It’s fun to watch someone go through a major crisis, even if it’s self-inflicted. Puts things into perspective.
Some thoughts I had last night while listening to the rain bounce off my roof:
Ii have spent each day the past few weeks just inches from tears.
it’s a lot of things: fear and uncertainty about the quality of my book being the biggest, having the sit there and take it while some Rich Fucking Asshole treated me like I was a little kid, stupid computer problems, anne’s ex-husband bullshit, and finally the blog trolls (who I really should have just called assholes, because that’s what they are) and emailers.
Alone, I can deal with any of those things, but together . . . well, it’s just too much to deal with.
But the uncertainty about this book is killing me. I thought I had something really good, and shared it with a few people. Most of them told me it was really good, and gave some constructive feedback. A few of them absolutely ripped it to shreds, and gave me some constructive feedback. The result? I found myself unsure about everything. Unable to trust my instincts. I rewrote major parts to please others, instead of myself, and it left me paralyzed. I’ve since decided to just let it go. I’ll finish some grammatical and spelling corrections, complete a few tiny changes where I want to add more information, and publish the damn thing.
I’m scared. I’m scared that it’s not as good as I thought. I’m scared that it’s better than I thought.
My mom told me that I was in the middle of “vast uncharted territory” and that it was okay to be afraid. I’m not so sure.
I shouldn’t have posted my “I’m leaving, here’s why, okay now I’m back but I’m really leaving and I hate you” post. What I should have said is, “I’m overwhelmed with several things in my life, and writing for WWDN isn’t bringing me any joy right now. As a matter of fact, it’s sort of a chore, so I’m taking some time off.” What I posted gives way too much power and importance to a very small group of people who I should really just feel sorry for.
But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me feel just a tiny bit better to hear from people who actually SUPPORT me for a change. And Ben sent me a nice cartoon.
Note to self: don’t post when emotional.
And you know what else? I am profoundly upset about war, dreams of war, and the Bush Junta. Patriot II? How the fuck did this happen? How did we, as a culture, sit back and put these people in charge?
And these “Terror alerts?” Does anyone believe them? Did you guys read about the “suspected terrorist” in SF Bay? Some tug boat captain suggests that he saw someone in an unlit Zodiac raft at 3AM, wearing a wetsuit. That’s it.
The CG looked everywhere for this boat and its alleged terrorist, and found NOTHING.
But it’s all over the news, because WE ARE ON ALERT!!1!!11!
What happened to critical thinking? Are the American people so soporific that they can’t see this bullshit for what it is?
And now we’re supposed to believe that Osama Bin Laden is JOINING FORCES WITH SADDAM?
What?!
The timing on this is all too pat for me, and I wonder where the fuck the critical voices are who should be questioning this stuff. Where are the other voices in this vast wilderness? Isn’t anyone willing to speak up?
We are marching directly into a war, though there is massive public resistance to it.
We are marching directly into a war, and the media, the supposed 4th estate, isn’t doing ANYTHING to keep people informed — they’re just propagandizing for the Bush Junta.
We are marching directly into a war, though the rest of the world wishes we’d just mind our ouw stinking business.
And nobody seems to care. And I’m “anti-American” because I feel this way.
I was picking up some tools at OSH about an hour ago, and helped an older woman take some plastic boxes down from a tall shelf. When I put them in her cart for her, she moved a bunch of duct tape and plastic sheeting out of the way. She told me how scared she was, and urged me to be prepared and safe.
That’s perfect. This woman, who could be doing several other things today, is preparing for a terrorist attack, right here in Pasadena. Because she’s afraid. Just like the Bush Junta wants us all to be.
Ugh. Note to self: don’t post when emotional.
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Hey Wil
I jusr deleted this whole big ramble as I tend to waffle on… I just want to say that I thought you were a great actor (even if Wesley was a wet blanket and look perpetually worried…oooh the angst! and its so long that since I saw Stand by me that I cannot remember much) and since I started reading your weblog I really respect your skill at standing out and writing excellent intelligent and witty comments.
