As a fiction writer, I allow jerks to think they have the last word. Eventually, aspects of their vapid personalities are sprinkled into my work... my villains sound more true to life, thanks to them. I have deep gratitude to the petty, mean and ugly people I've met. They have allowed me to develop petty, mean and ugly antagonists. I get the last word in every story I write and have published. Success always speaks louder than angry babble.