There is so Much to This That I Don’t Even Know Where to Start
Peace and joy my Aunt Fanny
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This is in response to the PEACE AND JOY, A Peaceful Platform Can be More Productive and Joyful, We thrive with collaboration in unity yet divide with jealousy piece that I was published earlier. There is so much wrong with this I truly don’t know where to start.
Besides the piece being poorly written there is the passive-aggressive nature of parts of it, woman shaming, name-calling, and other petty offenses that should be beneath a “senior editor”. Some of it could even garner a lawsuit.
Sherry’s only “mistake” was defending me. And she wasn’t the only one. Slews of comments and claps have been left on Maverick’s piece which is where Sherry left her initial comment. Unlike this “senior editor” and their publisher, I’m classier than that. They are supposed to be so educated and so professional and so above it all and yet… Now Sherry is under attack. They’ve decided to up the anty by going all out rogue here.
The things said in here are vile and vicious and even less professional than the previous one. While DMY has his faults, I do believe the first piece was written by him. The first piece is the one below that I am referring to. The one above? I have my suspicions and I also recognize their handy work.
Let it be known that I have reported that account to Medium as well as the piece cited above.
My responses are in bold and italicized below.
Let’s start with the image. There is no citation to indicate that it is copyright-free. Editors are supposed to know better.
This is a sensitive post with good intention.
Let me give you context. (TOTALLY something DMY would say. Go back and look at his other writings.)
I am one of 71 editors supporting ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications on Medium. As a senior editor for Technology Hits, I review, publish, and promote stories in this tech publication. It is my baby. I mean it.
However, since several editors were unwell recently, I stepped in to help with ILLUMINATION’s excessive workload, which is my favourite publication on this platform.
Even though we have 71 editors, only 30 of us can publish on this pub as Medium does not allow more editors per pub. So Dr Mehmet Yildiz — chief editor — is juggling across the globe every day, talking with volunteers and synchronising the activities of flooding pub queues contributed by 11K writers.
It is hard to believe, but I recently cancelled some of my reading subscriptions to be able to read more articles from this pub, as there are remarkable stories that you may see in my last nine curated collections.
This pub is so loved that 11,000 writers contribute to it. It gives voice to some beginners, some experienced, and many accomplished writers with thousands of followers. We even serve published authors and award-winning novelists on ILLUMINATION Book Chapters.
Like Dr. MY, chief editor of these publications, I am a semi-retired technology executive and joined his journey as his vision resonated with me. I have known him for many years and have massive respect for his work ethic, kind heart, and friendship.
When he asked me to join as an editor at his pubs, first, I was surprised. I asked him how I could be an editor as a tech guy. I am more of a tech reader rather than a writer or an editor. But he mentored me and taught me some tricks, which worked well for me. He inspired me to be a writer too.
In short, I am happy to support the vision of Dr. MY in any capacity. For example, as a giveback activity, I recently curated writer biographies. Seeing so many talented writers blew my mind. I found each personal story so different and unique. I felt like I was chatting with them.
(This entire piece is fluff. It has nothing to do with what the alleged topic at hand is supposed to be — a beef with a fellow writer. No one cares about your resume or his for that matter. No one cares about your personal history. Stop going for read time and get to the point already. Another DMY tactic.)
Purpose of this article
(And yet another DMY tactic. Countless, pointless headers)
The purpose of this article is a bit different from my previous posts. I don’t write about our internal matters, conflicts, or politics. I stay away (from) distasteful topics, particularly from ugly politics.
However, a recent incident encouraged me to step in and clear this growing confusion. So I hope my article adds some clarity and clear(s) the air.
Brief Background
Yesterday, The Maverick Files posted a great piece that I enjoyed reading a lot. Like my other colleagues in the editorial team, I have high respect for him. He is half of my age but a very clever man. His stories are curated and loved by many readers.
In addition, he is a great team player and supports the community that Dr. MY created. Thus, Dr. MY offered him an editorial role, and our (“our”? Does he know that you think you own him? That is so condescending. “Our Little Maverick will be in junior high this year!”.) Maverick has been contributing for a while with passion. We appreciate his support. Whenever we have sticky situations, we pick his great brains.
Maverick’s story — posted yesterday — was about supporting another great editor Terry L. Cooper. After an incident, Terry was removed from illumination. (Illumination not illumination and this is done throughout. You really should have had an editor look at this, but, oh, wait, you’re a SENIOR EDITOR.
And define incident. It was a writer who wrote a piece about something that happened in MAY. It was so horrific that she kept publishing with Illumination, I was her editor on other pieces, AND she never once complained about it privately to anyone. If she was that put out by being told she needed to edit her work she could have (a) asked for another editor, (b) submitted to a different publication, or ( c ) self-published. She chose to do none of those.)
