I just deleted a couple stories on Ficly. I’ve done it before. The stories received multiple positive comments. Most had five stars. But that one negative, the one that turns a good story into the worst I’ve ever written. Why do I put importance on the (invisible/unknown) person’s negativity. Why am I disrespecting those who liked it and respecting the one who didn’t. Fear?

I think I know why: I feel others will believe the bad comment and not the art behind my story. I also feel that some view a negative comment as “honest” and positive ones as “just being nice”. I’m afraid that one negative reviewer will Pied Piper others away from my story and me, their pictures disappearing from your friends and your followers.

I can’t afford to lose anymore people. But I can’t afford to take long breaks blinded by a sense of rejection. I lose people that way. Stagnant stinks.

I mustn’t pass on the rejection of one by rejecting an entire community. My community. Ignoring one does not equal ignoring all.

I Stay.