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‘res016 Lnda Elis Author - Copyright Protection "The Dash’ Linda Ellis Author - Copyright Protection "The Dash" Linda Ellis - Author of "The Dash" and "Live Your Dash" Poems and Books Shares Her Insights... Home Amhives Profile Subscribe ‘April o1, 2016 ‘My Cyberbullying Story As hu 1g as this is, | am shat Robert Krausankas does. | consider him a cyberbully. Here are the photos that Rob: cohorts created and posted on the Internet to harass and embarrass me and try te ruin my reputation because they don't agree with the way I run my business. He has been harassing me for YEARS. these “memes” posted by Robert Krausankas so that you will know what t Krausankas and his, hipowwrindslistypepac.cominy_ webloa)pages! wo ‘res016 Lnda Elis Author - Copyright Protection "The Dash’ Robert Krausankas and Matthew Chan LANGUAGE WARNING! Matthew Chan and Robert Kraus... More to Read... NOTE: This case was overturned by the GA Supreme Court. The permanent protection order that I was issued by a judge was overturned on this technicality: /had gone to theirsite. But, it was only to monitor threats against me. "Don't you ever laugh as the hearse goes by For you may be the next to die. They wrap you up in a big white sheet. From your head down to your feet iii! They put you in a big black bex ‘And cover you up with dirt and rocks.” ‘Those eerily haunting lyries played over and over in my mind driving by myself o the courthouse in the Georgia town where my stalker lives, hours away from my home, Mile after mile, the words of that song which was posted under my nameby April Brown, Auctioneer, in a grotesque video on his web site, replayed in my mind. Tt unnerves me to this day that he and his followers would share The Hearse Song intended for me, coupled with the words: “WE ARE COMING TO GET YOU!" | can still picture the worms crawling out ofthe skeletal remains in the video and still feel the shock and fear that pulsed through my body theday that posting was discovered and T ‘was forced to finally succumb to the realization of how twisted and dangerous my adversaries were. Looking back, that day was the turing point for me, the day I knew aetion had to be taken to protect myself and my loved ones. However, in the beginning ofthis ordeal there was a graphic that surfaced that should have gamered more of my focus and fear. It was ‘a computer-generated photo of my face superimposed with others standing together ina fring line above the printed words: "READY, AIM, FIRE!" To be honest, it was so absurd to meat the time, the incident got buried by the trivilities and events that continually flow into our lives. Little did I know. Sharing this story, I ty to remember specifies yet my mind is inundated with everything that happened as ifit occurred all at once even ‘though it was over the span of three years, thus far. All ofthe emotions from disbelief and denial, to drive and determination are ‘brought to the forefront of my mind in some chaotic surreal kaleidoscope of reality. During this time, I've also considered the many possible situations and circumstances that might lead to obsession and subsequent stalking, Not in one of those scenarios did I prime example ofthe fact that it ean happen to vvisualizea stalker’ vietim as a middle-aged inspirational poet. This makes anyone for any reason...or no reason at all. ‘My stalking saga, as unusual as it sounds, started over a copyright infringement issue in the fall of 2011, a potentially easily solved business dispute with a woman who was ultimately the catalyst for my entire virtual terrorism experience. This woman, a professional hipowwrindslistypepac.cominy_ webloa)pages! ano ‘res016 Lnda Elis Author - Copyright Protection "The Dash’ auctioneer from Seattle, had stolen my most valued registered copyrighted work and began to use it unauthorized on her business .com ‘website, We notified her and instead of admitting fault and negotiating a reasonable licensing fee, she contacted a group founded by my stalker to assist those who had been caught using copyrighted photos and creative works unauthorized. He began the organization ‘when he (allegedly) used some stock photos unauthorized and was contacted by those who manage the rights to the images. Thus, he arrived at the conclusion that paying applicable fee to licensors of ereative works was unfair. This began the twisted relationship between this Seattle auctioneer, the man I believed to be my stalker and their co-horts - an abnormal obsession founded upon their only common denominator intimidating, threatening and harassing me, ‘These were not amateurs. They had become skillful cyberspace hate-mongers. In fact, they had brought the skil of virtual terrorism to tan artform. ‘The biggest takeaway of this entire experience for me still remains my complete and utter astonishment at the ‘unconscionable acts one can inflict upon another without ever having the slightest inkling of empathy. I myself cannot pass the homeless on the street without mentally putting myself in their position and wondering how to help. So, it’s bewildering to me how anyone can spew threats, hatred and abuse so