I am enraged, incensed and so angrily sad. I am surprised that I can think – perfect then that I have found just the program to watch to feed my dead brain.
Today Tonight and A Current Affair you apall me. I know why I have never watched you and I curse the fact that I did tonight.
You see I have the privilege (and i don’t use that term lightly) of working for Mia Freedman, and I also happen to count her amongst my dearest friends. (I love reading that sentence). I am lucky enough to know Mia as one of the most passionate, generous and genuine people I know. I see, on a daily basis, how much she cares about her blog, about her followers and about the content that she provides on her site. I know Mia, not as a celebrity that appears on the Today Show or writes a column in the Sunday paper, not as the creator of the most unique, compassionate and inspiring community that is Mamamia, but as a woman of tremendous heart, genuine compassion and high moral principle. These qualities make her an amazing friend and a truly inspirational person to work for.
As site manager of Mamamia I read each and every single comment that is made on the blog (now you know why I don’t get out much). I also read every post that Mia writes. Carefully. Beacuse that is part of my job. When she wrote this piece on Gainers – she wrote about gainers – people that purposefully eat as much as they can , people who try to make themselves as fat as they possibly can. Mia did not generalise about fat people, she did not even mention fat people in general. But Lordy me. The fat people found her and they attacked her. And when she tried to defend herself they attacked her some more. And then they attacked her some more. And then again. And all for something that she never even said. They claim it was her tone. My keyboard does not recognise tone in words that appear on the screen, nor do my speakers. But for them (the Fat Acceptance people) the tone was loud enough that they could persecute, judge and slaughter Mia.
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Tonight A Current Affair and Today Tonight covered the story. Why? Maybe they did not understand the budget? Maybe Naplan is over? Whatever – they needed a news story and they did not have one. So they created one. And what creative genius they must have because the whole thing was a fabrication.
I have heard of stitch ups before and I have half heardtedly believed these things happen but never have I seen anything that rates as low as this. Out of context, misquoted drivel. I feel sullied that I watched it
I feel proud and inspired to work for Mia and have her as a friend.
That sounds typically ACA & TT! You should report it to Media Watch. They’re just fear & hate mongers! 🙁
Thanks. It will pass. Hopefully quickly
I share your outrage!!! Never liked TT and ACA and never watch them anyway. Only watched bc Mia was on it, and then wished I didn’t.
Me too. I was a Today Tonight Virgin. Horrified that I lost that tonight (oooh and sorry about all the emails xxx 🙂
I had no idea that you worked for Mia. WOW!
D.I.T.T.O. everything you stand for.
I have not, cannot watch ACA or TT for years!!!
Gutter, gutter journalism…it shouldn’t even be called that.
I didn’t see the show, but I understand why you would be so upset. They’re only good at getting things wrong! xxx
sneaky huh? xxx
A Current Affair, Today Tonight and Hey Hey It’s Saturday. These programs are not allowed on the screen at our house simply because I need all the IQ points I can get and these shows suck the intelligence right out of you.
And it has worked because you have many many IQ points xx
I never watch them. But I did tonight. I consider you my friend and I am heartbroken for you and your friend Mia. You are good people. Don’t let people with their own agendas hijack your work.
Love you boobelah xxx
We wont. Not with support like you xxxxx Boobelah
* tears * And gratitude for your loyalty and support. And moderation. And friendship. Xxxx
I just watched ACA on line… wish I hadn’t.
Gutter television. Journalism is not a word I would put in a sentence with ACA or TT.
As said above, don’t let them stop the good work you are doing.
xxx
Thank you. And thank you for your words of support on Mamamia xx
I haven’t watched, and won’t bother to. It’s tv made purely for ratings. Nothing more.
I find the best thing is to put it behind you (even tho sometimes difficult) and move on. Life’s too short and all that, and I honestly don’t think it matters what people think.
xx
Behind. Me. *trying to muster convincing tone*
Hey Sweet Lana,
I felt dirty and violated tonight when I got home, went to mamamia and read Mia’s most wonderful post, so I can only imagine how she felt. I truly hope YOU’RE feeling OK, as you’ve copped a bit of flak also as Moderator. I sanctioned ACA and TT, mainly because it’s drivel but also because I didn’t want to get even more worked up than I already was. I tend to throw things when I’m angry, and I love my TV too much 🙂 I feel as though I’ve known both Mia and Yourself forever, even though it’s only been a few months…I find you both to be absolutely wonderful women and I now have quite a large desire to defend you both to the bitter end. Remember, 12yrs in the Navy…I have skills…and a real potty mouth 🙂 Please know this…there are alot of us out there who absolutely adore you both, and are linking arms, swaying and singing kumbaya in your honour. Sisters unite!Take Care You x
The BEST thing about Mamamia – are the friends that I have made. Sugar – I count you amongst them. You have no idea how much your posts and emails brighten up my days
Flattery will get you EVERYWHERE with me Lana, you flirty minx! 😉
I’m always slightly bemused when people offer either of these shows as their source of ‘news’. Both shows are grotty, exploitative and divisive. It’s not just that they don’t offer ‘real news’ it’s that they strive to exploit all the worst elements our society have to offer.
