Discussions
In Praise of Our Friend Melinda!
Posted by Stillthinking • 9/09/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: don't let the losers win, melindaville, support our friends!
I was never going to return to the forum. I was going to quietly leave and answer shouts and emails as needed. The last couple of days have really angered me though.
Melindaville, one of BC's most popular and respected members is being slandered and harassed as part of an ongoing effort to drive away what is perceived as a group of "minions."
It is such a shame that so many good members are being driven away by negativity and harassment.
People, please be nice to one another! It's just a FORUM! It can be a fun place to chit-chat with friends, promote our blogs, and fill up our boring days! Be grown ups and stop passive-aggressively harassing other members with nasty Tweets and Private Nings.
The last few weeks have really shaken Melinda. She is someone who is generous and kind to other people, so she expected that kind of treatment back. I have met very few people I admire quite as much for overcoming as much as she has.
So, in support of one of BC's VERY BEST MEMBERS (and an amazing person, you people really have no idea) I would like to start a praise thread.
Please write Melinda a lovely note as to why you appreciate her membership here and how much you support her!
It is so important to know that for every rude person who would tear you down, there are plenty of people who support you...even if it's over a computer.
Play nice! Melinda has done nothing but offer kind advice, good humor and friendship to quite a lot of you out there.
User Comments
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I'll start:
Melinda was one of the very first BC members to befriend me here on the forum. She visited my blog regularly and left insightful and lovely comments. I admire her courage, her moral compass and her unwavering loyalty to her friends. -
In the short time I have been here I have come to appreciate Melinda's good character all around. She is an amazing woman whom I have come to respect and admire. I love that because she has overcome so much she know wants to give back the help she herself received during her difficult times. I'm sure Melinda's foundation will become a reality and will be very beneficial for her community. Keep the good work Melinda
ST: I'm glad you are back!
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Deray, this is a temporary return for one thread only. but Thanks!
I agree, the Melindaville Foundation will be so beneficial to many people. Her honesty about her struggles will help a lot of people!
Excellent! Keep the praise coming!
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I've already let Melinda know I'm sorry for the behavior we've been witnessing toward her. And I'm glad to see you back, Still.
The issue with trolls is-- the more they see you suffer, the more the suffering is discussed, the better they like it.
They feed off attention. It's like potato chips to them.
So any thread like this just gives them more legitimacy, more junk food for their hungry appetites.
I'd suggest anyone who wants to share with Melinda their kind sentiments might do her the biggest favor by PMing her.-
TSR,
I understand your viewpoint, but I believe that a few people are making it very unpleasant for Melinda. I would like to see this thread reach hundreds of responses as I believe that an overwhelming show of support for Melinda might convince the harassers to back off.
This thread is going to be my last stand. I was only answering shouts and popping by to view broadcasts and visit blogs, but I wanted to show Melinda that she has many friends who will publicly support her. -
Sadly, you have made a good point about how trolls operate. I've been under troll attack both here at BC and elsewhere for months.
illigitimus non carborundum!
Melinda knows I hold her courage and clarity of purpose in high regard and I cherish our friendship. She has my support and my best wishes for the success of her book and her foundation. And I will stand shoulder to shoulder with her until these psychos are booted right out of this community and every other online community they infest with their malicious words and behaviors. -
What I think people need to know is that Melinda really does not have a malicious bone in her. She's mystified as to why she is being targeted.
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I see what you mean, but then again I don't think it's right to let some sick #$%*s bully anyone into silence. I like Melinda, and I think she's an inspiring and kind person. I think if we start going "Shhh, what if the trolls see us" and start refraining from expressing our opinions out of fear of being targeted by some self-righteous, narrow-minded morons, the trolls win. People showing their respect in this thread have done nothing wrong, and should not act like they have. -
www.flayme.com/troll/
www.nytimes.com/2008/08/03/magazine/03trolls-t.html
Just so folks know where I'm coming from. Good reading. -
Totally understand, TSR and I respect where you are coming from. The links, excellent. I read them very quickly.
