Sun > Status Update

Jenn wrote: " I want to be clear. Santino Hassell profited off people's pain, vulnerability, and experiences. He targeted people. The people I know he did this to, we were all very similar -- not just in looks because he did this both men and women, but at the point of our lives. He knew this, and he used it for his own gain."
Thanks you for pointing this out, and all kudos to you for being brave enough to share your story.
A few readers here, and in other parts of social media, have commented what a shame it is to be denied access to the “great” stories he has written. Especially guys who thought he was a fellow gay man who had survived all the trials of being gay and that gave them courage.
To those people, I say, the issues were real, so they had value for you which you can take courage from, the only problem is they didn’t belong to SH. They were appropriated. This was wrong. Totally wrong. At least the sharer of these stories could have been approached for permission to use them or acknowledge their help in the dedication. Keeping it vague if needed.
The soliciting of money is bad, but I think this appropriation is a lot more hurtful in the long run.
It shows a lack of respect for the people who were groomed. No other word for it.
It shows a lack of respect for the LGBT community as well. I brought this subject up in a comment on one of Brad Vance’s FB posts and Clancy Nacht rightly commented that these sorts of stories are readily available in public blogs and other places. What SH wanted though was one others didn’t have access to, which the writer would “own” and, like with children who have been groomed and abused, once they were past their use by date, they were sidelined.
I am sorry if this has triggered feelings you are having trouble with dealing with. But the seriousness of the hurt this has caused, can not and should not be underestimated.
Perhaps, we as a society, are partly to blame because we have not given enough time to truly listen to people in need, so the minute they find someone willing to listen, they are vulnerable.
Unfortunately, things like this might make vulnerable people less likely to share their feelings and experiences because there are less safe places to do so.
Please continue to seek therapy and counselling. Your mind and your feelings were damaged and need healing.
And for all those regretting not being able to read the “great” stories, think first about who might have been exploited to get them.

Dani wrote: "Hey guys,

Nikki, the person hwo has been screaming about this for who knows how long, is really hurting. I'm hoping we can send her some love and thanks for all she did.

I'd suggest a mass tweet..."

Wow!! I just posted a tweet in support and it didn't take five minutes before the blowback started.... the a$$holes are still at it

Andrea wrote: "I think we can agree the one to blame is SH. When we now start talking about lists of good and bad authors we won't help anyone. Not the victims, not the community... This will lead to more anger, fights and heartbreak. And it will redirect the anger from the Person who is the one to blame: SH..."

I agree. In the end, everyone needs to decide for themselves who they are going to support in the future. But I don't think it should be part of this thread to decide that. I've made my decisions for now. Maybe I will change my mind about a few of them later, who knows. Everyone who wants to know who said what: it's all in this thread and all over FB and Twitter. My opinion of course.

Paul wrote: "Wow!! I just posted a tweet in support and it didn't take five minutes before the blowback started.... the a$$holes are still at it ."

They'll go away. We have numbers on our side.

Dani wrote: "And I think from now on, one of the ways we heal the community is by authors *not* sending any fans directly towards another. This should be a rule really. "

It's sure a rule for me. I don't think authors should ever target readers for their friends, fans, other authors to go after. Ever. Period.

Whether individuals choose to forgive, and on a case by case basis, that's up to individuals. People are messy, and we all screw up somehow, sometimes.

But I definitely think as readers we should not consider this sort of thing acceptable, under any circumstances. And I'm coming from a position of typically thinking doxing is wrong. So, it's not that I can't understand the knee jerk reaction supporting a friend against that. I can.

But if an author has a legitimate issue with someone causing them trouble or trying to, there are ways to handle it and ways to not handle it.

And sending people to harass the person is not the way to handle it, and it's completely unprofessional. And I think as readers we should see this as a glaring red flag.

Whether we're the target, or we just see it happening. Even if we understand an author's upset. IMO we can still say something like "Um, yeah, I don't like what that person is doing, but I don't think sending people to harass them and attack them is the right way to handle it." Or, something.

