Alright guys, we have a very important question to throw at you today.
PLFM now receives nearly 75 "Letters From Men" submissions a week. Unfortunately, about 90% of the stories I receive do NOT have letters, texts or emails included. It is simply stories submitted by women relating their experiences with stalkers. And some of them are horrifying.
Would you guys like to drop the written correspondence requirement for PLFM?
In other words, do you guys just want to hear stalker stories, or would you prefer PLFM stick to our namesake and require at least some written material from the stalker / psycho?
Let me know. I could care less either way, I just want you guys to keep coming back to PLFM! Please comment.
-The Weasel
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Keep posting the letters, please! They're hilarious, and make the stories that much more horrifying/ fascinating.
ReplyDeleteKeep the letters for the most part, but maybe a couple of times a month you could compile the worst of the stalker stories into one article? Oooh, and use a rating system to kind of tie the stories together. You know, this guy only gets one star because he gave up too quick, this guy gets five because she found him naked in her backyard eating her dog.
ReplyDeleteNote to self:
ReplyDeleteEating your dog = 5 stars.
Lame stalker = 1 star.
Both. I need PLFM fixes, and bad-date stories count, even without documentation!
ReplyDeleteHaha! I like Lynnie's idea. And the rating suggestions. :D
ReplyDeleteBoth. I agree with Mac v Mac!
ReplyDeleteI think letters are important because otherwise, it could just be the person talking who was in the wrong - it takes the actual email/letter to see how much of a weirdo the man in question was.
ReplyDeleteFor instance, in Kate's story, the fact that the email started with "I know you told me not to contact you at home..." which backs up her story. I think it's important.
Both! I think if a story is creepy enough but doesn't involve a letter then it should still be showcased!
ReplyDeleteThe letters / texts / e-mails do add a tasty (barfy?) layer of wtf to the stories. Without them, you might think: Is it really that bad? Of course, yes it is, and if someone does a great write-up you should post it, but I do love scoffing at those letters...
ReplyDeleteAs long as we get the weasel commentary, you could post VCR instructions.
ReplyDeleteI like the letters. It makes the she said/he said part of it a little bit less and shows that the guys are actually psychotic.
ReplyDeleteI think you should certainly post the more horrific sans-letter stories. I love this blog and always look forward to seeing more! As someone who's only ever had one boyfriend this is *very* educational - and I love chances to indulge my inner cynic.
ReplyDeleteAs long as you have, say, a 2:1 ratio of stories with-letter to stories without, you should still be able to keep the name :P
I like the inclusion of the letter because it lends an air of credibility to the story. I'm not saying your submitters are liars but without the letters, it could be just a he said/she said situation as Peege said.
ReplyDeleteYes, couldn't you do both...
ReplyDeleteI would like to see some of the horror stories even if it is without letters/text/etc. As long as most entried do include these things, I certainly will enjoy reading these new additions too!
ReplyDeleteThe letters do add something to the stories, but if it's really a gem and has no written correspondence, why not? As long as there's a good ratio of stories with letters, keep the good ones coming!
ReplyDeleteAnd Weasel, I'm with Nosey on this, you could comment on congressional hearings and make them interesting.
I love the letters!! They do lend an air of credibility to the stories, but I liked the suggested idea of a "stalker digest" a few times a month. Whatever the stories, it's really Weasel who makes them shine.
ReplyDeleteI'd say keep it to the letters. Otherwise you lose your focus, and what makes your site unique!!
ReplyDeleteIf both means I get to read more plfm, even without the l, then YES!
ReplyDeleteI hate to think we're missing out on gold class fuckery just because there's no written record of communication. Psychotic phone calls aren't often recorded anyway (but the one you've shared is fantastic),
I like the letters! Quality over quantity I say.
ReplyDeleteI also like Lynne Stoel's idea of making a weekly or monthly feature with shorter versions of the stories without emails or letters or whatever. Sort of like that Cosmo feature where "women write in" various embarrasing stories about themselves, except your post won't actually be written by Cosmo staffers...
