Hiatus
Dear readers, I am going to take a break from blogging for awhile, because things are just getting a little too weird. As many of you know, an anonymous "troll" (what is the derivation of that term?), supposedly an ER doctor, has been leaving some comments on my blog that are insulting to other commenters. I'm not thinking happy thoughts about that troll now, but neither am I terribly pleased with the people who take the bait and respond to him, thereby contributing to an ongoing cycle of insults. As Sarabeth said, don't feed the troll.
But it is not the troll, per se, who is making me stop blogging, but rather talk of legal action against me. Someone was kind enough to send me some of the comments written on the Narofat yahoogroupsdotcom site. In those comments, one person speaks of the possibility of legal action against me, and the person replying, although she doesn't say anything about legal action against me, gives a less than charitable reply about me. (The comment is on my Thogger post if you want to read it.)
That brings to mind some questions. First of all, what is the Narof group? What do the letters stand for? And what have I done to draw such treatment from these people? I may have disagreed with them in the past, but I think I did so without malice. Personally, I don't think they have a case for legal action against me, but I'm not a lawyer and don't want to have to retain one. It seems to me that if someone doesn't like what's written on my blog there is an easier thing to do than threaten legal action - simply don't visit my site.
If it were just the troll, I could probably handle it by deleting comments or enabling comment moderation, something I will have to strongly consider if I resume blogging. That will change the character of the blog, though, since it would frequently be a day or more after posts are published before I could get to the comments. The free exchange of ideas would suffer. But speaking of legal action raises the stakes a notch. I like blogging, but hey, it's just a blog.
I'm not sure how long a break I'll take: maybe a few days, maybe a few weeks or months. I am sorry to have to do it, because I enjoy blogging, and judging from my comments many of the readers enjoy this blog and the discussions it engenders. I appreciate the majority of commenters who leave thoughtful and civil comments. I haven't minded when people disagree with me, but I can live without personal insults of me or other commenters and legal action. Like I said, it's just a blog.
I'll have to find something to do with my time if I don't blog. Maybe I'll get a dog. Hey, that rhymes....
But it is not the troll, per se, who is making me stop blogging, but rather talk of legal action against me. Someone was kind enough to send me some of the comments written on the Narofat yahoogroupsdotcom site. In those comments, one person speaks of the possibility of legal action against me, and the person replying, although she doesn't say anything about legal action against me, gives a less than charitable reply about me. (The comment is on my Thogger post if you want to read it.)
That brings to mind some questions. First of all, what is the Narof group? What do the letters stand for? And what have I done to draw such treatment from these people? I may have disagreed with them in the past, but I think I did so without malice. Personally, I don't think they have a case for legal action against me, but I'm not a lawyer and don't want to have to retain one. It seems to me that if someone doesn't like what's written on my blog there is an easier thing to do than threaten legal action - simply don't visit my site.
If it were just the troll, I could probably handle it by deleting comments or enabling comment moderation, something I will have to strongly consider if I resume blogging. That will change the character of the blog, though, since it would frequently be a day or more after posts are published before I could get to the comments. The free exchange of ideas would suffer. But speaking of legal action raises the stakes a notch. I like blogging, but hey, it's just a blog.
I'm not sure how long a break I'll take: maybe a few days, maybe a few weeks or months. I am sorry to have to do it, because I enjoy blogging, and judging from my comments many of the readers enjoy this blog and the discussions it engenders. I appreciate the majority of commenters who leave thoughtful and civil comments. I haven't minded when people disagree with me, but I can live without personal insults of me or other commenters and legal action. Like I said, it's just a blog.
I'll have to find something to do with my time if I don't blog. Maybe I'll get a dog. Hey, that rhymes....
posted by neonataldoc at 11:06 AM
160 Comments:
I hope you come back soon. I enjoy reading your blog.
Neonataldoc,
I am mostly alurker here and rarely ever post, because most of the time someone has said it far more eloquently that i ever could,but i meant to tell you that i have been reading your blog a few months now and have found it very fascinating. It is so sad to hear that you are having such troubles in blogland...why can't people just behave like civilized human beings?! I am so sorry to hear that you feel you will need some break...completely understandable, but still...
Anyway, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Karinsamira
I love reading your blog and I don't see anything that could warrant legal action. You do not use names and I see no HIPPA or confidentiality violations.
Remember, this is YOUR blog. It is your "diary" that you allow us to read. Even if we don't always agree with you, we respect you for your courage to post it.
This is America and you have the Freedom of Speech. Never forget that...
You will be missed.
Karen in KC
I'm so sorry and disapointed to read this. I'm not usually one to comment, but I wanted to let you know that your blog will be sorely missed, and I hope that your hiatus is a short one.
Megan
Sigh.I knew this day was coming. It happens every time. Once a new blogging community hits a certain critical mass, the sh*t hits the fan.
In the case of the medical blogs, the ramifications are much more serious, but even so I've seen these sorts of kerfluffles over and over again.
Hopefully, as in other cases, the result will be a renegotiation of the blogging culture. But I think blogging doctors need to be more careful. I don't have any issues with your blog, but some of the other blogs I've seen...well there are some docs who present themselves in a less than positive light. Doctor blogs are not an extension of private messageboard banter among professional peers. Nor are they the same as workplace humor. The audience is too public and too broad for that.
Still you wouldn't think our litigous natures would extend to personal essays in a public forum (i.e. free speech), but apparently they do. So blogger beware.
M
Well, that's a pity. Stupid trolls. :(( I mostly lurk, but I really enjoy your blog. I'm an MD on baby hiatus, and love the "connection" I get to the "real world" when I read here, as well as the many interesting questions you raise. I've seen NOTHING on here that I'd think would warrant legal actions. I hope you come back soon.
Sorry to hear of your upcoming break/ending of your blog. i think your "Thogger" award was well deserved and I will miss being able to read your thoughts whether I agree or not. i think if you have to stop blogging to protect yourself and the ability to continue to care for others that is exactly what you should do! Best of luck!
Here's what you can do while you are on hiatus: Write your posts but save them as drafts instead of publishing them. When you're ready to post your thoughts again they are there for you.
Also, you could publish your posts and not allow comments. I do this on some of my posts about my grief.
Well I hope it's just for the few days. I have you on bloglines so will know when you're back. I don't know why I read your blog, a 71 yr old retired hospital pharmacist, but I do, even all the comments which are often just as interesting as the posts.
Hope the trolls get back under the bridge or move on in the hiatus.
