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The controversy on Twitter

June 30, 2010 By: Paul O'Mahony Category: 2010

This is an archive record of what people said via Twitter during the campaign for bloggers’ right at Listowel Writers’ Week. I publish it here because tweets disappear from Twitter after a few days – and some historian may be interested in this raw data…
[Any tweets without author’s name were written by Paul O’Mahony (@omaniblog)
16 June 2010
  1. Campaign for the rights of bloggers wins at Listowel #LWW10 – Response to Michael Lynch, chairman of Festival http://ht.ly/1ZvpZ8 minutes ago via HootSuite
  2. I’m going to water the flowers, have one last think, then post on Listowel Writers’ Week Fringe blog #LWW10about 1 hour ago via HootSuite
  1. “@ovalball: As avid reader of local press in Limerick stones throw away from Listowel, nothing of note in any press I saw re #lww10”about 2 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  2. “@steeelyglint: think there’s apology missing from them. If u’re happy with their response though it’s u who was attacked after all”#lww10about 2 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  3. RT @ovalball: Paul you did more to market #lww10 than clowns actually tasked with doing it. I for one wouldnt have known about it but for uabout 3 hours ago via HootSuite
  4. RT @elainelarkin: #LWW10 should have @muzutv version of festival where fans can upload recorded content; speakers gain from ad revenueabout 3 hours ago via HootSuite
  5. Last chance to express ur view before I respond to Response from Michael Lynch Chairman of Writers’ Week Listowel #lww10http://ht.ly/1Zrqoabout 3 hours ago via HootSuite
  1. “@Betsydraperfl: not sure event will exist 10 yrs unless leadership knows who client is. Basic bus 101. Don’t ya feel better w one bigblog!?about 3 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  2. “@angelacork: My take:Listowel upset cos u recorded without permission: You upset cos you didn’t know & over the top rebuke. Call quits?”about 3 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  1. Drafting my response to Michael Lynch Chairman of Writers’ Week#lww10. See blog laterabout 6 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  2. “@paraic: No response at all – not good enough Response from Michael Lynch Chairman of Writers’ Week Listowel #lww10http://ht.ly/1ZkGC”about 6 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  3. Response from Michael Lynch Chairman of Writers’ Week Listowel#lww10 http://ht.ly/1ZkGCabout 6 hours ago via HootSuite
  4. “@tnteacherTim: RT @Omaniblog: Response from Michael Lynch Chairman of Writers’ Week Listowel #lww10 http://ht.ly/1Zc7R > Must do better!”about 6 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  5. “@cotisgal: @billywaters I’m imagining her grabbing arms & cheeks of children & adults alike…a sure fire way to deter piracy!”#lww10about 6 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  6. “@cotisgal: Did well to challenge the system.Their short-sighted response is merely reflection of closed, conservative institution#LWW10”about 6 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  7. “@billywaters: @cotisgal That woman needs job in IRMA or RIAA. Let her solve piracy problem by scaring people all on her own.”#lww10about 6 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  8. “@cotisgal: They call this a response?? *Sigh*…Response from Michael Lynch Chairman of Writers’ Week Listowel #lww10http://ht.ly/1Zc7R”about 6 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  9. “@EyeBlinks: “Stamps on them Tianaman Square” … Would you get a grip and cease with the analogies with major world events.”#lww10about 6 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  1. “@Betsydraperfl: @celav that is basically the email I got back and I sent. Did you apologize though? Duh!!!!! Paul r ya going back?”#LWW10about 7 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  2. “@irishauthor: what lame response, they just don’t get it. bye, bye#LWW10 Time for real fringe in the spirit of JB +BmcM xxxk begrudgers”about 7 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  3. “@kerryview: Bureaucratic answer ignores every issue raised by ListowelGate. Not only ignores, but stamps on them Tianamen Square. #lww10”about 8 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  1. RT @unislimcork: RT @Omaniblog Response from Michael Lynch Chairman of Writers’ Week Listowel #lww10 http://ht.ly/1Zc7R >>>&…about 8 hours ago via API
  2. “@CityLocal_Cork: @Omaniblog short and sweet. Happy? (guess not)” / #lww10about 8 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  1. “@darraghdoyle says Well done Paul. You happy with it?” / #lww10about 8 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  2. Response from Michael Lynch Chairman of Writers’ Week Listowel#lww10 http://ht.ly/1Zc7Rabout 9 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  1. RT @celaV: RT Response from Michael Lynch Chairman of Writers’ Week Listowel #lww10 http://ht.ly/1Zc7R > You’re kidding me! #notenoughabout 10 hours ago via HootSuite
  2. RT @kencurtin: that response leaves none the wiser as to whether she was acting in an offical capacity & 0 apology #lww10about 10 hours ago via HootSuite
  3. RT @susan_lanigan: I mean I won’t recommend listowel writers week #lww10about 10 hours ago via HootSuite
  4. RT @donal_cahalane: No Apology?? Thats absolutely disgraceful!#LWW10 #lww10about 10 hours ago via HootSuite
  5. RT @susan_lanigan: committee shd also disavow woman’s acts. He’s ignoring assault in favr of defending & explaining her excuse 4 mountng it.about 10 hours ago via HootSuite
  6. RT @donal_cahalane: What was their #LWW10 response Paul? /#lww10 / http://ht.ly/1ZceVabout 10 hours ago via HootSuite
  1. I’ll respond to Listowel Writers’ Week Committee decision later today – good to think this through #lww10about 10 hours ago via HootSuite
  2. Response from Michael Lynch Chairman of Writers’ Week Listowel#lww10 http://ht.ly/1Zc7Rabout 10 hours ago via HootSuite
  3. Being anally retentive: gathering all tweets about Listowel incident into one big blogpost – as if someone will be interested in 10 years?about 14 hours ago via HootSuite
  4. @charliecostello I have indeed recovered from time in Listowel Writers’ Week Festival – good to hear from you – must follow up our meetingabout 14 hours ago via HootSuite in reply to charliecostello
  5. @JeremyGould I’ll be in touch with you later about what Listowel Writers’ Week Committee have said. #LWW10about 15 hours ago via HootSuite in reply to jeremygould
  6. @queenofpots Good morning to you. More on the Listowel Fringe Blog later todayabout 16 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone in reply to queenofpots
  7. @queenofpots No. Writers’ Week Listowel chairman sent me an email on behalf of Committee after their meetingabout 16 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone in reply to queenofpots
  1. Today is a special day: Listowel Writers’ Week #LWW10 have issued a statement & it’s day for #TweetJoyceabout 17 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
  2. RT @liamooo: RT @Omaniblog: What happened at Listowel I wonder? #LWW10 < ‘control’, an indiv asserted ‘control’ and found you to do it.about 17 hours ago via HootSuite
_____________________________________________________________________
15 June 2010
JeremyGould
11:47pm, Jun 15 RT @Omaniblog: What happened at Listowel I wonder?
liamooo
10:06pm, Jun 15 RT @Omaniblog: What happened at Listowel I wonder? < ‘control’, an indiv asserted ‘control’ and found you to do it.
____________________________________________________________
14 June 2010
celaV
10:09am, Jun 11 from Twitterrific RT @Omaniblog was reliably informed last evening that committee of Writers’ Week Listowel will meet Tuesday to consider. #LWW10 > Great!
Omaniblog
10:03am, Jun 11 from HootSuite @celaV I was reliably informed last evening that the committee of Writers’ Week Listowel will meet on Tuesday to consider. #LWW10
topgold
7:31am, Jun 11 from TweetCaster @Omaniblog Your #lww10 emotive moments have given me important materials for several creative 3rd level modules.
7.26am, Jun 11 As I wake up, day after the shit hit the fan, I think: I’m out if my depth in Ireland. Can only be true to my self
___________________________________________________________________________________
10 June 2010
11:41pm, Jun 10 On Tuesday, Listowel Writers’ Week Committee meets to decide what to do. I hope they don’t hope the fuss goes away. #lww10
11:40pm, Jun 10 I haven’t energy left today to respond to every comment on the blog about Listowel: tomorrow #lww10
11:39pm, Jun 10 from HootSuite

