This week I had my integrity as a mother called into question. I see no other way to read the silly stitch-up that iMeanytown published after I said no to them republishing my post about yelling. I was so fucking angry I swore in international blogland. Whoops, I did it again.
I welcome opinions that differ from my own, in fact, I thrive on them. I get that we are all different and I sincerely believe that it takes all kinds of parents to raise a good world. I’m not a black and white person. I do judge (I’m human, we all judge, move along), but I don’t take sides. I like to hear what other people think, what other people do, what other people dream about and I try to keep an open mind at all times.
But what iMeanytown did wasn’t right. What they did was throw a grenade into the trenches where the motherhood are just battling to keep the home fires burning while the hits keep coming (I do like a very long, very mixed metaphor). We don’t deserve to have our personal stories served up as click-bait with a side order of nasty-pastie. I was so grateful that so many horrified bloggers and so many outraged mums came in to fight the good fight with me. Always so grateful to be supported from all sides when we’re bunkered in those grubby old trenches. Because of you, I actually smiled through the lot.
And, don’t worry, I got the last shot in, and we won the war. See, the next day I served up some chorizo nibbles on my blog. Nibbles. Because that’s the kind of controversial, hard hitting blogger I am.
Other things that had me this week:
Reading – Eat. Nourish. Glow by Amelia Freer which was randomly sent to me by Harper Collins this week (thank you Harper Collins). It’s pretty much the most sensible ‘nourish from within’ book I’ve ever read (and I’ve actually read a few!).
Writing – about how important our everyday rituals are.
Making – cool-fun story stones with my (allegedly traumatised) children.
Wishing – that it wasn’t all about the clicks. What is the world coming to!?
Loving – another fantastic piece by the thoughtful Helen King: Are your belief’s values or just hobbies? Helen always brings me clarity.
Wondering – what to make for dinner. Yawn.
This week’s guest hostie is the immensely talented Kim from Land of Zonkt. You will love Kim’s fabtastic food, her style and her clever Mini-Masterpieces (BTW, this was Kim’s amazing work here), but mostly you will love her warmth and her grace. This woman is a darling. Pop on over and say hi.
Happy reading.
x
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Denyse says
And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse..it did. Damn…this is dreadful. Just commented on your FB page about lack of ethics..mmmm there is a code of ethics for journalism I would think. Bron, you are a woman who has enormous integrity, intelligence and wit. Over at the ‘place’ = none. I couldn’t be more happy to know that you can continue to hold your head high supported by the many who love you and your words. They always make sense! Denyse xxx
Mother Down Under says
Chorizo solves most problems.
Zanni Louise says
I wrote a piece about anti-smacking once, and it was taken up by BlogHer. Those were in the early days of my blogging ‘career’ – and I referenced something Kerry Sackville and others had said on Sunrise. Although I was just expressing an opinion, I was self-conscious about it afterwards, especially when I came to experience the warm hug that is the Australian blogging community. I felt I had committed some unspoken wrong…It’s hard writing about such controversial and obviously emotional topics. I haven’t written about smacking since, or vaccination, which is another topic I have a lot of opinions about – mainly because I am not up for the stick I will no doubt get, especially if the piece got picked up. Anyway… I feel for you. I guess the fact that your piece resonated with so many – and your readers – the most important people – will help you feel better about this… maybe? xx
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad says
I’ve already expressed me thoughts on this, but I’ll say it again. What IMeanyville did is bullshite. Completely belittling and out of line. You have an army behind you lady!
Lauren @ Create Bake Make says
i think a few sweary words were called for after the disgusting way you were attacked. There are so many of us who were touched by that post and I hope you are feeling a little better about things now. Sending you a big hug x
Kim @ Land of Zonkt says
My Nan used to always say. I have the last laugh… and you did hun, you did. You are awesome!
And thank you so much for your kind words. They are beautiful and you make me teary.
Thanks for having me in the Co-host chair… I hope I do it justice.
Big hugs xx
Lauren @ Life at Number Five says
I love how the blogging community rallied around you when this happened, we really do have a lovely little community.
They were way out of line for what they did, and everyone knows it. It’s kind of sad how that family of sites has deteriorated over the past few years, and it’s even sadder that a site that could be used for good is used for clickbait and tearing down the bloggers they should be nurturing and supporting.
You’re all class, Bron. I don’t know if I would have handled it as well as you did.
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
My post today, okay it’s more of a rant, is about the saga. I’m so over all the stupid writing online. Have a fab weekend xx
Helen K says
What a week! I think by the responses you have received, you can see where the opinion lies – but more importantly, you know you are doing things in the best interests, and with love, for your kids. And that’s the most important thing. Thank you so much for the reference too – I’m so glad I’ve given you some clarity! (nice to reciprocate after reading all your wonderful blogs) x
Sonia Life Love Hiccups says
I had NO idea this went down this week hun… no idea at all. Seriously WHAT were they thinking!!!!!! xx
Sonia Life Love Hiccups says
I had to go and put m two cents worth in… I just cant help myself, especially not when they have done this to my beautiful friend xx
Kelly Exeter says
Don’t worry Son – I was very late to catch up too!! Where have we been this week?!
Lydia C Lee says
I missed all this, in part because I try to miss websites that pit women against women for sport. So I’m sorry you had drama. And I’m sorry so called feminists sites do little for women.
Life With The Crew says
Great quote today Bron. I have no idea what iMeanytown is and I think I’ll keep it that way. Sorry to hear you’ve had such a bad time of it this week – that is one of the downsides of blogging – we’re opening ourselves up to the whole wide world and there are some not very nice people out there.
