Yes, I know by now you’re all sick of seeing the picture of my poor late cat Ritchie looking out at you, but that’s all my fault. I would like to offer an unreserved and sincere apology to all readers, and especially those who were waiting for their stories to be published behind my super-queue today. I come from another world (not literally, so far as you know) where multiple posting is not a problem, and while that’s not by any means intended as an excuse (there are none) I would hope it helps to illustrate why I did what I did. It was my fault entirely, but not intentional.
I had no idea how this place works, being only new here, and yes I am very sorry as it surely came across as pushy and arrogant, not at all how I wish to be perceived here, or indeed anywhere. I’m actually not like that. I just love to write, and I love people to read what I write (and hopefully enjoy it, but if not, I’m up for a lively debate) but sometimes I get like a kid with a sugar rush and go at it without considering its effect on others. So I hope you’ll all accept this apology in the spirit in which it’s offered. I am aware (now) that teeth were gnashing across Daily Kos, and I apologise to those writers — surely better than I — who were (im)patiently waiting to have their work queued up. Again, as I say, it was poor planning on my part and all I can do is say I’m sorry.
Any diaries that were published have been un-published and I will resubmit altered versions at a later date. I will ensure this situation does not occur again. Thank you to those of you who have been more friendly in your response, though I understand and have no problem with those who were, shall we say, more forthright in their comments. I deserve it, and I am sorry. Please do not hold it against me.
My second apology is for a comment I made in someone else’s story, where I used a misogynistic term to describe a woman. I would like a) to apologise for that and b) to confirm it was a heat-of-the-moment thing, badly orchestrated, and meant to apply to that woman alone, though of course that does not excuse my use of the term. I was — fairly — branded as a misogynist by some here. I accept that you might have believed that, and that I may have given you no choice.
However I would like to insist that I am NOT a misogynist. I never call women names and have the utmost respect for them. I was brought up in an Irish Catholic house where my so-called father abused my mother and both my sisters, so I would never use any term of abuse, much less physical, against any woman. I apologise to all ladies here who may have taken offence, and to all the men too. It would be a little stupid to say no offence was meant, but the word was merely ill-chosen, and I hope you can believe and accept that.
In my short time here (long time reading but only posting in the last week or two) I’ve found everyone to be very friendly and accommodating, and would hate to think I had given a bad first impression of myself. I ask your forgiveness and understanding, and hope we can all be friends.
Thank you for taking the time to listening to this somewhat rambling diatribe, but know that it comes from the heart.
Thank you and Happy Christmas to you all.
Trollheart
P.S. For those wondering, my username comes from a character in one of my never-finished novels, who is actually a troll (as in, a troll out of legend; big guy made out of stone, not too intelligent) and has nothing whatever to do with the word as it is now understood on the internet. My novel was written around 1976, well before the word was co-opted for its present use. Just in case you were curious.