Comments on: Warning: The Following Content May Be Offensive

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 16:26:34 +0000

Good post - what a horrible experience! A friend had something similar happen to her, and it spilled over from blog-land to real life - you have to be really careful about your personal information, thanks for reminding us again.
I would, however, challenge you a little bit about the flashlight/pepper spray safety tip. I am a volunteer for a rape crisis center, and people need to realize that 80% of the time, an attacker is not some guy in a dark alley, its someone you know - a friend, neighbor, relative or ex/boyfriend/husband. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t be vigillant and aware of your surroundings, and take appropriate self-defense measures if it makes you comfortable… I’m just saying that most violence (sexual assault, stalking, even theft and burglary) is committed by someone you know, and possibly trust or even love. The key is to listen to your “inner voice” that tells you when something is “off” - a good book about this is “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin DeBecker.

By: mapgirl

mapgirl — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 13:43:33 +0000

I find it fascinating that only my women readers have a comment. Are none of my male readers horrified?

By: Jennifer Lynn

Jennifer Lynn — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:29:04 +0000

I’ve only been blogging a few short months. Not to be paranoid, but I had links to my MYSPACE profile and Flickr album on my ‘about me’ section for my blog. I also had a link to a personal travel scrapbook. I pulled all these links after reading about this incident. I realized that although I enjoy sharing those experiences with my readers, they weren’t exactly necessary for my blog either.

While many of us have innocent hearts, it’s easy to forget the predatory nature of other less savory types. And it takes just one nutcase to cause commotion. Sigh.

I sincerely hope Miss Sierra will find the courage to continue blogging and engaging in her public speaking.

=^..^=

By: Msminiducky

Msminiducky — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:37:12 +0000

Ugh, these anonymous people are SICK. And, pessimistically, I have to wonder if they get a perverse glee from so deeply affecting another person’s life.

I hope everyone remembers that you don’t have to be obsessive to be vigilant. You never know when and if you’re going to find yourself in a dangerous situation so be smart about not deliberately walking into shady situations. Self defense is all well and good, but you learn that there will always be someone bigger and stronger than you. If years of martial arts has taught me nothing else, I’ve learned that much.
Carrying yourself with confidence and not walking into dark anythings alone will be some of your best protection. And a naturally mean b*itch look? May effectively deter potential attackers because they want a meek victim, not a fighter. Be safe.

By: savvy

savvy — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 13:57:03 +0000

That is terrifying! I had a creepy anonymous commenter awhile back (I think it was around a year and half ago). I turned on comment moderation and just stopped letting the comments through and eventually they stopped, but it made me question every slightly personal detail I posted.

By: BD

BD — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:39:19 +0000

“If you are a blogger, publicize this. Repost about it. Express your disgust and return some civility to our world. Get angry dammit!”

And then, keep posting! Your commenters, anonymous or not, like reading what you have to say. Personally, I don’t mind these “off-topic” posts. I found your education post enlightening and interesting, and it made me think about the issue in a new way. Don’t be afraid to blog what you care about, even if it’s not personal finance.

Just my $0.02.