unreservedly toward a fellow human being without having their conscience knock on the back door oftheir brain at least once. Perhaps it did and they just didn’t answer. ‘My stalkers’ harassment initially began with insults about my appearance, my age, my writing, etc. Insults I can handle, having learned early on in my career that not everyone is going to like me, or my work. That's part of life and this you must lear to accept ‘There is not a truer statement than ‘we cannot please all ofthe people all ofthe time.” In addition, I firmly believe in the First Amendment and that even those with less than honorable thoughts to share have a complete unfettered right to share those thoughts. Everyone has a free speech right to express his orher opinions, thoughts, criticisms and condemnations. But I believe when that right, that gift for which so s0 many heroes made the ultimate sacrifice, is abused and morphs into threats of violenee, it should be reconsidered. When that right is further used to solicit the support of likeminded to form a dangerous mob of Intemet terrorists connected via Cyberspace by one commonality ~evil, there should bea rescinding ofthat right. We have the Second Amendment right ‘to keep and bear arms, but we cannot go around shooting people at will! The same applies to the First Amendment in my opinion. Ifwe abuse this right by threatening to harm, and intimidate others, it should be selectively rescinded. ‘The unscrupulous in this world have used the power of the Internet to justify attempting to alter the true meaning of fre speech and ‘that inevitably endangers everyone. The legal powers that be must inerease their awareness and take the necessary actions to stop the spread of this destructive virtual contagion. Better late, than never. My situation should not bea First Amendment issue. Tt should be an "Thave a right to live my life without threats, harassment and intimidation" issue. In my mind, and following the “hindsight is 20/20” adage, I feel if maybe more attention had been paid to the initial elues and insinuations, perhaps if they had been considered by me to be authentic signs from this disturbed individual, some of his actions could have been stopped earlier or at least kept from escalating. There was a documentary that aired recently about a stalking ease that ‘tragically resulted in a homicide. ‘The vietim's family said they would have reached out to the perpetrator, but they knew he was “untouchable emotionally” and they believed doing so would have worsened the already frightening situation. That confirmed my ‘feelings. Even though we'd never met, I knew my stalker was “untouchable emotionally.” He had tobe. How could someone with normal human compassion and sensibility perform these depraved aets upon someone else? Tjust knew in my heart that trying to communicate rationally with the irrational was not a feasible option. Inaddition, I didn't know then how inhabited this beehive of evil was that had been inadvertently poked, Further developments exposed that my stalker had self-appointed himselfa “cult-leader” and was quoted proualy gushing these thoughts: “You should realize that ereating and managing an online cutt..is actually more challenging than one where you physically meet and interact with my followers. My dazzling, hypnotic, persuasive, and entrancing words and prose are somewhat masterful I must confess. I can convince the most intelligent, sel-determined, and self-motivated person to blindly follow any public suggestion Tmight make.” He later refered to is “team” as loyal and entirely voluntary soldiers.” A few of these loyal “soldiers,” had made their presence known, but hhow many or ow dedicated they were in carrying out ther leader's threats remained tobe seen, Tt soon became apparent that his reach extended beyond the few with whom Iwas aware when more threats through social media and email rom perfect strangers furthering his cause began toarive. ‘These words he posted for me re still etched in my mind: “Life will become very unpleasant” for“a sustained period oftime..” That, is honestly a true statement ‘The questions began running through my mind: Who ocall? Where to begin? My Intemet research only made me more bewildered; under what eategories do such infractions fall? Are they considered stalking? Are they bullying? Are they terroristc threats? Which zast century cyberspace danger applies to my circumstances? Finding the answers and the corect authorities to contact was more complicated than I anticipated [started by making a call to my local law enforcement. A very compassionate woman explained that she felt the specifi threats my new enemy had imposed upon me fll under the definition of erorstic threats, 0.C.G.A, §16-11-37 defines a “Terorstic Threat” as, among, other things, “Threatening to commit any crime of violence.” I watched the video my stalker had posted addressed to mein which he stated angrily: “She won't understand anything but brte fore!” I thought of the image of my facein font ofthe firing line and the hipowwrindslistypepac.cominy_ webloa)pages! ato ‘res016 Lnda Elis Author - Copyright Protection "The Dash’ “collateral damage” he spoke