But even knowing that, I don’t think I ever appreciated what it must be like to be the victim of one of their beat-ups. I’m left in a state of spluttering, indignant outrage. Mia has clearly put so much time, effort and passion into the issue of body image and I can’t begin to imagine the hurt and frustration she must be feeling to have it twisted and distorted into the ugly mess that these to shows have made of it. Bri King, misguided and wrong though I believe she is, at least was personally invested in this subject, but these two shows have wantonly trashed Mia’s hard earned reputation for no more than 5 minute segment designed only to garner some rating points. And tomorrow they’ll do it all again to someone else.
*end rant*
Thank you for ranting here xxx What you say is all true
Being part of a group of people who have been on the receiving end (a few times now) of ridiculous attacks from these CCCCRRRRAAAAPPPP television shows, I feel for you guys. It SUCKS – but know this – it wont last, they’ll find someone else to attack tomorrow, and in the meantime, your integrity/testimony/graciousness/ WILL prevail….
You have much support, there are hundreds of thousands who love you guys, and the truth will ALWAYS come out 🙂 Hold your heads HIGH ladies – you are doing amazing things xxx
Too kind. Mia is doing all the work but I will take some credit xx
Guys you do an amazing job moderating the comments that are, a lot of the time, not shared by the majority of people and you respond in an incredibly diplomatic and calm way. Mia takes an astonishing amount of personal criticism in the comments (call me sensitive and unrealistic but I think it’s unfair and ugly and people should stick to the topic and if they don’t like the blogger, stay away from the blog). In the face of all this she (and you through your moderating) continue to publish the comments and respond without attacking in return. It really is admirable and must take a great deal of energy. I honestly don’t know how you do it.
As for the state of Australian television and news in general – unfortunately it’s appalling. Perhaps it’s time for a change in legislation that encourages greater competition in the media so that people aren’t forced to choose between dumb and dumber.
Thanks Jacqui. I spend a lot of time biting my tongue. xxxx
From someone who has worked in Petrol stations, Supermarkets and in an insurance company i can assure these things don’t last.
I never watch that tripe as it is mindless rubbish. It’s all about being sensational
Guys stay true to yourselves, You know what you do and you do it well.
Maybe you need a right of reply perhaps through ABC or an alternative media outlet, but i suppose that might prolong the issue. These sort of media are prone to taking you out of context all to create headlines.
Stay True
Thanks Chris. Too kind
I didn’t bother watching those arse clown programs. I just emailed Mia to say just let it go babe. What a bunch of hooting dickholes
seriously Danya – you should go into business as an inventor of awesome rude words. Am am running with hooting dickholes for the rest of my week.
I second that. I still love Fucktonne the best 🙂
Danya – you need to write a dictionary. You make me laugh EVERY SINGLE TIME I read your comments (except for the times that I am sobbing) xxx
I stopped watching these programs when I was about 16- went back tonight because I’d read a bit on Twitter, am in the West and wanted to see for myself if all the outrage was appropriate- and it SO was. Wish I hadn’t watched. I felt dirty afterwards, and can only imagine what you & Mia and the rest of the team must feel.
Anyone who knows the site and Mia’s work surely must realise this is a load of bollocks…. am so sorry you’ve had to go through it all. xxx
Be strong, this moment will pass, it will. And you will continue on with the wonderful work you do. Thinking of you.
I didn’t watch. I never do. People with smarts don’t watch those shows. I read the posts in question, I read the comments (when I could get through the anger and bitterness involved). Someone’s been stirring this up from the start. This too shall pass. And you guys will remain, doing great things.
Am with so many others that have commented on here…did not see the show as they started driving me insane years ago and I stopped watching – but I know they will make a story out of nothing. I also know how carefully the Mamamia website is monitored – personally- and love that. I am so sorry that this has happened to you and Mia. xx
My sentiments exactly.
It seems that sensationalising stories about writers of blogs, twitter or facebook is the flavour of the month. Hang in there, they’ll move on soon.
Linda
Thank you both xxxx
“But Lordy me. The fat people found her and they attacked her.”
The fat people found her? She bloody well blogged about fat, fatter and fattest, and she won’t be ‘found?’
Please, it’s only more promotion for Mia’s trite blog. Anyone can see that.
As a former editor of a national magazine, Mia should have spent time to consider what she wrote and how she titled it. Maybe you, as site manager, suggested the original title of the post for SEO purposes? It wasn’t so smart though.
