Thursday 3 December 2009

Another Cheerio and a Reluctant One



My last post was one I was keeping for nearer Christmas but I did want to make you smile so published it early. This post may go someway to explaining why it was premature.

It's less than 48 hours since I posted about the demise of young Spook's blog and the last thing on my mind then was that I would be writing this now.

I would like to say I was resigning from blogging to 'spend more time with my family', which will be true, but the honest reason is more serious.

I have to close. I have no real option. Closing my blog won't change my situation but I'm told it will ensure that it will help with the future professional surveillance of those involved.

My identity has been exposed. Not only do the person(s) know my name they also know my full address. Over the months I've tried to reason with some bloggers about using, on their own blogs and those of others, part of a comment I made on a forum long before I started blogging. For the sake of clarity and to avoid upset to many, the person(s) states he 'has absolutely no links to any political party' but is well known to be a great supporter of certain Scottish unionist bloggers or ex-bloggers. I will not name and shame. That would be giving the publicity these people crave from their perverted pleasure in manipulating the distress of others.

Having spoken to many internet experts yesterday my mind is still in turmoil and I'm tired, but they all agree the only way my address could have been found is through my ISP. The young individual who disclosed this information under pressure, insists he found my name and town on my blog and he simply googled it to find my exact address. Nigh on impossible say the IT boffins and I believe them.

Why would any person, particular a young man, go to the trouble of finding out my name and address for any other reason than malicious intent? He was 'just curious' he says. Investigations are ongoing therefore I can't say much more.

I started this blog on 13 January this year for three reasons. The first one was to cut down on my smoking habit. I innocently thought if I had something to do with my hands when cravings hit I would be 'cured'. The second and third reasons were to help promote interest in independence for Scotland and to keep the Westminster government's misuse of our armed forces in the public domain. I hope I managed to achieve part of these aims with my meagre contributions.

It has been a true delight to know that so many of you appreciated my efforts. Without your support I know I would have voluntarily given up long ago. When I was at a loss to know what to write about or was demotivated, at least one of you would email with information which pushed me into action. I don't think any blogger can claim a more loyal and informed readership. The quality of many of our debates has been the envy of many bloggers and that is completely due to you making the best use of the comment facility. You all deserve a standing ovation.

The world of blogging is fuelled by petty jealousies, vitriol and at times downright nastiness but I've been very fortunate in escaping much of that. The reason? You all kept at bay and played well within the 'rules'. It was you, not me, who made this blog the success it has become and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

I've made many friends and do intend to keep in touch with them one way or another. I trust they will forgive me for not giving them advanced warning of this, but it has been an emotional and exhausting 36 hours. I will get round to answering and writing emails, I promise.

I have some technical things to do over the next few days (yes I know I'm hopeless techy-wise but I'll try my best) and also I have legal matters which require my attention, but I'll continue to read my favourite blogs and no doubt be unable to restrain myself from making the odd comment or two.

That's enough from me. Please do take care in the cyber world. What has happened to me can presumably happen to anyone I'm reliably informed. That's the risk we take as bloggers and especially one who has strong political views. Who knows, perhaps when investigations are complete I may feel I can return, but I would have to be totally convinced the safety of my family and home were not at risk. It's a dirty, dirty world the world of politics right enough.

PS I've just noticed, yesterday I had the most visitors ever recorded to this blog - 1,258 people came to read it. I couldn't close on a higher note could I!

33 comments:

Witterings from Witney said...

SR,

So sorry to read this. I don't say this to many women but you will surely be missed!

Trust you will keep in touch by e-mail?

Take care SR, you now go on my 'Remembered'.

Oh and if possible, do try and enjoy your Christmas and New Year with your family.

My best wishes.

Anonymous said...

Hasta la vista

The Last Of The Few said...

I have emailed you

Good luck.

Now the shit storm is about to start.

subrosa said...

Thank you WfW and yes I will keep in touch of course.

It will be very strange not to write about the shambles of government most days but I will just come and bother you. :)

Witterings from Witney said...

SR, you come bother me whenever you like!

Ollie Cromwell said...

Rosie, I can understand how upset you feel, I remember when somebody posted a link to OH's address and he said he would stop blogging, thankfully he didn't. I hope you reconsider. It sounds like this has been done by petty minded spiteful individuals. Don't let them win.

Keep up the good work.

subrosa said...

Ollie, I've been advised to stop as it's easier for the investigators so I'm taking their advice. I'll put the blog on private for now as requested.

I've no idea how long these folk take so who knows? At least I've given accurate and detailed information which they say will make it easier for them.

Trident said...

Sorry to see you go Subrosa. You should reconsider.

Good luck

Clara

Fidothedog said...

Bugger, another blogger bites the dust. Enjoyed reading ya stuff over the months, even if I am often a lazy sod who fails to comment as often as I should.

Hope ya come on back soon.

The Big Dollop said...

Rosa ..
You can not possibly know how sad I and many others will be disappointed to hear of your decision to retire from the world of blogging.

