Guys, I feel so bad to have got to this state, but there’s a limit to how much I can take. My integrity is being called into question on a forum thread and now, for the second time in as many days, I'm being attacked in the archive by freebie-members. I've reached the point where I just don’t have the energy to battle this hostility any longer.

I'm not giving up my WW membership – it means too much to me and I don’t think I’ll be able to resist commenting – but I don’t think I’ll upload any work for the foreseeable future, so I'm resigning from the groups and from now on I’ll keep my forum feedback to a minimum.

Sorry about this.

^^

I don't know what thread you are having problems with as I have been absent most of this week. I am so sorry you are withdrawing, and do not intend to upload work at present.You are a regular poster offering sensible advice, this site will be the poorer for you keeping in the background.I wish you would reconsider.
Kat

Dee,

I am so sorry to read this.

Like Kat I have not been around nearly as much as I used to be, but I hate to see you feeling this way. Sometimes the forums get out of hand - sometimes people forget their basic social skills when they get on the net. While I have not seen the thread in question, I assume it is something like that, as that's what usually happens! You are outspoken, honest and civil. If everyone was as civil as you, there would be no flaming in the forums.

Ani xx

Dee, sorry to hear about this - I'd just ignore this person, though. Shame there isn't a report this thread option on archive comments.

Ex

Dee, I'm sorry that's it's got to this point with you. I know internet fora are prone to flaring up, but it's a sad day when someone like you, with so much to offer and so much commitment, reaches this point. 'Just ignoring' unpleasant people, who hide behind the anonymity of the Net, is easy to preach, and very difficult to do. I hope you feel able to join in fully again soon, as those of us who want to use WW as it should be used will miss you.

Emma

Dee,

I suspect that my requesting an apology from you for your unkind and unfounded accusations on the 'Poll' Topic may have contributed to this decision.

I know nothing about yout attacks in the Archives but I do know that 'attacks' can be very hurtful and midguided.

However I am well aware that you have been 'attacked' in the past, have reported such nasty behaviour to David Bruce that has resulted in termination for the offenders. Perhaps you can repeat this and have the 'attackers' at least reprimanded for there is no room hateful people.

Len



<Added>

May I add, Dee, that I am with Emma on the points she makes and, like her, 'will miss you'. You are still one of 'the ladies' to me.

Len

<Added>

Do excuse the typos - typed very quickly.

Your confidence has been undermind. This is not good. I've been browsing through various threads since joining and have generally found most people at WriteWords are generous and great conversationalists. You, Dee, included. Thank you for all your input.

I surf the site randomly and I've noticed some threads get a little strong and I don't get involved. Being a very sensitive person, I don't think I could handle too much forthright agumentation. Even if it isn't meant to be hurtful, so I'll always avoid it. That also means that my comments will be a bit wishy washy.

Sometimes when I write my comments, in the back of my mind I hope someone doesn't write back telling me off and saying that I've missed the point or something similarly negative. When we members write our comments we are putting ourselves "out there" in the company of strangers.

I completely understand how you feel. Maybe a little rest from the interaction until your confidence returns. It would be a shame for your input to be lost.

Yours sincerely, Di2

Dee

You've been a fantastic supporter of my work and given me confidence to grow as a writer.

I don't know how anyone could question your integrity. As for this HoD person, I've no idea where he or his comments have come from or why he has picked on you. It's his first ever comment and bears no relation to the Ampersand interview. It should be removed and HoD should get a warning.

Come on HoD. Tell us what your agenda is.

Shay

Dee,

It's beyond a sad moment when someone who has made such a contribution to this site reaches the point you have. It is exhausting and upsetting to find yourself under attack (even when it's from people you don't know), I completely sympathise, as I'm sure do many other members, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks it will be beyond sad if you never resume the place you've made for yourself here.

Get a rest, lick those wounds and come back soon.

Please

Andrea

Dee,

I hope you will reconsider. They're simply not worth it.

As for the forum thread, I think there's still a healthy debate in there to be salvaged.

So many of us value your input; don't let these sods get to you.

Myrtle

Len, you're a gentleman.

Emma

Dee,

I happened to read the interview last night with The Ampersand Agency and I saw the comment you refer to. (I see that it has now been removed.) My reaction was that it was not only completely unwarranted but, for anyone who knows you, verging on the ridiculous. It looked to me like someone who wanted to take a shot at this site and simply chose a fairly prominent member to target. I certainly wouldn't take it in any way personally (that said, I understand that these things hurt). I am sure that all the WW members who read that comment dismissed it with the disdain it deserved. I think that your contribution to this site is entirely positive and that you should continue to be involved but I understand your feelings.
A final point: I would make a distinction between members presenting and defending their opinions in good faith and those whose main objective is to insult and demean.
Keep the chin up and keep writing!
Ashlinn

Emma,

Thank you for your comment. I always try to live up to what it is when one is called 'a gentleman' and, above all, have attempted to respect all women and to regard them as 'ladies'.

Len

I've had a chance to catch up with the 'poll' forum and I think, with respect, both sides are getting worked up over very little. I can see both sides of the debate; I always thought woman sounded a bit rude (perhaps my church school upbringing), but why is it Women's Institute if it is offensive or less polite? Also I have friends who attend 'Women in Business' networking groups. Now imagine me between you Len and Dee. Shake hands. OK? Let's move on.

Shay (all loved up)

You always give good, honest comments. You're respected for it. I don't know aout the thread or the archive stuff, but I hope you'll bounce back.

xx
Colin M

<Added>

here's a spare "b" - see if you can find where it goes in the sentence above.