Thread: Remembering Erin Board: Glory / Ship of Fools.


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Posted by Simon (# 1) on :
 
I'm not going to say a lot, because today isn't a day for words. But just wanted to share a couple of threads from the old days to show Erin as she was then.

The first is a thread posted at the end of Hurricane Joanne in January 1999, when a troll - Joanne - posted hundreds of messages on our unprotected first board. Erin, Suse (older shipmates will remember her) and I spent a whole night deleting thousands of Joanne's posts as she posted them, and Erin and Suse ended the night by posting all the verses of "Amazing Grace" in celebration. The thread followed the next day and has the oldest post we still have from Erin...

http://bit.ly/whatthisboardmeans

The second thread, from May 2000, is the famous "What I love about my pets." I always appreciated it for its bright tone deteriorating into... well, something unmistakeably Erin.

http://bit.ly/whatiloveaboutmypets
 

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Posted by Spike (# 36) on :
 
One of the best threads ever had to be Argh!! My apartment smells like a urinal cake!

That one just ran and ran
 

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Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
There is now an added poignancy to the First Celebrity Death Pool started in the Circus by, you've guessed it, Erin. In her own inimitable style.

None of us 'sick bastards' guessed that her 'turn to croak' would be so soon.
 

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Posted by Stoo (# 254) on :
 
I don't have a particular thread that's a memory.

I do know, however, that she taught a 20 year-old sanctimonious evangelical that often the most Christian response can be to call someone on their bullshit, and that this is in no way incompatible with turning the other cheek.

(I can't pretend even after 10 years that I have the balls to do this in 'real life' yet, but then, I've also heard this Christianity thing isn't supposed to be the path of least resistance, is it?)

Erin also taught me that Christianity and neo-conservative-libertarianism are not incompatible (remember - 20 year-old sanctimonious evo), and a genuine, raw, Christian faith can still disagree with me on wars, weapons and social responsibility.

Maybe the above lessons aren't uncommon ones to learn (though I suspect that might depend on whom you hang around with...), but Erin was the main influence in my faith-development here. Perhaps if we'd never interacted, that influence would have been someone else. Or perhaps I would still be waiting to learn these lessons.

Oh... Erin also taught me the words 'asshat', 'fucktard' and 'wah-mbulance' (which are all just great words to say), but not 'arsebiscuits'; that one was Wood.

Erin... we are poorer without you; individually and corporately. I'll try to remember to follow your example, to call out the bullshit, and call an asshat an asshat.
 

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Posted by Carex (# 9643) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Erin
Put your big girl panties on and deal with it.

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Sounds like it should be a line from a Country Western song.

Not only a good response to others, but a worth motto for all of us at times.
 

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Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :
 
I have a lot of memories - private discussions of the ghosts that protected her apartment stand out, among others - but I've tried to distill them into this post.

In a way, this is like Miss Molly's death, but at least with Molly, we knew it was coming; we saw it advance; we watched her fight. This is so horribly sudden, and that makes it even harder to handle.
 

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Posted by Inanna (# 538) on :
 
Spot-on post, and beautifully written Rossweisse. Thanks.
 

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Posted by duchess (# 2764) on :
 
Here is my post about Erin.

This is the song I have been playing that I dedicate to her. Seems fitting. The Tragically Hip As I Wind Down The Pines



[ 05. January 2011, 01:21: Message edited by: duchess ]
 

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Posted by jedijudy (# 333) on :
 
Not a thread, but a memory of the first PM Erin and I exchanged. It was the hamster ball. At least that's what we called it. PMs were flying all over the world, and one of the people I was to contact was Erin.

I put her message off until last, afraid she would reach through the computer screen (a CRT monitor in those ancient days) and mangle me. My life preservation theory was to keep under the radar at all costs.

That was my first glimpse of the compassionate, loving and funny young woman that I came to think of as a real friend.

Her mission, like everyone else's, was to make a quilt square, which we would put together with all the others to make a quilt for Miss_Molly... and to keep it hush-hush! Her response? First she assured me that she would keep the "Sekrit". Then she sent her square and waited while the hamster ball was prepared and delivered.

That was the first of many PMs and cards we shared over the years.

I will always treasure the memories of Erin's great love and dedication. And I will most of all treasure her friendship.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
All my memories with Erin are a bit on the private side, and behind the scenes, but I can tell you about the crazy side,

Something I can finally admit. The one thing that I remember the most - the B.C.B. aka "The Bored Colonial Brigade". Erin, Sue, Rachel, David Rayner and I used to derail threads. We seemed to be up at the strangest hours and with the old board, we would mess with threads posted during the day. We had nicknames for each other, and the craziness of our instant messages were priceless.

And Joanne, it was awful and I still have her e-mails to me. Let's just say, she was one lady that did not have all her oars in the water.

Also, you probably don't know about Suze's book, do you? (which started out as a story thread) It is great reading.

I'm sorry you don't know her at that time. I know some people were intimidated, but I was laughing like crazy when she was ripping shipmates to threads because there are a lot of us who knew better.

There is a shipmeet going on in paradise right now with Molly, TimC, Gambit, Kenwritez and Erin. Now that's what I call a quintet!
 

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Posted by iGeek (# 777) on :
 
Favorite msg from one of those threads about cats.

quote:

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Name: Dana
Email: singingfool@netscape.net
Subject: RE: what I have decided after reading all your messages
Date: Tue May 30 02:41:36 2000 GMT

I NEVER, NEVER
will have any animals !!

Ever, Period !!!

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How's that working for you MB?

Loved Erin's recitation of trying to get a cat to take it's medicine.
 

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Posted by Ye Olde Motherboarde (# 54) on :
 
DARN, Geek, you caught me in a lie. darn you. But I was young and foolish then. I'll go and cut out my tongue now. Thank you.

Marrying JB, I suddenly had a family of a dog (now two dogs), a horse, and 2 children.

Really makes you realize you should NEVER SAY NEVER, doesn't it? .
 

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Posted by RooK (# 1852) on :
 
Well, shit. I've just gone through all the instant messages and emails from Erin I've kept, and none of them are fit for sharing.

But, take my word for it: they're awesome.
 

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Posted by Belisarius (# 32) on :
 
Way back in neoworks times, Erin angered me on a thread by repeatedly trashing Austen, but I went into haughty mode and posted a measured disliking-something-doesn't-make-it-crap response. She replied "You're right, but you were obviously out sick when they taught that everything I hate is crap by definition" and added a smiley.

Infuriating to beguiling on the turn of a dime...
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Aw, Erin hated Jane Austen too?

*Sigh* love that woman.
 

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Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 
Remembered this today-- Mousethief and Golden key might remember as well. We were in the Ship's cafe one night, and I was reading one of the TICTH mutations when suddenly Erin posted on it. She was CTH some creepy movie or TV show she'd watched while she was home alone, and was prediction a sleepless, panic-filled night. She permitted suggestions as to how she could calm down. A few people responded.

"Come into the cafe," I posted.

There was no response, and I figured there wouldn't be, but a half hour or so later, she popped in. We greeted her, chatted a bit, then went back to what we'd been doing which was basically bullshitting around about nonsense. She hung out for about 20 minutes or so, then took her leave. We asked us if she felt better, and she said yes, that she thought she'd be able to sleep now.

Not a huge moment but just-- a nice bit of shared humanity.
 

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Posted by Belisarius (# 32) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by RooK:
Well, shit. I've just gone through all the instant messages and emails from Erin I've kept, and none of them are fit for sharing.

But, take my word for it: they're awesome.

---

You tease. Now I want to show off my PMs, but the non-confidential stuff is too tame.