I agree with many of the previous posters that, while as a general matter it helps to read the actual letters to get a more complete (and colorful) sense of the insanity, some stories are bound to be so horrific on their own that they could easily warrant a separate letter-less posting. On balance though, I agree with catsnstuff that the letters add a tantalizing layer of WTF that we as the readers might miss out on if you moved to a strictly sans-letter format. Maybe a 3-with-letters for every one without? Either way, you've got one of the wittiest writing styles I've ever run across and it's the highlight of my morning to read your latest commentary.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
I think the letters make this blog what it is. Like WWHM, PLFM is such a great blog because it has 2 great aspects: 1) clever and hilarious commentary from our beloved Weasel and 2) the actual words that men who deserve this commentary have written. Without the letters, you just have an blog entry from a bitching woman.... and who wants to hear that? (Yes, I am a woman.) Could you imagine WWHM without the personal ads?
ReplyDeleteStick with the letters. The letters make the blog what it is
ReplyDeleteI think the letters add an air of credibility to this blog, not that they couldn't be made up also.. but isn't the comments section a good place to put the stories without actual notes/texts/letters? However, that being said, some of these stories are soooo good, and with Weasel's commentary even better, that would be fine too.
ReplyDeleteWhat am I saying? I'll take the carrot cake with cream cheese frosting no matter if it has "real" nuts in it or not. :-)
Maybe do mostly letters, then occasionally stockpile a few good stalkings in one post.
ReplyDeleteletters. Everybody has a creepy guy story, but the written evidence of cluelessness/psychotic behavior/desperation is what makes this so great.
ReplyDeleteBoth. I also like Lynne's idea of a monthly non-letter feature.
ReplyDeleteBut the letters just add icing to the cupcake of shadenfruede that is PLFM.
I just want more! I wish you'd post more often. And the non-letter posts would hep you do that. Go for it! At least try it out with one post then you can gauge the readers' reactions.
ReplyDeleteDude, credibility. That's why the actual stuff from the guilty party is so important. That, and it's a delightful showcase of just how bugfuck stupid some people are! I'd suggest making that the main attraction and then post just the stories sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Shiny. Your writing style is great, and I check your blog daily to see if you have any new stuff.
ReplyDeleteIf doing both means more posts from you, that's the world I want to live in.
I'd keep the focus on the letters, but feature some of the better non-letter emails you get.
ReplyDeleteThe letters are the most important part—they give you that glimpse into the guy's psyche! I agree with the commenters who say you should post mostly letters, but compile stalker stories and post them periodically. Stalker Saturdays, maybe?
ReplyDeletei like the letters, and would only post submissions that include them.
ReplyDeleteStick to the namesake. Creepy stalker stories without the letters are just creepy.
ReplyDeleteI like the letter because it allows for them to hang themselves, so to speak, but periodical compilation of stalkerish stories would be a really cool addition to the site.
ReplyDeleteoh, and we so need a rating system! let the frenzied discussions of whose the bigger creep commence!
Keep the letters please! It would be great to get more posts but w/o the letters it just would not be the same.
ReplyDeleteThe letters are what show the truth, keep the letters!!
ReplyDeleteMust have the letters! Although Lynnie's suggestion of compiling the best-of stories once or twice a month is a great one, I think.
ReplyDeleteI like the letters but perhaps on the days when there aren't any you could post the crazy stalkerish/bad date etc stories?
ReplyDeleteI think the letters / emails / texts help. The actual words of the stalkers make it so much more entertaining and real.
ReplyDelete+1 letters
Definitely stick to the letters. They show just how crazy these assholes are.
ReplyDeleteI also vote "stick to the letters" - mostly for the proof aspect, but also because it's way more fun to get to actually hear from these crazy-as-eff dudes. I also think a mix of the lightly psychotic and the seriously deranged is important too.
ReplyDeleteI like the letters, but I don't think you should leave out a particularly good story just because it doesn't contain a letter.
ReplyDeleteBoth! Definitely both, what's wrong with showcasing both? We'd all read and love it either way, don't deny it.
ReplyDeleteI like them both!
ReplyDeleteKeep the letters. They're important and help us see the real psycho!
ReplyDeleteKeep the letters! Reading the actual words from these d-bags makes it all the funnier.
