Dealing with Strange Reader Emails - Please Help!

BrookieCookie777 · Jul 21, 2008

Hi guys and gals,

I'm a columnist with a Christian mag and I got a strange email about one of my articles tonight. The article that I wrote in that paticular column was about stress and finding comfort from God. The email in a nutshell was that the reader was glad that I had found comfort from God but I should consider medication because sometimes even religious people end up hanging themselves. Which could be taken as concern I suppose but it just came across disturbing to me.

The email wasn't what scared me as much as that this email is my private email - only my agent, family and friends have it. I googled the person and they are a well respected journalist but nonetheless, it scared me because in my bios somehow my city is intertwined. I never gave it any thought before tonight. I also work for a tv network so I'm sure that my name and work email has been seen and is easy to find but the personal email I don't understand how someone could locate so easily. It really wouldn't have phased me that much if it went to my work email.

How do or how would you handle this? I know I'm not going to respond. I'm just shaken up though. And in a related since, how do we writers protect ourselves online when our names are plastered on the web?

Any advice or comforting words greatly apprecited!
Thanks!

Cookie :e2cookie:

Bartholomew · Jul 21, 2008

You shouldn't be so spooked; private emails do occasionally end up on Google. It is also possible that he asked your editor for an email address. Or that he called the station.

BrookieCookie777 · Jul 21, 2008

Thanks Bartholomew! Thanks for those comforting words. I should be working on a freelance project that is due in two days and instead I'm up wigging out. I really needed that reassurance tonight. =)

Thanks and God bless!

Michael Scott · Jul 22, 2008

Look at it this way. You now have his email, too! All you need now is his address and a roll of duct tape.

Robin Bayne · Jul 22, 2008

That's a tough one. I'd try to ignore it, if you can. Or if you feel the sender may have his own mental issues, report it to someone?

L.Jones · Jul 22, 2008

This topic has been discussed in a group of Christian authors I belong to - they have reported people actually showing up on their doorsteps, letters to their home addresses not PO boxes or publishers listed in books, phone calls on unlisted lines...

I think this happens to pretty much anyone who puts their name out into the public, if people want the info bad enough they can often get it, especially if they go to well meaning people who don't see an issue with it. But as Christians some authors felt we had to "entertain angels unaware" and consider these people may have been in contact with us for a higher purpose.

I wish I was one of those people. When I found out the library in my verrrry small town was handing out my private phone number to anyone interested in writing a book I marched down there and told 'em to knock it off

As for your case, I'd find it disturbing too - it just has a creepy vibe. Not that you are in danger but not, well, let's just say, intrusive in a creepy way.
One way people suggested handling inappropriate contact is to send a short, polite, generic note in response and let it go.

annie jones

Perle_Rare · Jul 22, 2008

Google yourself and see what's out there for anyone to find. You might find that you've posted to a forum with your private email addressed attached. I committed that blunder once about 7 years ago and it's haunted me ever since in the form of an incredible amount of spam.

veinglory · Jul 22, 2008

I, personally, do not see a single email devoid of threats as a great cause of concern. The writer may have written from genuine concern, just because your rticle bugged them, or because they didn't have anything better to do that day. IMHO, archive the email and don't respond.

BrookieCookie777 · Jul 22, 2008

L.J. - Thanks for sharing that with me. I never knew that. It's nice to know I'm not alone. Thanks!

Perle that is a good idea. Thanks for the advice!

Veinglory - I archived the email like you said and I'm not going to respond. This feels like the safest way to go. Thanks!

God bless you guys! =)

C.bronco · Jul 22, 2008

Personally, I'd send the writer pancake bunny:

BrookieCookie777 · Jul 22, 2008

Oh, my gosh . . . lol . . . pancake bunny! That is my new FAVORITE thing! =) That totally brightened my day . . . majorly. Thanks! Made this whole crazy fiasco lighter.

(And bless Jr's heart! He finally won! My husband was so peeved at Kyle Busch a few weeks ago. lol)

Dealing with Strange Reader Emails - Please Help!

BrookieCookie777

Bartholomew

Comic guy

BrookieCookie777

Michael Scott

Robin Bayne

~writes for Him~

L.Jones

Perle_Rare

Dragon rider

veinglory

volitare nequeo

BrookieCookie777

C.bronco

I have plans...

BrookieCookie777