Wednesday, September 26, 2007

"blogger fear" conquered!

I had stumbled across Harry's blog one day and began to read it quite regularly, his blog led me to several others and I found myself checking up on them regularly. After a few weeks of reading various blogs, I contemplated starting one of my own. My biggest "blogger fear" was the fact that I'm a terrible speller and grammar is not biggest strength either. I feared being ridiculed or having to deal with malicious, mean comments for spelling something wrong, or writing something that didn't make sense. I've never been good at conveying my thoughts to paper. I'm also a very sensitive person and take things said to me or about me to heart...So, needless to say I was hesitant to even attempt a blog...

The other day, my worst "blogger fear" was realized. Sblogger wrote a comment on someone else's page, in which he refered to me as being "dumb" because of my improper use of the word "I" instead on "me" on my blog about a fishing trip I had taken.

At first it bothered me and my gut reaction was to delete my blog and fade back into being the silent blog reader. Then I let myself get upset about it and I thought about firing back at him with a few choice words. But, I took a minute to sit back and think to myself, why would someone who has never met me (although he did say he met me at a restaurant sometime ago..I do not recall that occasion), and does not know anything about me (except for what he has read on my blog over the last week or so)insult me.

Had I previously insulted him in any way? Had a commented on something that he wrote in a derogatory way? Not that I can recall, and if I did, I'm sure my comment must have been misunderstood, and I apologize because that's just not who or how I am.

I finally came to the conclusion that there must be some underlying reason why he would label me as being "dumb" for one minor grammatical error...that there was probably more to the story..could be for the mere fact that I am the "G man's" sister?? But then again, he called someone else dumb in that post too, so that couldn't be it ?!? Could it?... Perhaps..

I will probably never know his reasoning behind it, if any, or behind many of the comments he makes on various blogs...

I over came my "blogger fear" and started this blog as a way to relax, to read and enjoy other peoples experiences in Saipan and share some of my own. I also thought it would be a good way for my oldest daughter who is in the Coast Guard to keep tabs on what I was up to. Not to impress anyone, not to send insulting comments to other bloggers, and certainly not to let myself get stressed out over someone I don't know and who doesn't know me, calling me "dumb".

Truth be told Sblogger, I barely made it through high school, I dropped out of college in my second semester to become a mom, I've raised three awesome straight "A" honor roll Children, for the most part on my own, never relied on any type of government assistance to pay my bills or feed my family, worked my way up from the bottom to the very top of my field, I have struggled and survived through life experiences that most people couldn't even imagine, and if that means that my brother taking Ulu and "I" fishing, makes me "dumb"...May me be dumb for the rest of me years!

This baby is bloggin' on!

*Edit*
Shortly after posting my blog this morning, I did recieve an email from Sblogger apologizing for hurting my feelings :) ..His apology has been accepted and I will leave it at that...What's for lunch I'm getting hungry? Any suggestions for today Boni??? :)

30 comments:

Lil' Hammerhead said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lil' Hammerhead said...

He attacked my comment as well, stating that "irregardless" was not a word, and that "dumb people used it to sound smart". Well, you can read my return post for all the details. But basically, he should have done a little more research before piping out his ass. Specifically, he should have reviewed the definition of "word". Miriam-Webster's dictionary also states that "irregardless" is a word.

Sblogger likes to talk about the "trolls" all of the time. You know, the anonymous commentors who challenge his or his friends opinions, and/or sometimes get a bit rude.

The fact is, Sblogger rarely addresses the topic of the post, and is usually condescending. In this case he was just rude, or to use his terminology, a "troll".

He fancies himself intelligent.. he works hard at trying to portray this. From what I've seen, however, he's just another moron trying to disguise the fact that he's a dumbass.

He doesn't hold a candle to Tina Sablan, yet I've noticed from reading almost all of his posts and comments related to her, that he obviously has something against her. He is questioned about this by commentors almost everytime, and denies it every time. The fact is, he can lie out his ass all he wants, the "people" aren't buying it. He's a very troubled individual.

Now, how 'bout you post this "tyrade" on your silly little blog Sblogger.

Angelo Villagomez said...

