Sun > Status Update

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion wrote: "Reflection wrote: ""Santino Hassell" may be a pen name, but the author/authors is/are real human beings with real lives too.

Their behaviour was awful, but that's not the only thing that defines ..."

And that is how you clap back on folks right there. I am here for it. All day. This is the respectful way to tell someone to go have ALL the seats. Bless. It. BLESSSSSSS it. *standing ovation*

The e-books for the Cyberlove series are gone from Amazon.

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion wrote: "So, I respectfully request that you try to muster up a modicum of respect for the people whose lives have been forever changed by this & take your devotion to Patreon, please...."

I have always held you in the highest of esteem and I am amazed that you would draw those conclusions from what I said. It could not be further from what I intended.

I thought I was clear that I am sickened by what SH did. I am heartily sorry that does not come across.

If devoted is reading The Community and ICoS, then fine. I actually have no interest in Patreon or in SH but you can believe what you wish and if it feeds the conspiracy theory that's out of my hands too.

I will honour your request and make no further comments on this thread. I wish you and everyone here all the best.

Josy wrote: "The e-books for the Cyberlove series are gone from Amazon."

It seems that here in France, there's not one single ebooks from SH available on Amazon, except the not-upcoming Barons #3, and the french version of Strong Signal.

Zaza wrote: "Josy wrote: "The e-books for the Cyberlove series are gone from Amazon."

It seems that here in France, there's not one single ebooks from SH available on Amazon, except the not-upcoming Barons #3, and the french version of Strong Signal. .."

I can still see the ones they published on their own like After Midnight and Third Rail, of course, and yes, the Barons books are still there, too :/

D wrote: "HOOPLA....I get a lot of my reading through them. I was searching for a read last night which has a 'People who borrowed this also borrowed'...it included 3 of SH's books. I did another search for ..."

I'm not from the US and Hoopla isn't available for me and I have no clue how it works. But yes, someone should try to talk to them.

Zaza wrote: "and the french version of Strong Signal...."

She said her agent is talking to the French publisher (see #2133)

Yeah I know, they're busy with the upcoming Paris Con right now.
Mxm is an important publisher here on the M/M scene, I can understand that they have lots of work at the moment, but knowing that Strong Signal will probably available for buying during the Paris Con makes me sick to my stomach.

Reflection wrote: "If devoted is reading The Community and ICoS, then fine. I actually have no interest in Patreon or in SH but you can believe what you wish and if it feeds the conspiracy theory that's out of my hands too."

Well, I mean, I probably shouldn't respond since you're no longer commenting but this devotion of which you speak is actually hurting others. Noah's life was appropriated for Strong Signal & Santino gained financially from it. If you're laboring under the misconception that she would cease her exploitation of those in a less powerful position than her after doing so countless times, then I think you've been hitting the Santino Kool-Aid for too long. So while you apparently believe that by continuing to read her work isn't re-victimizing the victims, I do. As do several others judging by the above response.

Sorry to have lost your respect, but if that's the price I have to pay in an effort to protect those who have been hurt by Santino then I'll gladly pay it. Because they deserve not to be silenced any further & not to live in fear of retaliation or have to hear about how Santino is a "real person" with "real feelings".

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion wrote: "Reflection wrote: ""Santino Hassell" may be a pen name, but the author/authors is/are real human beings with real lives too.

Their behaviour was awful, but that's not the only thing that defines ..."

Well, that was nasty. i saw nothing which said Reflection was siding with the author or that she didn't find his behavior deplorable. You keep saying, when you're (collective you're...all y'all know who you are) called out on being intolerant of any opinion not in lock-step with the mob, that everyone is free to think and act as they see fit.

An ideal you fail miserably to live up when someone expresses an opinion which deviates in tone or substance from the group. Reflection's comment was anything but disrespectful. I and a few others have raised the question of when is enough enough. This is not a binary issue. And the reactions to it will not be either.

As an adult, I am capable of maintaining differing points of view. That of empathy and support for the victims, without losing sight of the notion of mercy toward others. This is what I mean by your ever-expanding enemies list. I've watched people take comments people have made which deviate from group think, change the meanings and then attribute words and intent the writer never had or said...things no one on this thread has said...all in the name of being holier than thou. In the name of piling on. In the name of silencing who have a different perspective.

How is that different exactly from the way some of y'all behaved when you allowed yourselves to be used by the Hassell to silence and bully their detractors? MM's toxicity predates the Hassell and continues after them. And now, I'm out.

