(Edited repost):

I've decided to censor one of my previous postings. I received an e-mail recently from a woman complaining I'd used her e-mail without permission and wanted me to pull it down, and I have. I didn't have any obligation whatsoever to remove her e-mail (it's not copyrighted, and I removed her name and e-mail address) but I did anyways, because I think she's unstable and her mood is easily affected by what other people say to her.

But this experience has led me to decide to only use my own words on this blog from now on. The decision will mean I will have more opportunity to improve my writing, since I'll be doing more of it! Please keep sending me your thoughts, but from now on I will only paraphrase, in an effort to become more professional.

This was my reply by e-mail to her (translated from the Chinese):

"As for the blog post, it doesn't have your name, email address or any personal info -- don't worry. I would never post anything like that without your permission"

"Anything like that" is obviously talking about your personal information, not your e-mails. Since you don't understand, we're going to use Chinese from now on when we communicate to avoid misunderstandings. The e-mail you sent today implied I am immoral, but this issue has in fact 100% been caused because of your own misunderstanding. I stand by what I say, so if you blame me I can only tell you to do some thinking about your own attitude in life. Perhaps there is a chance that when you think you're being bullied, meeting with trouble, or unhappy, perhaps it isn't always just other people, perhaps the issue also has to do with you.

In the future, if you've got whispers to tell, unspeakable things to confess, you should find your husband and tell him. You must be clear already that I'm here to discuss, debate, and explore issues to find truth. If you want to cry and complain, that's fine, but it's not my responsibility. If what you are sending me is like this --- if it's complaining with no wish to find a solution --- then I'm afraid I can't help you.

Chris

(ADDED:)

Below is an e-mail I sent to XXXX.


Hi XXXX,

First of all, I apologize for being overly rude, I disagree with you that your privacy was invaded, but I do agree that it was unprofessional from a journalistic point of view not to obtain your permission before posting -- especially since you made it clear you didn't want it seen.

So anyways, what I wanted to say was I hope you'll accept my apology for being unprofessional (that part of your argument I wholeheartedly accept) and it has made me a better "blogger" by engaging in this discussion (argument?).

I hope you can understand my emotional response to your demand you take it down: I LOVE debate, and when it was to be curtailed, I got a bit angry. In the future, I hope you'll be able to trust me in telling me your thoughts, and trust that I will maintain an understanding about how your thoughts will be used. I won't in the future post any messages I receive. If I use any information sent to me, I will first ask permission, then paraphrase only.

I'd appreciate us using Chinese sometimes too, I think it's only fair that I should get some practice discussing in my second language as well -- especially if we aren't posting on a blog for non-Chinese speakers to read :D.

Your friend,

Chris