Everything I just read, really upset me.  I am sorry that the disagreement
between Jackie and Barbara has resulted in legal action.
 
I do recommend that if someone is harassing you, stalking you or attempting
attacks on your computer, that you notify the authorities IMMEDIATELY!
This consists of the local police in your jurisdiction, and possibly higher
authorities.  If your property has been damaged, or you have rec'd threats,
I cannot stress how important it is to report this also.  Recently, I had
to go to the local police over a similar thing and they were very helpful
in resolving the problem.
 
I will NOT take sides on this issue because I do not know either person
and that would not be fair.  If it is necessary to contact CUNY's legal
department, and you have not, I have the contact name and phone number.
BIG does do a pretty good job moderating the FML but sometimes things slip
through.  I do not feel that any of these posts should be on the FML
because of the legal undertones.  I am sure that BIG does not want to be
involved in any court cases or lawsuits.  He also probably does not like
having to decide which of these things should be allowed through.  He is
doing his best though.  I have felt slighted on numerous occasions and have
definitely let him know this, which these parties appear to have already
done also.
 
My recommendation is that disputes such as these, be kept from the FML -
COMPLETELY.  If I had my way, I would take back many of the posts I have
made that have caused controversy and anger - it is just not worth it.
Nothing gets resolved on this forum, and that is the main thing I have
learned (wish I was quicker to discover this).  If someone decides to argue
with you about something, ignore it.  Ignore their emails but save each and
every one for the authorities so that you have evidence, if needed.  Don't
respond to garbage or flames.  Unfortunately, no matter how many times I
instruct a former friend of this, they just cannot resist.  This is what I
have discovered over the past month or so and this is also what the police
recommend as a tactic to stop the harassers.  Harassers thrive on responses
and will eventually (well, most) give up if you don't respond (boredom).
 
BIG, for the sanctity of all and to keep the FML out of legal recourse, I
urge you to keep these disputes off this forum.  Again, posting on the FML
resolves NOTHING.
 
Life is too short.
 
Just my two cents.
[Posted in FML issue 3329]