Justin's Life

Welcome to my new blog. I plan to write about all sorts of things here, my life in Spain, ineresting things and ideas I've come across, places I've visited and so much more. Hope you enjoy it and please leave comments as your input is always appreciated.

Hate mail - It's all part of the job
Thursday, March 11, 2010 @ 10:50 PM

I have to admit, I have been quite shocked today at some of the hate mail I've received after announcing my Hacienda Sale.

Some of it has been particularly nasty and personal.

If people dislike me so much why are they still on my newsletter email list? I don't understand this. I spend quite a bit of time each week putting together a free newsletter for our subscribers. It's a big effort but I know people appreciate it. Then I send them one email that they don't like and I'm called all sorts of things.

Luckily, after nearly 6 years of running EOS I have become quite thick skinned. I have been threatened and called all sorts of things by various people so I was expecting it anyway.

The thing is that my email was very honest. My whole "Hacienda Sale" is an honest need. I wasn't scamming or selling fluff. Those products have some excellent content and real value in them.

If people really get so worked up when someone is honest and open then I really think they need to unsubscribe from the newsletter. The whole idea of the newsletter was to "tell it as is", and yes I know sometimes some of the things we print offend people in one way or another, but we're not here to sell Spain, we want everyone to have all the information and advice they need to have a more pleasurable experience in Spain.

If I'm strong enough to handle the abuse I get back then if you want to subscribe to our newsletter then you need to be just as strong about what we send to you.

I'm getting off my soap box now.

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12 Comments

Saskia said:
Thursday, March 11, 2010 @ 10:22 PM

Hey Justin,

We´ve been there as well. Owned a forum and had to deal with offensive reactions quite a lot. Although you get thick-skinned, it is still shocking and it still hurts that someone takes the time to put some venom for you personally in writing. Some people don´t realize there´s real people on the other side of the screen, I am sure most of them would never say things like that in somebodies face.

Let me just say that we´ve appreciated your honesty and directly decided to help you out in exchange for some very useful downloads. I am sure you´ve had a hell of a day, having to react to many complaints, your server is probably overburdened by now.

Just keep in mind that for every offensive comment, there´s at least 50 people who really appreciate what you do with this online community. And those are the ones that count.

Saskia

Saskia said:
Thursday, March 11, 2010 @ 10:35 PM

Hey Justin,

We´ve been there as well. Owned a forum and had to deal with offensive reactions quite a lot. Although you get thick-skinned, it is still shocking and it still hurts that someone takes the time to put some venom for you personally in writing. Some people don´t realize there´s real people on the other side of the screen, I am sure most of them would never say things like that in somebodies face.

Let me just say that we´ve appreciated your honesty and directly decided to help you out in exchange for some very useful downloads. I am sure you´ve had a hell of a day, having to react to many complaints, your server is probably overburdened by now.

Just keep in mind that for every offensive comment, there´s at least 50 people who really appreciate what you do with this online community. And those are the ones that count.

Saskia

Jan said:
Thursday, March 11, 2010 @ 10:44 PM

What I really find irritating is that nobody would have said anything had you just put the package together and offered it out there - without the honesty. It would have just been a great deal and people would probably have snapped it up without a word of thanks! As it was, you were honest - and personally I read it as a little 'tongue in cheek' really. How sad some people are! As Saskia says, the majority appreciate what you do and appreciate EOS.

TechNoApe said:
Thursday, March 11, 2010 @ 10:50 PM

Here, here Saskia!

Justin buddy, don't let the b@s*@**s grind you down.

Chin up mate... you'll get through this, as I have the utmost confidence in you, and you haven't let me, or anyone else, down yet!

And I have no intention of letting you start doing so now!!!

Sandra said:
Thursday, March 11, 2010 @ 10:58 PM

Justin don't let the b*****s bother you.
In a better economic climate you could have charged a nominal site membership of £1 per month and easily covered the tax bill, without anyone knowing, and it would still have been terrific value.
You were open and honest (obviously too open and honest for some) and see what it got you?
Jealousy,spite and ignorance are probably at the bottom of most of the abuse and their perceived internet anonymity gave them the freedom to hurl it.
Regarding your accounting abilities/priorities........well I have often found that people in certain professions are very poor bookkeepers. Doctors and nurses springs to mind along with artists and writers, their minds seem to be on another plane. So you're in good company Justin!

Charlotte said:
Friday, March 12, 2010 @ 2:02 PM

Just like to point out that I don't need Justin's bundle and haven't got any spare cash really but I am so incensed by the people who have been nasty that I've bought it anyway!

JennyChild said:
Friday, March 12, 2010 @ 3:37 PM

Justin, I'm sorry some people have been so objectionable. It never ceases to amaze me how petty and nasty some people can be, particularly as you have been so honest. I think they need to consider their own behaviour and ethics before they criticise other people. I have always found this site most helpful and am thrilled with my bargain buy. However, to be perfectly homest I may have been a bit peeved if I had previously paid the full price
but that is life so they need to live with it. I hope you raise enough to pay your tax

JennyChild said:
Friday, March 12, 2010 @ 3:39 PM

Justin, I'm sorry some people have been so objectionable. It never ceases to amaze me how petty and nasty some people can be, particularly as you have been so honest. I think they need to consider their own behaviour and ethics before they criticise other people. I have always found this site most helpful and am thrilled with my bargain buy. However, to be perfectly honest I may have been a bit peeved if I had previously paid the full price
but that is life so they need to live with it. I hope you raise enough to pay your tax

Sunrise said:
Friday, March 12, 2010 @ 6:40 PM

Justin,

Like you say 'it's part of the job'. Don't let it get to you. Great offer and you've done well with EOS.

jane said:
Friday, March 12, 2010 @ 11:46 PM

I'd feel like getting that off my chest too Justin. Whatever you do in life it's never good enough for some people and there are those who wouldn't recognise honesty if it smacked them in the face. You didn't con me, you offered me a deal on your goods for a clearly defined reason and I bought them because I wanted to give something back, like many others. I wish you every success with my 17 euros - tut tut (blody stupid people, worthless, ignorant and nasty). keep up the good work.

dr david ashby said:
Sunday, March 14, 2010 @ 9:26 AM

hi there justin
keep up the good work there are always people who knock you online they want everything for nothing sorry no coments for a while but back now.dont let the b@gg.rs get you down.
david

Maya said:
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 @ 1:18 PM

I thought it was a great offer actually, I'd been tempted by the videos before and found lots of the content extremely valuable - had been questioning how much would be relevant to the Costa Blanca, but LOTS was. I was glad to acquire them at a bargain price, and I thought it was an honest, creative and positive way to rise to the challenges of the unexpected tax demand (which can happen to anybody especially in an unfamiliar system)

keep up the good work and don't let 'em get to you!

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Justin Aldridge
Since 2004 I've been living with my lovely family in Manilva on the Costa del Sol. Being passionate about Formula 1 and chocolate Hob Nobs takes up most of my time ;) Enjoy my blog.