How Sean Gordon Murphy manages Twitter

Here's an interesting posting by the artist/writer Sean Gordon Murphy, who did some work on Batman, who seems to be trying to encourage other creators to run their business on Twitter with more respect for audiences:

I've gotten heat from people because I have a "no block" policy. So let me explain this policy and why it works for me. But first, a disclaimer:

— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) February 25, 2018

You have the right to run your Twitter however you want. If you're being threatened and worried for your safety, then block away. 99% of my comic friends block people for whatever reasons, and I respect that choice.

— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) February 25, 2018

But I'm trying a NO BLOCK policy, and I love it. I don't care if you threaten me, troll me, or throw shade at White Knight--I run a business, and part of that is dealing with customer service. By all means, be a dick--I'll just "high road" you.

— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) February 25, 2018

HIGH ROADING is what I do with some trolls--I'll "quote" them so everyone can see my response, and I'll be 100% nice by displaying perfect customer service.

— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) February 25, 2018

"Sorry you didn't like the book, I appreciate you giving it a chance," usually calms them down. And if it doesn't, at least you're displaying your professionalism to EVERYONE. Showing them that you're willing to listen to customers, even when they're rude.

— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) February 25, 2018

Stand up for your values and condemn who you want, but I feel like blocking is polarizing/divisive. Most importantly, it's not fixing the problem. A capitalist would say that not only are you losing that costumer, but 10 of their friends when they start complaining about you.

— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) February 25, 2018

And for me, the CAPITALIST view is worth remembering--as deaf as it might seem to your struggles and values. Is comics only about money? No, but without money we lose it all. And then you'll have NO platform.

— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) February 25, 2018

Yes, I'm followed by people I don't like. And if I see them harass another follower I'll say something. But blocking them is saying "fuck you", which might feel good...

— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) February 25, 2018

...but I prefer to try and WIN THEM OVER with my work--show them something that reflects my inclusive values and hope it wins them over that way.

— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) February 25, 2018

And while they can't publicly say so, publishers and stores agree. Because you're not only blocking YOUR customers, you're blocking THEIRS.

— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) February 25, 2018

Someone should tell this to Dan Slott, Mark Waid, and goodness knows what other "creators" have resorted to blocking on Twitter (or Facebook) out of spite and inability to accept dissent. Murphy does deserve credit for bringing to light a serious mistake on the part of writers and artists. Also, he recommended the following:

I think we need to call a #comicsceasefire for a month. Everyone unblock everyone in exchange for zero negativity for 30 days. And we all promise to be on our best behavior. See how we like it. https://t.co/uNjL3mXRYR

— Sean Gordon Murphy (@Sean_G_Murphy) February 25, 2018

I think it's a great idea. All artists and writers who've done this should unblock the tweeters they've blocked, and stop being vindictive and spiteful because their rival said something they don't agree with. And above all, they should apologize. The time has come.