Calpernia Addams and Andrea James – as Deep Stealth Productions – have posted a preview of the interview Andrea James did with me for their “Coming Out Resources” DVD.
It really was one of the best interviews I’ve ever done, but of course I haven’t actually seen the whole of it yet.
(Tip for those on a dial-up: let it play through choppy once, & the next play should be listenable.)
Return of the Boards (Not Yet, Again)
The Boards are supposed to go back up today, but as we’re also switching hosts, I’m awaiting a backup of the database and its move before I re-open them.
I don’t want to go ahead and re-open them and then have to shut them down again – may as well get it all done at once. I’m not saying that the boards won’t re-open today, just that they might not.
The Return of the Boards (Not Yet)
Betty and I have re-organized and re-designed the boards somewhat, and will be revealing the changes on Monday, Boxing Day, December 26th.
Questions Answered
I’ve been asked two questions by MHB boarders:
1) Is Thursday chat still on?
YES. 9pm EST, Yahoo messenger. Donna usually starts chat if I’m not around to, but I’ll show up one way or the other.
2) Is the next in-person meeting of the group going to happen?
YES. 8pm, Tuesday, January 3rd, at the LGBT Center in Manhattan.
Request: Message Board Ideas
While the message boards are closed, I’m looking into new ways to organize the boards, see how others have done it. Since I’m sure some of you participate in other boards, do email me (or comment below) on what has worked for other boards you’ve been on.
That way, when and if they reopen, they will have gotten a face lift, some new parameters, and better governing principles/organization. (I also intend to be far less forgiving.)
So: let me know. I’ve already been looking at the boards at www.calpernia.com and www.crossdressers.com for ideas. Any others you could suggest would be welcome.
Withdrawal
Just so you know, folks, it’s a little like withdrawal not having the boards to moderate.
So today, instead, I was out running some errands, the Post Office (thanks for the Christmas cards, to those who sent them!) & the bank, & I see this small loveseat displayed at one of the antique stories nearby, part of their outdoor rack. It’s a place we’ve bought from reliably before; we even bought our chifforobe there. Anyway, it’s small enough for our living room, which is no mean feat, & I put $20 down on it while I run my other errands – and come back to schedule the delivery.
The delivery guys show up not long after with the thing wrapped in plastic, spend way too long getting it up the stairs. Finally, they get it into the apartment, and because they took so long, they practically run out the door when they’re done. So I unwrap the loveseat.
And it stinks of cat piss.
Now it’s in the hallway outside out apartment, and I’ve called the place to have them come get it.
Stay tuned.
The Boards are Closed
Betty and I have shut down the boards for the time being because they’ve had a tone of nastiness that doesn’t seem to be going away – no matter how many times we suggest that people be a little more gentle with each other.
We don’t know how long they will stay closed, but we will certainly be taking this time to move them to our new host.
Thank you to everyone who has written in support of our decision, and/or with concerns about our own feelings on the matter. In some ways, this has been long overdue, and since I’m also in the middle of contract stuff for the next book, it’s quite good timing for me as I’ve got some big decisions to make.
Obviously, when they come back, I’ll post the news here first.
Thanks,
Helen & Betty
Deep Stealth Interview
On Wednesday night, I was interviewed by Andrea James of Deep Stealth Productions for a video series they’re doing to help people transition. It’s a video series aimed at helping both the transitioners and their loved ones – which is of course where I came in.
I can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve ever done; Andrea James was professional, filmed a few different angles of the interview, and asked great questions. I was in pretty good form, too, if I do say so myself.
I don’t know when it’s going to be available for purchase, but I’ll certainly keep you posted. I love the idea myself, mostly because I understand that not everyone is big on reading, and yet friends & family alike need good resources for understanding transness.
Dark Odyssey (#4) – Winter Fire
Betty and I are once again attending Dark Odyssey: Winter Fire, and we’re excited – as usual.
If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time, & they’ve now also introduced an ‘everything but’ pass so that if you have other plans for New Year’s Eve, you can still come to classes and workshops and use the playspaces on the other nights and days.
For more information, you can check the thread where we’ve talked about it on the boards, or check the Dark Odyssey website.
Please Donate
If you like the message boards, or this blog, please donate what you can so we can keep doing what we do.
Thanks,
Helen & Betty