[ 05. January 2011, 04:02: Message edited by: Belisarius ]
 

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Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
Just looked through my emails also. Same thing- stuff I can share would be too tame and it's mostly pretty personal. The recent email where she "fired" me from hosting (not like that at all, actually. Was a good plan and mutually agreed on) is especially bittersweet because she talks of fully recovering from her illness.

Damn.
 

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Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
Lovely to look through the 'What this board means' and remember characters from the past (RLee ... now there was a character for you! And Raoul Cinquanza too.)

Wonder what they're all doing now?

[ 05. January 2011, 05:54: Message edited by: Gill H ]
 

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Posted by Chapelhead (# 21) on :
 
I can't claim any personal connection with Erin - the closest I got was when I was included in a list of Shipmates whose posts she respected (many years ago, but still one of my high-points on SoF).

However, what I will remember her for is her commitment to this community. Sometimes people found her brand of 'tough love' a bit on the tough side, but what struck me about it was that, when she tore someone a new orifice, it was usually because they had offended against the community - by trolling, sock-puppetry, starting a turf war or whatever. It was in defence of this community that she was most passionate, a community she cared about deeply and which, it is clear, cared about her too.
 

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Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
'What this board means' is completely relevant today as it was 12 years ago when it was written. I had a computer then, but didn't have the internet until the following year, when I found SOF to my delight, talking about 'Mystery Worship' and 'Gold Teeth'. True to form, it has continued to talk about crazy and relevant topics ever since.

Who remembers the time when Erin shipped packets of Oreos to anyone who wanted them? What generosity! She even sent mint ones, my favourites. In reply, I sent her a little model alligator falling asleep on top of a book. Rest in peace, Erin.
 

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Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
The last PM I sent Erin was just over a month ago. I told her we were visiting Florida, and I'd wave from the plane when we flew over Jacksonville.

I did. I'm so glad I did.

During the holiday there were record low temperatures in Florida, and according to the TV news Jacksonville got it worse than many. Every time I saw the weather report, my first thought was of a chilly, cheesed-off Gator.

And then when we found Green & Black's in the AMC cinema at Disney, guess what was my first thought? Yep, 'Must tell Erin'. That's how she got in your consciousness.

Actually I think I am responsible for the love affair with G&B Maya Gold. I sent her some once, and she immediately appointed me her dealer.
 

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Posted by Robert Armin (# 182) on :
 
The following is an extract from PM in October 2001. It's Erin, at a time when I was at my lowest:

quote:

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I am glad that the Ship is helping you in some small way. It's a good place, for the most part, and the people really do care. Sometimes they're so gosh-darned earnest about it that you want to smack them, but I'd rather that than total callousness.

The Ship helped me through my divorce, btw. I remember the day I moved out of my apartment -- a few people knew what my plans were, but not many. When I got everything hooked up (at like three in the morning) and checked my email, I had a message from every single person whom I'd told. Given that that was the worst night of my life, those messages meant the world to me. A couple of people were up on AOL instant messenger, waiting to see if I was okay, and stayed up with me until I was falling asleep at the keyboard.

So they're good people, and I'm glad that's helping you in whatever way it can.

Good luck, and you have my prayers.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Chorister:

quote:

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Originally posted by Matrix:
Wow, this just sucks.


We'll miss you croc

Mx

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Don't think she can't zap you from Heaven for calling her a croc....

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quote:

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It's more fun playing in my playground because it's MY playground, dumbass

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[ 05. January 2011, 09:12: Message edited by: Ferijen ]
 

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Posted by Adeodatus (# 4992) on :
 
Erin called me to Hell!

I won't bore everyone with the details, but it involved a genuine disagreement in a Purgatory thread, and Erin wanted to take the discussion to the "gloves off" level. She was clear-headed and morally passionate in a way that left me on the starting blocks. It was only then that I learned for myself what until then I'd known only by hearsay: if Erin calls you an asshat, it's because you're being an asshat.
 

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Posted by Spike (# 36) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Adeodatus:
It was only then that I learned for myself what until then I'd known only by hearsay: if Erin calls you an asshat, it's because you're being an asshat.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Viola:
The first year she sent me a card, it was full of that glittery stuff - little bits of tin foil in some festive shape or other. I'd made the mistake of opening it in the car, and that damn tin foil went everywhere. I was finding it for weeks in my clothes. I sent her a 'furious' thank you email, vowing to be more careful how I opened any correspondence from her in the future.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Ferijen:
Erin, stating the obvious that is now no longer quite so true

quote:

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It's more fun playing in my playground because it's MY playground, dumbass

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quote:

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Originally posted by Spawn:
I have a pm from her offering to have my babies

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quote:

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Originally posted by mdijon:

quote:

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Originally posted by Spawn:
I have a pm from her offering to have my babies

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I guess you have to remember she didn't always mean it.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Viola:
Yup - she really was the most astonishingly generous person towards people she'd never met in 'Real Life'.

It had occurred to me a few days ago, that this was the first year Erin hadn't sent me a Christmas card. I mean - in my book that in itself is above and beyond niceness to your hosts & admins, when you've never met them, and they live on a different continent. And they were always surprisingly cute cards - and her handwriting was surprisingly, well - girlish - I suppose. The first year she sent me a card, it was full of that glittery stuff - little bits of tin foil in some festive shape or other. I'd made the mistake of opening it in the car, and that damn tin foil went everywhere. I was finding it for weeks in my clothes. I sent her a 'furious' thank you email, vowing to be more careful how I opened any correspondence from her in the future. She replied graciously, hoping I was still enjoying the gift that keeps on giving, as I picked more silver Christmas trees from my hair.

And she sent gifts as well. I need to find the little cake baking book she sent me. I don't really bake, but maybe I need to start.

Terrifying (and witty) on board, fair and generous in (well protected) private.

---

I got one of Erin's booby trapped Christmas cards as well. I was hoovering up those Christmas sprinkles for weeks afterwards. Just when you thought you'd got them all, you'd find a few more!

She reminded me a bit of a swan - she made it all look effortless on the surface, but she worked darned hard to make things as they should be behind the scenes.

She was one of the wisest and fairest people I've ever known. She had an amazing ability to get to the heart of the matter with a few well choosen words.

She was also extremely kind and caring. Few people may know this, but she read the prayer thread regularly as she said that was how you really learnt what was going on.

Rambling ... must stop ... I simply can't believe that someone so full of life is no longer here. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

Tubbs
 

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Posted by Lamb Chopped (# 5528) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
Aw, Erin hated Jane Austen too?

*Sigh* love that woman.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Tubbs:
I got one of Erin's booby trapped Christmas cards as well. I was hoovering up those Christmas sprinkles for weeks afterwards. Just when you thought you'd got them all, you'd find a few more!

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quote:

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Originally posted by Viola:
The first year she sent me a card, it was full of that glittery stuff - little bits of tin foil in some festive shape or other. I'd made the mistake of opening it in the car, and that damn tin foil went everywhere.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Jenny Ann:

quote:

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Originally posted by Tubbs:
I got one of Erin's booby trapped Christmas cards as well. I was hoovering up those Christmas sprinkles for weeks afterwards. Just when you thought you'd got them all, you'd find a few more!

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Yep - I never recieved one, but Stoo did. I don't think I ever managed to get all that glitter up!

I was surprised as she didn't seem the glitter-in-cards type, but then you never know do you? I certainly didn't.

...

jen

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I always imagined her howling with laughter at the thought of our faces when we opened the card and ended up with a floor full of shiny ...

Tubbs
 

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Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 
I'm sure when we finally threw out the old sofa clearing out the flat that there were still bits of that glittery stuff stuck down the back, years later.
 

