Exclamation point, exclamation point, exclamation point, exclamation point
Wednesday, April 12 2006
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Daily, Email
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One of the drawbacks of maintaining a public website as anyone who has done this will tell you is that the longer you keep writing online the more people you are likely to piss off. At the same time you are also likely to touch more people's lives and make more connections, more friends, and that is definitely the most rewarding thing about it all, but it's that increasing amount of people who scorn you that teach you the most about yourself. How thick is your skin? How much can you take? How do you find a way to continue writing in a way that isn't affected by what those certain people have to say? And most importantly, how do you find the strength to resist submitting their email addresses to the QueerWorld.com mailing list, IT WOULD FEEL OH SO TINGLY IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES.
In the last year it has become almost impossible for me to sit down to write something without wondering what person I am going to offend this time. It's an involuntary response, automatic, because I've learned that there is nothing too small that an opinion can't be formed about it, like whether or not I use blue in a masthead, or the fact that I have chosen a sans-serif font for body copy, really small things that I wrongly assumed wouldn't end the world but are in fact so important that because I chose blue and not green I might as well have just peed in someone's Cheerios.
Because the bad email makes up such a small part of the feedback to this website, though, I feel like it's part of my job to get over it already. Even though I can't help flinching once I click "publish" I have to realize that a lot of what people send me is only a projection of themselves, a projection of what they want to see in themselves or their own value system and it really has nothing to do with me personally. It also helps to think of it in terms of someone having a really bad day, that their bad email is just a window into the hard time they are having. It also doesn't hurt if I just assume that some people are mad crazy psycho.
I tell you this because it's a question I get a lot, how do I deal with the mean email or the mean comments. To be honest, it's an ongoing process. One way is to go back and read the supportive email because that's what it's there for, and I don't ever take it for granted. Another way is to laugh about it because some of the stuff that shows up in my inbox is blow-your-mind genius, and after reading a few that I received this week I thought it would be mean of me not to share some of the best here with you.
Email addresses have been removed because otherwise that would be mean, and although you can accuse me of being a bitch I am not a mean bitch. I am the Good Bitch of the North! Also, the text in italics represents my initial reaction to the email with a little bit of Jon's commentary thrown in.
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Jennifer W:
It vexes me slightly that you are starting to become lazy and self-absorbed - what was once a deeply appreciated view in to a like mind, is becoming a boring look at your to-do list filled with fun, next-step activities in your wow-look-at-me life... please heather - take a step back, reclaim the original you-ness that created this treat i give myself everyday called dooce.com - and stop acting so average like some lotto ticket winner...
[You know what other treat you should give yourself everyday? An enema.]
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abbas:
you have a good blog. please put your sexual picture in your weblog.
[Hey, Mahir, is that you?]
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Mindy S:
Oh, dear dooce, I haven't the slightest problem with you publicly humiliating your dog but this time you've gone too far. Those christmas lights merrily draped around the poor pooch contain high levels of lead. Do you not read the warnings? Lead, dooce, lead.
[Deep breaths, Mindy, deep breaths.]
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Keri R:
i used to find your writing clever....but lately, it stinks. switch meds. your grammar is terrible. when you land a book deal the editor will commit suicide before your hardback hits the shelf. (and depression is a disorder, not a disease....although the scary things you do to your kid's hair might change the order of things)
[Need we talk about the non-capitalized sentences? Need we talk about meds?]
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TDepaz:
Your site has gotten pathetic since either Jon came home and your mind turned to mush or when you became too mesmerized by your own ads to actually type anything interesting anymore! help!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If this continues I wont be reading anymore.
[Can't talk, looking at ads.]
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Jena S:
Sweaty goat balls = Dooce's new look
[Dude, that's totally going to be my next tagline: NOW WITH SWEATY GOAT BALLS!]
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Alex S:
are you mocking syphilis??? when did this start, you bigot!
i remember when i used to think you where cool. what happened?
[I don't hate the disease, I just disagree with the lifestyle of the disease.]
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Jeff S:
some kids may get cuter as they get older if you are lucky.
[And some cranky men obviously haven't been laid recently. It'll happen if you are lucky!]
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Apurva P:
Blurbomat all of a sudden puts liberal/democrat party type propaganda on his site. I know we have the 1st amedment but when you turn your personal little blog into a launching pad of political diatribe, I cannot support that - esp when you're planning on schillling your goods.
I didn't like the latest picture of Jon flipping off the camera , as my son was with me.. Daddy, what does that mean.. It's enough to be bombard in the news, tv, but you'd think dooce.com woulnd't have crap like that.
[Blink... blink, blink... you'd think someone had never read my website before.]
Anyways, I no longer view your work as cute and insightful into being a mother in Utah, but now I think you've just gotten way too big for your britches now that you're getting paid.
You've sold out in the worst way. I used to care for you and your family, now I just pity you.
[Would it have changed your mind if I had sold out in the best way?]
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Asian34:
You've sold out and lost a reader. You should change your header to "Dooce-Viva la mighty DOLLAR!"
[Thanks for the suggestion, but it just doesn't have that sweaty goat ball ring to it.]
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Michelle W:
your website sux. I loved reading your daily posts and now I can't even wade through all the bullshit ads. Why on earth would you do this ? Couldn't you just pick ONE endorsement ? ARE YOU THAT GREEDY ?????
[Yes. And no. But kind of, yeah.]
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Tiffany R:
I do have to admit, you are funny when you write about some things and I wish I could just enjoy your website's funny stories without stumbling across random swear words and false doctrine about my church, but I can't. It's everywhere! Talk about a chip on your shoulder! I know there is such a thing as free speech so no one can tell you what to not write. But some of the things you write...I don't know. Let's just say I don't want to be standing next to you on judgement day. The trap door to hell will open and I might fall in with you. (Sorry, I guess that wasn't very Christian of me.)
[Technically, your church doesn't believe in trapdoors or hell.]
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Keri R:
I can't stand you.
and your webpage looks cluttered and sloppy and so full of CRAP. it looks like shit.
your writing is shit.
i've deleted you from my bookmarks.
i'm starting an "I Hate Dooce" club.
I'll send you the link.
[Look who it is again! Keri R! Not surprisingly, this is only the second of several hateful emails she has sent me, but I didn't include the others here because they were disappointingly mediocre in their display of hatefulness. Yawn. I like haters who excel!]
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Robert N:
You just blather on about your precocious child, your depression, and your family. What are you trying to say and why should I visit? You seem to be a bright person but totally devoid of insight. All is vanity...
[Vanity. Like sending condescending emails to strangers?]
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Walter G:
Everything that you gained will be taken away from you. You are simply a Man-Hating Psycho Lesbian Jealous Feminist! I predict bannishment to the Island of FagLesbian or a re-adjustment camp for you and your ilk!
[The Island of FagLesbian? That only sounds like ONE BIG PARTY. Send me now!]
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Mary B:
I am getting the distinct impression that you despise motherhood, and hate your life in Utah. Am I correct in this perception? If so, Leta is going to grow up thinking her mother hated her and hated taking care of her. That can't be a good thing....for Leta.
[Mary B, let me introduce you to someone. Jeff S, this is Mary B. Mary B, meet Jeff S.]
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Rachel N:
you know, i was gonna just send an email to say that you're the offspring of people having sex with animals..but that really is digressive isn't it. my goodness, this is really immature, no?
all in all, women like you seriously have no business having kids at this juncture. i'm sure you love your girl, but kids need more than love. they need happy, mature parents.
[I didn't have a response to this email because I was too high from the cocaine I just snorted off Leta's bare tummy.]