Just my additional 2 cents, which everyone is free to ignore if it's not helpful. :)

Alexandra wrote: "Dani wrote: "And I think from now on, one of the ways we heal the community is by authors *not* sending any fans directly towards another. This should be a rule really. "

It's sure a rule for me. ..."

Agreed. It’s why I said something to Amy Jo this evening. I remember clearly when SH believed he knew who was behind Nikki’s account. They were talking about a convention and somehow the issue of SH’s “doxxer” (for the record I DESPISE that word in relation to what we have done as nasty birds with Nikki) came up. Megan and Amy both made it known they wouldn’t let “her” in and would be sure to tell security and call security on her. They didn’t have any proof who was behind the account for sure. However on a PUBLIC platform aka twitter, under their author names, they were willing to confront someone and have them removed from a convention. With no proof she was the one behind the account. They had/have the power here. They had/have more fans on social media. So any time they post they can engage the masses and sway how people view things. So I guess basically I’m just upset that I’m being asked to believe they didn’t know about SH and accept that. They didn’t bother to check anything in that public conversation. They did all of this because SH said so. Just because he said so.

Josy wrote: "Linda ~ chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny ~ wrote: I don’t see the link for TJ Klune.."

It was in this thread and I had to look for it

https://www.goodreads.com/comment/ind......"

Thanks. I think I did see the second now, now that I read it again.

Lucy wrote: "Alexandra wrote: "Dani wrote: "And I think from now on, one of the ways we heal the community is by authors *not* sending any fans directly towards another. This should be a rule really. "

It's su..."

See, this is so unprofessional. Even if, and believe me I don't think so, their view at the time was the truth, it's still not a professional way to deal with a situation.

Whatever talking or dealing they need to do about a situation they should be doing in private. If there's a legitimate issue then they should be handling things privately.

And yes, they're coming from a position of power, because they typically have the strongest platform for their voice, and more followers, etc. They're punching down.

But readers have power too, if we stand together. If we, in numbers, tell authors it's not ok to target readers, or send people to harass them. Even if they feel there's a legitimate cause for concern.

(And again, I'm not suggesting anyone is wrong for forgiving or understanding what ever they choose to forgive and understand. I'm just suggesting in the future when we see this sort of thing maybe think it's not the best way for authors to handle things.)

Marbles wrote: "Amy wrote: "For those asking about Garrett Leigh's statement:
"

Garrett is awesome. Why are the best words coming from the authors who have nothing to apologise for?"

I wonder that too. :-/

Tho, FTR, Amy Jo did post an update on her Facebook page

HELP! :)

I’m not sure how comms works with the bigger publishers. I wasn’t able to find anything other than a general email address for Penguin and St. Martins Press. So I’m taking it to twitter. I’ve sent DM’s to the twitter accounts of the specific publisher imprints and for Berkley, to the editor of the books as well.

If anyone wants to do the same, requesting that they pull Santino Hassell books from their sites, I really encourage you to…either via DM or tweet @.

You might want to send them any of the following links that I think can be powerful:

* Overview of the situation - https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
* Riptide’s Statement - http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
* Noah’s #SHConfessions - https://twitter.com/sweetsakuradoll/s...
* Or the link to this whole GR thread - https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...


There will be power in numbers, so if you're comfortable doing so, please help.

The Barons series:
@KristineESwartz
@BerkleyPub

Single Dad’s Club series:
@StMartinsPress
The editor he sold it to has since left and I can’t find info on the new editor.

Santino is still making money off of these books. Let's get them OFF THE shelves!

Lucy wrote: "...made it known they wouldn’t let “her” in and would be sure to tell security and call security on her. They didn’t have any proof who was behind the account for sure. However on a PUBLIC platform aka twitter, under their author names, they were willing to confront someone and have them removed from a convention..."

You know what's crazy, sad, funny? I thought they were talking about me in these tweets. Raise your hands, anyone else? I can imagine maybe a few others might have thought it was about them as well.

