So how did y'all find the fabulous Gwen? Was it from her journals or just the forums?

I met Gwen through Mediarama about 4 years ago and have had the pleasure of meeting her twice. One of these days, I'm gonna get my ass down to Houston.

I am also proud to say I was one of her makeovers!

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001

Answers

I followed a link from disgruntledhousewife.com about 3 years ago. And I'm still visiting today!

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001

I've been a huge fan of Gwen's web site for years. I think I found her site originally because of a search I ran. I can't remember what I was searching for, but I landed on one of her journal pages and I was absolutely floored. I read everything else she had written as quick as I could. We traded some emails, but I've never met her. That's how I found Gwen's forum.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001

I read her Hissyfit hissyfit on fat, read her profile and clicked through to her homepage.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001

I, like Sweet Jane, first saw her site through the link Disgruntled Housewife had on their page. That was well over a year ago...

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001

I followed the HF link too, a long time ago. But I only read the articles (which cracked my ass up) and periodically checked the journal for updates. I'd see Gwen post on other boards, but since I don't know her, I never felt right posting here. After I got to know a few of the other posters here a bit, I finally jumped in. I hope Gwen doesn't mind.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001

I started reading Gwen's great recaps on Mighty Big TV and then started checking out various links. I found Gwen's site so interesting, and then lurked around the boards for a while and will post every once in a while. I'm still a little afraid of online communities, but I can't stay away!

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001

I quietly lurked and read Gwen's journal for years and through several format and name changes, then wandered over to the forum belatedly.

You were a makeover? I'm jealous. I wussed out of sending in my photo. *sad face*

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001

Trying to locate an old friend named Letty by looking up her name on the internet. Let me straight to Gwen's home page, and how could I resist those chickens?

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001

I think I clicked over to Gwen's homepage through Dawson's Wrap (first incarnation of Mighty Big TV) and/or Tomato Nation about 2.5 years ago. Hooked ever since.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2001

I got to know Gwen on the mediarama boards, and I remember her emailing me and telling me she decided to make a site of her own, and the rest is history. She did a makeover of me and my husband.

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2001

I found Gwen through Tomato Nation a couple of years ago. I read some of Gwen's entries, laughed out loud, and have been coming back ever since.

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2001

I honestly can't remember where I first read something by Gwen, but I remember I liked her no-bullshit, brash style and that she gave me a good belly-laugh. I followed the threads and found Gwentown. I'll admit I wasn't too impressed reading the forum at first...in fact my first reaction was "Oh no...more of that prissy, tight-ass Hissyfit shit." But I read the "Jehovah Witness" encounter thing and just hung around for awhile. And,of course, being a Texas-based thing didn't hurt at all. I don't read other journal's except Keevey's, but I always check in at Gwentown just to see what's going on.

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2001

I was at Hissyfit when it was much smaller and when Gwen posted frequently there and came to like her from her posts, and then figured out she'd written a great Hissyfit, and finally followed a link over here. Have been hooked ever since. I love good writing and I don't come across much of it on the web, so her journal is a real oasis and I'm always glad to see something new up. (Not that I'm hinting, or anything. Okay, I am.)

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2001

I read the fat article at Hissyfit, and then made my way over to the journal. I lurked for a bit before blabbing on the forum, but now I throw my two, three, and four cents in a lot. And I am still a big fan of Gwen's journal. And Gwen.

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2001

I don't rightly remember, but I think it was from disgruntledhousewife, now that you mention it...

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2001

I came to know Gwen through Mediarama. I remember when she was pregnant with The Baby.

"Oh no...more of that prissy, tight-ass Hissyfit shit." Just what the fuck does that mean?

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

What it means is simple...I feel a lot of what goes on there is silly, pretentious and sucks, big time. But I don't care. I never read it and to be truthful, only read it three or four times hoping I'd find something interesting. That's the wonderful thing about the Internet, there's something for everyone...or not. I was especially offended by an essay I read and haven't been back since. I mean, recaps of stupid sit-coms? I don't watch the sit-coms in the first place because they're one form of brain pollution I can avoid...and the recaps? What a waste of writing talent. You're in the wrong business if you're going to be thin-skinned.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Hey Bubba, I hope you realize that you managed to not only insult a number of people who post here besides Maggie, but you also completely insulted Gwen, who writes those stupid recaps of television shows (by the way, we don't recap sitcoms, just hour long dramas or cable shows) Someone must like what is done on MBTV, since it has been positively writen up in a number of magazines and the writers/producers of the series go there to get feedback on their shows.

Not everyone can be high and mighty enough to write about dead people.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Damn, Nicole you beat me to it.

Bubba, you really owe people here an apology. Maybe you're trying to stir things up, I don't know, but what you wrote was very low and you know it.

