Open Letter to a Troll

(Psst: The FTC wants me to remind you that this website contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase from a link you click on, I might receive a small commission. This does not increase the price you'll pay for that item nor does it decrease the awesomeness of the item. ~ Daisy)

Friends and readers, please forgive me as I take a moment to respond to a person who seems to have singled me out as his target by posting insults on other websites that are kind enough to republish my work.  I refuse to engage in discourse with him on someone else’s website.  But the benefit of having my own site is that I can take a moment from my day, post a one-time response here, and answer any questions he has attempted to raise about my credibility and my intentions.  For those dear people who read the hateful messages posted and responded with negative ratings and kind words, thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to my defense.  It was like a hug from afar.

Dear Mr. Troll:

First, let me congratulate you.  You have my attention through your numerous attempts to insult and discredit me.  If that was your goal, then job well done.

I will respond one time, and one time only, to a few of the stones you’ve cast.  Let me assure you, that despite what spleen you choose to vent in the future, that as far as I am concerned, my reply has been made.  I will not engage in some kind of internet ad hominem battle with you.  Further, in this missive, I won’t respond to your personal insults about my appearance, my marital status or my intelligence.  Those are simply your opinion, and therefore not open to discussion, persuasion or debate.

My question for you, Mr. Troll, and this is truly rhetorical, is, “What are you doing to help?  How are you promoting preparedness, health and awareness?”  I could be wrong, unbeknownst to me you may have your own flourishing website, teach outdoor survival to inner city youth, and run a militia in your spare time, but I see nothing constructive in your posts – I only see criticism and insults.

Mr. Troll, it bothers you immensely that I reside in Canada.  I have personal reasons for doing so, and they are not something I generally discuss, but here goes. I used to be married to a Canadian man.  We had two lovely children together.  Although things did not work out between us, I chose to remain in this lovely country that I currently call home.  Did I want to come home to my beloved America?  Yes, with all my heart.  But, if you are a parent, you will understand that we often push back our own desires for the well-being of our children.  I felt that, despite the fact that I was no longer married to their father, that they still deserved to have him as a part of their lives, and by a part, I mean more than a couple of times a year after a long plane flight.  When their father passed away, an early shocking death, I decided to remain for two more years so my oldest could finish her last year of high school and get her feet on the ground in her first year away from home.  At some point in the very near future, I pray to be able to return to the land of my birth.  Meanwhile, I am happy here in my adopted home with the wonderful Canadians who have welcomed me.

Next, Mr. Troll, you seem to find it arrogant that I comment on the political and economic situation of the United States.  Let me remind you (and refer you to the above paragraph) that I am an American, so these things concern me greatly.  I can’t be there right now to protest in person the encroaching police state, but I can use my gift as a writer to draw attention to it.  My goal with what I write is never to insult the land of my birth – it is to awaken people to what is going on, to inspire them to be self-sufficient, and to contribute my own little effort to the resistance against the destruction of the Constitution.  Each small effort, each random act of resistance, is one volley fired against those who would enslave us. Many small voices can make a loud noise.

Finally, Mr. Troll, you seem to take great glee in disparaging my efforts at living in a remote Northern area.  You are absolutely right.  I have made many rookie mistakes.  Heating with wood has been a learning experience with quite a few setbacks.  It’s bitterly cold and I’ve been trying to acclimate and to make my house warmer.  I’ve had frozen pipes, power outages, and wet icy wood.  We have been snowbound for a week at a time, several times.  I had to climb out a window one morning to remove the 3 feet of snow that blew against the door.  I have made some catastrophic recipes, failed in an attempt to make biscuits atop the woodstove, and some of my rice got damp and had to be discarded.  If I was trying to be a know-it-all, as you loudly claim, I wouldn’t share these experiences.  I write about these things honestly, despite some very clear failures.  I am sharing my learning curve in the hopes that someone might one day remember my mistakes and circumvent making those mistakes themselves.  If that causes you to regard me as pathetic, then that is your problem, not mine.  Pathetic, in my opinion, would be trying to set myself up as an expert by hiding the failures.  I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to make these errors now, while back up is as close as the nearest grocery store or the electric space heater.  I’ve been blessed to have this opportunity to learn what I need to learn and by sharing, I give my thanks.

Well, Mr. Troll, in closing, you succeeded in hurting my feelings with your personal attacks, so if that was your goal, I must heartily congratulate you.  While I understand the basic psychology of why you do what you do, I’ll never be able to truly grasp those who enjoy deliberately trying to cause emotional pain and humiliation to others.  Maybe it sounds weak to admit that, but I’m a human being, and words matter – I’d be lying if I denied this or said I didn’t care.  You may chalk that up as a small  victory.  However, my victory is that I’ll pick myself up, dust myself off, and continue trying to raise awareness of the encroaching economic and social disasters, I will look for my little dream farm, and I will learn (and share) lessons of survival and preparedness here in the stunning beauty of the North Woods.  I will raise intelligent, curious children, provide information about health and wellness and publicly air my mistakes so that others might learn from them.  You, clearly, shall remain under your bridge, slinging mud at those who do their best to travel the high road above you.

