Are you a company or business person who is concerned about the way you or your company is being discussed in these forums?

People say bad things about me personally all the time in these forums. They also disparage my websites and business practices. I have the power to delete every bad thing ever said about me but I don't.

The best way to deal with such issues is not necessarily to stamp your feet, threaten lawsuits, and demand the removal of posts that you deem shows you in less than a glowing light. If you make a habit out of it, we are not only going to remove all of the negative posts - the positive posts will go as well. Because I don't have the time to deal with your constant complaining, any discussion about your company will not be permitted in the forums - and a "sticky" post will be made to that effect. I would think anyone seeing such a post would have ask themselves if they would want to do business with a company that is not permitted to be talked about. Not good for your online reputation I would think.

Instead, why don't you do what the "big boys" - large companies like Google and Yahoo do? In most cases, you find that a thread will have more positive comments about you or your company than negative ones. Such threads should often be ignored as your detractors usually come off looking worse than you do.

If you believe the post is just too negative and can't be ignored, deal with the posts head on. Respond to the allegations or disparaging remarks - not anonymously but as a representative of your company. Make any wrongs right and clear up any misconceptions - agree to disagree if all else fails. You will find that you will have more supporters than detractors and will earn respect - and business.

I can agree with that one!