Internet searches on a manufactured housing builder’s may lead web surfers to hacked off consumer complaint sites.  Some of these attacks are anonymous.  All of them can be difficult to handle, especially in the absence of positive efforts to build a company or the industry’s image.  These attacks are not limited to angry customers.  Cyberbullying can include associates in the workplace, competitors or others. “Cyberbullying involves the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cell phone and pager text messages, instant messaging (IM), defamatory personal Web sites, and defamatory online personal polling Web sites, to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behaviour by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others.” said Bill Belsey, Cyberbullying Expert. Author Marybeth Hicks writes, people “…bully others because they lack a moral compass. They lack a conscience that tells them bullying is always wrong…If we want to solve the bullying problem, we need to solve the character problem.”  Chelsea Itson is a self-admitted former cyberbully and victim. Itson said, “Be aware that you do not need to make a mistake online to end up being the target of cyberbullying …Sometimes you will be attacked because of what you believe in.” Iston said, “If you are active in the blogosphere, be very wary of any people who are wrapped up in “online drama” or associated with anything regarding “drama” (unless it’s of the theater-type). These people will often turn on their own if you choose to not be a part of their circle. They are often just groups of cyberbullies, and if they decide that you have done something against them, you will become their new target.” Iston advises, “remember about dealing with cyberbullying is to never, ever respond to the bully…Remember that bullies are often lacking something crucial in their lives and they seek pain in others, so do not fill this void for them by giving them a reaction. Your reaction is exactly what they are seeking. Instead, document everything, and seek the proper authorities (up to and including your local FBI bureau)…The bully will often tell their prey things such as “you deserve this” and “you need help” in order to convince you that you are in fact the bad person. Just remember who it is you are dealing with and report everything to the proper authorities so the real “bad person” can be dealt with legally.”

(Bill Belsey photo credit, National Speakers Bureau)