Should You Apologize? - how to handle a Scandal

You messed up. You said the wrong thing, and it is all being taken out of context in your video's comment section. Should you remove the video? Upload a second apology video? This blog breaks down the situations and how to handle certain scenarios.

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I wrote this post pre-Trump era, so I've edited some parts to better go with the times. 

Before I go about preaching apologies, I should start with my apologies. I've apologized in the comments section before, in a video, and even through private message. I've said sorry when I meant it, when I didn't mean it, and when I meant it awhile after issuing the apology. I'm a pouty thang! I've also said sorry when I should not have given somebody the time of day. As I've matured, I am a better listener and researcher to educate myself, so I can be genuine when I apologize. I also recognize that, as a woman, I apologize way more often than my male counterparts. It's out of habit, out of nervousness, out of low self-esteem. On top of that, most people argue from miscommunication, so sometimes it is about backtracking and reflection. But, yeah, SORRY for this long post, but you should know the meaning behind your sorry.

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Should You Apologize?

Do nothing. ...At least until you cool down, reflect, and research. You don't want your pride to get in the way, but also you need to observe the situation. Check your comment section to get perspective. That may be hard because internet comments can be unfair and cruel, so consider partnering with someone you trust.

NOTE: If you are getting called out left and right for one of the biggies, ya know, racism, anti-gay, etc. You should respond fast. Talk to your mentor, parents, and friends (maybe a lawyer?) about the situation. I'd like to think you never meant any harm and were ignorant with your words; so, I want you to recover if you learn from it. Also, delete the bad post/video/comment.

Think about it. Do you think your message matches your honest opinion? If people aren't grasping what you meant, you may just need to clarify your thoughts. Leave your post in a pinned comment. 

NOTE: Just because a lot of people tell you that your opinion is wrong, it does not mean it's wrong. If your opinion doesn't hurt people or infringe on others' rights, then you are safe to express it. I do think many people state opinions as facts, myself included when I'm heated, so all of us should watch our words to not spread misinformation.

Story time! I reviewed a lottery app that was free to play. I knew that I liked free money, so I wanted to share free money with my followers. I'm old enough to gamble, the majority of my followers are old enough, and you cannot download the app if you're underage anyway. I proudly posted my review.

Somebody in the comments demanded that I apologize to my fans for promoting gambling. I panicked at first. Oh no! I couldn't believe that this slipped through the cracks of my ethical barrier. I felt super bad. 

I realized that ads all the time promote gambling. Investing in the stock market is a gamble which is why they say you should work with a CERTIFIED financial advisor. If somebody wants to gamble, they will gamble. I can't start or stop them through a computer screen. But the primary issue of gambling is that you lose money. (Statistically, you will always lose more money than you ever win in your lifetime.) And it's very easy to turn a few gambling sessions into a habit. Trust me, my father's gambling addiction lost us $1 million. I'm still bitter. 

The reason for filming my app review was to confirm that it was FREE to play and possibly recommend it to people who already plan to gamble. I wanted to see if there was a safer gambling app available. 

So, this person who commented for me to apologize is entitled to their opinion, but I don't have to give in. I believed that this game was fun, harmless, and didn't negatively fuel those with gambling addictions. I posted an honest review on MY channel. 

Click HERE if you want to read about another issue I had where I didn't give into the commenter.

The Apology

I'm unsure why I have to post this part, but some people still make crappy apologies and ruin their careers. 

Really apologize. I like to think you mean it, so make sure you are conveying what you mean. No crying and keep your emotions level - nobody wants a pity party. Don't make excuses. Or jokes. Or both! Don't monetize the apology in any way. Make it short and simple... too many words can lead to more mistakes. 

Tana has created a handful of apologies. Some backfired, but she prevailed. Some worked really well. She's gonna last. (2020 me doesn't know about this.)