This incident was not public. It is an internal matter. However, it is public now after Maverick posting his article with good intention yesterday: Illumination Lost An Editor, and It’s Not Her Loss, It’s Ours: Reputations take ages to build, seconds to destroy. I won’t go into details as you can read the great story and cherish his wisdom. We are pleased that this story was distributed to topics as it was very well written and full of life lessons. I don’t know where Maverick got his wisdom at this age. When I was his age, I was busy with lower-purpose matters. (There’s that pat on the head condescension again.)
Even though Maverick posted the article without the consent of other editors, even without the permission of the chief editor, Dr. MY still strongly supports him as he believes in Maverick’s good intentions and prudence. (He didn’t need anyone’s permission. We publish our own stuff as editors all the time and without having to play Mother May I. He even stated that if DMY had a problem with it he would pull it. It’s still up so clearly there wasn’t an issue. More pot stirring with the “without the consent of other editors”. Get out of here with that nonsense.)
However, my point in this article is about a writer who used to be part of our publication and was loved dearly once upon a time. Unfortunately, due to some conflicts, she was removed from the publication. (The way she’s talked about in the editors’ channel on Slack begs to differ.)
Even though this writer is not part of the publication anymore, she keeps leaving negative public comments on any story written about illumination. (Again, I not i.)
A few months ago, I was disappointed with the comments left on this article [Illumination vs. the Ascent: Can This New Pub Really Defeat a Colossus] written by our senior editor and talented writer Dew Langrial. During that time, I was very sick and did not have the stamina to leave a comment even though the responses hurt me deeply. (So talented that DMY would add her name and links to her pieces in MY stories so she would get more traffic. That’s talent alright. And ethical too I’m sure in some book somewhere. Especially since her links were placed right under the initial image so people could click away to her submissions and never read mine. #classy)
Then Maverick wrote another article that I admired. It is titled To All Illumination Detractors — A Respectful Yet Befitting Response
Mud-slinging will most often stain your own clothes too. However, again this writer left lots of negative comments, which I held myself. Patience is a virtue.
Nevertheless, today, when I saw a poorly written comment from this writer again, I couldn’t hold myself and decided to invite her to peace. (“Poorly written comment from someone who isn’t your editor and coming from someone who doesn’t know illumination from Illumination or how to cite an image. NOW THAT’S FUNNY.)
Like Dr. MY, I believe in diversity, inclusion, collaboration, peace, and joy. Life is too short, especially in my old age. Not sure I can live another ten years on this earth. Waking up each day, I ponder on my mortality. I don’t sweat for small things anymore. (“Not sure I can live another ten years on this earth. Waking up each day, I ponder on my mortality. I don’t sweat for small things anymore.” Off topic. Again. Playing for the sympathy of those sitting in the back of the room are we?)
Without further ado, here is the public comment on Maverick’s article left by Sherry McGuinn.
My aim is not to criticise this writer but point out ambiguities, blind spots, and invite her to peace.
I have no conflict with Ms. McGuinn. On the contrary, like any other writer on Medium, I respect her. I read a few of her articles and enjoyed them. But as they were not in my interest areas, I chose not to engage.
Here is my well-intentioned and clarifying response to her.
To Ms. McGuinn, with respect
Firstly, no, Dr. MY did not kick Terry; instead, he kept her as a trusted advisor in his team if this is what you want to know. But, unfortunately, he had to remove Terry from a specific publication upon request from significant contributors of the pub. Dr. MY has an affinity with Terry, respects her, and promotes her work. (What an actual crock. I wish I could tell you how many times I had been in tears at the way I was treated. There is the benevolent father god persona presented to the public, white rob and sandals included. Many times I wanted to quit but other editors would talk me into staying as they knew my work ethic was needed to keep the queue down. I would take some time away only to come back to more browbeating and nonsupportive BS all because some primadonna got their panties in a wad over having to attribute a quote or list references.
I even had male writers blowing up my DMs on Slack cursing me out up one side and down the other. When I brought it to “management’s” attention I got nowhere. I had to remind him that #nomeansno is a thing for a reason!)
As a straight talker, I will be candid with you. This is not a personal attack on you but to show your hurtful behaviour on this peaceful platform. I stayed silent so far, but you go beyond ethical boundaries. Your words are inflammatory. I did not sense any love and empathy when you use the term “kick”. But I know like any human being you have precious love inside. (“Peaceful platform.” give me a break. Medium may be peaceful comparatively speaking but Illumination? Slack? I don’t know what you’re on but learn to share. And learn to speak for yourself.
