Zina, I'm better late than never with this post... Recently, I had a commenter on my Substack who contributed an interesting idea. I responded to their comment. Then, the same user posted an Islamophobic comment about jihad. I banned them. Why? Because their second comment had absolutely no relation to my post whatsoever. It was essentially spam, regardless of the Islamophobia. I don't believe in outright censorship except when expression demonstrates zero interest in participating in meaningful dialogue.
I'm late in posting. Congratulations on your good news and you've confirmed my word for 2024---Joy! Each new year I focus on a word or phrase. Trust was for 2023. Concerning the issues of technology--- we are surrounded by darkness but we carry the light and trust that what words are meant for evil will be used for good.
Thank you so much, Erika. Substack has been an interesting place, especially lately.
I am so glad that my hard work has paid off at school. I just can't post my poems here because it would disqualify it from the majority of literary journals. Submission is such a long process.
I appreciatedall the work you do for writers. You have an encouraging spirit. Wishing you many blessings in the coming new year!
Zina, I'm better late than never with this post... Recently, I had a commenter on my Substack who contributed an interesting idea. I responded to their comment. Then, the same user posted an Islamophobic comment about jihad. I banned them. Why? Because their second comment had absolutely no relation to my post whatsoever. It was essentially spam, regardless of the Islamophobia. I don't believe in outright censorship except when expression demonstrates zero interest in participating in meaningful dialogue.
I'm late in posting. Congratulations on your good news and you've confirmed my word for 2024---Joy! Each new year I focus on a word or phrase. Trust was for 2023. Concerning the issues of technology--- we are surrounded by darkness but we carry the light and trust that what words are meant for evil will be used for good.
A good cliche is "You can either curse the darkness or light a candle."
Clearly, you are a candle lighter of great merit.
Thanks for this post!
Thank you so much, David! So glad to read your comments, and I am so grateful for your support.
May there continue to be light amid the darkness. And congratulations on the great grades/comments from your professor!
Thank you so much, Erika. Substack has been an interesting place, especially lately.
I am so glad that my hard work has paid off at school. I just can't post my poems here because it would disqualify it from the majority of literary journals. Submission is such a long process.
I appreciatedall the work you do for writers. You have an encouraging spirit. Wishing you many blessings in the coming new year!
Your kind words mean more than you know, Zina. (I'm tearing up!) Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season/new year.
What a beautiful and inspiring meditation. Merry Christmas Zina. I love reading your words.
Thank you, Herman. Your kind words mean so much. Merry Christmas to you, too!