I think we all can think of a few people like that, but my point about this thread is to support our friend while she is going through a hard time!
@TT,
While I appreciate your passion to support her, but please let's keep the tone of our comments neutral or positive!
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I have to be honest here.. I do not know Melinda, though, she has always been kind to me on the forum here.
On the other hand, I have come from a similiar past and lived on the streets from the age of 13-15 years. So, I do respect all that she has overcome and hope that she can be an inspiration to youth as well as other adults who have been or are in similiar situations.-
Bettie,
If you have not yet had the chance, please visit Melinda's blog. It is so clear from her writing what an honest, good person she is and how she lives her life with a sense of positive purpose.
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I think Melinda is awesome!
She is kind, supportive, positive, and sets an excellent example for anyone and everyone who wants to make changes in their lives.
Having had some experiences in common with her, I can really appreciate much of what she has gone through and I have to say, I admire her and her grit and guts.
She's one of the best contributors to BC.-
Excellent SV! She is an amazing example of how anyone can turn their lives around. Who else can claim the harrowing diversity of experience or the happy ending?
It's inspiring.
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I haven't been that long on BC, but Melinda has been such a nice lady! She has overcome a lot in her life and had the courage to write it all down and share it with the world! I admire her strength, motivation and love for music! She is a survivor with a big heart to all around here!
Still, glad to see you back here. Even though it is a short visit!-
Thanks TJ and yes, it is just a short visit!
Yes, she is a survivor with a big heart! Can I just say, you are one of my favorite new members? Your positivity and intelligence is a breath of fresh air here. -
That is really sweet of you to say ^_^! Thank you so much!
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I love reading Melinda's blog and chatting with her on this forum. I think she has loads of wisdom that will benefit others from her life's experiences. She really is a nice person who is just trying to survive ... like the rest of us.. :-)-
Yes! Articulates you are right, she is a nice person just trying to survive! It's nice to see you post here as you don't come around that often anymore. I have always respected your comments and contributions to this forum.
Thank you for your comment!
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Melinda is an angel and a goddess. And when all this nonsense passes, she will still be the same.-
High praise, NP. High praise indeed.
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Lovely said NP! As usual ^_^
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yes!
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Melindy. What can I say that hasn't already been said?-
Oh, DB. Go ahead and let it all out! Let the love flow!
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DB, you can do it ^_^.
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Since DB can't say it aloud, I will use my psychic powers to say his words for him.
dbowles1017: "Melindy, you make my hot list anyday." -
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a member named Melindy, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all bloggers are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that Melindy, or any member, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that member might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate...we can not consecrate...we can not hallow this ground. The brave bloggers, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government: of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. -
wow...didn't expect that!
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Wow, the Melindaville address.
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You're welcome... America
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DB Lincoln? Is that you?
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Deals may or may not have been made.
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With the devil? Did you trade your soul for the ability to seduce intoxicated females?
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I can't trade my soul to myself silly.
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So, can you get me a job then?
I don't have a soul (I sold that a long time ago), but I have a cat and about 50 pairs of shoes.
On second thought, I don't want to trade my cat for a job. The job will most likely suck, but my cat loves me. I can't do that to her.
How about 50 pairs of shoes and a broken cell phone? -
The devil himself can't even get a job, it's the number one request, and we are just backed up. Give us 10 years and we might be able to squeeze you in. But only for your soul.
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Sorry, my soul was sold to Oprah Winfrey in exchange for tickets to her "favorite things Christmas give-away" show. In exchange for my soul, I got to bask in her glory for 2 hours and walked away with a new Ipod, a cashmere wrap, a spa day, and bag of pencils.
I think Oprah got the better deal, but I do love my Ipod. -
You should have waited for the car give-away. We get a lot of requests for that show.
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Are you saying that Oprah and you are one in the same? Are you already in possession of my soul then?
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Oprah is a sub division of us. Did you really think Dr. Phil was helping people?
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Oh dear, I should have known. Can you divulge who else has sold their soul to the devil? I'm curious to see who will be keeping me company in the burning lake of fire.