Sincerely,

Daisy Luther

American citizen, Canadian resident

Daisy Luther

Daisy Luther

Daisy Luther is a coffee-swigging, globe-trotting blogger. She is the founder and publisher of three websites.  1) The Organic Prepper, which is about current events, preparedness, self-reliance, and the pursuit of liberty on her website, 2)  The Frugalite, a website with thrifty tips and solutions to help people get a handle on their personal finances without feeling deprived, and 3) PreppersDailyNews.com, an aggregate site where you can find links to all the most important news for those who wish to be prepared. She is widely republished across alternative media and  Daisy is the best-selling author of 5 traditionally published books and runs a small digital publishing company with PDF guides, printables, and courses. You can find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Gab, MeWe, Parler, Instagram, and Twitter.

Leave a Reply

  • Very well written Daisy and I applaud your ability to take the high road. Interestingly though, it was exactly the writings of this ‘sad’ individual that slowed down my reading the other day and encouraged me to reread your postings and thereby lead me to your personal site. I am also a Canadian, an alternative health practitioner and live as a single mom off-grid. I am thrilled to have found you and your website and am thoroughly enjoying reading about a similar life to mine. We all have trolls in our lives……particularly when we are taking a road that is decidely more difficult to travel.

    • Thank you so much for your kind words, Barb. It means a great deal. It sounds like we have much in common – feel free to drop me a line – contact info is on the site. 🙂 I’d love to hear more about your situation!

      Daisy

  • Keep doing what you are doing….I have read all your posts & have found them very interesting & always something to think about. Thank you 😉

  • Daisy, please do not take the critique of trolls personally, and here is why. There is a journalistic technique that is well documented in academic journals, where, if you cannot attack the veracity of a message (because the author is spot-on), then you can discredit the information by attacking the author, instead. Simply put, this is a 100+ year old technique of shooting the messenger as a means of discrediting their message. It says that they were unable to refute the validity of your article/message because you had your facts straight, so they went to plan B .. challenge the authors credibility and/or suggest the author has ulterior motives or mixed allegiances. SO … really I need to correct myself .. you SHOULD take the message personally, but as a compliment 🙂 While I haven’t read the message to which you are referring here, I have seen many examples of the sorts of posts these trolls write, usually in response to the most insightful articles, by the way (those that are of less import rarely justify a troll’s time, and most of these trolls are paid-for “serfs” beholden to employers with vested interests).

  • Daisy,

    I salute you. As a foreigner who lives in a generally asleep country you have taught me a great deal. Long may it continue. I have forwarded links to your site to many fledgling UK preppers, male and female and I’d like you to know your readership is building here as well as in North America. We can’t control the voice if others,take heart from those who support you.

    Lizzie x

  • Well written and I love that last line, lol. I was going to write something to the effect of what the above Debby already wrote but no need. I think she’s certainly correct though about this troll being paid to harass you. Sad. I’ve only just discovered your site and I look forward to learning from you. I’m and American that currently resides in Sweden but usually resides in Wales and has always wanted to reside in Canada. Thank you for your contribution to my knowledge.

    Debi 🙂

  • Daisy since I found your site I am a regular attender. I enjoy your site and have seen a few snide remarks on another site that posted your work. My only thought was what is the matter with him? I am so glad that you took the high road in your answer. Keep up the good work & if things are ever too bad in your home country I would love to call you a fellow Canadian.

  • There’s a lot of negativity out there and it usually comes from the self-esteem issues of those who vomit it out. Though the troll may be a trial, such low spirits ennoble us through our overcoming of them. Salutations and bravo for you, Daisy.

  • There are lots of sad and lonely people in this world. The internet has given them the courage to say out loud what they keep to themselves in public because they can hide behind an anonymous screen name. They find enjoyment in going to sites and message boards for no other reason than to stir up trouble. I have no problem with a person who uses a fact to dispute what I have written. It has been my experience that my writings are rarely attacked with fact though because I research my topics very carefully and vet my sources before hitting enter. Trolls hate that.

  • Me thinks you have many fine fans and enjoy your blog tremendously. I specifically would like to second what Debby and David have to say in particular.

    Keep your chin up, continue to take the high road and move forward with your excellent work. Any feelings of hurt or doubt that may pop up as a result of “the troll” – think “garbage!” and toss it right in the bin where it belongs.

    Best of luck to you.

  • Daisy, I discovered your blog several weeks ago and check it daily, hoping for new entries. You inspire and encourage and for that, I say a big “thank you”.

  • Daisy, You do not owe a single soul an explanation! We have been friends, albeit internet friends, for awhile now. While the rest of us hide behind our handles and screen names. You put more on the line than anybody, your name being the main thing that comes to my mind. You are a voice in the wilderness, from the wilderness. I only wish I had half of your courage. With much love from my family to yours, Clay

  • Daisy, thanks for a great site. I haven’t had a chance to read it all yet but you are doing a great job here.Just remember you actually have a life and trolls don’t. Keep up the great work and articles. I have enjoyed all the ones I have read.