Tired, very tired now…want to reply to every email I got today re Listowel, respond to every copy sent of emails to Michael Lynch#lww10

  1. @destaic I’m not sure how best to keep pressure on the Committee in Listowel other than by the spreading the story of what happened?Thu Jun 10 2010 21:57:25 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to destaic
  2. I hope all who tweeted such valuable support on Listowel issue will email Michael Lynch info@writersweek.ie We need to influence committeeThu Jun 10 2010 21:19:17 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  3. “@CACMAccountants: Sorry to hear about the awful experience you had Paul. There is never an excuse for bad behaviour like this.”Thu Jun 10 2010 21:15:10 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  4. Latest news I have: Listowel Writers’ Week Committee will meet on Tues 15 June: they won’t apologise or not until then @thecorknewsThu Jun 10 2010 20:36:00 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  5. @GregCantyFuzion I certainly will. If you twitter search Listowel, you’ll see a flood of tweets about how I was attackedThu Jun 10 2010 19:51:56 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to GregCantyFuzion
  6. “@MichaelLynchAV3: Paul, my simple advice is remember LWW10 for the launch of your EPIC 33 Cantos and great reaction, not this silly woman”Thu Jun 10 2010 19:17:41 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  1. I’d like to clarify : it is not my intention to take a legal action against woman who “assaulted” me. Simply want public apology as per blogThu Jun 10 2010 17:58:17 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  2. RT @liamooo: Its uncool of her, but, it’s not worth expending your creative energy on, which she would relish tying you up in doing.#lww10Thu Jun 10 2010 17:56:12 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  3. RT @Susanne_Iles: If the woman reads about this I think she will feel deeply embarrassed by her actions. #lww10Thu Jun 10 2010 17:55:40 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  4. Solicitor says: “That was absolute disgrace. who was person? can u find out who she was? You may well have action against her for assault.”Thu Jun 10 2010 17:45:59 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  5. @frankiep Face to face is great – I agree.Thu Jun 10 2010 17:44:05 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to frankiep
  6. RT @MarkGHegarty: hi Paul. You have my support. There is no place for that type of behaviour. I applaud ur self (cont)http://tl.gd/1ps19oThu Jun 10 2010 17:43:11 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  1. @queenofpots According to @TheCorkNews , there is to be no statement. I hope there will soon be a public apology and support for bloggersThu Jun 10 2010 17:29:42 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to queenofpots
  2. Listowel Writers’ Week AudioBoo by @topgold Bernie Goldbachhttp://ht.ly/1WNgd #LWW10Thu Jun 10 2010 17:27:15 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  3. RT @TheCorkNews: Change of plan apparently, no statement re @Omaniblog,but did want to know where we got the story. No broadband Listowel ?Thu Jun 10 2010 17:20:43 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  4. RT @TheCorkNews: Writers Week Listowel committee preparing to release a statement re. @Omaniblog incident … #lww10Thu Jun 10 2010 16:58:13 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  1. Started emailing my family, friends and contacts in the hope that some of them will email Writers’ Week Listowel committee chairmanThu Jun 10 2010 16:23:29 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  2. I’ve started emailing my family, friends and contacts in the hope that some of them will email Writers’ Week Listowel committee chairmanThu Jun 10 2010 16:23:09 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  3. RT @Betsydraperfl: @Omaniblog @real_insights proud of u u are incredibleThu Jun 10 2010 16:21:49 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  4. 14 Comments on Listowel Writers’ Week Fringe Blog – I think all but one support the call for a public apology http://ht.ly/1WKHW #lww10Thu Jun 10 2010 16:20:16 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  5. RT @Betsydraperfl: @real_insights I’m just reading this. I am so sorry you had to experience this kind of abuse. Clearly the woman is unwellThu Jun 10 2010 16:17:15 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  6. RT @sineadgleeson: Blogging, Arts festivals & permission: @omaniblog – an odd experience with Listowel Writer’s Week.http://ht.ly/1WzP6Thu Jun 10 2010 16:16:31 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  1. RT @Mike_Kiely: I don’t agree with what she did. But I don’t record anyone without asking permission. / #lww10Thu Jun 10 2010 15:19:24 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  2. RT @dermotcasey: blogging or twittering I regard different to taping/ #lww10 ListowelThu Jun 10 2010 15:18:38 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  3. RT @dermotcasey: anger in her reaction was wrong. Her cause I’ve a little sympathy with. I’d never tape someone without explicit permissionThu Jun 10 2010 15:18:08 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  4. RT @kencurtin: just been reading up on your adventures, will put pen to paper & send it to the committe in Listowel, her reaction was v OTTThu Jun 10 2010 15:17:04 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  5. I hope many of you will send an email to the Chairman of Writers’ Week Listowel expressing your view of how a blogger (me) was treatedThu Jun 10 2010 14:51:55 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone

