Dear Doug:

First of all, I just want to thank you for providing such a wonderful site for people to access and share with one another whatever life struggles brings them. I'm glad I stumbled upon it while doing a search on depression support. I have found that alot of people are in the same boat as I am, and it's quite comforting to be able to discuss such a topic with people who understand.

I have been on this board for roughly 3 weeks. I have noticed that there is a certain individual who portrays himself as several characters and who feels the need to post negative things regarding people. I was always taught that if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.

I don't like to get involved in heated debates/bashing sessions. Two years ago I would never have dreamed writing this letter, nor would I dream of speaking my mind to the naysayer on this site. I've always been one who would never "rock the boat" or speak her mind on something that bothered me or I felt strongly about. But, I have grown.

I also want to say that it's quite unfortunate that one person has the right to get away with harrassing, terrorizing and placing fear to people on this site. It amazes me what this person is able to get away with. There are others who are not allowed to acknowledge him whatsoever, yet he has a right to speak about them. I will refer to the post that was made last night, that was deleted. At this point, I'm going to lay it all on the line, and if I'm banned for saying what I think, then so be it.

How is it fair that Lucifer can make comments about the "old ladies" and comments that Caine is disguised as Robyn? Yet Robyn, NancyJ, and others are told to keep their mouths shut? How is that really fair? And let me ask you, why is it fair that people are allowed to be afraid of this person and terrorized, yet he gets a slap on the wrist?

In case you haven't noticed the trend here, people are upset, are leaving DS because of ONE PERSON. This doesn't make sense to me. I voiced my opinion on a thread about Lucifer or Saccawhoever his name is that if he was truly seeking help he was going about it the wrong way. Yet he said I was a "mud slinger"....how is that so? He has the right to intimidate people and get away without paying a price. Yet others are told to not rock the boat.

And why is it that he is protected? Because he claims to have a personality disorder, therefore he has a disability? How about the people who come here that are depressed and are seeking help and get harrassed by Lucifer, Sacca whoever and all his other names he uses? Do they not have a disability as well? Yet you allow him to get away with it. I just don't get it.

He has put fear into me about being able to share what I'm struggling with. His comment about being a friend on my page terrified me. I now feel I have to question who someone is that is trying to reach out to me, in fear of him sucking me into his twisted world. I feel as if he uses us as a form of entertainment, and I for one, and I don't believe I'm alone, don't appreciate it.

I know that there are many others on here who feel the same way as I do, yet are afraid to say anything in fear of being banned. They rely on this site to help them with their struggles. I truly believe that this site has been a saviour for many people - including myself. And I truly believe it is wonderful. But I also believe that you are allowing one person bully a bunch of people who are just trying to reach out and seek help from fellow sufferers - and that's such a shame.

I hope you do read the posts/threads, and see that people have offered suggestions regarding banning ISP addresses,instead of just the profile. I think that would nip that in the bud. I mean Lucifer has even daunted you by saying he could care less if he gets banned, because he can easily create another profile, no biggie to him. Yet others are threatned for fighting back and defending themselves.

I hope you take what I've said into consideration. I did send an abuse report earlier this morning, and never received a response. I'm sure you have a million fires to put out, but I think that this has become an out of control bonfire that really needs to be attended to.

I welcome any and all comments to this post. I sincerely hope that people will stay on DS and not be driven away out of fear or being terrorized. I really considered it today, but said no, I will not live in fear. I will ask for help from the higher powers that be on this website on behalf of others on here who are afraid to speak out...and myself.

Sincerely,

Seeking Knowledge