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Dear Lee

Dear Lee,

I was going to sign a contract with a literary service company for consulting, then I went on the Internet and did, what I now admit, was terrible and foolish research on that particular company. Two websites stated that the owner and the company were “scams.” I forwarded this information to the company and stated it was my sole reason for declining their contract. I received a detailed letter from the company that was sound, logical and forthright. It was unfortunate that a person of my insight and intelligence would actually believe angry voices in the dark wilderness instead of trusting the relationship that the owner and I had built over the past year. So, I contacted one of those voices only to discover that the angry voice did not have the proof to back up their claim. When I advised this person to take down the entry, they refused. Know why? Because this angry voice is just that “angry.” In fact, it goes beyond anger…this person is “out there” and not in a good sense. This voice then proceeded to try and justify his actions. When that didn’t work, he tried to ridicule me on the forum-heavy website. It gets better: A week later on his blog, he began chastising others for throwing around defaming remarks on the Internet. We all have our missions in life, but really, blogging all day long as a career? Hurting people because your ego is either that frail or that immense and then believing that you are above the law of man and that of a greater being? Two things: First: There is justice. It may not show up according to our time frame, but it will show up. Snarky bloggers have lost their money, their spouses and their children because they just can’t seem to keep their fingers off the keyboard. I don’t know what kind of justice will work, but it will come nonetheless. Second: I screwed up. I insulted a friend, lost a chance to get my writing really focused and simply embarrassed the shit out of myself. I bet there’s a lot of new writer’s that let those angry, ugly voices get into their head, too. Unfortunately, in the end, it is the new writer that gets it… in the end! (PS: Sorry for such a long note. I hope you’ll still publish it.)

-Making Amends in Alabama
Dear Amends,

Here’s another take: Maybe the “snarky blogger” you are referring to is really running a business and is getting paid to cause loss of reputation and income to certain industry professionals. Perhaps the only justice that will register with your “snarky blogger” types is for people to stop visiting those sites. It probably won’t stop them from blogging, but at least they will slip into the cold, dark basement of the Internet where they belong.

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Dear Lee,

Okay, Lee…this is totally priceless. Go to *&^%!@#& (Editor’s Note: Since WNW does not recommended this particular site as a viable source for information, the website address has been deleted.) Man, does this sound like a case of “cover your ass?!” Of course, that’s just my opinion. Quoting Webster’s? What a joke! How about quoting the legal definition of scam then following that up with what happens to you “legally speaking” when you defame someone?

-LOL
Dear LOL,

Oh boy! That wasn’t nice. However, I have received dozens of emails regarding this blogger’s recent entry. My only response is…giggle, giggle, giggle. That wasn’t grown up, was it? So how about this: Ha-ha-ha. Okay, I’ll come up with something more dignified next week after I finish rolling on the floor with laughter.

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Dear Lee,

There is a popular blogger on a well-known writer’s site. He is always posting stuff on what agents, publishers and writers should do and not do like he or she is some kind of authority. He or she has also jumped on the “let’s call everyone that doesn’t do things my way a scam” bandwagon. Well, I just found out the skinny on this guy. He has been writing fiction for a million years and has yet to be published. But, ever the optimist, he remains hopeful. My guess is that he’s following his own bad advice, which really is nothing more than fiction.
Is there any TRUTH out there?
Dear Truth,

I wonder if this blogger has figured out that the companies, agents and publishers he or she is knocking have their own network where information about bloggers who have all the answers to all of the questions are neatly filed in the DO NOT TOUCH file?

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Dear Lee,

This is unbelievable: For the past year, I have developed a friendship with a person who recently sent me their self-published book that was absolutely in desperate need of help. This writer knew it needed help. I read the book, spent two hours talking to him about the writing, lack of structure and the market. He knew he couldn’t make the necessary changes on his own, so he asked for my help. I offered my assistance, quoted him a price for my services and presented the bid in a professional manner. He proceeded to insult me by spewing rubbish that some person he doesn’t know and who I never met or spoke with, posted about me and my company on a website that serves no purpose other than to defame and hurt people. This guy knows me! He knows my work. He knows people, big people, in the industry who respect me and endorse the high quality of my work. Yet, he believed some stranger that doesn’t have anything good to say about anyone unless it’s their own agent or one of their fellow “bad-fingered” bloggers.

-A Really Upset Agent
Dear Upset,

I can’t be sure, but if your “friend” is from Alabama, I think they may be really, really sorry. I believe in second chances, and in some cases, third chances. I hope you do, too. Maybe you two can work things out. As far as a second chances for the “defamer” well, I may not be as generous now that Internet case law is on the books.

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