Maybe you need a new identity although I don't suppose that would really work.
Best wishes
jmb ( a lurker, usually)
Dear Neonatal Doc,
At the risk of "feeding the troll" (since *anything* I say here is used as a pretext for a rant by this person)
I would like to offer a much simpler solution.
The problem seems to be me and my posts which the troll and her/his followers attack on cue.
I would like to see this blog continue, and would like to see the free exchange of ideas -- not insults. So I will offer to withdraw and no longer post on this blog.
If I withdraw, would you have then have the decency to remove the false, defamatory posts about me from your site?
FYI, the Detroit Free Press used the language you take offense at, not me. I was paraphrasing and quoting the people they interviewed for their article.
For the record, although I find some of your comments a bit "politically incorrect," I can certainly understand and sympathize with the reasons why you make them. And this is one of the characteristics of your blog I've particularly enjoyed! I find you to be refreshingly honest.
NAROF stands for Neonatology and the Rights of Families, and we have no problem with you or your blog except your admitted enabling of the troll.
Hope to read you again soon -
i will miss reading your blog and thinking about your posts for the next couple of days after reading them, but i can certainly understand the wish to take a hiatus, there is always someone in a crowd who has to ruin something for everyone be it a benign issue a non issue or a major one. i mainly lurk, time doesn't always allow a comment, but i will check back regularly to see if you have returned. you could get a dog named Blog...
Oh, say it isn't so!
We'll miss you and your refreshingly honest, human approach to blogging. Your opinions are yours. When, and if, you return to blogging, I'll be a faithful reader.
I just started reading your blog about a month ago and am also sorry to see it go. I have only commented once and that was on your "guilt" posting. I would like you to know that I have always been afraid to discuss my feeling with anyone else and I felt great relief to see that most other women felt the same way I did. If you don't ever come back (even though I hope you do) I want you to know that you helped me.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Oh no!
I'm also more of a lurker than a commenter, but your hiatus has prompted me. ND, I'm really sorry you're leaving (even if it's just temporary) because your blog is one of my favourites. Your posts are so well-written and always thought-provoking. Although I don't post comments, I always look forward to reading them for the discussions. It would appear that my list of good reading has been shortened. I sincerely hope you'll be back soon.
Ada
Maybe when you return, you should have a Terms of Use statement.
People would sign a waiver not to sue you for anything written and not to try to identify you.
But, don't edit comments. You turn it into an I Love Me blog.
As a recovering from the experience NICU parent I have found your writing insightful and thought provoking. Thank you for helping me heal from my post difficult pregnancy/NICU stay trauma. You allowed me some insight into the other side of the conversation.
I wonder about the unintended consequences of HIPPA. Patients no longer have access to each other. Docs reluctant to talk about patients. Seems like some harm is done in not sharing experiences.
Cathy in Idaho
Delurking to say I've enjoyed your blog and learned a lot from it. That said, I kind of hope you get the dog. For your sake. I really wish you all the best. Keep up the good work.
YS
Good Riddance.
You are no better than a pharmaceutical company that supports a patient group on the sly, so it can give a populist face to the company's aims.
They turned on you a bit when you wouldn't do what they wanted. Now they want to make nice, so long as you do exactly as they say.
Hard to imagine you have never heard of this group.
You take a page from their book. Pretend your motives are something more palatable than they really are.
Your blog revolves around the question of 'should we save' ad nauseum. The question as to whether you have that authority and have conflicts of interest if you do seems to be at the root of your cut and run.
Again, for the record no one has threatened to sue anyone.
But, I just found you! I have only been reading for a couple of weeks and am intrigued.
I'm so sorry that a few people are causing you to take a hiatus, even if it turns out to be a brief one. I only recently found your blog, and I do enjoy it and have learned from it. Warm wishes to you in whatever you decide to do.
Neonatal Doc,
i really hope you return to blogging.... you and Barbados Butterfly were my favorites and now it looks like you are both heading offline...
Sorry to see you go. This has been a wonderful place to pause and consider many different points of view and I hope it will make me a better doctor myself one day.
Aussie Med Student.
I've enjoyed your thoughtful and well reasoned posts. You and I don't always agree, but you do always help me see your side of things --- which is more important than agreeing. That's how we learn to resolve differences peacefully --- a skill we need to hone, both as individuals and as nations.
Exploring your legal options is the new threat of lawsuit.
I always loved your blog ND. I hope you come back soon but its understandable wth all the venomous remarks and slander left in the comments section. I wish you all the best.
Julie
If you want, I'll make you a co-author of my blog in the underground. ;) Just sayin!
Sorry you're having to go through this. It sucks when something you truly enjoy becomes a major stressor and a personal liability. It isn't right that people would attack you so. I have never read anything that you've written and presumed it to have anything but the best intentions for your patients and your field. I have disagreed with you from time to time, but never in an uncivil manner - and you've always been respectful of my opinion, too!
I'm just sad to see that the wolves are getting you, too. So many have been brought down by people that just seem to want someone to attack - they want to go out into the world to seek and destroy other people.... It makes me sad to know that people are out there with the sole intent of bringing malcontent on others. But it's true - it happens, and I can list several instances of it in the past several months for those who I have become "friends" with through blogging.
Hang in there - maybe you should make your blog private, as well. It has a certain freedom to it that even anonymity doesn't offer.
Take care,
Carrie :)
Nice to know that this non profit organization is doing such great work. Spending their time reading blogs they do not like, and posting nasty comments, and threatening lawsuits. Just as they have the right to give a voice to the families with impaired/disabled NICU graduates, we have rights to discuss our experiences, feelings, and concerns with neonatology. I love neonatology. When questioning the lives of the extremely premature, it is simply a question. We did not have these abilities 20-30 years ago. Blogs are a place to express feelings, ideas, if you are not interested, do not read. Are you reading the blogs dedicated to satanic rituals, molecular biology - If you do not like it - DO NOT READ IT!
NAROF
BUMMER! I love your blog ND. Been reading for a long time.
I'm disappointed you feel the need to check out for awhile. Truthfully, I didn't mind the ER Doc's posts- I think debate is good for all involved. I'm not a fan of law suits or name calling but the banter of "facts" is good for all of us. So sorry to see you go, please come back soon!
Mom of 24 weeker
I'm sorry to hear it. Trolls have destroyed many outlets for me in the past and they truly ruin the party for everyone. I don't see how anyone could bring legal action against you - you're not offering advice, you're just giving your opinions - but I respect your caution in the matter.