And besides, not everyone in the world respects reporters.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

"Not everyone respects reporters." Reeeeally? Not even lawyers? Hey, my own mother tells the neighbors I'm a drug-dealer.

I write a lot things other than "dead people" stuff, but just for the record, the vast majority of all literature is about dead people, Nicole. (Why am I not surprized that wasn't obvious?) I like to think that what I do has SOME social value.

"Hour-long drama" is an oxymoron, but even then it's still a fancy name for "60 minute sitcom." Ninety-percent of what appears on television is the worst sort of brain pollution-slash-mental pornography and wasting your talent writing about it is sad in my book. Gwen's a good writer and I didn't malign her obvious talent. She's waaaay better than her subject matter, that's all. I enjoy GWEN'S writing, which my post made perfectly clear. (Why am I not surprized that wasn't discerned from my post?)

Okay, okay. Hissy-fit is Pultizer prize material and I am a chauvinist swine/pig/cretin/prick for not liking it and I will recommend it to all my readers. With that, the readership should go up three or four people, at least. Just for the record, I DID recommend it many moons ago and even got some feedback on it. It ain't my cup of tea. And I don't think it's intended to be.

"And you're in the wrong business if you're going to be thin-skinned."

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Um, "Hour-long drama" isn't an oxymoron. "Jumbo Shrimp" is an oxymoron, and so is "Bubba's tact." See, the two words are mutually exclusive.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

And I'll recommend Mighty Big TV too. Is everyone happy now?

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

If it only takes an hour...it ain't a drama.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Bubba, maybe you can win some people over by trying to be charming. Obviously, it isn't working here with some of us. Think about it.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

So it's being thin-skinned when you take offense to an idiot talking shit about what one of your friends does for a living? See, before the creator of Hissyfit, Fametracker, and Mighty Big TV was my employer, she was my friend. I don't appreciate anyone slagging her. I thought you might understand that, what with your jingoistic-flag- waving-gun-shooting-can't-get-over-VietNam-or-that-the-South-LOST-the- Civil-War-having ass, or doesn't friendship mean anything to you? The creator of the above-mentioned sites has created more and achieved more in her short life time than you EVER will with your provincial little publication.

By the way, it might further your publishing career to know that the word is spelled, "surprise," not "surprize."

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Shelley, if I make it through my day (any day) by offending only two people (so far)by simply speaking my mind on a public topic that someone else introduced, I will feel blessed. Some people can appreciate candor without agreeing with it or taking offense. Other people like to have their assumptions and beliefs confirmed because it makes them feel better. Some people would rather have their asses kissed than get an honest opinion from an associate. And here's a tip: If someone expresses an opinion about a subject and you disagree, attack the opinion rather than the speaker. Your argument will appear more logical. And you won't have to rely on charm alone.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Bubba, you keep mentioning other people being thin skinned, but you are the one who is all offended by articles on Hissyfit and the fact that people write about television shows. You seem to be very offended with television in general. Maybe you need to toughen up your thin skin over popular forms of entertainment, and not complain when people call you out on your rude overgeneralizations?

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

"Surprize" alternate spelling of "surprise" and Maggie, please read my post about personal attacks. You might derive some benefit from it. And I don't remember attacking any friend of yours.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

First of all, my name is not spelled Shelley. Being a reporter, you should check your facts, no? And I'm teasing you with that comment.

Secondly, I do think you are trying to be charming here, and a lot of us are not buying it and maybe that bugs you. I did attack your comment. I said that you owed people here for an apology. I did not attack you personally. If I were doing that, I would have called you a fucking asshole or something.

Maybe if you had apologized without making some snarky remarks after you attempted to (if that's what you were doing), this wouldn't have gone this far.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

If it only takes an hour...it ain't a drama.

Bubba, I have no idea how you could hold such an ignorant notion. Generally speaking, I don't doubt you're a smart guy, but when you wrote that it wasn't your finest hour.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Writing recaps was a waste of my talent? Really? Somebody better tell the company that hired me and is paying me more money than God has to edit their website; they were pretty damned impressed, as was the creator of the show I recapped.

And Bubba, there is a big difference between saying that something is not your cup of tea (which no one here would have taken issue with) and condemning it and those whose cup of tea it is with such charming adjectives as 'tight-assed'. That's just plain rude, and stupid, considering that most of the people on these boards also participate on Hissyfit. But mostly it's stupid.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Just for the record: I've gotten over Vietnam very well, thank you, as my track record shows. But I am sorry you hold Vietnam veterans in such low esteem. I'm sure there have been events in your personal life that far outweigh anything I've experienced on the trauma level.

I admit that I'm proud to be a southerner, but I have no issues about the Civil War other than an abiding interest in history. To insinuate otherwise is unfair.

