Haters, abusers & malcontents are opportunists <-- never forget!

They have to be to have any hope of spreading repulsive thoughts, words or actions outside of their own immediate circle. To them, shock, shame and pain are maximized based on the sheer numbers stricken. Bigger = so much more better and badder. Plus any outrage generated along the way becomes a badge of pride.

Being consummate opportunists, such types are always on the lookout for methods to amplify their aims. In this day of instant news, feeds, distribution lists and express tools to reach out and touch/poke/slap more souls than ever before possible, the opportunities become near endless and difficult to police.

Yet, we can't let down our guard. Never. Nor fail to respond accordingly when a bad egg exploits an opportunity and scores.

In regards to the latest racism-tinged controversy involving the use of an official SFWA communication path (see Jim C. Hines' recap here), I'm trusting the SFWA Board to do the right thing. This is already in progress, though concern is starting to circulate over the pace of the response. I, for one, would prefer a correct and complete response over one that's rash and incomplete. Reasonable limits must prevail though. I'm sure the Board is keenly aware of that as well.

In the meantime, keep eyes and ears open. And remember haters and their ilk have a much harder time getting their word spread when it has to buck a tide of voices constantly turning it back.

I'm a proud, card-carrying, dude writer - NOT!

Labels suck. All too often they get used to marginalize or trivialize someone, even when there was no deliberate intention to do so. It's sad that, in our society today, it is still a tendency to think negatively when a label gets applied to a person.

For the record, the following are writers I've never met:
Brown, black, yellow or white writers
Gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender writers
Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Taoist or atheist writers
Latino, American Indian, Asian or Eskimo writers
Disabled or handicapped writers
Old or young writers
Short or tall writers
Shy or daring writers
Loud or quiet writers
Skinny or chubby writers
Bald or hairy writers
Lady or dude writers

Instead, I've had the honor, privilege and benefit of meeting many, many writers. They come from all walks of life and backgrounds. Each crafts words that draws directly upon their experiences and worldviews to say something. I may not always like what they say or necessarily agree with it, but that's my opinion only. It takes nothing away from or diminishes the writing they do. Nor would I ever want that to happen.

I'm a writer, one of countless others who have the power to deliver something unique through their words. That should be celebrated. It's what's really important.

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ETA: For more reactions to recent editions of the SFWA Bulletin, I highly recommend this digest page being kept by Jim C. Hines.