January 18, 2023 - A look into the realities of running a news portal in the modern era, and dealing with an unavoidable reality - online trolls.
I don't think I have ever had as much abuse in my life as running a news portal in Croatia. At first, I was a little shocked and intimidated, but after a while, I came to appreciate my online trolls, and to celebrate them. So much so that I dedicated a whole chapter of my latest book to them.
When I started Total Hvar almost 12 years ago, I was SO sensitive about comments, and I would consider changing articles on the basis of comments. I didn't want to offend people. It wasn't long before I learned that you can't please everyone in this beautiful land, and that being true to oneself was the best course.
And, slowly, over time, I came to quite enjoy the abuse, and I decided to celebrate it. I even started to feel a little affectionate towards my online trolls. So much so in fact that I genuinely find it hard to get out of bed unless there is a ton of abuse in my inbox.
And now, a vlog on my new YouTube channel, Paul Bradbury Croatia Expert. To the Keyboard Warriors of Croatia, I salute you.
As true patriots, may I suggest that for every negative comment you post on the trip, you pick up a piece of trash on a Croatian beach. What a clean country we would have then.
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What is it like to live in Croatia? An expat for 20 years, you can follow my series, 20 Ways Croatia Changed Me in 20 Years, starting at the beginning - Business and Dalmatia.
Follow Paul Bradbury on LinkedIn.
Subscribe to the Paul Bradbury Croatia & Balkan Expert YouTube channel.
Croatia, a Survival Kit for Foreigners is now available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.
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