I never knew what kind of lies SH was spreading about me. I thought he was telling people I was behind it and I was TERRIFIED to go to the convention. I avoided them the whole time, honestly hiding behind corners to not run into them in hallways. No joke.

Sammy Goode wrote: "Just for what it’s worth. I review for both The Novel Approach and Joyfully Jay and both blog owners have pulled all SH’S reviews and buy links. I am proud of both Joyfully Jay and Lisa Horan who h..."

As have we on the review blog I own, which included reviews and blogtours or release blitzes. We even removed this author our BEST OF 2017 lists. I wish I could do more for the many, many victims who have so bravely come forward and shared their stories.

Sandra wrote: "Sammy Goode wrote: "Just for what it’s worth. I review for both The Novel Approach and Joyfully Jay and both blog owners have pulled all SH’S reviews and buy links. I am proud of both Joyfully Jay ..."

Sandra, is there anything you can do about the post on Vanessa North's FB? She mentions the blog. I was just hoping something could happen to get it pulled down. Not sure if Dani reached out to you. Thanks!

who else has seen Eddie Witt's FB post? I grabbed a screenshot, but don't know how to post here.... UGH! Still trying to blame Nikki (without using her name).

Jennifer☠Pher☠ wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Sammy Goode wrote: "Just for what it’s worth. I review for both The Novel Approach and Joyfully Jay and both blog owners have pulled all SH’S reviews and buy links. I am proud of bot..."

I was told Vanessa took the past specifically mentioning me down. I can't confirm since she blocked me and anyone who spoke in support. I have screenshots that were sent as evidence.

Well, went and made a shelf specifically dedicated to authors that I'm going to have to block out because of this nauseating stuff, which I've never had to do before (up to this point I just didn't shelf stuff I wasn't interested in, but my memory issues are not going to allow me to hold on to the author names of the people who have been twits). Right now it's only populated by one person who is being terrible right now, but we'll see how it grows.

Boo.

Paul wrote: "who else has seen Eddie Witt's FB post? I grabbed a screenshot, but don't know how to post here.... UGH! Still trying to blame Nikki (without using her name)."

I have no clue who Eddie Witt is....LA Witt's husband???

~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ wrote: "Jennifer☠Pher☠ wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Sammy Goode wrote: "Just for what it’s worth. I review for both The Novel Approach and Joyfully Jay and both blog owners have pulled all SH’S reviews and buy l..."

It is not down Dani.

https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.nort...

But yeah, there are only I love you posts.

Susan wrote: "HELP! :)

I’m not sure how comms works with the bigger publishers. I wasn’t able to find anything other than a general email address for Penguin and St. Martins Press. So I’m taking it to twitter...."

The Baron Series, you can try both or either
ConsumerServices@PenguinRandomHouse.com to report an issue
Or more directly the marketing/media dept. for the imprint
PenguinPress@PenguinRandomHouse.com

ETA: should add Dreamspinners and all the bloggers canceling and deleting

Jennifer☠Pher☠ wrote: "~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ wrote: "Jennifer☠Pher☠ wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Sammy Goode wrote: "Just for what it’s worth. I review for both The Novel Approach and Joyfully Jay and both bl..."
Do you have to be a follower or something to see it? Because I'm getting . . .

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Shelby wrote: "Paul wrote: "who else has seen Eddie Witt's FB post? I grabbed a screenshot, but don't know how to post here.... UGH! Still trying to blame Nikki (without using her name)."

I have no clue who Eddi..."

yep

Fabi wrote: "The Baron Series, you can try both or either
ConsumerServices@PenguinRandomHouse.com to report an issue
Or more directly the marketing/media dept. for the imprint
PenguinPress@PenguinRandomHouse.com ..."

Yeah, I was just worried that since that's for ALL of Penguin, which is HUGE, that it wouldn't get seen by anyone. So, I thought we'd take it to Berkley directly on Twitter.

