still true there are more positives out there than the negatives.
Vain and prideful people do things like write letters to people they feel superior to so that in their broken world they can feel better about themselves.
You have your own style which is similar to Ricky Braggs, Lewis Gazzard and Mark Twain. It’s southern, earthy and sarcastic and it’s also honest, real and humorous.
Why would anyone criticize your work except to appear intellectually superior. If they only knew how small and inferior they appear to others. Your style of writing appeals to so many Americans because you write from the heart and say what others can relate to in their lives. Thank you for using the gift God gave you to brighten the lives of others.
Not only Americans. I bit others on the other side of planet earth including myself love and read Sean writing ✍️.
Purty good writer yourself JP!
Pubert
"Fruitful tree is thrown with stones..."!
Pls note that I admire and appreciate your daily efforts. I'm one of your far-far away "Lovers" and southern English is not my mother language. Meaning it takes me longer time to read and understand contents! I enjoy it very much.
You are fruitful Tree, Stay jocular and be yourself Mr Dietrik!
The purpose of hate mail, rude…crude…unkind comments…is to teach us NEVER step into this realm ourselves! The short time we have here should be a life of encouragement and helping others with a positive spirit! Love you dear writer for all you do to make our world a better place!
I love your writing. And I love you. Keep it up, please! ❤️
Sean some people are just unhappy, that is just a fact. I once got a haircut from a young lady that had something else on her mind. She messed up my haircut and looked at it and started crying. She had some personal problems and when she looked at my haircut it was the final straw. I looked at her with a smile and told her not to worry, that it would grow back. She kept crying and went to the back. I waited till she came back to the front so I could pay her. I told her not to worry that my Chippendale days were way past me. I did get a smile and left hoping her day went better.
I want a pic of you in your Chippendale days.
Sweet of you, Paul. Kudos
I enjoy your comments. You are a good person with a big heart to understand that the young lady cutting your hair needed your kindness.
Sean, your writing reaches down inside and touches hearts. It moves people to laugh, shed a tear, and sometimes to think in an introspective manner about life. I have you right up there with our pastor at our Baptist Church! As for these occasional hate mails, I have learned that hurting people hurt people. And the internet provides anonymity and a way to spout off without speaking to someone in person face to face. All I know is that you are a blessing. It’s on my bucket list to meet you one day . You are one special guy. Keep up the good work doing what you do best, which is being you! We love you Sean!
Roxanne
Chauvinistic pig 🐖?? I think you should start a list of haters and post their names like a “Wanted” poster.
No, what you respond is "Bless your heart, I'll Pray for you."
You're right, Cheryl. Karri just wants to inspire more haters, sounds like. 🤔
I do understand the reaction to strike back, the comment she reacted to gave me a hot flash and made me want to say KMFA.
But BYH, IWPFY in context really means the same thing where I come from, and in its own way is even more effective.
It’s easy to say “just ignore them,” but hard to do. I think our pride makes us focus on the negative comments over the positive. I guess the best way to handle it is too feel sorry for people who are so miserable that they want to spread it around. And remember that there are way more of us who love to start out our day by reading your column than the haters.
Good morning Sean and happy Sonday to all yall. Reading is like eating to me. When I pick up the old Grisham novels I have to go slow like Im working my way thru a tasty but tough steak. Then there are writers like c.j. Pettit which is like your favorite meat loaf sandwich.
Then that brings me to you Sean. I only read one Blog,colum or whatever this is and I like it. You are my first cup of coffee good. As a loyal member of the fan club let me say keep it up. Whats jocular? Its an athletic view of life. Its whatever you say it is. Its why I'm happy to read you at 0300 and L.B. and I have to take the dogs out.
Peace
😊😊😊😊💖💖💖💖💖thanks for recognizing, all of us that LOVE YOU!!!! Keep on writing cause haters gonna hate.
I have to wonder if they really love your work deep down where they bury all of their other regrets and insecurities and the hate mail is just an attempt to choke back the bile that climbs up trying to purge that ol' foe, Mr. Green? As a fellow writer (who did NOT follow her dream) I can confirm, Mr. Green also comes to visit me when I read your column. But in my house, when Mr. Green comes-a-callin’, I invite him to stay for tea and discuss all the things I HAVE done and all the things I CAN be proud of, not write hate mail to the object of my j-j-j-jealousy. 😘
Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness. ~ Mother Teresa
The most worthwhile, influential people are not those who are highly educated, are infinitely wealthy or those who head powerful governments, institutions or corporations. For those are the people who are more likely to sit in darkness.
I’ve noticed it’s the plain folks, many who have suffered tragedies, who not only accept God’s light but they’re most willing to share it. Keep shining, Sean Dietrich.