Live and Let Live...an open letter

Your Gather friend isn't alone. Though I don't post games or fluff and try to write decent stories or historical pieces, I've been attacked by the so-called 'elite, professional writers' in the past because this is my first attempt at creating stories and I'm not a 'real writer' like they are. One year ago today was the very first time I tried my hand at writing and became very successful here right away. I was attracting readers and my network grew by leaps and bounds, so much so, I was able to garner enough points to switch to the cash option after only 28 days. I can't help it if others enjoyed what I posted. I was accused of stealing attention away from those who really deserved it; the ones who have been writing for years. Being on the 'Top' lists each day, I was accused to taking a spot away from others and not giving them a chance. I was also told I was taking money away from them by being paid the cash they were promised when they started writing on the site. A 'Hate Rob Club' formed and I was being hit with as many as four Drive By 1's on my articles. I started receiving threatening E-mails and even had some who followed me around to other people's threads to insult and attack me. I cut back on my writing so innocent people wouldn't get dragged into the mess and have their posts ruined by the immaturity of others. Funny thing about it all...I didn't see much quality work coming out of some of the 'professional writers', otherwise, they'd be getting lots of comments, be up in the ratings on the 'Top' lists and making money. Instead, many of them would post some ridiculous article and sit there in their little clique using the threads as a chat messenger while making fun of others and cutting people down. How 'professional'! I didn't write for six months, but refused to let them drive me away totally. Recently, I began to post again occasionally...and found people still enjoyed my works. Eventually, lots of them dropped me as a connection...or left Gather altogether...but I'm still here! I don't care what they think and they can kiss my hynie for what their opinion is worth. I may not participate in games or read E-mail posts and such, but no one has a right to tell others what should and should not be posted, whether we agree with what's being published or not. I say if they don't like it...there's the door. Nobody's forcing them to stay here or read what they don't care for. And don't let that door hit you where the sun don't shine on your way out. I especially think it's hilarious the ones who keep saying they're leaving because they don't like what goes on here...yet we can never get rid of them because they don't leave.

Sounds good to me.

So sorry your friend is getting harrassed. I guess it just goes to show that no matter where you go there will always be people that need to stir up conflict. It's like they need to take it with them wherever they go.
I am hoping for your friend that she will go on with whatever passion she has, and don't worry about the few that disagree or find fault.

I don't know that I am brave enough to put it like Jessica, but I second that statement. If they don't like it, don't open it. Ding, ding. Some egos need deflating.

And, I wonder why they are upset at non-original content as long as it is correctly attributed. With the people using made up names, and in a lot of cases, unrecognizable icons, you have to wonder why they only want to see original work anyway.

A lot of us are considering pulling our original work as there is no way to check for infringement of intellectual rights. I for one plan on doing it and not posting more. I will just email my stuff directly to people who want to see it. If anyone wants to continue reading Chronicles, Gathermail me and I will add you to my private email list.

Well said Danielle. It's a shame that new writers can't enjoy self expression without being ridiculed for their efforts. I am also a beginner and I understand how difficult it is to put yourself out there for all to read. ((((((((((((big hugs))))))))))) go out to your friend.

I see a lot of articles on here I'm not interested in; I really don't care much for games but hey, just because it's not my thing doesn't make it beneath me. Of course, I'm not a "professional."

Hi Dani'

silly fun games are fine, writing whatever one wants 'pro' or otherwise are great things for the heart and soul too.. . those that PLAY games with others deserve attention.

I'm sorry your friend is being picked on by the 'pro's...

"Live and let live" is often a cop out though.. for let ME do whatever I want without comment.

AN OPEN LETTER TO EVERY ASPIRING WRITER OR COMMENTER.

Every writer's site I have visited has the same problems. There is alway somebody out there ready and willing to be a cyber-bully.

The good thing is you can delete the comments and don't bother with the ratings. It is your choice.

I belong to another site where squabbling seems like the reason to exist.

You learn to write by putting your first word down. After that, for better or worse, YOU ARE A WRITER. Just take the time to learn form your mistakes.

Hemmingway said, "Writing is easy. You just sit down at your typewriter and bleed."


Thanks Danille for giving me the opportunity to pontificate on a subject close to my heart. I am almost 68 and I first started writing at 60.

I'm sorry your friend is being picked on and I'm sorry "pros" are taking the blame for it. It's the same name calling and denigration your friend is receiving. I don't play games here on gather, but if someone is having fun doing - whatever -- who the hell am I to stand in their way? I hope she develops a tougher skin (and a good left hook - metaphorically speaking, of course) and continues following her passion here on gather.

Very well said. If someone doesn't like "games", then they don't HAVE to play.

I wonder exactly how "professional" some of those writers are. If they'd hit it big in the literary world, wouldn't we have heard of them?

Very well stated Danielle. You are so right and thanks.

Hope cupid is wonderful to you and here's a ten too! Happy Valentine's Day

people with small minds, less talent and large ego's have to prove themselves by standing in judgement over anyone who doesn't act in line with their expectations. in reality these "professionals" couldn't get hired to write the inside of a bubble gum wrapper. but what do i know, i admit i'm a snob the difference is I dont care what other people do...lol

oh almost forgot... happy valentine's day mama, i love you

No offense to any professional writers who treat their fellow Gather members with decency (and I'd like to think I'm at least semi-professional as a writer), but honestly, I don't really see Gather as a place that a professional writer is going to be noticed and given their big break... it's much more of a fun place, if you ask me. In fact, I'm more or less taking a break from "serious" writing, and the only "writing" site I come to daily is Gather. :)

We're all in this together. And, because I get paid for my writing, that makes me a "professional" (just don't call me journalist) writer. I do see gather as a place to get noticed and get a break. Big, or not big - that's subjective - but it serves me well. And I don't have to call anyone names or pick on them for that to happen.

