A little advice would be cool

[JoannHBuchanan]

Thank you. There's a local radio station, "wimple radio" (WMPL) in Hancock and another in Houghton, the WOLV/WCCY (pronounced wolf) where I've advertised/recorded commercials. Wimple radio in Hancock is located in this ancient building and although I'm familiar with hammers and shovels, their equipment smells like ancient ozone, has the look of being rode hard non-stop. I dunno what it is, but their room where they record commercials produces a different sound than over at the WOLV. Maybe because I recorded standing up at WMPL and sitting down at the WOLV? Something. I like how they can change a word, the way it sounds, stretch it out or install background noise. For some reason it reminds me of comics. The short bursts of energy maybe? What I need to do is to get busy writing up a couple new ads...Vicki over at the WOLV keeps calling to remind me I have a credit there--I'd overpaid a bill over a year ago guess I ought to use it up. What I do is Oobleck a popular song and since I can't sing that gets peoples' attention and they remember it. My buddy the rock star thinks it's a hoot but he never answered me when I asked when I could sing in his band. I need to rake the yard, too.

I know how to do all that stuff too. I work in the editing program called sony vega...love it. If you ever need any help, let me know.

 

[JoannHBuchanan]

My first thought in response to hearing about this "concerned group" is that you're in in good company; a host of artists past, present and future, who can never be ruled except by their own creative need. My second thought is what is intended - fear. My third thought, after the fear subsides, is to remember my first thought, then proceed to save all subsequent emails for a paper trail, in case one is needed one day (paper trails are aways helpful, if for no reasons other than for the sake of feeling organized, and as a reminder of the fire of determination they start). Then, determine never to reply to any of them.

I'll bet the "group" totals one, perhaps hyper-religious or otherwise radical, individual only. It feels safer and is easier to threaten someone as a phantom posse than a loner. If there are more than one of them, your plan should be the same, because, as long as the authorities are aware, no one can do anything of much consequence without regret.

If your children are aware of the emails, I'd reassure them that these things sometimes happen to an artist or anyone who expresses a personal view not necessarily shared by common thought.

I never told my children. They have enough to worry about being kids...lol. Also my 8 year old has a VERY vivid imagination and the situation would have put her in a constant state of fear. I think you're right about the whole group of one thing. I have looked at the writing and the style seems to be the same in all of them.

I have to say that you really hit the nail on the head about strengthening my resolve. I have six stories coming out this year either via Anthologies, novellas or novels. I'm finishing up the novels now. The anthologies are out, a novella out. I decided after I figured out it wasn't a practical joke from a friend that I was going to kick some writing ass...lol. Also I decided to switch publishing companies. So we will see how all of it goes. I figured that if I was going to piss someone off I might as well have fun...lol.

 

[Moderator]

I never told my children. They have enough to worry about being kids...lol. Also my 8 year old has a VERY vivid imagination and the situation would have put her in a constant state of fear. I think you're right about the whole group of one thing. I have looked at the writing and the style seems to be the same in all of them.

I have to say that you really hit the nail on the head about strengthening my resolve. I have six stories coming out this year either via Anthologies, novellas or novels. I'm finishing up the novels now. The anthologies are out, a novella out. I decided after I figured out it wasn't a practical joke from a friend that I was going to kick some writing ass...lol. Also I decided to switch publishing companies. So we will see how all of it goes. I figured that if I was going to piss someone off I might as well have fun...lol.

Do what Steve does--use them as inspiration for your next story.

 

[blunthead]

I never told my children. They have enough to worry about being kids...lol. Also my 8 year old has a VERY vivid imagination and the situation would have put her in a constant state of fear. I think you're right about the whole group of one thing. I have looked at the writing and the style seems to be the same in all of them.

I have to say that you really hit the nail on the head about strengthening my resolve. I have six stories coming out this year either via Anthologies, novellas or novels. I'm finishing up the novels now. The anthologies are out, a novella out. I decided after I figured out it wasn't a practical joke from a friend that I was going to kick some writing ass...lol. Also I decided to switch publishing companies. So we will see how all of it goes. I figured that if I was going to piss someone off I might as well have fun...lol.

