In a couple of days I will change my Gather Name from Bill's Spirit back to Bill S. The picture will remain the same for a few weeks to help people with the transition.
I've gotten the feeling that my unreal name had a bunch of Gatherers thinking I should run-off to MySpace. I've looked around there and it's not for me. Not my cups of tea. They don't offer the level of constructive criticism for writing that Gather does. If all I cared about was posting to the internet I'd do it on the web site I've owned since 1998.
Maybe I don't belong here. I've never understood the rigid need for professionalism. Life is what you make of it, and I like to make it fun. Childishness and being a character has some deeply rewarding values.
Sometimes it's just no fun playing with adults. Everything must always be so serious, professional, cliquish or selfish. Tolerance for playfulness seems scarce. It's a bummer.
I liked using the name, Bill's Spirit. Logging in with that name on a daily basis helped me stay focused on what's important to me and not get caught up in all the struggles and negativity that had been swirling around me these last few years. It is with some melancholy that I put it in a box of memories.
I'd do it again.
Unless I find a site like Gather with a population comprised of playful spiritualist, philosophical sci-fi/fantasy writers, who aren't scared off or made nervous or peevish by my characteristics I'll keep publishing here.
Thank you to all who find me likable, and those who like my work.
Thank you to all the others for your tolerance.
From Bill's Spirit,
(soon to be Bill S., again)
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Comments: 38
You will always be Bill's Spirit to me. Your icon will be missed but I look forward to the next one.
by the way, take mariana up on her offer - she's lots of fun!
By any other name would smell as sweet;
So Bill would, were he not Bill call'd,
Retain that dear perfection which he owes
Without that title. Bill, doff thy name;
And for that name, which is no part of thee,
Take all of Gather.
Here's the link to Bill's story if anyone is interested.
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976760262
Kathleen G. - Thanks for the support of Bill's Spirit. Keeping the name has been a surprising theme in many of the response I've received. I never expected that.
Professionalism and adulthood are highly overrated.
Kathryn - Thanks. And Ditto.
Donna - You betcha! Sweetie.
Jan H. - A rose? I'm flatterd by that and that you like my icon. Thanks.
Cindy T. - No problem.
Mariana T. - Only five? And, which one(s) want to be my friend? - LOL - Thanks for the support.
George C. - Waxing Shakespearean. Good show!!
BS... hmmmm.. lots of fun with that one, eh? - LOL
Nice reference to Mark Twain. He's been an inspirational role model of mine since my childhood.
Donna - Thanks for plugging my piece. Although its neglect may have been the straw that broke the dam it wouldn't have been possible without the log-jam I was feeling.
Marina - No problem.
i like bills spirit...it sounds nice ; )
I have penned a response to this article. Here is the link:
Regarding: Changing My Gather Name
Sensing that some people didn't take very well to the change bothered me a bit so I penned this article to vent my feelings and let everyone know I planned on changing my name.
I was surprised to receive many messages encouraging me to keep the name Bill's Spirit. So I have. Thanks again.