By skyforbes 
I made something I was proud of — and got torn down in 10 minutes.
Over the last few years, I’ve been working on building a digital business. You know, the dream of earning a passive income — sounds easy, right? But in reality, it’s a shedload of constant work, self-doubt, and the occasional spectacular failure.
Still, my quest goes on. And on. And on. Because I know deep down, this is what I want to do.
Anyway, I digress.
I created a digital download: a guide called Journal Prompts for Clarity. I put real time, energy, and care into it. I made it to give away for free. All you had to do was visit my website, enter your email, and decide whether or not you wanted to join my mailing list. Totally optional.
It’s my work — I get to choose how it’s used.
So, I wrote a Facebook post to share it with my followers. But as I went to post it, I accidentally hit the “Boost” button. Initially, I thought, “Oh well — let’s just see what happens.”
Well… here’s what happened: Within 10 minutes, I was trolled. Twice.
Both comments came from men. Both profiles had no photos and were full of nasty, keyboard-warrior energy — just mean-spirited comments left on other people’s posts.
The first troll said:
“Oh here we go, just what we need — another life coach.”
Except… I’m not a life coach. I don’t use the word coach on my website or in any of my content. And even if I were — so what? Life coaches are amazing. I’d be proud to be one! (And ironically, the one thing this guy probably does need is a good life coach. I know a few — drop me a message if you’re reading this, mate.)
The second troll said:
“Yeah, ‘free’ — but what do you want in return? My email address?”
Honestly, this one got my goat.
Yes, the download is free. Something I’ve spent hours researching, designing, writing, uploading to my website (which I also built myself!). And yes — I’d love you to join my mailing list so I can tell you about other things I create. That’s business. That’s how we grow. That’s how we serve and support people. That’s how we share knowledge with the world.
But the comments? They hurt.
They made me feel like what I created was worthless. Like I was worthless.
And that was probably the point, wasn’t it?
After that, I shut everything down. I paused my mailing list. I stopped updating my website. I cancelled my online events. I haven’t had the confidence to do anything since.
All that damage — from one tiny, boosted Facebook ad that was live for 10 minutes.
I know what they said wasn’t nearly as awful as the abuse many others receive, but still — it was enough to derail me. Just two comments. That’s all it took.
Why do trolls think it’s OK to be cruel to people who are simply trying to build something? What gives them the right? Are they that bitter, that lonely, that the only way they can feel better is to tear others down? Are they jealous that someone else actually has the courage to try?
It’s cruel. It’s unnecessary. And honestly — it’s exhausting.
If you don’t like something… just scroll on. It’s that simple.
But I’m not done. I will create again. I will share my freebie again. And I will succeed.
Trolls — go crawl back under your bridge. You’re not welcome here.
PS: If you’ve made it this far and want to see the freebie that caused all the fuss, you can grab it here: Journal Prompts for Clarity💌
I love to make YouTube videos too, and I created one for journalling, you can view it here:
Oh, and the fabulous life coach I told you about? Let me introduce you to Lisa Archer (nee Heacock), she is simply the best you can get!
Life Coaching with Experienced Holistic Life Coach, Lisa Heacock
Thank you for reading, I find writing very cathartic, which is why I enjoy journalling so much, and feel it’s benefits so deeply. I hope it helps you in some way.
See you soon, Yvette
Learn more I Got Trolled for Sharing a Free Download. Here’s What Happened Next.