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George M:
My girlfriend pointed me toward your site. I have never read such self indulgent shit in all my life. I now know why she was laughing so hard. You are so pathetic. Get a life. How can anyone talk about their dog, baby shit, etc ad nauseum. Do something. Work in a charity. Get a job. Loser.
[Wait, you have a girlfriend? Still?]
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Shannon W:
You have really crossed the line now!!!!!!! I was shocked and very unhappy to see the cover of the book that my uncle worte on the front page of your blog. I always knew that you would mock anything that had to do with the curch, but this really hit home. My uncle worked really hard on putting this book together. A ton of time and effort went into it, and here you are mocking it. This book has helped people, and here you are mocking it.
When I see people mocking all this in someone that I love I STAND UP FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe that you have stooped so low!
[I got this email yesterday and read it aloud to Jon and GEORGE! Each time she used an exclamation point I said it out loud, "Exclamation point, exclamation point, exclamation point, exclamation point, exclamation point, exclamation point, exclamation point, exclamation point." After I was done the room just sat there silent until GEORGE! said, "Ask her if she's hot." It may just turn out that my hatemail is the perfect place for GEORGE! to meet Mormon women.]
2. Tracey said:
Hey, you know what I do when I don't like the direction a blog is taking? I DELETE THE BOOKMARK AND NEVER RETURN. Novel, eh?
For the record, I think you are a fantastic mom (from what I can tell through cyberspace) and I think it's great that somebody like you is out there telling other moms it's ok to struggle sometimes. It's all those people out there that pretend that parenting is always sunshine and roses that are REALLY dangerous.
And, next to my own toddler daughter, Leta is the cutest kid. Ever.
3. LucyArin said:
Tell the haters to suck it. You rock; they're jealous.
4. William said:
Those are classic. Everyone of them funny for different reasons. I think they all need to read Blurbomat post about "Thinking small vs. thinking Big."
5. Amybobamy said:
I'm thinking I would totally cry, all the time if I got emails like this. OR, I would start a cult.. you know ... whatever came first..
6. Staci said:
Hi Dooce - Your stuff is great...ignore those who are jealous of your wonderful life and your accomplishments!! I am the Mom of two kids, each day when I read your posts - no matter what it is about - it is a joy for me. You are insightful, thought provoking and gifted!! Live it up and be you!!
7. syzygy said:
Too-Rah dooce!! Public humiliation... I love it. I've been reading you since the NY times did the story on the girl who got fired for her "blog" (whatever the hell that is) And you've gone from talking about celeb sightings in LA, hangovers, etc to pregnancy, morning sickness, depression, leaking poopy diapers and whatnot. It sounds like life to me and I'm grateful you share. I think the more mellow readers here just don't chime in as often because they are happy to read you and the more radical opinionated element just really need a colonic.
of course I will stop reading your blog if you don't check out the I monster link I left for you in the last comment section. That is a Promise!!! HA.
8. leahkay said:
I still love you, Dooce. Watching the transition from newlywed to pregnant chich to mom to mentor has been inspiring. Don't ever go away.
9. minkz said:
I won't quit you.
10. conebaby said:
I am so jealous!
If I got this kind of email every day, the sheer release of being a bitch and answering back would probably balance out my serious stress-a-holic problem. That's it - it's for sure - next year, when the boyfriend and I move to Alaska, I am getting my own blog and indulge myself in e-therapy.
Dooce - send me the email addresses and please, please, please allow me to be your correspondence secretary. It would be my dream job!
11. heather said:
These are the kind of people that want to take the sex and violence off of my TV instead of just turning the damn channel. I hate them all.
12. maarmie said:
Some of the few who read my site send horrible feedback, comments that are less comment and more pointless nasty unintelligible garbage. But, I figure if I have a right to write what I want for others to read, then they have a write to respond if I am accepting comments. I'd love to delete the idiotic comments off my blog - and may one day. But for now, they stay. *sigh!*
13. Bruno said:
I am excited when I get to hit the internet after meetings or lunch as there might be a new posting. You rock. The crazy will soon find this and start the hate postings. Does anyone else get creeped out by the fact that they all seem to come at once?
14. iggygrl76 said:
I (heart) Dooce.com
Because its honest and poignent and not what people expect to read always and its not always the chummy im the perfect mommy farking blog for the love of god people sometimes , hell most of the dam time, life is not perfect. I like that heather and jon are honest about that and write what they want to write.
Overly tight assed religious zealots will go to hell right along with all us "haters" because you are bigots, liars, hypocrites and commit herasy in the name of "GOD".
IM a religious person but I certainly do not enjoy the HATE so many of you "God Fearing People" put out into the world.
Learn to love and be loved and learn to be honest. Be the best person YOU can be dont be the best person you think others WANT you to be. I think Heather and Jon have both done that. And if you doubt their love for their daughter all you have to do is see the joy in her face only children who are loved have that joy.
15. Princess Grace is Great said:
I love you Heather, in a total non-lesbian way.
16. Marella said:
I still love you Dooce! Just as there are as many haters, there are as many (if not more) people who love you and your blog.
17. Jenn J said:
Wow Heather.
You complete me.
18. Jill said:
I LOVE the guy who called you a lesbian. That's it Dooce, the jig is up. This front you had of a child and a loving marriage wasn't good enough.
Some people shouldn't be allowed to send e-mails, especially that Keri girl. She needs to go back to English class before she starts talking about other people's grammar.
19. joanne said:
Oh Lord. I have said it before but I swear to God, I think reading this site has saved my life sometimes. My babe is a little more than a year younger than yours (he's 10 months, I have no more math skills) and I obsessively read your monthly newsletters when he was one, two, three months old, up to ... well, now too but I don't read it as obsessively anymore, because I'm not losing my mind AS BADLY as I was before. Plus I think you're wicked funny and I swear to God, those ads just don't bother me too much. You know why? I have BIGGER FISH TO FRY. These people? Who write these emails? Have no fish. And no frier. And I think I'd go with your assessment that they are CRAZY NUTJOBS and just press delete, even though it makes for great entries, you can't unread it and it can't be good for you.
20. Amybobamy said:
WAIT... who wants to take sex off of my TV!? I loathe those people.. whoever 'THEY' are... I want to go to their homes and show them how to monitor their children and teach them how to USE A FINGER to change the channel.
21. Danielle said:
I'm reading this right now because I had to leave work to deal with a water heater spewing hate all over my floor. Yet, somehow, I'm laughing. You always know how to make a girl smile.
But more importantly, I really want to go to FagLesbian for vacation. Sounds like bliss!!! (exclamation point exclamation point exclamation point)
22. whiterockgirl said:
OMG & WOW! Anal and funny at the same time. Without people like this life would be oh so boring. Anal is the new pink.
23. Nifle said:
I love you Dooce and you're horrific, self-indulgent writing style that is grammatically superior to mine! Keep up the good work, post any pics of yourself that you would like and I look forward to the Goatballs.
PS..if you go to the island of Lesbians, take me with you!
24. Mlwooten said:
I would shove a pen in my eye if I had to read some of these emails. It is one thing to be told you have horrible grammar but it is something totally different to be told that by someone whose email contains punctuation issues galour!
(I'm sure I made a mistake in just typing this!)Make sure you send her a Grammar Police Badge.
Keep writing! I'm entertained.
25. Wobenar said:
I used to think you were cool, but you want to add all those idiots to my QueerWorld mailing list? Sheesh, thanks :(
Other than that, love your site. Just think: if you are pissing off idiots, you must be doing something right.
Raney
26. Tiggerlane said:
You know, just reading the comments in italics is enough to make me chuckle - and reason enough to visit your site!! HYSTERICAL!!
And if the haters don't "get" your briliant sarcastic humor when it comes to raising your child, your dog, your husband, etc...well, keep in mind, very few of them use spell-check or even punctuate correctly. Not to mention their flagrant abuse of run-on sentences! Small minds are often unkind.
