Search ThisCrazyTrain.com

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Googling myself and this blog

It's not something I usually do, take a trip on Google to read what others have to say about me or this website. Considering all the threats I get from people who swear on a pile of newborn babies that they will "destroy me on the Internet", the reviews are quite positive, such as this one, where I am described as "wowzer balls".

Then there are references to me and the site on a few train/rail enthusiast discussion boards about my views or specific stories, and even cyclists/ebike/moped folks discuss me.

Back in the summer, I was email-bombed by two people who threatened to create an anti Crazy Train blog where they said they would "trash me" and "Photoshop me into pictures doing bad things". I waited for the hammer to fall, but it never did. In fact, I was more than ready for the attack because I know my rights and we have laws to protect us from that kind of abuse online. Maybe it was the strongly worded letter from George. E. Greyskull, cattorney at law, that snuffed out the fire, but if there's a hate site out there, I haven't found it.

But what I really am bracing myself for is what may come in the next few weeks. I've done interviews for both radio and print about the site from Vancouver to Montreal, and locally in the papers, as well as a for a few Toronto-based blogs, but recently, I sat down to to give a candid interview about what motivated me to ditch my car and blog about commuting on public transit. At times I got personal and I realize I have gotten more personal in my posts on here. As you get to know your audience, you can't help but want to be somewhat intimate with people who seem to really care about you, about what you think and who find they can relate to you. I see it more in the comments and in email. Some of you have even made it into my Facebook circle of friends, and some of you have become personal friends as well. It's amazing how we can use blogging and social media to connect with others.

Where it really turned for me was when Howie died. Many of you remember Howard Bigfird. Losing a family pet is a very isolated grief. Those who don't own pets don't understand why you're hurting so much, those who do are afraid to tell you they know how much you hurt because it stirs up past pain for them and others just think it's ridiculous to cry over an animal who can be replaced. The emails I received and the words that were woven into those emails and tweets were incredibly supportive and appreciated. That's when I realized what a wonderful group of folks many of you are and it made me realize that I shouldn't fear the haters. What I needed to do was embrace the supporters. So I took it one step further and blogged about my struggles with losing weight. Again, you guys were amazing! Sure, there were the odd few douchepicks who, having not quite left high school behind, wrote purposely mean comments that never made it past the approve button. I'm not saying it didn't hurt but it's all part of the game of online life and at least I can manage it with the tools online blogging provides.

I don't want to jinx the story or give anymore details in case it winds up on the proverbial editorial cutting room floor but I hope the feedback is positive when the story is published. I'll admit, inside I'm cringing a little because the forum of public opinion is a cruel one. I don't know if my skin is thick enough.

15 comments:

TIL said...

Good for you C.J.
I also think that you are much stronger than the haters out there. Keep up the wonderful job!

Anonymous said...

I still find it amazing that you managed to build up the audience that you have. I rarely comment but I have come to enjoy reading the site and I would be sad if you ever took it down or stopped blogging. I also like reading about your cats and your weight loss so keep writing about yoru progress. Stay touch girl. Can't wait for the story!!!

Anonymous said...

Ooooh, is this like some kind of expose?

C.J. Smith said...

I find it amazing people read too!
And no, it's nothing scandalous.

Skin Man said...

You rock gurl!

deepfish said...

Godspeed CJ

mark p said...

i enjoy this blog somehow, maybe because some people dont know how to park in parking lots, not just go parking lots.....when i park i get a little obsessive i have to get it just right if i can, some just make their own rules, my biggest pet peeve is when people in big gigantic SUVs who create spots by parking on the grass or concrete ends (there's probably a proper term for those) of parking lot rows......

Peter said...

I believe you have nothing to worry about, Cindy. You put it into perspective, namely, you have an extended online family. Remember how the family rallied when Christian stepped out of line? It brought back memories of Vic Vaseline’s famous line, “You fight me, you fight my gang!”

Vic who?! Well, it was looooooong before your time, Cindy, but in many ways This Crazy Train reminds me of Dr. Bundolo's Pandemonium Medicine Show. Just keep doing what you're doing.

Anonymous said...

I've never commented, but I read your blog every morning and I have only positive things to say about you and what you've shared. I'm sure there are many, many people like me, who are silently supportive - certainly there are many more of us than the trolls who look for any sliver of a vulnerability that they can dig at with their viciousness. I have a theory that people who hate on others pick at the exact issues they have themselves - so people who judge on weight likely had weight issues as children, or eating disorders. People who hate on everything likely have miserable or meaningless lives. Certainly these people's words should mean nothing - but I can understand how just hearing words can zing, regardless of the source.

My thanks for the daily entertainment you provide, from all of us who silently read and enjoy every day.

Kelly@CrueltyFreeCanada said...

There is something about you that connects with people - I still read and comment faithfully although I stopped riding the GO back in May and am hoping to avoid it forever! Most people understand the humour and sarcasm on the site, and most NICE people understand the logic behind what you are pointing out. It seems only the ones doing something wrong disagree...

C.J. Smith said...

Y'all are awesome. You really are.

Squiggles said...

I am waiting for the article with baited breath!

As for the links, I started tearing up again when reading about Howard, thinking about my kitty. Of course, it doesn't help that I have been taking Numbnuts in for a procedure this morning that brought back a lot of unpleasant memories.

Anonymous said...

I started following your blog one day when a friend posted a status about a perticularily funny GO incident and someone mentioned your blog. I instantly became hooked on it. Don't stop doing what you do, I am sure I am not alone when I say it really makes my day. Keep up the good work : )

Bicky said...

You go, girl! *snapping fingers*

I really cannot pull that off. *sigh*

You'll handle whatever comes your way with the quick wit and common sense we all have come to love.

Haters can hate but love and happiness will always triumph.

Linda T said...

CJ - you make my day everyday on the GO! When there isn't a new posting, I miss my morning laugh. As for pets - I call'em 'furbabies' and they are family! I can't wait to read the interviews!