I was gonna add to consider collecting them as a fun, therapeutic hobby. What I anticipate is that they'll stop, especially as a result of your seeming to ignore them. If you're perverse like I am, you might end up missing them.

 

[blunthead]

Do what Steve does--use them as inspiration for your next story.

Ah, hence Big Jim Rennie.

 

[Moderator]

Ah, hence Big Jim Rennie.

Among others.

 

[FlakeNoir]

Among others.

OMG! So you're saying that Stephen was inspired to write the Dark Tower series after I sent him that picture of Roland?!!!!!
Oh wait... I sent that after the books came out... *sigh* never-mind.



[ Moderator ]

 

[JoannHBuchanan]

OMG! So you're saying that Stephen was inspired to write the Dark Tower series after I sent him that picture of Roland?!!!!!
Oh wait... I sent that after the books came out... *sigh* never-mind.



[ Moderator ]

LMAO!!

 

[JoannHBuchanan]

A little update on this particular situation. I called them out on FB without giving their names and a few weeks later I posted a little teaser from a book I'm working on. Not only did I not get another mean hateful email, but people in this little town have behaved in a more supportive way. I have to say it was a cool change of pace. I still am keeping an eye on the situation and the DA still has all that is needed from me in case anything else happens, but it was nice to post a teaser without getting hate in return. I don't know how some people are able to live their lives under a microscope. I have a new found respect for those who do. What a shame people can't just be...

I wanted to say thank you for all the wonderful advice and for reminding me how much I love doing what I do.

 

[50's Kid]

I have a recording booth...you are welcome to use it. We could do it over Skype or something. I used to run a radio show called The Eclectic Artist Cave. I loved doing it and had a pretty packed chat room toward the end. I just got burned out a little. I needed a break...lol. With all the kids going to school in the fall I'm considering doing the show again. But I would be happy to set up a time and get your stuff be it commercials or what have you recorded. It could turn into something fun.

I use Sony's Sound Forge Pro (currently have 10.0) for my audio editing. Works great. Don't have a sound booth, yet. No room. I need a bigger place for all my hobbies/obsessions, or maybe just smaller hobbies.

 

[50's Kid]

A little update on this particular situation. I called them out on FB without giving their names and a few weeks later I posted a little teaser from a book I'm working on. Not only did I not get another mean hateful email, but people in this little town have behaved in a more supportive way. I have to say it was a cool change of pace. I still am keeping an eye on the situation and the DA still has all that is needed from me in case anything else happens, but it was nice to post a teaser without getting hate in return. I don't know how some people are able to live their lives under a microscope. I have a new found respect for those who do. What a shame people can't just be...

I wanted to say thank you for all the wonderful advice and for reminding me how much I love doing what I do.

I thought of writing under a pseudonym, but said **** it. I'm not going to let the little keyboard cowards affect my life. Would Bogie worry about them? I do not think so.
Conform? What's that?

 

[skimom2]

If you're threatened, go to the authorities. Otherwise, ignore it. I know that can be difficult, but Shasta is right: mark them as spam and you'll never have to see them. I've been there, and you get nowhere by reacting. You only feed the DramaLlama and hurt yourself by looking at the posts/emails at all.

If they involve your kids (i.e., by contacting them directly)… well, then the gloves are off. Different situation there.

 

[50's Kid]

If you're threatened, go to the authorities. Otherwise, ignore it. I know that can be difficult, but Shasta is right: mark them as spam and you'll never have to see them. I've been there, and you get nowhere by reacting. You only feed the DramaLlama and hurt yourself by looking at the posts/emails at all.

If they involve your kids (i.e., by contacting them directly)… well, then the gloves are off. Different situation there.

Yeah, if they start messing with your family, it's time to go nuclear...