In this brief ASL vlog, LaRonda announces the abrupt end of her summer storyblog on DeafRead to make way for more important and current deaf issues.
Transcript:
Hi. I’d like to make an announcement about my summer storyblog, the story of how I became deaf (26 years ago): I’m putting it on hold. I won’t be posting any more of that story here on DeafRead.
The reason is that right now, the AGB (Alexander Graham Bell) protest is about to happen, this weekend. This protest is a very important Deaf community event! My story is just a story. It was an experiment to see if DeafRead was the appropriate place for a storyblog. However, I’m not sure DeafRead is the right place.
It seems, in my opinion, and perhaps in the opinions of several others, three chapters posted everyday from the same blogger may be distracting. People who are not interested in my story may be put off by seeing it so much. I don’t want people to turn away from DeafRead because of my storyblog.
DeafRead is a powerful place for important Deaf issues to show up. I want you to pay attention to the vlogs and blogs that result from the AGB protest. I don’t want my storyblog to become a pain in the neck for people who are tired of seeing it there, who might decide not to visit DeafRead. I don’t want people to overlook what is important in the Deaf world today.
So, from now on, I will not be posting any more of my storyblog. For you loyal readers who have been enjoying my storyblog so far, THANK YOU. Feel free to contact me. Maybe I will get your address, and one day, when my book becomes published, I’ll sell it to you! 
It’s nice to have developed a “readership” of people who are interested in my story.
Again, I will be holding off on any more postings of my storyblog. Earlier, I had announced that the last day would be Aug. 8th, but now, I’ve decided to hold off on posting any more of my story here on DeafRead. It’s more important for me to make way for other important Deaf issues there.
Thank you.
Bye - ILY-wave
LaRonda…I am hanging at the cliff! I’m saddened that you stopped doing this story - I truly enjoy reading your chapters for few weeks. Hope I can get a peek in your ending of the story.
Contact me when you are done with publishing and selling the book!! Czasky@yahoo.com
Cyber hugs from Kim
Left by Kim on July 25th, 2007
Oh, this is disappointing! I was looking forward to reading the rest of your story and finishing up on the last day, August 8th, just when my family and I will be leaving for vacation. I sure hope you will reconsider. i think you have many more disappointed readers than you may realize. There is room for all kinds of stories and issues in DeafRead. Any chance u will change your mind?
Left by Candace A. McCullough on July 25th, 2007
Very altruistic of you. Your heart, wonderful and precious, is in the right place.
Celebrate and fight for the “DC” - Deaf Child, Deaf Culture, and Deaf Community.
Go well in peace, with respect, and love.
Left by cnkatz on July 25th, 2007
Contrary to how you might feel, DeafRead is indeed the place to post personal stories and glimpses of Deaf experiences for all to read, including the Hearing community. It is a rich resource made richer by writers like you.
Reading the episodes had me in tears. Your writing is so evocative and pulls one in immediately, experiencing trauma right along with you. I am sure that your book will be a best seller and an important one for the world to know about us. I can even see a Reader’s Digest condensation in the future. No kidding!
Always keep writing, and I promise to give equal attention to the AGBAD protest, too.
Left by Dianrez on July 25th, 2007
Hi LaRonda,
Correct me if I’m wrong, is that you are saying that we all need to talk about AG Bell protest this coming weekend?
Deafread will be boring if every blogger/vlogger talks about the same subject. So I really hope there will be plenty of interesting topics including your story, too other than AG Bell protest. That is too bad because I really enjoy reading your stories.
By the way, I’m not sure either I forgot or missed out something, what do you mean by last day on Aug 8th which is now being postponed you just mentioned?
Hugs!
-SG
Left by Seek Geo on July 25th, 2007
I can’t agree more with Candace. I was looking forward to more of your stories and the last 2 or so stories, I was waiting until I have some free time to sit down and enjoy reading.
While it is truly noble of you to avoid distracting the issue such as Deaf Bilingual Coalition in their fight in educating the public about babies and sign language, I feel you shouldn’t put it on hold and continue as planned. Your blog is what makes DeafRead as diverse as it can get.
Left by Katherine on July 25th, 2007
What a shame!!1 I was really enjoying reading all about your experiences; your a great writer and managed to leave your readers on a cliff hanger every time you wrote!! (not sure If I liked that part but it sure kept me on my toes and anxiously awaiting for your next blog..
It is my understanding that DeafRead is a place for many issues; a place for deaf people to be creative; several blog writers write about variety of issues. I wonder if a certain “person” is pressuring you to stop your blogs. If that person doesnt like reading your story; then don’t click it and go to the next blog. Don’t let others dictate what you can or can’t write. It’s your ideas, your experiences and your creativity!!! I say write what you want to write and don’t let others stop you..
