I totally recognize the irony of posting this on a online network...

A couple folks that used to have actual jobs trying to combat mis- and dis-info have left the government...and noticed how many people in their own social circles were unwittIngly trafficking in misinformation they had worked to help counter. They came to the conclusion that government is unlikely to get this right, so they assembled a little squad and came up with some ideas for other approaches. This led to us starting a Facebook support group for the loved ones of misinformation victims.

We call our group Countering Lies and Misinformation by Advancing Knowledge and Empathy (CLAMBAKE). As far as anyone can tell, there is no cavalry of psychologists and clinical experts riding to the rescue to deprogram everyone. If we are to get past this, we will have the dedicated, skillful effort of the victims’ loved ones to thank for it. They care the most about the problem, are the most motivated to engage, and probably are the most likely to get through to those most in need. It has to be done based on what experts have learned about the human dynamics of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and cults, and it has to be done with compassion.

With the chatter around a disinfo-fueled event on March 4th, CLAMBAKE sees an opportunity to talk with people about the problem.

We know one thing that helps misinformation victims is to maintain and restore real world relationships. The members of our group are going to put down our phones for a few days, and then ask rabbit-holed (and other) friends and relations to do the same. And then, who knows, maybe do a puzzle or something together. We call our idea #SpringCleanse, a collective 72-hour break from all social media and news.

If you know of people who could benefit from either #SpringCleanse or CLAMBAKE, we would really appreciate being connected with them. The Facebook group is free to join, private and confidential, and we do it all with no expectation of personal benefit. We feel we are doing something to heal each other, if not the victims themselves just yet. We have no doubt that the safe space and meaningful community in CLAMBAKE are working; the more people join, the more all will benefit.

#SpringCleanse is March 6-8.

(disclaimer: I'm not in the Facebook group because FB is Evil, and I also didn't name it, but I'm supporting CLAMBAKE in email)

I posted this in Natter a few days ago, but the thread is moving fast and not everyone got the chance to see so I'm posting here as well.

Nilly suggested a Zoom gathering in remembrance of a amyth. Doodle is here: [link]

I will let you know in 24 hours which date is more convenient to most. If someone can post this in the FB group as well, that would be great.

We have a majority decision. Details on when and where we'll meet are in my profile. Thank you all.

Lovely Nilly has sent me her accumulation of birthdays and anniversaries for the Buffistas and their families. It needs a bit of updating, so please send me your special calendar events if you would like me to announce them in Natter so that we can celebrate with you. Nilly has missed keeping the list updated and celebrating with us so very much, but I will try and keep that up for her for the time being.

Hi all, I have just discovered that I have breast cancer & I am hoping that you all have knowledge of resources, websites, books that may proof comforting and/or informative. Thank you.

So, um, this happened. [link]

Had my follow up with my surgeon:

Stage 1!!!!

Next: meet with the oncologist. The Breast Navigator should be calling to set up an appointment by the end of next week.

And my doctor gave me medical Goo Be shone to clean up the adhesive from the stern strips. I knew it had to exist. (Not actually called medical Goo Be Gone.)

Hi, everyone, found out some dates regarding the corona anthology I'll be in. We are pleased to finally have dates for you for the anthology, Covid, Isolation and Hope: Artists Respond to the Pandemic! The online presales for the book begin Monday, October 25, 2021, and will continue through, Friday, December 31, 2021. The anthology is scheduled for publication on Friday, February 25, 2022.

We’re confirming venues to have readings scheduled starting the week of October 25, 2021, and will advise you of any/all dates, times, and locations.

Hey, folks.

Not sure how many of you are adjacent to the filk scenes in either the SF Bay Area or Seattle, but my wife's "fannish godmother," Colleen Savitzky, passed away this past Monday morning during some pretty dire abdominal surgery. Here is Steve Savitzky's post. No formal obit or plans for gathering yet, but Steve's Livejournal/Dreamwidth will probably be the place to watch.

Colleen and I were not close, but she meant a great deal to Lisa at a time when Lisa was very much discovering who she was and who she wanted to become. And Steve is one of the kindest men I've ever known.

Steve asks us, in the post, to let the folks we love know they're loved. This post is me doing that.

It's mid-November and you know what that means...I GET REALLY PLANNY HOLIDAY-Y.

I am not sure I have the spoons to do much except cheerlead this year and possibly get some things in the mail myself (some of them really really LATE), so Jen P is stepping in to be spreadsheet and communications czarina.

The Holiday Card Exchange IS ON!! Here is the link to fill out the info form to get in on the mailtime goodness. [link]