I hope you can find a way to continue, and if not I hope you get a cute dog.
As always, one or two bad seeds ruin things for the rest of us. What's new?
Sad to see you go, ND - I've read your blog for a while now and while I rarely comment, your site is one of the better parts of my day.
If you decide not to blog anymore, I can totally understand why. Sometimes, for all it gives us in terms of interaction and knowledge, the internet isn't really worth the trouble it can bring.
Helen I hope you learn something valuable from all of this. You were Quixote but ER doc was Perseus!!!
I wanted to add that ER doc, you have handled this whole thing with amazing diplomacy and grace. It also goes to show that mental illness is not always a preemie related issue, eh?
I meant neonatal doc.
I've never commented before, but I'm a pre-medical student and I've truly enjoyed your blog. I've been reading for several months now, and I've agreed passionately with some posts and disagreed with equal vehemence on others, but your writing has always proved insightful and thought-provoking, honest and up-front. I'm so sorry to see you go, especially on account of such unreasonable behavior on the part of others.
come back soon.
and to anonymous "troll",
"The complete irresponsibility of man for his actions and his nature is the bitterest drop which he who understands must swallow."
Nietzsche, 1890
I agree with a previous poster that reading your posts have helped in my healing from a rough pregnancy and a long NICU stay. Understanding what goes on in the minds of at least some neonatologists has helped me to understand my own experience a little better. Thank you for that. You will be missed.
Neonatal Doc,
You will be missed. Next time, don't let a small, vocal group of fanatics take up residence on your blog.
First they have you blogging to address their gripes. Then they think they own you.
You slowly conditioned them to expect you would jump when they said jump. When you stopped giving in, they threatened suit. By stopping the blog, you gave them the consolation prize.
Good luck.
ND - Just a note of support. Your blog was a must-read everyday and I will truly miss your writing. Don't let the bullies drive you underground!
In the mean time, take a break, do some writing (save & post later) and be well!
And THANK YOU!
so sorry to see you go
Reading your blog was part of my healing process after my daughter's stay in nicu.
I hope you come back soon
I have to agree w/ the other "moms". Your blog is a great way to look into the minds of Neonatologists. Thank you for many hours of reading enjoyment. Good luck in whatever you decide.
ND -
Don't go - I just found you! Seriously, I am sad, you are a great read. My preemie just came home last week, and you have been a great reminder of what the other side (the med team) is dealing with. Our NICU stay was a pretty decent one, all things considered (great facility, docs and staff), but it is never easy. You made it a little bit better.
Come back soon!
Oh, now that is a damn shame. Begone icky little troll, begone!
I certainly don't agree with everything you say, but "legal action" sounds a bit excessive, unecessarily expensive, and completely futile.
Don't give in Neonatal Doc.
Take a break, get some air, read a book...but come back. When you do decide to hang up your keyboard, do it on your terms...not on anyone else's.
As an aside, I am raising two NICU "graduates". You wouldn't know it from a majority of the comments on this blog, but NICU's are not soley devoted to preemies. My son had open heart surgery at 12 days old to repair a very serious heart defect and my daughter was born with Trisomy 21. The NICU saved my son's life and even though my daughter's stay paled in comparison to my son's, who knows what would have happened had she not been there.
Everybody is entitled to their own opinion and it is very valid to discuss what saving a life truly means, and it is a sad day when yet an other venue for the conversation is lost.
I too am sad to see you go on hiatus.
If you decide to come back, I would strongly suggest that you disallow anonymous commenting.
NAROF stands for "Neonatology and the Rights of Families". The NAROF Yahoo group has 50 members and opened April 2006.
ND, if you feel you have been abused or defamed by postings to this group, visit this webpage http://help.yahoo.com/fast/help/us/groups/cgi_abuse.
While you are on hiatus, perhaps you would find reading this set of pages on trolls and trolling to be useful An introduction to trolling; eradicating trolls.
I don't think anyone else answered your question about the origin of the term "troll". to the best of my knowledge, it refers to the fishing term for dragging bait along and hoping something bites. they post bait, and wait for you to bite, then string you along.
how narofian!
Dear ND,
I for one will miss your insightful and thought-provoking blog. As the mom of premature twins born at 24.6 weeks I have enjoyed reading your entries and some of the comments by your readers. Such a pity that individuals choose to behave in such an offensive manner and destroy a useful forum for discussion.
By the way I always thought "trolls" lived under bridges and scared passers-by....
Sending lots of warm wished from Australia,
Lisa
mum to Mitch & Harry
"First, kill all the lawyers."
Then get a restraning order against Shakespeare for posting death threats.
How to eliminate trolls and everyone else?
Sue them.
Good luck. I agree it was getting very wierd. I had to stop reading a while back after your blog was taken over by the same person trying to promote their individual agenda. I think when any individual begins to comment more than a paragraph or two, day in and day out, it's time to get their own blog.
Best of luck. We'll miss you.
Those oh-so bright people from THAT group whose quality of life is so much better than others suggest:
If you are abused on Google, then by all means, here's a link to complain to Yahoo!!!
You are a wonderful blogger and writer.
Please don't stay away for too long.
I'll miss you.
I will miss you too! I am a long-time reader AND lurker. I always found your posts thought-provoking and enjoyed discussing some of the issues you brought up with my husband. You will be greatly missed.
It really is a shame to see all the hatred and anger coming from the troll & it is obvious of which group they belong. I hope during this hiatus the indivual(s) can make peace with their situation. Its almost as if they are taking the and anger/frustration from their home life (disabled/delayed child?) and projecting it onto this blog.........................
I'll miss it. Come back soon.
I'll miss it. Come back soon.
Well, Neonatal Doc, I've enjoyed your blog.
I'll miss it.
I'm sorry that a small but vocal minority of your readership simply fails to distinguish between reasoned disagreement and personal attacks and have devolved the level of discourse here.
For the unfamiliar, rational disagreement looks like this:
"I think your position is wrong. Here's why I disagree completely."
In contrast, a personal attack looks like this:
"You're fat, stupid and ugly! You have no life! If I were you I wouldn't get out of bed in the morning!"
Peronal attacks, otherwise known as ad hominum arguments, fail to address ideas. Most educated folk recognize them as a sign of weakness.
Sadly, until internet access comes with IQ tests, the balanced and heartfelt discussions that took place here will have to be held elsewhere.
I wish you the best, and hope you'll be back one day.