Sali Mes wrote: "For the person who wanted to know who spoke up, from what I've seen or read here : Brad Vance (Got threatened by SH), Tarian PS Knock, HL Holston, Isobel Starling, Dani Alexander, Alexandr Voinov, ..."

I think KJ Charles spoke up too? It was a thread with a retweet of RT‘s statement if I remember correctly. Sorry if I'm wrong.

Lyra wrote: "Jennifer☠Pher☠ wrote: "~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ wrote: "Jennifer☠Pher☠ wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Sammy Goode wrote: "Just for what it’s worth. I review for both The Novel Approach and J..."

She hasn't deleted or blocked me yet, maybe that is why? I am not getting rid of her until that post is down so I can still see. I was at that GRL and this is not true.

Susan wrote: "Lucy wrote: "...made it known they wouldn’t let “her” in and would be sure to tell security and call security on her. They didn’t have any proof who was behind the account for sure. However on a PU..."

This is why I just can’t with them. I know everyone has to make their own decisions and I would never be so inclined to tell you who to support/not support as far as co-writing but to say they were duped, fine. Even IF that is the case, they still used their platforms of power to intimidate and scare people. This is why I kind of scoff when people say Nikki was/is mean. SH and his posse were just as bad and look how riled up he made a lot of you when he posted about Nikki in the beginning. How easily he had a LOT of people report and talk about and make public postings about her account. So, all I ask is don’t forget that his closest author pals played into and/or enjoyed their pedestals that SH bestowed upon them when you’re looking into keeping them as a to buy or not to buy author.

Susan wrote: "Fabi wrote: "The Baron Series, you can try both or either
ConsumerServices@PenguinRandomHouse.com to report an issue
Or more directly the marketing/media dept. for the imprint
PenguinPress@PenguinR..."


Will do

Lyra wrote: "Well, went and made a shelf specifically dedicated to authors that I'm going to have to block out because of this nauseating stuff, which I've never had to do before (up to this point I just didn't..."

Eh, sorry to chime in again with another warning, but be sure whatever shelf you make doesn’t specifically mention author behavior.

That rule I previously mentioned about reviews not being ‘about the author’ also applies to shelves.

Things like ‘do not want’, ‘will not read’, ‘never ever’ or others that aren’t specific are okay. But anything that directly references author behavior could possibly be deleted.

That’s negative behavior, mind you. Shelves referencing positive behavior are fine.

I don’t mean to be annoying with all the rules, but it’s not just so simple as having things deleted and that’s the end of it. They remove things b/c they believe you’ve broken a guideline.

If that happens more than a few times you could end up banned. And I don’t imagine anybody wants that. :/

TinaNicole ☠ Le Book Nikita ☠ wrote: "Lyra wrote: "Well, went and made a shelf specifically dedicated to authors that I'm going to have to block out because of this nauseating stuff, which I've never had to do before (up to this point ..."
Thank you for your concern. My shelf is titled "stay-away-from."

Lyra wrote: "TinaNicole ☠ Le Book Nikita ☠ wrote: "Lyra wrote: "Well, went and made a shelf specifically dedicated to authors that I'm going to have to block out because of this nauseating stuff, which I've nev..."

That’s perfect. Though I am sorry you had to make one at all. I’m sorry that any of us do. :(

The problem I have with the 'apologies' that SH's author friends have subsequently made is that almost every single one of them sounds like a generic paint by numbers apology. Not once have any of them referred to their part in it, what they knew (I'd dearly love to understand what they DID know - I suspect they probably didn't know everything and not even most of it) and their behaviour towards Nikki and the other ladies. They used their considerably large platform to bully, intimidate and frighten a few individuals (Jesus, that one about the convention is frightful) and NONE of them have even mentioned it, or apologized specifically to them.

There's no context to any of their apologies. It's all just poor me, references to that upcoming anthology several of them have stories in, STILL using their large audience to garner understanding for themselves only and STILL not apologizing to the group of girls they behaved badly towards. I've simply unfollowed the ones I was following on Twitter and chosen to wait and see what they say once they've had some time.

