Imagine my surprise when I saw a lengthy post of my own writing
posted to the FML, by not by my own doing!  I thought at first that
I had accidently sent an E-mail to the wrong address!  First let me
say that I don't mind at all that someone reposted my notes-- I'm for
spreading valuable information however it can be done.  In fact, I had
intended to send that post in myself, but I've been too short on time
to do so.  The only problem I have is that the note was not clearly
preceded by an explanation that it was a repost of a note written by
another--  it simply started off with a greeting of "Everyone--" and
launched into the body of the note.  Also, it was edited to make sense
to readers of the FML (which again is no problem to me), but there was
an error in the editting.  It stated that "Paul [Rahman] asked
specifically about the mention Rita made in her letter of...."
This is not correct, and if someone was seeking more information from
the person who had that conversation with the McDowells, it would make
locating them for clarification more difficult.  The original post said
"I asked specifically..." so when Anne posted it here she changed it to
try to say who asked.  I was the one that made that particular call to
the McDowells and subsequently wrote the note to a group of people on
NVN.  I'll say again that I don't mind that someone posted something
that I wrote--  in fact I think it's neat to see the circle that it
must have made!  I posted on NVN, Paul must have taken it to GEnie and
likely Prodigy, and I imagine it made it to AOL via Rose Smith who I
know used to have a GEnie account.  Cool!!  Hey, Anne, I used to talk
to you on GEnie, I think.  Do you live in the Chicago area and have a
ferret named Weaza (or Weezie or something like that)?  Anyway, my only
request is that if anyone ever wishes to repost something from me, they
be careful to say at the beginning of their note that it is a repost,
and who it was from.  No need to contact me before using it.  I'm not
interested in permissions, I just know how maddening it can be to try to
trace info that you've gathered when the source isn't clear!
     And here's one more plug for the McDowells--  if you still have a
copy of that letter Rita wrote me, check out the line that says "I am
not HEARING much from people in support, and we are emotionally as well
as financially drained."  What she was saying is that they need, as
much or more than monetary support, ferret friendly voices to give
them a boost.  I've talked to them on the phone and sent letters several
times now, and you wouldn't believe how glad they'll be to get to know
you a bit and know that you care about the mess they're in.  Please
take the time to write a note or call!  And know that if you can share
a monetary gift they will be most thankful for your extra support as
well.  We're a compassionate bunch here-- let's show it!!
 
              Debra
 
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[Posted in FML issue 0722]