ND - I'm a daily reader of your blog. I think your posts are well worded, thoughtful, and make us think. I work on the L&D side of the hospital, and I always appreciate the views of the neonate docs.
While I do not always agree with some things you say about nurses, I still appreciate your point of view.
I have always been concerned about HIPAA and violations of pt privacy by blogging about things at work. I make sure I change details so that specific patients cannot be recognized. I also keep it vague as to what part of the state that I live in and work at. I only recently put up a picture of myself, which if things ever get hairy, will get pulled off very quickly.
Have a good rest on your hiatus, and I look forward to reading your posts again sometime soon.
Thanks to everyone for the well wishes. I expected some but this response is truly overwhelming. I especially like the one about getting a dog named Blog.
Helen, you don't have to stop commenting here. Everyone should be able to give their views, provided they aren't personal attacks. I'm happy to remove offensive personal comments about you. I've already removed many of them, but on one post there were so many comments (over 100, not all personal attacks against you) that I stopped reading them. I'll just delete all the comments on that one.
In exchange, though, I would ask that if anyone anywhere, on the NAROF site or elsewhere, talks about legal action against me, that you speak against it in no uncertain terms. You don't deserve to be insulted, and I don't deserve to have legal action against me.
I, too will miss your blog and your insight.
See, ND, it isn't "just a blog" after all. It is a tremendous source of support and education to parents of preemies and others. It is a responsibility. It is a confrontation of issues. It is a creative outlet. It is a social experience, even with anonymity.
I have felt stung and stunned by what has happened on your blog over the past week. Even as you have.
The outpouring of support is just as remarkable.
Take a step back, if you must; and then come back for more of the good stuff that is going on between you and your vast readership!
I think it would be a good idea to read and edit before a post can appear . . . at least for a while.
I found it instructive to read the link to trolls and stalkers provided by liz.
ND, believe me, Narof is NOT the enemy.
Chris and Vic
To Neonatal Doc:
Thank you for your response. I want to assure you that no one on NAROF has seriously considered any legal action against you.
"ER Doc" is another matter... but we were thinking more in terms of possible complaints to the AMA (assuming this person really is a doctor) or, if need be, a restraining order.
As long as the poisonous posts are deleted -- the ones that are gratuitously insulting, demonstrably false, and ominous in tone -- we have no problems.
I should add that NAROF is an eclectic group of strong minded individuals. I would no more try to control such a group (which I am only temporarily moderating while the founder, in Australia, is out sick)than I would try to herd cats.
But I will go out on a limb here and say I *think* I can speak for them in saying none of us at NAROF wants to cause you any problems or any pain. We greatly value your forum, as I have said many times before this current tempest erupted.
You and I disagree on some issues, but agree on so much more such as the need for evidence based practice, which I think is the basic, crucial issue.
I hope you will reconsider closing the blog, even temporarily.
But whatever your decision, I will now take a much needed vacation myself and, perhaps, do a bit of spring skiing before the snow melts. I hope cooler heads prevail if/when we reconvene.
Neonatal Doc
You let the trolls from Narof win.
All one has to do is mention legal action and you roll right over.
What will you do when someone threatens suit if you don't do the opposite of what they want?
Are you really a doctor?
ND, never commented on a blog before. Sorry to see you go. As a nurse and mom to two preemies 26 and 27 weeks I have found your blog a very worthwhile blog since I stumbled on it couple months ago.
sorry to see you go...
Good luck with whatever you decide for your future ND. Maybe a break will put everything into perspective.
Take care,
Jacqui
Hello Neonatal Doc,
I hope you come back to blogging. I sometimes disagree with things you have said, but I like the way you say them. You expect people to have their own opinions. Looking forward to hearing about the dog.
Best of luck,
Pen
ND,
I am sad to see you taking a break from blogging. I have to admit that I had to stop reading the comments to your posts in the last week because I would get so angry at a certain person and their agenda.
I am the Mom to 27 week triplets that are about to turn one. I look to your blog to see the other side of things that happen in the NICU. We had a very rough ride and spent a long time in the NICU but came out without any major problems.
I dont always agree with some of your posts but have learned in my years that its ok to agree to disagree. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, no matter how wrong they are... :)
You will be missed.
Christine
Sorry have to say something to Helen. Please Helen stay off this blog. NO one wants to hear how you bend your outdated preemie statistics. Just because you didnt have a good outcome doesnt mean that every NICU survior is going to have or has problems. Some get by just fine. Some dont. Its the same as in term babies. Some have learning disablities, physical disablities, incurable diseases, etc. Its the luck of the draw.
So please stay on your NAROF board and leave ND's blog alone.
There is no need for an apology from ND. If anything you need to apologize for taking over the comments section on his blog. Shame on you.
Maybe you should start your own blog.
I hope you don't stay away long.
When you do come back take anonymous posting ability off your blog - then you may not have such trouble with this troll - or better yet, take commenting off completely.
Your blog has helped me in many ways.
Thanks for letting me see the doctor side of all of this, and I hope to read more soon.
Also wanted to add thank you to Helen for posting here - without her comments this blog wouldn't have been half of what it was to me.
I've been able to look differently at alot of what I've been through and have changed my thought process almost completely.
Thanks to both of you!
Neonatal Doc.,
I have posted a few times in the comments, but mostly, I just read your blog. Im sorry it has come to this. Im expecially sorry about the threat of a lawsuit. I don't understand any of this or why anyone would want to sue you.
As for your troll. I recognize him from another medical blog he tried to bring down. It is best to just ignore them.
For the life of me I can't understand why someone would just target your blog when there are some (one in particular) medical blogs that truly deserve a taking down. Yours is not even close to them.
I hope you do decide to come back, even if it is in the form of a new (more anonymous) blog. Or like what Carrie has said to you. Only allow invited readers and commenters to view your blog. It keeps everyone else out.
Sarabeth had a good idea about writing and saving them to your draft folder. I'm sorry you have had to face such cruel things on the internet. Please know that most of us value your infomation and will certainly miss you.
As the mom of a 24 weeker i truly enjoy your blogging, i hope you come back soon... or maybe just send out emails? lol
I am sorry that this had to happen. I have really enjoyed reading your blog and I hope that you will be coming back soon.
Several of the comments seemed to put Narof members on the same level as a troll (thanks for the cool defn Liz. They seemed to think that disagreement was the reason for Neo going silent.
i don't think Neo mind disagreement, as one can see from a year of amazing posts/comments. Narof members, as much as those who feel preemies should be saved over and against parents' decisions, may have strong opinions. This debate is hardly the reason to stop blogging. If the debate offends, please stop reading.
