Anyone who has been an internet user for a period of time should know that drama is one of the hallmarks of the absolutely wonderful technology that allows us to be connected 24/7. It's like glitter, one moment all you see is just a fleck of it then suddenly, it's everywhere. DeviantArt is chock full of massive amounts of it (drama, not glitter!) at any given time, so let's talk about what you need to know to avoid it (aaaand what to do if you find yourself in it)!

I ALWAYS have to reply

If you think the interwebs is the only place you'll find people you don't agree with, I think it's time you spent a little more time away from your computer. First off, let me say that there's nothing inherently wrong about disagreeing with someone. Nothing at all. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, even if that opinion is not popular or similar to yours. So for the purposes of example (since we are visual people) here's a hypothetical comment thread:

• Commenter: No offense, but I think this artwork sucks.

Now, let's assume that you like the artwork, or even worse, it's yours. What would be the proper response?

• #1. I've looked at your gallery, and you can't do any better so ha! Your artwork sucks!one111!!!
  
• #2. Why don't you like it?
  
• #3. Nothing. You hit the red 'x' and ignored the comment entirely. 

It will be extremely tempting, but responding with #1 is not the way to go. Mainly because you would be inciting a fight, and starting dArama. If you select #2, proceed cautiously. Though initially harmless, it could lead to issues you weren't prepared to deal with, especially if the artwork was not yours. Let me quickly segue into the subject of white-knights for a moment. I've seen some things written recently about white-knights, and why they are harmful, and I think it's worth clearing up the apparent confusion as to exactly what they even are. 

A white-knight is not someone who defends another person regardless of what the argument or issue is. If you even knew your internet history at all you'd know a white-knight is a (scummy) boy standing up for a girl online he has feelings for with the hopes of "favors" in return. How it has mutated to what people now think of it as an annoying 13 year old Belieber (or that 'leave Britney alone' guy) is far beyond me. A white-knight is not a troll, or any of the above. In fact this person can actually bring a little bit of clarity and common sense to a troll off. It's not pointing out facts or even blind defense. Anyone who blindly defends something (or someone) is an idiot, not a white-knight. Please stop confusing them

Let's review. THIS...

NOT THIS. Got it?

Ok, now that that's out of the way, let's discuss option #3, non-engagement. Option #3 is your honest to goodness, foolproof way to avoid getting into what might become a mucky situation. Some comments truly aren't worth you replying to, so don't give them your time or effort honey!

You are not required to reply to any comment that you do not want to. Plain and simple. 

This person is WRONG and I can PROVE it!

Congratulations, you have logically indisputable, irrefutable facts about a subject either from personal knowledge, actual study, or a quick Google search. Is it truly necessary to go out of your way to prove it to others? I'll save you some time: no. The reason why? It's quite simple, changing what people believe is harder than trying to wash a cat. I'm not saying bringing a little knowledge into a conversation isn't important, of course it is! But this is about who to even bother imparting that knowledge onto. Let's go back to the previous hypothetical comment thread and let's say you decided to go with #2 as an initial response:

Commenter: It sucks because anime sucks! The anatomy is all wrong, just look at how huge that head is! Weeaboos are lame! You're one of them aren't you?

Well that wasn't very nice! Let's see what your response options are: 

• #1. Is that so? Your artwork looks like trash! How dare you assume things about me?!
  
• #2. Actually, it's called stylization. Western cartoons are stylized too, just in different ways.
  
• #3. Nothing. You hit the red 'x' and ignored the comment entirely. 

Soooo, #1 is a definite no-no. You've just come down to their level and lost a little dignity while you were at it
#2 is good, you presented fact. If you go with #2, don't leave it open ended. A statement of fact (in a condescending manner) can often shut down an unkind commenter. Never use insults of intelligence or name calling, it totally cancels out whatever you said beforehand. 
#3 Once again, will free you from any further issues with that person in that comment thread. 
Don't feed the trolls guys, really.

What if I'm being harassed?

There's a false notion going around that blocking someone means that you are somehow inferior at arguing, 'butthurt,' or you want to get the last word in. No, no, and no. There's also an incorrect notion that blocking is the Help Desk's lazy way of avoiding doing their jobs. Again, no. Blocking someone from interacting with you is a prime way to avoid dArama, never be too intimidated to use the feature. How do I know it works? Well, at one point I was being harassed by not just one person, but a group of people plus whoever decided to jump on their demented bandwagon. I had to block nearly one hundred deviants at one point. Very time consuming, but entirely worth it. 

The second thing you can do if you are being harassed is to hide comments. Again, this is not some snarky method of communication, rather a way to stop the spinning wheel that is dArama. Don't know how to hide comments you say?

Both methods of blocking can easily end any amount of harassment you are receiving. Most unfavorable interactions can be remedied with those steps, however things can get spectacularly nasty at times and that is when you need to contact the Help Desk. 

Before I walk you through that step, let's go over what you can and cannot submit to the Help Desk as an Abuse Report:

• Do: Report excessive amounts of racial, ethnic, homophobic, bigoted slurs, personal threats, & extreme language.
  
• Do: Report someone who has made alternate accounts, or is having a friend continue harassment on their behalf. 
  
• Do: Report account hacking or evidenced spying.
  
• Do: Report forum threads that are not following the rules.
  
• Do Not: Report someone after a simple disagreement.
  
• Do Not: Report someone for stealing someone else's artwork (there is a separate method for that).
  
• Do not: Report someone for calling you stupid, or any other childish name that could be remedied by blocking. 
  
• Do not: Submit screenshots as evidence, they cannot and will not be considered in your case. 

Consult the following FAQs for info on what is considered 'abusive' language and behavior:   

• FAQ #295 
  
• FAQ #3 
  
• FAQ #238
  
• FAQ #708
  
• FAQ #155 
  
• FAQ #160 
  
• FAQ #35

So, let's say things are very bad. The person harassing you is using extreme language, has threatened you and has sent other people after you (or is making alternate accounts to continue harassment). This is a case to submit as an Abuse Report. When you submit your report you need to have the following things:

1. The username of person you are reporting.
   
2. Links to comments that support your allegations. No need to 'unhide' them, moderators will still be able to see the conversation. 
3. A concise outline of the complaint.
4. Block all parties involved.
5. Be patient. It may take the Help Desk time to get to your complaint depending on the seriousness of the situation.