I'm sorry, Tami. That wasn't directed towards you. I was calling cavegirl dumb.

:)

I think you are nice, from what I can tell. The G Man's sister thing was started by you, and I was just playing off of your joke.

:)

As for cavegirl's comment, Whatever. Go watch Mean Girls. I'm just parroting Tina Fey's screenplay.

:)

As for the I'm trying to hide that I'm a dumbass comment, when do I do that? My blog is about playing soccer, picking up trash, and drinking beer. How does that translate in trying to make myself sound intelligent?

:)

And furthermore, I don't understand what this has to do with Tina Sablan. She is a politician running for office. I'm a tree hugger.

What she does has nothing to do with what I do and one of us succeeding does not depend on the other failing.

And finally, Tami, if I can take BS like this:

http://jetapplicant.blogspot.com/2007/02/sad-story-gets-sadder.html#comment-2981186407184887828

You should be able to take someone indirectly questioning your intelligence.

Please continue to blog. We all enjoy it.

And again, I apologize.

G'ma said...

Sweetie, I'm glad you decided to continue your blog despite the uncalled for comments from Sblogger. WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS??!!! IGNORE HIS INSULTS as he is nothing but a jealouse, insecure person trying to get attention by forever 'pounding on his chest', 'patting himself on the back', or saying negative stuff about other people, including calling you 'dumb'.

If it's who I think it is, then that is too bad cause he's done a lot in beautifying Saipan, and still continue to do so (and I have praised him in the past for such good deed), but each time he lets his envious self appear in his writings, it takes the 'light' away from the good things he's doing...perhaps he's too DUMB to realize that!
SO JUST IGNORE HIM, CONTINUE TO WRITE YOUR BLOG, CAUSE I DO ENJOY READING IT VERY MUCH (I think "cause" should be written as "'cause"...but who gives a damn!YOUR BLOG IS GREAT! If I may say so as your mother.

Angelo Villagomez said...

Gloria, I didn't call Tami dumb. It was a misunderstanding. I teased her about a simple grammar mistake a while back and then she read another comment made later where I said that people making that mistake were dumb.

It was a mistake on my part. I wasn't relating the two thoughts. I'm sorry.

..and yes, I am Angelo Villagomez. My blogger moniker is: The Saipan Blogger アンジェロ・ビラゴメズ.

The Japanese says: Anjero Biragomesu

G'ma said...

Sweetie, I just saw the Sblogger's apology, and am glad he realized he made a big 'BOO-BOO'...of course he's trying to get out of the hot frypan by claiming he was referring to "cavegirl", but then his correction on the use of "Me" or "I" was directed to you. So if he's smart, he should've just apologized, and left it at that instead of trying to slither out of the hole he got himself into.
He should take this from me, I know you better than he does, and I'm informing him that YOU'RE ONE OF THE MOST INTELLIGENT PERSON I KNOW!!! Intelligence, as far as I'm concerned, is not restricted to spelling and grammar, IT HAS A LOT TO DO WITH COMMONSENSE!!!

(I'm sorry. I know I'm embarrasing you with all the praise...even tho' they are facts...but I just had to say my peace.) Love You!

Angelo Villagomez said...

In Tami's voice:

"Mooooooooooom!!!!! Not in front of all the other bloggers!"

Gloria, if I was so smart, I wouldn't have hurt your daughters feelings. We all make mistakes. I make more than most.

...and please don't have Will beat me up.

G'ma said...

Angelo, I thought that WAS you. Tami, knowing I was fit to be tied, just called me and told me you emailed her an apology, and she's accepted. Therefore, as far as I'm concerned, that's the end of my comments regarding the issue. Thanks for sending me the message clarying your misjudgement.
gloria
P.S Continue to do the good things you're doing...it brings you positive attention.

Lil' Hammerhead said...

Go review some of your posts Sblogger. And buy a dictionary.

Harry Blalock said...

Tami,

It seems that no matter what you say or talk about, there will always be someone out there willing to take a swipe at you for it. I know this far better than most because of who "Harry Blalock" has become. You've got the right focus, blog because you love it and want to share. Use comment moderation, and don't allow anonymous comments. That way you can delete any that you don't like or aren't appropriate.

