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Outing sucks
And the negativity starts up again. But we’ll get back to the positivity in the next post.
I said something general and tentative about pseudonymous blogging in comments here that Zuzu found irritating. I regret that she took what I said personally, mainly because 1) she’s got plenty of good reasons to blog pseudonymously which are 2) not my call in any event.
Zuzu mentioned my having pissed her off in comments here.
In that same comment thread, a dispute arose between Zuzu and Ann Bartow, which culminated in threats of legal action.
Just in case anyone’s unclear here about the distinction: I encouraged people to consider making statements under their real names if possible. I understand that some people might disagree with that suggestion, and for various good reasons. I don’t have all the right answers, ever. I may have lost Zuzu’s friendship and respect over the dispute, and that makes me sad.
But there’s a huge difference between my suggestion — which people are free to ridicule with no hard feelings on my part — and explicit threats of legal action accompanying more or less veiled threats of outing.
That sucks. Please, Ann. Drop it.
Update: Ann clarifies her intent in comments at Feministe. I’m very glad to see this. I like Ann, and was saddened to think she’d do such a thing. Still. This never should have gotten this far. It’s a good reminder that we all need to step outside ourelves ourselves, though do step out of your elves as well if necessary and imagine how our actions and statements might appear to others.
Posted by: Chris Clarke
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