Many times all of the female editors would state that we weren’t comfortable with publishing a piece for whatever reason. All of the males would pull the good old boys’ BS and say there was nothing wrong with it, poo-poo the female editors’ concerns, and publish it anyway. Rape is NEVER okay. Molestation is NEVER okay. If we say in context that it shouldn’t be published then something with a penis has no right to tell us it’s fine.)
Firstly, I am wondering about your obsession with illumination. If this pub does not resonate with you, why do you pop up in every article about illumination stirring mud? This concerns me. (“This concerns me.” Cleaning your own house should be concerning to you. The condescending, now passive-aggressive tone of the writing is so obvious that Stevie Wonder could see it. How does “this concerns me” add anything to the conversation? It doesn’t.)
This is a significant publication giving voice to 11K writers on Medium from aspiring to accomplished ones. Dr. MY mingle these writers with a community spirit. (Let’s talk about that 11K that gets thrown around at every available opportunity, shall we? Now, is that 11K writers across the 6 publications? You’re counting one writer 6 times if they are listed as a writer on all 6 publications? And how frequently are you getting 11K submissions or is there dead weight there too? Medium can’t purge active accounts but to count the total number of writers listed when a mere fraction is actually active on the publication is shadier than a palm tree in Florida.
And without screenshots, there is no evidence.)
So why are you trying to kill the dreams of so many writers and offering to close the publication? What will you gain at the end? Did you ask these fundamental questions before leaving this comment? (She didn’t offer to close it down. She doesn’t have that power. Stop word playing to the masses.)
Frankly, I sense your intense jealousy of this pub loved by thousands of people. Jealousy is unhealthy behaviour. I don’t want you to suffer from the pain of jealousy. I have been there and done that. It hurts. (Unless you’re a qualified psychiatrist you really are in no position to make these types of comments.)
I noticed you keep condemning Dr. MY in your posts. It does not make sense you bad mouth about Dr. MY after blocking him as he cannot see your comments on this article. (It’s her account. She can block whomever she wants.)
I believe you don’t want him to see your defaming content so that you can keep backstepping him. In my humble opinion, this is unethical behaviour.
If you are genuine and brave, why don’t you have a direct conversation with him? He is the most inclusive and courageous person I know so far. (Well that makes sense since it’s DMY writing this.)
I am happy to organise a connection if you are interested. He’d be delighted to face your challenges, talk with you empathetically, and discuss whatever issues you might have with him confidentially. He has a golden heart. (Okay. It’s official. I just puked in my mouth. The slobber is so thick in this piece… holy cow.)
Dr. MY respects everyone with generous tolerance and patience, including his enemies. Paradoxically, he does not see anyone as an enemy including yourself; instead, he sees everyone as a valuable soul on this earth. We are all here for a short time. (Now she’s an enemy for voicing an opinion? Harsh much? Everyone is a “valuable soul” as long as they have a penis. If you have boobs and vajay you’re just SOOL.)
We editors give him a hard time criticising his novel ideas a lot, but he always embraces criticism and allows us to speak up even if he doesn’t necessarily agree with us. So we have no fear of him, as Maverick mentioned in his previous article. (As long as you’re a man.)
I’m part of the editorial team of his pubs proudly, so I know why he removed you. No speculations. He simply pulled you because you belittled aspiring writers who just started writing. Some of them cried after your harsh comments. You attempted to kill the joy of budding writers.
Even though Dr. MY liked you very much and promoted your content, he removed you to reduce harm. He couldn’t bear the pain of suffering writers. He does not make selfish decisions. Thousands of writers respect him and support the venture that he created out of nothing. (“He couldn’t bear the pain of suffering writers. He does not make selfish decisions. Thousands of writers respect him and support the venture that he created out of nothing.” There’s that Jesus in the white robe image again…
Suffering? Being homeless is suffering. Going to bed hungry is suffering. Not being able to afford your medication is suffering. Being told you have to cite your sources? Meh, yeah no. Not so much.)
I don’t think Dr. MY ever said anything wrong about you. I know he won’t. He won’t go and bad mouth about your personality and publications publicly; instead, he stays away from creating drama like any reasonable person. He is a very busy man. (Busy? Busy doing what? Working social media because he can’t write well and can’t edit worth a nickel, evident in this piece written by him.)
However, on the contrary, you consistently throw muds and even dare to talk about his qualifications. I don’t understand why his qualifications are a concern to you.
As his close friend, I don’t even ask his qualification it is none of my business. I am interested in his great work publicly available on many platforms. There was another writer like you who questioned his qualifications. He publicly and kindly shared some of them.
