As I was reading Ariel Gore's book, "How to Become a Famous Writer Before You're Dead" and having a great time in it, I got this email:

"From: "Concerned Friend"
Subject: Web Site

To: lentz2001atyahoo.com

Why do you constantly tell lies on your web site instead of telling the truth? I know your family and heard about you having a web site so I looked it up and I'm ashamed at all the garbage. Surely your brother and his wife don't approve of it? Start telling the truth once in a while, stop trying to make your father look so bad and tell everyone your unemployed instead of a film maker/radio man. Your life isn't as impressive as you attempt to make it.

It's a joke..."

So after getting that, I wrote back:

"Dear "Concerned Friend" ashamed to reveal your name,

How about you go fuck yourself!"

I thought I'd ask some friends about how they deal with stuff like that from anonymous people. Then I emailed Ariel Gore:

"I've been reading your book, "How to Become a Famous Writer Before You're Dead" and feel I know you well.

Just got a horrible email from a reader of my website and it really knocked the wind out of me. Mean, mean, mean! How do you deal with negative comments? You're so strong, I thought you could help.

I told the e-mailer to "Fuck off!" but now think I should not have responded at all.

Thanks,

Jerry"

Ariel Gore wrote me back immediately:

"Ha! I think "fuck off" is just fine. But I just delete them. I mean, they do knock the wind out, but less and less.

Thanks for your kind words,

Ariel"

She's so cool!