It came across to me that Reflection might not have read this entire thread. It is very long so I understand… But coming from someone who has, I have noticed that many of SH’s victims have posted and are reading this thread. Not only victims but also friends who have seen in real time the horrors these victims have gone through. So when someone comes into this thread and tells people they should chill out and remember that SH is a person, they are actually in part speaking to the victims.

Think of it this way, would you ever go up to a victim of any crime or bullying and say “hey don’t be too mad, remember your abuser is a human with real feelings too. I’m sure they will change for the good eventually”. That would be a pretty damn awful thing to do.
I’m not trying to speak for anyone in this thread, but as an outsider this is my opinion why those posts by Reflection are upsetting.

AGandyGirl wrote: "Pushes own “LIKE” button!!!"

Pushing LIKE button repeatedly! BRAVO, Optimist!!

Lex wrote: "It came across to me that Reflection might not have read this entire thread. It is very long so I understand… But coming from someone who has, I have noticed that many of SH’s victims have posted a..."

I can understand why Reflection's post was upsetting, but I didn't see her say anyone should "chill out." Perhaps I missed that. She just came across to me as a bit naive and gullible, while still acknowledging what SH did was deplorable, and was not supporting it.

I think it's possible to state the case, and you did, without using both barrels. I also think there's a benefit to conversations with those who are in general agreement, while perhaps not 100% in lock step. When people have a compelling and convincing argument, like those here do, it can sway those willing to listen.

And with that, perhaps I should bow out too. Thank you for your efforts everyone, and thank you for the discussions.

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion wrote: "Reflection wrote: ""Santino Hassell" may be a pen name, but the author/authors is/are real human beings with real lives too.

Their behaviour was awful, but that's not the only thing that defines ..."

+1 and standing ovation and thank you!

Alexandra wrote: I didn't see her say anyone should "chill out."
No you are right, I was just summing up the feeling I got from some of her posts. I can even sort of understand some of her points.. but they were being totally negated for me by her other comments about SH.

Edit to add: I don't think we should be telling any victims how they should feel or act, at all. Be it about removal of books or anything else. This should be all about support for them.

Alexandra wrote: "Cadiva wrote: "Removing a book that's been published through deceit is, in my view anyway, completely different than wanting to censor someone's choices of reading material I don't like. "

If a college student gets caught plagiarizing, they can fully expect to get expelled. If a journalist gets caught plagiarizing or obtaining information in an illegal or unethical manner, they get fired and they can fully expect never to be hired as a journalist again. If a writer engages in abusive and unethical behavior towards his readers and steals stories, I think it is not unfair to expect that his or her career as a writer be over as well.

In the same vein, I also think that it's fair to hold publishing houses accountable for not employing writers, editors, and executives who have failed to uphold ethical standards within the profession.

Maybe the real people who compose the SH brand will someday reflect and regret their actions (they have not shown any sign of yet doing so, but it is not impossible they will). When they do, and even if they don't, they are free to reinvent their lives in a different profession. But their writing career should be over and I think that any publishing house that contracts them or any reviewer, promoter, marketer, etc. who gives them a platform from now on would be highly suspect and I would really question their ability to adhere to the ethics of the profession.

Book wrote: "Alexandra wrote: "Cadiva wrote: "Removing a book that's been published through deceit is, in my view anyway, completely different than wanting to censor someone's choices of reading material I don'..."

I agree. The point I was attempting to make, although I think I probably failed, was something else.

So yes, I am in agreement with what you've said here. But I'll leave it at that, because I do think I need to remove myself from the conversation :D

Heather, thank you for your post. I enjoyed all of your points.

Cupcake, *nodding...nodding...nodding* Yup!

Lex, I agree with you.
Many wounds are still open, some have been festering for YEARS and humanizing the criminal behind the attacks...well, I don't believe this is the time or place for that.
This is a place for support of the victims.
This is a place for healing for the countless individuals tossed aside, when they were no longer useful.
And this is a place for loving members of the community to rally together and hold each other while we rise up and recover from an evil corruption (one could even say cancer) that tried to tear many of us apart.

IF you choose to forgive the offender that is absolutely your prerogative, but please don't try to convince others to do the same. You're not on their path and have no way of knowing if the time is right...or at all.

I hope Hoopla continues to dwindle down. It appears the books remaining are audio and foreign translations (I think?). I would like to think once those are pulled, they will disappear from Hoopla.
*side-note* And if you're not familiar, it's worth checking out...lots of great books!