The real problem was the explict and implicit threats that the troll made in the post on balance--suggesting that a blogger be "offed" or "off herself". These were made repeatedly in addition to other slanderous remarks made that did little to advance the discussion.
This kind of speech is on a continuum with more serious stalking, which has been making headline news at the BBC lately. I'm talking about the death threats made for 4 weeks against blogger Kathy Sierra. The BBC story notes that anonymity seems to feed violence in the blogging world, often directed at female bloggers.
Please be sure we distinquish between truly unbalanced trolls and strong debate. Debate is fine, trolls are the problem here.
Here are the links to the BBC story and her blog:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6502643.stm
http://headrush.typepad.com/creating_passionate_users/
PS. I forgot to add that I really like this blog Neo and I hope you come back soon. I think you misrepresented Narof by suggesting they were considering legal action against you---as Helen noted, if anyone was the problem, it was the troll.
My comment about gender and blogging came from a March 27th BBC story about Kathy Sierra, to wit:
"While blogging feuds are common, she believes the campaign against her is more likely to be because she is a woman in the male-dominated technology world."
The story also noted that such violent speech should be protected in the name of 'commentary' or 'criticism". All of which seemed relevant to the recent debate here on Neo regarding trolls, their right to be heard.
here is the link to the BBC story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6499095.stm
if you take to long of a break we'll have to start a special group to petition you back or something. i enjoy your blog as a student going into nursing with an interest in nicu. its always one bad apple that spoils things for everyone. its sad that even reading through the comments on this blog some people have to attack you. why read at all if you dont like it? anyway enjoy the break, nd.
Dr. N,
I am delurking also to thank you and say that I will miss you, too. What I enjoyed most about your writing is your willingness to acknowledge both sides of an issue, and your refreshing honesty, including the "un-pc" opinions.
Some folks just can't give it a rest, can they?
Kathleen
ND,
Add my voice to the already strong chorus of 'please come back soon and don't let those trolls get you down.' Your blog has been a tremendous source of information, support, and community for me as I've gone through the post-NICU experience. Frankly, I enjoy the conversational aspect of many of the posts and follow-ups. I learn a lot about my own beliefs (and even revise them) when I'm challenged by others---and this most definitely includes Helen, even if I've had a few run-ins with her. It's a shame that there are those out there so diabolical and so undemocratic as to make it their primary concern in life to shut everyone else up. Out, out, damn troll!
And please come back soon, Neonatal doc!
PS I'm not sure that blog and dog really do rhyme; you might need to go out and get a log (like that character from the long-ago-canceled Northern Exposure did instead. Less walking, but greater fire hazard, I suppose)
There is your "troll", who personally made me giggle and then there is the grumpy old troll who lives under the bridge. Subversive, manipulative, makes you solve weird puzzles in Spanish (mom joke)...Anyway, reviewing the latter's email to narof is unquestionably trollish in it's most accurate definition.
Legal action??? The reactions of some of these people should make their spouses grateful that she got to them first and not the heaven's gate people et al. The backpedaling is amusing on its own. Poor ND.
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whoops. typo in my post from 2:32 am. I meant the BBC says trollish and violent comments do NOT deserve to be protected in the name of criticism, etc. It follows that I do not believe that trolls deserve to be heard, but I do believe that all sides of the argument can rant and rave as long as they like.
Enjoy your hiatus Neo, looking forward to seeing you back.
I am so sorry you are going through this. It's just disgusting that people can not behave with one another. I've never visited your site before, but someone I have exchanged comments with enjoys this blog, and I've heard of your troubles by people that care and want you to be able to continue blogging. People don't want you to give up what you enjoy doing. I'm wishing the best to you. As someone once gave me good advice, lay low for a bit.. then carry on. Best to you.
I too wish you the best. Get some rest and come back soon.
Flea
Anonymous said: "There is your "troll", who personally made me giggle. ."
Really - giggle? When someone has been bullied and mistreated, defamed and personally attacked? This makes you giggle?
I support Helen's viewpoints and have added a number of my own viewpoints here over the last several months, but admittedly the "anonymous" troll made me quit commenting as well. The personal attacks against Helen, against mothers of kids with disabilities certainly made me back away in disgust. And it's so unfortunate, because this was THE blog to come to to have a really nice debate with both sides of this issue.
I'm sorry it came to this as well ND, but I hope it gets resolved and we can continue on. As a member of NAROF, there was no talk of any legal action against you.
Enjoy your break, I hope to see you back. Your blog is excellent and I will miss reading your posts.
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Dear Neonatal Doc,
De-lurking.
While my experience in the NICU, was not do to pre mature birth, my son 41 weeks, NICU stay was due Group B Strep. At 41 weeks he was really the show, I can’t tell you how many times I heard, “Wow a full term baby, he’s huge”. I did not realize until we got him home how small he actually was. I still remember every preemie baby in his section; I often wonder how they are today.
My family has been very blessed, my son has suffered no long-term effects from the GBS. Of course this experience changed me greatly, as he was my first baby, I never in a million years could have imaged that he would spend 21 days in the NICU.
After things calmed down a bit, ok a whole lot, I found that his illness and my time in the NICU left me with unanswered questions. Questions that I would not know to ask or even thought about in till much later. When you are placed in a situation that you have zero life experience and your hormones are going crazy there is only so much you can take in.
In order to process the whole experience, not just the NICU stay, I turned to research. And that, my friend, is how I found you.
I love how you share your experiences and opinions. Your articles have really helped me feel empowered and confident.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and professional life with me.
Victoria
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AM
Buddhist Troll said...
" It follows that I do not believe that trolls deserve to be heard, but I do believe that all sides of the argument can rant and rave as long as they like."
So, you can make a complete fool of yourself not understanding the steroid issues in preterm labor.
Someone explains it to you twice or more. Then, you call them a troll to have the whole embarrassing incident taken down.
So TROLL, what is the current cutting edge debate is steroids and preemies in your Trollish eyes?
Enjoy your hiatus Neo, looking forward to seeing you back.
6:32 AM
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Helen Harrison said...
To C & V who say:
"40% of micropreemis will not live independtly because their disabilities are so severe or cumulative. "
Actually the 40% statistic refers to babies born between 26 and 33 weeks. (Walther et al. _Early Human Development_ 2000)
No one yet knows the percentage of micropreemies who will or will not live independently.
5:20 PM
-----------------------------
AM
Anonymous said...
