Kevin Marshall's America
I owe a person who shall remain – and should have remained anonymous – an apology.
In a quest to fill up space on my blog, I relayed a story using someone that worked at a specific place as an example (“Flirt at Work“).
Trust me when I say that my intentions were wholly noble. I was conveying a story that re-iterated a belief I always held and still do hold despite stories relayed in the comments – that the last thing most people working behind a counter want is to be subjected to unwanted advances. In doing so I used flattery, because that’s what I do. I also thought it’d encourage people who work in the building to go to the place in question, which was just starting up, so I named it.
Unfortunately, in my haste, thoughtlessness, and pig-headedness I didn’t think of how it would affect this person. I thought after the fact that she might get a few comments about it, but honestly thought it was innocent enough. After all, I thought I was mis-remembering her name.
Well, turns out I wasn’t, and I put in a far too much detail about this person who wanted nothing to do with being a jumping off point for a blog post.
So that’s an explanation, maybe. But none of it can or should be counted as a valid excuse. The bottom line is that I was wrong wrong wrong. The reality of the situation is that I didn’t think about the people involved in the story and how it might affect them. I was just too concerned with being coy and precious.
So to that person in question, and all those with whom I became defensive based on not realizing that anonymity did not constitute lack of knowledge of the situation, I express my sincerest apologies. There is no way to reverse the awkwardness and embarrassment I’ve created, otherwise I would. I have gone back and removed all specific references, as little good as that does, and if I knew of or figure out a way to make it up to all the injured parties, you have my guarantee that I would or will do so.
The lesson?
There are times, folks, where being entertaining to many is nowhere near as important as being considerate to one.
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20 Responses to I Owe Someone an Apology
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STALK ME
Kevin – You write an extremely intelligent, entertaining, and edgy blog that is arguably the best one in the TU. Mistakes like this are inevitable once in a while. Your many fans understand that. – MR
Aawwww. Well done?
Michael – The readers may, but not the ones who need to be apologized to, and they’re the ones that matter in a situation like this.
No worries Kevin. Even Sesame Street was able to rub some people the wrong way. People will always find something to be offended about. You’ve got a great blog. Keep up the good work! ;)
You are referring to the Barista girl ?
Yes.
KM, love your blog! Did your brief complimentary blog post of barista girl become a workplace issue? Just looking for some clarification.
sandkey - Nope!
So….you DIDN’T get her number then?
Er, Kevin, don’t you think you should delete it then? Or have the TU do so if you can’t?
Donna – already edited it, as mentioned previously.
Sorry. I thought that was her picture too but it’s just an example.
Yeah, her picture was never up there.
You’re a stand-up guy, Kev. I’d say straight shooter, but don’t want you to misconstrue you as an ahole.
Either way, you’ve helped the karma bank balance.
Teachable moment: even in this horrid, miserable, tech-saturated time (can you guess that I’m “a certain age”?), personal privacy is still a very important consideration and worthy of great respect.
Kevin, I appreciate your manning up, apologizing to the private person who was outed and admitting your mistake. This indicates to me that you are a much better person than your critics would have us all believe.
Yeah good job (your words were meaningful).
Though you were more than likley told to apologize and don’t really think you needed to you at least made it sound good. In the very least I hope you have learned something from all of this.
-Fly
Fly – I learned a lot, including but not limited to the fact that you’re totally obsessed with me. Which is fine, and understandable.
Can’t wait to read your next comment!
P.S. I still don’t work for the Times Union!
I believe we’re observing Kevin growing up, right before our eyes! ;)
I think he’ll turn out OK.
ps: If you think you’re made to dance like a monkey as a non-staff, non-paid blog content provider, just think of what would happen if you were…
Big boy’s all grows up! And he grows ups and and he grows ups and he grows ups!
Fly loves Kevin Marshall