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Posted by Nightlamp (# 266) on :
 
It was of course Erin who I exchanged pm's over hosting hell in particular a night when we were being spammed heavily. But most memorable time was in the Cafe as we chatted about various things but in particular my loathing of cows which she seemed to find very funny. She also used to PM me when she enjoyed my put downs in hell.

She had the admirable quality of loathing Lifeman.
 

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Posted by Jools (# 6137) on :
 
Haven't been around for ages - but just heard the news.

Respect......

You're a legend Erin
 

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Posted by iGeek (# 777) on :
 
The "Calling Erin to Hell" thread is brilliant.

The exchange after the denouement between Erin and Sine is priceless. Certainly made my morning.

[ 05. January 2011, 12:22: Message edited by: iGeek ]
 

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Posted by Tractor Girl (# 8863) on :
 
No memories of such, just an awareness from early on that Erin was a legendary figure and one of two people who really "were the Ship" if you get what I mean.


 

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Posted by Sine Nomine (# 66) on :
 
In earlier days I liked to refer to Erin as 'madam' or 'madam Etheredge' and that's still how I think of her. 'Madam E.' for short. The ship became a duller place for me when she became less evident on the regular boards.

One thing I particularly remember – an act of kindness – once when something was going to happen she knew would be upsetting to me, she made sure I knew about it privately in advance so I wouldn't log onto the ship and find out about it without being prepared. She was going to do what she was going to do but at the same time was considerate of my feelings.

And what I think was our first interaction…when I first joined and starting posting for some reason I thought it cute to withhold personal information – to be a 'poster of mystery' I suppose. (Yes, I know. In the years since you've learned a lot more about me than you cared to know.) In any case after maybe a month or two I finally posted something that made my sex clear and Erin immediately posted "I thought you were a girl!"
 

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Posted by Belisarius (# 32) on :
 
My glitter stayed in the card when I opened it. I guess I'm just more careful than you lot.
I might even still have it packed away with the other cards.
 

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Posted by Rossweisse (# 2349) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Lamb Chopped:

quote:

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Originally posted by comet:
Aw, Erin hated Jane Austen too?

*Sigh* love that woman.

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Well, everyone has their issues.

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Indeed.
 

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Posted by Laura (# 10) on :
 
Ah, the glitter card! I have a book she sent me a long time ago, illustrated by Susan --- can't remember her name. Called "Sisters Forever" - must have been back in 2000-2001, after we'd shared a great deal (including late night phone calls full of rant and moan). I can't find it now, which is incredibly distressing. It is probably in one of our moving boxes still unpacked.

I was a latecomer to the BCB, but what fun that was!
 

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Posted by Pyx-ematosis (# 57) on :
 
Dear Erin,

I was surprised by how deeply I felt your loss, not least because you were young and I had no idea you were so ill. A days reflection has only made me miss you more. You were a bugger. And I think sometimes I drove you a bit mad, if I ever truly hurt you I am truly sorry.

You were a great one for honest talk so here we go. No one loved the ship like you did, It would not be the great good it is without you. It simply would not have survived early storms without you. When you were funny you were the funniest. You taught me an awful lot, maybe without either of us knowing it. Not many will ever comprehend the immense amount of sheer hard work week, month and year after year you put in, bless you for the tenacity of your vision.

For many of us the ship has made us open our minds and hearts in a way we never could have to the oddness, magnificence and pure mercifulness that is God’s nature. In your wild dreaming I guess you hoped that we, your crew (mutineers and all), would see that which you now clearly see; His Love. Which being so great our hearts will ever be unrestful until that day when all things are made new. May I never slip away from that love into niceness and if I do feel free to haunt my dreams with the swish of rusty scythes.

To your family, please accept my thoughts and prayers for your loss. A Mass was said this morning with Erin as its intention.

As ever,

Pyx_e
 

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Posted by Matrix (# 3452) on :
 
Pyx_e

Thank you for saying so well what many of us have struggled to say.

M
 

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Posted by Geneviève (# 9098) on :
 
For those of us who don't know the "creation story", how did Erin come to be on the Ship, and one of the first administrators?
 

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Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Geneviève:
For those of us who don't know the "creation story", how did Erin come to be on the Ship, and one of the first administrators?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Viola:
And they were always surprisingly cute cards - and her handwriting was surprisingly, well - girlish - I suppose.

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quote:

---

Originally posted by Marvin the Martian:

quote:

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Originally posted by Geneviève:
For those of us who don't know the "creation story", how did Erin come to be on the Ship, and one of the first administrators?

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There used to be a thread called "History of the Ship", but it seems to have disappeared. Anyone know where it went?

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quote:

---

Originally posted by Tubbs:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Viola:
Yup - she really was the most astonishingly generous person towards people she'd never met in 'Real Life'.

It had occurred to me a few days ago, that this was the first year Erin hadn't sent me a Christmas card. I mean - in my book that in itself is above and beyond niceness to your hosts & admins, when you've never met them, and they live on a different continent. And they were always surprisingly cute cards - and her handwriting was surprisingly, well - girlish - I suppose. The first year she sent me a card, it was full of that glittery stuff - little bits of tin foil in some festive shape or other. I'd made the mistake of opening it in the car, and that damn tin foil went everywhere. I was finding it for weeks in my clothes. I sent her a 'furious' thank you email, vowing to be more careful how I opened any correspondence from her in the future. She replied graciously, hoping I was still enjoying the gift that keeps on giving, as I picked more silver Christmas trees from my hair...

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I got one of Erin's booby trapped Christmas cards as well. I was hoovering up those Christmas sprinkles for weeks afterwards. Just when you thought you'd got them all, you'd find a few more!

Tubbs

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quote:

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Originally posted by Tortuf:

She was incredibly supportive of me as a host, and later as an administrator on another site. Her advice was always sound, well thought out, and succinct. When we disagreed (and we did) she didn't take it personally.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Marvin the Martian:

quote:

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Originally posted by Geneviève:
For those of us who don't know the "creation story", how did Erin come to be on the Ship, and one of the first administrators?

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There used to be a thread called "History of the Ship", but it seems to have disappeared. Anyone know where it went?

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Sorry, it got accidentally sent to Oblivion at some point. I've just found it and dug it back out into the Styx.
 

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Posted by Martin PC not & Ship's Biohazard (# 368) on :
 
You made it Erin - I'm jealous.


 

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Posted by wilson (# 37) on :
 
The nice thing about this thread is hearing about the Erin I didn't know, the one who sent gifts, PMs and encouragement. Makes me wish I had, but sadly our paths never crossed that way.

What I can do is share my memories as someone who's read the Ship pretty much every day for the last 7 years.

I think in an ideal world the best form of government is a benign dictatorship. Unfortunately it's almost always impossible to pull off without the dictator becoming corrupt with power or weak and pandering to the loudest voices (which is just another form of corruption really). Erin somehow managed to avoid both these pitfalls and many others. She was tough when she needed to be but never lost sight of the bigger picture, what was best for the Ship.

The thing I admired most about Erin was how fair she was, how genuinely open to constructive criticism. And I think that's because it was easy to miss it if you weren't paying attention. We rightly remember her devastatingly efficient put-downs and her unerring BS detector. It would be easy to be wary around her, and at first I was. And then I started to notice that in the very same thread where she'd shut down a troll she'd calmly answered a hot-headed shipmate with a genuine concern, where she'd just rebuffed an ungrateful whiner she also replied to an irritatingly stated, but relevant point.

Sometimes these were even the same people! She seemed to have this ability to really let rip when called for but never dismiss valid feedback out of hand, whatever the source. And I admire that because I know I can't do it.
 

