"I read a fan bulletin board once, and somebody said I had a face like a potato, so I never went back on there"

Mary Lynn Rajskub recounts her experience browsing a fan bulletin board, only to stumble upon an unkind comment about her appearance, specifically, that she “had a face like a potato.” This one sentence encapsulates the vulnerability that public figures feel in the age of online discourse. Even for someone in the limelight, exposed to more severe critiques from critics and audiences alike, a petty insult on a fan forum can linger in the mind. The fact that the insult was relatively juvenile does not diminish its impact, in fact, the straightforward meanness can make it even more cutting.

Rajskub’s reaction, deciding never to return to that bulletin board, is relatable on a universal scale. Many people have experienced the sting of reading negative or mocking comments about themselves online, even in places that are supposed to be supportive or celebratory. Her story underscores how unexpected and deeply personal online criticism can feel, especially when it comes from a source you assumed would be friendly. The singular experience sticks with her, affecting how she interacts with online communities moving forward.

The anecdote also touches upon issues of body image and society’s tendency to judge and comment on appearance, often under the mask of internet anonymity. Her words implicitly critique the way that digital spaces can foster casual cruelty, where throwaway comments can profoundly affect their targets. It’s a reminder of the fragile boundary between public persona and private feelings, and how easily that barrier can be breached by a stray, unkind remark.

By sharing her story, Rajskub offers a subtle appeal for empathy and kindness online, highlighting the disproportionate harm that careless words can cause. It’s a testament to how, behind every public figure, there is a person as susceptible to hurt as anyone else, sometimes enough to swear off an entire community.