Comments on: Not all male family bloggers are sex offenders

By: stephen

stephen — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:39:54 +0000

Anyone in or around Sydney who would like to join a support group for males who have been sexually abused can email sydneysupportgroup (at) gmail.com
There is no point in waiting for help to come to you, chances are it wont. You need to help yourself. They way to do that is by contacting the above email or contacting a Sexual Assault Service. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but YOU have to do the work. All you men out there who are suffering because of a sexual assault, have the courage, say to yourself that this is bullshit, and do something positive. Remember: it was not your fault.

By: KERAN THOMAS

KERAN THOMAS — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 06:28:38 +0000

Hey Megan
I have learned never be afraid in life, nor be oppressed by those who seek power by inappropriate means. Stand firm and strong, woman of conscience and substance.

Birdwing

By: Megan

Megan — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:04:28 +0000

Thanks everyone for your comments. Issues like this will always draw polarised opinions and are subject to emotive responses – please – let the authorities do their job. This has been reported and we have been having ongoing discussions with the authorities since Feb. It remains alleged until the authorities make it otherwise or tell me I can pass names on. I am not that authority and I do not yet have permission.

By: Alison

Alison — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:10:48 +0000

Let’s not forget the point here – There IS someone out of control – There is an alleged child abuser doing the rounds of family blogs! Speaking up two months before the admins at Aussie Bloggers Forum were informed means that family bloggers had two months more warning. I for one am very thankful for the posts I did not publish about my three young girls in those two months. I am also glad that discussions have taken place about this issue! Hooray! People are speaking out against child abuse! If allegations have been misinterpreted as facts, why not continue the discussion – instead of fighting it!
People have a right to be alerted to predators, alleged or not. It is up to them how they handle the information. I am sorry that other male bloggers feel they are under suspicion and Andrew, I am sorry that you feel people are working to destroy Aussie Bloggers Forum. One of the strongest messages I’ve received from both recent posts and recent comments is the importance of communities coming together and supporting one another. Yes, there is an alleged sex offender out there, so, to repeat the wise words already spoken here, we need to be “cautious – while not living in fear” and “vigilant in not doing stupid things.”
I understand a lot of hard work goes into creating great online communities. I would hope that the current situation could be seen as an opportunity for discussion, for the community to come together and form a united front against child abuse. Focussing on damage and wrong doing and hurt feelings – well, that seems counter productive to me.
Thank you Megan, for putting the safety of children first and for helping me to protect my girls. I admire your courage and the respect you have for the people who really matter.

By: Andrew Boyd

Andrew Boyd — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:28:06 +0000

Hi Paul,

I did read the posts.

The “profit” I spoke of had nothing to do with money. I apologise for not making this clearer.

Megan made the allegations about a member of the Aussie Bloggers Forum 2 months before it came to the attention of the admins there (of which I am one). The allegations (as yet unsubstantiated) have since been repeated as fact on other blogs and discussed on Twitter. We’ve worked hard to make the forums into what they are now. That one of the less involved is now working to destroy what we have built is distressing for all of us. If anyone is out of control, I do not think it is me.

I am thinking for myself – I am not sure that the same may be said for those who will not disclose their relationships with people associated with this blog.

Best regards, Andrew