RT @inshin: Good post – RT @Omaniblog: RT @eoinpurcell: Listowel Writer’s Week, Blogging & Paul O’Mahony:http://wp.me/pqOh-ycThu Jun 10 2010 14:43:10 (GMT Daylight Time) via API

  1. RT @darrananderson: @stomaselli just reading about the Listowel unpleasantness, seems case of organisers biting the hand that feeds give …Thu Jun 10 2010 14:28:31 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  2. RT @PKontheradio: Can’t help but feel there’s a bit of typically Irish blogosphere hysteria about this whole Listowel Writer’s Week stor…Thu Jun 10 2010 14:27:44 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  3. RT @eoinpurcell: Listowel Writer’s Week, Blogging & Paul O’Mahony: http://wp.me/pqOh-ycThu Jun 10 2010 14:27:21 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  4. RT @queenofpots: Finally got a moment to write about my time at Listowel Writers Festival @ http://queenofpots.com/?p=392Thu Jun 10 2010 14:27:00 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  5. RT @LetLeoHelp: Apparently some blogger had his arm gripped in Listowel. It certainly puts my HEAD BUTT IN THE FACE into perspective. #LWW10Thu Jun 10 2010 14:26:41 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  6. @donal_cahalane If you mean how to contact Chairman of Writers’ Week Listowel: Michael Lynch + info@writersweek.ie (check web)Thu Jun 10 2010 14:25:07 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to donal_cahalane
  7. @topgold thank you for enriching the conversation by making an AudioBoo. I’ll broadcast one later about Listowel attackThu Jun 10 2010 14:22:59 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  8. Listen to Bernie Goldbach @topgold on AudioBoo – a #carBoo – about Listowel & digital collision (assault): google itThu Jun 10 2010 14:21:01 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  9. I hope many of you will send an email to the Chairman of Writers’ Week Listowel expressing your view of how a blogger (me) was treatedThu Jun 10 2010 14:02:09 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  10. There is one very critical comment against me on the Listowel Writers’ Week Fringe Blog + loads of positive support for the campaignThu Jun 10 2010 14:00:23 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  1. RT @Susanne_Iles: @Omaniblog left a message, am writing a letter.Have you written the person responsible to let her know what a terrible …Thu Jun 10 2010 13:27:48 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  2. RT @markomahony: @Omaniblog You have my support. Whatever about her motives, her actions were wrong. If it was man grabbing woman’s arm …Thu Jun 10 2010 12:39:22 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  3. RT @Real_Insights: As a Kerry person, I’m ashamed by the way @Omaniblog was treated in Listowel esp after his gr8 insights on it :( http …Thu Jun 10 2010 12:38:38 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  4. RT @carredenis: @Omaniblog Just sent you a copy of the email I sent to Michael Lynch regarding the incident in Listowel.Thu Jun 10 2010 12:38:23 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  5. RT @theresecul: @Omaniblog Sorry to hear u were treated so badly after all u did to promote LWW. I really hope she’s not representative …Thu Jun 10 2010 12:38:10 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  6. RT @barneyausten: @Omaniblog Just read your post on your experience. The whole thing sounds bizarre in the extreme. Email on its way!Thu Jun 10 2010 11:11:55 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  1. RT @klillington: Think facts need to be sorted b4 a protest… RT @GaladrielleH: Shocking! @Omaniblog http://bit.ly/doV2k9@thecreativep …Thu Jun 10 2010 11:10:20 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  2. RT @markomahony: RT @Omaniblog Campaign for bloggers’ rights at Listowel Writers’ Week starts http://ht.ly/1Wc0D #LWW10Thu Jun 10 2010 11:10:06 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  3. RT @alanleotennyson: Terrible treatment of blogger @Omaniblogat Listowel Writers Week. http://ht.ly/1WxRO” completely mad! Keep up the …Thu Jun 10 2010 11:09:55 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  4. RT @frankhannigan: @Omaniblog have sent off an email to writers week and bcced you – hope this helpsThu Jun 10 2010 11:09:45 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  5. RT @CoolCollectorIE: RT @ThinkTank_ An injustice that @Omaniblog who brought Listowel to life in vivid online colour was treated so shab …Thu Jun 10 2010 11:09:32 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  6. RT @ManAboutCouch: @Omaniblog Just read about your ordeal. Shocking. Some people obviously feel threatened by free and open discourse. Y …Thu Jun 10 2010 11:09:20 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  7. RT @gamgob: Is @omaniblog and #LWW10 trending on Twitter yet? :) Thu Jun 10 2010 11:09:04 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  8. RT @rudolf289: @Omaniblog Hi Paul, just looked #listowelgate. Appaling behaviour, credit to you for keeping cool. Public apology is mini …Thu Jun 10 2010 11:08:53 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  9. Niamh O’Mahony reporter @thecorknews phoned me for info about Listowel Writer’ Week traumaThu Jun 10 2010 11:08:39 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  10. RT @iamDarragh: @omaniblog She sounds like a total nutter tbh. Can’t imagine she has the backing of anyone. Nobody could support her vie …Thu Jun 10 2010 10:19:02 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  11. RT @TomRaftery: Blogger assaulted and evicted from Listowel Writers’ Week for recording/writing about it! http://ht.ly/1WzRaThu Jun 10 2010 10:17:36 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  12. RT @ThinkTank_: An injustice that @Omaniblog who brought Listowel to life in vivid online colour was treated so shabbilyhttp://ht.ly/1W …Thu Jun 10 2010 10:17:16 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  13. Just got a wonderful phonecall of support for the campaign for bloggers’ rights from someone I respect greatlyThu Jun 10 2010 10:16:27 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  1. RT @GaladrielleH: Shocking ! You have all my support here @Omaniblog : http://ht.ly/1WzMJThu Jun 10 2010 10:07:29 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  2. RT @tokyote: @Omaniblog Hi Cork! Such unpleasant experience! It’s hard 2 believe that censorship r still trying 2 control free thinke…Thu Jun 10 2010 10:07:00 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  3. RT @ovalball: @Omaniblog Sorry to read about your trials at Listowl Paul, small mindedness is still alive and well in some people it ap …Thu Jun 10 2010 10:06:44 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  4. RT @johncollins1971: @Omaniblog Sorry to read of your exper. @#LWW10, I think you’re correct: she was one individual – narrow minded & …Thu Jun 10 2010 10:06:18 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  1. RT @dkellyj: @Omaniblog that’s pretty ridiculous. Although you get jumped-up unofficial officials at events. Definitely needs investigationThu Jun 10 2010 10:05:10 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  2. RT @JL_Pagano: @Omaniblog Only just read of your experience. That looney tune clearly has no business being on any kind of representativ …Thu Jun 10 2010 10:04:20 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  1. Don’t want Listowel Writers’ Week experience to hijack my day. Taking #omanitot goes to visit her Sept school later. Please keep up supportThu Jun 10 2010 09:24:23 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  2. RT @carredenis: This is madness!! You can rest assured of getting my support on this. @GaladrielleH, look http://ht.ly/1WzMJ<- please RTThu Jun 10 2010 09:22:23 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  3. RT @unislimcork: Shocked & appauled on 2 accounts @Listowel.Firstly,at that ‘ladies’ actions but also bystanders lack of actionThu Jun 10 2010 09:21:46 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  4. RT @nickysragtales: I’ve penned a pretty good protest letter which if any one wants a copy to forward, just email me. #LWW10Thu Jun 10 2010 09:20:45 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  5. @damienmulley – you may be interested in this campaignhttp://ht.ly/1WzSd If you support it, it would make a differenceThu Jun 10 2010 09:20:21 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  6. @TomRaftery My blog teacher – greetings from Cork. Would you support this campaign please http://ht.ly/1WzRaThu Jun 10 2010 09:18:55 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to TomRaftery