My work has appared in newspapers and national magazines and I have a book coming out in June. Maggie, if you'd like a signed copy, please provide an address to send it to.

I taught creative writing for three years at a university and I'm well versed on the definition of drama. Drama implies two things: scale and identity. On the scale level, "Gone with the Wind" and "Death of a Salesman" can be considered drama. Ally McBeal? Well, I guess that depends on your level of sophistication. Gwen makes fun of it and I personally think it's sad on all levels: acting, writing, so on. On the identity level, in a drama, you're supposed to "identify" or care about what happens to a character. Even if you want bad things to happen to them, as in justice, etc. If you identify and/or care what happens to people depicted in these shows, well...okay. I think they're so superficial and contrived that they're silly.

I have two televisions in my home and one at the office. I am thin- skinned about what appears on tv because the PROMISE is so great, but what actually appears is piss-poor. Yep, I'm guilty.

Jingoistic? Flag-waving? Hmmmmm. I'll have to dwell on that one. And Maggie, "people who live in glass houses" applies here.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Writing recaps of popular TV shows is a waste of writing talent. Put it on my tombstone or tattoo it on my forehead, okay? And JackieD, you've made disparaging remarks about your job on these boards. Go read them.

And Shellby, I apologize for misspelling your name. :} And just for the record, I'm fairly well known for being an asshole, but I appreciate the compliment since it pertains to this post.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Not to mention, Bubba, that MBTV has reviewed about 80 shows -- with the reviews of one-off series and articles about issues such as the SAG strike, it's closer to 100, I think -- and I seriously doubt that you've seen one third of those, if that. I can also tell that you never watched the show I recapped, Queer as Folk (the UK edition), which was universally acclaimed by critics the world over. You generalise too much; if you don't know what that means, it's like someone saying, 'All men of a certain demographic from Texas are rude assholes who talk shit about that which they know nothing about, constantly.' It just doesn't apply to every man of a certain demographic in Texas, even though it may apply to many of them.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Bubba, you're full of shit. I've never made disparaging remarks about this job. I'd ask you to prove that I have, but I already know that you can't.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Bubba, to borrow Jackie D.'s phrase, there is a big difference between admitting something isn't your cup of tea (there are certain TV dramas that you don't like) and redefining that something to fit your opinion (because you don't like a TV show and it doesn't tightly conform to what you've been taught, the show cannot be a drama). I believe you do know the definition of drama but are applying it in a distorted fashion.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

What Paul just said.

Also, while TV recaps may not be War and Peace, they do serve a purpose. And the ones on MightyBigTV happen to be the bestwritten recaps around. Maybe you have no use for it, but plenty of people do.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Bubba, obviously there hasn't been one positive post since you made your comments.

That should tell you something.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Psst! Bubba, she means "Quit while you're behind." Even I know that much!

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Bubba, I don't have any use for a handbook on how to appropriate a stupid stereotypical persona like redneck cracker, in lieu of having enough wit or gumption to actually develop my own personality. But, you knock yourself out.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Wow, this is better than what I see in the basement of Lou's each week.

I like the way Shelly, Nicole, JackieD and the others responded to Bubba's thoughtless post and subsequent insufficient rebuttals.

(I just wanted to have one positive post since Bubba opened and inserted...)

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

"My work has appared in newspapers and national magazines and I have a book coming out in June."

Good thing you have to keep reminding everyone of your extensive writing experience. The proof is in the pudding, or so it would "appare."

"I taught creative writing for three years at a university and I'm well versed on the definition of drama. Drama implies two things: scale and identity. On the scale level, 'Gone with the Wind' and 'Death of a Salesman' can be considered drama."

Did you cover context in your classes at all? Go look it up. No, "Ally McBeal" isn't Sophocles. Nobody claimed that. In the context OF TELEVISION, it is a drama, "drama" meaning "not a sitcom."

We're well aware that we're not curing cancer by writing recaps of television shows, but thanks for passing the plate of sour grapes this way.

PS Those who can't do, teach. You, case in point.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Yeah, what's with the whole "I'll quote my resume so I appear legitimate even if I say something moronic" thing? Come on!

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Snap!

Bubba, I know you're feeling pretty sheepish after Sars's retort, as well you should be. If you're too embarrassed to ever post again, that's fine by us!

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Hey, I'm not feling sheepish at all. And I didn't major in RTV, so I have a different definition of what constitutes drama. And you're right, I shouldn't spout my resume, its gauche and I'm the only one who does it. And I can't type for shit, either. Have I covered it?

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

um...you can't spell? You're hoity toity above televison? You're a sexist? You don't know when to quit? Or when you're clearly beaten? Or when to shut up?