I really look forward to reading your book and also buying my sister a copy as she had a massive crush on you during TNG years (no pun intended)
Keep up the great writing…screw the people who don’t like what you do and just write for yourself..as thats what the people who visit here come for.
Oh and by the way…I heard about this website on British TV…
Damnit I have to say this…. I am a stinky European…a Brit… and I truly wonder if the American people know what is thought about them worldwide…they are not thanked for their efforts in sending out food and medical supplies to third world countries…no they are regarded everywhere as arrogant and the bully boys of the playground…Americans are even very disliked in their Allied countries such as Britain. I myself date an American and plan on moving to Charleston S.C very soon… because of this link with America my work colleagues and certain aquaintances call me the worst things and argue with me over what America is doing…
It worries me that the Americans will only make themselves even more unpopular with this war… and its not even their views that are being represented… Vice president *cough* prime minister Tony Blair is in danger of losing his position because of parlimentary backbenchers in revolt as well as the general population calling for at least a 2nd UN resolution before we consider risking our troops lives…
I am with you on this one… I am worried…not enough to go out and buy supplies or anything because quite frankly what will be will be… and living in the largest naval dock city in the UK I am sure I am screwed once they bomb the rusting nuclear subs not two miles from here…
come to think of it…why the hell am I still living here…
damnit I rambled…
Suzanne
February sucks–it’s just a freakin’ fact. Anyhow, sending mojo in your direction, and best wishes and all that… Here’s hoping the people with good wishes outnumber the jerks by at least 10 to 1 around here–so far in this thread, it seems like that’s so…
Hang in there, Wil. 🙂 “That which does not kill me makes me stronger.”
I’m right there with you… this war isn’t about terrorism, it’s about popularity contests, trying to live up to daddy, and about global-scale pissing contests. It’s turning into a “who’s afraid of the big bad wolf” situation… because we have all the power and now we’re waving it around and saying “better watch out, or we’ll squash you?”
THAT is unamerican. Wanting to get past the propaganda and finding the truth is not.
Will,
Do post when you are emotional. That is the beauty of the immediacy of the format. This is Will Wheaton, warts and all. I like it. It humanizes.
Take care.
E
Good to see another update from you Wil.
It’s only natural to be worried about your book. All I can say is that if the quality of writing matches what I have seen in your blog so far, it will be a very enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to it.
First of all, your Mom’s right. It is ok to be scared about publishing your book. I can’t really imagine not being scared were I in your place. It takes guts to put it out there, and know that people may love it, or they may hate it. You’ve got the guts for that.
Secondly, fuck the Rich Fucking Assholes. Waste of perfectly good carbon.
Thirdly, I’m scared about the country I live in, too. Doesn’t bear much resemblance to what I was taught in Civics class, that’s for damn sure. I personally think it’s damned unamerican NOT to be questioning it. I’m marching in New York this weekend for exactly that reason.
Hey Wil,
I’m glad you haven’t shut down the site; I don’t check in every day and I rarely have time to go through all of the comments, so I was surprised to see these latest two posts. Even on my own, very humble and modestly-trafficked blog I occasionally get trolls and nasty comments. Mostly from warmongering Republican lemmings (although if they were simply political disagreements, I’d be happy to host a debate; it’s when they get virulent that they go over the line). When that happens, I just think that giving them any kind of response merely encourages them to continue in their flaming, so I remove their posts and ignore them as best I can. Naturally, with your higher profile, I’m sure you must get a zillion more of these notes than I do, but I bet that proportionately they’re not that much more frequent. Most of your readers here come back because we relate to what you write and want to read more; we’re good people.
As for your book troubles, I encourage you to simply go with your own voice. When you talk of rewriting to please other folks, that sets off a “red alert” klaxon. We, your audience, do not want to read what other folks think in your book, we want to read Wil Wheaton in Wil Wheaton’s book. (
I’m as “unamerican” as you are, and damnit, we need more of us.