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That is top secret information.
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Ok, I understand. Can I give you my own list of candidates for the lake of fire?
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Sure. Drop it off at the nearest DMV.
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Well, who do I give the list to?
The guy with the surly attitude or the one who smells like he crawled out of a sulfurous pit? -
All DMV employee's are from hell. So it doesn't matter
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All DMV employees are from hell. Hmmm, that must be why I failed my drivers test 3 times.
What other governmental agencies do you have your sticky devil fingers in?
Clearly, the IRS. I had a theory that "W" and Cheney were followers of your evil dominion. -
All of new Jersey. Basically any place that makes you think "This feels like hell" probably is. The DMV is the only place that we completely staff.
The IRS is about 25% us. The rest are just astholes. -
I thought that a good 20% of NYC would be included in that as well.
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I ♥ Melinda!
No, seriously - she is intelligent, compassionate, a very awesome person all around. She is a strong, powerful woman whom I respect whole heartedly. She runs a wonderful website and blog and reaches out to everyone she thinks needs help using her experience and knowledge and heart.
How can you get any better than that?
Oh, but I do have a bone to pick with her - we never got together fo lunch! What is with you woman?!?!? I want tabouli!-
Yeah, she has been promising me lunch for ages! When you coming to Chicago, Melinda?
Anok, it is good to see the Ninja again. You kick butt, lady. -
Thanks, I been on hiatus and will probably go back into it for a bit...we have a lot going on here, unfortunately.
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Understood, this is a temporary return for me as well, but thank you for popping your masked face in here.
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Melinda knows how I feel about her ... but publicly, I will tell you point blank that she's a GREAT friend and a caring person.-
She is GREAT friend.
She is a wildly popular member here on BC, but even then, I think too few on this forum really understand the extent of what a truly honest,caring and genuine person she is.
Talking honestly about your life experiences is a very rare quality in almost anyone, but to take those experiences and then dedicate yourself to helping others is how Melinda rises above the rest. -
I Love Melinda!
And I am so impressed with DB....I mean, who knew? -
Oh Cathy, it's the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln. DB inserted Melinda's name.
You're Canadian, it's OK.
And Whoo-hooo! Cathy and Rory have made an appearance today! -
shhhhhhhhhhhhhh I know! I was trying to make him feel good!!!!
Yes, we are peeking in from behind boxes -
Cathy, when are you leaving? I heard you're making a few stops along the way to visit with friends.
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Melinda is like the incredibly cool chick you wish was you friend
in all seriousness I truly admire her resiliance and how she was able to turn her life around, and especially her openess to talk about it and help other with drug addiction.-
I am very fortunate that Melinda IS the cool chick who is my friend. There is so much to admire about Melinda and I hope that by showing our support, she understands that she has MANY more supporters than cowardly detractors.
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I appreciate Melinda for her honest approach, interesting background and willingness to participate - regardless of the circumstances.
that and she plays guitar... What else can be wrong?
Hmmm?-
Ooh, the guitar reminds me of the BC retreat in CO for next year. I still want to go! I hope the nastiness hasn't derailed the effort!
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This thread actually made me cry! It honestly did--and I thank those of you who have responded from the bottom of my heart. I try very hard to live my life in a way that I can be proud of today--I don't always succeed but I know I work toward that goal every day.
Thank you everyone--I cannot tell you how much your thoughts mean to me. I really do know that this community has far more decent people than those who wish to cause other people deliberate pain.
I need a break for a bit. I've come across so many terrible people in the last couple of weeks (not just what happened on Twitter). I really cannot remember when I have felt so depressed--it's been a long time. I am not good company right now so I'm going to take a break for a while and concentrate on the classes I started teaching this week and a new project I am working on.
I won't respond to each one of you--but I read every word and just want you to know how much it means to me. I'll be back when I'm feeling better.
Thanks again. -
You know how much I value your friendship and kind advice.