Many readers admired his courage. You can learn about his qualifications in this article: An Open Letter to One of My Fascinated Readers: Response to Tessa Schlesinger who wants to know more about my background
As you point out, he is a tech guy like me, a very good one, but he is a well-respected and profound thought leader. He also runs his personal health publication on this platform guiding many suffering people. I am one of them. Many of his life hacks taught me and helped me heal. He generously and fearlessly shares his life-hacks. Millions love his content, but he keeps a shallow profile. (Have you SEEN the Illumination main page???? EVERYTHING has his name on it for at least the first inch of the publication. And I simply love how you had canonical links throughout this conversation piece with Sherry to all of his latest and greatest masterpieces.
Was this an ad for all things DMY or were you reaching out to Sherry? It’s hard for me to tell. And oh yeah — I removed all the canonical links to all of the stories. I’m not helping you make a dime.)
You say illumination has no standards. This is far from the truth. Dr. My (MY not My sheesh) created a ton of guiding materials to improve the quality of content. Stories of hundreds of writers are distributed to topics by Medium thanks to his contributions. You can check our Starter Kit for Writers of ILLUMINATION Integrated Publications: One-stop-shop for beginners.
Probably you are too busy to find nitty gritty language errors acting like a grammar police of the platform. No one is perfect including yourself. Did you see Dr MY’s quality assurance checklist? (Yet you cited her “poorly” written piece so pot, kettle.)
Observing your obsession with illumination recently, your online behaviour resembles the metaphor of one who desperately wants to sleep with her X. Who wants that, for heaven’s sake! I tried it once when I was young and desperate, and it truly sucked. I felt so empty afterwards. (Now this was way over the line and I hope like hell you get sued for it. And it’s afterward not afterwards FFS. How did you EVER become “senior editor”? Oh right. Slobber, slobber, slobber.)
My key message to you is to invite you to peace. We can be more productive and joyful with peace and collaboration.
If you are not willing, please do us a favour and stay away from illumination unless you have something good to say.
Please stop stirring and harassing this much-loved pub and mind your own business. I don’t stick my nose to your publications. I believe you have more meaningful and productive things in your life. (I’m seeing Nero fiddle and the emperor’s new clothes simultaneously here. Not a pretty sight indeed.)
I feel your pain as I was jealous of my colleagues when I was young. I would do anything to fail them. And now, I see my bad behaviour in you. But I respect you as a person. Everyone needs love and respect, as Dr. MY keeps telling me during his mentoring sessions. (Assumptions on your part that could get you sued. Here’s hoping because at this point? You deserve everything that’s coming your way. You’re in Slack this very moment with a smiley emoji of how proud you are of this post. Benevolent my azz. More passive-aggressive behavior. Let me play armchair shrink for a minute… isn’t there a name for people who do that? The passive-aggressive thing that is… wait… it will come to me…)
With good vibes, I wish you the best. Stay safe, please.
Blessings,
An ancient tech guy with good heart aka (“A” good heart DMY, you always leave out the “A”).
A lady first, an editor second, a citizen of the human race always.
Terry
You ain’t Him so stop trying. False gods burn for all of eternity. But you already know that and yet are willing to burn. You’re willing to pay that price in the afterlife so you can live the “good life” now. But you follow a false god and as all false gods do, they only care for themselves. See the pattern yet?
Claire Kelly, Aldric Chen, Josephine Crispin, The Maverick Files, Yean Foong (M.Ed.), Tree Langdon, Harry Hogg, Veronika Kaufmann, Fynn Stevenson, Moana Liza, Susan Wheelock, Brooke Krzyston, Winston, ☕️ShannonMoose, Greg Basham, Jason, Simon Dillon, Clive Wilson, Christine Schoenwald, Mehdi Jouay, Charles H. Roast, Ashley L. Peterson, Kim Zuch, Dean Gee, Daniel Hopper, S M Mamunur Rahman, The Dozen
And don’t take my word for it. Here’s a piece about just how shady that operation is with charts and graphs and numbers for evidence. You can’t argue facts. Okay, you can but it won’t do you any good.
Or this one
Now, with this last one, watch how the illustrious leader tried to play off losing 65K followers with the old, “HOw can it be a big deal with Johnny did it too!” routine.
“Some pubs” lost 100K but Illumination publications are the only ones anyone is writing about? You’d think that 100K would make at least one headline. BECAUSE THERE WAS NO 100K LOSS BY ANYONE. He pulls the same, “Oh, look something shiny!” routine in his own piece. The only one mentioning and no screenshots to prove it.
No screenshots, no evidence. No evidence?
It didn’t happen.
Time for the smoke and mirrors to end once and for all so we can all have true peace and joy.
And now for the disclaimer because I know panties will be in huge wads and in large quantities:
This is written in the first person as it is my experience, my story to tell. It is not the opinion of other writers or editors of any publication mentioned herein or any other publication on Medium.
