Noah’s Dad, Rick Smith, Whatever

Advocacy, Blogging, Down Syndrome Add comments

Jan 232012

Ok, so I touched on some issues among the Down syndrome community in my previous post. There is quite a bit of chatter regarding this particular blog, the means the blogger has used to call attention to it and the degrading way he steps on the rest of us to try to put himself “on top.”

This blogger has reached out and asked people to promote his blog in numerous ways. Yet, he has failed to return the favor, even when blatantly asked to do so. (For the record, I have had no contact with the blogger and have asked nothing of him. This isn’t about me, personally, as a blogger.) His wife is a pediatrician. He was asked to spotlight breastfeeding babies with Down syndrome since it is rarely discussed and he’s in an awesome position to do so. He has failed to make good on this request, even though the individual asking him was happy to do what he asked of her.

He is self-serving and he is using his son to propel himself (and his blog) into the limelight in order to make a quick dollar and gain notoriety.

But Rick Smith isn’t new to the blogging world. Far from it. Someone recently brought this blog, Rick Smith, to my attention. If you look back, he’s been blogging since December of 2008. For over three years, he’s blogged. And now, he’s using the birth of his son (and his blog, Noah’s Dad) to promote himself. He failed at being a “big name blogger” as a man and as a speaker, so now he’s chasing notoriety as the father to a child with Down syndrome to boost himself!

He’s taken more than one concept from more than one blogger, re-worked it and posted it as his own. Not only did he not give credit where credit was due, but when the blogger who originally posted a link in the comments section to her original post, Rick removed the comment with the link!

It’s ironic that he states there were NO positive blogs or sources of information available on the Internet when he began his journey with Down syndrome, yet he was more than proficient in finding a number of great blogs and resources to spam with his own self-serving blog. As a matter of fact, he spammed BabyCenter so hardcore he was banned from the Down syndrome board on the site!

He cleans up any negative or questioning comments left on his blog or Facebook page. Can we say censorship?

Here’s the bare bones of the situation. This blogger has stepped on others to get where he is right now. He has spammed numerous blogs, websites and resources in an attempt to gain as much in-coming traffic as he possibly can. Yet, he fails to provide any information (much less links) to the numerous positive resources which have been pointed out to him. He is all about his own goals. His own blog. His own agenda.

I am going to sit back and watch, over time, as his traffic dies out. His proverbial shout becomes a whisper and people see him for what he is. A self-promoting individual who cares less about Down syndrome advocacy and the Down syndrome community than he does about Rick. Rick. Rick. Rick.

Gag.

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http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

While I insinuated I had a pretty good idea regarding the identity of getalife123go, I have spoken to the individual and I am now aware of who was truly behind the comments. I apologize for jumping to conclusions (no matter how well researched and founded).

As far as the responsible individual is concerned, I’ve chalked it up to someone doing the wrong thing for the right reason.
Tamara Rampold

I think Pinterest has been more of a diversion than I realized. I’ve missed out on all sorts of nastiness, I guess.

I like what Deryck Thorp said. If Noah’s Dad said that there were not resources on the Internet about Down syndrome before his blog, then that’s seriously disrespectful of so many people who have done so much for the community. And I really don’t see his blog as some great resource for Down syndrome. If you want information, go somewhere with real information.

I do think that everyone’s needs are a bit different, and there’s room for lots of different types of blogs and sites and boards. I think the self-promotion thing – whether it’s the Peter Pan Mom or Noah’s Dad – are just simply not about the DS community and the things most of us care about. They are clearly just about themselves.

Keep being real, CJ -

http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

You haven’t really missed much, aside from the nastiness! The web is a very big place, plenty big enough for everyone. By putting yourself out there, you open yourself up for people to comment, agree, disagree and challenge you. How boring would it be if EVERY site was the same?!?

Joyce

I’m not sure what is happening in the ds world lately. The past few months have been full of unbelievable things.

First was the Peter Pan story where the mother printed a book with her child toilet papering her own family room, raging a foodfight in her own dining room, banging pots and pans at a sports game (that one broke my heart btw especially for the other kids in the family) and chasing ants up a tree. All in the name of Down syndrome. If that wasn’t enough she creates her own video post on Amazon that is one of the scariest things I’ve seen lately. I had nightmares after watching it. Especially the part where the lights went out.

Then comes Rick. He is introducing the world to Down syndrome. Have you ever heard of that CJ? I think it is something newly developed. He even found his ”own” poster boy, Ryan, except Ryan already has a dad. Now it seems he is going to be going live again on CNN and hopes it brings out the crazies. I thnk they already are.

and now you have your own personal troll. Is this Alice in Wonderland perhaps? Did we all eat the mushrooms? Drink the Koolaide perhaps?