I know it's a personal choice and don't want to sound like I am pressuring, but I would like to thank those readers that have changed reviews. I have been "liking" any that have been updated to shed light to this....situation. I think this could help any future readers who may be in the dark....because if the top reviews show reason to take a closer look at this author, there's a chance we can save newcomers from venturing on this path.

Because no, without any admission of guilt or demonstrating an ounce of genuine remorse, I fully expect this predator will continue to hunt new prey.

I have to say one thing here...

An idea I have seen recently perpetrated on this thread is extremely harmful. The idea of people needing to stay in their lanes. Readers need to focus on reading.

Who says? If I don't want to support the work of an author or director or whatever who has been knowing for rape or pedophilia or whatever else, I have that right. There is no lane; society makes that up. But if there were, I sure as hell will veer out of it.

Stay in your lane. We know how that has worked historically, don't we? Or maybe people forget a whole lot of tragic events in the past in which people decided to stay in their lane.

(To be clear, I get that some people were commenting on the delivery vs. the message itself, but others... definitely not.)

Pendragonish wrote: "Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion wrote: "Reflection wrote: ""Santino Hassell" may be a pen name, but the author/authors is/are real human beings with real lives too.

Their behaviour was awful, but that's not the only thing that defines ..."

Well, that was nasty. i saw nothing which said Reflection was siding with the author or that she didn't find his behavior deplorable. You keep saying, when you're (collective you're...all y'all know who you are) called out on being intolerant of any opinion not in lock-step with the mob, that everyone is free to think and act as they see fit.

An ideal you fail miserably to live up when someone expresses an opinion which deviates in tone or substance from the group. Reflection's comment was anything but disrespectful. I and a few others have raised the question of when is enough enough. This is not a binary issue. And the reactions to it will not be either.

As an adult, I am capable of maintaining differing points of view. That of empathy and support for the victims, without losing sight of the notion of mercy toward others. This is what I mean by your ever-expanding enemies list. I've watched people take comments people have made which deviate from group think, change the meanings and then attribute words and intent the writer never had or said...things no one on this thread has said...all in the name of being holier than thou. In the name of piling on. In the name of silencing who have a different perspective.

How is that different exactly from the way some of y'all behaved when you allowed yourselves to be used by the Hassell to silence and bully their detractors? MM's toxicity predates the Hassell and continues after them. And now, I'm out. "

Beautifully said and though an admirable attempt to hold a mirror up to the mob, wasted effort. Many people here are now engaging in the exact behavior they claim SH must be punished for, oh the irony! but it does perfectly illustrate how SH was able to manipulate and exploit this *community* so easily. People who let emotions rather than reason fuel their behavior are ridiculously easy to exploit. Their bloodlust renders them incapable of rational behavior.

Carry on mob, this shit show is endlessly entertaining to the adults watching. ;-) *gets popcorn to continue watching the online equivalent of the Baltimore riots*

Funny story --

A true, balanced person is not entirely rational nor entirely emotional.

Soooo.

And PS - If you can't see why the Baltimore riots happened, that says enough for me.

Lex wrote: "It came across to me that Reflection might not have read this entire thread. It is very long so I understand… But coming from someone who has, I have noticed that many of SH’s victims have posted a..."

LIKE!

I am sad that Alexandra felt the need to leave. While I did not agree with her on all things I do agree that it is good to accept alternate thoughts are valid, and also to reflect on those alternate thoughts. It is proper to ask ourselves if writing the publisher is appropriate. I argue that it is.

Alexandra I hope that you choose to come back and I would happily have a civil conversation with you about it even if you disagree with me. Even if you do not come back I will put my argument forth for the others who surely do agree with you and might not feel comfortable speaking up.

"The people who do unquestionably have the right to have books pulled are those whose stories were taken and used without permission. But that would likely require a lawsuit, which would be understandably problematic for them for various reasons. ... " (Alexandra post 2101)

This is absolutely true but they are not the only ones who can stop the sale of the books without resorting to censorship. Depending on the specifics of the contracts the publisher, and possibly the author(s), will also have that right. If the publishers are informed of an author's actions that breaks the terms of the contract they may reasonably wish to distance themselves from that author. So it is easy to see why a publisher might actually like to be informed by the general public of such a case.

Many here believe that SH acted both illegally and immorally by publishing a story that was closely based on the life of a living person who did not give him permission to use the facts of his life. So the question really boils down to: "even though it has not been proven in a court is it right to contact the publisher in the hopes that they stop publishing it?"

