October 25, 2009 8:13 PM
Eric the 1/2 troll
For the past year I've had the privilege of receiving comments and emails from a man intent on convincing me that I am a hypocrite and a poor representative of Christianity. He calls himself "Eric the 1/2 troll." (I know his last name, but out of compassion, I will keep it to myself - for now.)
This sort of thing is an occupational hazard for a writer. You make yourself vulnerable - because that's your job as a writer - and then someone about whom you know nothing presumes to judge you. Usually - for someone who takes a lot of criticism - it's about as threatening as brushing off a mosquito, but Eric lives in my county and has even told me he attends my church. I have no idea what he looks like or anything at all about him - except his obsession with judging me.
He never could understand when I pointed out that he had no right to presume to be my conscience on an ongoing basis.
In the past year, Eric's hostility has steadily grown - to the point where it was beginning to feel almost like dealing with a stalker. When I stopped publishing his comments, it got uglier. I have now blocked his IP address and set up a filter to trash incoming mail from him. For some reason, in his mind, this makes me even more of a reprehensible person.
I thought that would be the end of the story, but it's not. And while I would really rather not give Eric D. any more time or energy, I need to inform my readers and my community that to get back at me for refusing to accept or publish his judgments of me, Eric threatened to slander me far and wide.
A friend informed me last week that he had posted about me at the Purcellville community forum, which is certainly his privilege. And he is entitled to his opinions.
However, he is not entitled to lie about me. Therefore, I wish to set the record straight: I do not hate public schools. My children have been in Loudoun County Public schools for seven years and I have written in the Loudoun Times-Mirror and the Purcellville Gazette of my respect for and gratitude toward our schools.
That doesn't mean I won't have specific issues or problems to deal with - just as we do with any other person or institution with which we enjoy a close relationship.
But Eric is obviously making good on his threat.
Eric, do you see that in working so hard to correct my imperfections, you have lost your own bearings? You are actually lying about me for revenge. This has clearly gotten very, very unhealthy. You might want to read Internet Trolls and Internet Stalkers.
You started out trying to be my conscience, yet it seems you have lost your own.
Posted in Liberal Hypocrisy, Loudoun County, My life, Purcellville | Permalink
Comments
How sad that he is a Christian and is behaving this way! Barbara I think you are a wonderful source of information and a great role model. I look to you for insight on everything from gift ideas to adoption information. Keep up the great work and I'll say a prayer for Eric! God Bless!
Posted by: Am | October 25, 2009 10:56 PM
I'm an atheist and a frequent reader of your blog, as well as a first-time commenter. I was reading a while back where you and your blogger friends were taking on that Doug Phillips cult. I wouldn't know who won or lost, but I suspect those patriachial cult leaders at Vision Forum rue the day they crossed you and your female Christian friends. You can imagine how strongly some of the more agressive atheists like Christopher Hitchens would attack someone like Doug Phillips, and compared next to you and Jen Epstein, I suspect Hitchens would look like a fluffy bunny rabbit.
Anyway, just a word of warning to anyone who thinks stalking this blog's author is a good idea.
Posted by: Manuel | October 25, 2009 11:19 PM
Twisted and blinded. That's what you have to be to believe that lying, going out of your way to stalk someone,and seeking revenge through aggressive slander are ok in the name of setting someone aright. Lord, please open "Eric's" eyes to truth and the sin in his own heart, and fill him with your grace. Please fill Barbara with your wisdom, grace and love in this situation, helping her to continue blocking any root of bitterness, knowing that this is not truly even about her. May you be glorified. Amen.
Posted by: Marian | October 26, 2009 1:22 AM
I'm not bitter or angry, just puzzled by behavior I don't understand. I try to glom on to people I like, not people I don't like.
This seems so cowardly and strange to me. And I get a little worried about my family's safety. So I do appreciate your prayers for everyone concerned.
Posted by: barbara | October 26, 2009 6:36 AM
i think ill stalk you too.
[Another display of courage and integrity - this one from Albuquerque, New Mexico]
Posted by: kert | October 26, 2009 6:50 AM
Barbara, I will pray for your protection and the salvation of Kert and Eric's souls.
Posted by: Sue from Buffalo | October 26, 2009 8:27 AM
If Eric really does belong to the same parish as you, then I think you should take it to the priest, as Jesus said: "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church;" (Matthew 18: 15-17).
Posted by: Cici Wife | October 26, 2009 8:32 AM
I'm so sorry you have to deal with this Barbara. I hope that this ends now and Eric can go on with his own life.
If you feel you or your family may be in danger, maybe you should get the police involved.
Posted by: kelly | October 26, 2009 10:25 AM
If Eric is this Ugly and unruly and he is only ½ a troll. I cannot even imagine how truly ugly the OTHER half is.
Posted by: Resident Old Married Man | October 26, 2009 1:16 PM
Barbara, this is pathetic...This man needs to find something PRODUCTIVE to do with his time.
Praying,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | October 26, 2009 1:40 PM
Praying for you through this situation Barbara, I hope that you and your family remain safe!
Posted by: Sarah | October 26, 2009 3:10 PM
we know that popular messengers like yourself are going to get attacked by those who feel threatened-
you in a respectable club-
this kind of bullying and harassing usually speaks volumes of the perpetrator...
hang in there.
thanks for being such a leader and example in making your voice heard and voicing your opinions and concerns.
thank you.
Posted by: pedaling | October 26, 2009 8:32 PM
Barbara, I have been pondering this and I agree with the poster " pedaling". I think that when you are willing to speak up for truth, you'll be attacked...
still praying,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | October 26, 2009 11:07 PM