Whatever happened to the philosophy of if you don't like it, don't read it?
Wish I could be your Internet hit-chick - I'd love to hurl some of those italicized comments for you!
Rock on, Heather (and Jon) - you are just brave enough to say and write what a lot of us think in our heads.
27. Carrie D said:
Hi! I've never commented before, but this post made me just laugh and laugh at all of the crazies out there! I could understand if your website is/was some kind of Middle Eastern torture ritual and these people where chained to the wall being forced to read your site, but unless I am mistaken, these people CHOOSE to visit your site. They aren't paying you for entertainment or advice!!
As for the guy that is reading website and looking at pictures with his son, what do you expect? Screen websites before you show them to your children!!
28. Kristin D said:
ikissyou.org is one of the funniest things I have EVER seen.
29. vinsanity said:
Dude,
Goatballs are the shit. Sweaty goatballs excite me.
If you go to the Island of Lesbians with Nifle, take me, too. Lesbians are yummy.
You should tell everybody, "Don't hate the player, hate the game."
Hope the poops are going well.
30. ShortGrl said:
Ha ha ha! I'll stand next to you on judgement day. I'm sure I'll be highly entertained while waiting. I find it hilarious that people waste so much time complaining. If you don't like it, DON'T freakin' read it. How hard is that? And by the way, that includes looking at the ads.
However, I'm dumbfounded by the comment, "when you turn your personal little blog into a launching pad of political diatribe, I cannot support that." Seriously. I don't even know what to say. That's the most asinine thing I've heard in awhile (and I read the comments on the baby-sleeping post). It's a PERSONAL blog. He has no journalistic responsibility to remain unbiased.
To all the haters: Heather has a sense of humor. It's quirky, dry and supremely sarcastic. If you want Mother Goose humor, go somewhere else. Her intent is good and, in my eyes, that makes it that much funnier.
31. Molly said:
Holy Toledo, Heather.
Are you sure some of those weren't just bad jokes? As in the not-very-funny-but-tongue-in-cheek kind? Is it too much to hope?
I adore your site. And I couldn't care less about the ads, and I'm happy that you can do this and make a living. Exclamation point.
Don't let the bastards wear you down.
32. lolismum said:
Can I come along to that Lesbo party too?
You have to admit at least your hate mailers are really entertaining, if you can take a detached attitude. These people are so sad.
33. Nothing But Bonfires said:
The Island Of FagLesbian would be an excellent name for a band. ("Yeah, man, I'm a drummer with The Island of FagLesbian. We're sort of Metallica meets Shakira. We were booked for that Carson Daly show last week.")
34. simzgirl said:
It's been said before and it will be said again:
I love you and your site. I think you are the funniest woman out there and I wish I had half the nerve to write like you. You are an amazing person and I love the commentary on the hate mail. It only goes to prove you are a bigger person than they.
35. Billygean.co.uk said:
Oh Dooce, don't give up. I second the notion of pissing off idiots. I link to you and every single person who's clicked it loves you and now reads.
In your blog the other day about music, i totally got Shakespeare-tingles when you said the world might collapse bit about dating Jon.
Geeky English students unit,
Gilly
36. pseudomom said:
This may not count coming from an middle-aged, Republican, heterosexual female with a doctorate in theology... however... I love your site.
I read your adventures to my mother (probably just to shock her).
I have my 18 year old daughter read (blurbomat also) to teach her to think outside her conservative Bible belt, hillbilly upbringing.
Ignore the naysayers.
Rev. Dr. DP
37. taterjane said:
I don't think I've ever commented before either, but the hate mail was hilarious. Don't get me wrong, I get so upset when I get hate mail and I'm sure you were upset too--but I'm glad you were able to share the funny with us.
I am particularly fond of the woman who knows you like to "mock anything that ha[s] to do with the curch". Boy, that sounds dirty.
38. jennyk said:
wow, just... wow.
i have a boring desk job so when i discovered your site about a year ago, i spent a few weeks reading every post. i've loved them all. people grow and their lives change. if you were still writing about the same things you were 3 years ago i would be concerned.
rock on heather.
39. MeAhna said:
Well, I think you are a great mother. But, dont haters just boost your confidence?
40. Roxanne said:
Your blog is so laugh-out-loud funny, it has never occurred to me to read the comments, too. Apparently, there is value-added mockability to be had in this section!
It just keeps getting better. Keep up the good work. And, please, keep draping Chuck in lethal holiday-wear; it's good for our morale.
41. Minnie said:
What a bunch of rabid, blathering babboons. You should totally publish this in a book form. It'd be a laugh riot.
A big thumbs up to you for maintaining your sense of humour even through this vile and undeserved backlash.
42. Newly Commentous said:
I was laughing SO hard until I read that hell has a trap door...shit.
And I'm totally not just saying this because you get asshole emails, but your new haircut rocks.
43. MeAhna said:
Well, I think you are a great mother. But, dont haters just boost your confidence?
44. Minnie said:
What a bunch of rabid, blathering babboons. You should totally publish this in a book form. It'd be a laugh riot.
A big thumbs up to you for maintaining your sense of humour even through this vile and undeserved backlash.
45. Newly Commentous said:
I was laughing SO hard until I read that hell has a trap door...shit.
And I'm totally not just saying this because you get asshole emails, but your new haircut rocks.
46. Della said:
There's a trap door to Hell?
47. Minnie said:
What a bunch of rabid, blathering babboons. You should totally publish this in a book form. It'd be a laugh riot.
A big thumbs up to you for maintaining your sense of humour even through this vile and undeserved backlash.
48. Janine said:
What I find the most ironic about all of this is that these people, these haters, still continue to read your site. It's like a car wreck...can't...look...away! They'll delete you from their bookmarks, but still keep reading. They'll think you're so boring that they'll actually WRITE to you to TELL you. Please. Would they email executives at NBC to tell them that their programming is terrible? The author of every bad or uninteresting book they read?
People seem to get some vindictive kick out of making people feel bad. And it doesn't matter WHAT you write, they'll always do it. Depressed? Constipated? They'll write to you and tell you you're horrible, boring, abusing your child, etc. Found the cure to cancer? Decided to send all your money to needy orphans? You horrible, disgusting person.
Heather, what you write here never fails to bring a smile to my face. My only regret is that my favourite quote of yours, where Chuck licked up Leta's poop, "as if it was as soft and buttery as an ice cream cone," has now been replaced by the phrase "sweaty goat balls."
49. MommaChop said:
I never understand why hateful morons are also incapable of using SpellCheck....
They also clearly do not have children, so don't understand the daily heart-wrenching cuteness soaked in the need to get far, far away from the source of cuteness for 5 goddamn minutes. while mixing a cocktail.
So, fuck em.
50. Fyse said:
Amazing that people take the time to send emails like that, and continue visiting your site when it seems to annoy them so. They obviously lead very sad little lives.
Anyway, consider this one of the supportive messages you can read to counteract the abuse. Dooce.com is without doubt my favourite blog, the one I look forward to reading most.
51. trublu76 said:
I never really could understand the people who rant and rave about not liking what someone is writing on their websites. Do these people not understand that they don't HAVE to read it? They do have the option of NOT navigating to dooce dot com every day. I on the other hand do not have the option. I'm hooked on you, dooce. Love your writing and I'm glad to see these nay-sayers aren't keeping you down.
I can't wait for the Island of Faglesbian party...
52. Morphea said:
You know, these people are entitled to their opinions. Just like I'm entitled to call them all dumbasses.
Keep doing what you're doing, luv.
