Right Wrong to reply

No sooner has Charlie Brooker written about the anonymous internet hate mob than this blows up and goes viral.

Unlike Rebecca Black, self-publishing author Jacqueline Howett unquestionably brought it upon herself, complaining vociferously about what was actually a very fair-minded (and, if you actually browse any of her stuff, generous) review, eventually resorting to an oh-so-articulate "Fuck off!"

But there followed scores of vulture-like commentators descending on the car crash, nearly all of them relishing the opportunity to gloat at Howett's misjudgement and lecture her on her conduct. Did they really not think from her silence that she might have come to realise her own folly? Best just leave her in peace to lick her wounds. At least the Guardian are on hand to point out that she's in good company - there are a few rather better-known writers who've been provoked into a furious response at a negative review...

To be honest, my thoughts were also for the reviewer. Over the last eight and a half years I've had the odd angry email in reaction to a review posted on here - probably fewer than I've deserved, in fairness, though I do always put my name to them and am at least perfectly prepared to admit that mine is one opinion out of millions, expressed on a blog which receives only a modest number of hits a day. Thankfully most people seem to accept that - and have thicker skins than Ms Howett.

(Thanks to Neil for the initial link.)