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Posted by Jamat (# 11621) on :
 
Thank you, Pyx-e, for a moving tribute. for Erin's family. Life is scarily unpredictable.
 

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Posted by Curious (# 93) on :
 
Erin appeared in the Gallery

My goodness, that Gator reach is longer than anyone might have thought.....
 

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Posted by Suze (# 5639) on :
 

quote:

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She talked a lot about this website and mentioned that she had friends here.

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I can't help wonder if, when Jason posted this, he had any idea of the impact Erin had on the ship or the immense effect her passing would have on people here. I also wonder if she really knew how many "friends" she had here, who valued her and the way she shaped this community and made it what it is.

I hope she did.
 

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Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
I am going to have to come clean here: I didn't particularly like Erin. We never had any personal interactions, and our public ones were mostly acrimonious, until I decided to start flying beneath her radar.

However, I respected her, deeply. Her love of these boards was so obvious, and her devotion to fairness when she didn't have to be fair, were amazing.

It was plain that there were some posters here that she absolutely could not stand, in many cases because they were annoying, obnoxious gits, in some cases simply because they had loud, vocal positions that were directly opposite to hers. She had the absolute ability to ban anyone she wanted, and yet, despite her obvious dislikes, she never used that ability unjustly or arbitrarily. Power corrupts; but I never saw any evidence that Erin's power corrupted her.

The main thing that I have found that sets the ship apart from other sites I have been on is the quality of it's moderation; firmly moderated, yet always fairly. As far as I can tell, this pattern was established by Erin.

Erin, I didn't like you, and as far as you ever noticed me, I don't think you liked me. But for the thing here that you created, my undying thanks and appreciation, and, yes, love.

You will be missed. Yes, even by me.


 

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Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :
 
Amen. RIP, young lady.
 

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Posted by Zappa (# 8433) on :
 
Oh, Nicole, I acknowledge, too that I never wanted as it were to cosy up to Erin, and kept well beneath her radar. If she noticed me at all I doubt it was with any great enthusiasm. But as you've said so well, she was so much a part of who we are as an e-community, and she did far more for the community than I could dream of - and had far more honesty in her sharp tongue than I could dream of in my limp blitherings.

I'll never forget one raw poster who nearly curtailed his then embryonic (and always controversial) shipboard career when he referred to "some bird called Erin" telling him to shut up. He was by memory given the first of many shore visits within about one pico-second.
 

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Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Spike:
I think it's definitely worth noting the support she gave to the hosts and how she'd always be ready to back us up in public.

Even when we got it wrong (which all hosts do from time to time) she still remained helpful and supportive.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rossweisse:
In a way, this is like Miss Molly's death, but at least with Molly, we knew it was coming; we saw it advance; we watched her fight. This is so horribly sudden, and that makes it even harder to handle.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nicolemrw:
I am going to have to come clean here... [see full post above for context]

Erin, I didn't like you, and as far as you ever noticed me, I don't think you liked me. But for the thing here that you created, my undying thanks and appreciation, and, yes, love.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
I came to hosting too late for the booby trapped card,

---

I was caught three times by this you would have thought I would have got it by the second time. Erin did find it funny.

N
 

---

Posted by Simon (# 1) on :
 
A message from an old shipmate, sapolula, which he's asked to be posted here:

Erin - you will be greatly missed by all Shipmates and readers of the boards. Your style was like no other. Your turn of wit and sharpness of teeth were a wonder to behold. May you rest in peace and rise in glory. My prayers are with you and the family & friends left behind.

[ 06. January 2011, 17:54: Message edited by: Simon ]
 

---

Posted by Ophelia's Opera Therapist (# 4081) on :
 
Some of the first threads I was involved in on the Ship involved a lot of pain and honesty from people angry at God. Erin was one of the shipmates who fought hard to maintain a supportive zone with minimal bullsh*t as old hands and newbies alike railed and struggled with our experiences, emotions and comments intending to be “helpful”.

These were defining threads for me – and part of what made the Ship so important to me over those early years. While I haven’t been around much lately, I still value enormously all the work, wit and wisdom that Erin and others have contributed over the years to make the boards all they have been and will be. Sometimes you need a ‘gator in your corner. She will be missed.

OOT x
 

---

Posted by Gill H (# 68) on :
 
Don't give me Sarah McLachlan. The opening bars of Jessie's song in Toy Story 2 are enough for me to reach for a fresh box of hankies.

I suppose "See you later, Alligator" would strike her as comically appropriate.
 

---

Posted by Annie P (# 3453) on :
 
It's been a while, but one lovely thing to see is how many of the old guard coming back and posting here. I never knew Erin very well, but was very aware of her presence here.

I was talking to my other half, and some of our memories are of Erin telling Kenwrites how to flame someone properly. (I think he'd gone a bit ott, so the mistress was giving him a lesson or two). Also, of her dedication to this place, I wrote to Erin (or Tom did) to ask if it was possible for her to get the transcript of the wedding ceremony which Tom and I were involved in from the cafe. She duly obliged, by picking through the entries and then sending it to us. I think I might still have the paper copy of it.

Thanks Erin, I guess you can keep Ken on the straight and narrow now in person. God bless your soul.
 

---

Posted by birdie (# 2173) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by chalky:
Shocker. Not that I could, but if I said anything remotely sappy I fear she would shoot back to bite me. As others have said - rock solid and gracious behind the scenes. Great appreciation for what she enabled here, although I didn't always appreciate the methods! Much respect though and a very real loss here - thinking of all those of you here and elsewhere who are directly affected.

A gaping hole in the ship now, which will rightly take some time to repair and always leave its mark.

---

quote:

---

Erin (US) is the community editor, with overall charge of the boards, particularly board policy and admin selection.

---

... the twin responsibilities that have set the entire culture of the Boards.
 

---

Posted by Miffy (# 1438) on :
 
Fluffy Bunny that I am, I'm definitely one of the posters who stayed firmly under the gator radar. I vaguely remember contacting her once about some of the arrangements for the Nativity Play, but that's about it.

But, as I said on FB when I heard the news: Erin

was the Ship, and the fact that I've stuck with SOF over and above other more 'Christian' sites must in part be due to her...how can I put it....'practical' robustness.* It appealed to the secret subversive in me. I never dared try and wind her up directly , of course, but did get quite a thrill out of doing it at one degree removed, sheltering behind other, braver souls in the Ship's Soap Opera, one of my favourite threads, Urinal Cakes apart.

[Can't get instant UBB to work tonight, sorry Simon, this'll have to do for now] The thread's in Limbo, check it out.

http://forum.ship-of-fools.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=11;t=000157;p=4#000160

And it gave an extra edge to my first ever visit to the States in 2007, to Florida, knowing that we were in Erin territory.

She'll be greatly missed.



 

---

Posted by Lynn MagdalenCollege (# 10651) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
Thank you Simon. Tonight i'll sing sarah mclaughlan's "I Will Remember You" for Erin. It's perfect.

---

Can you do that? I cannot sing and allow anything remotely like tears to get close because the throat clamps down like a fist-- I'll think of you singing and remembering Erin as I remember Erin.
 

---

Posted by Adeodatus (# 4992) on :
 
I've flicked through some of the music Simon posted. It's beautiful, really beautiful. But for me, tonight, no music: Edna says it best.
 

---

Posted by Geneviève (# 9098) on :
 
Alan,
Thanks for digging up the history thread.
 

---

Posted by rexory (# 4708) on :
 
I've always loved being on the Ship, but never have I been so proud of it as in these last few days. RIP Erin.
 

