4 less lame ways to end an online controversy besides saying your account had been hacked

Because saying you got hacked in this day and age is getting a little clichéd.

Belmont Lay| November 14, 12:12 AM

The Internet suffered a temporary meltdown two days ago, thanks to Janiqueel (pictured above, whose real name is Janice Leong), a Singaporean lady blogger who allegedly tried to cyber bully a salon into giving her a free hairdo:

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It didn't go well. The salon went public with the threat and everyone on the Internet were flipping out like ninjas.

The latest twist? The blogger is claiming her email account had been hacked and her blog deleted and she is not responsible for the threat.

Ok, sure.

Anyway, here are four less lame ways to end such a controversy that is more pleasing to everybody's sensibilities:

 

1. Own up and apologise

The very obvious thing one should do if one is wrong (regardless if it's on purpose or accidental), is to simply apologise.

Think about it this way: Even our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he's sorry at one point, so there's really no reason why anyone else shouldn't.

One thing we need to realise about Singaporeans is that they are a very forgiving bunch.

They no doubt are quick to judge, but they are also very quick to forgive and forget.

By admitting you are flawed, they are more likely to turn a blind eye and let things go.

You will still get haters, no doubt. But fewer.

And everyone will just live to fight another day. Great.

 

2. Provide proof of your account being compromised

It is one thing to say you've been hacked. And it is quite another thing to show it.

Because if your email account had really been compromised, you will go from being Public Enemy No. 1 to one of the greatest victims in the history of the Internet. You shouldn't even be surprised when you become a textbook case study of how the Internet went from "Die! Die!" to "Awww you poor thing".

With all the hacker The Messiah news getting everybody's attention, a real hack will win you real sympathy.

If there was illegal access, go to the police. And prominently display the police report on Facebook or a new blog or wherever.

Just check out, Ridhwan Azman, the Ah Boys to Men actor. He had his social media platforms compromised and he didn't hesitate to make a report.

But don't do anything stupid by making a false report and hope for the best: Anyone convicted of knowingly giving a public servant false information, or abetting it, can face up to a year in jail, a maximum fine of $5,000, or both.

 

3. Completely disappear

This step is fairly straightforward: Forget about the explanations. Forget about ever showing up online as Janiqueel.

Just go kaput and embrace anonymity forever more.

Delete every profile you have online with the knowledge that you are done with your online persona.

You might also want to consider changing your real name.

Like how there is no more Laura Ong.

 

4. Go down defending yourself

This is not exactly Public Relations 101, but it's worth a shot -- if you can stomach the mayhem and being all passive-aggressive.

Do what most big corporations do during crisis management: First, say, yes, I claim responsibility for my actions, but no, it's not really my fault.

This is exactly what happens after every major oil spill, for example.

This action should only be carried out if you know you can still take a beating.

Set the context. Reframe it if you have to. Provide clearer justifications.

Because if you are going to go down defending yourself, why not do it with some style and some grace?

 

And finally...

What should one never, ever do in the aftermath of such controversies?

Go into hiding and hope it will blow over.

That will never happen because the Internet will outlive all of us.

 

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