I was sitting down to draft you a very different letter, and then I read this article: http://thinkprogress.org/alyssa/2012/09/19/869601/amanda-palmer/?mobile=nc, and then your blog.
Let me first start by saying, good on you for making the ethical choice! It takes a lot of courage to look at all sides, weigh options and make a choice that's in everyone's best interests!
Please understand, when I wrote the original letter I was speaking as someone who has truly appreciated you and your musical prowess. When I saw that you were making a request contrary to the message I imagined you were wishing to portray to the world, I called you on it. Honestly, I had no idea the gravity my letter would have considering that (if you look at my blog history) I really haven't had many hits and mostly talk about fun musical events and delicious recipes. That aside, the people who are the closest to me are the ones who have the chutzpah to call me on my shit. When I wrote the letter, that was who I was hoping to be for you.
In response to your invitation, I wish I could accept, however I'm playing horn in the pit orchestra for Portland Center Stage's production of Sweeney Todd; a job that I'm grateful to have been asked to do and so far it's been a blast! If you have time and it works in my schedule too, it would be fun to meet up and get drinks (and maybe even hug and high-five. ;-) )
Your friend,
Amy
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Hello everyone!
For all that participated in this discussion, I am highly impressed by those who contributed in intelligent, thought provoking, and courteous ways. Thank you for your contributions! I've learned a lot from this and I hope you have too. This event obviously struck a chord with a great many of us. I invite you to raise your voices if you see something like this happening again! You never know what effect you might have. I sure didn't know what I was getting myself into.
To those of you who have chosen to react harshly towards myself or Amanda were/are losing the point and may want to ask yourselves why this was so upsetting to you that you would resort to bullying tactics. How often does critical thinking and progress occur for you when you're busy feeling the need to defend yourself?
Now I'm feeling compelled to sing "The more you know!", but alas... I will refrain. On that happy note, let me say goodnight to you all. It's late and I just got back from a preview performance of Sweeney. (Which is where I've been all week while you all were keeping the fire burning...) Thanks all! Goodnight for now.