(((hugs)))
And lady, you are seriously entertaining! I have so much fun talking to you! -
Melinda, I don't know you very much and we are not 'friends' yet But I learnt one thing about you for sure that is, you are courageous. I hope to know you and be friends some day. Cheers! -
OwlBarn,
Thank you for your support! I am sure knowing that so many people support her makes a big difference.
Feed your Friends!
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Good to see you back Still and Melinda don't let them get to you.-
It's the pink donkeh! I was hoping you would amble in here.
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Who is doing the trolling? And why can't they be stopped?-
This is not the topic of the thread, gnome!
The topic is how much we adore Melinda! Praise! Praise! -
of course we want melinda to stay
we've lost too many good bloggers already -
I am visiting for the day, but you can always leave me shouts. I always answer shouts.
I just realized, you are not on my friends list.
Added!
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I don't know Melinda super well, but i always appreciate her input on discussions. The place wouldn't be the same without her
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Really? Reading this comment after reading mine has got to have the opposite effect... She is probably thinking, "Wow, that DB sure did make my day" now she is going to read this and think "Not worth my time"
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DB, I'm sure Melinda appreciates any support from all people. Even without rewriting the Gettysburg address.
Perhaps, the Gnome should rewrite the Bill of Rights in reference to Melinda? -
Why bother.... He has already let us down once...
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well, that would be tricky...
perhaps the declaration of independence...? -
That'll do Gnome. Go for it!
Also acceptable, JFK's inaugural speech. -
maybe the prosecution's closing arguments in the Scott Peterson case?
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stop stalling!
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Perfect! Do it! Do it! Do it!
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If only I could find the original
too bad scott was such a nobody
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How about writing a limerick in praise of Melinda? You are the originator of the BC limerick.
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speaking of people leaving a void here... whatever happened to that Stillthinking gal?
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I am here! Didn't go anywhere!
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yays
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Don't get too excited, I'm a bit of vampire tonight. Out for blood.
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Melinda has one of the most inspirational stories of all the folks I've met here. Mad props.-
Yes, Mad props indeed. She is inspirational and I just can't understand people who actually judge her for her past rather than praise her for overcoming it! Melinda's book has been accepted by a publisher. She has a PhD from an Ivy League university. She is married to the love of her life. She lives a jet setting life flying all over the world.
And most importantly, she is a kind and generous person who treats people well. -
God don't be so American! She is just a bloody nice person!
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I am a bloody American!
Watch it Aardvark, or else I will start tweeking your lavender nipples.
*Tweek! Tweek!* -
Look under your seats people!!!! I have shat a lavender turd!!
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Oh, disgusting donkeh!
Why is that terrible odor? What have you been eating outside of the ears of orphaned babies? -
purple ants?
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@Still
I have been eating Koreans rrrrrrrr
@Agit8r
Purple ants???? Bloody hell!! You Americans! Don't you know there is a bloody credit crunch on??? -
of course we know! OUR evil leaders caused it, remember!? o_0
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The North Korean orphan ears are quite a rare delicacy as procurement of infants from the closed off nation is fraught with difficulty.
South Korean orphans do not have the same ear gourmand quality. -
Well that's the thing with south Korean orphan ears they are like farmed salmon, your North Korean Orphans are free range orphans.
That is why you will pay more at the supermarket for a "communist" orphan auditory appendage than you will for a common or garden "democratic" lobe. -
It is, however, generally accepted, that Korean-American earlobes are entirely unacceptable for consumption due to contamination by American tap water.
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Well they will also tell you powdered Rwandan is bad for you but if we believed everything they told us then roasted Albanian peasant would just be a sweet culinary memory we remembered our grandparents whispering to us on dark winter nights.
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My grandparents never spoke of Albanian peasant to me, but they told me about the medicinal properties of the normally toxic lavender aardvark testicles.
If you stew them in green tea with a clove of garlic, apparently, it is a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis as well as a great colon cleanser. -
See this is a great food fallacy. The actual legend is "If thou doth desire to eat the balls of the creature they doth call thy Aardvark then thou must "stew" its balls in thou mouth as though it were garlic and you were an Italian"
You can see how the translation could be misconstrued. -
*surrenders and bows down*
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Melinda rules!