Helen Harrison, in another failed attempt to be the Mad Scientist said...
"Actually the 40% statistic refers to babies born between 26 and 33 weeks. (Walther et al. _Early Human Development_ 2000)"
ER doc with the facts:
Frans J. Walther, A. Lya den Ouden, S. Pauline Verloove-Vanhorick, Looking back in time: outcome of a national cohort of very preterm infants born in The ***Netherlands in 1983****, Early Human Development 59 (3) (2000) pp. 175-191.
Guess what, 25 years ago, little old ladies with type 2 diabetes didn't do so well either.
And in the Netherlands -- let's just say they aren't know for aggressive treatment and leave it at that. PS Helen they off sick elderly people pretty quick there too. So, at least they are equal opportunity offenders.
10:45 AM
I just began reading you, and I'm sorry to see you go!
I wish people would lighten up about online blogs - they're just thoughts.
Best of luck in your future endeavors!
I am a nicu nurse for 21 years, just for the record....its not all about premature babies....when we have a full term, LGA, meconium aspirate baby, that baby is ususally the sickest baby in the unit and the most unstable....
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ND,
I really hope that you decide to come back soon. I have to say that I am a little confused as to what is going on here with this whole "troll" thing. I want to know why it is okay for me to be attacked because I stand up for my son who is disabled but yet SOME of us are deemed "trolls".
I find it pretty sad that Helen needs the posts removed about her because she doesn't like it. Yet it is okay for her to put us moms down of disabled children. It is okay for her to tell us that if we have had preemies and saved them that "WE" put them through the pain and suffering of the NICU...
Come on now...it can't just work one way Helen!
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Well CRAP Batman! Maybe make the durn thing private and allow who you want to read it or something, but PLEASE don't just stop!
Who on earth will get my blood boiling as well as you and your bearded women stories!?!?!
If you make it private, make you a list of those of us you "trust" (as much as you can trust anyone you've never met) and be sure and let us know how to visit. I don't know how, but I am sure someone can tell you.
Take care NeoDoc...it was good for me. justforfuntoday at gmail dot com
ND, one more quick comment. I love your blog but if I were you I probably wouldn't resume posting after all this nonsense. If you do, I urge you to disallow anonymous comments, or comments altogether.
I'm sorry these people have ruined your blog.
Lesson learned here... Don't put your professional license on the line. Some how, some way, HIPPA violations can occur even though it isn't your (ND) fault. Especially like this venue. You (ND) seem like a compassionate Neo and there are some parents of premies appreiciate your comapassion and discussions. But there are always hecklers in the group. Just write articles that these people can read and relate to, but not make any comments. Play it safe.
A West Coast NICU RN
ND,
I love reading your blog. Something about your posts draws me in. I think maybe you make us feel as if we are there with you.
I have a 28 weeker who is gratefully doing amazingly well at this point and I love reading. I check in pretty much every day. I truly hope you come back. You have written some thought provoking posts.
Lori
ND...the idea of making the blog open by invitation like neonursechic is a good one. Maybe you could set up an anon gmail or yahoo address and all of us that want to read and post would have to be invited by you.
Or block Helen's IP. Problem solved.
There will always be some negative comments, and then again snowball, and the same thing will happen.
Premies, right to live, right to die....very touchy subject. And when HIPPA and professional licenses are involved...not worth it. There are many support groups/seminars with real live people and people who take full responsibility for what they say and do, and open forums...that may be better than Blogs on the internet related to very personal issues. Families who have gone through so much with their babies in the NICU don't deserved to be stress out over a blog. Could actually put you in a bad mood. Again Play it Safe.
Just looking out for you(ND) and parents of ex-premies.
West Coast NICU RN
I am so upset that you are going to discontinue your blog. I have really enjoyed reading your posts. I had a son in the NICU bcs of RH...he was absolutely the biggest horse baby in there (6 lbs 5 oz at 34 wks) and I can now understand why he was in the front of his pod. He was always surrounded by his blue lights, but he looked like a moose in there. I was always curious, but NEVER gawked (or allowed our family members to) at the other babies. I think a lot of the parents wanted to see our son, he was just so BIG. As hard as a time as his stay was, I always reminded myself that compared to the other parents we were "golden" and it helped me put his health into perspective.
Oh, and I never really minded all the residents and hospital staff bcs he was a big teaching case (rhogam failure).
Anyway, enough of my rambling, you will be missed. I hope you decide to come back.
mom of a Beaumont baby
In terms of playing it safe, just a theoretical story depicting no-one-
I am a psychologist and posted a long time ago in your comment board about how someone gets to the point of being proud of having 12 babies that they can't take care of.
Theoretically, when someone has a personality disorder they have an intense drive to get themselves "viewed", as it were. It is crucial to their ego to be seen, their opinions heard, in order to feel that they exist (but consciously it is because they must show the world what they know, they can help, they are "right").
These people, whether in fashion, teaching, whatever always seem to outsiders to be on a mission. Their passion at first is intoxicating and it takes time for others to slowly become disenchanted.
When their views/appearance get consistently challenged, the ego goes into overdrive to protect itself. If they had to actually process criticism, the genuine pain they have under their strictly held persona would start to arise. So, they go on the attack in order to not face their real issues, which created their drive in the external world.
This can manifest in arguments, put downs, and threats (such as....). Anyway, because they are so dependent on getting their narcissistic needs met, they quickly backpedal if they see that they are beginning to lose their narcissistic source. They need it to stay in denial. It gives them life.
Due to usually excellent persuasive skills, the cycle starts again and the threats generally escalate because already they were knocked down in the past and unconsciously want to be "king" or "queen" of the world they are presenting. In short, when the narcissistic source does not play by the rules the second time, it gets worse.
They can be helped with treatment, but without it are emotional vampire. Again, just a story I though I would share.
We can keep the good and get rid of the bad.
What is missed is not the blog, but the space for new moms to share their NICU and post-NICU experiences.
We could replace that with a Yahoo group. Limit it to moms who have given birth in the current century.
The other thing people like is hearing what is going on inside the doctor's head.
We could get other neonatologist, NICU nurses, and other doctors to tell us that. We aren't getting the whole story from N.D. It is the only one we have so we drink it up. A linked mom's blog expressed surprise that leaving them to die, can lead to survivors who have problems from the attempt, not the prematurity.
Current preemie moms need their own community. Not one run for the satisfaction of the "experts" from the medical profession or the last generation of preemie moms.
Awww... shooot.