of in reference to the harm he intended to inflict upon my loved ones and associates. His statements: “You're dead” and “There are those who want to put you in the ground” ran through my mind. Yes, these were “threats to commit any crime of violence.” filled out paperwork to be contacted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and followed up with a phone call, only. tobe told later told that I needed to contact my local law enforeement (again.) Tealled my local law enforcement onee more and explained the situation. A kind and very young female officer eame to my house and tooka report. I got the keen sense she really wasn't savvy about Internet harassment and threats. Nevertheless, she said someone would contact me. That week a homicide detective called, who bluntly told me there was nothing they could do for me. He left me with ‘he distinct impression that he had been inconvenienced by my inquiry. I posed the question to him: “What would you do ifsuch harm was directed at your family?” Hewouldn’t answer. Feeling helpless and confused, I returned to my keyboard for more research, ‘While clicking, eading and learning, the thoughts of his statements about driving through my subdivision and around my town entered my mind. My thoughts focused on the images of the photos he'd posted of my home, his boasts that hel planned to drive ry house with “high powered lenses,” his posting of my financial information, my mortgage, my personal records, my family and my employee's personal information. His followers had threatened to appear and harass me at my speaking engagements and their profile photos would appear on my computer screen as they logged on to monitor and call-in to harass me during liveradio interviews. This \was STALKING. This had to constitute stalking. T decided to try to get protection from these threats of violence and harm by seeking @ protection order. But, what exactly constitutes stalking in Georgia? Pursuant to 0.C.G.A. 16-5-90, "A person commits the offense of stalking when he or she follows, places under surveillance, or contacts another person at or about a place or places without the consent ofthe other person forthe purpose of harassing, and intimidating the other person.” He had contacted meby posting videos and letters directed to my attention. His organization had mailed threats through the US Mail to my home, he had called the fiance’ of iy associate when he knew she was home alone with a young child. He had posted photos of my home. He had bragged about driving around my neighborhood. He talked about putting me under surveillance by taking photos “like paparazzi." STALKING. |1was pleased to discover the special intemet crimes division in my county, but disillusionment followed when they informed me their department only handled in crimes involving children and an order for protection could only be sought through the court system. After several calls to several other departments, I was finally informed a visit to the law enforcement in the town where my stalker lives was the advised course of action. They also told I may need an attomey. I soon arranged to meet with an attorney nearmy home. After extensive telephone conversations during which he was helpful, empathetic and seemed eager to take my case, Twas very disappointed. After arriving at his office and showing him my printed evidence, his attitude reversed direction. He said he was embarrassed to admit it, but he was frightened to take my ease. Though disheartened and unimpressed by his reneging and apparent cowardice, truly did appreciate his honesty. Furthermore, I understood his situation first-hand. He was fearful of potential online repercussions that would damage the reputation of his law practice and possibly harm his young family. I then found another attorney in my stalker's town who spoke to meon the phone and was very willing to help me. I felt instantly relieved, Often our journey through life erosses paths with another due to no actions of our own, and only afterward do we learn the reasons. As T began to read more of the threats and verbal abuse toward me that my stalker and his “cult” followers had shared with the world, there was a name that appeared repeatedly. Among others, he was also a vietim of their attacks, Tt scemed as though he had been a target for ‘their virtual assaults for quite some time. His nameis Tim McCormack and heis a highly respected attomey in Seattle. He had been fighting this war, battle by battle, before my unfortunate emergence onto the scene. 