ReplyDeleteMy vote? 1) Keep PLFM exactly the way it is; and then 2) create an entirely separate "Stalker Follies" type of blog with the other stuff! I am already addicted to WWHM and PLFM, and the prospect of a third Weasel blog has me downright giddy with anticipation.
ReplyDeleteI know I have no right to impose on you with a request for you to create a whole new blog, especially considering you receive absolutely nothing from me in return, but hey, a girl can dream, right?
Lynnie Stoel was totally on the button. Although the Anonymouse with the "Stalker Follies" piques my interest, too. But however it goes, keep the Weasel commentary! I especially enjoyed today's ("Customer Disservice" with Rick the DNA-drop-off guy)
ReplyDeleteI'm literal minded so I vote for letters. The blog is called PLFM, not Stalker Stories, for a reason. That said, I also agree with everyone who wants more content of any kind!
ReplyDeleteQuality over quantity! If the ocassional stalker story really blows you away and seems legit, post it, but otherwise I vote you stick with letters. As others have said, the authenticity of seeing Real-Life Psychotic Letters makes me all tingly.
ReplyDeleteI agree with that the letters are great, and, as another commenter said, add credibility to the story.
ReplyDeleteHowever, what about creating a 3rd blog dealing with the non-lettered version of these stories, as not to let them go to waste? I would be interested in hearing those as well. Can't get enough crazy, I say.
http://kingofdeprecation.blogspot.com
Keep the written requirement, it adds so much to hear the delusional ramblings from the creepers themselves!
ReplyDeleteBoth! Anything for my daily fix of PLFM!
ReplyDeleteKeep the letters as much as possible, but I say if the stories are horrifying enough, post them anyway!
ReplyDeleteI second Lynnie's idea for the rating system.
I like Lynne's idea
ReplyDeleteDrop the written correspondence requirement--a good story is a good story--, but still post the letters if you have them!
ReplyDeleteI think the letters should be a requirement. As a woman I will tell you there are some real whackaloon women out there so I *know* men have to have some of these things in writing! A good stalker story is one thing but I think we need to see actual proof and not just a tall tale!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Letters only, please!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lynnie, I think the best of the best (or worst) letterless stories deserve to be posted as well. And the star system is a nice touch.
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan of the letter format you have, since the correspondence provides teh terrifying cherry on top of the OMGWTF sundae. However, like many posters above, if you get a true gem of a story sans letter accompaniment, post it too! I refresh the comments on this blog almost as much as the blog itself to hear more discussions of crazy in the threads. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, a world with more Weasel posts in it is a happy place. :D
Anonymous = Lexi (slow computer-no time to make a SN)
ReplyDeleteQ:
Does a adultrous/abusive husband story, mixed with attacking e-mails and desperate pleas, ending with writing off his daughter, but repeatedly asking me for naked pictures and to just "be friends" constitute a worthy entry?? I wanna know before I write up the whole miserable story and dig into my arsenal of material against him.
My vote is for both, especially if it means more posts!
ReplyDeleteI'd prefer the majority to have letters, but I don't think it should be a requirement to have letters.... just a preference.
ReplyDeleteI love stalker stories even if they're totally fictional. "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story."
ReplyDeleteLetters and emails and texts. God, if anyone could get voicemail messages that would be pretty epic too. Otherwise it's just stories I can get from my friends.
ReplyDeleteI like the letters since they set the blog apart, but maybe once in a while do a compilation post of the best/worst stories like was suggested.
ReplyDeleteI vote for the weekly or monthly or whatever compliation of stories but keep to the same format the rest of the time.
ReplyDeleteWithout the letters is turns into a he said/she said type of thing. The letters provide the proof to the story.
Keep the letters..! That's the whole point. I used to love to read "Weird NJ" magazine, which centered on the weird long lost and forgotten places and haunts throughout NJ. Many, many pages were devoted to just the average joe writing in re: their stories about these places and/or "ghost" encounters. I soon tired of this: Everyone has a ghost story but not everyone can make it interesting, let alone do the whole basic English thing.. To draw a parallel, basically, I want proof of your crazy stalker ex! I want to see just what he/she wrote and say "Holy SHIT he didn't just say that!?" It's less a one-sided thing when there's the aforementioned smoking gun. I get funny, 1st person takes in the comments.. Wease: don't change! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm another one who would like a separate stalker blog - I love the current format but I'd also love more regular batshit insanity updates, so a second (third?) blog would sort that out :)
ReplyDeleteKeep the letters! This site is meant to showcase the fact that women aren't the emotional basketcases some guys like to make us out to be, but that men can actually be the ones who can't let go or get a hint. And it's hilarious.
