reviews_and_ramblings: (Default)
reviews_and_ramblings ([personal profile] reviews_and_ramblings) wrote2010-08-19 08:06 pm

The pro and cons, to be or not to be...

When wondering why and if I have to continue with this blog, I received an email like this one:

"Greetings and respect from a gay leatherman who finds your reviews truly excellent

Dear Signora Rolle,

I wish to express my sincere thank you and my profound respect for your wonderful and discerning reviews. I use your reviews to select what M/M fiction I will like best and you never, ever let me down.

You provide a wonderful service, taking your passion for M/M fiction and sharing it primarily wih female readers but also with gay men.

I also love the beautiful male images which you have collected.

You are a wonderful person, a wonderful and expressive writer. I both admire and respect you. Thank you so very much."

I received this email weeks ago, and also in a moment when I was a bit down. Then I read it and decided there was a reason for doing what I'm doing. Then again yesterday I wondered again; maybe I should let other people doing that, other reviewers with more experience... why a straight woman should read and review gay romances? but now, when I will wonder again, I have the above letter to give me a reason to continue.

My response to Victoria Brownworth: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1108364.html

[identity profile] mondhellnacht.livejournal.com 2010-08-19 09:03 pm (UTC)(link)
As someone from the LGBTGQ community, I reiterate what everyone has said so far: You are providing a wonderful service with great dignity and respect. I may not comment all the time, but I am ALWAYS reading through your Inside Reader Lists, film recommendations, and your art and event postings.

Also, the idea that you shouldn't be doing this because you're a straight woman is total rubbish. If anything you are showing more respect and understanding towards writers, readers, and publishers of this genre. Moreover, I must point out that not everyone who writes, reads, and publishes in this genre circle is actually gay. Lastly, we SHOULD be more inclusive to straight allies to counter the exclusivity of the larger heterosexual population.

[identity profile] elisa-rolle.livejournal.com 2010-08-19 09:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you Stefan. I'm really doing this since I love to share my love for everything that is beautiful and for the love of the books. I love to talk with people, and I find a great satisfaction in this LiveJournal. No really other reason, but sometime people want to dig for other motivation that are not there.

[identity profile] mondhellnacht.livejournal.com 2010-08-19 10:25 pm (UTC)(link)
Then continue with it. :-) Love is a commitment. This livejournal- like any relationship requires dedication and commitment to keep it alive and working. So when you have those down days, remember this is what you love.