1 Googled Timothy B, McCormack - Attomey at Law, as most of us do these days when we make a new acquaintance, 1 discovered that ‘Tim had been previously victimized by the same group my stalker had founded because he is an attorney for the largest royalty stock company in the world. He defends the company's tights when their stock images are misappropriated and distributed without authorization and applicable payment. As mentioned, my stalker had founded this group based on harassing and intimidating those ‘who seek monetary remuneration for use of their protected creative works. Tim, by doing his job, had stepped directly into this path of evil-doers. It was disheartening to read the malicious slander and foolish “memes” that were created about Tim and posted on-line by our mutual foes, The optimist in me searched in vain for reason in the nonsensical slurs they had hueled at this well-respected and educated gentleman, [reached out to him, a total stranger, because we had something in common ~ harassment by the same group of individuals --and I needed guidance. Shock and elation were my reactions when he responded to my email and offered his help. Instantly, I felt less alone in my predicament. Looking back, ifall that was received from Tim McCormack was that initial reply, 1 would have been grateful. However, he and his associates helped more than anyone could have anticipated, legally and emotionally. Tim. ‘would prove to be not only a fellow vietim and legal ally, but also a shining example for me to follow having already endured this ‘wickedness with dignity and maturity. He offered his help and we both knew then I would be turning to him again in the months to come. At the time however, he was my only knowledgeable ally and he was 2,000 miles away, thus able to provide only long-distance support. hipowwrindslistypepac.cominy_ webloa)pages! ano ‘res016 Lnda Elis Author - Copyright Protection "The Dash’ Inherently an optimist, I ad begun facing these events of my life utilizing a “tum the other cheek” strategy. However, it seems the more ‘these threats were ignored, the more they escalated, as though he were testing me to see how far he had to push to get the satisfactory reaction from me hewas obviously seeking. Likea festering wound, he wouldn't go away without attention. Tt wasn’t long before the insults were not enough and he stepped up his game. It was then I was forced to face my new reality. My naiveté was finally replaced ‘with an epiphany -- what was happening was very real and very serious. 1 followed my local aw enforcement’s instructions and drove for hours to the police station in my stalker's town of residence where the officers we very understanding. However, they told me that I needed to go through the courts there in that town to seek my protection order. Before doing that, I decided to meet with the attomey Ihad last spoken with on the phone. ‘Ten minutes after shaking his hand, ‘my comfort in finding him was immediately diminished. He too, had made the decision after reconsidering the facts and seeing the evidence that he was afraid to take my case. Both lawyers were too fearful to take my ease...all because of one small man (both in stature and integrity) who fashioned himself dangerous using the most intimidating weapon at his disposal, his keyboard. But at least this attomey was not entirely unhelpful. He did give me the name of a judge to speak with and madea call to the courthouse for me. walked across the street and timidly into the judge's courtroom where [been directed. Isat on one ofthe benches, printed evidence in hand. Iwas the only one in the courtroom and the silence was deafening. I waited respectfully, questioning my decision tocome. 1 wasn't sure the judge was even aware he had company. T certainly didn’t want to surprise him by my presence. Twas nervous, but the ‘more I glanced down at the printed threats in my hand, the more my fear morphed into determination, It was my right as an American to seek protection, but moreimportantly, it was my duty as a mother. After what seemed like an exorbitant amount of time, the judge glanced down at me. He asked my reasons for being there. I began to explain my plight as succinetly as possible, but as feared, my tears started to fall and Tknew Td lost eredibility. He instantly responded with: “Where's yourlawyer?!” With a trace of defiance I replied: “He was afraid to come.” ‘The judgettold me there was nothing he could do until paperwork from the ath floor was completed by me and that I should have been informed ofthat already. By whom? My invisible attomey? Thanking the judge, I reluctantly took the elevator to the 4th floor. There, I was told that there was nothing they could do because the only option that was available was to file a domestie protective order and this, ‘was not a domestic situation. When I told them I'd never met the man face-to-face who was perpetrating these threats against me, they shook their heads and told meto go home. But I wasn’t going home, I requested to speak with a supervisor, telling them that I needed protection and needed it today. With that, they agreed to let me fll out paperwork for review by the judge. Tt was the same paperwork as ifthis were a domestie protective order ‘that was being sought, but that didn't matterto me. Threats were threats and ifthis was the manner in which I would be allowed to see the judge to obtain protection, so be it. My hands were shaking because by now it was late in the afternoon with only a few minutes, remaining to get the paperwork submitted. I wanted to sleep peacefully that night, knowing I¢ atleast taken some pro-active steps in resolving my situation. (Later, my stalker would accuse me of having someone else fill out the paperwork because of the variance my hand shaking created in the