  7. @thebookwright This may interest you – it’s a campaign for the right to blog peacefully http://ht.ly/1WzQpThu Jun 10 2010 09:18:00 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to thebookwright
  1. @sineadgleeson I’d love your support – I’m in need – after a traumatic experience http://ht.ly/1WzP6Thu Jun 10 2010 09:16:20 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to sineadgleeson
  2. @GaladrielleH This is the attack on my blogging by one member of Listowel Writers’ Week committee http://ht.ly/1WzOCThu Jun 10 2010 09:15:32 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  3. @stranded_aoife I would love you to support this campaign for bloggers’ rights at Listowel http://ht.ly/1WzNrThu Jun 10 2010 09:14:13 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to stranded_aoife
  4. @carredenis Good morning Denis. Have you seen what happened to me in Listowel? http://ht.ly/1WzMJThu Jun 10 2010 09:13:00 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to carredenis
  1. @nickysragtales What a great idea you spread: all good festivals deserve to be blogged – if only for the sake of those who couldn’t make it Thu Jun 10 2010 09:09:50 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to nickysragtales
  2. @carrigman I don’t want anyone to avoid Listowel Writers’ Week: a public apology from Chairman + clear rights for bloggers please Thu Jun 10 2010 09:08:23 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to carrigman
  3. @dkellyj The link to what happened to a blogger at Listowel is herehttp://ht.ly/1WzEJThu Jun 10 2010 09:03:43 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to dkellyj
  4. RT @nickysragtales: @ChristineDMpr I’m booking my place ASAP. I’m sure we could manage 100 bloggers at LWW 2011Thu Jun 10 2010 09:02:42 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  5. I’m overwhelmed by the way bloggers worldwide are expressing their views on what was done to me by one committee member in Listowel:Thu Jun 10 2010 08:53:13 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  6. #omanitot to creche now – keep my feet on groundThu Jun 10 2010 08:51:35 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  7. RT @nickysragtales: @ChristineDMpr I’m about to send strong protest message to LWW. We bloggers should go enmasse nxt yr.Thu Jun 10 2010 08:51:03 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  8. RT @LesleyDewar: @abiepb Big (& probably legal) difference between “recording” & note taking – regardless of ur intentions for the use laterThu Jun 10 2010 08:50:42 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  9. RT @mcawilliams: u on other hand have encountered blatent case of assault, & is something u maybe worthwhile looking at a solicitor about!Thu Jun 10 2010 08:50:02 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  10. RT @CreativeDynamix: so core of why you blog at writers festivals, where can I read those blogs and listen to the audio? soured I hope notThu Jun 10 2010 08:49:20 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  11. RT @TomTDowling: @Omaniblog Morning Paul, that lady appears like she was on a power trip.Thu Jun 10 2010 08:48:20 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  12. RT @mcawilliams: I can’t believe what I read! She may be correct it could be breach of copyright, but I don’t think that’s her problem….Thu Jun 10 2010 08:47:58 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  13. RT @queenofpots: I didn’t see any restrictions on cameras/recording equip. at #LWW10. YouTube full of LWW videos.Thu Jun 10 2010 08:46:53 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  14. RT @deshocks: RT @ChristineDMpr Terrible treatment of blogger @Omaniblog at Listowel Writers Week. http://ht.ly/1WxROThu Jun 10 2010 08:46:22 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  15. RT @inshin: @Omaniblog do you know at any stage either in events listing/programme or entrance to readings, are there any warnings about …Thu Jun 10 2010 08:28:59 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  16. RT @kieranmurphy: @Omaniblog Just read report. That’s just plain weird. Hope you’re feeling better and that something good comes out of it!Thu Jun 10 2010 08:28:37 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  17. RT @CreativeDynamix: @Omaniblog I am outraged by ur treatment as a blogger @ Listowel Writers Festival, how dare anyone think it’s okay …Thu Jun 10 2010 08:27:51 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  18. @diarmuidcogan I must #listowelgate is inspired. Thank youThu Jun 10 2010 08:27:44 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to diarmuidcogan
  19. RT @diarmuidcogan: @Omaniblog #listowelgate being picked up? I look forward to hearing/seeing you on the national airwaves & getting blo …Thu Jun 10 2010 08:26:52 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  20. RT @22dropout: @Omaniblog Paul, jest read about #LWW10incident, any chance it was a misunderstanding? Did she think you would sell the …Thu Jun 10 2010 08:26:35 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  21. RT @CreativeDynamix: RT @berniequinn: This is horrible – @omaniblog is way too gentle for own good RT @tnteacherTim A good man, mistreat …Thu Jun 10 2010 08:26:17 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  22. RT @Sundaytwist: @Omaniblog That is awful what you had to go through, such a horrid person to do that to you :( Thu Jun 10 2010 08:25:57 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  23. RT @famron: @Omaniblog Of course, appalling bullying treatment.Thu Jun 10 2010 08:25:41 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  24. RT @curiousmike: @Omaniblog What happened at Listowel?? Was this woman deranged, or just stuck in the 1960s?http://ht.ly/1WxROThu Jun 10 2010 08:23:34 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  25. RT @ChristineDMpr: Terrible treatment of blogger at Listowel Writers Week. This committe are joke if this isnt addressedhttp://ht.ly/1WxROThu Jun 10 2010 08:23:15 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  26. RT @EyeBlinks: @carrigman Well. I’ve not seen Marcella’s account but @Omaniblog ‘s is rather bizarre tbh!Thu Jun 10 2010 08:22:08 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  27. RT @carrigman: Listowel Writers Week – based on what happened to @Omaniblog and comments by @MarcellaOConnor it’s a festival best avoided.Thu Jun 10 2010 08:16:52 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  28. RT @tnteacherTim: If she took a moment to talk to @Omaniblog, she would not have felt threatened. It is impossible. / I was threatenedThu Jun 10 2010 08:16:32 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  29. RT @tnteacherTim: @billywaters Totally agree; with all that you have said about it. @OmaniblogThu Jun 10 2010 08:15:44 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  30. RT @billywaters: @omaniblog Assaulting u in public is no way to enforce her own version of martial law. I am sure u were using it for notesThu Jun 10 2010 08:15:33 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  31. RT @AbiePB: @Omaniblog nasty experience. V sorry. To play devil’s advocate, I think you’ve every right to report a gig, not nec record itThu Jun 10 2010 08:14:44 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  32. RT @berniequinn: This is horrible – @omaniblog is way too gentle for own good RT @tnteacherTim A good man, mistreated:http://ht.ly/1WiQcThu Jun 10 2010 08:13:57 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  33. @famron I’m very grateful to you for RT of the campaign for the right to blog a literary festival without intimidationThu Jun 10 2010 08:13:28 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to famron
  34. RT @billywaters: @tnteacherTim @celaV @gamgob @OmaniblogOnce she grabbed you Paul she had assaulted you. #LWW10Thu Jun 10 2010 08:12:22 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  35. @ThinkTank_ Thanks for spreading news about campaign for bloggers’ rights at Listowel: I hope there will be plenty of emails to chairmanThu Jun 10 2010 08:11:52 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to ThinkTank_
  36. RT @gamgob: Just read awful treatment suffered by @Omaniblogsimply cause he recorded poetry performance on phonehttp://ht.ly/1WiQc Madness