I will miss your blog (but not the comments). It was very good therapy for me in attempting to get over our most recent NICU adventure. Thanks for being here, at least for a little while.
ND,
Just wanted to lend my voice of support to you too. I absolutely understand your hiatus after what has happened here recently. I hope you will come back soon because i love your writing and your blog has been a great forum for fruitful discussion!
You will be much missed, and please come back soon!
"Current preemie moms need their own community. Not one run for the satisfaction of the "experts" from the medical profession or the last generation of preemie moms. "
These types of communities are all over the web. I have been a member at several and am still a member at a couple now that my preemie is older. I have one linked in my blog if you are interested anon.
NND, I don't even know if you will read this, it is so far down. One of my commenters reminded me today, of holoscan comments. If you decide to come back you may want to add holoscan commenting to this blog, and take off the blogger comments.
Holoscan allows you to ban or block individual IP numbers (something that blogger comments doesn't allow)..You can easily obtain the IP numbers from sitemeter...You can keep your same blog just add holoscan for commenting.
Make that "HaloScan"...geez
ND...sorry that you may stop blogging; I always read your posts. Some made me laugh, some made me sad, but I always thought about them. Good luck, and if you decide to come back, please let me know!
I'm a big lurker and I find your blog really interesting, what a shame some troll has to spoil it for everyone :-(
Hope you come back really soon
Reading your blog is one of the highlights of my day. I will miss you. I hope you resume blogging after a break. rural_obgyn
ND,
You could say that I am a lurker, I have never commented before but I had to write and say that I really enjoy your blog. My son was just born this Jan at 31 weeks, I saw this blogspot discussed on the preemie list yahoo group and checked it out. I have found reading your blogs is very enlightening, after spending two months in the NICU I enjoyed learning from and hearing the opinions of the people that do the jobs like yours every day. I think it takes dedicated people to become doctors, I don’t see how you could not love your job and truly care for your patients to go back to such stressful situations every day.
To be honest I have never paid too much attention to the comments because they always seem to go from being educated responses and well thought out opinions to people getting easily offended over nothing really. I think people need to stop being so touchy about every little thing, because for the rest of their lives there is always going to be someone or some group that does not agree with them just as they will not agree with them. But that does not mean anyone’s opinion matters less. Intelligent beings that we are should begin to realize this but I don't think we ever truly well. At least not as a society and not until people grow beyond thinking solely of themselves. I am sure that my case was discussed both in and out of the hospital my son was at because of the slightly unusual situation that it was. Also the hospital was a teaching hospital and I know that they discussed it in some of their classes because a lot of the students knew about me and my son before they had ever met us. I was glad to know that the discussion of my case would help the doctors, nurses and students in the future if the same situation ever happened again. The reason that I bring this up is that when you talk about your cases I feel your educating people in a small way.
Once again I have truly enjoyed your blogs and I hope that you will keep it up or will start again soon.
Hello Neonataldoc,
I was reading the Chicago Tribune a number of weeks ago, I suppose two weeks, give or take a few days, and I stumbled on a short article about "doctors venting in internet blogs." and the URL for your blog was listed at the end of the article. I decided to take a gander to see what all the fuss is about. It is most unfortunate that I caught you on your hiatus though it would be nice to hear your thoughts on life, your occupation, and such. I suppose this makes you slightly famous or infamous, depending on how you spin it.
PEDSnurse
I'll miss reading your blog and the thought-provoking comments. I've learned a lot through your blog. I wish you the best.
Best wishes.
The original blog dog!
Again, thanks to everyone for the nice words. Dr. Dork, I read about the blog dog and laughed like crazy. Thanks for the link.
We'll just let things settle down for a little while and then see what happens.
I too will be sad if you stop blogging. I found your journal to be very insightful and thought provoking. I also enjoy the ethical aspects you bring up. I'm sorry you're having issues with people. :/
Good luck and my best wishes in life and work.
I love your blog...Please don't leave!
Trolls beware. Your IP address can be hunted down. You can be tagged with libel. It may not be pretty.
Sorry to hear you're taking a break. I read the blog regually and I've never seen anything you've written to be anything other than an honest reflection upon your work. You clearly care about your patients and their families, to me it seem rediculous that others seem to take offense at this. As you say it is just a blog, and I hope you enjoy your future activities!
I'm very sorry to see you go. I am the mother of twins born at 31 weeks. We had a very uneventful stay in the NICU, but I spent a lot of time sitting around observing what was going on, and found it all quite interesting. I have enjoyed reading your blog very much, but have been absolutely appalled and astonished at how it was hijacked on a regular basis by particular commenters. I often thought that the people who most frequently engaged in these lengthy discussions should have redirected the discussions to their own blog, or some other forum. And now this has resulted in you leaving. I don't blame you, given all that has gone on. It is just too bad.
I don't comment a lot, but I've read every single one of your posts. I've enjoyed your writing and your thoughts. I just wanted to add my support. Do what is best for you. I hope it works out for the benefit of all the community.
I will miss you while you're gone. I think maybe you should just blog and delete the annoying ones ... hey, you can do whatever you want! It's your blog! None of us will be sad to see trolls go.
I think you've been very careful keeping yourself anon and shouldn't worry about legal action. But I understand your desire to be careful.
All the best to you, Doc. I will be sad to see you go if that's what you decide - you gave us all a very unique look at a world that very few of us get to see. If we can be more sensitive to the angst of NICU parents -- and to their caregivers -- we're all better people, and you have given us that gift.
So sorry that such a mess has prompted this, but like so many other readers here, I loves me some NeoNatal Doc!
ND, I have posted a few times to your comments sections, but mostly remain silent.
I only found your blog a couple of months ago and it has been one of my staple sites to visit in search of new preemie information. I think you present your own opinions and views very nicely and in a way that appeals to so many of us out here who are dealing with preemies, and the after-effects of prematurity.
I am dismayed to read that you are now going to shut down your blog for a while because I feel that it is a great source of comfort and information for many Mums and Dads.
I do hope that you take the suggestion of another person here, and make all of your posts into drafts and then post them when you feel up to taking this all on again.
I think enlisting the aid of another program to block IP addresses is a good idea also, and perhaps you could enlist a couple of actual people who have some time to spare, to actually read the comments and then allow their publication. It seems excessive, but it will only take a little while for the people who hijacked your blog to realise that their comments aren't being posted anymore and perhaps they'll lose interest and find something else to do with their time.
