If You Feel Strongly Enough, Step Into the Light

I understand what it's like to receive feedback that stings.

Over the past several months, I've shared my experiences with Nextdoor, its policies, and CEO Nirav Tolia after what I believe was inconsistent moderation. That's not today's topic.

Recently, a current Nextdoor user from Hollywood, Florida contacted me about her frustrations with the platform. She sent examples and concerns and asked me to look at them.

I reviewed what she provided and explained something important:

Her experience is her experience.

My experience is my experience.

If I start publishing someone else's allegations, complaints, and stories as if they were my own, it starts to look like hearsay. More importantly, it risks my credibility.

I've spent a lot of time documenting my own experiences, screenshots, correspondence, and interactions. That's a foundation I can stand on.

I offered alternatives.

I suggested a podcast conversation where she could tell her story in her own words.

I suggested commenting on one of my blog posts or social media discussions.

I suggested participating publicly.

She declined.

She explained that she is a private person and did not want to be publicly associated with the issue.

That's her choice.

But if someone wants change while remaining completely anonymous, refusing to speak publicly, refusing to comment, refusing to appear on a podcast, and expecting someone else to carry the entire message, that's a difficult assignment.

Then came the response email.

Let's just say the tone seemed to change once I declined to become her personal Nextdoor representative.

Apparently, I was useful when I was expected to do the work.

Less useful when I suggested she join the conversation herself.

Funny how that works.

I don't work for Nextdoor.

I don't work against Nextdoor.

And I certainly don't work as a free public relations agency for anonymous complaints.

I'm a blogger and podcaster.

Not Sidney Korshak.

Not Johnny Rosselli.

Not Ori Spado.

If people feel strongly enough about an issue, sometimes they have to step into the light and own their story.

Otherwise, they're asking someone else to buy the ticket, drive the car, fight the battle, and write the ending.

At that point, I'm not a content creator.

I'm an unpaid Uber for grievances.

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