@paraic I could do with a strategic mindThu Jun 10 2010 08:01:58 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to paraic

  1. I wake hoping you’ll send an email to the chairman of Writers’ Week calling for a public apology and clarification of bloggers’ rightsThu Jun 10 2010 06:58:26 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  2. Good morning. Special thanks to all who’ve spread news about campaign for bloggers’ rights at Listowel Writers’ Week.http://ht.ly/1WxROThu Jun 10 2010 06:56:29 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite

___________________________________________________

9 June 2010

  1. Tired now, the effort to defend the right to blog Listowel Writers’ Week will continue tomorrow. NightWed Jun 09 2010 23:02:43 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  2. RT @Fintandatwit: @Omaniblog shocked at your treatment in listowel, although one must recognise the copyright implications of audio blog …Wed Jun 09 2010 23:00:05 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  3. RT @susan_lanigan: Blogger @Omaniblog physically attacked by woman claiming to represent Writers’ Week Committee.http://ht.ly/1WiQc #lww10Wed Jun 09 2010 21:44:25 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  4. RT @susan_lanigan: @Omaniblog just read about your experience. Horrified. You have right to press charges. Am glad I didn’t make shortli …Wed Jun 09 2010 21:43:59 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  5. @Mdecogan I thank you ever so much for helping spread news of the Confrontation in Listowel #lww10Wed Jun 09 2010 21:21:32 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to Mdecogan
  6. @jeremygould Thanks for supporting my campaign for bloggers’ rights at Listowel. I hope many email Writers’ WeekWed Jun 09 2010 21:14:45 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to jeremygould
  7. @osullivand You are great, thanks for RT of blogpost for Bloggers RightsWed Jun 09 2010 21:12:38 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to osullivand
  8. @eoinpmphoto Thank you very much: i hope people email Michael Lynch at Writers’ Week. #Lww10Wed Jun 09 2010 21:11:08 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to eoinpmphoto
  9. RT @celaV: RT @Omaniblog @tnteacherTim I’d love your view on this horrendous experience I’ve had http://ht.ly/1WiQc > How awful, Pau …Wed Jun 09 2010 21:08:10 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  10. RT @tnteacherTim: @Omaniblog If she wished to promote the festival (as one would expect), she should have thanked you rather than attack …Wed Jun 09 2010 20:56:03 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  11. RT @ubfid: @Omaniblog I see no substantive legal issue in your recording, but maybe herself felt that it would have been polite to ask f …Wed Jun 09 2010 20:54:59 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  12. RT @diarmuidcogan: @Omaniblog Re: incident at #LWW10 That’s a 23 year emotional investment you’re mucking around with, discussing change …Wed Jun 09 2010 20:54:35 (GMT Daylight Time) via API
  1. @eoghanol You may be the first to email Listowel Writers’ Week Michael Lynch chairman on this. Thank youWed Jun 09 2010 18:32:43 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to eoghanol
  2. @tnteacherTim I’d love your view on this horrendous experience I’ve had http://ht.ly/1WiQcWed Jun 09 2010 18:28:23 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to tnteacherTim