53. Heather said:
OK, I admit it. I am a Mormon. Card-carrying, go to church every Sunday, teach Relief Society Mormon. That being said, you so totally rock! My best friend, also a Heather(and a Mormon), thinks that you rock too. I love my faith, but I truly believe that a large percentage of religious people really need to find their sense of 'flippin' humor. I think that God is up there laughing his head off at us as we try to life our lives. You have a beautiful daughter-and if you would like to arrange a marriage for her, I have two sons, an obviously loving husband, and a cool dog. Keep on making us laugh at ourselves, and thank you for making my husband in Iraq laugh. He swears that girl on the cover of the book is my sister!
54. TPunk said:
Wow, isn't it refreshing to know there is no shortage of nutjobs in the world? And why do they seem to be so attracted to this site??
Seriously, I've been reading and enjoying your site for over a year but have never posted my appreciation until now. Thank you for enduring the crazies and continuing to provide us with such witty and fun glimpses into your life.
55. atpanda said:
Oh man Heather. It is SO hard to get any comments that even remotely mean. Even if you know they're just doing it to get a rise out of you and create some conflict.
How is it that these people can't see that they are hurtful? That the words they type are actually read by someone who takes them personally. Horrible people. And I feel like if they really are this upset about your site, then CLICK ELSEWHERE.
Your ability to laugh about it (even if that wasn't your initial reaction) is amazing.
56. Sunshine said:
Heather, I've been reading quietly for just about a year now. (yeah, that's me back there in the corner with the empty coffee cup)
I read every day, and read all the back issues if I'm away for a while.
Love you, your blog, and your family.
Illegitimi non carborundum -- don't let the bastards wear you down.
57. Victoria Winters said:
Damn, how you get some doozies!
I had no idea that people actually had the audacity (and free time) to send you these shitty emails. And for what? To put down someone they've never even met and to criticize her for her morals, opinions, and parenting!? Ridiculous. Keep it up Heather...you still float my boat EVERY DAY.
58. kate folsom said:
Argh. Some people really need to get lives. I've been visiting this site from just around the time Leta was born, and check every day, sometimes several times, to see what new things you have to say.
What's with the people who don't capitalize criticising your grammar? The thoughtless dolts who don't like your subject matter? Why do people hate so much?
The ads aren't that annoying. I'm one of the people who bitched about them at first, but I've totally gotten used to them. ARGH!
You're wonderful, Heather. Tell those motherfuckers to fuck themselves.
60. Jessica Bauer said:
Oh My! People seriously need to get a life. On my site, I have a note about hate mail and it says that if you're planning on writing it, make sure you plug in your own email address in the "to:" area. It will make you feel better to get it off your chest and it will save me the time of having to hit delete.
Maybe I should change that! Your hate mail is seriously entertaining!
61. jams said:
don't like it, don't read
the negative comments just reveal how sad, lonely and judgemental their authors are
instead of sending hate mail to someone's PERSONAL blog, why aren't they out trying to make change in the world? because they loathe themselves and only know how to take joy in making others feel inferior
again, don't like it, don't read it
soooo simple, yet obviously, so complex
screw 'em!
63. Liz said:
I feel compelled to comment simply because I am absolutely bewildered by the emails you get. You have talked about the nastiness of the emails in the past, but I guess I assumed that they would at least be mature in their nastiness; that they would communicate a clear point of view, focus on something worthy of objection, and present a reasonably constructed argument etc. These comments are just absurd. I am struck that those who take time to send a nasty email don't stop and take a second to realize that they have a choice to NOT READ if they have such a personal objection to the content matter of somebody's personal website.
64. Kirsten said:
1. Leta is absolutely gorgeous and cherubic, and I hope that when I have children, they look half as adorable as she clearly is.
2. I appreciate your writings on your bouts with depression.
3. If someone has a problem with Blurbomat's political views, they should fucking comment on his site. Not yours.
4. Chuck is adorable. I love it when you post about him and put pictures of him up. I wish my German Shepherd would allow me to place spaghetti on his snout. Cause I would do the same thing.
5. You write extraordinarily well. Grammar, spelling...it's all great!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. I started blogging because of your site. I haven't figured out how to put pictures up with my mac laptop, but at the least, it's a place for me to bitch and share happy thoughts--no matter how mediocre some assholes might think them to be. Feel free to read it, I'd love to know what a gorgeous, thin, and talented celebrity blogger thinks. Oh, and if you have any suggestions on how to blog on a mac, I'd be forever indebted to you. http://leblondeaux.blogspot.com/
65. kate folsom said:
Argh. Some people really need to get lives. I've been visiting this site from just around the time Leta was born, and check every day, sometimes several times, to see what new things you have to say.
What's with the people who don't capitalize criticising your grammar? The thoughtless dolts who don't like your subject matter? Why do people hate so much?
The ads aren't that annoying. I'm one of the people who bitched about them at first, but I've totally gotten used to them. ARGH!
You're wonderful, Heather. Tell those motherfuckers to fuck themselves.
66. I love Dooce said:
Heather,
I think you are the best. It is sad that some people spend so much of their time and energy trying to ruin someone else's day. You brighten my days and I have learned so much from you sharing your life. From a recovering Jehovah's Witness to a recovering Mormon, IT FEELS SO GOOD TO BE FREE! Keep on keepin' on. Mad love.
67. Minnie said:
Oops, sorry for the multiple comments. There was a glitch in my browser.
68. gypsy said:
Oh good grief. What is wrong with people? Oh, right: they're pathetic, humorless, twits who haven't figured out where the off button on their laptop is. Poor things.
Dooce, keep up the good work. I'd love to have my website covered with "The Man's" ads if it meant I could quit this godforsaken job.
Fuck em if they can't take a joke.
69. Sethonious said:
I hear that on the Island of FagLesbian sweaty goat balls rolled in baby tummy coke is quite the popular treat. Baby tummy coke is the best because along with the drug you of course get that new baby smell. Which also has the desired effect of covering up that "ripe goat boxer smell." The sweat really gets the coke to stick on to the balls making for a high protein high energy snack!!!!
70. Kirsten said:
1. Leta is absolutely gorgeous and cherubic, and I hope that when I have children, they look half as adorable as she clearly is.
2. I appreciate your writings on your bouts with depression.
3. If someone has a problem with Blurbomat's political views, they should fucking comment on his site. Not yours.
4. Chuck is adorable. I love it when you post about him and put pictures of him up. I wish my German Shepherd would allow me to place spaghetti on his snout. Cause I would do the same thing.
5. You write extraordinarily well. Grammar, spelling...it's all great!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. I started blogging because of your site. I haven't figured out how to put pictures up with my mac laptop, but at the least, it's a place for me to bitch and share happy thoughts--no matter how mediocre some assholes might think them to be. Feel free to read it, I'd love to know what a gorgeous, thin, and talented celebrity blogger thinks. Oh, and if you have any suggestions on how to blog on a mac, I'd be forever indebted to you. http://leblondeaux.blogspot.com/
71. gypsy said:
Oh good grief. What is wrong with people? Oh, right: they're pathetic, humorless, twits who haven't figured out where the off button on their laptop is. Poor things.
Dooce, keep up the good work. I'd love to have my website covered with "The Man's" ads if it meant I could quit this godforsaken job.
Fuck em if they can't take a joke.
72. gypsy said:
Oh good grief. What is wrong with people? Oh, right: they're pathetic, humorless, twits who haven't figured out where the off button on their laptop is. Poor things.
Dooce, keep up the good work. I'd love to have my website covered with "The Man's" ads if it meant I could quit this godforsaken job.
Fuck em if they can't take a joke.
73. TTG said:
I think Keri R is actually Keri Russell. She's jealous that someone in the world has better hair than she does, and probably also very angry that "Felicity" is no longer on the air.