Whoop! Whoop! Whoop!-
Dr. Jay, excellent. We were waiting for your appearance! And yes, Melinda rules!
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You're nice, too, Stillthinking...
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Shhh, we don't want that to get around!
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Welcome back stillthinking. I knew you would not be away for long.-
Well, I think I should say thanks, but it's only for today and I am only commenting on the Melinda threads.
I will be returning to my exile tomorrow. -
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you will be back...
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Oh Agit8r, don't be sad! I will miss you as well. You were one of my favorites and I always found your political agitating to be admirable.
Lil' monkey, despite occasionally bumping heads with you, I generally have a very good opinion of you. You're fun and likeable.
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I have been thinking of what to say in this thread throughout the day today. I can't rival the eloquence of dbowles (did I just say that?) but here it is:
The fact that Melinda has come down the road she has, is willing to admit it, write about it, and do her best to help others not to fall into the traps she did is nothing short of courageous. I value that and I value her as a person.-
MidwestMom,
I think very highly of you. I think you understand and recognize character and treat people with respect! Thank you for your supportive comments here and privately as well. -
Thanks, Still.
And as much as I wish you and Melinda both would remain a part of this forum, I respect your right to make the best decisions for you. So, whether you stay or go, I want you both to know that I wish you only well. -
This thread has reminded me of how many wonderful people are on BC.
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Hey, Melinda.
I don't know you very well, but I'm very sorry that you've had to put up with the various horrible things to which you've been recently subjected. I think you're brave to keep trying to fight the inqiuity and I'm glad that the rest of the forum has been gracious enough to take the time out to salute you in the midst of this crappiness...
Best,
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Mal,
What a impression you have made on us in a short time! We all enjoy your humor and intelligence and I am sure many people would love to see more of you here on the forum!
Sincerely,
ST
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We love you Melinda.-
Yes we do, Fred! Thank you for supporting her publicly!
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Melinda rocks your damn socks off. Stop bullying her you cowardly imps!-
Knock em down with your superpowers VDK! We all love Melinda and we're thoroughly saddened by her poor treatment.
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Yes, Please do not, any of the fine artist's I love and respect leave our BC community.
Do not go quietly into the night.
I recommend BlogCatalog:
BAN TROLLS AND THOSE WHO HARASS! DOWN WITH UGLINESS ONCE AND FOR ALL! CLEAR THE BUGGERS OUT! DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO RUIN THIS HAVEN OF CYBERSPACE.
Melinda and StillThinking, You are both wonderful and it would sadden me were either of you to deprive us of your personality and talent.-
Theresa,
You are a wonderful person as well and I will miss people like you! Thank you for all your kind words of support! -
I second Theresa's motion
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Thirded!
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Thanks Deray,
You have been a really great addition to the forum and I am so glad to consider you my friend!
Voodoo,
You're awesome dude. *fist bump*
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Melinda,
I am so sorry for the cruel and vicious things that have happened to you. While I do not know you closely, I can only hope that the people behind this will be stopped and that you can heal and move on from this terrible attack. Please take strength from all who support and care about you.-
Beautifully stated RecycleCindy! Thank you!
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I've joined BC recently and I'm glad that I've come to know a marvelous person like Melinda through her blog. I really find her to be a truly courageous person who is a source of inspiration for us. More than anything else, she is kind-hearted, loving and caring. I simply want to see her happy and smiling soon -
We all do! This kind of behavior is so destructive not just to the victim, but the social networking sites.
Plus, people should really think about the energy they put out in the world. I wonder if they realize that the negativity they put out with their with spiteful words and actions will come back and hurt them.
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I think people like Melinda are the members who have made B.C the best community of blog lovers and bloggers.
