It was kicking off in Lichfield last weekend…
All because of everyone’s favourite topic – parking.
Let me set the scene…
Lichfield is very middle England.
In every sense.
Some folks want to keep it this way.
And some folks don’t.
So when the council proposed some parking changes to the town centre it kicked off.
Big time.
In a very ‘Middle England’ sort of way.
Our riots are petitions and community meetings, with anonymous social media trolling on the side.
The best internet troll so far?
Some fella comparing the parking changes to the holocaust.
Yes really.
And whilst all (sane) humans can agree this is wrong on every level.
I had another thought….
“I wonder if the council will use this to its advantage?”
See, most choose not to poke the bear when it comes to the internet troll.
…Viewing them as bottom-feeders powered by prejudice.
Which is true.
… B-U-T in the right situation, threats from trolls are the gift that keep on giving.
Used correctly, this troll is powerful PR that demonstrates how irrational most are about parking.
Meaning he’s a scalp that should be claimed and a head that should be put on a public stake.
After all, and in my experience, nothing sways public opinion better than some good old-fashioned naming and shaming.
Now, as you can imagine, I face my fair share of trolls.
My fault. It’s 2023 and I run a business that is men-only.
Yet rather than batten down the hatches, I welcome them with open arms.
At least some of the time.
…Using them to prove a point, call a bluff, or flog publicly.
A triumphant tactic that I’d urge you to swipe and deploy – whenever possible.
Anyway…
I suspect the council won’t be that smart.
But either way, I’m looking forward to watching the fallout.
Until next time.
Make More. Provide More. Be More.
Charlie Hutton