On another note, can someone please clarify something for me? Are there actually children involved here? Do Alicia and Marvin have children or not? It's the one part of this that I'm not clear on.

Also, I was discussing this with my husband and I was telling him that Alicia was a teacher and Jesus Christ, the thought of this kind of person being remotely involved in a school, teaching kids....it's absolutely shocking. I'm a mum to two boys and if I ever discovered one of their teachers did what she did? I'd be on the warpath. I just can't wrap my head around it.

Paul wrote: "Shelby wrote: "Paul wrote: "who else has seen Eddie Witt's FB post? I grabbed a screenshot, but don't know how to post here.... UGH! Still trying to blame Nikki (without using her name)."

I have n..."

What did he say? Witt is an author I'm watching.

Here's a copy and paste of Eddie Witt's (LA Witt's husband) post, I'll probably get blocked for this, but f**k it:

Eddie Witt
43 mins ·

I am no stranger to the SH story currently blowing up on Twitter. I feel bad for all those it impacted and were and are affected by it.

Long story short for those who don't know; a husband and wife pulled off one of the biggest social engineering scams I've ever seen...it involved manipulation, gaslighting, lying, and abuse...going so far as to even allegedly scam people out of money...see Cialdini's principle of Social Proof

The fact the persona known as SH was able to jump between the cyber and physical realms for so long (years)without getting caught or slipping up (until now) is what caught my attention...

It's simple really...Build an online persona and following...Apparently SH was an amazing writer so that was easy for them...Then comes the manipulation to gain trust...Cialdini (principles of influence) and Hagdney (Social Engineering) discuss how simple benign conversations can give the person pretext to continue eliciting information and/or build a repertoire with their target(s).

Physical Realm: key to this was consistency. Same duo shows up every time and keeps the same story so as to not draw attention. Now, people that have interacted with them online have a physical person to talk to which furthers that trust they are who they say they are...

When the person almost got outed as a catfish the first time, the people that they built that trust with, immediately came to their defense when called upon because they had no reason not to...this worked out great for SH because they didn't have to really do anything...again manipulation at work.
(Cialdini's principle of authority).

When SH was finally outed and it stuck, people were in shock, and a lot of them apologized for defending SH and blamed themselves even though it wasn't their fault.

On top of that, the person who outed SH has gathered a small merry group of trouble makers (six in total) and have made it their personal mission (I'm guessing out of spite) to now directly target the people that were duped. This is coming in the form of tweeted screen caps (some edited) and very vitriolic and spiteful commentary...this now makes them no better than SH...it's also sad really that people who were decrying the bullying, and manipulation are now wittingly leading or taking part in it against innocent people...

MizTia wrote: "The problem I have with the 'apologies' that SH's author friends have subsequently made is that almost every single one of them sounds like a generic paint by numbers apology. Not once have any of ..."

SH claimed that his “roommates” (Mike and Alicia) had a child. He told people he had two children...there is more about that however, it isn’t my portion to tell. People were shown pictures and the rest is for them to say should they ever choose to do so about what they know now.

Jennifer☠Pher☠ wrote: Sandra, is there anything you can do about the post on Vanessa North's FB? She mentions the blog. I was just hoping something could happen to get it pulled down. Not sure if Dani reached out to you. Thanks! "

I'm not able to see the post as I am most likely blocked as well. Dani stated that she was advised to not engage. My PMs are open.

So he's decided to victimize the nastybirds too. Lovely.

That is seriously fucked up. SERIOUSLY fucked up.

Paul wrote: "Here's a copy and paste of Eddie Witt's (LA Witt's husband) post, I'll probably get blocked for this, but f**k it:

Eddie Witt
43 mins ·

I am no stranger to the SH story currently blowing up on T..."

Thank you so much Paul!