74. Stv. said:
So, if the ads on this site are what support you guys, is it bad that I have them all blocked? And y'know, except for some oddly-size whitespace, the site looks pretty darn good.
I will admit to being horrified by your current masthead. Not anything to do with you, but a bad childhood experience with needlepoint means all crochet/needlepoint/knitted pattern-type-things just give me the howling fantods.
75. WendyBoswell said:
Hmmm. To these meanie commenters I would say what my little 8 year old would say:
"You are a poo poo head."
76. Gry Poulsen said:
Dude..
Is all I can say.
Well, that and I wish I got some hate mail once in a while.
77. Sethonious said:
I hear that on the Island of FagLesbian sweaty goat balls rolled in baby tummy coke is quite the popular treat. Baby tummy coke is the best because along with the drug you of course get that new baby smell. Which also has the desired effect of covering up that "ripe goat boxer smell." The sweat really gets the coke to stick on to the balls making for a high protein high energy snack!!!!
78. Sethonious said:
I hear that on the Island of FagLesbian sweaty goat balls rolled in baby tummy coke is quite the popular treat. Baby tummy coke is the best because along with the drug you of course get that new baby smell. Which also has the desired effect of covering up that "ripe goat boxer smell." The sweat really gets the coke to stick on to the balls making for a high protein high energy snack!!!!
79. Dana said:
Careful, random swear words:
As a writer and columnist for a newspaper, I get a lot of crazy-ass people who send hatemail. I have a WTF (What-the-Fuck) File that I stuff the e-mails in and I write down what callers say. It's funny to go back and remind yourself on how people make idiots out of themselves in an attempt to be hateful.
Thick skin and a good sense of humor is all it takes. You've got both (along with a great haircut, a beautiful daughter, a cool canine, etc.) Tell them to take a laxative or quit reading.
80. Victoria Winters said:
Damn, how you get some doozies!
I had no idea that people actually had the audacity (and free time) to send you these shitty emails. And for what? To put down someone they've never even met and to criticize her for her morals, opinions, and parenting!? Ridiculous. Keep it up Heather...you still float my boat EVERY DAY.
81. ShimmyShea said:
Look, I know there's such a thing as free speech and everything, but why is it so hard for these people to just not visit your site? If they don't agree with what you have to say, then don't type the damn link into the browser.
It's the exact same reason I don't read any of Ann Coulter's stuff. I think she's a douchebag, so I'm not going to waste my time with it. Everyone's entitled to their own opinions.
82. John said:
I enjoyed the email saying how the person can't stand you preaching your liberal propoganda on your personal site.
How dare any of you spout out your own thoughts and beliefs. On your own personal site, no less!
Forshame.
83. TTG said:
I think Keri R is actually Keri Russell. She's jealous that someone in the world has better hair than she does, and probably also very angry that "Felicity" is no longer on the air.
84. John said:
I enjoyed the email saying how the person can't stand you preaching your liberal propoganda on your personal site.
How dare any of you spout out your own thoughts and beliefs. On your own personal site, no less!
Forshame.
85. Sara said:
that was great! I started crying when I went to ikissyou.org. more links like that please. how much time do these people spend writing hatemail and being offended?
86. kdoll said:
my initial reaction to reading those emails was frustration... i can't imagine opening my email and reading that shit. you're a strong person, heather!
and then the more i read... the more i actually giggled. some of those people take like FAR too serious. they're JEALOUS of you, they want to be at home with beautiful leta all day being adored by people all over the country (and probably the world)! we're all different, every single one of us. why can't we all accept that we're different, celebrate those differences, and be friends? i know that'll never happpen, but i sure wish it would.
heather, keep being you. these people who are complaining-- whyyyy are they still reading your blog? give it up people!!!
keep on keein' on, heather. i enjoy reading you EVERY DAY.
thank you!
87. TTG said:
I think Keri R is actually Keri Russell. She's jealous that someone in the world has better hair than she does, and probably also very angry that "Felicity" is no longer on the air.
88. kdoll said:
my initial reaction to reading those emails was frustration... i can't imagine opening my email and reading that shit. you're a strong person, heather!
and then the more i read... the more i actually giggled. some of those people take like FAR too serious. they're JEALOUS of you, they want to be at home with beautiful leta all day being adored by people all over the country (and probably the world)! we're all different, every single one of us. why can't we all accept that we're different, celebrate those differences, and be friends? i know that'll never happpen, but i sure wish it would.
heather, keep being you. these people who are complaining-- whyyyy are they still reading your blog? give it up people!!!
keep on keein' on, heather. i enjoy reading you EVERY DAY.
thank you!
89. ShortGrl said:
Okay, I hate to ask this, but I have a job that gets in the way. :) Where are these pictures of your awesome hair cut?
90. Sara said:
that was great! I started crying when I went to ikissyou.org. (I have home-car) More links like that please. how much time do these people spend writing hatemail and being offended?
91. Emily said:
Those e-mails are hysterical. But here's the thing I don't understand: When people dislike something, a website in this case, why do they insist on sending hate mail? When I go to a website I don't like, I simply click out of it and never go back. I've never felt compelled to send a piece of hate mail in my life. I'm a huge Internet nerd, but I still don't understand why people don't just get lives and move on with it. Why send nasty e-mails? What is the purpose? Especially if they aren't even intelligent and nasty.
But at least those of us who aren't psychos can get a good laugh from this, right?
92. mindylou00 said:
I'm pretty sure that I want to kick all of those people in the face. I only met you once in person, (at the austin meet and greet) but my impression was that you and Jon were some of the kindest people I've ever spent an afternoon with. I absolutley love your website, and I think what you are doing is amazing. I can't believe people can be so narrow-minded and shallow. Oh, and I'm pretty sure you have the cutest kid ever.
93. gypsy said:
Oh good grief. What is wrong with people? Oh, right: they're pathetic, humorless, twits who haven't figured out where the off button on their laptop is. Poor things.
Dooce, keep up the good work. I'd love to have my website covered with "The Man's" ads if it meant I could quit this godforsaken job.
Fuck em if they can't take a joke.
94. rivetergirl said:
What I don't understand is why these people keep reading this blog — unless you're taking a page from the Clockwork Orange handbook and are snatching innocent, non-poop talking people off the street, prying their eyes open and forcing them to read.
Are you really doing that? If so, can you come snatch me.
I hope to grow up to be you someday ... except I'm older than you. I hope to grow down to you some day.
Cheers to the dooce meanies for making me love to laugh at those who are more ludicrous than I am.
95. Methos04 said:
Hey! I like your site AND I found out about it just a few weeks ago AND on top of that your site was just mentioned in a Swiss journal (exclamation mark). That will bring a HUGE number of new readers... so as soon as all those weired people stop reading stuff they do not like ... they will be replaced by new fans :-)
96. Mindola said:
Is there a Canadian Version of Island of FagLesbian ? Because I think Heather's hair is hot. I also find terrible grammar, and pathetic sell-out syphilis mockers extremely sexy.
97. Vaguely Urban said:
I really admire the fact that you've chosen to view these ridiculous barbs as the COMEDY GOLD that they are.
My favorite: Tiffany R's insight that "no one can tell you what to not write." She's so right! Heather, I request that you take some time to not write a post comparing and contrasting the architecture of the 50 state capitol buildings.
p.s. big props to you and your cute hair.
98. wendy said:
The Island of FagLesbian? I want to move there and dress my dog in Christmas lights. I'll throw sweaty goat balls for him to chase, while I wait for the kids to bring me alcohol, because isn't that why I had kids in the first place?
I think the haters spend far too much time in Stepford.
99. Modern Day Hermit said:
WTF is wrong with people? Morons.