I do not understand why people have to be so cruel to others. If they don't like the games your friend or others are posting, then they do not have to look at them. Same thing goes with anything else. Hope your friend is feeling better about things. I know how it is to be continously harrassed and berated by others (it certainly is no fun), however sometimes you just have to consider the source. I, for one, am not going to allow someone to make me feel bad about what I put on here.
BTW, I like the "live and let live" saying. Happy Valentine's Day to you.

good posting Danielle! Go get em.. has she reported these harassments to Gather??

Thanks for all the support guys!! Yes she has reported it, but a lot of it is db1's and making numerous fake accounts with her first name and the first letter of her last name.

Thanks again all!!

Geez, I just don't get some people. They ought to be ashamed of themselves. Your freind needs to get some new connections. Instead of harrassing people, those arrogant pissants should be spending that time working on their writing. Then, if they are so great, they would become rich and famous and not be hanging out with us amateurs and gameplayers here on gather. (I'm not trying to insult anyone) I enjoy playing a game once in awhile and reading other people's stuff and especailly looking at photos.

There's nothing wrong with posting games and whatnot instead of writing.

Heck, I barely post anything I've written, seems that nowadays I just write boring articles about my life.

Don't like the articles, don't have to read them...

Amen... if you do not like the types of things posted by people, start your own website...

Lets try to be kind to all...

Danielle- When I first came to Gather, it soon became clear that a lot of people here had a history with Gather and had seen it go through various changes. I didn't have that time line so I wrote to some people here who seemed to have some sense of the history here. I was puzzled by all the anger about points versus no points and "serious articles" versus games and chats.

My question was: What is wrong with being here just to play games? I asked the question from the viewpoint of one who writes serious articles as well as random musings. Occasionally, I'd play games that people started here on Gather. It depended om my mood and how much of my brain was active on any given day. I just did the best I could with whatever brain cells were hanging in there, that day. I felt it was better to be here and play a game then not be here at all. I liked seeing various aspects of the community here, aspiring novel writers to casual chatters.

I noticed that people were very divided about the whole point system thing. My take is that it isn't the games that bother people but the fact that their mailboxes get clogged with people begging for points and more points. Also, some seem to think that articles which hit the top of the popularity charts because they are simply long chats are keeping people from seeing the "better" articles.

I don't know. I tend to see this place as a community and maybe I'm naive .....but communities have all sorts of people in them, don't they?. Some want to join every committee in town and some just want to watch the landscape. I don't see what difference it makes, personally. But I know things can get pretty divisive.

It is painful to be criticized. Some say they are secure enough that the comments that are not caring should not hurt. I have heard this one before, "If the shoe fits wear it. If not forget it". To me I hurt no matter if the shoe does not fit. We can try to let it slide and we can not dwell on the unfair comments. It comes down to everyone be able to put remember not all people have the same goals at gather. But different goals do not make the differing goals unacceptable. Gee whiz if someone does not like the postings don't read them! Sorry for the hurt of your friend.

One should never be "bullied" into writing. Some do not want to post online because people will consider that "already published." I am a writer, but I play games, chat and do whatever else interests me at the time. We should be free to interact however we choose as long as we do not upset anyone else intentionally. It makes me sad that this occurs.

Very well said!

I came here, first as an FC entrant and then as a red-pen wielding critic, last year. I made connections with people who are published authors and people who are just regular folks, looking for fun and cyber-friends.

I ignore most of the games, and always have. I do not, however, make any comments to the posters of these games. I figure if that's their entertainment, then so be it. It's not for me to say.

That said, whenever a new FC competition comes along I am simply deluged with e-mails asking me to read, rate, and critique entries.

In doing this, I spare no feelings and I calls it like I sees it.

I have gotten a few e-mails ripping me for being so damned honest about an entry!

I always respond the same same way - if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.

I would have to say the ageless expression of : if you cannot say something good about someone, don't say anything" would definitely apply here. There is no need need to rip someone up, just because they like games. How has this hurt you that you feel compelled to do this?
I remember a quote from a book I read back in high school about a man, named W.Clement Stone, he was a big advocator of PMA, "positive mental thinking", he used this philosophy as a teenager in Chicago during the big depression of th e30's wwhen he went out canvassing the poor tenements in Chicago selling life insurance & before he was 21 he was a millionaire, in todays dollars that would have meant he was extremely wealthy, he went on to buy the insurance company he was working for & start several more companies insurance cos. called Combined Insurance, also went on to be one of the richest men in America in his time.

jon b

Hi there! You go girl and tell them shortly and sweetly as you did! Hope your day was a great one yesterday, and today too of course.

I'm sorry she's not being treated well. If a group's description states "post whatever you want", then you should be able to do just that without being humiliated or harassed. People are on Gather for many different reasons and if your friend's here to have fun...so be it.

I think those that decided gather is what they want it to be and only what they want it to be need a little reality check. Gather gives each member a namespace, to do with as they please. If a 'serious' writer can't smile and lighten up enough to skip over any content that doesn't meet their 'standards', my guess is their writing is so dull, it's not worth reading.
Thanks for your article, Danielle. I'm a little late to tell you Happy Valentine's day, but have a good day all the same.

I agree!

and a belated Happy Valentine's Day to you!

I did not have time to read all of the comments. I expect what I say has already been said. Ignore those who raise cain.

well said