ETA: hopefully you won't get in trouble. Only reason I asked is because I'm not on FB. Not to trash talk or anything like that.

Sandra wrote: "Jennifer☠Pher☠ wrote: Sandra, is there anything you can do about the post on Vanessa North's FB? She mentions the blog. I was just hoping something could happen to get it pulled down. Not sure if D..."

Thanks Sandra, I am in contact with Dani as well and have reported the post. I can still see it. I just wasn't sure since the blog name was mentioned that maybe that could be a stepping stone.

This is so unreal.

Why even do this now? This is not reputation building.

I would comment if I didn't have one identity.. I am a real person on all social media and I just can't have that.

Paul wrote: "Here's a copy and paste of Eddie Witt's (LA Witt's husband) post, I'll probably get blocked for this, but f**k it:

Eddie Witt
43 mins ·
...

On top of that, the person who outed SH has gathered a small merry group of trouble makers (six in total) and have made it their personal mission (I'm guessing out of spite) to now directly target the people that were duped. This is coming in the form of tweeted screen caps (some edited) and very vitriolic and spiteful commentary...this now makes them no better than SH...it's also sad really that people who were decrying the bullying, and manipulation are now wittingly leading or taking part in it against innocent people... "

Oh, screw that! The person who allowed us to hold SH accountable for SH's behavior is still in the one in wrong, not the ones who enabled SH's behavior? A pox upon Eddie's head!

SH claimed that his “roommates” (Mike and Alicia) had a child. He told people he had two children...there is more about that however, it isn’t my portion to tell. People were shown pictures and the rest is for them to say should they ever choose to do so about what they know now.

Thank you for sharing what you could. I just wanted to know because I just can't bear the thought of any miners being caught up in all of this.

I'm not going to address rabid fans' behavior, but authors who were voluntarily or unwittingly drawn into SH's scheme had choices, and they made them. An individual can defend a critical position or a person without attacking, and certainly without ad hominem or personal attacks against an individual. Those who chose to attack--ATTACKED.

Offensive--Offend
Defensive--Defend

Fabi wrote: "Paul wrote: "Here's a copy and paste of Eddie Witt's (LA Witt's husband) post, I'll probably get blocked for this, but f**k it:

Eddie Witt
43 mins ·

I am no stranger to the SH story currently bl..."

Thank you. We can’t see it because his post isn’t out there but that’s not cool and it’s rude. At least shitweasel has a ring to it.

Dani wrote: "So he's decided to victimize the nastybirds too. Lovely."
I think it is more a case of defending his wife, Lori.
The trouble with gas lighters is that they relate to people differently. Those they can use (as support or for information) they charm and impress. So it is highly likely that is all Lori Witt saw of him. Having read Kade Boehme’s post, the same thing may apply there. The catfisher then goes to great pains to protect this connection with people being deemed to be useful.
So, when these ‘friends’ hear of negative comments, they are naturally suspicious. It is classic divide and conquer strategies.
Crucifying (in the form of blacklisting) the duped along with the perpetrator is what Eddie is, I assume, complaining about.
Everyone has the right to read or not read whoever they want, but jumping in and blaming without hearing the whole story is really what is at the root of this whole issue. If people had listened to the victims, the scam might have been nipped in the bud earlier. Some (not all) of those duped are in their own ways a victim of the scam.
Time will sort out the duped from the enablers. That is what is critical here.
But no blame should be put on the whistle blowers either. If their responses have been seen to be strident, it was because until they resorted to the blaring whistle, no one listened.

I have a very different take, AB.

This is what he wrote at the end where it'd make the most impact. It's like a closing thesis sttatement:

When SH was finally outed and it stuck, people were in shock, and a lot of them apologized for defending SH and blamed themselves even though it wasn't their fault.