I have spent many hours in the research and study of Melinda's life to know the facts of her life wich made her a so so kind hearted personality. I am not only very much inspired by the way Melinda succeeded to come back towards a life full of hope, but I am also very much impressed by her great of efforts of serving humanity by planting seeds of hope in the lives of many hopeless, distressed human beings by working as a great psychologist. Since, there was a time in my own life when I was also thinking about ending my life because of hopelessness. Therefore, I believe that by fighting against hopelessness and heroin addiction Melinda is saving precious human lives. I give very much respect to Melinda in this regard for I have read in our holy book that:
"If any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people."
5:32 Al-Quran
Stillthinking, Thank you very much for starting this thread. I hope it's going to prove that B.C has gifted us many members like Melinda, NothingProfound,timethief, and .....and .....Still thinking....-
Pearltrader,
You have been so supportive and kind to both of us. And you're right, there are so many wonderful members here on BC.
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Good to see you ST, although I hate the reasons.
M, is one tough cookie, she'll come out aces!
All the chicks here are aces btw, they have their ups and downs, but all in all they make this play vibrate.-
Melinda is a SURVIVOR, literally.
This is nothing compared to what she has overcome in her life.
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Nice to see you still.
Love Melinda bunches. I understand where she comes from and she is very inspirational. All will be well.-
Thanks Shiley! I know that you are an incredibly strong and determined lady yourself!
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Melinda is the first chick I've ever had a crush on.
Seriously though, she has been nothing but nice to me and has encouraged me in ways she doesn't even know. Thanks Melinda!-
Wow! It is so good to see you again, Miss Suzie! I hope things are going well with you!
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Thanks and you too!
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I came across Melinda on BC and started visiting her blog. I wrote once that she probably will never know how many lives she has touched and is still touching. That is the truth. I have given her blog links to so many people and I have seen them draw strength, faith and courage from her life.
Melinda is someone i respect so much and sometimes reading all she has overcome in life awes me.
I feel sorry for the kind of people who would slander and harass such a wonderful person. It says a lot about their character; Something they don't have and which Melinda has in spades!
I have no doubt Melinda will come out tops in this. She has beaten more odds than a ragtag motley band of narrow-minded bigots!-
Melinda is very determined to take a stand and it is a reflection of her strength of character that she has refrained from openly lashing out. She is approaching this like she does everything: methodically, rationally and with careful planning.
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Actually, PussDaddy,
You are wrong. No one hates Melinda on this forum. I have been a member since January and Melinda is one of the people on this forum who makes friends with EVERYONE. That is why it is so puzzling that someone has decided to harass her.
There are definitely polarizing members here, but I really do believe that most members respect and like her.
Your comment is actually quite of out of line considering this is supposed to be a supportive thread.
And all caps, is someone else entirely...
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Believe me, there are drama queens on BC and Melinda is not one of them. The issue is that there are a group of trolls who have a vendetta against one particular member (not Melinda) and have chosen to harass and malign anyone who they perceive as this other members "minions". Now you don't have to do anything to be considered a "minion" other than occasionally stick up for this other member and be nice to them.
The truth is, these trolls are just incredibly immature and nasty people who want to create drama and want to hurt people. They think it's entertaining and funny.
If you spent more time here, you would see what is really going on. This is BS that goes way back and has only recently targeted Melinda.
Now please, positive comments! We have enough negativity on this forum.
Also, one more thing. I know that your comment is influenced by the fact that you don't come around often.
But, I know Melinda very well and consider her one of best people I have ever met. So, when this happened, I was very offended and hurt for her. No one deserves to be treated this way and she most certainly did not do anything to instigate this.
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I like Melinda a lot, she knows that.
That is all.-
Ah Claire, brevity is thy name.
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As a wise friend of my said, this feeds the trolls in whatever shape they turn up in.
but just wanted to support Melinda. -
You were right. It seems this thread attracted one very large troll as evidenced by the sea of red below.
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You don't know her and you are out of line.
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You are trying to derail what was a nice supportive thread.
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Look, you have no idea what a wonderful person you have chosen to attack. Will you just leave now? Your negativity is really overwhelming.
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Oh god.
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No kidding. Report, report, report.
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What the...
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