1. Ignore rumors. Get the facts first-hand from the sources. Don't seize them by the throat too tightly. Keep the shaking brisk but light.
   
2. Treat others as you expect to be treated. If I said something that stupid, I'd expect you to knock me through a wall.
   
3. When debate doesn't work, agree to disagree and walk away. It takes some time to think up five hundred synonyms for Pinhead.
   
4. Ignore people who trash you for your opinion. Remember where they live.
   
5. Respect is not a given. You have to earn it constantly. Especially seeing as they're not making a dime in this business.

Read the rest over at The Paperback Writer!