There are many of us out here who enjoy your thoughts and pictures, just focus on that and ignore everything else. Something I have to tell myself on a regular basis as well.

Have a great one Tami!

Lil' Hammerhead said...

- And with regard to the my remarks about Tina. I brought them up Sblogger, because I believe your rude trollish little misjab at me was due to my agreeing with another commentor (I believe it was Plato) on your seemingly biased take on the candidates websites. I can find no other instance that might have provocated you to behave the way you did.

My apologies Tamara. I didn't mean to use your blog to address the nitwit. In fact, I commented directly to him on the JTurbitt site he placed his original comment at. He has not addressed me there.

Front Porch Society said...

Ran across your site while browsing the blogs. I think pretty much every site has at least one or two commenters that are not well-liked. Welcome to the world of blogging! ;)
At least you have the power of the delete key when it comes to which comments are displayed or removed. :)
Have a great rest of the week!! :)

Bon said...

Angelo just does that, but he doesn't mean any harm. He spells stuff wrong all the time (you do!). For example, he doesn't know how to spell "douche-bag".

I thought that post was awesome Tami and that you should never stop expressing yourself your way. My greatest fear is always not being smart enough, but like you said, I raised some really smart kids so I can't be all that dumb.


When noni asked if I was really a principal I wanted to cry. Then I thought, "I am"! But, that doesn't mean I'm perfect.

I eat sweet crabmeat corn soup from Himawari every day and I drive around Garapan looking for skippers.

Bon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tamara said...

Boni, I totally had a "blonde" moment there when I read that you drive around Garapan looking for "skippers"...I thought, "wow, is that a bird that I haven't seen yet? Must be beautiful yet hard to spot if Boni has to go driving all around to look for them"....took me a good 3 seconds to realize you ment skippers as in kids playing hookey...ha ha ha...I'll have to stop by Himawari and try the soup...Thanks!

Lil' Hammerhead said...

I thought she meant "captains of ships" :) Baaaaaad Principle.

Lil' Hammerhead said...

Principal that is (sorry again Sblogger). Not that I don't think you're principled or anything.

glend558 said...

Great blog Tamara, keep it up. I sure wouldn't want to piss off you and g'ma at the same time, that would be a handful.. lol. Seriously keep up the writing and use spell check, no problem. The rest don't really matter its what comes from the heart.

Bon said...

Lil': funny, captains of ships. Skippers? No need for sailors when I have a Marine at home! Ohh rah! 15 years and he still makes my heart skip a beat <3

Tami: it's ok, they are as cute as little birdies.

Anonymous said...

Tam: I just read your blog and all the comments to this portion. I was flabbergasted at Angelo’s original swipe (at least that is how I saw it) at you about the “I” “we” bit. Since that time, whenever I read his blog, I cannot help but look for his mistakes in spelling/grammer. And, I DO find them. So, take heart; many enjoy your blog. And, like your Mom, I am extremely proud of you and what you have done with your life and for your great kids. Love you. Donna Jean Cruz

Tamara said...

Thanks for ALL the kind words everyone..I'll be sticking around for awhile, and like I mentioned in my *edit* it's all good!

Pragmatic Plato said...

You are an amazing person.

Just as the person who is spewing information shouldn't affect the content of what is being said so too the spelling and grammar should not take away from what is being said.

I found it so interesting that SBlogger who parades himself as someone that encourages people in Saipan to start blogs and join the "WE LOVE SAIPAN" and holds blogger meet ups to get all the bloggers together also happens to be the biggest a**hole to online bloggers. Critizing everything from there grammar/spelling, sexuality, race, intelligence level, etc.

When you first started blogging I loved the content of your blog. I think other’s did too. You received instant praise for your writings and people genuinely enjoyed it. I believe this hurt SBlogger (the self proclaimed “best blogger”). He has constantly plagued your blog with pretty dumb comment posts that really are not relavent to the subject matter. You are not alone. You will find these types of comments on a bevy of sites from Middle Road to Saipan Writer to Commonwealth Soundoff to Cinta’s blog and the list goes on and on.