Amy@HandbagMafia says
The piece they ran was tacky and as subtle as a sledgehammer. They could do with some grace.
Dannielle@Zamamabakes says
Just keep being your beautiful self Bron.
How twofaced iMeanytown are!
Definitely a tantrum because they didn’t get what they wanted and so immature!
I think they may have burned a few bridges, just a few!
Loving your Chorizos, told my work colleague about them today! xx
Sara | Kid Magazine says
Boo to the meanies! You handled it so well. It’s so nice to see the blogging community unite which is the one good thing to come out of this. Have a roaring weekend 😉
Lauren @ The Thud says
Still furious about this.
My husband always says “empty vessels make the most noise” – so basically, they had nothing better to say and chose to attack someone just to take up space on their sad site. It’s shameful. They should be deeply embarrassed for what they’ve done. I can’t imagine anyone I know reading that post (even without knowing you) and thinking what they did was ok. She ridiculed a mother for being honest enough to say “I struggle sometimes” – not a great way to win fans because she’s basically saying to ALL mothers “If you struggle to be the best mother you can be at all times, you’re failing at motherhood, you’re damaging your children and you deserve to be slaughtered publicly for it”.
How about FUCK OFF.
KezUnprepared says
I have only just noticed what happened to you with iMeanytown and I am so sorry. I have become more and more disillusioned by that website (and its many counterparts) of late and while I have had positive correspondence with the author of that post before, I feel that this is very disappointing. I have noticed the decline in substance over time and I think that women in Australia deserve a better representation than constant judgmental click bait that borrows (and criticises) other people’s work.
I read your ‘yelling’ post and I felt that I completely understood the spirit of it. People looking for malicious meaning where it doesn’t exist need to get a life. I love the quote you used – sums it all up.
Erin says
Oh Bron{{}}
It was a personal attack and so unnecessary.
You however kept your integrity, that’s important xx
Holly says
That is so mean 🙁 Well done you for sticking it to them with your chorizo post though :p
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
Well I was under my rock minding my own business so I missed this whole shameful episode of so-called journalism. Sorry you were faced with this Bron – it’s so not okay. I’ll just go back under my rock now lest they attack me for ignoring my children while I watched Eurovision this evening…
Bele@ Blah Blah says
Lady, I’m fucking pissed off. I had no idea this was happening. Fuck, I’m so sorry. Big hugs xxxx
Kathy says
Hey Bron – another hug from me and glad you are feeling supported against the meanness. X
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
That is absolutely terrible Bron! When clicks come before integrity, decency and honesty, the world is a sad place. Good for you showing them with your yummy nibbles. Nothing beats chorizo!
Alyson says
Swear away my love, it was unreservedly deserved! I don’t like anyone who poisons a person’s voice…and I have to say I don’t often see it in the male blog world. I feel very ranty about it, but at the end of the day – you are loved and you are wonderful and I LOVE your opinions and look forward to all of them!
Kelly Exeter says
I too wish it wasn’t all about the clicks. Where’s it going to take us (where has it already taken us?) 🙁
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
I didn’t really want to read what iMeanytown wrote but curiosity got the better of me. I can only think that they have run out ideas of their own so have totally decided to nick yours. Not content with that, they have totally misrepresented your views, villified you and produced a perfect example of sensationalist journalism. I have never seen such a gross misrepresentation of either a person or their ideas. Pfft! Here’s a hug for you and console yourself with the fact that you had the last laugh because you made Chorizo Wrapped Creamy Slaw! Love your work – always!
stephanie@stephsjoy says
Just catching up on what’s happening this week. Good for you taking the high road! x
Emily says
Just.UGH. About the whole thing. I won’t give them another click, but I seem to remember the piece (a generous description) contradicting itself more than once.
Onward and upward, Bron. I honestly hadn’t visited that site in months (possibly years) and certainly won’t be back now. Whereas I’m here twice a week. Love your work xx
Simone @greatfun4kids says
I left a comment expressing my outrage (and empathy) over on your FB page – but this is just a week discliamer re the post I’ve linked up – it’s from LAST WEEK cos I have not blogged even ONCE this week (yet for once I managed to make the linky); I’ve had no internet. That’s my excuse anyway. x
Zoe Meunier says
One word. Karma. They were mean to one very well-loved and respected mama, and it’s gonna come back to bite them in the bum. And I shall be the first one to say, ‘Ner!’ Because I’m mature like that.
Tash @ Gift Grapevine says
So sorry you had to endure a week like this week because of iMeanytown. What they did was just not on and I love that everyone rallied around to support you. Just goes to shows how much you and your words mean to everyone. And like the “good guy” you are you finished the week the clear winner with those chorizo covered parcels of goodness!
Vicki @ Boiled Eggs & Soldiers says
So sorry that this happened , so unnecessary and so mean, definitely not contenders for the sisterhood! I love that you have taken the high road. I’m not reading it as they don’t deserve another click! x
Robyna | The Mummy & The Minx says
I still can’t quite believe that happened. But the internet is jam packed full of options and I opt out of that particular cohort and opt in for beautiful, supportive blogs like yours.
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
Well, you know my feelings on this. Shoddy work and poor form, certainly nothing to look up to.
In other news: have a gorgeous weekend xx
Jules says
No word of madness or sadness from me Bron as they have all be said from the many people who value what you have to say and that you are real and honest. Thanks for being you. x
Jules says
No word of madness or sadness from me Bron as they have all been said from the many people who value what you have to say and that you are real and honest. Thanks for being you. x