---

Posted by PaulBC (# 13712) on :
 
RIP Erin job well done PaulBC
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lynn MagdalenCollege:

quote:

---

Originally posted by comet:
Thank you Simon. Tonight i'll sing sarah mclaughlan's "I Will Remember You" for Erin. It's perfect.

---

Can you do that? I cannot sing and allow anything remotely like tears to get close because the throat clamps down like a fist-- I'll think of you singing and remembering Erin as I remember Erin.

---

quote:

---

They cut me down and I leapt up high
I am the life that will never, never die
I'll live in you if you'll live in me
I am the Lord of the dance, said he

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

---

 

---

Posted by Marvin the Martian (# 4360) on :
 
I have been resolutely avoiding even thinking "Abide With Me". Then it popped into my head while praying at house group last night. Damn.
 

---

Posted by Eutychus (# 3081) on :
 
"Llorando" from the movie Mulholland Drive?

[ 07. January 2011, 11:42: Message edited by: Eutychus ]
 

---

Posted by Sarkycow (# 1012) on :
 
Calling God to Hell and Calling Erin to Hell - two of my favourite threads to host.
 

---

Posted by clare (# 17) on :
 
Been thinking about what to say - because words are what we have here in internetland – I couldn’t claim her as a friend in the straightforward sense, and as someone who never ventured into Hell, our public paths didn’t crossed that often. Quite a few of my shipmate friends were not fans of hers at the time, if you know what I mean.

But what always has been so brilliant about the ship has been the way that people from very different background, temperaments, interests get together and put the effort in. So in the days of hosting, admining and ultimately Ark-ing, Erin and I and others got things done together. And from being a bit in awe of her, we got to know each other, a bit, enough: shared crisis, exhaustion, ideas, first drafts, dilemmas, strange asides. We tussled about judgement calls. We passed the baton between the timezones and tried to teaze through the sometimes stickyness of what was meant over what was typed. Not that we always saw eye to eye, team working is hard enough without the absence of face to face or phonecalls. But the creative process is exhilarating, and I can remember times, especially during the ark, when we both just kicked back with a ‘yeah this is good’.

And she was brilliant. Utterly reliable, organised, smart, principled and clearsighted. She gave credit to what everyone bought to the table, a part of her justly fabled generosity. She brought to us all both sharpness and glimpses of grace. I upped my game.

And every so often, god forgive me (!), I do catch myself thinking "what would Erin do". She made a difference to this nicynicy, stiff upper lipped, wholesome and very english me.
 

---

Posted by Miss Monica (# 16131) on :
 
Erin

I was going to say ...

Southern charmer as Grendel's mother.
Words did not fail her. Need eviscerating?
She could chop off your head and make you eat it.

I was going to say ...

Loving sister, daughter.
Enthusiast. Comedian. Worker.
Wit.

I was going to say ...

Jesus knew what it was like to die young
and the hope that what is furrowed into earth
like a seed will come into life again.

----------------------------------

Just a Closer Walk with Thee - William Matthews

Smoke rose and ashes fell.
Dad could explain and so could Mom:
Just wait until
you're older. Across the lawn

the sun dragged its relentless
blessing. A crow
let loose a laugh and two aunts kissed
him. Oh no, oh no.

The day went on and on.
Mom said sullen. Dad said tantrum.
Someone was gone:
the child burned like a lantern.


----------------------------------

Here are two passages Erin wrote for a story called "the solicitor" we collectively wrote 10 years ago -- the story that went wildly where anyone wanted it to go, was obsessed with cheese, and eventually flogged to a kind of coherent ending.

------------------------------------

Somewhere close to the beginning of the story:

Cheif Inspector Clueso
Scotland Yard
Re: Vinnie the roach

Dear Mr Clueso,

You don't know me or anything, but I'm pretty sure I thought you might want to know what I know. I'm a stewardess for Aquarian Air. Maybe you've heard of us? You know, the commercial that has the big stone thingee and the purple light, and all the happy people sitting around in a circle on First Class airline seats, and then the chairs move around and it kinda morphs like Arnold Schwartzenegger in that movie Terminater 2 and then they are all on Aquarian Air and everybody's happy and the flights are all on time and nobody gets bumped or anything because it's the Age of Aquarius. You know.

Anyway, I met this guy on one of the flights. He was real cute and all, with black hair and black eyes and a killer tan going and a really great butt. He talked like the Godfather though, so he was kinda scary. He was in business class -- that's where I work, business class, the men are so nice to me there, always calling me hon and sweetcheeks and giving me tips and keys to hotel rooms and stuff but the women are real bitches. Mean and nasty and everything. In fact, just the other day this one woman get all mad and yelled at me because I brought her the ham dinner instead of the kosher one. Like it would kill her to eat some ham. She was like the harpy wife in American Beauty. All nagging and stuff.

But anyway, he went my name's Vinnie the roach. He didn't quite say his "the" right, though, it sounded funny. I guess it's cause of his Godfather accent. I went Vinnie the roach, that's a weird name. He looked at me funny and was like no, hon, it's Vinnie THE ROACH. I went, I heard you the first time, Vinnie, but why'd your mom give you such a weird name? He went never mind, Jennifer. I was like how did you know my name? He said it was on my name tag. Oops! I forget that sometimes. He laughed and winked at me and patted my butt and pulled out the complementary copy of New Age Travel magazine. That's our flight magazine and it's really good. It has lots of tips on how to purify the water that's in hotel rooms and how to rearrange hotel furniture to match your chi and all sorts of really important stuff that everyone needs to know when you're flying somewhere else. The last month they had an interview with this really good dog psychologist on how to prepare your pets for travel -- you know, I've been in those luggage compartments and they can be a real tight fit, especially if the man is like really really built. Of course dogs and cats are smaller then a really built guy, but still, it has to be hard on them. But later on Vinnie rings my call bell and had me get him a vodka tonic, which is kinda expensive, so I was surprised. I mean, he was fine and all, but that's not a cheap drink, so I teased him and was like, where'd you get the money to pay for expensive drinks on a flight to London? He looks at me with these really dark eyes, sorta like George Clooney in the Perfect Storm, and goes, well, hon, I work for the mob. And I'm like yeah, sure you do. And he's like no, really, I do. And I was like well if you work for the mob, why are you going to London? There aren't any mob people in London. They're all in New York and Chicago. London people are in London. He leans forward and goes I have a top secret assinement in London. I'm like wait a minute, you said you worked for the mob, now you say you work for the government? He goes no, I work for the mob. I was like but you said a top secret assinement. He laughed and goes oh, it's for the mob. I was like oh, okay, whatcha gonna do? He was like, I have to get a guy named Dove rigged, and he was gonna take care of him for the boss. And then he grabbed me and gave me a kiss. That's code for something, right? I watch spy movies all the time, so I know they speak in code. So I pretended I knew what he meant, even though I didn't. He had this evil wicked laugh when he said it, too, so it must be a bad thing. I thought for sure you would know. He was scary then, and I thought about what happened to the guy in the Godfather movie after the Godfather kissed him.

That's why I'm writing to you. So maybe you can do something about this. I watch your movies and you're really funny and your accent is cute, too. I loved that time when the Housekeeper went You've ruined that piano! And you went What is the price of one piano, compared to the terrible crime that has been committed here? And the housekeeper went But that's a priceless Steinway! And you went Nyot Anymeur. I laughed until I hurt myself. I mean really, I bit the inside of my cheek and it bled and bled and I couldn't talk and none of the passengers wanted me to serve them with my mouth bleeding so I had to sit down for the rest of the flight. So maybe you would want to watch Vinnie the roach while he is in London, cause I think he's gonna do something bad.

Sinceerly,
Jennifer

PS When are you going to make another movie?

