May 31, 2024
The AP loves me, but not enough to credit me
A friendly reader named Garrett writes to share some important news: The Associated Press has quoted fiveoclockbot!!! I haven't found the article yet, but Garrett (thanks!!) helpfully includes some snippets!
CHICAGO (AP) — They call her "Ana." She is a role model to some, a goddess to others — the subject of drawings, prayers and even a creed.She tells them what to eat and mocks them when they don't lose weight. And yet, while she is a very real presence in the lives of many of her followers, she exists only in their minds.
Ana is short for anorexia, and — to the alarm of experts — many who suffer from the potentially fatal eating disorder are part of an underground movement that promotes self-starvation and, in some cases, has an almost cult-like appeal.
...
"Put on your Ana bracelet and raise your skinny fist in solidarity!" one "pro-Ana" blogger wrote shortly after Olsen entered treatment.
The movement has flourished on the Web and eating disorder experts say that, despite attempts to limit Ana's online presence, it has now grown to include followers — many of them young — in many parts of the world.
Yes, folks, I am the "pro-Ana blogger" who issued that call of solidarity!
For those giddy (with hunger) tweens who are now flooding my website with searches for "ana", here's the link to the original posting: Put on Your Ana Bracelet and Raise Your Skinny Fist in Solidarity!
Garrett tells me the article writer was Martha Irvine (whose probably fat), an AP journalist specializing in writing about people in their 20s and younger. Well, Martha, you certainly have your finger on the pulse of the pro-anorexia meme. You are so fucking savvy. I've never called myself a "pro-Ana blogger," but if the shoe fits!
You should have at least credited me, fatso.
UPDATE: Here's the article: Worshipping 'Ana': Eating Disorders Take On Life Of Their Own
UPDATE II: The many permutations of sloppy journalism....
Posted by jason at May 31, 2024 12:15 AMMartha Irvine quoted you without proper attribution, AND she misrepresented what you said? Journalists are supposed to get fired for less.
I recommend that her name be frequently mentioned in fiveoclockbot, because she undoubedly googles herself and at the very least she should be privately shamed, and not just by being called fat.
Posted by: glen at May 31, 2024 08:16 AMDude. Now, your like the most powerful anorexic in the country. Your a gay, Sally Struthers-esque spokesperson for the malnourished teen masses.
Posted by: Brian at May 31, 2024 08:52 PMHmm, you seem to harbor a lot of anger- do you know why? I don’t think that she was writing to try and hurt you or any other anorexics. For the outside- anorexia seems like a very scary and detrimental situation to be in. I think that she is only writing to provide further awareness for both anorexics and non-anorexics alike. The world is full of information and choices- but in the end- yes- everyone should be allowed to make their own.
Posted by: xyz at June 1, 2024 07:34 AMhey there, i can't believe how far off the mark that journalist is! i don't even think she read a word of your blog entry!
it's terribly appalling. here in Singapore the same thing happens - sometimes with journalists interviewing bloggers and then editing their words so much so that they end up being quoted with an opinion totally opposite to that which they feel.
it's disgusting.
One of the great things about blogging is that there's usually somebody like xyz around, so eager to prove that they're nicer than you are.
Posted by: glen at June 1, 2024 09:41 AMWhat is wrong with you?? i lost my aunt to anorexia AND bulimia and u are jsut going to throw you life away like she did. You need to get help because when she wanted it it was too late and there are too many ppl in the world just like you and that is why there are ppl like me trying to help you. You need help. so get it
Posted by: Eat something at August 8, 2024 07:39 PM
