I know that a couple of other bloggers have mentioned this, but I think its important that as many people as possible read about this shocking tale.
Apple Cider Mage is a blogger that I’ve followed on numerous occasions. I’ve had a laugh talking with her on the Obscurecast podcast a few years ago, and as a fellow Mage blogger I’ve enjoyed reading her insight into the class. She writes with strength, conviction and passion and is an absolute joy to read.
She’s also been subjected to an ongoing campaign of harassment from a single person. For years, Apple Cider Mage has been the victim of abuse so bad that she’s been forced to take out a restraining order. Her tale of trying to fight against one man is frankly staggering and I seriously encourage you to read it. She’s shown tremendous strength and courage by continuing to blog in the face of it all, as well as posting about her ordeal. If you do a single thing today I’d ask that you read her tale and give her your support.
Standing beside someone who is being harassed like Apple Cider Mage is not an easy thing, but I implore you to do it in support of stamping out this kind of abusive behaviour. I’ve been on the receiving end of his crude tongue myself for daring to stand up for her, and you might make yourself a target for his particular brand of hatred too. But it needs to be done.
The guy tormenting Apple Cider Mage is a sick individual that needs professional help to protect himself from the ramifications of his actions. He simply cannot be allowed to continue spewing his hatred, not against her and not against anyone else. Society needs protecting from his abhorrent compulsion, not just the online gaming community.
The incredible thing about this is that Apple Cider Mage hasn’t given up: instead she’s put together a guide on how to deal with in-game harassment, including how to approach GMs and what kind of information to record. It’s something that every gamer should read just in case it starts happening to you.
Putting yourself on the internet shouldn’t make you a target for harassment. Apple Cider Mage must be allowed to carry out her online life without having to live in fear and intimidation. Show her your support.