On top of that, the person who outed SH has gathered a small merry group of trouble makers (six in total) and have made it their personal mission (I'm guessing out of spite) to now directly target the people that were duped. This is coming in the form of tweeted screen caps (some edited) and very vitriolic and spiteful commentary...this now makes them no better than SH...it's also sad really that people who were decrying the bullying, and manipulation are now wittingly leading or taking part in it against innocent

He's specifically calling them out and saying they're the perpetrators against innocent victims. He's saying things were edited, by who? The people theyr'e accusing?

Just a few comments above, we have Susan sayign she was terrified to go to GRL and hiding out from three of the very authors who these women are angry at and only one of whome has apologized directly to them.

Btw, 2 of the other "apologies' were basically : I'm sad. I need time. I was a victim too.

the same two calling Nikki scum, threatening to throw her out of GRL and sicking their fanbase on them. Neither said a word of apology to Nikki or the others they hurt.

What a shock and what a disappointment :( I just found this thread a few hours ago and I am absolutely appalled! Thank you for posting, Susan!

Btw, I want to point out that Amy Jo Cousins is taking a lot of flak and she's responding exactly how she should when confronted with a victim of her bullying:

https://twitter.com/_AJCousins/status...

She has apologized and she has listened. This is how you apologize. You do not blame the victimized for being angry and being bitter, especially after they've been screaming for a year for someone to just *listen*.

Maybe they'll forgive her. I hope they do, but either way, they've a right to their anger. Not a right to be cruel, but a right to voice their anger without someone tone policing them too, as Witt's hubby did.

Dani wrote: "Btw, I want to point out that Amy Jo Cousins is taking a lot of flak and she's responding exactly how she should when confronted with a victim of her bullying:

https://twitter.com/_AJCousins/statu..."

Definitely the best of the apologies by far.

Dani wrote: "Btw, I want to point out that Amy Jo Cousins is taking a lot of flak and she's responding exactly how she should when confronted with a victim of her bullying:

https://twitter.com/_AJCousins/statu..."

AJC's FB post: https://www.facebook.com/amyjo.cousin...

arfic (iro) wrote: "Sali Mes wrote: "For the person who wanted to know who spoke up, from what I've seen or read here : Brad Vance (Got threatened by SH), Tarian PS Knock, HL Holston, Isobel Starling, Dani Alexander, ..."


Yes, KJ Charles spoke up:
https://twitter.com/kj_charles/status...

And earlier she spoke about emotional manipulation, no names but the link-up is obvious:
https://twitter.com/kj_charles/status...

Dani wrote: "I have a very different take, AB.

This is what he wrote at the end where it'd make the most impact. It's like a closing thesis sttatement:


When SH was finally outed and it stuck, people were ..."

Point taken Dani. That final paragraph degrades his argument and negates any good points he made earlier. I suppose I (like him) should think twice before hitting “send”.

I just caught wind of this recently and have since spent a long time reading through this thread. I tend to be an anti-social reader and don't usually get involved with communities for various reasons but this is something I feel is important enough to be a part of.

First off, I want to thank everyone who spoke up and everyone who organized a lot of the information that was spread across the internet to make everything so accessible to people coming in with no idea of what was going on. It took a long time to read everything but it was worth every minute and I feel like I can start to understand now. This is not about a pen name or a false identity, as the first thing I saw about this seemed to imply, it's far more sinister and far reaching.

I especially appreciate the updates on which authors are defending things that should be indefensible. I am initially inclined to give many of them the benefit of the doubt as I know it can be difficult to tell fact from fiction when dealing with a skilled manipulator, but I would like to proceed with caution. While I haven't read books from many of them, it will definitely affect my future purchases. I would like to know if AIS has said anything about the situation? I haven't seen much, but I was under the impression she and SH has only been acquainted digitally and she could well have had no idea. I would like to know if this is true, though.

I haven't read any SH books for a while at least and most of what I have read was free. I'm not particularly active on social media or twitter, but... I want to help somehow? I'm sure how but I want to if there is a way, be it one more voice or just knowing one more person supports you from the shadows or anything else.

This turned out much longer than I intended it to... I apologize for a long post with no new relevant information.