ReplyDeleteLetters, please!
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea first suggested by Lynnie. It's great to get the letters but the I'd like to hear some of the stories without as much documentation
ReplyDeleteI would like to see both, as many have already said. Again, the letters truly show how bad these guys are, but i would love to also hear some of the stories! This is especially true if you don't get any good ones with letters in them. However, you just need to make sure you stay on topic and don't transgress too much. Maybe you could have certain days of the week or month set aside for stories? Or every 5th entry could be a story?
ReplyDeleteIf they're good stories, go for it. If not... Stick with the correspondence requirement. :)
ReplyDeleteLong time reader first time commenting- I think its the writing that really sets these stories apart. Without the letters it could be a he says/she says. You might be able to do something like a Story Sunday. Just my two cents. Keep up the good work, this is rapidy becomeing one of my favorite blogs!
ReplyDeleteBoth. I've attracted some real 'winners' but don't have letters or anything because I got rid of everything afterward (and if someone you'd dated was arrested for driving several hours to have sex with a 13 year old and they were twenty-nine, you'd want to destroy all evidence you knew him, too).
ReplyDeleteAny stories are good stories! I agree with many previous commenters, it's the Weasel commentary that makes it!
ReplyDeleteI vote for keeping the letter requirement. Weasel is witty, of course, but the stories his correspondents submit are not half so entertaining as the clueless letters their jerky stalkers composed.
ReplyDeleteAlso, if we only have the woman's story, it's more questionable. The inclusion of the letters gives us the fuckwit's point of view. (This gives me the illusion of having the whole story, which I like).
Having said all that, I have one hell of a stalker story if you do let the letter side go, but I strongly prefer that the letters remain.
I would totally be cool with reading the non-correspondence stories that are REALLY scary now and then. But for the most part, keep the correspondence, they're like the disgusting poop cherry on top of the puke sundae.
ReplyDeleteI think Weasel is smart enough to weed out the credible stories from the non-credible... he's done some sleuthing behind his stories here before... right?
ReplyDeleteIf you think the non-letter story is good... then I want to read it!
Well, Weas, I have to say that you are bound to run across some stalker stories that are so pants-shittingly crazy that you will WANT to post them, and I say post those, absolutely. The really good stuff.
ReplyDeleteI trust Weas to pick solid stories.
By and large I think the letters should remain the focus. 75% to 90%. Becuase part of the beauty of it is watching these guys fucking shoot themselves in the foot. The cluelessness encapsulated in letters they often intend to plead their case is what makes this blog a thing of beauty.
I think the letterless stories actually sound more like they fall under WWHM territory. Sometimes, we hate men because one is a creepy fucktard to us, and they don't have to post to Craigslist to be creepy fucktards.
ReplyDeleteI agree with biskuits. The blog title here says it all. And the letters are generally my favorite part =)
ReplyDeleteIf the stories are horrifying, by all means post them.
ReplyDeleteI like the stories that include letters, but if there's a drought, by all means post without!
ReplyDeleteI like Lynnie's idea!
ReplyDeleteI'd rather you keep this blog "pure", and only include actual letters/e-mail/texts by crazy men AND women.
ReplyDeleteAs biskuits already said, the stories from readers sound more like WWHM territory than PLFM. If you get into a slow situation at WWHM, you can post the stories there.
A lot of people are batshit crazy, and some of them are dangerous.
I've come to believe there's no such thing as a non-dysfunctional family. We're all fucked up in some way or another. However, not all of us are pyscho fuckwads who can't understand that NO means NO.
Psycho. Sorry, I HATE that we can't edit our posts.....
