Oh, social media. A place where baby pictures, local events, and the occasional recipe for crockpot chili collide with unsolicited advice, blatant misinformation, and the audacity of people who woke up and chose chaos. Don’t get me wrong—community groups can be a fantastic way to connect. But they can also feel like walking into a room full of people armed with megaphones, all convinced they’re experts on your life, business, and choices.
Let’s set the scene: you make a simple post. Maybe it’s an update about what you’re selling this week, an announcement about an upcoming event, or a friendly note about what’s happening on your farm. You hit “post” and wait, hoping for a few kind words or even just a like or two. And then it happens—the comments roll in, and suddenly you’re facing a masterclass in audacity.
There’s the unsolicited advice guy. He knows better than you how to run your farm, even though the last animal he took care of was a Tamagotchi. His suggestions range from mildly unhelpful (“Have you tried feeding your chickens cheaper feed? Might save you some money!”) to outright absurd (“Why don’t you just give your eggs away for free? It’d bring you more customers!”).
Then we’ve got the baseless accusation crew. They’ll hit you with gems like, “$5 for a dozen eggs? That’s robbery!” or “Small farms are just as greedy as corporations.” Never mind the fact that you’ve laid out your costs (sometimes literally), and $5 barely scratches the surface of what it takes to produce high-quality, farm-fresh eggs. No, their mind is set—and their keyboard is ready.
And of course, there’s the one-upper. This person knows a farm two hours away where eggs are cheaper, chickens are raised in gold-plated coops, and the farmer hands you a fresh loaf of sourdough with every purchase. Or so they claim. How they expect you to compete with this magical farm, they don’t say.
Here’s the truth: social media has emboldened people to say things they’d never say to your face. Maybe it’s the screen, maybe it’s the anonymity, or maybe it’s just that they think their opinion is so valuable it simply must be shared. Whatever the case, it can be enough to make a small business owner throw their hands up and wonder if it’s even worth it.
But here’s the thing—it is worth it. For every audacious comment, there’s a quiet supporter who appreciates what you do. For every unsolicited “expert,” there’s someone learning from your posts, becoming more connected to where their food comes from. So, we put up with the chaos. We answer politely (or not, depending on the day). We share the realities of farming and small business life because it’s important, even if some people seem determined to misunderstand it.
The next time you see someone going full keyboard warrior on a local business, maybe throw the business owner a little support. A kind comment, a recommendation, or even just a heart reaction can go a long way in drowning out the noise. And if you’ve ever been on the receiving end of these interactions, know this: your work matters. Keep posting, keep sharing, and keep smiling—because you’re making a difference, audacity and all.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen in a social media group lately? Pull up a chair—we’re all ears.