Strange isn’t it?

My head is spinning.

http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

I think the Internet is allowing us to connect to others in the Ds world in ways that were never before possible. In doing so, you’re going to increase the likelihood of running into someone you don’t agree with, don’t like, etc. You increase the individuals you know about and are introduced to more in the community than ever before.

starrlife

PS- CJ don’t waste another second on negativity since you have cred and cred stands on it’s own merit.

http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

I am slightly offended by what has been said (apparently going “back” to work at McDonald’s and spending time with my children will magically change my opinion on the Noah’s dad blog) but I consider the source. I guess I’m less offended than surprised someone would resort to insults instead of arguing the opinion at hand.

There doesn’t seem to be a SINGLE comment here opposing my view of the blog.

Deryck Thorp

Getalife123go is funny. Can we have more from them? They are like the world’s worst troll sat in their little troll hole misrepresenting what is being written to try to get a rise out of you. I love the smell of desperation in the morning

http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

Ah, Deryck! I always look forward to your comments!

Bibliomama

Wow. Look at your troll CJ, waving its little troll arms and legs and spewing venom. Bravo to you for staying calm and not removing her multiple little troll comments. It’s like she can’t stay away.

http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

Like I said, the manner in which she has approached this says way more about her than it does about me. It’s been a number of years since I have had my own troll!

Ash

My blood is boiling, the words are hard to come by, and it is absolutely unbelievable to me that people who have such a problem with the words CJ writes on HER blog as her opinion, can come back with things as insensitive as her needing to spend time with her kids, well guess what you inconsiderate prick she spends more time, more QUALITY time with her kids then most parents even get a chance to. She may not always be right, she may state an opinion that is not necessarily agreed with, but it’s her opinion, not anyone else’s so why people take it upon themselves to bash her for her words, on her blog, in her space, just astounds me. I live with this woman, i deal with her opinion EVERYDAY, do i always agree? No! Do i bash her and tell her she’s a bitch, and a bully? No? She may be my wife and the mother to my children but it doesn’t mean i agree with everything she says but i do agree that she is entitled to her opinion and to place that opinion in any way she chooses to do so. CJ simply stated her OPINION and left it at that, but other individuals chose to come along call her names, tell her who she is and what she does is wrong. Let me tell you about CJ, she’s a mother that doesn’t focus on the negatives in life, but more the positives of what come of her children, she encourages, she supports, she views a problem and she fixes it. This is not a DS blog, this is a life of CJ blog, this isn’t a parenting blog, this is CJ’s Blog, this is all about CJ’s LIFE in every aspect, good and bad, opinions, adventures, entertainment, whatever she chooses to do. So stop wasting your time pointing fingers telling someone they have no right to write the words they choose to write, i mean people write stupid books all the time stating there opinions, that doesn’t mean people agree with them, so to every negatively written comment. . . stop squirting tooth paste at CJ brush your teeth and go to bed.
JaneMalin

Wow. Your a bully. The downfall to being Able to state your opinion online is that there are no consequences to what you say. You act as if Rick has zero feelings and completely tore him apart. Bravo for exerting so many negative “feelings” online. It’s actually disgusting to me that instead Of exerting your energy into something positive you instead did an investigation on him just to tear him down. For those that find his blog helpful… Let them find it helpful to them. If you think what he is doing is wrong- do it right but you now don’t look any better by insinuating your going to sit back and hope he fails. I had a video go viral on YouTube and was on over 300 news blogs worldwide and ppl tore me apart as if they knew me and it really hurt. They talked just like you did. “you have it all figured out on that person- as if you know their history, what their life story is, an what their motives are”. People like them and people like you won’t ever understand what your doing with your negativity if you continue to be so prideful. There are some things you keep to yourself. Do good on your blog and quit posting rants to tear other people down. It just makes you look bad.

http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

I’m sorry you had a negative experience. Putting yourself out on the web, in the general eye of the public does have a great deal of consequence. I understand that. I blog knowing that. Your comment regarding me is NO different than what you accuse me of doing to Rick or all of the people who did it to you.

I did not tear Rick apart. I simply stated my opinion of his blog and the manner in which he has used the Down syndrome community for his own personal gain. I think he could be an integral part of the Down syndrome community if he would JOIN what has already been established instead of trying to recreate it in his own image.
Deryck Thorp

You’re a bully is what I think you’re trying to say.

