In today’s online world, it can be difficult to tell the difference between real reviews containing constructive feedback and malicious behavior, especially when forums or threads contain hearsay, personal attacks, or unverified opinions.
Many people don’t realize the targets of these harmful posts are often hardworking families who depend on their businesses for monthly income, not people buying their fifth home or second yacht. These folks cannot afford to hire an attorney every time they have to defend themselves against some new online drama.
As Christians, we’re called to value truth and protect families, not tear them down. That’s one reason among many it’s so important to understand the difference between real reviews and online slander. The best weapons against these unfounded attacks are education and discernment.
As a Christian ghostwriter, editor, and publisher with 36 years of experience, I believe it’s important to address this distinction clearly, not just for my own reputation, but for the protection of other business owners like me and those seeking help and truth online.
🚫 What Is Gossip?
Gossip is sharing negative information or speculation about someone behind their back, often without facts, evidence, or firsthand experience. It’s frequently rooted in:
- Assumptions or misinformation
- Personal bias or resentment
- A desire to damage someone’s credibility
- A lack of direct communication or verification
Gossip offers no value to the reader, no balanced context, and no opportunity for clarification or growth.
⚠️ What Is Hate Speech?
Hate speech includes any communication that attacks, threatens, or demeans a person or group based on identity, background, faith, or profession. Even when it’s subtle, hate speech is designed to harm, intimidate, or isolate.
In professional forums, this can sometimes be disguised as “concern” or “critique” when in reality, it is:
- Uninvited, slanderous commentary
- Targeted character attacks
- Spreading false information to harm someone’s reputation
✅ What Is a Legitimate Review?
A real review, whether positive or negative, comes from a client, collaborator, or customer who:
- Has firsthand experience working with the person or business
- Offers specific examples (not vague accusations)
- Communicates with constructive intent
- Posts the review on a relevant platform or sends the review to the business owner to post on his or her own website (the latter is my approach)
True reviews, both glowing and critical, help others make informed decisions. They are based in truth, not hearsay.
🧭 Why This Matters
Over a decade ago, a thread about me appeared on a public writing forum, where individuals posted speculative, inaccurate, and unverified comments about me without ever contacting me, asking questions, or working with me in any capacity.
Even though the thread is now more than 13 years old, it still shows up in search results, and unfortunately, some people still believe it.
If you’ve come across that thread, I kindly ask that you:
- Consider the source and whether those individuals ever had firsthand contact with me.
- Look for factual reviews and testimonials from real clients, which you can find here.
- Reach out to me directly with any questions. I’m always open to honest, respectful dialogue.
🙏 A Final Word
Ephesians 4:15 calls us to speak the truth in love. That includes online spaces. If you ever have concerns about my services, I encourage you to speak with me directly. I’m committed to integrity, humility, and continual growth, and I value open, honest communication.
If you’re here because you’re considering working with me, I invite you to read real feedback from those I’ve served over the years and judge for yourself.