link--this

*** Quick note at 7 p.m. EST on 02.24.03: I was e-mailed by the blog owner in question below earlier today about the file I had linked here. Seems like they may be just a wee bit paranoid that their actions are making them look like the ass they are. I was threatened with a lawsuit if I don't remove "their content". Go for it, buddy. And after checking with my host, I learned I had every right to keep the files here on my server and I'm not violating any of my hosting policies. However, since they were "kind enough" to remove the entries in their blog quoting comments from tampatantrum.com, I'm going to be an adult and remove the link here to their blog entries / comments that are stored on my server as well.

However, I may be blonde but I'm not stupid. I'm not deleting anything I've saved -- and if you'd like to see just what was said for yourselves, the links that went to the collected entries / comments now have been replaced with a link to e-mail me instead with a request to see it all. ***

I just thought it should be made perfectly clear to everyone why I've suspended the personal portion of my blog. It's not some big secretive hush-hush operation. By now a lot of people have seen what I'm about to link here (although I won't link to, or name, their site and give them any additional traffic).

It was not because of comments left here in my own blog. I can handle my own house. It's when it spreads outside the boundaries of my own blog, and personal attacks move on to my unborn children, that I finally put my foot down and say "ENOUGH". It was no longer just effecting just me. It was effecting my husband. I have rarely seen him that angry in our entire marriage. I have never seen him (a peace loving, tree hugging, hippie freak) so close to purchasing a gun and saying "I'll be back in a few days...don't wait up..." And if I continued to give anyone the justification for words like these by my blogging, then I was partially to blame for the anger he felt and his actions.

On this blog -- across four different entries and its comments -- I read things like "karma for her is a motherfucker" (referring to my miscarriage because of comments I've deleted, and banned their authors, in the past). I saw myself referred to as a stripper and a whore for the Boobie-Thon charity drive. I was given a link, as well as e-mailed it, to Midol.com -- and made fun of for my "hormonal imbalances" -- while I am still physically miscarrying, mind you. I was basically accused of not grieving because I became upset by comments in my blog -- and blogged about them -- rather than quietly grieving instead. That entry left by me in anger was the thing that started this whole mess.

I was accused of using my blog as a giant "pity party". Nevermind that my blog has always focused on the good, and the bad. Nevermind that in January, one of these very same commenters bitched and moaned about me being too happy and living a "charmed life". The "facts" were shifted once again to mesh with current times.

And it just goes on...and on...and on. This is only a small sampling of what I read on that site over the weekend. Some of it has since been deleted.

People only have the right to criticize the parts of my life that I let them see. So now, quite simply, they won't see them any longer.

If you have a problem with that, well I'm truly sorry. But it's my life -- it's my website. Even in death I will protect my children -- and also my marriage -- above all else. And should I become a mother one day, I most certainly will NEVER let my kids, or the way I raise them, fall under this same kind of scrutiny. Ever. It ends now.

-Robyn

¤ ¤ credit: robyn | 02.24.03 at 01:57 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Actually, here is a link to a USENET article that uses the term "blog" in the context I was speaking of, I will cut and paste the article itself and give you guys the link. It is an even better demonstration of the use of the term. This particular article appears to have been speaking of a major event in the Nets history when one Robert T. Morris released one of the first network worms that brought the Net to a grind halt back in the late 80's. It in fact did "blog" or "back log" the net for 4 days. Quite a mess if I remember well. The irony of it all - Robert Morris was/is the son of a former NSA director.
:-)

From: Stephen H. Kawamoto (a7657@mindlink.bc.ca)
Subject: Re: A good study about the Neuromantics
View: Complete Thread (4 articles)
Original Format
Newsgroups: alt.cyberpunk
Date: 1992-12-01 15:14:46 PST

On a side note, if you're a real tech weenie, check out COMPUTERS UNDER
ATTACK: intruders, WORMS AND VIRUSES, edit. Peter J Denning. It has various
articles snarfed from about 1984 to 1989. It describes the robert t morris
virus (the misnamed Internet 'worm' that blogged the net over 4 years ago).
This is a must-read for technological background into Internet, as well as PC
and network security measures.

--
Stephen Kawamoto
"It is the very mind itself
That leads the mind astray;
Of the mind,
Do not be mindless."
(an old Japanese folk song)

http://groups.google.com/...mindlink.bc.ca&rnum=1

¤ ¤ credit: Jafo | 02.24.03 at 02:03 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I'm not arguing where the term weblog started -- I'm stating that the term blog as we know it today stemmed from the definition weblog. Rebecca Blood has written an excellent history on this. Thank you for your research.

¤ ¤ credit: robyn | 02.24.03 at 02:08 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Gonna miss ya Girl :-)
Just keep postin' about them Sooners!!