The author is always his own harshest critic…don’t drive yourself insane. I’m sure it’s a wonderful book if it’s half as good as your posts here – you know how to tell a story.
The scary thing is, I’ve seen polls showing massive support for what this man is doing to OUR COUNTRY. Grrr.. I don’t know if I should post wne I’m emotional either.
Wil,
Your mom is right about uncharted territory. But, now that you’re in it — learn from the experience and do the book the way you want it to be. Of course pay attention to the constructive criticism that you think will HELP the book BE what you want it to be. That may be hard to see — but if a gut check on a given piece of criticism doesn’t feel right, then don’t go with it.
This is normal, Wil — writers face this. It’s when you get criticised six ways from Sunday that the heebie-jeebies set in.
You’ll get there and it’ll be fine. And once it IS published, take the critical reviews with a grain of salt. Okay? Promise me?
All right, then.
Oh, and about RFAs: people like that are their own worst punishment. Wouldn’t you hate to be them? When they’re old and gray and THEIR kids can’t stand THEM, Nolan and Ryan will still be lovin’ you and Anne. You’ve got THAT part of your life very, very right!
Wil…
The modern writers of our time have thrown up thier hands in despair and said,”There is no answer to man’s dilemma.”
Hemingway said once “I live in a vaccum that is as lonely as a radio tube when the batteries are dead,and there is no current to plug into.”
Eugene O’Neill in “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” reflects the typical,philosophical attitude of our day.He says,”Life’s only meaning is death.”
Both these men have gone on.There IS more to life than death or radio tubes that need to be pluged in.I am a Born Again Christian and do not always feel comfortable here, but I do enjoy reading your post and cheering for[you] the underdog to win.Jesus taught us the dignity and importance of being a person.Love God,and Love your neighbour as yourself[even if they dont love you].Love never fails,Love conquers ALL.Wil,when you allow others [rich F/A or Troll’s]to make you become angry,hateful or resentful,you fail.You wil be the one who suffers for it not them.Bless and curse not.You have already experienced this when you dealt politely with the lady screaming at you for being late,”She hadn’t prepared for me to be genuinely contrite.So she just said,”Well,then I guess we’re done.”A soft answer turns away wrath”.Im not trying to preach here,Im just trying to say “Dont allow negative people to corrupt your good nature”
I have more to say but I cant type to save me life and my grammar stinks.I hope I have given you a little encouragement at the least.
Thanks for speaking out on the silliness of the Bush war plan. Our writing and talking about the alternatives is the beginning of change for the better.
Remember that the Vietnam War protests didn’t get started in mass numbers till 67, when the war had been in full swing for two years. This time it hasn’t even started and people are demonstrating in the hundreds of thousands. If the trend keeps up, “this aggression won’t stand.”
Wil, only a few things I can think to say…
I’ve lived with the RFA’s. My folks lived in a similar neighborhood. The neighbors hated my ’71 Cutlass Supreme, my loud music, the fact that I didn’t play golf. To hell with them. You’re Wil, and that’s good enough for me.
I posted something just like this on my blog earlier today. As a nation, how far are we from the Howard Hughes, Kleenex boxes on the feet, jars of urine hoarding way of life?
I guess to top it off:
FIGHT THE POWER!
scared=consume
consume=money
money=power
so
scared people keep idiots in power
http://www.adbusters.org
Some people are assholes Wil. Don’t let them get you down. I hear you on the war thing. It seems like the whole world’s gone to hell these days. I find it best not to worry, you will go crazy if you do. I understand that you have to take some time to yourself, everyone does every now and then just don’t stay gone too long you will be missed. Any ideas on the publication date for your book? Take Care.
As a writer myself, I know how hard it can be when you’re out there, putting yourself on paper and wondering, “Is it good?”
Finish it. Then let people read and comment. Do it all for you. It seems you’re learning that.