100. mindylou00 said:
I'm pretty sure that I want to kick all of those people in the face. I only met you once in person, (at the austin meet and greet) but my impression was that you and Jon were some of the kindest people I've ever spent an afternoon with. I absolutley love your website, and I think what you are doing is amazing. I can't believe people can be so narrow-minded and shallow. Oh, and I'm pretty sure you have the cutest kid ever.
101. Toyfoto said:
Well that was certainly entertaining. Thank you for spreading around the ire. To me, such hate mail would be terribly gratifying to receive. Especially since, for the most part, it seems strangely surreal. Of course hate mail is probably much better when it's adressed to someone else.
For the little it's worth, I know you'll be keeping up the "good" work, you have such a natural gift.
102. Amy said:
I will only keep reading IF and only IF I get to be the Vice President of the Man-Hating Psycho Lesbian Jealous Feminist Club!!
It is so much fun to read between the lines of miserable people, who have nothing better to do than send hate mail to a website THEY TYPE IN THE COMPUTER.
Another reason why I love the internet, especially with this site on it!
103. Modern Day Hermit said:
Forgot to add..
Do goat balls sweat? Interesting.
104. mindylou00 said:
I'm pretty sure that I want to kick all of those people in the face. I only met you once in person, (at the austin meet and greet) but my impression was that you and Jon were some of the kindest people I've ever spent an afternoon with. I absolutley love your website, and I think what you are doing is amazing. I can't believe people can be so narrow-minded and shallow. Oh, and I'm pretty sure you have the cutest kid ever.
105. rivetergirl said:
What I don't understand is why these people keep reading this blog — unless you're taking a page from the Clockwork Orange handbook and are snatching innocent, non-poop talking people off the street, prying their eyes open and forcing them to read.
Are you really doing that? If so, can you come snatch me.
I hope to grow up to be you someday ... except I'm older than you. I hope to grow down to you some day.
Cheers to the dooce meanies for making me love to laugh at those who are more ludicrous than I am.
106. Methos04 said:
Hey! I like your site AND I found out about it just a few weeks ago AND on top of that your site was just mentioned in a Swiss journal (exclamation mark). That will bring a HUGE number of new readers... so as soon as all those weired people stop reading stuff they do not like ... they will be replaced by new fans :-)
107. Modern Day Hermit said:
Forgot to add..
Do goat balls sweat? Interesting.
108. Amy said:
I will only keep reading IF and only IF I get to be the Vice President of the Man-Hating Psycho Lesbian Jealous Feminist Club!!
It is so much fun to read between the lines of miserable people, who have nothing better to do than send hate mail to a website THEY TYPE IN THE COMPUTER.
Another reason why I love the internet, especially with this site on it!
109. Amy said:
I will only keep reading IF and only IF I get to be the Vice President of the Man-Hating Psycho Lesbian Jealous Feminist Club!!
It is so much fun to read between the lines of miserable people, who have nothing better to do than send hate mail to a website THEY TYPE IN THE COMPUTER.
Another reason why I love the internet, especially with this site on it!
110. Toyfoto said:
Well that was certainly entertaining. Thank you for spreading around the ire. To me, such hate mail would be terribly gratifying to receive. Especially since, for the most part, it seems strangely surreal. Of course hate mail is probably much better when it's adressed to someone else.
For the little it's worth, I know you'll be keeping up the "good" work, you have such a natural gift.
111. HollyRhea.com said:
I once (yesterday) got into a very mild fight in a comments section of a some blog. It ruined my day. I don't know how you do it - staying so constantly genuine in the face of that. But I'm glad you do.
112. Elizabeth said:
Well...I'm not sure why anyone would take the time to login just so they could spew venomous ack at someone they don't know (she said as she had logged in to make a comment to someone she doesn't even know). Your website is just fine. Otherwise why would anyone read it? I happen to enjoy reading it. I like Chuck. I like Leta. I like Jon, and of course I like you. I think what's-her-name should realize that using exclamnation points on the Web is a privilege, not a right. I hope you appreciate how long it took me to look up the spelling of privilege. By the way, check out the Music Genome Project, if you're not already familiar with it. Go to Pandora.com. You can tell them what kind of music you want to hear. I think it's really funny because they won't play what you want but they'll play what they think you should want to hear. So get on with you life and enjoy spring. The snow has just melted where I live and we're having mud season.
113. sadiebeth said:
Heather-
I just wanted to tell you how much i absolutely LOVE your website!!! i HAVE to read it everyday!! Your family is so cute! Keep up the great writing!!
:) :) :) :) :) :) :)
114. mindylou00 said:
I'm pretty sure that I want to kick all of those people in the face. I only met you once in person, (at the austin meet and greet) but my impression was that you and Jon were some of the kindest people I've ever spent an afternoon with. I absolutley love your website, and I think what you are doing is amazing. I can't believe people can be so narrow-minded and shallow. Oh, and I'm pretty sure you have the cutest kid ever.
115. Wendy Mac said:
LIBERAL FOR DOOCE
Heather, you are awesome. I don't know how you do it.
When my blog was getting max of 10 readers a day, I was getting hate mail, which was totally unbelievable to me.
A personal blog is a personal blog- you are entitled to say whatever you want!
I put up my middle finger to all of the jerks. They're entitled to their own opinion, but for goodness sakes, GO CLICK SOMEWHERE ELSE! It's called freedom of speech.
Karma, people.
LIBERAL FOR PEACE
116. sadiebeth said:
Heather-
I just wanted to tell you how much i absolutely LOVE your website!!! i HAVE to read it everyday!! Your family is so cute! Keep up the great writing!!
:) :) :) :) :) :) :)
117. Meg said:
I. Had. No. Idea. These. People. Thought. Anyone. Cared.
I wrote a nasty email ONCE to a web site and it was to Fred Phelps! He told me I was going to hell! I was like, "AWESOME!"
Because I think all the good people are in Fred Phelps' Hell.
Heather, I'm glad you just keep being you.
118. megan said:
I haven't commented before, but I love your site and read it obsessively (I'm hoping my employer doesn't monitor my internet activity). I often have to keep from laughing out loud here in my cubicle farm.
I worry for these people who have the time to send such horrible, poorly-written emails.
(and please, please, please use the sweaty goat balls tagline)
p.s. I love your new haircut, too, and Leta is exceedingly adorable.
119. esthela said:
I don't remember ever reading the entry you wrote about how you're the perfect mom, wife, human being that gives these people an excuse to point out to you that you are in fact not perfect. Don't they get that you KNOW that and you're OK with that and that you have an amazing sense of humor about THAT. Put me on the side of people who GET you Heather.
59. Elizabeth said:
Well...I'm not sure why anyone would take the time to login just so they could spew venomous ack at someone they don't know (she said as she had logged in to make a comment to someone she doesn't even know). Your website is just fine. Otherwise why would anyone read it? I happen to enjoy reading it. I like Chuck. I like Leta. I like Jon, and of course I like you. I think what's-her-name should realize that using exclamnation points on the Web is a privilege, not a right. I hope you appreciate how long it took me to look up the spelling of privilege. By the way, check out the principles of the Music Genome Project, if you're not already familiar with it. Go to Pandora.com. You can tell them what kind of music you want to hear. I think it's really funny because they won't play what you want but they'll play what they think you should want to hear. So get on with you life and enjoy spring. The snow has just melted where I live and we're having mud season.
62. sally said:
Dear Heather,
I love you more than I can express! Every day I visit your blog and laugh out loud in my silent dorm room. I am only a freshman in college, and despite all these negative comments talking about your "immature" parenting, you're one of the reasons I can even stand to THINK about having children! It is so refreshing to see someone have a child and still maintain a SENSE OF HUMOR! I was afraid that all parents become boring, snobby, and self-righteous humans after a certain amount of time, but you've proved me wrong! I think you are amazing, and I don't mind if you sold out, you need some money to support that kid you adore so much. Why does everyone expect that you're some sort of superhuman who can function in society without an income? They can BLOW ME. I adore you, I really do. And I want a kid one day who sounds exactly like Leta's precious little voice. Bravo, Heather, really, you're an inspiration to me.