ReplyDeleteI vote to keep it to just the letters, txts, etc (written correspondence) - otherwise you may continue to get swamped. :P
ReplyDeletemaybe 2 sections, one for letters and one for stories?
ReplyDeleteMixing in stories would be good. Insane dialog and behavior can be quite entertaining.
ReplyDeleteYour rating system is truly sublime.
Keep the requirements. That way you'll know it's a legitmate.
ReplyDeleteI admit to liking to see the actual primary source documents.
ReplyDeleteSo I'd say stick with it, girl!
They can take their stories to the comments. Maybe highlight it in the actual post via an edit if an interesting story pops up in the comments.
-J
I say both. I always get so excited when I see this site updated.
ReplyDeleteThere are SO many psychotic men stories in the world, and while I enjoy hearing about them (more so when they don't involve me!), there are just too many.
ReplyDeleteI like the narrow scope of letters from the fiends themselves.
The letters really ground these outrageous stories, in my opinion. As much as I love the Weasel commentary, you really can't outdo the letters themselves. But both would be good, too, cause I love reading about these psychotic men, documentation or not!
ReplyDeleteStick with letters.
ReplyDeleteI think you should keep the letters. As other people have mentioned, it lends an air of credibility, and there's nothing like reading how a guy hung himself out to dry with his own words.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I think it would also be entertaining to read a compilation every month or biweekly or something of stories that were submitted sans-letter.
I'd like to hear more of anything really. I check back here every so often and theres usually nothing new. If youre running out of letters, then take credible storys that you think are worthy of being published... we also enjoy shock value in our reading, the more stalkerish and appauling the better.
ReplyDeleteKeep the letters!!
ReplyDeleteYes stories highlighted in comments if you choose, but I like the authentic samplings in various media forms Unfortunately I deleted my stalked archives folder in yahoo six months ago... NOT kidding I thouhgt if I ever blogged this and he somehow found it it would be like he just picked up a meth pipe after a few months of clean time (4 yrs, four months in u fucking pyscho dog years)
ReplyDeleteThe letters MUST stay! The narration I just consider the warm up act to the main show. I can't imagine the stories being even half as good without the actual verbatim correspondence. Please!
ReplyDeleteI think another blog! One for the letter writers, one just for the PM part of PLFM.
ReplyDeleteMaybe alternate a few letters from the psychos, followed by an anecdote or two from submitters. But definitely keep the letters, they are priceless gems!
ReplyDeleteLetters/texts/e-mails for this blog, please. Though I am a woman and have one or two good psycho-stalker stories myself, I notice far too many people I know are given to "pseudologica fantastica"-- that is, embellishment for sake of entertaining the audience. It'd require a LOT more effort and creativity to fake a creey e-mail or text message. I like things legit.
ReplyDeleteI vote for both, as long as the commentary is there. You've got impeccible taste when it comes to crazy stories, so keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteBoth. Let the story decide what gets published.
ReplyDeleteMaybe create a separate blog for just the stalker stories? I like the idea of sharing the extreme stalker stories that don't have letters/emails/texts associated with them, since I'm sure they will be fascinating, entertaining, and scary. But the letters provide crucial evidence that the women aren't just making up the stories or exagerrating, which might happen occasionally, unfortunately. The letters allow the men to display their own douchebaggery in their very own words, and that's something special. I vote for a separate blog with stalker stories.
ReplyDeleteI'll take both!
ReplyDeleteBoth! Either way, you won't fail to entertain us.
ReplyDeleteBoth.. but maybe the ones without letters only occasionally. I feel it is more believable when there is at least SOME sort of proof.
ReplyDeleteletters letters letters :)
ReplyDeleteI think you need to stick with the letters. Everbody has creepy stories but not everbody is honest. There are crazy woman just as there are crazy men...
ReplyDeleteQuite happy to rant about thier ex.
Who want revenage and merit isn't a factor.
Who like everyone on the planet, thinks their side of the story, is the story.
Hence the 75 letters per week.
You have rules: Send a letter, text or email. The directions are easy enough, though frustrating to those who didn't save them.
But the rule is a good one. A very good one. Right now, you don't have to remove content even if the "stalker" complains. You have proof.
Without letter's you would have to remove content.
