Honestly? If I'd even consider telling my story publicly, and I'm not sure I wouold, I'd tell it once – here – then drop it. These things get out of hand because people will continue to engage as long as there are new comments.

Paula, I remember that tirade, too. There's a current one posted on Scott Stratten's blog that's even worse, if you can imagine:

http://www.unmarketing.com/2012/01/10/worst-use-of-social-media-of-2012-boners-bbq/

Great way to shoot your business down.

Hang in there with the tax office.

In a slightly related point, during my tax protest hearing, after I presented charts showing the long-term vacancies and foreclosures on my block alone, a woman representing the assessor's office actually asked, "Well, how do you KNOW they were vacant?" I said, "When you live next door to a vacant house, you know. It's obvious." Here's hoping that helped make my case for me!

And I think I would have told the author something like every book gets bad reviews… and I won't help you find who wrote that one.. Sounds like that's what your friend did.

And yeah, I wouldn't go near that client every again.

If the author takes it public there's not a whole lot that can be done except gather support from folks who support the writer… she can tell her side once, and that's it. (Speaking from experience.) The author will soon reveal himself to be a nut case.

Anon, thanks for sharing the story with me. I was scratching my head a week later, so I knew it was a chance to learn something.

unikorna, I'm glad to see you here. I've enjoyed your blog for quite some time. Honored to have you here!

Either way, the majority of witnesses will easily be able to determine the real source of the problem and laud you for not allowing yourself to be dragged into the fray.