-Sally
120. Amy said:
I will only keep reading IF and only IF I get to be the Vice President of the Man-Hating Psycho Lesbian Jealous Feminist Club!!
It is so much fun to read between the lines of miserable people, who have nothing better to do than send hate mail to a website THEY TYPE IN THE COMPUTER.
Another reason why I love the internet, especially with this site on it!
121. sadiebeth said:
Heather-
I just wanted to tell you how much i absolutely LOVE your website!!! i HAVE to read it everyday!! Your family is so cute! Keep up the great writing!!
:) :) :) :) :) :) :)
122. Sara said:
That was great! I cried when I went to ikissyou.org (I have home-car). More links like that please. How much time do these people spend writing hate mail for all the things that they are constantly offended by?
123. AnnieKNodes said:
You're a great writer who's offering valuable insights You have inspired me and lots and lots of others to write.
What really bugs me is that people tend to call anything fulfilling "selfish." OK, sure, there's a self indulgent quality to any creative endeavor, but why is this wrong? Why is it so terrible to pursue something you love doing, something you've got a knack for, and (shudder) try to make a living from it?
ANSWER: It's not.
I hear FagLesbian Island is a great place to go when you're experimenting in college.
124. Nickie said:
You affect people's life every day, for better or worse.
How fucking cool is that?
Thanks for the laughs :)
125. janey83 said:
I don't adore you as a god, Heather. Sorry. But I do respect you as a person, and I like reading your site. I don't always agree with you, and while I'm SO sure you want to hear my specific reasons for not agreeing with you or sharing your brain or only ever thinking the same thoughts, I'm just going to have to assume that you already realize that no two people in the entire universe are ever going to have the same feelings about the same things.
Like when you posted about Jon farting to make George laugh--I was like, ew! Yet I strangely did not have the impulse to take precious minutes out of my day to tell you how I did not agree with that, and oddly, not agreeing with you did not make my head implode.
With that said I don't think you are particularly brave or special to share your thoughts with us, but for putting up with people and letting us contact you even though you KNOW there are people (myself sometimes included) who have not grown up yet, you must be commended.
I will also say that sometimes the things you say shock me, they often amuse me, and sometimes I even -agree-, but in no way or form are you ever obligated to change who you are to please me, some random stranger who you don't even know. I know, how kind of me! ;)
126. cryptocyber said:
I am shocked and outraged at the outrage and shock.
I think you have dealt with the shock and awe in the perfect way: answering those dissenters without providing them anymore publicity. Plus, every hate mail because blog fodder. Win win in my book.
127. Little Package said:
Silly people with envy & hate go Dooce yourselfs exclamation point exclamation point exclamation point!
I personally don't find that Heather's writing, style, insight, or perfect & hilarious snarkiness has done anything but matured. And I like it.
Besides, the Dooce posse wouldn't all fit through the stupid "trap door." You have to live with us!
128. AnnieKNodes said:
What really bugs me is the people tend to call anything fulfilling "selfish." OK, sure, there's a self indulgent quality to any creative endeavor, but why is this wrong? Why is it so terrible to pursue something you love doing, something you've got a knack for, and (shudder) try to make a living from it?
ANSWER: It's not.
I hear FagLesbian Island is a great place to go when you're experimenting in college.
129. Jaci said:
Twenty comments popped up while I was registering to comment about how much I appreciate your writing and your stories. 117 strangers probably love you and one more doesn't make a difference...but I wanted to let you know (with a squirming 15month old on my lap and a tooth throbbing-ache in my mouth) that you are helpful. I haven't had the same experiences as you but I feel that we have had similiar things go on and because of your blog, I feel less alone. And I appreciate that. I know that there are others out there who need that, too.
130. SassyPants said:
I'm a first-time commenter here, but I wanted to say that you truly have a gift and your writing-style is not only clever but has an undeniably witty charm to it that is too seldom found.
You'll never please everyone, but look at the vast majority that check your site everyday when they log onto their computer. We love you Dooce! Just keep doing what you do best girl. I'll keep reading.
131. esthela said:
I don't remember ever reading the entry you wrote about how you're the perfect mom, wife, human being that gives these people an excuse to point out to you that you are in fact not perfect. Don't they get that you KNOW that and you're OK with that and that you have an amazing sense of humor about THAT. Put me on the side of people who GET you Heather.
132. Jessica said:
Heather, you are the best! You have no idea how much the things you've written about have helped me, have made me feel less alone in my own struggles, have made me realize that better days will come. You often make me laugh out loud, and I admire your bravery in sharing your life with us. Leta is beautiful, and is so lucky to have a wonderful mom like you! Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all that you do!
Take care and keep up the amazing work,
Jessica :)
P.S. If you're ever in the Boston area, you have a drinking buddy in me. C'mon, you have to do a "Dooce World Tour"! :)
133. ChrisHolmes said:
I don't understand the comment about the ads. They are on the side of the page. My eyes have no trouble ignoring them.
Are people really this dumb?
134. AnnieKNodes said:
What really bugs me are the people tend to call anything fulfilling "selfish." OK, sure, there's a self indulgent quality to any creative endeavor, but why is this wrong? Why is it so terrible to pursue something you love doing, something you've got a knack for, and (shudder) try to make a living from it?
ANSWER: It's not.
I hear FagLesbian Island is a great place to go when you're experimenting in college.
135. Carli said:
FUCK THOSE CRAZY PEOPLE! Seriously, who has that much time on their hands that they spend it sending hate mail about lead in Christmas lights, the hidden virtues of an STD or "unbookmarking" someone. Get a life, you fuckin' wastoids! Go kick a tree or take a squirt gun to the neighbors cat or set your own hair on fire. Heather, you may not be mean, but send me their email so I can tell them how stupid, petty and obviously NON-FUCKING-CHRISTIAN they are, 'cause I'm one of the meanest people I know. THey'll also be hearing from me via the USPS when they take delivery of the raunchiest underground beastiality porn mags I can find, sent without brown wrapper. What especially pisses me off is when someone attacks a child. I hate those fuckers. Leta is beautiful and will grow up much more well adjusted than any of those skeevy bastards who have obviously run out of things to do. I love the Armstrongs, what they do and what they standfor. Have I said this yet? FUCK THOSE CRAZY PEOPLE EXCLAMATION FUCKING POINT. PS - Happy Easter this weekend :)
136. Herb Fairy said:
It seems that some people do not get the point of a Blog. It is to talk about your life. It is to entertain. It does not have to be some educational, insightfull, boring blog. It is supposed to be fun to look at. Sort of like Britney Spear's boobs.
I think it comes down to they are jealous that you found success and get paid for simply sharing your life with us and they have to go off to their boring jobs and file and make copies and complain that someone made the coffee to strong that morning. Goodness, I envy you as I sit here in my cublicle with no windows.
Keep up the good work. :)
137. greengirl said:
Heather,
I am a virgin when it comes to commenting on you website, but today I just had to let you know how I feel about you. My sister-in-law told me about your blog less than a year ago. I have read anything and everything you have posted, looked at all of the pictures you have taken and I feel like I have a connection with you even though you have never read a word I have written, until now. You have helped me through a really hard year by giving me numerous other topics to think about in my life. Your posts have helped me to take a step back and evaluate my life in a way I never would have, had I not read your blog. Sure there are things that you post that I don't agree with, (since I am a Happy Valley Mormon Chic) but I don't know what you have been through in your life to get to where you are and I can't say I wouldn't feel the exact same way. I value your life experiences and I am thankful that you share them in such a raw, exposed way. This has helped me to look at my insecurities and beliefs in a different light and I am a better person, I feel, because of you.
