Oct 30 2008
Weighing in… My Super Hopeless Romance
Today when I click on my FeedJit Live thingy, which tells me who lands on my site and where they come from, including Google searches, I noticed that I had an abundance of My Super Hopeless Romance related searches. Since I’ve mentioned that blog before, and since Google has a crush on me (seriously, they put my blog at the top of some really random searches!) I wasn’t too surprised by the actual search, but more by the QUANTITY of people searching for it.
Oh, I’m addicted to Cordy’s blog as much as anyone else, but I haven’t had the chance to read it (or anything else) in the last few days. But I figured if the internets were returning searches such as “Super Hopeless Romance Mad” and “My Super Hopeless Romance SUCKS” then something must be going on. So I clickity-clicked over to the blog… and… well… I learned that the whole thing had been a ruse. It was fiction. There IS no Cordy and Seth. And that the world is picketing her front yard with pitch-forks because of it.
Upon learning the truth, I was SHOCKED! STUNNED! GASPING FOR AIR! CURSING SUE (of Navel Gazing, the real author of My Super Hopeless Romance) FOR THE TERRIBLE RIDE SHE’D TAKEN US ON!
Ummm… okay, NO. I was not ANY of those things. I’d had my suspicions about the authenticity of the site, but I didn’t CARE. The point was, it was a blast to read. An addiction like Lays potato chips— you can’t read just one post. It was just a fun, good, romantic tale.
It is now so much more than that. Seriously. It’s now LEGENDARY. LEGENDARY, people!
Sue started a simple blog for fun, pretending to be Cordy, a single 23-year old who was in love with her best friend. She linked it up here and there, but the wildfire caught on all by itself. Cordy was an overnight superstar.
And I guess Sue couldn’t live with the guilt, so she finally told the truth about it. And you won’t BELIEVE the things that people have been saying to her! I guess she’s getting hate mail by the hundreds!
WHY? Because she entertained us? Because a bunch of us mommy-bloggers were living vicariously through her delicious romantic tale? I don’t get it. I think the girl’s brilliant. I tip my hat to her. She started the blog at the beginning of October and had taken over bloglandia by the end of October. Don’t pretend like you wouldn’t love to do the same thing! And the fact that she’s feels SO GUILTY over it just makes me adore her that much more.
So why on earth am I posting about any of this? Well, because, people are coming to my blog in search of my opinions on My Super Hopeless Romance. Now they have it.
What’s YOUR opinion?
I haven’t read it, but I’m going to now! It sounds great.
I have written diary-style fiction before, and it’s great..it’s fun, you dont have to worry about perfection and get to use those creative muscles. I don’t get what people are so miffed about..weird. I did write it at stories.com rather than on a public blog, but I don’t think there is anything wrong with what she did, and she shouldn’t have to feel guilty! If she were asking for money or something, that would be bad..but I don’t get all the anger.
ElizabethSheryls last blog post..Owie.
i am not angry. just feel duped and stupid. i was hoping, for very ridiculously personal reasons, that cordy and seth would make it work. that it was real. that the couch to 5k program really could make a size 12 into a size 6 in six weeks.
alas, it was not so. i hope she turns it into a book. i hope she sticks with it. i wish people weren’t so cheesed, but that is life.
I suspected it was Sue after the first few posts that I read. The writing was just so similar to her style.
I’ve always thought that Sue was a brilliant writer. Her blog is as popular as it is for a reason.
I can’t understand why people are getting so upset with her.
SHE ENTERTAINED US!!
What’s so wrong with that?
It was a fun story to read, and I hope she finishes it.
Who knows, maybe if she added a vampire, someone would make a movie out of the story;0)
I started suspecting that it was made up, but then some parts of it seemed so real, like the things her sister said to her, and the instant messages and such. But other parts, like the almost kiss at the dance seemed too much like a movie. So I wondered. I’m kind of sad she came clean before they got married! (Like, they would have HAD to have gotten married, right?) but if I were her, I think I would have done the same thing (come clean now instead of later).
I thought it was hilarious. I’m not mad, but that’s because I didn’t read the whole thing until last Friday and I knew who it was as soon as I read it. But she really does feel awful, she’s done the mea culpa thing, and she’s made her apologies. I think people should be gracious enough to forgive.
Melanie Js last blog post..I love office supplies. I want to marry Staples.
Brillig, I love you. Seriously. I’ve been a stalker for a long time, because you KNOW I can’t resist the allure of SOS, but now I will have to come out of the closet so that we can be bestest blog friends. FOREVAH.
thanks for the moral support
Sues last blog post..In Which Sue Gets Herself Into a Bit of a Pickle
I loved reading it…fiction or not. I just wish that there had been a little disclaimer someplace saying it was fictional. It didn’t hurt me personally, but there were probably some teenaged or YA girls out there that got their hopes up for their own Super Hopeless Romance to come true and will be dashed now.
