To think most people who comment on news articles are just being provocative/mean

[HotelTangoFoxtrotUniform]

My mother was awarded a gong in the Birthday Honours on Saturday for her 22 years of service to her local community. The local paper is running the story today, and it's actually a kind piece with some lovely quotes from people she has worked alongside over the last 2 decades.

The comments from the public underneath though are just mean. They're calling her corrupt, saying that she has made a negative difference to the town (she hasn't) and generally slating her. When she stepped down from higher office in 2011 they were talking about celebrating and posting the same trash that the anti-thatcher people did when she died.

AIBU to think that they're just being rude and the old adage "if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all" should be employed? It has rather taken the shine off her wonderful achievement tbh, and I feel so sorry for her.

Horrible for you to have to read. same as anywhere on the internet, people would never have to the balls to say it to your face

Unless your mother is Margaret Moran then YANBU. People who step up to serve are always going to hack some people off. Generally those who never bother to help anyone do anything. Witness the brownie AIBU running right now.

People can be outrageous, I remember a recent article in DM online about a high profile sexual harassment case and the amount of comments about the alleged victims appearance and the fact they felt she was too ugly to have been pursued were shocking

I had a prominant job once and the things people said about me on message boards brought me to tears. Hard to ignore but you have to otherwise it would drive you insane

Never read the bottom half of the internet. Presumably the comments are anonymous? Gosh their opinions should really matter - these people who have stepped up to perform valuable roles for their community, willing to take criticism when they don't perform and proud to be honoured for their achievements afterwards...oh wait...

Don't let it take the shine off what your mother has done. Ignore and carry on.

Penelope that made me laugh out loud. Will tell my mother not to read the bottom half of the Internet - she'll love it! Am just amazed at how mean people are, and also how unspecific - she "ruined the town" not she "overspent on X project" or similar. They are talking out of their behinds. Doesn't make it less hurtful though.