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

A sexist, ignorant southern redneck, who brags and can't seem to get over Vietnam or the fact that the south lost the Civil War. Wow. No bad for a Friday. But the day isn't over.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

***In the best Hannibal Lecter voice short of having Anthony Hopkins himself*** No, no, NO, Bubba. The correct response would have been along the lines of, "I am sorry that I offended some people here. That was truly not my intention. As I half-heartedly stated, I merely meant that MBTV is not my cup of tea. I should have made this more prevalent in my first or second post. There is obvious writing talent associated with the recaps and for many, it provides entertainement value." End of story. This whole thing about you saying bad things about yourself in a patronizing manner is really quite junior high schoolish. Unless, of course you like the attention.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

I'm sorry if I've offended anyone. And read all the posts. Determine for yourself who has been truly offensive.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Well, I've read all the posts on all the topics on Gwen's boards, and I have come to the conclusion that you are truly offensive.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Obviously it has been determined.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Bubba, I'm still waiting for you to apologise for making shit up about me making 'disparaging remarks' about my job.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Here's another positive post in a long line of not positive posts... I just read this thread, and it was such fun to read!

Bubba, you know you've hit rock bottom when you have to make up shit that people have "said" to make yourself look better.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Look, I didn't call anyone any names or demean their ethnicity; I mentioned my credits in self-defense over remarks like "provincial" and "ignorant" etc. I feel those remarks and the "Vietnam" reference were uncalled for and expose more about the poster than they do about me. If you think otherwise, okay...I can live with it. And JackieD, I'm not going to waste my time looking, but you did make a crack about your "crappy" or some such job. It's there. If I've offended someone on a personal level, I'm sorry. If you think I'm not due an apology for all the name-calling, then I'm sorry for that too.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Whenever I have a "discussion" with Becca and she disagrees with me, she usually ends up throwing her hands in the air and saying, "Oh yes, Corky! You're always right and I'm always wrong! I forgot! I'm just stupid and don't know anything!" This is when I know that SHE knows that she doesn't have a leg to stand on - it's easier for her to pull this tired tactic as an attempt to save face. She always fails miserably.

I'm just saying, this thread reminds me of Becca and her inability to argue her case... Or to say something intelligent in the first place, for that matter.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Bubba, you are a bold-faced liar, in addition to being an insufferably annoying asshole. I have plenty of posts of yours to choose from that illustrate my point quite clearly; I strongly suggest that you either find evidence to back up your accusation against me or apologise for talking bollocks.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you sure are able to dish it out and are not able to take it. Suddenly you're the vicitm???? Maybe that's not your intention, but that is the way you are coming across.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Okay I have lurked here for a while and posted a few times, but I have definately noticed that Jackie / Della_femina has hardly posted in the past couple of months-since she started her new job I think. Ihaven't even noticed her say anything about her job on here. She's talked about it on her private e-mail journal,though, which i am subscribed to,and only said positive thinks.

Bubba, is it possible you have her mixed up with another poster because I am sure you are mistaken. I'm sure it a honest mistake.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Oh, Bubba! It's spiraling downward for you!!

How did "And JackieD, you've made disparaging remarks about your job on these boards. Go read them." change to "And JackieD, I'm not going to waste my time looking, but you did make a crack about your "crappy" or some such job." That's quite a change in only 20 mere posts. Crediblility big guy! In your profession, you should know this.

At this point you have back-tracked on so much and apologizing to JackieD is even more appropriate/warranted than the back-tracking that you already did. After the apology to JackieD you may want to take a time out and re-think your posting habits. It may be tough to come back after being beaten down. Think about it.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Maybe, Luke or she made it about her former job. I didn't know she'd changed jobs. And Shelly...let me assure you, I don't feel like a victim...or humbled. I'm saddened by some people's posts and amused by others. And who the fuck is Becca? Look, JackieD, if I'm wrong, I apologize...but I do seem to recall a flippant remark you made about what you had to write about. Honest. I wouldn't have said so if I didn't believe it. It's too easy to disprove.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Bubba, let me give you a big hint. Wave the white flag.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Good boy. Now go sit in the corner and stop irritating everyone as it seems you are now everyone's 'beeaatch'. Dumbass!!

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Comer visit me, tyler.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Whatever, Bubba. My previous job was working for my husband's company (of which I am still a director), so no. As for complaining about what I 'had' to write...Never done that, either. I loved writing for MBTV and I love writing for other sites and publications, so you definitely have me mixed up with someone else. But thanks for the non- apology masquerading as one.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Tyler, I think Bubba has a crush on you! ("Comer"???)

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

"'Hour-long drama' is an oxymoron, but even then it's still a fancy name for '60 minute sitcom.'"

Sitcom. SITuation COMedy. Please compare this title to 60-minute shows such as "The Practice," "Law and Order," and "ER" in no less than three pages of well-turned prose. Your assignment is due Monday.

FTR, what school is it, exactly, where they have a journalist teaching Creative Writing?