I am baffled and disgusted at the extremely negative emails people have sent to you. I don't get it... I don't know if there is anything you could ever say that would make me write you an email stating the things that were said (NO, this is not a challenge.) :) I don't understand why anyone would want to try and hurt someone else in the ways people have tried with you. I guess if you are that miserable in your own life then you want others to be as well.
The reason for this post is I just wanted to let you know that if I ever see you in public I am going to give you a big hug (even if you aren't a huggy person) because of everything you have helped me see and become.
(I am ready to barf now because of how this all sounds!)
138. TheBurryMan said:
Started reading Dooce because it was on one of those "best of" lists for writing, and being a writers' website I felt the need to check it out. As much as I like the tone of your writing, it is the snarky responses to your comments that I love! Oh, how we yearn for the pointy fangy barb of sarcasm, and how little we find. May you get time for an extended holiday on the Island of SarcastoFagLesbian, you deserve it. (And I don't miind the ads, being ADD I don't really see them unless they flash on and off ... ooooh, pretty ...)
139. SassyPants said:
I'm a first-time commenter here, but I wanted to say that you truly have a gift and your writing-style is not only clever but has an undeniably witty charm to it that is too seldom found.
You'll never please everyone, but look at the vast majority that check your site everyday when they log onto their computer. We love you Dooce! Just keep doing what you do best girl. I'll keep reading.
140. Jim Brodhead said:
I need to get an edge or something for my blog. Man, I don't get good stuff like that...what great stuff to spin off of. How about sharing the wealth...like make up a moronic name and cut and paste the stuff and post as a comment on my blog. It would save me having to look for original thought. Nobody would notice, only you and I would know because I am so far down the z-list that few would see it. If you can't do that, how about that picture that the mouth breather asked for and if the picture is too much I'll settle for the recipe for funeral potatoes.
The good news is that comments like all those you quoted just blow the theory of intelligent design right out the window.
141. ktmarie said:
I have read your blog for about a year now, and I have never ONCE doubted your love for your daughter or the concern you have for her upbringing and safety (and I'm a mother of a three-year-old little terror myself). The people who have e-mailed you concerning Leta are the ones who should be concerned about their own parenting skills. I read your blog because it makes me laugh so hard that I need to run to the bathroom. I don't always agree with your views on subjects, but I value and appreciate your writing - it makes my day a better one.
142. silverfoot said:
*chortle*
You know, if you actually listened to all those freaks, you'd leave yourself with nothing to write - no political opinions, and no poop stories? No smut and no pictures of Chuck with things on his head? I mean really, what else *is* there?
That said, I *totally* think the next major blogger conference should be on The Island of FagLesbian. You bring the water-based lube, i'll bring the maracas, and we'll see if we can't fire people up for a game of Strip Twister.
;-)
143. MommyofOne said:
Oh, Heather.
I'm sorry you get e-mails like this. Big bummer. It sounds like your sense of humor and perspective are in a terrific place though.
Sometimes I disagree with some things you say. Sometimes I get disagree with things Jon says (I'm a conservative Republican and a born-again Christian). But I still enjoy read your websites, because I RESPECT both of you. I respect that you have the guts to speak your minds for the public to read. I respect that you two make yourselves vulnerable. And I respect that you can make a living doing it, while giving the precious gift of time to your sweet daughter. And because of that I will keep coming back to read.
I enjoy your perspectives. Blurbodoocery helps keep my worldview from getting too narrow. Thank you!
144. Angela said:
Wow. It's really awful that people think they are entitled to say shit like that to you. I love that you are able to handle it so well and still laugh about it. I think your site and everything you say is absolutely awesome. Furthermore even if I disagree with something you say I'm still happy with you because I love how honestly you write and I admire you for it. Why are people so afraid of what is different?
Well you are completely awesome Dooce. I appreciate you and your site.
145. throwingutah said:
A dog has to be truly loved in order to put up with what Spaghetti-on-the-Snout puts up with. Obviously some people skipped the entry where Chuck got loose during your Amsterdam trip.
Leta is beautiful. You have an amazing photographic and written record of her entire life, and you've let us all share it.
She's only two months younger than my son, and I love reading about things that are going on in our house, too. I'm particularly looking forward to the "big-girl bed" chapter. A tip: our son spent his first few times in a big-boy bed at my parents' house when his cousins (3 and 1) were also visiting, so my folks were a little less patient than they might have been otherwise. He got out of bed twice and got Stern Voices, which he'd never heard before. It's been six months, and he's NEVER GOTTEN OUT OF BED BY HIMSELF. He'll sit there and yell for me, but he doesn't get up. Sweeeeeeet.
146. Erin MJ said:
Hi Heather!
I just wanted to tell you how much I love your site, and how much I don't care if you have ads, and how entertaining it is to hear you make fun of your hate mail! Exclamation point, exclamation point, exclamation point! =D
Also, "Good Bitch of the North" is possibly one of the best phrases ever conceived. I don't know if you made it up, but it made me laugh out loud all the same.
I hope this helps to increase your positive-to-negative feedback ratio. ;)
147. Lisa March said:
I LOVE HEATHER ARMSTRONG!!!
But not in a Brokeback kinda way.
Thank you for sharing wonderful, funny and honest stories about your life. YOUR ROCK! Well, let's be honest, you ROCK and ROLL girl :)
148. Kacey said:
"I'm going to start an "I Hate Dooce" club." What are you, like 10 years old? Real mature...
Heather, loved the part about snorting coke of Leta's bare tummy. That response made me laugh out loud at my desk. I too started blogging because of your site, and I'm a faithful reader. I think you're writing is amazing and witty. Keep up the good work and keep laughing at those negative souls who try to bring you down.
149. Angela said:
Wow. It's really awful that people think they are entitled to say shit like that to you. I love that you are able to handle it so well and still laugh about it. I think your site and everything you say is absolutely awesome. Furthermore even if I disagree with something you say I'm still happy with you because I love how honestly you write and I admire you for it. Why are people so afraid of what is different?
Well you are completely awesome Dooce. I appreciate you and your site.
150. Amanda B. said:
Yes, I'm having a bit of an issue myself.
It's so strange, people either seem to love or hate you- the point being that most people don't even know you. But the good usually outweighs the bad. Usually.
I'd say tell em to bite your ass but you don't really have one. So, they can bite mine. Bite my oh so ample ass, mean people.
!!!!
151. leftygrrrl said:
"I didn’t have a response to this email because I was too high from the cocaine I just snorted off Leta’s bare tummy."
Could we get a photo of that?
152. dithers said:
Thank you so much for sharing those 5 words from GEORGE!
153. Sarah said:
That was hilarious!
The more popular a person is, the more haters they get. That seems to be a fact. Most folks are jealous because THEY aren't able to live off of their websites. I say, lucky you!!
If you ever feel down about it, shoot me an email and I'll tell you all the things I love about you and your site...no charge! ;-)
154. Whinger said:
I love to hate the haters, but I must grudgingly acknowledge that they have some of the most fantastic opportunities for imagery out there. I could barely get beyond my mental picture of the Island FagLesbian (tastefully decorated with lots of power tools) to read the rest of the emails.
People rock. Even when they're lame.
155. LadySaffire said:
Ya know...there are just a lot of cranky people in our world. I love this site...and visit it VERY often. I love your view on things...your attitude...your sense of humor...and the pics. I'm a fan for life.
And to those that have an issue with Dooce...may the fleas of a thousand camels infest your crotch. Wait...that's not very fair to the fleas...