@CityLocal_Cork You are a good guy: your support for bloggers’ rights campaign is so welcomeWed Jun 09 2010 17:56:21 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to CityLocal_Cork

Had wonderful time blogging Listowel til end – then everything went sour. Even now it’s hard to tell others about it http://ht.ly/1WhqBWed Jun 09 2010 17:42:57 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite

  1. @inshin Here’s the link to my awful experience at end of Writers’ Week festival blogging http://ht.ly/1WhkkWed Jun 09 2010 17:39:23 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to inshin
  2. @inshin Listowel Writers’ Week please read, support & RThttp://ht.ly/1Wc0D #LWW10Wed Jun 09 2010 17:06:33 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  3. @inshin Listowel Writers’ Week please read, support & RThttp://ht.ly/1Wc0D #LWW10”Wed Jun 09 2010 17:06:04 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  4. @inshin Listowel Writers’ Week starts: please read, support & RThttp://ht.ly/1Wc0D #LWW10”Wed Jun 09 2010 17:05:29 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  5. @CityLocal_Cork ThanksWed Jun 09 2010 16:55:44 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to CityLocal_Cork
  6. @inshin At Listowel Writers’ Week I was attacked for bloggingWed Jun 09 2010 16:52:03 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to inshin
  7. @CG_OnlineM I’m very grateful to you for helping spread the campaign for bloggers’ rights at #lww10 ListowelWed Jun 09 2010 16:25:24 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to CG_OnlineM
  1. Trying to win support for campaign against intimidation of blogger Paul O’MahonyWed Jun 09 2010 16:14:43 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  2. @SmarterEgg First off the block – thanksWed Jun 09 2010 15:51:31 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to SmarterEgg
  3. @gregcantyfuzion: hopefully a famous Campaign for bloggers’ rights at Listowel Writers’ Week starts: http://ht.ly/1Wc0D #LWW10”Wed Jun 09 2010 15:45:27 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  4. @thinktank_ Campaign for bloggers’ rights at Listowel Writers’ Week starts: http://ht.ly/1Wc0D #LWW10Wed Jun 09 2010 15:42:20 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  5. Campaign for bloggers’ rights at Listowel Writers’ Week starts: please read, support & RT to your contacts http://ht.ly/1Wc0D#LWW10Wed Jun 09 2010 15:27:00 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  6. Campaign for bloggers’ rights at Listowel Writers’ Week starts: please read, support & RT to your contacts http://ht.ly/1WbZZ#LWW10Wed Jun 09 2010 15:26:58 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  7. Campaign for bloggers’ rights at Listowel Writers’ Week starts: please read, support & RT to your contacts http://ht.ly/1WbU5#LWW10Wed Jun 09 2010 15:26:34 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite
  1. I’m gearing up to put my self on the line for the cause of free speech + rights of bloggers to work without being intimidation#LWW10Wed Jun 09 2010 10:44:13 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  2. @jeremygould Any chance of a one minute chat about #LWW10Wed Jun 09 2010 10:40:35 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone
  3. @ThinkTank_ Your international contacts will be invaluableWed Jun 09 2010 10:38:59 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to ThinkTank_
  4. @ThinkTank_ @gregcantyfuzion: In about 2 hours there will be an important campaign for rights of bloggers launched = tip offWed Jun 09 2010 10:37:41 (GMT Daylight Time) via Twitter for iPhone in reply to ThinkTank_

______________________________________________________________

8 June 2010

@osullivand What a fine RT from you – sends me to bed in good mood. I’m delighted #LWW10Tue Jun 08 2010 22:45:17 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to osullivand

@ThinkTank_ I hope it’ll be possible to share what happened at the end of Listowel Writers’ Week tomorrow #LWW10Tue Jun 08 2010 22:32:07 (GMT Daylight Time) via HootSuite in reply to ThinkTank_

74 snaps from Listowel Writers’ Week Festival on Fringe bloghttp://ht.ly/1VSQi #LWW1011:28 PM Jun 8th via HootSuite

________________________________________________________________________

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Two poems written while Anthony Cronin read

June 29, 2010 By: Paul O'Mahony Category: 2010, poet, poetry, poets

I sat watching Anthony Cronin & wrote …

Ancient voice
returned to encapsulate,
speak for past and future,
take over the moment
with his contraption for walking
into delicate places.
I see a black jacket, almost velvet,
four buttons on the cuff,
a sag that hangs down from the mouth,
leaving a little chin,
a Miltonic head shape,
huge elephantine ear,
born to hear,
flat against the skull.

Anthony Cronin rests a right elbow,
a forearm, a bottom,
the whole of his weight -
so that his brown shoes
catch a shine between wheels.

God never listens to what you say
so
God is a woman.
The more he reads,
the more the age drops from his eyes
set under brows
that could be clipped
by a woman given to improving
the appearance of her man.

As Anthony Cronin read…

Christopher Reid listens,
no breath stirs,
no blink disturbs
concentration,
even his heart respects Anthony Cronin
so much it slows the blood
to a whisper
unregistering
love.

The hiccup strangles itself before conception,
the saliva stays moist enough
to need no refreshment.
The hands hang like a limp unwound pendulum,
Christopher Reid wraps Anthony Cronin
in attention he learned at the bedside.

Oh, Wow. He blinked…

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The People of Listowel- met at Writers’ Week

June 28, 2010 By: Paul O'Mahony Category: 2010

This is a personal list I kept. I have one of those memories which is best outsourced to a notebook – so I always carry a Moleskine Notebook with me.

For Listowel Writers’ Week 2010, I brought the slimmest Moleskine – one I could slip out of my pocket and use during conversations. Such noting is one of my quirky habits.

I trust these people won’t mind me mentioning them… (if anyone minds, I’ll take their name off the list).

Malcolm & Margaret Payne – I stayed with them.