And don’t forget: national protests all over on the 15th of this month. Go to notinourname.net to find the one nearest you.
peace in our time.
L.
http://www.cafeshops.com/cp/prod.aspx?p=warposter.4247790&zoom=yes#zoom
The way you feel is completly understandable. I might not have too many responsibilities at this point in my life, but I do feel overwhelmed at times, and that frustration usually comes out on the people I talk to… My friends.
Note to self: Apologize to friend.
Not like you need anyone in this life to tell you this, because I know that you already have this ingrained deeply within your rational mind, but assholes are just that: assholes. Rich, poor, brave or cowardly, petty people abound. It’s when we acknowledge them that we give them power. I know, it sounds a bit self-improvement-infomercialish, but it does contain at least a grain of truth. It’s all in the perspective…or the wrists, one of the two. Regardless, I know how things we would normally scoff at and ignore can puree our innards when we are at low points. Somewhere down the line you might find a way to turn their petty rantings and grade-school antics into comic gold…or platinum. I hear that platinum is like gold, only better.
As for the book, good, bad or indifferent, there are hordes of people waiting to buy it and it isn’t even finished yet. Yeah, I know, but let me finish here. It’s a life’s work, yeah? Something you are doing for YOU, right? Aside from formatting, grammer and spelling, make it the way YOU want it and the rest of us will enjoy reading it. If you enjoy it, they will come. If you don’t like what’s been happening to YOUR writing, stand firm and make a smaller publishing at first. Dude, you can do this, I swear. Chin up, keyboard out and make this the way YOU want it.
As for war, I dread the fact that there are so many people swayed by Bush and his propaganda machine. It’s disheartening to note that the media, once bent on delivering the TRUTH, is now nothing more than a vehicle for Bush’s OWN terror campaign. Anyone speaking contrary to the current party line is now dubbed anti-american. I’m just anti-psychocrat. I don’t want a leader that will push for violence above reason and investigation.
Kevin
Dude, stop playing with this silly web site and work on the book. Please.
A good friend in Seattle had the life dream of writing and publishing her own book. She finally did it (published) last fall. And she is still having doubts: getting the books into stores, getting in on book readings, reviews. And still she wonders if the book was any good even though complete strangers are writing to say how they enjoyed the book. http://boonedog.com/annabelle.shtml
So, git off yer butt (pretty please) and write what you want to write in that book. Not what you think I want to read. I’ll read it anyway, because it’s the window through which I will see the real you. Where there’s a Wil, there’s a way, eh?
Hey, are you gonna be at OSCON in Portland this July? If so, we need to get you in touch with Nat (you being a celebrity and all) so he can make proper arrangments.
The first post nailed it – but I will elaborate-
Just like “Just Jack” from Will and Grace:
LOOOOVE HIIM!
Re: Wil.
Keep the faith. You are not alone. And the real pisser is that you are right.
Even though you said you were going to take a break from the log, I was doing my daily check of your site out of habit and here you are. I’m sorry things in your life have seemed overwhelming lately. I ususally don’t see the bad stuff here in the comments section, you do a good job in getting rid of the junk, but every now and then I see the absolute garbage some folks write. I thank you for all your efforts.
The news has been giving me a level of unfocussed anxiety lately. I know it’s irresponsible, but sometimes I’ve been turning the channel when the news starts its Iraq segments (complete with its own theme music). I figure if it’s bad enough, it will be breaking news and not in the update segment.
You’ve done a very brave thing in writing your book. It’s not a work of fiction. It’s a book about Wil. That’s a very scary thing. Your mom is right, it’s ok to be afraid. You are showing us your soul and are wondering if we will approve. Don’t wonder. What’s important is if you approve.
And these “Terror alerts?” Does anyone believe them?
