Lady Business

No matter the fact that we disagree about this issue, I wanted to step in here and say that the way people are treating other people is DISGUSTING. There is such a thing as disagreeing and staying civil. Hell, I don't have to agree with what anyone says, but I do need to recognize that they are people, with feelings and stuff. The thing is, no matter what I think and feel, I recognize your talent, and your contribution to the SFF genre, and the way people are treating ANYONE who weighs in on this discussion is truly jading me. I thought it was possible to discuss things as adults. I guess not.

Now, a lot of people ARE staying civil. And to be honest, no matter what I think, the genre IS changing (hello, internet) and so is publishing. These are important issues that people are eager to discuss. There are some great points being thrown around that are incredibly thoughtful and insightful. And yes, a lot of these points are making me rethink my initial stance in some ways. That is important. If people are too set in their ways, how is there any progress? That's what I love about discussions. You show me why you feel the way you do. I respond, and your insights invariably impact my response and perceptions of what is happening. It's called the exchange of ideas. Brilliant, really.

But when people start being asshats and stop realizing that you can disagree while doing it in a nice(er) way, then I start getting sick. I've had a lot of terrible email comments, too. Horrible stuff. I feel like screaming, because these really good comments, these thoughtful discussions, the free exchange of ideas that will invariably impact my own perceptions of what is happening, is starting to get buried under so much crap.

Yes, we might disagree, but I tend to disagree with everyone at one time or another. Despite the fact that we come from different perceptions, I recognize that you have a right to your feelings, and I also think that these logical, rational discussions that are happening are very important to the genre, fandom, publishing, etc. There is NO excuse for how some people are treating other people. None. Zip. Period. It's sick. It's wrong. But I am also thankful that people can be adults, too. Much of this has been enlightening, and my opinions have evolved a bit since Sunday, but that's not really important to this post.

Anyway, I just wanted to stop by and tell you that, no matter where you are coming from, I respect you. I recognize your contribution to the genre, and I wish everyone would shut up, sit down, and act like adults.

And I sincerely hope none of this is offensive. That's not my intention.