- the photographer of the Festival

- the commercial poet who sold his work on the street

Joe & Joan McBreen (poet)

- the man leaning over the balcony of Listowel Arms Hotel

- the group of five women re-united in Listowel

Ronan Tynan – poet, film-maker, now singer-songwriter

Deirdre Stack - from Co Clare

Patrick Stack – my collaborator, web maestro & friend

Michael Lynch – chairman of Writers’ Week Festival Committee

Ann Luttrell

Kay Donnelly – from Youghal

Natalie Ryan

Micheline Egan

Gráine O’Connor – from Limerick, who knew the house where I grew up

Joe Redington – from Adare

Enda Murray – poet, author of “Doom & Glooom Me Arse” – from Sligo

Tim Lane

Rosaleen

Pauline Fayne – poet & Facebook Friend, writer for this blog

Mary Noonan – poet, winner of Best Collection at Writers’ Week 2010

Kate Adie – journalist star

Paddy Regan – stand-up comic, great Egg, from Cork

Mike Gallagher – poet, winner of Michael Hartnett Award 2010 – from Listowel

Evie Bellis – from Waterford, one of my Facebook Friends – at meal in Allo’s

Susan Clooney – @queenofpots on Twitter- at meal in Allo’s

Trish McElligott – from Listowel – at meal in Allo’s

Bob Townes – from Brooklyn, NYC, USA – at meal in Allo’s

Mary Laverty Craig – from Tarbert – at mean in Allo’s

Jocelyn Brown – from Edmonton, Canada – writing her third novel

Terry Prone – PR & Communications consultant & Writers Week star

Mrs Stack – Patrick’s mother

Bert Griffin – from Listowel

Billy Keane – man of John B Keane’s pub

Mary Keane – the one and only, widow of John B.

Annette

Joseph O’Connor - author and Writers’ Week star

John McGrath – poet, MC at poetry events during Festival 2010

Linda Whittenberg – from Santa Fé, New Mexico, USA – friend of James McGrath (poet there)

Bob Wilber – also from Santa Fé & friend of James McGrath

Bridget McAuliffe

Siobhán Keating – lives in Lisbon, Portugal now

Oona Keating, her sister

Joy Fanning – from Glenealy, Wicklow

Bridget Maguire – she sketched George Rowley & Pat Speight for me – travelled to Dublin with me afterwards

Gerry Rose - author of “Feeding Strawberries to Pigs” (short stories)

Eileen Sheehan – poet

John W Sexton – poet, big internet person – lives Kenmare

George Rowley – from Dublin, launched “Irish Epic Poem in 33 Cantos” in Lynch’s Bakery

Matthew Sweeney – poet from Donegal, living in Cork, read at my booklaunch

Pat Speight – storyteller, lives in Cork

Christopher Reid – poet, author of “A Scattering”

Peggy Kelleher – from Tralee

There were others I met, whose names I didn’t write down. If you are one of those, and would like to remind me, please leave a comment.

Comments (2)

Pauline Fayne reads at ‘Poems without Pints’ event

June 22, 2010 By: Patrick Stack Category: 2010, events, poem, poet, poetry, video

[flv:http://www.clarepoets.com/lww/cafe-reading_PaulineFayne.flv 480 360]

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Fringe reading: Matthew Sweeney reads “Fish ‘n Chips”

June 22, 2010 By: Patrick Stack Category: 2010, fringe, poem, poet, poetry, video

[flv:http://www.clarepoets.com/lww/fringe-reading_MatthewSweeney.flv 480 360]

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Fringe reading: Patrick Stack reads “Jungle Warfare” (with oboe)

June 21, 2010 By: Patrick Stack Category: 2010, fringe, poem, poet, poetry, video

[flv:http://www.clarepoets.com/lww/fringe-reading_Patrick-Stack.flv 480 360]

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Fringe Reading: Teri Murray reads from “Where the Dagda Dances”

June 21, 2010 By: Patrick Stack Category: 2010, fringe, poem, poet, poetry, video

[flv:http://www.clarepoets.com/lww/fringe-reading_Teri-Murray.flv 480 360]

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Fringe Reading: Paul O’Mahony reads extract from “Epic Poem in 33 Cantos”

June 21, 2010 By: Patrick Stack Category: 2010, fringe, poem, poet, poetry, video

[flv:http://www.clarepoets.com/lww/fringe-reading_PaulOMahony_extract.flv 480 360]

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Fringe Reading: Paul O’Mahony introduces his Epic Poem

June 21, 2010 By: Patrick Stack Category: 2010, fringe, poem, poet, poetry, video

[flv:http://www.clarepoets.com/lww/fringe-reading_PaulOMahony_intro.flv 480 360]

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Campaign for the rights of bloggers wins

June 16, 2010 By: Paul O'Mahony Category: 2009, 2010, 2011, blogs, fringe, journalism, organisers, participants

The email from Michael Lynch, Chairman of Writers’ Week Listowel, Kerry, is more than welcome. It is generous. It is also a total vindication of all points raised in the blogpost which launched the campaign for the right to blog at Listowel Writers’ Week Festival.

I am delighted with Michael Lynch’s email. It must have been incredibly difficult for the Committee of Writers’ Week to agree. In the circumstances, it is a noble & extraordinary victory for common sense – and future reputation of Writers’ Week.

I’d like to explain why I’m so pleased with the Chairman’s response.
It’s important to remember that Michael Lynch wrote the email after the Committee meeting. Since 9 June, the Committee received many representations from people in Kerry, Ireland & abroad – emails, letters, Joe Duffy Liveline RTE national radio show (a listenership of 414,ooo), and, most of all, via Twitter (#LWW10). There have probably been many face-to-face conversations too.

The Committee considered the issues while under considerable pressure from ‘outsiders’. They had to deal with a situation where someone ‘assaulted’ me, and announced, in the name of the Committee, I wouldn’t be welcome again at Writers’ Week. It’s no easy matter for a local committee to deal with such an unprecedented situation.

The internet, all its off- shoots & platforms (digital cameras & recorders, blogging, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter for example) challenge all of us. The Committee of Writers’ Week was not in its comfort zone.

It would surprise no one if many Committee members deeply resented being put in such a storm – by someone from outside.