Whithout letters you don't know who's telling the truth.
Whithout letters this site could be used by the nutjobs who inspired this site, to harass thier victim.
If people want to talk about their expieriences and bemoan the lack of proof, they can share them in the comments.
And for as much as I'd love to hear some of these stories, I think you draw the integrity of PFLM in to question. I don't think you should do that, ever.
As much as I'd like to hear these other, gold plated instances of diabolical relationship sundering, I agree with sam, we need to keep it just letters. Of course Weasel, you could start anOTHER blog... >:D
ReplyDeletesnippitsrevealed.blogspot.com
I think results show most posters want more
ReplyDeleteWeasel! :)
I’m for keeping it just letters (or similar) on this site. As people have said, it is a form of proof. Some people will not accept that some men (note: some) can behave in dangerous, scary ways. If you don’t offer proof, then it’s all too easy for them to deny it, or say “Oh these women are just making it up, I’m sure he was a nice guy” etc. And unfortunately, as Sam @ 5:36pm said, some women (note: some) could exaggerate and make up stories (if just to get a funny write-up from Weasel…joke!). (Of course, you could switch the genders around in these sentences).
Rely on facts and you can avoid these issues. It’s what separates this site from man/woman-bashing sites that use hearsay to push their agenda.
What I don't want to see is Weasel spreading himself too thin, with too much to keep up with. He's got two very popular blogs that he does not get payment for. . .in addition to having to work for pay.
ReplyDeleteI say keep the letters. They show douchebaggery at its finest.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely keep the letters!
ReplyDeleteKeep the letters (texts, emails, etc), it's what makes your blog interesting. Also they are primary source documents...very important when relaying a story second-hand (I'm a librarian, what can I say? These kinds of things are important to us).
ReplyDeleteWomen share their stories in the comments.
Keep the letters. Hearing it straight from the psycho's fingertips makes it blog-worthy.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind seeing a few posts without letters, emails, etc. from time to time. However, I would be opposed to any rating system attached to a stalker's level of "crazy". Basically, it's all crazy...
ReplyDeleteStalking is a very serious and frightening crime that women face everyday. As a fan of the site and a former victim of stalking, I would like to suggest that a website link or telephone number be posted on this blog for victim assistance. PLFM provides much-needed comedic relief and a sense of community, and already raises awareness just in exposing the bizarre behavior of some creepy hangers-on. I'd really like it if PLFM also raised awareness by linking us to sites with information for people who would like to educate themselves about stalking or receive formal help.
Thanks for being on the web!
Keep the letters for the most part, but if some of the stories are as horrifying as you say, then do a monthly special sort of thing with them.
ReplyDeleteI feel the letters are very important to each of the posts. It gives them credibility. With only someone's account of an incident, there could be any amount of exaggeration. With a letter from the man, we can all see that the man involved was, in fact, way off base in his approach to the woman, the situation, and life in general.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with the librarian above. Stories without letters, emails, texts, or phone messages which are transcribed verbatim belong in the comments only. To do otherwise makes this site a general outlet for complaining about men rather than a showcase of how crazy a man can be toward a woman, evidenced through the words he uses.
Keep the letters. Otherwise it sounds like an exagerated story, not reality.
ReplyDeleteEither way is great!! I love the letters/emails/texts, but if you get a fantastic stalker story why not share it.
ReplyDeletehttp://confessions-of-a-waitress.blogspot.com/
These stories need the letters! Please don't drop the requirement! Without them, they could be fiction. They would be missing the key details that bring them to life. I mean, it's in the freakin' title! PLFM
ReplyDeletePlease keep the letters! I just found this blog a few days ago, and I love the inclusion of "hard evidence". There is something really compelling about not only hearing from the stalkee, but then having all the gory details confirmed by the psychotic letters. However, the suggestion of continuing with letters and sometimes featuring a compilation post of some strange "stalker stories" could also be interesting.
ReplyDelete(Good work either way!)
This site already suffers from a bias, and dropping the correspondence requirement would simply turn it into a blog about women complaining about men. The best parts are the letters in which men make utter fools of themselves. The site's not perfect, but keep it as 'scientific' as possible!
ReplyDelete