78 Comments
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Robin Taylor (he/him)'s avatar

You may have noticed we received a comment from a bully on this post. It might not be the last one we see. We do not engage with bullies on SmallStack, but we do stand up to them. Nonviolent resistance isn't about fighting back or even silencing bullies. It's about saying no, this is not okay. We ask you to refrain from engaging with these types of comments in this space.

It’s also important to clarify that disagreeing is not the same as bullying, trolling, or intimidating others. Our statement to the community is one of values, and we will hold firm to those values.

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Jan 16, 2025
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Robin Taylor (he/him)'s avatar

D.C., I am so proud to stand with you, too.

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Jan 14, 2025
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Robin Taylor (he/him)'s avatar

Angela, I'm so happy your voice is here, too!

Jill Swenson's avatar

thank you for everything you have done and are doing

Robin Taylor (he/him)'s avatar

Jill, you're welcome, and thanks for being part of it. I could not do any of this with you and this whole community.

Carrie Kitze's avatar

Thanks for saying this. When we stand together we have power.

Robin Cangie (she/her)'s avatar

I stand beside you, now and always.

Robin Taylor (he/him)'s avatar

Well I do make some pretty epic gluten free brownies, you know.

Nan Tepper's avatar

Will you send me one? xoxo

PITT's avatar

I too, stand with you!

Robin Taylor (he/him)'s avatar

Friendship and solidarity are amazing feelings. Thank you for both!

Jacqui Taylor (she/her)'s avatar

Thank you. I stand with you. 🙏🏻💜

Robin Taylor (he/him)'s avatar

Jacqui, I always know I can count on you. Thank you.

Bruce Landay's avatar

I’d like to think that as a country we are better, though clearly we are not. As individuals we can decide to be kind and accepting. We can only control our own behavior. I’m no longer outraged by everything I read and the toxic voices out there. I just don’t have the energy to deal with it. I will be my best self, be kind to others, and protect my sanity.

Robin Taylor (he/him)'s avatar

Bruce, I think self-care is extremely important, and it is one of the ways we can actually care for one another, too. I'm so glad you're here.

Jeannine Ouellette's avatar

Thanks for this, Robin. It’s urgent work.

Nan Tepper's avatar

Hi Robin! Yay, you. And thank you for bringing certain things to my attention. I don't if I still qualify for membership in SmallStack for The Next Write Thing, as I'm nearing 1200 subscribers as of today. StyleYourStack is still under 500. I wasn't aware that The Free Press was problematic. I actually subscribed to them as a paid subscriber because I was looking for alternatives to The New York Times and The Washington Post. But now, knowing this, I guess I'll have to leave them. Dang. Marketing is powerful. I was attracted to the names of the writers not knowing what you've shared, and the very alluring "Free Press" come on. Although I object to Substack keeping it's doors open to Nazis and other haters, I don't think there's a whole lot anyone can do about this. We do believe in freedom of speech, even if it's abhorrent, don't we? It's such a hard call. I don't begrudge Substack my 10% for a second. It's deserved. There's so much generosity in this model, and we're so good to one another. It's never easy, is it? I gave you a nod in my post tomorrow, as I'm celebrating one year on Substack, and becoming a bestseller. Please look for the mention. And if it's no longer appropriate for SmallStack to feature TNWT, then I guess you should remove me? That's sad! So much love to you and SO much appreciation for your generosity and the beautiful moral compass you model. xoxo

Robin Taylor (he/him)'s avatar

Nan, you will always be welcome here, even as you've outgrown our Library. We're still moving slowly as we update listings, so no need to worry just yet. Thank you for being such a warm light in the world!

Nan Tepper's avatar

Love you, sweetie! xo

Karen Smiley's avatar

Nan, did you see the launch of The Contrarian this week? May be a good alternative to TFP for you?

Mr. Troy Ford's avatar

I was going to mention that too...

Jillian Bybee, MD's avatar

I’m with you! You and the community are doing such important work.

Robin Taylor (he/him)'s avatar

Thank you, Jillian! This community is The Best.

Keith Aron's avatar

Solidarity! Thank you for leading the way, Robin.

Robin Taylor (he/him)'s avatar

Keith, I'm so proud to stand with you.

Stanley Fritz's avatar

We are in tumultuous times; it's essential but scary to say who you are and what you stand for with your chest. Thank you for writing and sharing this.

Robin Taylor (he/him)'s avatar

Stanley, you're right, these really are tough times. It's easier to be brave when we have friends around us.

Julie Gabrielli's avatar

Thank you, Robin. Standing with and for you.

Broadwaybabyto's avatar

What a beautiful and important message Robin - and one I’m only too happy to support! I’m so glad you’re standing tall and proud to stand alongside you.

Robin Taylor (he/him)'s avatar

I'm so happy you're here!

Broadwaybabyto's avatar

Me too!