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

My degrees are in English and Creative Writing.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

What degrees, and at what school do you teach? I'm genuinely curious.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Bubba said: "I mentioned my credits in self-defense over remarks like "provincial" and "ignorant" etc. "

Wow. You don't like it when people knock what you do for a living. Funny, that.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

And did Sally Struthers sign your diplomas or use a rubber stamp?

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Wow, such wit, Sars. And I don't teach anymore and I haven't for years. Read the other posts and catch up. I'm glad I was able to be entertaining. It sure made a slow Friday afternoon interesting for me. I have to go now, but I'll see you on the boards.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Go and let those wounds heal there, Bubba. Although tact and intelligence cannot increase over time, maybe you can think about what happened here and if you do 'see us around on the boards', maybe you will have a little more social class. Thanks and please drive on through.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Is it just me, or do all the cool topics about how cool I am eventually degenerate into flame wars?

I mean, I'm not saying flame wars aren't cool, but... you know.

Bubba, you got hit by the dodgeball. Go sit on the bleachers for a while.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Wounds? Look tyler, who I am, what I do...even my address and phone number are a matter of public record. I don't confuse what happens on a screen with real life. That may be a hard concept for you to grasp, but try. You and the rest of the dogpilers get a chill down your spines at the very thought of giving up your anonymity. I know that. If you want to insult me on a personal level and have me take it seriously, crawl out into the daylight and grow some bollocks. Otherwise, rave on.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

Can you ignore Gwen's post any more blatently, Bubba? Get. A. Clue.

Hint - the owner of this forum wants you to sit down and shut up.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

Sigh. Good lord, Bubba. I guess taking hints and bowing out gracefully aren't your strong points.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

Should I meet you by the bike rack? It seems that if you put out a challenge like that, you are in fact seeing what happens on this board in the same light as you see real life.

Do you mean to say that you would NOT have insulted everyone here in 'real life'? You only do it for the sake of the board? Oh, ok then. Guys, don't be insulted because Bubba actually says intelligent things in 'real life'! Whew! Dodged a bullet there!

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

Wow - fireworks! I think Bubba has been more than sufficiently chastised for making insulting remarks about Hissyfit/Mighty Big TV (come on Bubba - that's how a lot of us found Gwen and some of the posters make some coin, this place is obviously not the spot to knock it - no one's saying it's high-brow entertainment, but a lot of it's of higher quality than the shows that they're recapping).

In Bubba's defence though, I find a comment about "can't get over Vietnam" pretty $%&*ing personal and insensitive. That's goin' way beyond attacking someone's career choice or skills. Anyone who comes out of a war situation is damned lucky just to be sane IMO. I haven't read too many relevant postings on this but, hell, if there's anything NOT to get over, that would be it.

Oh, and to add to the "how I found Gwen" topic, I think I also noticed some of her work on hipMama (cool parenting site).

Sorry, just amazed that the fightin's still goin' on - I'm a 'can't we all just get along' type o' chick.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

Gwen has stuff on HipMama? URL! Post the URL!

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

It's only a repost of the breastfeeding piece already on my site, Eva.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

i found gwen gosh i dont remeber but i remeber this nice lady sushie who used to poster here and she was reilly nice!!!!

blubba you shuld rilly be a shamed of your self. i cant beelieve you were so nasty.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

Bubba - perhaps surprize is an alternate spelling of surprise in kindergarten, but not in the real world I'm afraid.....

How did I find this place? Doing a random trawl about trailer trash. Classy? Sadly, no.

xxA

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

Geez, I forgot what the topic was until the last few posts. I think it has become kind of moot now. I'm sorry if Bubba pushed everyone's button, but I like him. You could tell me what I do is shit and I would enthusiatically agree, although it does have its interesting points. Who cares? Bubba's not cutting your paycheck. This thread really degenerated into flaming personal attacks. Please don't flame me. I have enough stress in my life. To quote a criminal, "can't we all just get along?"

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2001

My My. Y'all sound just like a bunch of trailer trash! I can just see y'all standin' round the dumpster with your hands on your hips stickin' out your tongues at one another. Children, settle down. james

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2001

I agree with James. Hmph. :-)

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2001

"sur*prise" (also sur*prize) -American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, copyright 1992.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2001

It saddens me deeply to report that the Webster's 9C supports Bubba's contention that "surprize" is an alternate spelling.

Bubba, you'll notice that I admitted when I was wrong. Something to think about.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2001

(Studiously ignoring Bubba and the obvious bullshit he so blatantly enjoys stirring up...) ---

I found Gwen through TomatoNation. A friend had forwarded me an essay from TN about fashion and I laughed outloud and followed all the links. Took me a while to get the lay of GwenTown, but it is usually interesting, fun and/or entertaining on some level. A few people I secretly think would be fun to get to know in person at some great evening, outdoor party at my place... I have recommeded this site to lots of people and, despite the differences in where we live, work/family obligations, politics, what makes us laugh, most everyone can find something they can relate to here. ...