Now, make sure you put my name down for the first AUTOGRAPHED copy of your book (wink)
Human
Left by human on July 25th, 2007
LaRonda,
You still have fans who are hungry for your stories and many of them do want diversity - and I agree with Seek Geo that if we all talk about one topic, it’ll be so boring.
I still would like for u to come back… u are human like all of us… and please don’t use the commenters’ comments to measure the success of your story and wellbeing. There are always people out there who truly love your work and who didn’t like your work.
It happens!
Come back.. we need you, no, no… * I * need you.
You represent diversity in Deaf community and your story is a one of the facets of the beautiful gem of Deafhood.
Amy Cohen Efron
Left by Amy Cohen Efron on July 25th, 2007
I’m stunned. While AGB is important, there are many reasons why one would read deafread and it’s because of their variety of topics available. We should be free to read what we want. I’ve been reading up a lot on AGB and commenting on some of the blogs regarding that issue and it does not take me away from that important topic by reading your blog.
I find it very insulting to say the least. Many readers have read your story and took your word that you will continue to post until Aug. Now, it’s like you turn your back on us. If it is because you realize that your story is good and you rather have us buy the book, rest assured, we all will buy the book because we know the book will hold more than your blogs.
Please reconsider.
Thanks!
Left by C on July 25th, 2007
No No Nooooo … don’t go away! I wanna read more. Your storyblog is so awesome.
You are a very bright creative woman! Please reconsider this.
Diane
Left by Diane on July 25th, 2007
Hi Everyone.
I am humbled and reassured by the responses I am getting from loyal readers of my storyblog about my journey into deafhood. Thank you.
Yes, Human was right. I received a comment this morning from someone that rocked my world! This person claimed there were people tired of seeing my blogs on DeafRead and felt my storyblog was posted “way too often.”
This person said that my storyblog was “annoying” and would “turn Deaf readers away from DeafRead. “ This commenter believed that people would stop checking Deafread because they would get “fed up with seeing my annoying blogs.”
(Eeek! I didn’t want that to happen.)
This commenter also thought I was one of those people who was using my blogs to vent my problems. He or she was “sick of bloggers who are obsessed about communication issues that affect Deaf community negatively.”
This commenter thought my storyblog was “corny”, and told me to “see a therapist!” He or she felt my continual daily blog postings would “hurt Deafread.”
This frustrated reader did not feel that he or she was being a cyberbully though I had to wonder…. He or she made it clear that it was not his or her intention to harass or demean me. The commenter ended with: “I only want to tell what frustrated readers, including me feel about your blog.”
Sigh… I’m afraid I took this person’s comments a bit to seriously. I took it too personal and may have acted impulsively. It is clear that this person simply didn’t read my stories to understand what they were about, or simply got bored with seeing them there.
So yes, my decision to hold off on my storyblog and make way for other Deaf issues was partly influenced by this commenter. I let this person’s comments make me feel unworthy in comparison to other Deaf issues, such as the AGB protests, that were currently happening. This commenter felt that this was an example of a “more important Deaf issue.”
However, after seeing the wonderful support and responses from you who have commented above, I feel reassured. There were no other comments like this person’s comment (ever) in the past several weeks about my storyblog. I should have looked at this more carefully. Alas, I am human.
If there is anyone else out there who agrees that my storyblog should discontinue or not be posted so frequently, please let me know. I don’t want to put people off.
I do feel that having a short break is okay for this weekend. If I decide to post my storyblog again to continue, I’ll let you all know.
Thanks for your encouragement and support!
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on July 25th, 2007
I was disappointted that you stopped writing your story. I hope you will change your mind. If not, finish your story and sell me a book?
Left by Peachlady on July 25th, 2007
Ahh, I was surprised that you decided to postpone it, to be honest with you, I don’t think this is a wise move because then people can forget or have difficulty trying to make connection between the time spacing. It is like having to be forced to put a good book down and then when one comes back, it is frustrating trying to come back and make the connection to the story. I hope you would reconsider. Your story is very entralling and interesting. I’ve learned so much about TSS and how much it can affect a person.
Thanks LaRonda for sharing this story with us and I hope you will reconsider.
Left by michele on July 25th, 2007
LaRonda - This annoying reader obviously made a wrong assumption about this. Your anxious readers and I still love to read your storyblog. While I was at the hospital in the past weekend, I was in bed with my new blackberry pager all nite. I have read many blogs of yours and the rest. It helped me alot! Don’t go away. We love you being here. Deafread welcomes the readers and writers here. Your favorite reader, Diane
Left by Diane on July 25th, 2007
That one person was probably having a BAD day and blamed it all on you!!