handwriting on the request form.) Returning to the judge's chambers, I met with his assistant. By then, Twas visibly upset. I needed protection for my family and myself before something irreversible happened. She listened. She understood, She told me she would try to help. She may as well have had & halo glowing above her head that day. She walked me out to a bench in the hall where I sat holding the completed forms along with the printed evidence ofthreats tightly in my hands. Observing people leaving the courtroom, Inoticed an older woman using a walker, and by hersidea younger woman who was undoubtedly her daughter. Thoughts of my own elderly mother rushed in as I remembered the day she entered the room unannounced and saw the video playing of my stalker ranting vile, hateful threats against me. She ried aloud that day standing behind me with her hands upon my shoulders. After about twenty minutes, the judge’s assistant came out and motioned for me to follow. Walking diligently behind her, Twas unsure ofour destination. She asked me to sit down and I was now facing a judge, the same judge I had met earlier in the courtroom. We were in a small dimly lit office and he seemed less intimidating at his desk than he had at the judge’s bench. Fumbling nervously through ‘the paperwork in my hand, at least this time I knew I'd obtained the correct forms. Ihanded him my signed request. He carefully looked over the evidence and stated he believed there was enough to issue a protective order. Tinadvertently expressed an audible sigh ofteliefas he signed the paperwork, He did admonish me to be better prepared when returning for the hearing and [assured him that would happen. It was now three days before the hearing, and still no attomey to represent me. My fear had convinced metthat finding legal support was necessary, however I did lear through this experience that an attorney is not required when secking protection against a stalker. All you really need is a combination of proof and fortitude. I's known as Pro se legal representation and it means advocating on your own behalf before a court, rather than being represented by a lawyer. Though theattorneys ultimately proved to be beneficial for me, hhad Itead this book and/or been more informed, my representation at the hearing would have undoubtedly been Pro se hipowwrindslistypepac.cominy_ webloa)pages! 10 ‘res016 Lnda Elis Author - Copyright Protection "The Dash’ | decided to throw a Hail Mary pass and called another local attomey. She happened to answer the phone in her office as her assistant hhad stepped away. At frst she said her case load was overwhelming and there was no way she could take on a case this quickly. But the moreshe listened, the more she sensed my fear and the urgency ofthe situation. Maybe it was because she is a woman, Maybe it was because she is a mother. Maybe it was because she believes in right and wrong, but it was probably a combination of all three. Whatever the reasons, Iwas grateful Betsy McBride agreed to take on an additional ease with her heavy workload. She spoke with me for another hour about what I needed to do to get prepared for the hearing. wasn’t sure what to expect as Idrove to the hearing. Just knowing there were threats to the safety of my family, alone, fueled my resolve. It felt like more of a mini-trial than a simple hearing, and the defendant was allowed to cross-examine me. Surprisingly, my anxiety had begun to diminish. Instead of my waiting in fear to find out what he was going to do, Iwas theone doing something..the one holding the cards. Afterall, truth was on my side. Right was on my side. Though there was a chance for an unwanted outcome, 1 would leavea winner regardless, knowing positive steps had been taken to stop a dangerous and escalating situation, As most people can probably say, jargon such as: “Amicus Brief Curiae," (the name fora bref filed with the court by someone who is not ‘party to the case) appellee/appellant and PPO (Permanent Protective Order) have never been a part of my professional or personal vernacular, This experience has been one of compulsory education, though even after researching and learning so much, the politically challenged.” Thad to put my trust in others, others who knew how to fight battles such as vhich is all there was for me to rely upon initially correet name for metoday remains: “legally ‘this with more than just faith in “good conquers evil,” Previously, through email, my Seattle ally Tim McCormack was introduced to my local counsel, Betsy MeBride. Together, these two professionals worked on submitting what seemed like endless pages of legal argument supporting me in my endeavor to seek protection, Tim submitted a lengthy, detailed and incredibly accurate amicus brief as did the attorney for my antagonist. Thejudge perused everything in detail before rendering his decision. Sitting at the witness stand during the hearing, I was confident and completely prepared to answer my stalker's questions honestly and straightforwardly. He had in his hand a prepared list of questions for me, but his hand began to shake so much, the paper he held made noticeable sound. He was seared. He