Should you ever write something that garners significant attention, you will inevitably upset some readers. Over the past decade, the phenomenon of receiving hate mail has become increasingly common. The article “A Step-By-Step Guide To Writing More Effective Hate Mail To Some Random Writer On The Internet” offers a satirical yet practical guide on the intricacies of writing more impactful hate mail. Jonathan Wolf, a civil litigator and author, explores this with a mixture of humor and seriousness.
Wolf’s first piece of advice is to reconsider sending hate mail at all. He notes that often, sending vitriolic messages achieves nothing and can even lead to criminal charges or reputational damage if the writer chooses to disclose the sender’s identity. Instead, he suggests that if the primary aim is to vent, one might consider writing the message but not sending it, or sharing it with a like-minded friend. Reflecting on the impact and objectives can save one from unnecessary trouble.
For those determined to proceed, Wolf recommends employing the “compliment sandwich” technique. This involves framing negative comments between two positive statements, thereby making the criticism more palatable and increasing the likelihood that it will be read. He highlights that writers, often sensitive to flattery, may take more seriously a criticism cushioned with genuine appreciation.
Research is another critical element Wolf emphasizes. The author points out that professional writers typically possess deep subject-matter expertise and invest considerable time in research. Hate mail that fails to demonstrate a similar level of understanding is easily dismissed. Wolf advises would-be hate mail writers to thoroughly research both the topic and the author to avoid making uninformed and easily rebutted arguments.
Editing is also crucial. As Wolf explains, professional writers are inclined to disregard poorly constructed messages. He encourages thorough proofreading and even sharing the message with a confidant for additional feedback to ensure coherence and effectiveness.
Finally, Wolf suggests offering a follow-up. Proposing a phone call or video session to discuss differences can significantly distinguish a hate mail sender from others. This step shows a commitment to genuine dialogue, potentially leading to constructive exchanges rather than mere venting.
For those interested in a more detailed discussion of these points, Jonathan Wolf’s full article can be found here.