As hammerhead pointed out, he commonly posts inane comments on a lot of blogs. It appears at times he posts just to post. To chime into conversations that are occurring on blogs, as if this will make it appear that he has added value to them. In actuality they are normally very lame comments that add nothing of value to the dialogue. I have a feeling this is due to very low self esteem.

I know he posted an apology (about as lame an apology as his normal comment posts). I agree with gma that it was a pretty half-ass one at that. He specifically stated in this comment that in his mind you were dumb:

The Saipan Blogger アンジェロ・ビラゴメズ said...
Irregardless is not a word. Dumb people use it because they think it makes them sound smart...they also use "I" instead of "me" in the wrong places.




Here is a comment I posted about him about 2 months ago:

"The problem with Angelo is that he lacks common sense. He parrots what others tell him without first looking deeply into the matter personally. He is a lemming. He bends with the wind and grasps on to whatever cause is thrown out and tries to champion it without full knowledge of the subject at hand. This almost always paints him into a corner when anyone that he regurgitates the points he hears questions him about it.

His lack of self esteem causes him to lash out at others in order to try and feel better about himself.

What is very strange to me is that a lot of individuals buy his malarkey. They think highly of him and don't question him when he spews gossip and hearsay. I hope people begin to question him on various issue from now on. The funny thing is once you challenge him on an issue he waivers quickly and adjusts his stance.

If you look back at his blog you will see it is a cry for help or at the bare least companionship and adoration. He wants people to respect him but does little to give them reason to do so. Some have called him a leader and even this blog has asked if he could be one of the future leaders of Saipan and now if he would be the next Governor.

He belittles people and is two faced. Many comments he makes both in person and in his blogs and posts are bigoted. Most of the time he doesn't stop to see what a fool he makes of himself and people don't call him on it.


So what I am trying to say is don't take his bigoted and racist commentary so hard. He is just trying to build himself up when he cuts other people down."




Oh well just my dumb two sents....i mean scents... uhhh se.... ohh you get the picture.

Anonymous said...

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Tamara said...

he he he.. tahts good to konw! :)

Bon said...

That is a fact that many readers don't know about. I would add that it's not how the words are spelled, but what the writer intends to say that we should pay attention to. And, like many teenagers say, yeah.

Jeff said...

I didn't notice Angelo directing anything at you about grammar Tamara, but he did at the cavegirl on my blog. It wasn't his best comment, but Angelo has done a lot more good than harm in blogging and on this island, so he should get a little slack.

As an English teacher, I can tell you that the fact that you care to get it right means you will get better and better in your writing. Everyone makes little screw ups. I went to school for this, and have been doing it a while, and I screw up sometimes. Just by writing this blog, you will improve. Best of luck.

Pragmatic Plato said...

Jeff,

This is the exact comment on your blog:

"The Saipan Blogger アンジェロ・ビラゴメズ said...
Irregardless is not a word. Dumb people use it because they think it makes them sound smart...they also use "I" instead of "me" in the wrong places."


Your skills in the department of reading comprehension must be pretty damn poor. What part of:

"they also use 'I' instead of 'me' in the wrong places"

He posted the comment on your blog right after calling Tamara on this exact grammatical error. Do you not see how this means that he called her (and everyone else that makes this grammatical error) "dumb".


I hope Tamara invites Silly Socrates and I to go fishin' one day.

;-)

Jeff said...

It wasn't his best comment. I didn't see it being directed at Tamara, but lil, but I didn't see everything here. He said it here, and it was responding to lil:
http://turbittj.blogspot.com/2007/09/taste-of-india-folks-doing-better-in.html

He apologized to Tamara. Again, it wasn't his greatest comment.

Anonymous said...

I am somewhat of a perfectionist, but no matter how many times I read a court pleading I’ve drafted, I can almost always find an error after having filed it.

One can almost always notice grammatical and syntactical errors in the opinions of the CNMI Superior and Supreme Courts.

Doing one’s best to avoid these lapses is ultimately about respect for oneself and, perhaps more importantly, one’s readers.

But even more significant is the content of our ideas, the clarity and charity with which we express ourselves, and our willingness to share.

Since no one is perfect, mistakes are simply a reflection of our common humanity.

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