The Committee’s Response:

Michael Lynch begins with “Thank you…” That’s such a difficult thing for anyone under pressure to say. To be thanked for my email, which demanded a public apology, simply amazes me. It shows a spirit of big-heartedness. I feel greatly relieved – it would have been so much easier to have said something else. I did not expect gratitude.

The Chairman continues “You have raised an important issue …” Think about it, I raised the issue of being attacked, ‘assaulted’ in public, by a committee member. Michael Lynch now responds by saying I have raised an important issue. Of course he’s right, but a lesser committee might have denied, or tried to sweep the issue under the carpet. Instead Michael says “… which Writers’ Week is formally addressing.”

What did I expect? Did I expect the woman to be ostracised in public? No self-respecting local community would do that to anyone. No committee could do that without losing the confidence of its home base. The committee will deal with the matter in a formal manner – behind closed doors. This is exactly what a business does when one of its staff has behaved badly: its internal disciplinary process goes to work without ever informing the outside world what has happened. It is enough that I am assured the commitee will deal with the issue in its own way. The behaviour will never be repeated, I trust. It seems clear to me that the lesson has been learned.

I take this as the equivalent of a public apology. I am satisfied on this issue now. There is no reason for me, or anyone else, to be bothered that they might be attacked by a Committee member at Writers’ Week again.

Recording at Writers’ Week:

The good news is that the Committee is committed to a clear policy which we can all understand. Michael Lynch says

“Our policy has always been that only authorised recordings are permissible and we will in future be informing our audiences to this effect.”

It is entirely appropriate that “authorised” recordings may be made at the Festival. There are circumstances in which it would be unfair, even dangerous, if recordings were made. If speakers come from certain countries and speak their minds freely, it may put others in danger – if their words are recorded & broadcast. I fully support the right of speakers to speak publicly without their words being transmitted – provided that there’s a good reason.

My view is that the sensible policy for Writers’ Week to have is this: a default position that everything can be recorded – except when a speaker has an important reason for not being recorded. It should be easy to make this clear to everyone – whenever such a situation arises.

The important matter has been sorted: there will be a publicly available policy – and it will be understandable to us all.

All event organisers have struggled with the advance of technology – unobtrusive recording devices increasingly link to the internet.

But there’s also another shift in society: more and more people want to find out what’s going on. More and more of us want to share our experiences with others via the internet. We’ve already moved into a more connected & transparent world. This revolution is profound & challenging. It’s also something I love. It is great to see the Writers’ Week Committee committed to a public policy – rather than leaving it to individuals to take the law into their own hands.

“Authorised recording” – bloggers can all be authorised recorders, on the same basis as mainstream journalists, I trust. This is a major step forward.

Bloggers are welcome at Writers’ Week in 2011:

After what happened – and all the fuss which Twitterers, Facebookers & Bloggers have created – some committee members must have been keen to ban bloggers for ever. That’s a human reaction. Of course, wiser counsel prevailed. I always knew that if it was put up Michael Lynch & the Committee, the answer would be clear.

Please pay attention to the wording : “we are looking forward to welcoming you and all bloggers to our future festivals…”

This is the first time Writers’ Week Listowel has said, publicly or privately, that it is looking forward to welcoming bloggers. This is a huge shift.

In 2009, bloggers from our Fringe Blog were allowed in. We paid our way. We were tolerated, treated civilly, as we published a stream of articles about the Festival. In 2010, with a bigger team, we returned to the task of blogging this Festival. We were similarly tolerated – apart from the single disgraceful incident. But were we “welcome”?

I never felt truly welcome until now. That’s my personal feeling. I have no idea what the committee of Writers’ Week intended in the past. Perhaps they were welcoming but never expressed it.

Patrick Stack & I – with the help of Jeremy Gould – set up Listowel Writers’ Week Fringe Blog. As we wrote before the 2009 Festival

“It is on the fringe, meaning that we alone are responsible for its content, its cock-ups, mistakes and whateverelse we get wrong.

But we’re not here to speak for LWW. They can do that for themselves.”

There is an advantage in being independent of the Festival – independent enough to say exactly what we think of any aspect of the Festival.

It would be posssible for Writers’ Week to set up an official blog. I would welcome that – but that is a matter for those who’s job it is to think about the long-term future of the Festival. We, bloggers from the fringe, have loved Writers’ Week in our own individual ways.

The important news for all bloggers is that we are all welcome – that means that bloggers can take different angles on the festival, and still be welcome. There is no equivocation in the welcome Michael Lynch has expressed.

There are different types of bloggers: bloggers who write, photo bloggers, podcasting bloggers, video bloggers and even cartooning bloggers. Writers’ Week is now on record as welcoming all bloggers. I think this is a huge step forward.

This is important because it means people who can’t make it to Listowel will be better served than before in 2011. Our bogging effort has always about opening up the Festival to the wider world in a responsible way.

I’m on record saying to Joe Duffy that I think every Festival that gets pubic money should be open via the internet. The citizens who pay via the Arts Council, & customers who pay for corporate sponsorship, are entitled to share in the experience.

The internet experience is different from the live one. What you get via the internet from Listowel – in Dublin, New York or Tokyo – is very different from what you get in the town – in Listowel Arms Hotel, John B Keane’s, The Kingdom Bar, Wolfe’s Bookshop or Lynch’s Bakery. Nothing is quite like conversations struck up with strangers around Listowel, and its hinterland, during the Week.

The Writers’ Week Festival was begun 40 years ago by Brian McMahon, J B Keane and others. It was seen by them as a campaign for a better Ireland. We owe it to their memory to move with the generations, the technology and the zestful spirit of the founders. They were gritty. They have inspired us all.

I would like to publicly thank Michael Lynch, and the whole Committee of Writers’ Week, for the brave and generous way they have responded to this challenging experience.

With this understanding & spirit, I ask you all to give your on-going support to Writers’ Week in 2011. Put aside all negative thoughts and impressions.

I believe there will be much good from this. I thank you all for the wonderful support you have expressed for this cause, and for me personally. I thank those of you who have not agreed with my position. We need all voices. There are many festivals, thank goodness.

Listowel Writers’ Week will need all your support for the future.

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