  • I enjoy reading your work, and I am sorry you are dealing with this troll. Best of luck to your future endeavors, and I am looking forward to reading more of your writing!

  • Daisy,

    Please continue your work! I look forward to reading your posts and have learned alot about preparedness. You are always encouraging and add humor to the challenges of prepping.

    It really is a shame that there is an IDIOT troll who keeps posting such hateful things.

    Please remember, there are MANY who support and appreciate what your articles and website.

    Take care!
    KY Mom

  • A complement indeed when someone feels they have to give you sooo much attention, even if it isn’t the kind you would like.
    Your high road taken on insults has always impressed me and you have shown consistently that an argument with merit is worth discussing. The knack you have for discerning the difference between debate and put down remarks is well documented over the internet.

    Unlike myself, that opens my mouth before censoring at times. At least in ‘real’ time. I am much more cautious on the net.

    When you are ready to re-enter the states, if ever, I know of some very fertile farm land in my neck of the woods.
    We have not had forest or prairie fires, drought or floods. We do not get tornados or hurricanes, (except for that little one in 1963,) or blizzards. It rarely gets into the 90 degree range and I have not ever seen it below zero here.

    The water is abundant and clean, (as one can get these days,) and even the local town voted down fluoride treatment. Community Sustainable Agriculture is a local focus and we have organic meat, dairy, berry and vegy farmers all around us. Our county could become an island and I think we would do just fine.

    Of course no place is perfect, there is still a volcano hanging out over there, (points out the window,) but even that would effect areas east of us more that here.
    Would love to have you visit!
    I, for one, will keep reading.
    HalfKin

  • Daisy,
    As they say in New York, You da best! I think troll boy I probably living in his mother’s basement and waits to be called for dinner every night. Don’t let him bother you in the least.
    I have only recently started reading your articles and find them informative, entertaining, well-written and edifying. You are doing things that 99 percent of the rest of us would never dream of doing. Hope you don’t mind that we are living vicariously through your adventures. I love it how you are humble enough to publish your misadventures and mistakes. Only a real women would have the gumption to do so.
    I will continue to check in daily on your site and will profit each time I read a new article by you.
    Finally, I was sorry to hear about the death of your ex. Life can be very hard. I will pray for you and yours. Keep up the great work!

  • Daisy having been in the the same field for over 40 years i understand your pain from Trolls having suffered from there slings and arrows for so long.But i am still at it trying to awake the sheeple.So dig in my girl and do not give Troll reason to feel smug.I enjoy your posts and forward the ones i feel are appropriate to my friends.Keep up the good work.

  • Daisy,

    Yet another great write up.. Know the site where many trolls live. Don’t remember who said it but (So you have pissed some people off, thats good that means you stood your ground for something) Keep on plugging away forget the trolls after awhile it gets fun to mess with them. BTW you still owe me some oatmeal cookies..

    NOMI,

    DPS

  • Daisy….First let me wish you a very “Happy Valentines Day!!” I was so angry when I read the remarks by the Troll, that I cussed him…..I couldn’t believe that anyone could talk that way to someone like yourself!! You give so much of yourself, and although I am probably 20 yrs older than you, I have learned much from you and your BEAUTIFUL and COLORFUL blog…….

    I can certainly relate to some of your “mishaps”, as a few of them have happened to me….i.e. this week I have a frozen pipe from my sump pump, so cannot do laundry……I guess I will pay a visit to the nearest laundramat ):

    Please don’t lose any sleep over that SOB……and if it helps, just remember “This too shall pass” Take care, S.

  • Daisy, I applaud your truly successful efforts here. If I may…you said:

    “While I understand the basic psychology of why you do what you do, I’ll never be able to truly grasp those who enjoy deliberately trying to cause emotional pain and humiliation to others…”

    Please remember that this is not *just* about psychology. It is not just about ego. Remember that there *IS* true evil out there, insidious and creeping and malicious. It is spreading across the world and it will take down anyone who leaves themselves open to it. Obviously this is what has happened to Mr. Troll. These people become mere tools of wickedness who must then attempt to tear down everyone around them who is trying to do good.

    You are on a mission, here. You know it and the side of evil knows it. You know Whose side you’re on. You must keep on, keeping on! Ask and pray for the support of good friends and the help of God. We are here for you, just as you are here for us. Keep up with your writing, stay open to inspiration. Fear not the “slings and arrows”.

    Thank you for what you do…Sincerely,
    A new reader,
    April G in Denver

  • Thank you so much for your comments and kind words! Wow – I am so overwhelmed by what you have said here – truly a gift.

    Be blessed. 🙂

    Daisy

  • You Need More Than Food to Survive
    50-nonfood-stockpile-necessities

    In the event of a long-term disaster, there are non-food essentials that can be vital to your survival and well-being. Make certain you have these 50 non-food stockpile essentials. Sign up for your FREE report and get prepared.

    We respect your privacy.
    >
    Malcare WordPress Security