Think of these much less emotional analogies. They are all cases where I have contacted an employer about their employees actions that I think are illegal or immoral.

- A local plumbing truck exceeding the speed limit and cutting off an ambulance. ( I believed they were speeding but had no proof)

- A utilities vehicle blocking a wheelchair ramp. ( I believed they were going to be there longer than a few minutes but had no proof)

- A waitress reprimanding a child while the parent was in the restroom. ( I believed they were acting poorly but those are my morals and might not be someone elses)

- A service representative for the province smoking within the prohibited distance of a public entrance into a government building. ( I believed they were within that distance but did not measure and had no proof)

In all cases I contacted the company and spoke to their complaints department or local manager. What they then did with that information would hopefully have been dealt with under their employee contract.

I suggest that writing respectfully to the publishers is in the exact same category. It is not at all akin to a book burning. I further suggest that there must have been some breach of contract for Riptide, Dreamspinner, and Intermix to drop the books. If St. Martin's Press has not done so it might be because they have not yet been able to determine if there was a breach, or it might be that the terms of that contract are different.

Tal wrote: "Carry on mob, this shit show is endlessly entertaining to the adults watching. ;-) *gets popcorn to continue watching the online equivalent of the Baltimore riots*"


Samantha wrote: "And PS - If you can't see why the Baltimore riots happened, that says enough for me."


Baltimore riots = They burned, looted, and damaged their OWN community.

Emma wrote: "I am sad that Alexandra felt the need to leave. While I did not agree with her on all things I do agree that it is good to accept alternate thoughts are valid, and also to reflect on those alternate thoughts. It is proper to ask ourselves if writing the publisher is appropriate. I argue that it is.

Alexandra I hope that you choose to come back and I would happily have a civil conversation with you about it even if you disagree with me."

Thank you Emma. And I agree that writing a publisher is perfectly fine. I merely wished to attempt to explain why some expressed a bit of discomfort at the notion of attempts to have books pulled from publication. I affirm everyone has the right to do so, and I completely understand most especially in this case, the desire to do so.

I certainly will not shed a tear over anything negative that occurs to this particular author, or their books.

I appreciate the kind words, and I'll probably be around lurking :D

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion wrote: "Reflection wrote: ""Santino Hassell" may be a pen name, but the author/authors is/are real human beings with real lives too.

Their behaviour was awful, but that's not the only thing that defines ..."

I'd like to add,
A sociopath with over a decade of experience.

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion wrote: "Reflection wrote: "If devoted is reading The Community and ICoS, then fine. I actually have no interest in Patreon or in SH but you can believe what you wish and if it feeds the conspiracy theory t..."

Preach!

Alexandra wrote: "Thank you Emma. And I agree that writing a publisher is perfectly fine. I merely wished to attempt to explain why some expressed a bit of discomfort at the notion of attempts to have books pulled from publication. I affirm everyone has the right to do so, and I completely understand most especially in this case, the desire to do so..."

Well then we seem to agree on more than I thought and I need not have written such a long post. oops. However I won't edit it down in case there is someone who disagrees with me and wishes to tell me how my logic fails.

As to lurking, I think there are a lot of us. I have read all 2k posts but mostly I just want to stay informed so I can make my purchasing choices from a better place. Thank you to all who put up information, especially those with links and screenshots (I don't use facebook). Your efforts are appreciated.

Book wrote: "In the same vein, I also think that it's fair to hold publishing houses accountable for not employing writers, editors, and executives who have failed to uphold ethical standards within the profession."

Thank you. Riptide's motto was basically, "We can't fire anyone for being an asshole," but when does the behavior cross a line?

Emma wrote: "Well then we seem to agree on more than I thought and I need not have written such a long post. oops. However I won't edit it down in case there is someone who disagrees with me and wishes to tell me how my logic fails.

As to lurking, I think there are a lot of us. "

:D

Lex wrote: "Alexandra wrote: I didn't see her say anyone should "chill out."
No you are right, I was just summing up the feeling I got from some of her posts. I can even sort of understand some of her points....."

I agree. Reflection was being respectful, but at the same time putting those who are reading and posting here who are victims of SH in an uncomfortable position. And this space is for the victims.

Am4u ❀ ~ AprilMarie4u ~ ❀ wrote: "Tal wrote: "Carry on mob, this shit show is endlessly entertaining to the adults watching. ;-) *gets popcorn to continue watching the online equivalent of the Baltimore riots*"


Samantha wrote: "A..."