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2001

I'm awfully glad I was away from the computer for a few days.... I think I've been insulted more than once! :)

I first knew of Gwen from 'way back in the Mediarama days (where we all discussed and I wrote a few Rant/recaps of a stupid TV show). I started reading her Hissyfits when I first began participating on the boards there. A few of my Psycho Duranie Friends started fwding links of Gwen's Trailer Trash stuff to our Psycho Duranie List with comments like "Ohmigawd, you HAVE to see this site I just discovered!" and I was all "Hey, this sounds familiar...."

It's funny... when you look at the bare facts, me and Gwen don't have a lot of common ground. I mean, I have all sorts of Issues with having kids (and currently am the only woman in my family w/out kids); Gwen's got 3 young'uns. Gwen bills herself as "trailer trash"; I bill myself as on-purposely pretentious. I love classical music but can't abide opera; Gwen sings opera. Gwen lives in Texas; I'd rather stick pickle forks in my eyelids than live in Texas. Yet... I admire Gwen's writing abilities, her personality, her values, her sense of self, her commitments, and the way she expresses all of these things. Even if I don't agree with her on ___ issue, or we don't have ___ in common, I can't help but respect and admire the way she writes about/expresses/defends it.

I've also just been delighting in the new ways she's been blossoming as an individual, as reflected in her journal/mailing list stuff.

And I think Gwen would just plain be a kick-ass person to hang out with in person. :)

And now that I'm teaching English at a local university, I've been culling examples of colloquial/informal-yet-still-intelligent writing from some of the old TV show recaps... and might be asking Gwen for permission to print up one of her old pieces for an in-class exercise in the near future....

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2001

"Deeply saddened" that you didn't know that or that I did? Your self- serving post is just an attempt to look even-handed, but after your "Sally Struthers" remark, why bother? I aplogized to JackieD for confusing her with another post in an e-mail. But I don't owe any apologies other than the ones I've already offered. And apologize for my opinions? Hahahahahaha. Get therapy.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2001

Dwanollah, I think you summed it up perfectly! I, too, have nothing in common with Gwen at all, and yet I find her writing to be some of the most fascinating work I'll ever see on the Web, even as personal as it is. And I'm also thrilled with the positive tides in her life.

Gwen, you rock.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2001

I don't recall how I found Gwen's page. My guess would be that it was through a link on someone else's journal pages. I'm sure it wasn't through MightyBigTV or Hissyfit or any of those hip sites that I don't think I'm quite cool enough to read, much less write for.

But I love the way Gwen writes and I only wish she would write more often. Also, those background images rock.

I always wanted to meet Gwen, and now she's waaaay far away in Houston. Maybe someday we'll end up in the same space at the same time.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2001

Bubba 'apologised' to me by saying that he had me confused with all the other Jackies who post here. Because there's so many of us! I bet y'all get confused, too, right?

Anyway, he also said that Gwen had asked him not to post to this topic anymore, and that he wasn't going to post his apology here, and that it was up to me if I wanted to mention it on here. Looks like he was 'confused' when he posted the above, too.

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2001

*sigh*

So how did y'all find the fabulous Gwen? Was it from her journals or just the forums?

I think I already answered this, but I used to read dozens of journals at my last job (where I had more time). I have had to narrow the ones I read on a regular basis down more and more the busier I get. Now I regularly read Squishy and Gwentown and that's about it. I surf over to 3WA (a shared forum that will be familiar to many here) and often click over to Sars or stee or Xeney to see whassup in their respective universes. That's about all I have time for these days.

I miss surfing around and finding nifty new journals to get hooked on (and share with friends).

I have friends with which I have little in common, and since it's not like I'm scopin' Gwen out for a date or anything, I bet we'd get along fine if fortune smiled and we met one day, because I respect her and enjoy her sense of humour and kick-ass-ness.

I'm just sayin'.

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2001

I scrolled down to my photography sites one day and saw the words "Trailer Trash". Well being a bit trashy myself, it perked my interest. I snooped around the archives a saw all these kick ass trashy folks and watched Gwenny's movie. I was hooked and have been dodging the ball ever since. I love you all and yes Vickster, I'm in. I'll be gone third week of April photographing ancient indian ruins and pictographs again in Utah and Colorado. And shopping in Santa Fe. James

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2001

Thanks, y'all. I really appreciate you reading the site and then taking the time to comment positively on it. It makes the work worth it.