I think he/she is jealous because they are unable to produce a product half as informative and (lack of term) addictive as your is/was.
Don’t let another ONE blogger destroy your purpose of conveying your very personal story of transition from a person with normal hearing to a person who is DEAF and has adapted well into the Deaf world….
Human (2nd comment)
Left by human on July 25th, 2007
Oh, LaRonda, please don’t stop with the stories, leaving us hanging in mid-air. You are very noble, but not everybody is interested in AGB protest. One wonderful thing about DeafRead is that we have a cornucopia of topics to choose.
Believe me, you have many fans reading avidly your storyblog and anticipating early the next three installations
Left by Mishkazena on July 25th, 2007
Darn it!!! would love to read your vlogs but….. understand your points…. if u happen to change mind, your more than welcome to do vlogs again…. Hope you willing to do it for my sake and others, too.
DeafDixie
Left by DeafDixie on July 25th, 2007
Just go on your journey trusting thine self. A break, a postponement, whatever.
I guess they are eager, me too, for you, in your story, to go into your dDeafhooding.
Go on your pace along with everything around you. Soon you resume . . . maybe soon . . .
Left by cnkatz on July 25th, 2007
I am also disappointed you will not be continuing. I think you underestimate the intelligence of deafread readers if you think we can’t focus on more than one topic at a time. There are certain bloggers I never bother with, but that doesn’t mean I ignore deafread. What you are suggesting would be like if you took all out of the books out of the Gallaudet library that dealt with topics other than ASL because that’s what you think is important. Come on now! There’s more to life and deafness than a protest at agbell.
Left by Ed on July 25th, 2007
I too enjoy reading your blog and was stunned when you announced that you felt your blog wasn’t “appropriate” for Deafread. I completely disagree! All deaf, hoh, hearing people are welcome to blog as long as it is related to deafness AND your blog entries ARE related! It gives one an unique perception to how one could become deaf by medication.
That person who claimed that your blog was distracting from AGB may feel threatened by folks enjoying your blog, perhaps more than his\her blog. That’s insecurity. I know I don’t get much readers on my blog, but it isn’t a big deal. One reader is better than none!
Do please come back!
Wolfers
Left by Wolfers on July 25th, 2007
I know how easy it is to get scared away by some nasty blogger. You have so many faithful readers. Thanks for reconsidering!
Left by C on July 25th, 2007
LaRonda - You got SO many SUPPORTERS and LIKE ME - who keeps following your story - you are NOT allowed to STOP -especially over ONE person, or so…PLEASE do not stop, you can’t leave us hanging. Please come back and continue.
One person says they were “annoyed” whatever they said, look HOW MANY OF US are saddened you stopped…..:-)
I agree…we NEED YOU YOU YOU YOU!!!
Love your story….COME BACK please!!
Left by B.A.D. on July 25th, 2007
LaRonda –
I am sad that you decided to close your life in this blog. I have learned a great deal about yourself and dealing about your hearing loss crisis. I wanted to hear all the status how you overcame and accepted for who you are. It was truly very rare for your age (when you were 17) to face the reality when you lost your hearing.
Now, look at yourself, you have a treasure job, husband and child. That is what the life is all about. Your’e the golden girl!
Lastly, I want to thank you for all of you, LaRonda, for accepting yourself and the deafness. I know you faced the two worlds and you did not rip yourself apart. We have proved that the deaf world is also powerful and beautiful as you can see and imagine that!
White Ghost
Left by White Ghost on July 25th, 2007
In the case you are taking a survey of some sort, allow me to add my thoughts on this.
I certainly understand the rationale for pausing the posting of your storyblog chapters leading up to the protest, during the protest and its immediate aftermath. I will be very disappointed, however, if you were to cease any and all future postings of your storyblog. Honey, you have hooked us already; to cease now, forever, especially at one of the biggest cliffhangers, would feel almost like a betrayal of your readership. Of course, I want you to do whatever feels best and right for you; I just want to be honest with you about my feelings, selfish as they may be!
With warm feelings (which my earlier words may not show well).
Left by Belle on July 25th, 2007
LaRonda,
Please continue your story, I am learning a lot about you. I have known you for a long time and was always to shy to ask you how you became Deaf, so I am finding your story very interesting and fascinating . This may sound odd but I fell like I am making a connection with you. I wish I would have known this years ago.
So please continue your post.
