Extending a Hand to "Absolute Write"
Speaking frankly, I take offense when another literary web site and writer's service is shut down for no good reason. Worse, for bad reasons. For C-Y-A reasons.
That is what has recently happened to Absolute Write—whose newsletter I've received for months and who has long been a bastion of literary information, often warning toiling writers away from scam artists and ne'er-do-wells.
With only an hour's notice, Absolute Write's ISP pulled their website, along with years of data. Now, this is all that remains.
Why?
That's a long story. And a good one.
Apparently, literary agent Barbara Bauer did not appreciate her inclusion in the 20 Worst Agencies list recently published. After a phone call to the ISP which has been described as "screaming" and "abusive," JC-Hosting pulled the Absolute Write web site. But not before a cease-and-desist order from Barbara Bauer. The whole thing is rather messy.
Bauer has alternately claimed (as well as I can tell) that Absolute Write is a spammer and that they are participating in libel. Enough to make any ISP shake in their boots?
But it doesn't end there. Oh no.
Without pause, Stephanie Cordray (the decision-maker at the ISP in this instance) has launched her own, suspiciously similar, writer's site. Tacky tacky. (Read the full story here. My fingers hurt.)
What's my point? Absolute Write needs our help. The balding type-A in my head wishes I weren't getting involved, but since I am, please read on. Click on the COMMENTS link directly below to read a note from Absolute Write's Editor in Chief. A call for help.
(R Woerheide, A.K.A. "Not Liable")
That is what has recently happened to Absolute Write—whose newsletter I've received for months and who has long been a bastion of literary information, often warning toiling writers away from scam artists and ne'er-do-wells.
With only an hour's notice, Absolute Write's ISP pulled their website, along with years of data. Now, this is all that remains.
Why?
That's a long story. And a good one.
Apparently, literary agent Barbara Bauer did not appreciate her inclusion in the 20 Worst Agencies list recently published. After a phone call to the ISP which has been described as "screaming" and "abusive," JC-Hosting pulled the Absolute Write web site. But not before a cease-and-desist order from Barbara Bauer. The whole thing is rather messy.
Bauer has alternately claimed (as well as I can tell) that Absolute Write is a spammer and that they are participating in libel. Enough to make any ISP shake in their boots?
But it doesn't end there. Oh no.
Without pause, Stephanie Cordray (the decision-maker at the ISP in this instance) has launched her own, suspiciously similar, writer's site. Tacky tacky. (Read the full story here. My fingers hurt.)
What's my point? Absolute Write needs our help. The balding type-A in my head wishes I weren't getting involved, but since I am, please read on. Click on the COMMENTS link directly below to read a note from Absolute Write's Editor in Chief. A call for help.
(R Woerheide, A.K.A. "Not Liable")
posted by Robert Woerheide at 10:41 AM
About Us
1 Comments:
I'm sorry I have to ask. But I have to ask. This is now a full week with almost no site income, and bills piling up all over the place. Once again today, JC-Hosting missed their deadline and their lawyer made no contact with ours.
We remain committed to getting back our property (our databases) and it appears we will have to take legal action to do so. In the meantime, along with the help of some wonderful volunteers and some wonderful paid staff, I'm going to begin rebuilding the forums from the Google cache pages.
If you are able to help with a donation, I would appreciate it immensely. (please send to: paypal@absolutewrite.com)
If you'd prefer to send a check or money order, the address is:
Absolute Write
PO Box 621
Islip, NY 11751
Thank you again for the tremendous moral support throughout this ordeal. Your words have meant so much not only to me, but to Charlie and Amy and our amazing moderators, who all care deeply about the site and the people who hang around it.
[Reposted with notification to author by R Woerheide on behalf of Jenna Glatzer, Absolute Write]
Post a Comment
<< Home