Actually, I wouldn’t mind if Sue kept on writing it…I’d keep reading!
Heffalumps last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Halloween Edition
Amen.
I feel exactly the same way and already told Sue (one nice email equals like ten nasty ones, isn’t that how it works?). It was such a blast to read and I’m grateful for the entertainment value of it.
I don’t feel duped because hey, people, it didn’t even last a month! And Cordy, the character, we so didn’t know hardly anything about her except that like so many of us (or, you know, maybe just me) she’s messed in the head a bit…emotionally crippled if you will.
C’mon chicks, we didn’t even know her favourite ice cream flavour.
I can’t believe people are angry. How petty are we?
Kimberlys last blog post..Whoo-friggin’-hoo!
I posted my little opinion on the matter in my sidebar and it’s bringing people to my blog, too. People are going crazy!! Oh, I need to go back on navel gazing and write that comment I meant to. “Two words: Orson Wells”
Lisas last blog post..Appreciation
My sentiments exactly. I guess the anger is coming from people feeling stupid. Who wants to feel stupid. So instead of stupid, they go with anger. I went straight to delight and jealousy…. how can someone write so wonderfully??!!
I look forward to pretending there was no reveal and I can go back into my little reminiscent fantasy world that I know we were ALL in.
Helens last blog post..Chocolate Chips for Breakfast
I just feel guilty that I never read it.
I hope I’m right about myself in saying that if I was reading it, I adore Sue through her writing and wouldn’t be able to bring myself to be mad. Cause she just plain old rocks the party.
I agree with you- what difference does it make? If it was entertaining (which it obviously was) then who cares? Sue is a great story-teller. This only confirms that she’ll get published
Heather of the EOs last blog post..Bloggy Giveaway!
I can’t believe she’s getting hate mail. What is wrong with this world?
Novembrances last blog post..Contest Results
I didn’t read it until she outed herself–then wentn straight over and read the whole thing.
Sue’s brilliant. She touched a serious nerve–which means she an excellent writer. I say, more power to her. It’s ridiculous for people to be all ticked off.
Annettes last blog post..Your Wish . . . Sort of
I have been a stalker of yours for a while… but have to come out to say that I never read it. I promise I will. I think its hilarious that people are getting so worked up over it… But, only people that are brilliant can get people so exercised!
themotherboards last blog post..Random randomness and then some Halloween tunes
People need to get on Wit Train and shut their trapezoids. Seriously.
kellys last blog post..Isn’t it Ghourdulous?
I only skimmed the “Hopeless” blog and read her “outing” post on her original, but I think she’s brilliant none-the-less.
I see people upset over “being tricked” or “lied to” but really - when you read something on the internet, you have no idea if it is factual or not - you are there to be entertained.
And in repsonse to the people who wrote “corgy” the “personal” emails and feel betrayed, I would go so far as to say that the comments were off. When the comments are off, I feel like that says, “I don’t need/want your advice/encouragement/whatever, I’m just putting this out there.”
Butrfly Gardens last blog post..Life
Ha! That’s too funny! I never actually read this blog because I knew I would get sucked in and I didn’t have time to get sucked in! But really, I hope people just enjoy it. It’s not like she was impersonating a real person or doing something mean!
Kristas last blog post..Book: An Irishwoman’s Tale
I actually posted about MSHR instead of posting about my own SOS one Sunday. I was totally into the story because I had been there. Then I got a comment from someone I didn’t know, saying it was Sue writing that blog and that it was all fake. I dismissed the comment, thinking it was kinda mean to say that. But the next time I read Cordy, I couldn’t help seeing the similarities in their writing styles…but I kept reading. It was fascinating! And I was already totally hooked. I’d kinda sad that she didn’t drag out the ending a bit longer, really build up to it, but I’m fine with it fiction. It’s not like I read that blog for any “self-help,” just for a little vicarious romance. Better than a Harlequin novel!
Jessica G.s last blog post..Fear: Part Two
Blair Witch Project, right? Whatever. Selling sensation is the American Way. Putting it in the guise of “reality” is just the latest twist.
Oooh. I like that. It’s not lying. It’s “putting it in the guise of reality.” I’ll have to keep that little gem in my pocket.
You know, how do we know that anything any of us posts is real? For all you know, I could be a city-dwelling college student who is single and childless. I’m not, but you get my point, right?