Hugs,
Vikki \^^/
Left by Vikki on July 25th, 2007
LaRonda, you have to be kidding. This is not April Fools Day! Do not allow this one poster to intiminate you. Who really gives a fiddlers about AGB?
Dry your eyes, take a deep breath and do your thing!!
Lantana
Left by Lantana on July 25th, 2007
oh no! that’s unfair!
we need u!
we r trully ur friends!
come back and please continue ur story:)
love, kira
Left by kira on July 25th, 2007
Hey, LaRonda!
How noble of you to consider “pausing” your posting in order to recognize and support Deaf Bilingual Coalition’s protest this weekend. Wow! You are amazing, but in my humble opinion, your blog is yours and this important autobiography divided up into small parts is an clever creative process…one that is going to be VERY IMPORTANT…and yes, important part of what the AGBell protest is about in the long run….the right of every Deaf person (born Deaf or becoming Deaf later) to seek their Deafhood.
I haven’t had the chance to read your storyblogs yet. It’s been a very busy time for me recently, and I’ve been planning to set aside a good length of time to read them all together…. I do hope you will publish the book soon!
Left by Ella on July 25th, 2007
LaRonda,
Please dont stop yourself… I love to read your blog or to watch your vlog about AGB… I really enjoyed myself.. Just ignore them who are not interesting you!!!! Please come back to your vlog as you reconsider yourself..
I do hope you will publish the book soon…
Have fun and good luck this weekend at AGB conf…and pls let us know how is going there?
Left by SnoopyFreak02 on July 25th, 2007
Hi LaRonda,
I hope to start reading your story soon when I have free time, it sounds very interesting, because I have a friend who became deaf at 19 years old (approx that age) due to meningititis, she is 22 now I think, and has a CI but took up Auslan and is very good in Auslan now, and is studying to become a teacher of the deaf. How wonderful is that!!
I haven’t shown her your vlog yet, but plan to! (keep forgetting) I know that she’ll be interested in your journey.
I know that perhaps a negative commenter may make you wonder if there’s others like him/her, but with many showing you that they enjoy your story, should put your mind at ease, and just forget about the negative commenter. Everyone is free to choose what topics they want to read about, not everyone have the same tastes
I hope you’ll reconsider, but I respect whatever you decide is best.
Left by SusanA on July 26th, 2007
I know I’m late commenting but I saw this earlier yesterday and wanted to tell you that I have been reading your story and don’t want you to stop. Whoever told you that, was really rude. You know, in Deaf Culture, people like to ask each other how they became Deaf. Yours is that.
Also, if DeafRead thought your story was inappropriate, the Human Editors would not have approved them! Remember that!
I don’t comment on every one of your story posts, because I want to read through the entire story before giving comment.
Thank you for sharing your story of how you became Deaf. Please don’t stop.
Left by Hana on July 26th, 2007
Lo Ronda!!!!
FIrstly, thank you so much for thinking of people at AGB Protest..
Secondly, Don’t let anyone tell you different… YOu write beautifully. I feel like I am walking into your journey… You are a talent writer…
When I read your comment, I was like Screw these people.. Don’t listen these people if they try to rock your world in bad way. Focus on us.. We LOVE YOU… They will catch up. You know in your heart, you are a gift writer… Don’t let anyone plant the bad seed of doubt in your heart.. Your heart is always right.
Aidan
Left by Aidan Mack on July 26th, 2007
Hi everyone. Just one final comment here from me to you: THANK YOU!!!
I had no idea so many people were reading my story and enjoying it. Even if you weren’t reading, I am grateful for your support and encouragement to keep on posting my stuff on DeafRead. I do try to listen to people’s comments and feedback. It helps me become a better writer. I guess I just listened to the wrong one.
I am overwhelmed with the support from all of you and the kind words. I no longer question whether or not I “belong.”
Heartfelt thanks!
Hugs.
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on July 26th, 2007
I just love your story of turning deaf. It is so compelling that you got me glued to it! all of chapters! I sure dont want one deranged blogger to tell you to stop blogging your story about your becoming deaf. Yes, you got me “addicted”!
Me, born deaf, ASL user since age of 2, a graduate of CSD & Gally: I do like to read MANY topics in Deafread, ranging from personal & light to serious poltics & heavy stuff. I like yours because it is inspiring….
Left by Meme on July 27th, 2007
Meme,
Thank you for reading. I love that my story has inspired others to continue reading. I think I needed this mini-crisis in a way. Without that blogger’s comment, and without my response, I would have never known how people felt about my storyblog. So in a way, it was a blessing in disguise.
Thanks for reading!
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on July 27th, 2007