Response to the Infrequently Asked Questions

I was one of the "Internet pioneers" - amazing to think that the world of the Web is only ten years old (at least insofar as sites such as mine are concerned.) How well I remember the highly intricate coding in HTML - it could take two hours just to create a table. I am sorry that the sort of beautiful, graphic intense sites I once designed (with the musical backgrounds and slide shows) fell out of favour, replaced by everything black and white and the assumption that people have their browsers set not to display graphics at all.

Yet the worst recent development on the Internet is that, if there is one certainty in life if one has a Web site, it is that one's inbox will be crowded with hundreds of 'spam' messages daily. I cannot understand much of what is behind this. For example, one would think that those looking to sell pornography would send solicitations to those who might be interested (perhaps who participated on forums of the less than dignified nature). I receive such messages almost daily, even for child pornography, when anyone who'd had a look at my site would probably catch on that I'm not likely to be a customer. (Yes, I know how these mailings really are generated... but it irks me nonetheless.)

Consequently, I am very careful about opening mail from people with whom I have no acquaintance. Those who are sending offensive mail often use Subjects such as "about your site." My apologies to those who have sent me serious enquiries if I have never responded.

Now, to answer a few questions which have arisen regularly during recent years. One is why I no longer bestow the award I once gave to sites which had interesting content. First, unless it is very prestigious (I was honoured when I was given such an award from a major newspaper), there is little notice given today to site awards. Yes, it may cause people to click the link, but more often it only leads to their applying for awards for themselves.

More importantly, there were two factors. I was all but deluged with mail from applicants for the award - often hundreds each month - and could not possible keep up with the reviews. Worst of all, I naturally had no way of knowing how a site could change later, and did not have the ability to constantly monitor other people's sites. In one case, I gave the award to a site which seemed purely literary, in the fairy tale genre - it had lovely pictures of the wee folk. I was horrified to learn later that, within the year, it had been replaced by a porn site - as I was advised from one of my visitors who had clicked the link.

Another question now and then is about my locations or professional experience. My essays are mediaeval, true, but the blog is quite open and honest. I wish to be able to write with pure candour, without anyone's thinking (usually wrongly!) "she wrote that because she knows (someone.)" (Indeed, I know a great many people - and, though I am no one prominent, I know my share who are.) I also do not want my writing to be ruined by anyone's thinking "she thinks that because of (take your choice) where she went to school - where she lives - whatever."

As well, because I mention past parish experience, my convent life, and so forth, and do not eliminate negative aspects if I can make a point about spirituality with illustrations from my life, it would be very indiscreet to mention specifics. I can assure my readers that nothing on this site is fiction! (I sometimes have people ask me for the 'where' or 'who' as if to challenge my credibility.) I also am one to guard my privacy - and to not want anyone to get in touch with someone, somewhere, using my name when they may have read it only on the Internet.

I shall add that there are other Elizabeth Melillos out there, none of whom I would know from Adam (or Eve), for whom I've received e-mail inquiries. I have never been a fashion buyer or headhunter - sorry, wrong Elizabeth. I've never been anywhere near California. Someone who insists that I once attended a particular university in Kentucky should be aware that I not only never heard of the place but doubt I could find Kentucky on a map.