I can’t say that I read Sue’s blog, but I feel far better that she was making something up than if she was stealing someone else’s writing and passing it off as her own. Heck, if she made some people happy and her writing is as good as everyone says, I think it’s all good. I may even have to check this out!
VirtualSprites last blog post..tubing
Hate mail is going a bit far is it not?? It´s only a blog… anyone could make up the things that she wrote!! Why doesn´t someone try? It might keep us entertained! Maybe she couldn´t handle the pressure of the success of her blog… and had to finish things. I´m sure there will be plenty more blogs being written right now.. maybe one of them coud become the new sensation in bloglandia!?
Lesley
I agree with you, Brillig–she is brilliant. There were plenty of people who didn’t realize TAMN was fake at first, either, one gal who doesn’t dare come out of the closet any time this century. I admire Sue for her writing and for her integrity for what turned into something she just didn’t anticipate. Kudos to her1
Heidi Ashworths last blog post..Self Less = More of Self
Yeah, I’ve been sending George Lucas hate mail ever since I found out Star Wars was fake. Does he realize how long I tried to move stuff with the Force before I gave up when I learned the truth?
I also send my parents hate mail for the whole Santa Claus debacle. In case you didn’t know: complete rubbish.
At least I still have the Office. I can’t believe real people could be so funny!
I think she’s brilliant. And I agree, her guilt only makes her more adorable. And the fact that she’s a sensation proves she has a talent for the written word, which I can’t help but truely admire.
To be honest I’ve never read her but I wish her all the luck in the world. I can’t believe people are actually sending hate mail. Maybe she’ll get some apologies. I must go and read a little now as it must be good.
Hope Isaac is better Brill. I’m so behind. I’ve decided to quit NanoWriMo before I even started as life is just too mad and my health and family have to come first. Hugs to you lovely.
Jo Beaufoixs last blog post..Chuggington, where trains really are cool
I love Sue’s blog. I only glanced at the other blog and never made it back to read more. I figured with a real live teen at home I didn’t need to get all involved:) But I think Sue is one of the most amazing bloggers and writers out there and I hope she gets published. Plus, I just adore her as a person. She is so charmingly nutty and real!
Shellies last blog post..The Random Tag and What I Want to Be When I Grow Up
I have written diary-style fiction before, and it’s great..it’s fun, you dont have to worry about perfection and get to use those creative muscles.
I have never heard of her but I think she is my soul sistah. Ohhhhhhh, how I could relate to her plight once upon a time.
Amber’s Crazy Bloggin’ Canucks last blog post..The Party’s Over
I haven’t read it but I’m with you - if it was entertaining and she has ‘fessed up - WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? I don’t understand that behavior, which we have seen before… come on people there are some real problems in the world, let’s save our anger for that - read about the Congo lately?
This is the first I’ve heard of it. You’ll excuse me while I go check it out then.
WMs last blog post..From the I’m so stupid I shouldn’t be let loose in society files
I haven’t been following it, just reading your thoughts here, but the Internet isn’t really a real place anyway, is it? Shouldn’t we always assume that we need to double check things before accepting them as fact?
If she fessed up, that’s awesome! But you know what, she really didn’t need to do that. She could have kept it a secret and no one would need to know. She didn’t hurt anyone — she apparently entertained, and what’s the difference between that and writing a good novel?
Tristi Pinkstons last blog post..Whatcha Doin’ on Saturday the 15th?
I concer with Tristi Pnkstons. You can’t believe everything that is on the internet.
people are mean. mostly because they didn’t think of it first. Hats off to sue. sounds like a really good read…I’m heading over to check it out
candles love soys last blog post..5 ways to “recycle” a carmen jar
In my opinion if your looking for romance than you will be looking fo rit forever because it just does not exist.
Sue Woolfes last blog post..My adult toy store
I read it in the past and I agree to you, she is brilliant and should be admired. True or not, her story has something in it that is why it is being read my many.
i only hope to one day have a romance!
Oh what is wrong with people? Sending her hate mail? People need to know that just because something is published in print doesn’t make it true. Haven’t y’all heard of fiction? It’s a section in the library! Too bad that people got that wound up over it!
Jerrys last blog post..If you didn’t vote, then you shouldn’t complain
OK, so how we now this is a fake? based on what? help me people i would like to understand? where is the so called sue other blog?
Well, although I have commented over there, I had my suspicions from the first post I read. (I didn’t read the sidebar until later, and wasn’t sure if it was serious or just a standard disclaimer thing.) It’s exactly like the plot of about a hundred chick lit novels I’ve read, and something just seemed…off. The only thing missing was the evil witch at work. Very entertaining, though.