Setting the Record Straight
Posted by harlan on 19 Dec 2007 at 08:31 am | Tagged as: talking to the void
A couple weeks ago, I left a comment on a blog called “Fat Cyclist,” mostly because I identified with the idea of someone who wanted to be something (in his case, a cyclist), but who isn’t very good at it because of a personal problem (he’s fat.)
He retaliated, evidently, by making fun of me and linking to my blog.
What a hilarious joke. Guess what, “Fat Cyclist:” I am a human being, and don’t really appreciate being the butt of your so-called comedy.
The result is, I now seem to be getting quite a few comments in what I originally assumed would be a fairly private journal.
That’s OK, though. I have noticed that most of the comments are well-intentioned. For example, Briget has unfailingly left friendly and helpful remarks, though I notice she has stopped writing. Some are quite clearly mean-spirited, though. Leland, for instance, seems to think I’m some kind of buffoon, and probably pictures me as a guy from “Revenge of the Nerds,” with tape on my glasses and my pants too short. After all, anyone who’s lonely must be dweeb in search of a wedgie.
So, let me tell you a few facts about myself.
- I am the Vice President of Information Technologies at a large, successful law firm.
- I make $230,000 per year.
- I am successful at investing money to the extent that I could retire today if I felt like it.
- All of my clothes fit just fine.
I don’t know. Maybe I should turn comments off.
A couple of things, Harlan–if that is your real name. (I’m increasingly convinced that this is a writing project–the “all rights reserved” at the bottom is one clue–but that’s another story for another time.)
You seem to place a lot of importance on your work position and the amount of money you make or stand to make in the near future. Just as a point of fact, that does *not* eliminate you from the sphere of dweebdom. Bill Gates, Donald Trump? Dorkalicious.
Nor does your having money and a good job prove to me that you’re successful or better than anyone else. Who are *you*? Without the job. Without the money? Who are YOU?
Also: Fatty is no longer fat, and is a rather good at cycling. Anyone that can hang on a 100 mile mountain bike ride while his brain is engulfed with thoughts of his ailing wife is a damn good rider, imo. Do your research.
Finally, if you consider his comments and link to your site any form of ridicule…well you’re obviously just a little over sensitive. He was compelled by your story and by your writing, just as I am–just as many others have become since finding that link.
Who cares what the trolls have to say? They’re in worse shape than you when it comes to needing attention. My advice: ignore them completely. They’re like the annoying kid in elementary school; deny them your attention and they’ll go away. Hm, but you’ve now given it them, so they’ll be back. They are amusing in their pitifulness, so just read what they have to say with a grain of salt and go on with your life.
Speaking of, good luck at the Christmas Party tonight. I’d think that as the VP of IT, you’d sort of be *required* to go–you know, make a show if it? Company morale and rah rah rah? Anyway, have fun, be yourself, and get the girl!
Harlan isn’t my real name. Jane isn’t Jane’s real name. And if you’re smart, swtkaroline, Karoline isn’t your real name. I am very careful about putting myself in the position of being a victim of identity theft. You should be too.
I had never noticed the “All rights reserved” at the bottom until you pointed it out, though. That just came with the free WordPress template I picked. It’s unnecessary text anyway; copyright is automatic for original work for seven years unless you explicitly give it up.
You’re a VP in IT and you assumed a blog–a blog on the WORLD WIDE WEB–would be a fairly private journal? Ha! That’s rich.
If you’re freaking out now, what are you going to do when Jane finds out you’ve been writing about her on the internet? Yeah, maybe Jane’s not her real name and I’d bet money Harlan isn’t yours, but word gets around and one way or another she’s bound to find out about this.
Ever heard of Dooce?
If you want private, you need to use that stuff called *paper* to pen your thoughts.
Dude, why would an IT guy figure a blog on the web was private? By posting on the web, you obviously want your thoughts to be public. You need to go read fatty’s blog, he is not ridiculing you. He found your site, liked it, and recommended it to his readers. What’s the prob? If you don’t want the comments just turn off the feature. As VP of IT at such a large law firm, I’m sure missing the party will be “frowned upon” by the big dogs. I’d go if I were you. Good luck with “sweet Jane”!
Harlan,
I’ve been reading fatty’s blog for a while now. I’m very sure he would not have wanted to intenionally hurt you. He is and tries to be funny. I for one enjoy yours. Please don’t turn it off.
Woah, hostility. Not everyone is out to get you, except probably everyone who works for you and is gunning to get your job and juicy salary.
I found your blog because of the Fat Cyclist (which i read daily). He wasn’t being mean spirited, he was legitimately endorsing you site. Humor is sometimes hard to interpret, especially when your not in the right frame of mind to enjoy it.
Having now read your blog, I’ve decided that I like it too- because I can totally identify with your writing.
Cheers! :)
Many of Fatty’s readers share a love of cycling. I ride well over 200 days a year. Close to 300. The world as I know it does not exist without cycling. I hope to one day read that you have invested in a road bike and helmet and are starting to tap into the mother lode. Then I will be happy for you.
A Little Chat: Nice writing.
I agree.. if you want this to be private then get a paper and pencil. To me your asking for help. I am pretty sure that’s why Fatty sent us your way… “To help”. If you had any clue to how many people Fatty has helped .. shame on you!! You have an opportunity to do the same here… Fatty’s bloggers are like family… something you need - something your 230,000 cannot buy is friends…
_a
I just wanted to make sure I got this straight. A VP at your large law firm making $230,000 a year works in a cubicle? What do you guys have to do to get an office, for cripes sake.
Bander,
That’s not uncommon now days. I have people sitting next to me that make well over that amount… and yes I am in cube land…
Adam
I think Fatty is the one writing this blog. That’s what my gut is telling me.
Judi,
That was my first thought but when would he have the time?
fatty wasn’t making fun of you. he was saying that this site was sad but that he was intrigued and wishes you’d get out and ride a bike.
and i’m not convinced this site isn’t a joke.
I think this site is a joke and Fatty is playing us BIG TIME!
You smell fishy.
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