was anxious. The tables had tured, albeit temporarily. Honestly, Tmust say that I did derive some pleasure knowing he had been made uncomfortable. I remember thinking: Could he possibly be regretting his actions at this juneture? [As the procedures concluded, I still remember being in a state of bewilderment. I didn't know what it meant when two of the guards slowly walked behind mein the courtroom before the judge announced his decision. Tlearned later they were there for my protection because the judge was preparing to rulein my favor. He had reviewed the evidence and the facts ofthe case after an unusually lengthy )hearing and made an informed decision based on thelaw. It felt as though an anvil had been lifted from my shoulders. The defendant begged for leniency claiming he was an honest businessman in the town, but the judge issued a Permanent Protective Order believing ‘that my safety was in question. The defendant began to ask the judge repeatedly: ‘What does this mean?’ as if he was in disbelief that someone had taken his passion — harassing me— away from him. My literary agent has become. friend aver the years. In a discussion with him about my disturbing experiences, and the “legal angel” I had in Tim, he suggested our considering co-authoring a book about our experiences in order to help future vietims ofthese senseless attacks. I contacted Tim and we began this project in the hopes of creating something positive out of so much negative. 1am a different woman today, a different eyber citizen than before my experience with eyber-bullying and cyber-stalking, or as L refer to ‘them, virtual terrorism. Iwas stalked and publiely degraded, defamed and psychologically violated. It was discovered during the fact- finding process and afterwards that there were other victims ofthis same stalker. felt compassion for the anguish the others’ had gone ‘through. It probably sounds selfish, but misery does indeed love company because their experiences made me feel somewhat less isolated and afraid. There were moments when [imagined him standing, his face forming a diabolie grin, in front of apie chart dividing his heinous actions amongst his victims. There is strength in numbers and the optimist in me had envisioned all of us uniting in a fight against this entity who had brought so much negativity into our lives, But the fear he instilled in them was too great and could not be overcome, at least at that time. Though they expressed their appreciation and support to me in private, they did not want to stoke this, sinister fire for fear of renewing his attacks against them. However, I know my vietory in court that day has since brought them confidence, We hope that victims will ind in our experiences, knowledge and the expert guidance in this book, the courage and information they need to fight back should they be forced to live this nightmare ‘These days I am guarded, but still able to trust in others. My heart isa bit more hardened, but still loves deeply. Yes, there have been changes, and thereis no escaping that. But I stil believe in myself and in others, Though the bullies did not rob me of my fundamental values, they have conditioned me, Thinking back before the incidents that took place to prompt the creation ofthis book I visualize ‘myself as a different person, one with more mental freedom, Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “Ihat which does not kill us makes us stronger.” ‘Today, Lam stronger and wiser. Being the Vietim of this eyber-bullying and eyber-stalking has caused me to travel the bumpy road of self-diseovery. During that journey, T hipowwrindslistypepac.cominy_ webloa)pages! a0 ‘res016 Lnda Elis Author - Copyright Protection "The Dash’ reconfirmed that I am a person capable of unending empathy, loveand kindness, Ihave been a bulls-eye for vile arrows released in my direction, yet Ihave prevailed and emerged with the certainty that there are strengths within me that lie dormant unless...and until T need them. This truth alone has brought me both comfort and courage to face an unknown future, Iwas truly a naive Internet user. learned this following these unfortunate online events that changed forever my view of the word. ‘Though I considered myself computer savvy, Twas still ignorant of the dark routes the 21st Century Information Highway makes accessible to those who choose to transform the good the Intemet has to offer, into evil. The terms cyber-stalking and cyber- bullying had been strewn about the news, but I hadn't taken enough time to learn about this growing epidemic, nor to fully empathize ‘with its victims. It took becoming a vietim to truly understand the fear this virtual terrorism has the potential to instill in one's psyche. For those well-versed in Information Technology as well as those less informed, the Internet is afield where we are all potential prey in a virtual open season for the hunter, the eyber-bully. In other words, it ean happen to anyone. Whether we want to believeit or not, we livein an age wherea misconstrued Internet post, an innocent occurrence in traffic, ora severed relationship ean trigger trail of incidents so personal, so invasive, so violating