Regardless, you cannot minimize the reasons behind it. And at the end of the night, Baltimore still stood.

While I cannot condone the behavior, I certainly understand it and cannot invalidate the pain behind it.

Has anyone had experience with returning physical books to Barnes and noble? I sent them an email tonight but because order is more than two weeks old, they said they can’t do anything, so my plan is try the live chat tomorrow. I was just wondering if anyone has had experiences they could share?

I was originally just going to keep the books and try reading them because I bought them, but as more comes to light and greater lack of remorse from SH is revealed, I just don’t want to have these books in my possession...

@Laura

I would recycle those books. Make sure to separate one book into three or four pieces and recycle in different batches, so the books are not salvageable. Hopefully they will get a second chance as a better product. Definitely better for the environment than burning or just throwing away.

Mónica wrote: RITA nominee Santino Hassell's SINGLE DADS CLUB contemporary romance trilogy, his first m/f romance series featuring three single dads and the women who bring them to their knees, to Holly Ingraham at St. Martin's, by Courtney Miller-Callihan at Handspun Literary (world). Posted: September 19, 2017 at 10:13 p.m.

The editor, Holly Ingraham, recently announced that she's leaving St. Martin's to go freelance: https://twitter.com/holly_ingraham/st...

When an editor leaves a publisher, sometimes the book is re-assigned to a different editor. Though there could be a chance that the publisher will just decide to drop the books.

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion wrote: "Could you stop, please?
...
So, you do what you need to do. The fact that you're here ardently advocating on her behalf, talking about her "humanity" makes me seriously question whether or not you're here at her behest. So, I respectfully request that you try to muster up a modicum of respect for the people whose lives have been forever changed by this & take your devotion to Patreon, please. "


YES!! THIS!!! Clicking repeatedly on an imaginary "LIKE" button as well!!!

When I used to work at B&N we used to accept an exchange for store credit on all books as long as they were in sellable condition (looked new).

Book wrote: "When I used to work at B&N we used to accept an exchange for store credit on all books as long as they were in sellable condition (looked new)."

At this point it seems like recycling is the best option :/

Alexandra, if my comment made you feel that you’re not entitled to voice your point of view in this forum, I sincerely apologize. That was not my intention at all! I grew up in Argentina under a military dictatorship, so anything that smacks of censorship or of the erasing of history makes me very, very nervous as well. For the reasons I stated in my previous comment, though, I don’t believe that this is what’s going on in the case of SH. But if you believe differently, I am always open to hearing you out.

But are we getting the book because whoever is writing the books I like sooooo...... is the books still coming out?

Susan wrote: "Recently the author SH posted on his blog an entry showing pictures of himself. He said it was because anon trolls were trying to dox him and out his personal information - something he’s long said..."

Do you know if the books are still coming out

Mya wrote: "But are we getting the book because whoever is writing the books I like sooooo...... is the books still coming out?"

I don't know which book you mean but all three publishers who have released books by SH have terminated their relationship with them.
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
https://twitter.com/BerkleyRomance/st...
https://twitter.com/dreamspinners/sta...

For most people here it isn't a case of who was/is writing the books but that SH pretended to have friendships with readers/fans to gain their trust and later use personal, intimate information for their books without their knowledge.
I don't know if you know that so I'm giving you links where you can read testimonies of some of the victims.
https://twitter.com/sweetsakuradoll/s...
https://twitter.com/JennLA82/status/9...
https://twitter.com/sweetsakuradoll/s...
https://twitter.com/hashtag/SHConfess...

Zaza wrote: "Yeah I know, they're busy with the upcoming Paris Con right now.
Mxm is an important publisher here on the M/M scene, I can understand that they have lots of work at the moment, but knowing that St..."

Agreed. They just answered :



I'm very curious to hear about their answer...

PS. I posted on my blog about why I pulled out all mention of his work, feel free to tell me if I forgot information sources : https://meetthebookworld.com/2018/03/...

Josy wrote: "Mya wrote: "But are we getting the book because whoever is writing the books I like sooooo...... is the books still coming out?"

I don't know which book you mean but all three publishers who have ..."

Okay Thanks

Tal wrote: "Pendragonish wrote: "Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion wrote: "Reflection wrote: ""Santino Hassell" may be a pen name, but the author/authors is/are real human beings with real lives too.
..."

