I Apologize Most Sincerely
First – I apologize most sincerely, for offending any of my readers. I truly hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive me…
Yesterday I wrote, what I thought was a somewhat tongue in cheek post, about British royalty, the naming of the new royal baby born earlier this week and some of the members of the royal family who are in succession to the throne. I received a few blog comments, which were congenial, but my “inbox” has been overflowing with, shall I say, very explicit messages in response to my publication.
This afternoon, I posted on Facebook, one of the mildest emails (divulging no name, email address or location of the sender), and asked what others thought of the post, and the reactions that came of it. After about an hour, I read over the replies , and then deleted my update and all the responses. Many were in support of my “right to free speech”. Several said that it was all just in fun, and that there was nothing wrong with what I said – BUT – Just as many, if not more, chastised me for being too rude and disrespectful to the royal family and to the British people, as a whole.
In light of this, I have removed the blog post from Libby’s Library. For those of you who did not read it, I will assure you that I used NO vulgar language whatsoever, and posted no photos…just this “graphic”.
In the three years since starting this blog, this is the only time, that I remember receiving this kind of reaction to a posting of mine. Until now, the most volatile response I have received was a difference of opinion on medical procedure that was in a book that I reviewed. So, I must be honest and say that I’ve been taken aback at what has happened over the last 24 hours.
Many will say that I’m blowing this all out of proportion. So what if some people didn’t like what I had to say? You need to toughen up, it’s all water under the bridge. Who cares what a few readers think. Well, I probably do need to grow some thicker skin, and it would be best for my health and well being to forget the whole thing…but I’m finding it a bit hard to do. I’ve purposely kept Libby’s Library as a non confrontational easy going place, for readers to come and read a review, enter a contest, and share the ins and outs of my life. I wanted this to be a place where my readers felt like “back door friends”. Maybe it’s time to pack up and move on to other adventures. Time will tell.
Once again, to those whom I have hurt, I am truly sorry.
My Sincerest Apologies
I am so tired of people being offended by everything, it is just plain sad that they have nothing better to do. This “politically correct” world we live in has become plum crazy. How about instead of spending so much time being offended by everything, work on making the world a cleaner, better place for our kids and grandkids. It is still America and we do have something called free speech. I would not have deleted any of it but that is a personal choice for you. I enjoy your blog and guess what? If something on someone’s blog “offends” me, I can click a little x in the upper right corner of my computer and voila, the offending material is gone.
You cannot please everybody. There is always going to be some that will agree and others that will disagree. Just do and say what you feel is right and dont worry about what others think. I know it is hard to do but you will feel so much better.
I did not read your original post, but applaud you for being the bigger person & apologizing. Your right everyone is too sensitive these days. 🙂
Sorry I missed your post. I personally find this whole business of a child’s birth in another country obnoxious and a waste of my time. There are so many news worthy stories that could have been used in segments of the news. It was a waste of air time. Enough said. Just my opinion and honestly nothing can be said to change it.
It looks to me like the name if the blog is Libby’s Library not everyone who is on the web library! This is your page and you have every right to say what you want with in legal parameters. Don’t let a bunch of sourpusses ruin what you think, say, feel or write!! If I don’t like something I will not read it again not demand the writer change their stance.
…Just when you think people can’t get any sillier…Grow up everyone…Ahhhhhh…I feel much better now LOL !!!
I was the first one to post on your FB as it came out a bit rude. As a reader and follower of yours I was giving my honest opinion of that I could see how that person would write that. Now since then I saw how it blew up from just 2 comments to over 40 when I saw it last. Most weren’t your readers, they were saying how they dont know how you got into their FB feed but here’s my 2 cents…blah blah blah. I give outsiders little to no weight. They are basing their opinion on that one post not knowing of your personality and blog. In no way did I think you deserved that backlash at all! Your thoughts are yours. No you werent childish, it was sarcasm. I get that. While everyone wants to have it pc and rainbows we dont read blogs for that. I sure as heck didnt blog like that, and I think thats why so many read is for HONESTY. But it takes a big person to do what you did and put yourself out there and apologize. But I wouldnt of deleted the post. You have a lot of readers that would have understood!
I just can’t believe people got offended. That’s a joke! What kind of world do we live in?
I do understand that you felt the need to apologize, because you’re polite, you’re kind (even if I don’t think you need to – I’ve read the post and shared via twitter).
The world is getting boring!
They’re royalty, not gods! I live in in a country (Brazil), that like U.S. – thanks God! – there’s not such thing. We’ve got the right to vote to decide who’s gonna represent us.
In my opinion, they are just like movie stars – but who pays the bill are workers, the whole UK, not just the ones who decides to see the movie. I would never agree to pay taxes to keep the royalty lifestyle (I’d rather pay tickets to see Tom Hanks).
Sorry if I seem upset, but I really think you don’t need to excuse yourself.
I think we have a generation of people now who find offense to anything, it does not matter what it is. I agree with most everyone, I am in the US…do I care about the Royal family and the third in line to the thrown, no not really, only in the fact that I am happy the baby is well. Will is affect my immediate life?? Absolutely not. I think this ‘royal’ has been publicized way to much as have other things going on now. I think we all need to get our priorities straight and grow a pair. Life is way to short to get offended over every little thing…good lord!! Don’t let a few chase you away and don’t read any more of those email!!
I, myself, was not offended by your post. It seems like tongue-in-cheek humor will always end up offending someone somewhere. Your apology was sincere and well written….and striking because it was voluntary on your part….but you did it anyway. Kudos for your sensitivity, grace, and integrity. And, again, this is coming from a reader that was not offended by your post and saw it for what it was.
I can’t believe that your comment should have created all this drama, its your right to put your opinion up on your site, and if your readers can’t see that as your opinion that doesn’t have to match other’s opinion, then if they don’t like it don’t read it, it is just that simple. There are people with nothing better to do in their lives but to make problems for others.
Please don’t stop doing what you are doing, you are doing a great job( I love your sight) and anyone that can’t be nice you don’t want on your site anyways.
Thank you and try to ignore those haters, they don’t deserve your time.
I didn’t read your post yesterday because I have been incredibly busy lately. However, I agree with right to free speech, etc. I am also proud of you and think that it’s awesome that you are sensitive to the needs or concerns of your readers. It takes a lot of guts to write a post like this and I for one will come back just because of it!
I read your post yesterday. I was not at all offended. In fact, I found it amusing and had no problem recognizing the tongue in cheek satire. Of course there are always going to be people who are offended by something. It’s human nature, not everyone will agree on everything. The fact that you’ve retracted the post, and done so with grace and dignity, rather than cause more of an upheaval shows that you really are a kind and caring individual. It’s just a shame that all those people who blasted you and had no problem jumping all over you for having your own opinion won’t recognize and thank you for what you’ve done. If they don’t acknowledge your effort, then the shame lies with them
I am a new blogger, but I feel you have done the right thing by going with your heart. I did not see the prior entry, but the fact you are willing to apologize and work to make things right with anyone you may have offended speaks volumes about your character.
I didn’t see your post but that’s so unfortunate that people are trying to make you feel guilty for voicing your opinion on YOUR blog. This is your space where you can say what you want and be heard.
I didn’t read the initial post. I think people are way to sensitive and all this business about the “royal baby” is ridiculous. I think our culture is far too obsessed with celebrities. I won’t get on that soapbox:)