Re: Newt's Book

Once Upon a Midnight Dreary (actually, it was on Tue, 17 Jul 2007
19:41:00 -0700), while newt Pondered, Weak and Weary:

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Thank you for giving me a second chance. The first time I came into
RAM, I had a few baggage problems, namely being from the tech-world, I
thought USENET groups were not supposed to have OT posts, especially
unlabled OT posts. I got smacked pretty hard on that one.

Next, I was excited that I had written novels. A few RAMmers told me I
was an idiot, and told me I knew nothing about writing. My opinions on
what made a good novel were stupid. I was pretty offended. I struck
out, but was beaten back by the posse. I almost quit RAM. (I have now
1 book in print, and sold two more. I must know something about
writing.) By that point, I felt like a new author alone against a
huge crowd of RAMmer bullies.

Then, when I pointed out some errors in a few books, a lot of RAMmers
really unleashed on me. They called me a troll and taught me about
kill files. Sure, you can post in RAM, but the RAMmers can ignore you
as a pariah, too. I went flame-on and faught for myself and for
respect. A few Old-Time RAMmers posted that my critical statements
about absolute errors in K.Slaughter's "Blindsighted" were correct and
justified. That mattered little, since I was on the kill file list,
and disinvited to all the good parties. I took Sparkle Hayter's
advice and just vanished.

Months later, some RAMmers posted sarcastic insults about me
concerning the January Magazine interview I did on Sparkle with my co-
author Delphine Cingal. I guess I am not allowed to have feelings.

I stayed away from RAM and wrote and sold novels. I came back,
timidly, only because some nice RAMmers started posting "where are
you" and "come back" notices that were forwarded to me by email.

If you notice, I am avoiding OT posts. I am not posting my views on
books or on writing topics. I am not going to risk anyone posting
messages calling me an idiot or troll again. If I don't post my
oppinions, I can't be ridiculed or taken to task for them. Perhaps
after I have 20 books in print, maybe a few awards and a few best
sellers, those who told me I know nothing about writing may allow that
I do know a thing or two on the topic.

I can still feel the sting of the vitriol thrown at me by RAMmers back
then. I think I have some scar tissue that may never disolve. No
matter... I realize that I am imperfect, and as such need to forgive
as much as I hope I can be forgiven. I have worked hard at forgiving
those who posted in RAM some of the most hurtful things I have ever
had directed at me. I hope some of you will forgive me for having and
defending my opinions. I have worked hard to forget the specifics of
who posted what about me, and all the hurtful names I was called. I
don't remember calling anyone a name, but if I did, I am truly sorry.

I really hope you all can get to know me. Me, the real newt, not that
guy you think you met when I was (out of character) fighting. In my
regular life, I am well known as a generous, kind, and loving man. I
have volunteered nearly a thousand hours of community service, am a
ten gallon blood donor, and have supported a lot of "pay-forward"
writers events. I endeavor to produce harmony and working together in
everything I do. I could point you to evidence, but that probably
doesn't matter. What matters is what you see. Perhaps reading my
book will help open your eyes to who I really am.

I poured my soul into HTSS, a book that I hope will help in the fight
against violence against women, and for equality of the Red Nations in
America and Canada. From the first day of writing, I hoped it would
have an impact for good, like To Kill a Mockingbird had on America. I
have contributed money to both causes. I have attended rallies and
prayer vigils for both causes.

Read my book and discuss stuff with me. Maybe you will see what kind
of man I really am. I hope I do really get a 2nd chance in RAM. I am
not a troll, and you can remove my name from your kill file.

Blessings on your paths,

newt

Newt

I remember you coming here, and posting, and a lot a posts directed at
you were, shall I say, negative. The word troll may have been used,
but I was called a troll too, so I don't make much of it. I will say
in all honesty, that much of whatever it was you read was a reaction
to you, and your posts, so you have to know that it was not all
one-sided. You were partially responsible for whatever you
experienced, good, bad or indifferent. As we all are with all of our
posts. I too don't remember the details, probably because they were
inconsequential, in my eyes. You said things, others disagreed. Hey,
that's RAM. Were you here when Greg showed up? If not, I would have to
say that he dealt with far worse than you did, and he's still here
(off and on) and I think everyone respects him. I think we respect you
too. I personally respect anyone that can actually write a book, get
it published,and have it keep my interest. So kudos to you for doing
that, and for coming back here and telling us about it. Stick around,
feel free to add to on and off topic posts. It's the only way to
settle in, in my humble opinion. Sure, some will disagree, but again,
***, this is RAM. Get over it. :)

John P - who never had you in the kill file
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