-------------------------------------------

& Somewhere toward the end of the story:

Jason Argenot
West London, England

Dear Jason,

You don't know me or anything, but I'm pretty sure I thought you might want to. I'm a stewardess for Aquarian Air. Maybe you've heard of us? You know, the airline with the revolutionery new seating arrangement that's like one of those spiritual medicine wheel thingees, so all the flights are on time and all the customers are completely alined and spiritually cleared and nobody ever yells at the stewardesses. You know. Except the yelling part isn't working right yet, so something must be unalined somewhere. Maybe we should add Tibetan prayer wheels or something, or maybe little statues of Buddha. I tried to talk them into trying feng shui, but the airplane people in the government insist that the planes have to be set up in certain ways. I mean, sometimes it's no wonder that the passengers are all cranky and everything, the chairs are set up totally wrong.

Anyway, I saw your picture and the great story about you in the Moon. That's my favorite newspaper. It has all sorts of important information in it like the story about Timmy the Ratboy (wasn't that real wierd about his tail?) and the girl that was only 2 feet tall but sang in the church choir, and what you should do if you've been abducted by aliens. Not that I've ever been abducted by aliens -- at least I don't think so. Not recently, at least, not that I can remember. Of course, they say that most of the time they do something funny with your memory, so maybe I have been abducted and I just don't remember it. But then how would I know if I don't remember? I think that's not very fair, you know, if they are going to take you and do experiments on you they should at least let you remember it, because what happens if like two years down the road you come down with some wierd cancer like Scully did, and your only hope is the Cigarette Smoking Man but you have to rely on remembering that you were abducted in the first place?

Anyway it must be really interesting to be a clone. What's it like? Can you speak dolphin? I think it would be so neat to be able to really talk to Flipper! The paper says you are really, really smart and that no girls want to go out with you because of not being human. So you must get pretty lonely, huh? I think that's too bad, because you are really, really cute.

And if you think about it, most men are really not human anyway. I mean, I really really like guys and all, but sometimes you just wonder are they for real or what???? I read the Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus thing. Or I heard about it, I forget which. But sometimes I think man this has got to be true, because sometimes guys just do not make sense at all.

I can tell we have a lot in common. You probably like to eat raw fish? Am I right? Since you are part dolphin, and everything. Well, I like sushi! Isn't that just a totally amazing coincidence? And this next part is really important -> I mean, some of my customers are really ugly, and if both the guy and the woman are both ugly then their kids are really, really ugly. So you wouldn't have to worry about our kids looking really ugly or anything, because you are really, really cute and me too! Plus both our names begin with J!! This is fate, hon, you know this, don't you? It's like the gods all said here are two really cute people, and both of them have names that start with J, and even though one isn't really human, they would still be like a really good match. For real. The only thing is that you are a little younger than me. Not that I'm old or anything. I'm only 21. Barely legal, you know? Although guys have been buying me drinks for years, so I don't know what the big deal is. So it's not like I'm robbing the cradel craddle a prevert or anything.

I'm going to be in London this weekend and I would really, really like to meet you. How about the Dove & Cheese Pub? I have this really killer dress that I got in Sedona that has all these really cool vibes flowing from it. It's all like desert colored and everything, you know, orange and purple and red and that really really awesome pinkish color that's not really pink but that's the closest color to it. I wonder why they never invented a word for that color. But it's got this flowing skirt that lets my chi go free and all that, because you know that if you love something you have to set it free and then it comes back to you. Most of the time, anyway.

So what do you say?

Sinceerly,
Jennifer
 

---

Posted by Viola (# 20) on :
 
The old guard really are back in town.

I'm a bit nervous to welcome Miss Monica back - I remember those boots from last time...
 

---

Posted by Beethoven (# 114) on :
 
Seeing this, reading everyone's shared shock, sadness, grief, I suddenly remembered the first thread I ever posted on waaaaaay back in the day before these boards even were like this. Someone had started a discussion on whether the Ship was a community. I honestly can't remember which side of the discussion Erin was on, but I was sure then, and remain convinced that Internet forums can (and do) create communities that are every bit as real as the towns, villages, and cities that we inhabit.

I'm sad that it's taken such an awful, awful thing to bring me back here. Like many others, I was in great awe of the Gator's bite, and flew well under the radar - but I did receive my Oreos from Erin, in her great generosity! - and am sure that her influence will live on.


 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Viola:


I'm a bit nervous to welcome Miss Monica back - I remember those boots from last time...

---

And they sure as hell weren't made for walking.

It's so encouraging to the rest of us to see so many former shipmates returning to take part in Erin's memorial.
 

---

Posted by Jahlove (# 10290) on :
 
I don't really believe in serendipitous coincidences and all that malarky but I was driving today to pick up my neighbour's newly-castrated kittens (sorry, didn't think to ask for the sweetbreads as a treat for Campbellite) at 15.57 GMT, the radio started playing *See Ya Later, Alligator*

God bless.
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
The Circus has been understandably quiet over the last few days, although some people have wanted to come in and play a few games in a gentle way.

Then, quite naturally, one shipmate started to post about Erin on the Limerick thread and other posters joined in. The following is therefore an ad-hoc collaborative effort by Circus posters, which I think combines to provide a fitting 'Circus' memorial to Erin:

Meaning no disrespect, a pause to remember our Erin:

Today, the news is all sad
The 'gator has gone to God's pad
But instead of a harp
we're all fishing for carp
Trolls in Heaven? There are none to be had.

Erin gave God a piece of her mind
He laughed; for He sure didn't mind
He took hold her hand
And said, 'I understand'
Then yelped when she chomped his behind!

To the Gator we bid sad farewell
In heaven, sound the alarm, toll the bell
'Cos the Circus she hated
Never reciprocated
But she never once sent us to Hell.
 

---

Posted by MrSponge2U (# 3076) on :
 
All my time on the ship, I have tried to be a good shipmate and stay away from the sharp gator's teeth. But I have always had the most profound respect for Erin, for her entertaining wit to the way that she sent trolls away with a quick chomp of the gator's jaws.

And I remember the humor and brilliance of her roles as Jesus' evil twin in the Nativity Play, and as the mighty higher power in The Ark!

[ 07. January 2011, 23:09: Message edited by: MrSponge2U ]
 

---

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Beenster:
I think my earliest memory of Erin is the day she went to the beach. I can't find the thread but it was a deeply doomed day in which everything went wrong. I remember I could almost hear her and picture the scene, such was her power of communication.

---

quote:

---

Arbitrarily enforce rules in an effort to suck the life out of the Ship.

---

Yes ma'am.

And so it is that, as often as I can deliberate it, I shall make my deeds answer the question: WTFWED?

(Nods to Dyfrig, who came up with the idea.)
 

---

Posted by tomb (# 174) on :
 
Dear Miss Monica:

I nearly fell off my chair when I saw you had posted.

Nice poems.

tomb
 

---

Posted by Golden Key (# 1468) on :
 
I was browsing old threads, and came across "Calling Erin To Hell", 2004, on the Oblivion board.

Great thread: 16 pages, ranging from April Fool's, ITTWACW*, Erin in her glory, to Ship's finances, with lots of humor, and characters not seen around here for a long time (like John Boot! ). A good read.

*For new persons: we have an in joke about all the newbies who find something upsetting on the Ship and cry, "I Thought This Was A Christian Website!"

 

---

Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :
 
I am wondering about Erin, the verb. In years to come I can imagine someone saying to an Admin who had dispatched a troll in particularly articulate fashion you gave him a good Erining or perhaps just that someone needs a good Erining.

A note of being dispatched could be you have been Erined.

