I screwed up and I apologize.
Here’s what happened.
I failed to explain or provide context in my initial response to an anonymous comment on my post entitled “One Call’s doing great!“. Here’s the relevant comments:
My initial response to “bill smith”:
“Bill” then sent in a response. I sent an email to the address he provided in the post,; the email bounced back indicating it was a fake email address. I checked the website he listed as his in his initial response; the website is the personal one of an African-American woman; she is dealing with Alzheimer’s. btw Ms Smith is a remarkable woman, handling this awful diagnosis with grace, wit, and elegance.
As “bill” was being disingenuous about who he was, i ignored his response.
Next, he sent in another comment. “bill” was one of several anonymous commenters trolling me (and you), using fake emails and contact info. Getting tired of their antics and disgusted with their cowardice, I responded. The relevant conversation is below.
Here’s where I should have been more clear. I should have posted the actual website address “bill” used in his original post so you, the reader, could see for yourself that what this troll was up to.
In what used to me normal times, this wouldn’t be a big deal as I detailed “bill’s” dishonesty in a subsequent comment
.
We aren’t living in “normal” times, and the casual reader may well have interpreted my response as a racist slur. I’m embarrassed by my mistake and apologize for it.
I’ll be more careful in the future.
As a reminder, here’s my policy on commenters…
This post was triggered by reader D. Gregerson who sent in a comment yesterday about this. I thank D. Gregerson for his comment.
Hey Joe! Great insight as usual. Keep them coming. I do have a question though. As I reviewed the comment section (which has now been closed) I noticed that you replied to someone saying:”unless you are an African American with Alzheimer’s, your website is fake”. Now, one would argue that the statement could be deemed inappropriate and demeaning. Especially considering that the topic at hand was One Call’s financial debacle. Care to expound?
Joe, just want you to know I appreciate your follow up on this. Too many of us are unwilling to admit a mistake, error in judgment, or anything else that might acknowledge the fact that we’re not right every time. In my view, the only way to maintain credibility is to be willing to take responsibility when we’ve messed up, even when our intentions were good.
Joe, Well done. The subject matter is highly charged. Integrity and trust is on the ropes on many fronts. Hats off.
Joe: I clicked on the B Smith website. WOW, she is an amazing women (and sounds like her husband is pretty amazing, also). I wouldn’t have known of the website if it wasn’t for your ‘apology’ post. (and an interesting tale of your mystery commenter
Ahh! I get it now. Now I see what transpired in that exchange. Many folks would not have addressed this or apologize. As I said, I enjoy your posts. I’m looking forward to the next one. Cheers mate!
Joe, an innocent, inadvertent oversight to be sure. I’d followed the exchange but not the last bit about the website etc. A stand up response that reflects well on your character.
Thanks Jim.
Hey Joe, Just want to say that i appreciate your posts. They are backed up by real time facts. Not something very common in this industry. I use to work for a Company called Integrated healthcare that was bought out by OCM. I know work for a private company but still deal with OCMs’ shenanigans. Thank you for giving us providers a platform to discuss real issues going on with some of these companies.