I made what I thought were legitimate criticisms of Holly Baxter’s piece, premised on criticisms with her points in her piece for the Guardian on crowdfunding. I spent a long time writing it and trying to be careful, since I’m aware she is currently facing much unnecessary, unwanted and unwarranted digital hate.
I’ve decided, despite spending a long time on the piece, not to publish it (at least for now). I do not wish to add to the Internet’s hate or criticism of Ms Baxter. No one will die because I didn’t say something, but the least I can do is be sensitive to her position right now. Apologies all round. That was an asshole move on my part.
I will perhaps publish it later, but for now, I’d rather spend time making social media and Internet in general a better place for discussion and not add to Ms Baxter’s unnecessary catalogue of negativity.
No, she doesn’t deserve it. And, no, I don’t agree with her arguments. But right now, what matters more is her sense of safety and I don’t want to do anything – even minor – that might detract from that. I’m no one, of course, but as we all know, we are all public figures.
UPDATE:
After seeing Baxter’s response on Twitter, I’ve chosen not to publish the article at all. Nothing significant will be gained by my publishing.
. @devhynes I’ve been off Twitter for a while but having just seen how upset you & fans are, I’m mortified and sorry. The article was (1/3)
— The Vagenda Team (@VagendaMagazine) December 20, 2013
. @devhynes insensitive and the worst thing to know is I hurt your feelings at such a difficult time. The headline was especially (2/3)
— The Vagenda Team (@VagendaMagazine) December 20, 2013
. @devhynes incendiary, I didn’t write it, and I ensured it was removed. But I take responsibility for my writing and apologise
— The Vagenda Team (@VagendaMagazine) December 20, 2013