Yeah, but only because I’m mighty pissed off that I clash with today’s alert status. Whoever thought that orange was appropriate for an alert color was seriously disturbed. I would suggest a nice mauve, or perhaps a lilac…
–QAJ
Good mojo coming to you and your family from my mojo bag! 🙂 And always remember: Opinions are like assholes… everyone has at least one. Some stood in the Asshole line too many times. You can’t please everybody, so don’t kill yourself trying. Self-destruction is not worth it. Go with your instincts and everything will be fine. Hang in there!!!
It’s good to see your back! I don’t post often but I do read.
First of all, I have to say write the book for *you* not for anyone else. As long as you are happy with it screw everybody else. These days the book reviews and sales are more about marketing than content anyway.
As for the war, I can’t agree with you more. Today I had someone tell me “I heard that Korea has at least one missle that can reach the west coast of the US”. OMG! Where do they get these things?
It’s bad enough that The Shrub is more interested in finishing up what daddy couldn’t and the middle east oil than he is in the problems and issues right here in the US. The last thing we need is the media and his rhetoric panicing little old ladies and having them run down to the local OSH to buy out all the plastic and duct tape (which is apparently out of stock at most of the OSH stores up here in the SF Bay Area).
Anyway, stick with it Wil, we’re all in it together and we’re going to support you in whatever you do.
Wil,
I identify. I’m currently in the middle of writing my doctoral dissertation. When I say the middle, I mean towards the end, and when I say currently, I mean I haven’t written a word since January 21st. I’m paralyzed by doubt about what I’ve done so far. I kind of want to abandon it and go be a programmer again (you have no idea how I’ve idealized my former job!) But my broad overarching feeling is being totally overwhelmed. (Am I smart enough to do this? How can I possibly get this done?)
Regarding the geopolitical “situation”: again, I identify. I share the same opinions as you regarding Bush, the war and the American media. I feel this sense of helpless panic and nagging uncertainty. And a whole lotta anger, although surprisingly little directed towards Saddam and absolutely zero to Iraqis in general. I allocate mostly to Bush and to the media’s unevenhandedness.
Anyway, I find it reassuring to read your posts and to recognize that there’s someone who thinks the way I do and feels the way I do. Perhaps that might also be reassuring to you.
Cynthia
Wil, I bet your book is really good! I can’t wait for it! I am glad that you are still going to post because this is one thing that I look forward to every day. I love reading anything and everything you have to say. And you are so right about this whole war thing. I am scared about war and all the terrist attacks. I pray that we won’t go to war but it seems there is no stopping Bush. I think our world is falling apart. Another reason why I love reading everything you write is because you are always right! Take care.
Wil–
I’ve never posted here before, although I’ve been reading WWDN for awhile now. I can relate to what you’re saying about your writing, and I echo what others have said–sometimes constructive criticism can be difficult to deal with but then lead to better writing. Sometimes criticism is more destructive, even if that’s not what’s intended. Take in what people have said, as mindfully as you can, and then follow your heart.
As far as the situation in this country goes, I don’t know what to say beyond sharing the Second of the Five Mindfulness Trainings of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Order of Innerbeing with you:
Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, I am committed to cultivating loving kindness and learning ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am committed to practicing generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but I will prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth.
It seems to me that you are doing your best to be mindful and do what you can. You are definitely aware of the suffering so prevalent in our world, and you’re doing what you can to prevent more of it. You’re a good person.
Wil,
As to your doubts about the book, all I can say is “welcome ro the world of being a writer.” You should read some of my own recent rants about similar issues. I also think that we’re all feeling highly stressed because of the current war, and it’s making us all a little nuts.
Just remember that it’s those who waste time spewing crap who are the truly pitiful ones. Don’t let them get to you.
I grew up as a cold war kid. My father was career Army and he taught me a healthy cynicism when thinking about our government.
Personally, I think the Bush agenda is to stall and build up terror here and go to fight right before elections. Make him look like a hero and also make a case for continuity. I lived in Texas under the Bush admin. Let’s just say I certainly did not help not vote him into office.
As for writing, when you are dealing with your first few projects being published, it is very hard to deal with. It get’s easier. Hang in there.