Actually, I didn't tell Bubba to stop posting in this topic. I made the dodgeball comment because Bubba reminded me of the kid who keeps getting hit and who refuses to admit that he's out of the game. I've never asked anyone not to post on the boards, though. That's not part of my board-governing policy. The most I've done so far is delete posts or topics. Oh, and I changed one troll's really inane, profane post to read "I wish I was smart enough to post on these boards." But that's it. I think it's healthy for you all to fight with each other online. It might keep you from killing others in bouts of road rage. That's why I don't tell people to stop posting, no matter how annoying they may be. It's because I care about you all, gosh darn it.

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2001

ohhh ma! (sniff sniff).

-- Anonymous, March 18, 2001

I was cruising around Lusenet. I found it and hey, I like it alot.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2001

Do you really, newone? It's hard to tell because it seems like you only started posting right after James left, and you're asking all these questions about the forum as if you've never taken the time to read it or find out what it's about. So it sort of surprises me to hear that you like this forum "a lot."

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2001

It is James! Dude, you are so sad, I can't help laughing! Mike, what makes you think one in nine of us women are rape victims... you know, doing those things us women like to do, like walking around without panties and making smiley faces everywhere :-) :-) :-)???

Let me see if I can put this in language you can understand:

[>:(  If you want love, James, get a dog. A stupid one.

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2001

Gwen, you have an email from me.

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2001

Okay. I am currently unable to access my e-mail. However, I'm counting the minutes until I can read yours. My curiosity enflames me, actually.

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2001

I find that Gwen's forums stay crunchy in milk and are part of a complete, nutritious breakfast.

-- Anonymous, March 23, 2001

Looks like its closing time?

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001

I find that Gwen's forums are full of people good at ignoring pathetic losers and are still having a good time. And I find that Gwen's posters are loyal as hell and anyone who disagrees with them just comes off looking like a retarded jackass.

And it's a forum full of riboflavin. Everyone loves riboflavin.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001

Riboflavin does a body good.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001

And I find that Gwen's posters are loyal as hell and anyone who disagrees with them just comes off looking like a retarded jackass

How true, so finally someone has admitted the obvious. IF you dont agree, hence you are all a bunch of mindless people pleasers, well, then, you dont belong here. Hell, I can take a hint.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

Oh, fake lame poster. Don't even attempt to post as me.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

Fake poster, no one's pussyfooting around with hints. They're dropping big, heavy, un-subtle anvils your way.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

I found Gwen's site through Hissyfit maybe three or four years ago? Just after Hissyfit started. Let's see, my son was a baby and not walking. But he didn't walk till after he was a year. Doesn't matter. I found Hissyfit through Heartless Bitch (I wonder if it's stull around?) and it wasn't very old then. And Gwen was smart and funny in her posts and smart and funny on her website.

I know that when I first found the journals I read all of the archives the same night. And I was on a dial-up then. That's how much I love Gwen -- I tied up the telephone for hours reading about stuff that had happened months before.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

Well, I thought I was supposed to take a left at Albuquerque...but I took a right instead, and voila, Gwen's journal and forums!

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2001

I think it may have been disgruntled housewife for me, too. It was over a year ago, when I was still a consultant. I had a whole month of downtime and I was bored senseless and just reading various journals and cool web sites. I loved the way Gwen wrote, and one day I went to the page and there were forums, and then because various people were talking about hissyfit, and that's how I got in the forums there. And then one day I looked up Gwen's hissyfit and read that, and then through hissyfit forums I started reading Pamie's awesome forum. Also through hissyfit I found out about mightybigtv and I was intrigued because Gwen mentioned writing for it in her journal, so I started reading THAT, too. And yet, I still manage to get tons of work done.

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2001

I hope Bubba is just on holiday and not gone forever, because he was one of the more interesting, funny and smart people around here. The collective attack was over the top and a bit humourless. Why should you be defensive about something you love doing- sitcoms and recaps of sitcoms aren't for everyone but I should hardly be defensive about the fact that someone doesn't think the articles are worth their time- that's up to them, isn't it? In Bubba's own fashion he was complimenting Gwen on her intellect and potential, which (with no opinion on the sitcom stuff)I happen to fully agree with. He is perhaps a little tactless, I will fully admit, but the argument degenerated into something really childish and embarrassing.

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2001

Jane, the conflict with Bubba was actually about more than that. I don't know if you'd noticed that he had arguments with people about other things. He also started a topic that was pretty wantonly offensive. I deleted it before a lot of people responded, thinking to avoid a big flame war like the one above.

And then he kept getting on people's nerves, anyway, so I let (the) nature (of Internet forums) take place.

For the record, I personally didn't feel like Bubba was complimenting me, tactlessly or not. Like I said -- I really don't care if he thinks that writing recaps is worth my time. But it seemed to me that he was making an effort to push people's buttons, the way he had been doing for some time before then. So, hey, maybe he was sick of people, too. I hope that, if he doesn't decide to come back, he finds a forum he enjoys more.