¤ ¤ credit: jewdez | 02.24.03 at 02:09 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

You don't owe anyone an explanation. It's your blog and your life, and youre not accountable to anyone but yourself and your spouse. Yes, there are those of us who wish you'd handled it differently, but for purely selfish reasons. The choice was yours, and we respect that.

¤ ¤ credit: dave | 02.24.03 at 02:20 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

They suck. I've only been reading for two months, but I want to thank you for letting people into your life. It's been fun and sad and hard and wonderful. I'm sorry for your loss and that it has been compounded by a bunch of jerks. Do what you need to in order to protect yourself for now, but don't clam up forever. Sharing part of yourself is painful sometimes, but it's the only way to get to the heart of the matter. We need each other, all of us. Don't let them win in the long run.

¤ ¤ credit: Scott | 02.24.03 at 02:50 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

yeah..uh...most of what i'd say has already been said. always do what's best for you, and fuck the nay-sayers. let them be negative and spiteful in their own time and dont worry about a single one of them. i'll miss yr 'personal side' as everyone's calling it - but yr still here, and still i'll come read, and i know you're gonna take care of yourself. rock on, woman. much love from a new englander who's read silently for a while now, and still will.

¤ ¤ credit: nicole | 02.24.03 at 02:58 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

And they commented on other people's sites, too - at least one that I know of. I haven't checked back to see if it's been deleted or not.

You've got enough to think about right now. You & Todd take care of yourselves.

Becky

¤ ¤ credit: Cyberangel | 02.24.03 at 03:01 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Robyn, I'm not going to tell you that you are wrong in the way you are handling this. I just know for a fact that someone will always be there to give you shit no matter what you write. I get emails daily about what a horrible mother I am. I delte the comments from my blog and don't discuss it anymore. I used to yell and bitch and type up firestorms about people who had nothing better to do than give me shit. But it was draining me and made me hate sharing anything with anyone. I was angry and bitter. Now, I simply delte and don't give them the power over me anymore by even talking about it. The more you defend your actions, the more they will try to tear you a new one. You know what I mean? I support whatever decision that you make but I have enjoyed getting to know the personal you very much. I would have never known who to contact about SS in fla if you hadn't talked about it. You were so helpful because you talked about it and then graciously answered my email for help. For all the naysayers that there are, there are more people that care about you and will miss knowing how you are doing. *hugs*

¤ ¤ credit: kat | 02.24.03 at 03:06 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

i'm going to miss reading up on what's going on in your life. i rarely comment, but always read. that being said, this is of course your space...so f--- everyone else:) do as you please:) and like someone else mentioned (i think it was dave) you don't need to explain anything to anyone.

again though, i'll miss your personal posts. (i'll still be reading up on whatever you do post though - hehe) take care of yourself robyn, and that good hubby of yours:)

¤ ¤ credit: lor | 02.24.03 at 03:06 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

With as much hell as you guys been through these past couple months, I consider myself lucky that this site gets updated at all. I think it sucks that because of a couple of morons, the rest of us get robbed of part of your huge emotional writing range. Of course, if I was in your shoes, I would have lost my shit on this guy a long time ago and probably shut my whole site down. Thanks for not totally abandoning those of us whole like reading what you write.

¤ ¤ credit: a different Bill | 02.24.03 at 03:27 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I've always enjoyed reading your blog, even though I think this is the first time I've ever commented. I'm glad you're keeping a personal blog for your close friends and family, and I'm glad you're leaving a little something for the rest of us. I'm sorry some twisted little troll living in his mother's basement caused you additional hurt in the face of your tragic loss. I just hope you eventually find some measure of peace. You write beautifully, and I wish the best for you, Todd and your family.

¤ ¤ credit: Shelby :) | 02.24.03 at 04:10 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I'll miss you too, Robyn. I'll let you in on a little part of my life: I was horribly ripped in a blog by a girl whom I thought was my best friend. This was 3 years ago, and every so often, it still bothers me. She was saying all of these horrible things about me, while smiling at me to my face. So harsh words, defimation of character, and no way to reverse it or defend yourself are perfectly good reasons for shutting out the world. So keep in mind that almost everyone here totally understands why you have to do this. It's your website. I'll miss it, but you do what you gotta do. Your sanity is more important than any weblog. We stand behind you, Dove!!!

¤ ¤ credit: Kathryn | 02.24.03 at 04:47 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

i just wanted to tell you that your blog is by far the best i have seen... im so sorry people feel they can make comments and slander you just because you write about your life and feelings online.

i for one will continue to come back and visit your blog because i like the way you think and there's always something interesting to read.

god bless you and yours & don't worry about what other's write. they don't pay your bills and it's not likely you will ever want to meet those assholes anyway.