Trolls and other pernicious vermin, not worth my time.
Wil,
Relax.
Enjoy Life.
The book is yours. Write for yourself.
A quote from one of my favorite non-Wil Wheaton movies…
Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.
Enjoy STORMWATCH on Channel 2!
Be seeing you…
I have seen quite a few anti-war protests around here…but I am in the LA burbs. If the underground garage in my apartment building is any indication (it’s about a foot deep down there), you might want to look into plastic sheeting and duct tape, too. To keep out the rain, that is.
You know, some days it just gets to be too god damn much and you explode…..pretty human to me..
Continue with your vision for your book and screw what others say…
I checked out your killog….man, you have been overstressed!!!!!
I live in Santa Cruz and didn’t hear a thing about the problem in San Francisco and we have “if it bleeds it leads” journalism here as well.
What is fucked up is that it is clear to many of us that Bush is obsessed with muscling Sadaam no matter what anyone says (even Gen. Swartzkoff thinks its stupid). He’ll destroy people, jeopoardize relations with allies, fuck the economy up, no matter what, to get “somebody”. The whole country gets to help Bush SAVE FACE for his Daddy.
The hypocrisy is shown by the complete disregard for the whacko in North Korea who has a least one nuke and an untested ICBM that can make it to the West Coast. Why aren’t we a little more serious about him? Bush doesn’t understand what a powder keg Asia is becoming because of his Iraqi obsession.
The sad thing for me is the woman buying the plastic and duct tape. It reminds me of the duck and cover drills I did during the early 60’s. When a nuke goes off, we’re supposed to duck and cover to save ourselves. So, I guess if there is a major biological attack, the plastic is supposed to save us (and we’ll all die quietly suffocating in our homes)..
What really bothers me about this whole “war” business is that people are turning out in record numbers to protest. More protestors than during the Vietnam era! However, the government, who supposedly represents the people, isn’t taking notice and putting the brakes on the war machine. What ever happened to “government for the people”? Is anyone in Congress listening? And, why should they? Who will hold them accountable?
I have to admit that I’m scared to death of a terrorist attack. (I live in NJ near NY and was treated to the horrendous smell coming from the wreckage on 9/11 when the wind shifted.) I actually have had nightmares about a terrorist attack for th last few nights and am thinking of buying duct tape, plastic sheets and water. Paranoid? Probably. I just can’t seem to help it. 🙁
Sorry about the fucking assholes. I hate being treated badly as if I’m not a real person with real feelings too. I swear, sometimes I can just hate people. Luckily the feelings go away and I just hate the fucking assholes who treated me badly only. 🙂
One of these F.A. in my life is not rich, but a co-worker. I’m a teacher, she’s a teacher and she’s a miserable human being! Wil, we need a way to mentally combat this. Maybe we’ll figure it out one day. If the dirty bombs don’t kill us all first. 😉
Jared’s not dead either.
Wil,
Your mom’s right.
It *is* ok to be afraid.
But feelings are not always facts. All those doubts and fears? Don’t let them define you or your actions.
Do *NOT* rewrite your book to make others happy. Don’t do that to yourself or to your work.
Criticism is good.
Feedback is wonderful.
Take it, weigh it, consider it – but don’t lose sight that this is YOUR book, YOUR vision of it is what matters the most.
Everyone has an opinion. (Heh – witness the blogtrolls.)
Not every opinion is worth keeping. (Again – witness the blogtrolls.)
I’m sorry you’re seeing the sucky side of people of late – but there’s a *lot* of light out there, too. Try not to lose sight of that. Ok?
And yes – yes YES – questioning this war is American; and YES, people are speaking up; and YES, it matters. It does. It has to.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
It matters.