I do hope you return one day, because I think it's a great loss for the NICU and NICU-graduate community to lose such a valuable source of information and debate.
I do hope you come back.. I check in very often and I enjoy reading you. I am on the side of the fence with 23 weeker twins that heroic measures were not used with. I like seeing all the points of views in the comments and in all actuality, what is going on in the head of the other side of the curtain.
I don't blame you, your blog was hijacked by so many for their own purposes.
I am the mom of a 27 weeker and I always looked forward to your posts. I didn't always agree with you but I do think that you always presented compelling, well written arguments.
In a preemie land where we are too often given pap (may I refer you the horrible Erma Bombeck drivel "why we were chosen to be preemie parents" UGH) I felt lucky to have found a thoughtful blog.
I hope you come back. I need you to balance out all the "Holland" BS that we preemie parents get fed.
What I've seen other blogs do when they get taken over by troublemakers is to make the blog password protected, let people email you for the password, and then you can decide who to let in or not. This would allow you to blog, would still allow you to have commenters and discussion, but would probably eliminate reporters and trolls from bugging you. I also have a blog, and I'm an attorney, and I find it very hard to blog about many of the things I would like to, because I'm afraid of revealing my identity. It makes it very hard. I come and go to the blogging world because of those fears.
I haven't posted a comment on your blog before, but have enjoyed reading it over the last couple months. I find it refreshing and honest.
I wish you all the best, and if you choose to return to blogging you will have many who will welcome you back.
I hope the blogging hiatus isn't for too long.. I really enjoyed reading your blog.
"In a preemie land where we are too often given pap (may I refer you the horrible Erma Bombeck drivel "why we were chosen to be preemie parents" UGH) I felt lucky to have found a thoughtful blog."
What a sad way to look at being a preemie mom. I feel blessed to have my surviving twin who is a 24 weeker. The road was long and tough but I am not bitter about my circumstances...I am embracing this journey and living each day to the fullest with my daughter. Losing my daughter and enduring 96 days in the NICU with my surviving daughter made me choose that path. Life is too short to be bitter.
What a sad way to look at being a preemie mom. ...I am not bitter about my circumstances...I am embracing this journey ...Life is too short to be bitter.
I don't think it's being bitter at all. I'm not bitter about my preemie journey, but I find it very condescending to think that I was "chosen" for this. I also find it unbearable to think that my *children* were chosen for this path - what all-loving being would chose such hurt and stuggle for a tiny baby?? Not the One I believe in.
Shit happens and not a single one of us was any more prepared, ready, or "chosen" than the other one.
Write on, Neonatal Doc!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SLAPP
Strategic lawsuit against public participation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from SLAPP)
Jump to: navigation, search
"A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation ("SLAPP") is a form of litigation filed by a large organization or in some cases an individual plaintiff, to intimidate and silence a less powerful critic by so severely burdening them with the cost of a legal defense that they abandon their criticism."
It's very sad to know you are going to stop posting for few days or weeks or few months but after reading all your comments here and on your Thogger post....you have taken a good decision to take a break.... everyone who visits blog...better remember blogs are just personal blog...
Health Watch Center.
Self Help Zone
I really hope you feel able to come back soon - in one guise or other. Wish I had delurked earlier and told you how much I look forward to your posts...they've given me an amazing insight into many many things.
Neonatal Doc,
Had to delurk to point out that you seem to have quite a large following, from parents of preemies, fellow healthcare practitioners, and other interested folks. Although I realize you need a break, I hope you will soon be back to provide your thought-provoking, insightful posts. Obviously there are few who will try to coerce you into submission, but know that for most, this is an excellent avenue to delve into an area otherwise not seen. Go get your dog, enjoy some R and R, then come back and let us know what you've been up to. I, as well as many others, will be looking forward to your return.
Marie
If you've gotten a dog, we will, of course, expect pictures upon your return! ;)
Kinda hope you did get a dog - they're the best!!! :)
Hope you are doing okay....
Hugz,
Carrie :)
NeoDoc, If you read other medical blogs, you may have noticed that
http://rangelmd.com/
has some rules for responders.
Chris and Vic
Come Back!
Neonataldoc,
I have been reading your blog for just a few months and I really enjoy it. As a mother of a preemie, who did some time in a NICU, I can relate.
I will miss reading your blogs and hope you do return.
Hi Neonatal Doc. I've been trying to get into medical school for about years now and finally have the MCAT scores to apply. As silly as it sounds, reading your blog has really kept me going and motivated to become a physician.
So, though I do hope you continue, know that you've entertained some, pissed off others (while entertaining!) but have been a big influence on me; simply by sharing your ideas and experiences.
best to you,
Aaron
I keep coming back, hoping you've changed your mind.
Hey,
I miss you, come back soon.
I also enjoy reading your blog. Being the mom of two healthy, full term girls and a 10 year supporter of the March of Dimes, I appreciate your point of view in the challenges facing new moms and their tiny babies. Best of luck if you have to sign off for a very long time, you have a supporter in this lurker!
Neonatal Doc,
I recently stumbled across your blog, after catching the link on the preemie experiment, and I am so disappointed that you won't be continuing. As a mother of 30 week boy/girl twins, it has been truly wonderful to read your posts. You have given me a whole new outlook towards the NICU doctor's own experience. When my children were in the NICU, I admit I was one of the parents who forgot the doctors were people. :) Reading your blog has actually made me feel better about the care my children received in the NICU, and you weren't even there. :) I really hope the troll moves on, and I really hope that you are able to continue this wonderful blog. Otherwise, thank you for your honesty and thank goodness for archives.
Take care,
Colette
As a Law Student I think you should take your chances in Court should someone bring suit against you.
I understand your break from it though. I quit blogging over the very same thing....those trolls do get around :-)
Hi. Just read at ex utero's place that you're still reading comments so wanted to add...I miss your writing and hope you can go back to blogging soon. If you want to, of course.
OK - you've had a vacation from blogging, but we need you back now please!
Please?
Okay, two months is long enough. Bring it back, friend. Lock down the blog to those who will register and let's get going again.
Please.
I have just discovered your blog and read it in its entirety. As an adoptive mom of a preemie boy, I have found your shared knowledge to be extremely helpful in shaping my expectations of my son's development. I regret that you have been bullied into silence.
Was I hallucinating? I could have sworn that I saw a post from you recently. Anyway, I hope you are well.
adieu, adios, bye, bye-bye, catch you later, sportsbook, cheerio, cheery-bye, ciao, farewell.
http://www.enterbet.com
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