Surely the threat of a future Erining would keep most of us in line, it would me.

[ 08. January 2011, 07:34: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]
 

---

Posted by Beenster (# 242) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Moo:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Beenster:
I think my earliest memory of Erin is the day she went to the beach. I can't find the thread but it was a deeply doomed day in which everything went wrong. I remember I could almost hear her and picture the scene, such was her power of communication.

---

Here it is.

Moo

---

Moo - thanks so much for finding that. Really appreciate your efforts and it still makes me laugh like a drain. Comet - I thought of you when she said that she wanted to move to Alaska.
 

---

Posted by comet (# 10353) on :
 
hah! If I'd have seen that those times she gave me hell for living in God's own deep freeze!

Now see here, woman! you may be up there giving St. Pete a run for his money and all, but hah! see? you secretly wanted to be here. so HUH!


 

---

Posted by Banner Lady (# 10505) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
I am wondering about Erin, the verb. In years to come I can imagine someone saying to an Admin who had dispatched a troll in particularly articulate fashion you gave him a good Erining or perhaps just that someone needs a good Erining.

A note of being dispatched could be you have been Erined.

Surely the threat of a future Erining would keep most of us in line, it would me.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by tomb:
Dear Miss Monica:

I nearly fell off my chair when I saw you had posted.

Nice poems.

tomb

---

quote:

---

I can't figure out if I should put this here or on the [Hell Thread]. I couldn't possibly hijack that one more than it has been, but this is where it all started, so I think this is the better move.

bessie, [my name at the time], I'm sorry that I sounded so menacing. I was very angry when I wrote that because I felt like I wasn't being heard. It's no excuse for sounding so nasty, though, and I really do apologize.

---

This was so astounding and unexpected that I broke into tears in my workplace cubicle.

Erin...
 

---

Posted by Anselmina (# 3032) on :
 
I'm totally shocked by this news. I've just got back from my holiday break away from parish and technology. I simply can't believe it.

I respected Erin very much indeed; her integrity and humour especially. I just can't imagine the Ship without her.
 

---

Posted by Beenster (# 242) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Banner Lady:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
I am wondering about Erin, the verb. In years to come I can imagine someone saying to an Admin who had dispatched a troll in particularly articulate fashion you gave him a good Erining or perhaps just that someone needs a good Erining.

A note of being dispatched could be you have been Erined.

Surely the threat of a future Erining would keep most of us in line, it would me.

---

And who of us could not use a bit of Erinspiration when attempting to get a point across pithily?

---

Or not Erinate on someone if they were on fire?
 

---

Posted by Nicolemrw (# 28) on :
 
I just started a thread in purgatory which is getting into gun-control topics. And i keep expecting Erin to show up and slap me around. And it isn't happening.
 

---

Posted by Kelly Alves (# 2522) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Beenster:
Or not Erinate on someone if they were on fire?

---

I like that one.

I vaguely remember telling Erin that I thought somebody or another who was screwing around needed to be "well and truley Erin-ed"
 

---

Posted by Enoch (# 14322) on :
 
I didn't really know Erin. I haven't been a shipmate all that long, and I tend to post on a slightly limited range of topics. But I'd like to add my voice in tribute.
 

---

Posted by Pasco (# 388) on :
 
Expecting to read Erin's latest thoughts via her avatar (from a sometimes difficult to read i.e. a few week old hand-held/pda) led me to think of it being a must-read link, or something of the sort. The dates 1971-2010 came as such a shock especially since attending a funeral prior to reading about her a couple or so days ago.

Have read through pretty much the entire content written on Erin here and how she is unanimously missed by all including 'victims' of the GATOR:

"Gone Art Thou, Our Referee" - the ship holds her in utmost respect for her fairness and honesty, not to mention her famed Gator lingo, all in good humour towards the greater good of this unique online community, and the hard work undertaken to make this an exhilarating site for Christian unrest.

May her soul rest in peace


[Would be most happy to contribute to her fund for the ongoing good work of the Ship of Fools.]
 

---

Posted by Old Hundredth (# 112) on :
 
This was the biggest shock I have had for a long time. We will never forget Erin's firm-but-fair governance or her acerbic wit. As one of the old lags of the Ship, I remember Hurricane Joanne which has to be one of Erin's finest hours. I was so humbled by the thought of her, Simon and Suse working through the night to delete Joanne's obnoxious posts, and after all that, and Joanne's personal attacks on her, she still found it in her heart to pray for her. What a Christlike way to deal with a dreadful situation. She loved the Ship, she was the Ship.

See you later, alligator
 

---

Posted by The Amazing Mavis (# 5077) on :
 
Such sad news. I loved the alligator. She was tough, snappy, but ultimately fair in all circumstances. I am indebted to her for introducing the term "Pecker Head" to me.

I can't quite imagine the Ship without her.
 

---

Posted by Qestia (# 717) on :
 
I am an oldtimer but have never posted much. I logged into the ship today for the first time in months, maybe a year, and sitting here slack jawed and stunned. Being such an occasional poster Erin and I probably never exchanged direct words, but she was one of the amazing life forces of the ship. I'd read any thread I saw she had posted in. The ship and the world were better places with her in it. So unfair to have her taken away so prematurely.
 

---

Posted by dolphy (# 862) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Beethoven:
I'm sad that it's taken such an awful, awful thing to bring me back here..... and am sure that her influence will live on.

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Well said Beets!

Like others who have posted here, I also received many of her cards that had me picking up glittery stuff from my carpet for weeks!

She bit me on a few occasions but after having done so she always sent me a lovely private message - and those will remain private for evermore.

There is none quite like the Croc! - sorry Erin, I mean Alligator!
 

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Posted by chukovsky (# 116) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Spike:
One of the best threads ever had to be Argh!! My apartment smells like a urinal cake!

That one just ran and ran

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quote:

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Originally posted by Kelly Alves:
Remembered this today-- Mousethief and Golden key might remember as well. We were in the Ship's cafe one night, and I was reading one of the TICTH mutations when suddenly Erin posted on it. She was CTH some creepy movie or TV show she'd watched while she was home alone, and was prediction a sleepless, panic-filled night. She permitted suggestions as to how she could calm down. A few people responded.

"Come into the cafe," I posted.

There was no response, and I figured there wouldn't be, but a half hour or so later, she popped in. We greeted her, chatted a bit, then went back to what we'd been doing which was basically bullshitting around about nonsense. She hung out for about 20 minutes or so, then took her leave. We asked us if she felt better, and she said yes, that she thought she'd be able to sleep now.

Not a huge moment but just-- a nice bit of shared humanity.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Erin:
Jesuitical Lad, do you have any idea what the people who've posted on this thread are going through in their personal lives?

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quote:

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Well, I think God is big enough to handle all the shouting in the world. So I'm not too bothered about people yelling at him. It does perturb me, though, when people get offended on God's behalf, because that way lies the Crusades, the Inquisition and any number of nasty bits in the history of Christendom.

Then again, I'm sure JL would regard me as blasphemous, too, because on more than one occasion I've told God to light a fire under it and fix whatever problem I'm facing. I've even done a bit of Teresa of Avila in there -- on more than one occasion I have let God know in no uncertain terms that it doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out why people think he doesn't exist. I am not particularly nice, awestruck or reverential in my conversations with the Almighty. And it works for me, because there are times when I know his answer is "well, smart ass, knock yourself out, let's see you do a better job than me".

We need to be honest with God. By pretending everything is smiles and sunshine we are not only lying to God, but also we are insulting him. Do you really think he's so petty that he can't take some ranting and raving? That's a human limitation, not divine. It's YOUR problem if it bothers you, not God's.