¤ ¤ credit: shelley | 02.24.03 at 05:33 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Well, I'm sorry to see the personal side of your blog go under wraps, but damn if I don't understand, and sympathize. That Jake guy --- well, it's too bad he gets his rocks off hurting people. I'd offer to kick his ass, but he and I both know he'd just appreciate the `validation' if I did take my favorite pair of Wolverines to him. Let him go and whine somewhere else, to sycophants and lickers-of-running-sores like those who commented favorably on his blog entry.

I am glad to know you won't be gone, and I am honored to have been one of those who did get to see `the old Tampa Tantrum'-- the reason, by the way, that I have a blog, a website, and a Movable Type installation to call my own (no matter what else I'm calling it when it's fighting with me).

Be well, be loved, be blessed. I'll be around, even if I do tend to lurk a bit.

Yours,

Luis

¤ ¤ credit: Luis | 02.24.03 at 05:34 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Damn Robyn, why are theyt attacking you? You put yourself out there...you open yourself up to us and people mock you. I just guess I will never understand. Thank you...thank you for sharing with us about your life, both public and private. Thank you for taking the initiative on so many different web projects. In other words, thank you for just being you. I have to admit that I will miss the "real" you on this blog...but I gues it's better than not having you around at all. Take care of yourself and Todd. **Hugs**

¤ ¤ credit: Sara | 02.24.03 at 06:26 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Sorry to see the personal side of your blog go, Robyn. I've been reading for a couple months now and enjoyed everything. I understand the choice to do it though, and hope it helps.

You and Todd have been and still are in my thoughts, and I hope that things get better/easier for you both. You deserve it after all this. *hugs*

¤ ¤ credit: Lesa | 02.24.03 at 08:03 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

rock on with your bad self.

¤ ¤ credit: jcterminal | 02.24.03 at 08:58 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

i am saddened by the behaviors of people. i have to say i am glad i didn't see the nasty comments made about you. i will miss you, but totally understand your need for private healing. take care you you both

i hope for you many blessings in your life

fae

¤ ¤ credit: faewench | 02.24.03 at 10:23 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I understand completely why you are doing what you are doing. It just gets me, though, why people think that they have the right to pass judgement upon you for what you write, how you grieve, etc. They may think they're being clever or whatever, but they just look like the assholes that they are.

I haven't been reading you for very long, and like the others, I'm going to miss the more personal side of things, but I understand completely why you are doing this. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do.

¤ ¤ credit: Kathy | 02.25.03 at 01:05 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

For the short time I was able to enjoy your site, I just want to sat "Thanks". The inherent honesty has been a refreshing breath of fresh air in a genre where superficiality and fluff reign.

True, the trolls are annoying, and there is no shortage of lameness on the net.

Cheers and thanks again

- still in OK...

¤ ¤ credit: don | 02.25.03 at 01:10 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

OK, the last time I used this word in a comment, it caused a whole lot of additional comments because of it, but these twatwaffles need a serious wake up call. There are too many people who for some sadistic reason or another enjoy creating drama and chaos in this world. Unfortunately, a lot of them are in politics :)

Sarcasm aside, I too will miss the personal aspect of your blog and respect your decision to password protect your personal journal.

¤ ¤ credit: Veshka | 02.25.03 at 02:38 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

Sorry to see you have to split it up, but I do understand and respect your decision. I wish the best of luck to you and Todd - and may your future be filled with happiness. :)

¤ ¤ credit: Zaldor | 02.25.03 at 06:56 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

Will you still participate in the bloglet subscription?

¤ ¤ credit: Cool Box Chick | 02.25.03 at 07:48 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

Robyn,
It is sad that there are those who have no clue what it is to be decent to others. Your blog has been my first exposure to the blog world several months ago and I have to say that you have kept me coming back daily to read. I will miss the personal aspect of the blog but I can understand your desire to not allow those that will use your life experiences as fodder for their twisted hate filled attacks.

May you daily find joy and peace in your life!
Liz

¤ ¤ credit: Liz | 02.25.03 at 12:06 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I too will miss the personal aspect to your blog. It was entertaining, deep, and meaningful, and it will be missed.

Best of luck to you and Todd.

Zippy

¤ ¤ credit: Z. Hendirez | 02.25.03 at 03:39 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Although I'll miss your more personal musings (it made me realize that I'm not alone in the trials and tribulations department), I completely understand and wish you the best.

Keep smiling, keep us updated with the jukebox in your head, and kick the butt of all who deserve it...

P.

¤ ¤ credit: P. in Atlanta | 02.25.03 at 07:08 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Once again, Mea Culpa. I had no idea that you were going through such a difficult time. Some people are in dire need of proffesional help and never seem to get it. I've always enjoyed your blog and hope that you will continue in spite of this rudeness.

¤ ¤ credit: C. Roy Luth | 02.25.03 at 09:11 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I will miss you.You got me hooked on blogging. Thank you.

¤ ¤ credit: alan | 02.25.03 at 09:48 PM | link--this ¤ ¤