By rushing a sensationalized blog post, Mia not only angered people, but the laziness in comment mediation on her blog, more or less reduced the credibility of her blog to me.
To take a small, perhaps the smallest portion of people, ‘gainers’ and to generalize, transform them into a general daily potential ‘influence’ to girls, isn’t an example of critical thinking. Then again, what can be expected from a former Cosmo editor?
The title of the original post was totally appropriate to the topic of Feeders. Could you explain exactly how you think it would help with SEO? I’m not sure you understand what SEO is.
I just re-read Mia’s post and I really can’t see where she’s transformed the issue of Feeders into an issue of influence on girls. Perhaps you are thinking of the re-published smh article? Could you please point out which part you are referring to?
What should someone be to meet the standard, in your opinion, of being entitled to write on a current news topic, or any topic, if you wouldn’t mind explaining, if not a former editor of a highly succesful, national magazine. What are your credentials in assessing someone else’s actions as including “not smart”, “sensationalized”, “laziness”, “[lacking in] critical thinking” and “reduced credibility”. I would hope they are pretty good.
Or, just go away.
Gayle
The FA people made the generalisation. Mia only spoke about Gainers.
And you know how I moderate on Mamamia? Not nearly that kind here so please don’t get shouty.
PS SEO is not derived from the title
Bitter much, Gayle?
No TT or ACA in London – thank GOD. The whole thing has made me feel sick, and I can only imagine how horrible you have been feeling.
You do an amazing job Lana – bless your (anal yet witty)cotton socks. Hang in there.
x
Thanks Kate (in London)
I am proud to have my socks blessed by you xx
As many of the other replies have already said, I don’t want ACA or TT simply because they talk alot of nothing.
I read Mia’s post and don’t understand how this all got blown so out of proportion. I won’t go on too much otherwise I will be here for hours!
I mainly just wanted to say that I love the work that you ladies do, being a stay at home Mum of two it keeps me in touch with the outside world and I love it!
Keep up the GREAT work that you do, and even though it may not seem like it now this will all blow over.
Thank you for your kind words xx
Thank GOD you’re one of my closest friends too (using ‘one of my” in the sense of ‘my’). You rock, baby. As does Mia. This, too, shall pass xxxx
and thank GOD for you. xxx
Just stopping by to offer my agreement and support. Long time reader and poster at MM. You do a great job.
Thank you xx
Grrrrrrr to ACA and TT.
Grrrrrr indeed :-[
xx
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Fuckers.
Actually, I might amend that to Hooting Dickholes. Danya has such a way with words.
I watched TT and had a little vommie in my mouth. Inaccuracies, big fat lies, no logical narrative thread …and, puhlease, they accuse Mia of being anti-fat and yet take HUGE pleasure in plastering the screen with pictures of junk food when demonstrating the daily diet of Donna Simpson. Hypocrites.
Hang in there, honey! I’m constantly amazed at the behemoth that MM has become – the two of you do an absolutely outstanding, fanta-bulous job keeping things sweet. Some shitstorms are too much for even the most capable moderators to diffuse, and I can’t imagine having to do your job on a week like this.
For what it’s worth, anyone who watched that trash who has half a brain or knows of Mia would see it for what it was – gutter journalism. And those who wouldn’t? They won’t remember Mia’s name today.
Sending love and strength to both of you! xxx
It’s Friday night so I hope there’s a wine glass in your hand. You deserve it after the shitty week you have had.
This issue has made my brain hurt. There are some truly angry people in the world, and after reading some of the blogs and twitters of these people I still don’t get it (but, holy crap, some of them are ANGRY!).
The Mamamia do a great job and have helped reignite my teenage passion of writing.
♥ Kelly
You know what Kelly? Those people ARE angry, yet they profess to be content and happy with themselves and in their own skin….this has me confused…happy or angry, you can’t be both, or can you..Hi, I’m Sugar and I’m Happy/ Angry. Nup doesn’t work! Enjoy your writing Sweetie x
When I first wrote my comment up there ^^ I had a bit about how I thought this all went back to the formation of the Body Image Advisory Committee and the small but vocal outcry that none of the spokespeople were larger than average. But I deleted it as it was a bit too ‘conspiracy theory’.
This morning I found this as a comment on one of the blogs out there – “The use of conventionally attractive, slim women (who have been rewarded for being so in their careers, alongside their individual hard work and achievement) to promote healthy body image (whatever the good intentions of the women in question) has struck me as a rather cruel joke from the beginning.”
Hmmmmm……
I think it would be very sad if we had to employ people on the basis of what they look like.
Surely it would be absurd not to employ the best people for the job just because they are thin or fat or black or blue or whatever they look like
Worse yet would be for a body image advisory group to select representatives based on a certain body shape. They selected the best people. Not based on body shape but experience, expertise and ability.
Yes, I absolutely agree.