I also have to say that in light of the background of one of the posts on this thread, the advice to "realize the problem lies with you" is not only the most cold-hearted, erroneous, steaming pile of corn-infested pigshit I've ever heard, but it is INCREDIBLY DAMAGING AS WELL. I'm just stunned.

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Erin was the real deal, and her responses on that thread had a huge impact on my own theological outlook.

I've been active on a number of discussion boards over the years, and I'm now a moderator on an active forum that deals mainly with transportation, architecture, and urban planning in Ohio. In doing so, I've come to respect the way the boards here on the Ship are run, which I'm sure was largely set in place by Erin.

On many boards, trolls and crusaders are usually quietly "disappeared" by the admins, their posts deleted, and their names are rarely if ever mentioned again. It's all very discrete and tidy, and most regular participants won't even know anything had happened. Move on, nothing to see here.

But Erin made the Ship much more fun than that. Rather than quietly "disappearing" the Ship's enemies under cover of darkness, Erin chose to execute them in broad daylight in the town square, but not before playing with them in the manner a cat plays with a mouse before finally biting its head off (and giving them plenty of opportunities to either beg forgiveness, or escape with their dignity mostly intact). The ones who provided the most entertainment value were the ones who actually thought they could defeat her.

Now she's gone off to the big alligator farm in the sky. I came on board the Ship too late to meet Miss Molly, and I never knew Gambit very well. But this one really stings. There won't be another like her.
 

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Posted by Lynn MagdalenCollege (# 10651) on :
 
I've seen various references to Erin biting butts in Heaven but all this time I've been thinking of Erin meeting up with her Lord and the adoration of Christ by the alligator, as it were. So I offer this little tribute. Enjoy. Or not.
 

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Posted by Lyda*Rose (# 4544) on :
 
Beautiful!
 

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Posted by Wood (# 7) on :
 
I was messing around with the shelves in my office last night and I came across the book that Erin sent me as a gift end of 2001. Tucked in the back was the letter, in her shockingly girly handwriting, the little hearts and that.

The letter was typically Erin: She thanked me for being a host for so long (I did it for five years, 2000-2005 — for a while, I was the longest serving not-admin host, although that record I am sure was superseded years ago).

Then she said that she knew it was so hard, with the year I had had. My father had died. She remembered. And then she said she hoped I enjoyed the book, and that if I didn't, tough, because I was really hard to buy for. I read it again and smiled.
 

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Posted by Duo Seraphim (# 256) on :
 
I hosted Purgatory twice. I still remember the profound shock when Erin decided to let me have my first tilt at Purgatory on the first Hosts and Admins Day. I remember picking myself off the floor when she gave me the job for real a few months later.

I never met Erin in person or even spoke to her on the phone. Yet I was a part of her online community and she was part of mine. I will miss her rebarbative moral compass and her unerring bullshit meter.

Thank you, Erin. Rest in peace.
 

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Posted by Moo (# 107) on :
 
I have been remembering a post Erin made once, that stuck in my mind.

She was dealing with some kind of bad situation and couldn't see how God could let it happen. She literally shook her fist at God and told him what she thought. Immediately she felt engulfed in love.

Moo
 

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Posted by Duo Seraphim (# 256) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Moo:

She was dealing with some kind of bad situation and couldn't see how God could let it happen. She literally shook her fist at God and told him what she thought. Immediately she felt engulfed in love.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Welease Woderwick:
We were away the early part of this week, up in the hills with my nephew and his wife. When we went shopping I wandered into a gift shop and the very first thing I saw, sitting on the cash desk, was this. How could I possibly not buy that? She is sitting beside me now helping me spot bullshit! If I produce any I expect to get bitten.

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quote:

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Originally posted by clare:
So in the days of hosting, admining and ultimately Ark-ing, Erin and I and others got things done together. And from being a bit in awe of her, we got to know each other, a bit, enough: shared crisis, exhaustion, ideas, first drafts, dilemmas, strange asides. We tussled about judgement calls. We passed the baton between the timezones and tried to teaze through the sometimes stickyness of what was meant over what was typed. Not that we always saw eye to eye, team working is hard enough without the absence of face to face or phonecalls. But the creative process is exhilarating, and I can remember times, especially during the ark, when we both just kicked back with a ‘yeah this is good’.

And she was brilliant. Utterly reliable, organised, smart, principled and clearsighted. She gave credit to what everyone bought to the table, a part of her justly fabled generosity. She brought to us all both sharpness and glimpses of grace. I upped my game.

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quote:

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My name is David Martin. I don't expect you to recognize the name because I have never been here before. However, at least some of you will recognize my ex-wife's name. Her name was Erin Melissa Etheredge.

Erin and I were married from 1995 until 2000. Our marriage was ill-advised in that it was born out of an internet attraction all-too-common in those days. We rushed to the altar as soon as we met face-to-face. I quickly came to believe that I had made a terrible mistake. Erin, on the other hand, continued to be overjoyed at having me as her husband. She was a sweet, bright, bubbly, innocent young lady. And I quickly turned into an uncaring, self-absorbed isolationist who was determined to go his own way. I cannot begin to quantify the amount of sorrow and hurt that I inflicted upon Erin. Not directly, but through deliberate neglect.

Still, she tried to bring me out of my shell for those five years. But my disgusting lack of interest broke her spirit eventually -- and in early 2000 she finally gave me the divorce I had so coveted. Till the end she held out hope that I would somehow change. I didn't. I believe my behavior is one of the reasons she retreated to this board

From there I progressed through a couple of casual relationships and even moved to another state. And, I now sadly admit, I pretty much forgot about Erin. Then I began experiencing a series of deeply emotional hardships that eventually caused me to question my own self worth, to begin loathing the man I was, progressing to hating myself for all of the emotional devastation I had wrought upon those who had the misfortune of straying into my orbit.

Erin Melissa Etheredge, or "Lissa" as I called her during the infancy of our marriage, was at the top of that list of those who had been abused by me. I resolved to contact all those who I had victimized and try to atone in some way for my shameful, sociopathic treatment of them. I wanted to tell Erin how wonderful she was -- a special person -- and tell her how utterly sorry I was for diminishing her inner light, even if only for an instant.

I searched for her online. I called the clinic, but the clinic Help Desk had no record of her. I thought it strange but resolved to call back during a normal work day to find her. Then I kept looking at online links to see if I could find anything else about her.

And then I found her obituary.

My heart exploded the moment I read it. It said that she had died suddenly four years ago. She was only 39. I desperately searched for, and eventually found her mother. I called hoping she could tell me that it was all some sort of horrible online "mistake." But was no mistake. That sweet girl, the woman I once sweetly called "Lissa," the woman who beamingly said "I do" at the altar to me, was gone forever. My grief exploded at that point. Between my sobs I told her mother of what I had been planning and that I will be forever haunted by both my memories and for my inability to seek forgiveness from her for my sickening behavior. I so wanted her to know how special I thought she was.

Now that is gone. Her mother did tell me, "David...she can hear you right now and knows how you feel." But I found no comfort in her words.

Why couldn't God take me instead? WHY NOT!!!!! Why did He have to take someone so wonderful and leave someone so wretched as me? I would gladly trade places with her right now just to give her back to her family, her friends, and to those who cherished her here on this board (I saw the wonderful comments made by board members in the condolence book). I left my own as well, but was too much in shock at the moment to do more than bleat out a wish for forgiveness.

I have cried for two days virtually non-stop. I know not what to do. Her mother told that I would just have to move on. But I don't know how. An apparently soul-less man who finally found his soul only to discover that not all of the world was able to wait.

I feel so empty, so devastated, so disgraceful.

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