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2001

And, actually... Jane, you say: "Why should you be defensive about something you love doing- sitcoms and recaps of sitcoms aren't for everyone but I should hardly be defensive about the fact that someone doesn't think the articles are worth their time- that's up to them, isn't it?"

Why *shouldn't* I or anyone else defend what we do, especially if it's something we love? I don't understand your argument. I could turn it around and ask: "Why should you [general you] be offensive about something I love doing -- sitcoms and recaps of sitcoms aren't for everyone but you should hardly be offensive about the fact that you don't think the articles are worth my time- that's up to me, isn't it?"

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2001

I feel that if someone makes a blatantly tactless (all right...) remark like that it is made especially for the offended one to rise to the bait. I had this impression that Bubba was a staple on the forum and, admittedly, he's difficult, opinionated and brash, but even though he was often obnoxious he was funny and intelligent with his dialogue.

James, now there was a spineless git.

I suppose you could turn the defensive argument around, but is it really worth it (which was my real point) if you love what you're doing then that's your business and the people within that world are the ones who understand you and who are similar to you. What does Bubba have in common with you on an everyday to day basis? I mean he's a war vet, an ex cop and far older- I think that in a sense some comments should be overlooked according to the human being with a look towards the heavens, a shrug of the shoulders and a little humour- his good points far outweigh the bad.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2001

It is obvious Gwen doesn't feel the same way, Jane, so why don't you just drop it? This is not the forum to discuss Bubba, so if you feel the need to keep bugging Gwen about it why don't you take it to email?

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2001

There is soooo much I would like to say in response to Jane's post but I think Nicole said it best above. I'll leave it at that!

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2001

I was interested in what Jane had to say. I didn't think she was badgering Gwen although she was belaboring the point a bit.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2001

Badgering and bugging Gwen, that's lovely Nicole, I think your bodyguard act is wearing thin. Did you even read the posts? I'm trying to let Gwen know that I understand her point of view fully, and that the attackers were over the top, as you plainly illustrated in response to our little dialogue. Damn, girl, you need to calm down.

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2001

Last time I checked, this topic is about how you found Gwen's forums - not about who you think should have stayed or left the boards. You asked a question, Gwen answered it, you didn't like her answer and questioned her some more. If you feel I'm being Gwen's bodyguard maybe it is because she has been attacked on her boards in the past few weeks and as soon as everything calmed down you tried to stir shit up again and as a pretty good friend of Gwen's I felt the need to "protect" her. Why don't you calm down, since it looks like you still seem to be the only person around here with a grudge?

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2001

Just a quick point here, Travis said 'badgering' not Nicole.

In addition, Jane, you say you are trying to let Gwen know that you understand her point of view and that the attackers were over the top. Which attackers because "I hope Bubba is just on holiday and not gone forever, because he was one of the more interesting, funny and smart people around here. The collective attack was over the top and a bit humourless" and "I think that in a sense some comments should be overlooked according to the human being with a look towards the heavens, a shrug of the shoulders and a little humour- his good points far outweigh the bad" don't really indicate that you agree with what the outcome was. So how were you trying to let her and the rest of the board know that you agree and what point of view were you agreeing with? Very, very confused by your posts. Please help me!

On another point, I saw a shaved lemur this morning on the shavedlemurs.com. I don't like them so much anymore.

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2001

My bad. I added that word. Sorry. I'll shut up now.

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2001

Nicole, Gwen doesn't need protecting from me or anybody else- and since when has the subject ever remained the topic of conversation? Gwen, you're lucky to have such good friends, but Jesus, Mary, Joseph... Nicole, please read our posts and think about the meaning of the word grudge. I could not bear a grudge, because that would be ridiculous, and I am not a ridiculous person. You could not possibly know that and I'm not sure what I could have said that made you so aggressive, but I hardly think it's merited. Tylerd, I'm not clarifying my point because this is all just plain silly and has been blown out of proportion. And a shaved lemur is still a lemur.

-- Anonymous, April 05, 2001

um...Jane? You need to calm down. I've been pregnant and I know what pregnancy hormones can be like. It's a force that cannot be controlled. And I don't mean that as an insult.

And besides, Nicole is right. You should have just emailed Gwen about the situation. A lot of us don't share your views of Bubba.

And for the record, I have no intent or interest in starting a flame war over this.

-- Anonymous, April 05, 2001

I'm done, very well done, sorry for the outburst. Anyway, back to the original subject, I found Gwen's site completely by accident, I thought the writing was the wittiest, most hilarious I'd ever read on the internet. I am really glad there is someone like Gwen out there who can articulate herself, I seem to have a problem with that myself, as some of you have pointed out... Cheeky monkeys.

-- Anonymous, April 05, 2001