I can honestly say hand on heart that your wit and wisdom will be sorely missed by a lot more people than just myself.

Rosa - it has been an absolute privilege reading your humble blog.

May the blessing of what ever god you profess to follow be with you and yours always.

Good luck my friend.

Fondest regards
TBD

CrazyDaisy said...

Subrosa,

You know my thoughts. I second The Last of the Few, I predict a Riot.

Nollaig Chridheil Huibh Agus Bliadhna Mhath Ur

Saor Alba

Crazy Daisy

Captain Ranty said...

Damn and double-damn!

Just as we were becoming friends.

My door is always open so please do visit.

Stay well,

CR.

Alan Smart said...

It is so sad to read this news.

I obviously dont know the background, but i'd urge you to reconsider - take a long Xmas break, instead

Your blog will clearly be missed as your stats show

good luck - and keep off thes fags

Oleuanna said...

Damn S that is seiously sad news, you will be greatly missed.

This blog world needs strong women and to loose one like you is a blow.

I'm going to keep you on my blogroll...just in case.

Take care...

Crinkly & Ragged Arsed Philosophers said...

Remember the wisdom of Gandhi - first they beat you; then they kill you, then they ignore you, then they give up. Westminster tactics in both India and Ireland only slightly modified for the IT age.

Bugger them Rosa - do what you need to do, then double bugger them. Ultimately censorship damns the censors not the censored.

Enjoy the winters rest but nurture the buds for spring.

Bugger, does this mean I'll have to resort to the Scotman's inanity?

Old Holborn said...

Hand the keys over to someone else for a while

I had the same problem

http://bastardoldholborn.blogspot.com/2009/01/blog-closed-and-gone.html

Hammer said...

This is rather vexing news.

You are one of the most accepting bloggers within the Scottish bloggers community and I only wish that others had the decency to allow such open and free debate which run contrary to their own opinions as you do.

Like others, I would suggest that you do reconsider. Quite frankly, I do not wish to see the 'young man' win. People should not be forced to hide their reasonable opinions because of a "moment of madness" or otherwise.
The blogs should not be silenced.

Of course, there will be allegations that the gentleman in question is seeking to help end the 'Cybernats', in line with the last few week's bizarre blog-related news. Ironically, by targeting you, he will be silencing a voice of reason rather then one of the raving mass of nationalists which some bloggers seem to see hiding in every corner.

Bide ye well.

seekingjusticeuk said...

A Geordie's toast for Subrosa...

"Whey, here's to the lass who lives on the hill...
She won't - but her sister will...

Well here's to her sister"

Take care and God Bless
Hope to see you back - sometime...

Rannoch said...

Very sad to read, I will miss my visits to A Dundee Wifey's View Of Scottish Politics.
Take Care.From Manila,Philippines

Dubbieside said...

Subrosa

Very sad to see you go. Take care and "haste ye back".

Obnoxio The Clown said...

We will miss you.

subrosa said...

Thank you all for your good wishes, I'm so flattered, really I am.

OH if I knew how to do that and anyone was willing to keep it going then I would.

RantinRab said...

Bloomin' heck!

Well, only you know what's best for your guid self. I've enjoyed your blog since pretty much day one.

You are a calming influence on the old blogosphere and when I write a post I try to refrain from swearing too much, (sometimes I fail), because I know that you might pop your wee heid in and read my words.

I don't know what's going on in the Scottish blogosphere, but something is. As far as I know, I have no enemies. So far.

I have nothing to lose, but everything to gain by doing what I do. When I'm back to full blogging strength it'll be all guns blazing. If someone out there knows what is going on, please E mail me...

The wee man sends his love to his Auntie Subrosa.

Best wishes.

The Last Of The Few said...

Rosie,

TLOTF will accept guest post from you no worries.
Well infact from anyone as I am cack at it LOL

Appart from the Manky Bandage that is.
Hes worser than wot I is

Brew Wales said...

Sorry to see you go. Will be raising a bottle of Brewdog in your honour later.

Dungeekin said...

Another one gone.

You will be sadly missed, and I hope you can return soon.

D

Dawdels said...

Sad to see you go. Would have to agree with RantinRab something is going on!

Demetrius said...

Oh dear, sorry to see you go off. It is been a very good blog to go to. Best of luck.

Constantly Furious said...

This is very wrong.

The blog may be going, but Subrosa the commenter must live on. Come and kip on all our cybersofas....

strapworld said...

Subrosa,

A wise course. But come back when resolved. It just goes to show that the wonder of the internet has given losers another way to create misery.

I have only come upon you in the last few months but I have truly enjoyed all your postings and given this englishman, living in welsh Wales a window on scottish politics. I admire you and wish you and your family well.

Have a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year. God Bless.

cynicalHighlander said...

Endorse the above sentiments I can only surmise that there is a GE on the cards.

All the best

Mark The Skint Sailor said...

Sorry to see you're hanging up the blogging. Hopefully its only temporary.

Unknown said...

Very sorry to see you go - you will be sorely missed!

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