I am honestly curious:
What would YOU like to happen now?

Alienor ✘ French Frowner ✘ wrote: "Zaza wrote: "I'm very curious to hear about their answer....."

Thank you for informing us!
I hope they won't do it. If they already said they are canceling the series, I'd think they know what has happened and that this will be reason enough not to promote the book during the con. But who knows.

Mya wrote: "Josy wrote: "Mya wrote: "But are we getting the book because whoever is writing the books I like sooooo...... is the books still coming out?"

I don't know which book you mean but all three publishers who have ..."

Okay Thanks .."

You're welcome.

I take issue with the lovely fantasy that “those who have been injured by SH should have resort to lawsuits...” because of course, lawsuits are always a quick, effective way to resolve a matter, and of course we all have Bucket loads of money to pay for one!

Also a law suite is a very effective way of shutting down public discussion about someone’s wrong doing as it becomes sub judice.

Also, for those who are victims of abuse, lawsuits are extraordinarily traumatic as they have to minutely go over and over and over the facts of their abuse, including under cross examination.

There are quite a few lawsuits going on suing Trump for acts of a sexual nature. How many are we all aware of? That’s why.

I have been reflecting on what has been going on re Exposing SH, and my take is this: (speaking as a litigation lawyer)

- it is right and appropriate to tell publishes, the public, writers, the facts of what SH has been doing, including pointing them to the evidence.

- I think SH’s books should be pulled from publishing due to his mining of peoples’ pain to write them.

- any money or other benefit SH has obtained due to false pretences should be returned. I doubt this will happen unless people resort to lawsuits, which I see as unlikely due to cost.

-for myself, other than contacting people like Sadie sins to point her towards the facts, I have just pulled SH’s books from my GR shelves. I would have contacted publishers and review sights, but you lot have already done it.


- I would not try to find SH on SM or by any other way to express my views of them. Or do anything else to them.

- nor am I attacking people who still believe SH. To me they are ignorant , victims, or complicit. So I’ll just keep away from them.

- I have no compassion for SH whatsoever. They have been caught out doing appalling things, calculatedly, over years and years.

-SH are stone liars, trying to protect a long con. I will never believe or accept anything they say unless and until they demonstrate strong change. With evidence. (I can’t imagine, right now, this happening, but you never know.)

- there is no doubt in my mind that if they are unable to maintain SH as a money maker, they will set up another fake author(s) - probably more skillfully and carefully. I bet they are mining this whole situation to learn how to do it better - ie noting the points everyone made about saying they had liver cancer, and then showing them healthy/drinking etc.

- The really sad thing about all this, is that SH is a very talented writer. If they had just stayed writing under a pseudonym, without all the fake persona bullshit and victim mining, we would all probably be enjoying their books. So so stupid, destructive and unnecessary.

Book wrote: "Alexandra, if my comment made you feel that you’re not entitled to voice your point of view in this forum, I sincerely apologize. That was not my intention at all! I grew up in Argentina under a mi..."

Thank you very much Book. I appreciate that. Nothing you've said has made me feel that way, no :D In fact, pretty much everyone here has been very nice to me, and I appreciate it.

However, several times across this thread I have been made to feel uncomfortable about responses to others. Not in content, but tone. I don't wish to appear to be a party to that, nor do I wish to speak on it further, because that would only serve to cause havoc on a thread that should be kept for better things.

I appreciate everyone who has tolerated my participation here, and I've enjoyed the discussion I've engaged it. I also support the efforts in exposing this jerk author, and allowing his victims, and his past customers, a voice.

But in light of the above, and due to the fact that I have no real personal involvement, and my interest is only that of the general interest of a reader supporting other readers who have been misused, mislead, and attacked by an author (authors), I think it's best if I simply lurk here. :D

Amazonaute wrote: "I take issue with the lovely fantasy that “those who have been injured by SH should have resort to lawsuits...”"

If this is regarding some of my comments I just want to point out I never said “those who have been injured by SH should have resort to lawsuits...” (in fact, I don't recall anyone saying that).

I did say in a perfect world (hoping it's apparent this isn't it), a lawsuit would address the issue of appropriating personal stories, but that in this case it's quite understandable that's unlikely to occur because such a thing would cause further trauma to the victims. That as much as it'd be great to see this jerkwad get sued, it's understandable that is unlikely to occur.

I'm a survivor of armed sexual assault. I also have a close relative who is a manipulative narcissist. I'm not ignorant when it comes to trauma or abuse.