that you truly cannot fathom they can happen, until they do, Inspirational writers seck waves of good in every turbulent sea. Believing that everything has a purpose ora reason, we search forsome positive takeaway from the fact that technology has become effective weaponry for the unstable, the paranoid and the vindictive. Pechaps one outcome will be that, founded in fear, we become a more civil society forced to live with the ever-present reality of possible repercussions from those who we may unintentionally in our hurried lives treat without the utmost respect and kindness. But then again, eyber-bullies can manufacture disrespect in even the most harmless interactions, or often in no interaction at all, as my story illustrates. Of course, my optimistic vision is that we will come to grips with this 2ist Century phenomenon, this battle against virtual ineiuility. Tn this vision, T view these events as obstacles we must encounter and overcome to eventually use the Intemet as a way to connect via constructive dialogue founded upon respect. Many years ago I penned my most famous work to date, a poem titled “The Dash.” 1's a rhyming piece about that littleline on a headstone and how it ultimately represents everything we have done and said during our lifetime, My experiences with eyber-bulling and eyber-stalking have compelled me to consider my own “dash” and my own morality. Tn doing so, Taffirmed my commitment to appreciate every day and [now pour more intensity into my written words believing more than eve, we must liveeach day a fit were lifetime in itself THE WHY by Linda Fis Who are you to take from me my smile, my peace of mind? Who are you to survey me from what you hide behind? {try to analyze emotions: Am Tangry? Am Isad? ‘Am [justin mourning for the carefree life Thad? Will the wounds from what you've done heal themselves someday? Will remember how my lifewas lived before became your prey? Am Lever to be whole again or has completeness been forsaken? Can 1 return tomy tif’ puzzle the missing piece you've taken? For all the questions that Lask, there is no good reply. know the where, the who, the WHY. hipowwrindslistypepac.cominy_ webloa)pages! m0 ‘res016 Lnda Elis Author - Copyright Protection "The Dash’ I've pondered in my writings ifthere is less anguish in being a hater, orbeing hated. Both are unpleasant, but after these events in my life can honestly say I'd rather be the latter. Hating takes too much energy. Hating steals too many ofthe finite number of minutes ‘with which weare blessed. Hating eats at yoursoul. Hating encompasses your being. Trefuse to hate my stalker any longer, for doing so was hurting me more than him. He had stolen enough of my minutes by filling them with nastiness. But, 1 also refuse to think of him in a kind way after all he’s done. Teannot say Twish him well, but Ido not wish him harm. My intent is to use what was learned uring this experience to help other victims and move on with my life as a stronger and wiser woman. As this chapters being completed, my stalker gathered a legal team who filed an appeal against the Permanent Protection Order that ‘the judge issued to ensure my safety. His team used a First Amendment defense against the protection order. There's a common theme that Tim MeCormack has mentioned that puts everything into perspective: "Why can’t they just leave the woman alone?” Why must they continue to stalk and harass me? I suppose the answer to that question will remain a mystery. However, the case did go before the GA Supreme Court and a decision is expected to be rendered the coming months. Tcan only hopeand pray that goad does overcome evil and right will trump wrong. My stalker claims his rights were suppressed. What about my rights? What about my right to live my life fee without constant threats of violence and death? What about the daily damage that is done to me personally and professionally? ‘Most importantly, what about my right..to simply be left alone? Hereis one example of intimidation and harassment posted by my stalker: (LANGUAGE WARNING) One of Matthew Chan's Harassment Vi... Posted at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments ( March go, 2016 ‘The Wildflower by Linda Ellis hipowwrindslistypepac.cominy_ webloa)pages! ao sres016 Lnda Elis Author - Copyright Protection "The Dash" -. TR sT Petite?) aes Piro ue eine copyright 2016 Linda Ellis Detar Mare cu car ee SE dine a ee eerie ieee OT te olga a t- Weta thriving on my own, fiends around me everywhere. ’ - a Ma ie I drink from rain, not hoses. ee ele Sa dao Td Bast the daisies and the roses. bam Glen bar ee aC Dae ara aU) ee Cec RAP Ty uae me RY ag WinGate Peau eal ara a aT ee Matas Posted at 09:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0 ‘March 20, 2016 Worth the Pain hipowwrindslistypepac.cominy_ webloa)pages! ato 2ra82016 Uda Elis Author - Copyright Protuction “Tho Dash? bu love 20 deeply has gone, yet you remain, RED you por ils “RR het love was wo Posted at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0} Live Your Dash! Powered by Typepad hitpuhwww'indelssypepae.comimy webloghpages! sa10

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