Best to you and yours. *hug*
Oh, and if your book is anything like your personal posts in this blog, it will be a wonderful read. I think you might one day laugh at the worries you had. 🙂
Dear Wil: Hi, it’s the recovering trekker here again, posting comments, which is something I honestly don’t do very often. I don’t have the luxury of time to say much here, but I would like to challenge all the readers to ask themselves if it’s possible to see the so-called “destructive trolls” in a different light. Back in ancient times prior to the written word, I imagine that the average human didn’t bother with much communication; if we didn’t like somebody, we clubbed ’em. I like to think that perhaps the time someone spends on posting disagreeable comments and the like is time that the same individual didn’t spend on more destructive acts — like going out to purchase a gun and shooting people? I’ll try to get into more depth on this if/when I have time…in the meantime, looks like you’ve got some support out there…eh? Bye for now
Dubya is a Rich Asshole.
Your book will rock. It’s not even debatable.
Live on, man, live on.
We’re ALL going down hard, human peoples.
But I got an Xbox. And it will suck my dick.
See you there!
Hi Wil, not to bring you down, but…
When I woke up this morning and briefly caught the mention of the need to make disater preparedness kits, and how we should have duct tape and tarps or plastic sheeting in them, it tickled a memory at the back of my mind.
Plastic sheeting and duct tape will not keep you safe from chemical or biological attack. For that you need chemical warfare gear, fresh filters, atrapine to counteract nerve gas, and enough warning to put it all on. You also need a bunker with an air lock, showers, sensors, and another air lock, so you can get out of all that sweaty stuff and get new filters.
Around lunchtime I remembered why those supplies seemed familiar. When I was in the Air Force back in 1991 (the tail end of the last Gulf War), I was chosen to be a part of the disaster prep team for my dorm. Even though I was a couple months from outprocessing, I still had to go through the training. One of the things I learned was that the shelter in the dorm had a lot of survival material, including duct tape and plastic tarps. The purpose for this material was muti-fold. It could be used to blacken the windows so that we wouldn’t be a target of night-time air raids (but we also had paint for that). It could be used to close off the cracks beneath doors and around windows to reduce airflow (you can’t eliminate airflow; if you do, you’ll sufficate). And it was to be used as makeshift body bags.
I am cynical enough about our current government to feel that they expect an attack, expect it to be either chemical or biological so it will leave behind bodies that will need to be disposed of, and have convinced a lot of us to purchase the means of that disposal. Thus saving the government from having to bring in its own supplies when the chem-gear suited cleanup crews are going door-to-door after the attack.
Something to think about.
I read the Rich Fucking Assholes post, and I almost giggled when I started reading it, but then I sobered up real fast.
And they thought you were rude…
Isn’t L.A. synonymous with “traffic”?
Either way, they made idiots of themselves, not vice versa.
Fucking rich assholes…
We love you, Wil.
Aw, Wil…~~~waves o’ strength~~~ to you. It’s your book, there’s no other like it. So much for judging it. Just write it!
Dude, man o man, you have alot of patience. And you dont need the bunch of us telling you that you are a good person, cause well you are. Common sense, and these retards with too much money, well ive been to california, and I didnt like it much, sorry, not you but the whole generale atmosphere. ‘We are better then the workd, so u go f*off’.. uhm yeah
*ahem*
back on topic
This war is just going to bring more hardship onto the world..
to quote what i wrote earlier to a friend:
Over here the mindset of war about to begin is very real indeed, with
F-16’s and Apache helicopters circling the sky’s overhead on patrol
maneuvers and heightened alert.. this sort of thing has been building up
steadily in the past couple months. There is a major us base not very
far from here (like oromocto from fredericton) that makes gagetown look
like playland at mcdonalds.
Everyone is very afraid here, as Europe has been plagued with war for
centuries, on peoples minds, war means: loss of jobs, loss of life, loss
of everything.
War with Iraq? For what, for the oil barons to finally get their claws
on one of the richest resources of oil? Sure Saddam isnt a saint, far
from it, but when iraq is a pile of rubble, where will the people go?
What about N. Korea who has actually threatened the us, and has nukes..
shouldnt we be dealing with them, instead of Iraq?
