LIFESTYLE TIPS

COMMUNICATING ONLINE

02.18.21 / Mark Perrett

"Treat people how you want to be treated."

You've probably heard this phrase before. It is a simple rule to follow when communicating with others. But we don't always see this happening when we read our comment sections. 

Instead, we see hate comments, mean sarcastic remarks, and bullying. Not all comments are like this, but unfortunately this kind of talk has increased over the years. 

If you think you might fall into this category, it might be time to examine the way you talk to people. Because what you say online, even though it may seem harmless, can really do serious emotional damage to people you don't know. 

The following are examples of different types of comments and how you can stay positive and know the difference between the right and wrong way to communicate within our activity.

COMMENT SECTION EXAMPLES | THE RIGHT WAY:

Love:
I support this in every way. I’m sharing this out to all my people and adapting it to my teaching method as well!

Admire:
You have inspired me to practice and get better. I am better because of you. 

Praise:
Wow! This is amazing! 👏👏👏

Constructive Criticism:
Yo! Nice work with this! I think what would make this better is doing “this”. That is how I have done it and it works really well. Hope this helps! Keep going!

Neutral:
Say nothing. 

COMMENT SECTION EXAMPLES | THE WRONG WAY:

Non-Constructive Criticism:
“You suck”

Sarcastic Praise:
“Best drummer in the world right here. I wish I paid $900/hr to learn from this amazing guru drummer.”

Discredit:
This is the worst thing I’ve ever seen. Nobody should ever listen to this garbage. 

Hate:

Personal Attacks, Racial Slurs, Intent to harm.

Basically, if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.

That doesn't mean you can't critique someone, but it does mean don't be an asshole. Because in the percussion community we're all family and the more positive we can be to lift each other up, the stronger and happier we will become.

JOIN GRIDBOOK ACADEMY

Want more content like this and access to our full library of courses, video lessons, and exclusive blog articles? Enroll to Gridbook Academy and start getting better!
Created with