Your letter is quite correct, its only _now_ that people are starting to
wake up and see whats really going on. I follow as much media in 4
languages all over the world as i can, english, french, italian, and
some dutch/german. Im sick of reading u.s. media, as its only
propaganda for snowballing the population into submission. Proof? empty
chemical warheads, ya thats proof alright. Face it, its another vietnam
waiting to happen, and the us is really horny to try to have _any_
reason to attack them.
What will happen? A couple of scenarios, 1) The EU goes against the US,
Nato is splintered, the UN is gone. Then we have a bigger problem,
because the EU/US economies are very tightly knit together, if there is
a big riff we are in for some very hard economic hardships indeed. 2)
US attacks Iraq, Iraq attacks Isreal, then the other Mid-East countries
join one side or the other, and things spin very rapidly out of
control.. dont think it will happen? It will indeed, and the us isnt
completely stupid, as they are aware that this will happen, which is why
they havent attacked yet, and are pressuring _Very_ hard to get full
support from the rest of the world.
Canada should stop being the passive whelp biatch to US whims, and stand
up for what Canada is: Peace, multiculturalism, understanding and growth
through diversity.
Just now people are waking up to the fact of a war machine already in
motion, and that is whats making people feel helpless. I dont want war,
and neither does the world, yet we are marching forward regardlessly to
quash the axis of evil.
Just like Vietnam, the propaganda machine kept the population passive
until late into the war, I agree with you that people should stand up
for what we agree is wrong.
To quote the person in control south of your border: ‘Let the people
march and protest, its a free country and their right’ .’
I am canadian, and i suppose that makes me a patsy, i dunno.. im just sick of war war war..
–out
Will,
It really sounds like you are going though too much stress right now, take some time to yourself and for god’s sake don’t listen to any of those rediculous negative comments. There are just too many miserable jerks out their to bother yourself with so screw them. If you get a response that seems harsh and ill natured just immediately erase it that way the assholes wont win by upsetting you!
I can kinda relate a bit to your nervousness about your book, when I wrote my masters thesis (Only about 80 pages or so of company analyis) I did not want anyone to read it or examine it closely. I spent too much time and energy on it to be told nonchallontly it has major flaw’s, which it undoubtable does. In regard to your neighborhood, I simpathize and completely understand. My neighorhood is the same and my husband and I are 30 and 31 but we look much younger than we are. When someone would come to the door I would often get “Is your mom at home?” Anyways, hang in there, I have no doubt that your book is amazing and if you have any doubt just take a look at how many people log on every day to read about you. Personnaly I’ll tell you the reason I continue to come back…I’ts because you write about real life with real emotion and the readers can feel it. You always seem to strike a cord with me and make me feel in this very cold and unfeeling world. I appreciate everything you do and everything you share with us. Rest easy and know that you are loved by many!
if questioning this war is unamerican, then a good deal of america is unamerican, if the protests prove to us anything. i was at the amazing january protest in d.c. and the sense of community and common purpose of everyday americans there was overwhelming. apparently bush is becoming a little too attached to saddam, because he’s starting to take his lead with this almost dictatorial government.
i totally agree with you there, wil. great to see you back, & feel better!
Dr. Crusher is right, it’s ok to be afraid 🙂
Just publish the thing and get over it.
I write, and everybody loves what I write except for my wife… You can’t please everybody.
And someone you dont please now can change his mind later, dont worry.
I hated you until I found this website and found out you were normal people (whatever that is) 😛 😛
And about the war…
I’m sick of all this quest for oil. I live in Spain, where the president is doing exactly what the vast majority says NO to, that is supporting Bush violating every single little bit of democracy left over here (if any)…
Take care
Nice to have you back Wil.
As a posse member in DC, I’m sorry to report that the agnst is in full swing. High-Alert status…whatever. Maybe if ‘lil Bush gets us scared enough, we won’t pay any attention to what he’s trying to do. I mean, the bad man tried to kill his daddy. It doesn’t matter what American’s want at this point.