The huge issue with I have that makes me extremely pissed off is the fact that “…he states there were NO positive blogs or sources of information available on the Internet when he began his journey with Down syndrome”

Not only is that utter bullshit but it disrespects the people who have made an effort to supply resources though forums, blogs, websites and tries to tie people up with being “the” place to go. I started my DS journey over 8 years ago and even then there were people working hard to help out parents and families without jumping all up and down and drawing attention to themselves for personal gain.

And more than that this is a personal blog, one I read to see what’s happening with CJ and her family, see what’s making her feel good or feel bad and her opinion of something. It doesn’t represent itself as anything but that. If a blog is representing itself as a ‘resource’ then it needs to stand on a firm and honest base otherwise it ultimately is capable of causing more harm than good.

Ange Wright

I have been blogging about our life since 2008. I am far from a “well known” blogger and I am okay with that. To have someone say there is no positive resources other than their own disturbs me. My readers (the small numbers I reach since I don’t spam walls and such) have told me how much they have learned by reading Em’s story.

Much like CJ said, my blog is about my life with my family and Ds is a very small part of it. Yes, it obviously takes up space at times, but just because my daughter has Ds does not mean our lives revolve around it.

I started writing not attempting to seek out fame. I started writing so that someday Em could go back and read her story and realize just how far she had come. If I happen to raise awareness along the way, well that was an added bonus.

Pretty sure most of you feel the same way.

http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

Ange, exactly! Those of us who have older kids have a different view than those who are new to the journey. I blog so I can look back and remember what it felt like back then. To remember what happened in my family and in the lives of my kids. And someday, they too will have a record of what their lives were like when they were little.

Starrlife

Way out of the “DS celebrity” group and,as usual, missing all of this drama but I agree that it seems to be different with us parents of older kids (mine is 12 now). I don’t try to compete, just connect. I’ve been blogging with DS as one of my tags since at least 2008. I think though opinions have to be open in all directions- give and take- and that creates a more respectful Internet.

hesaidshesaid

He has spammed my blog several times. Funny, he said he hadn’t found any “positive resources” but I post resources all the time, and his comment on my blog was about how it was nice to run into a positive blog about older kids. Whateva!

Anonymous

What’s “Whatva” about that? That’s cool he said that. He never said that there are NO resources out there. Maybe he couldn’t find them…give him a break, at least he found yours!

http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

He was more than capable of finding them in order to ask them to promote his blog and spam his link everywhere. He seemed to have found them just fine…

Anonymous

You are a piece of work. It sounds like someone is a little jealous. Waaa…I can only write about everyone else’s success! I would probably do yourself and everyone else a favor by actually spending time with your kids instead of embarrassing yourself. You have actually done yourself more harm in the Ds world by making yourself look like a mean nagging jealous B. Do us all a favor and just be quiet…nothing you say makes anyone better. The only bummer about this is everyone is seeing who is behind the traveling blanket program. Wishing you could see the many threads about you in who you really are. Soooo sad for you.

http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

So stop reading my blog and be on your way. Stop participating in or don’t sign up for the afghan project. I have yet to have a single family drop out of the project and I have an order list spread to late 2012. And don’t think for one minute I care what anyone says behind my back. I don’t expect to be liked by everyone and I couldn’t care less about my popularity status. Unlike you, I state my opinion, put my name on it and take accountability for my words.

Anonymous

You care…you def. care…the only reason I actually read your stupid blog was someone was making fun on it. And thanks for the laugh…it’s hilarious;) And if you want to be known for what you are…great. You have accomplished your goal. I personally wouldn’t want anyone talking about me like they have you… Nasty, disappointing, annoying, jealous, horrible blogger that just sits and waits for someone to do something great …that’s what they are saying…just to name few. And trust me…no need to read your crap- I just wanted to laugh too…so again…thanks;)
http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

No, I really don’t care. We both know the only reason you read my blog. I have your email address and I traced your ISP information. You need an editor for your blog comments as badly as you need one for your book. Not to mention the fact that your writing style in these comments is IDENTICAL to the style of writing from our email exchange.
People can talk about me all they want. I’m actually kind of stunned that anyone would take time out of their lives to spend so much time on little old me!
Tkyater2003

im not on anyone sside im not but just rememebr getalife THERE IS ONLY ONE JUDGE AND UR NOT IT GOD IS OUR ONLY JUDGE ON THIS EARTH SO U AND EVERYONE WHO JUDGES JUST REMEMEBR U TOO WILL BE JODGED BY GOD HIMSELF
Gofuckyourself

go fuck yourself.

Amy

so , getalife123go, mmm what have you done that so great in the Ds community???? you are the one that is embarrassing your self. get a life….

Anonymous

Not destroying it…that’s for sure;) It’s such a joke to me. CJ is soooo wanting to be a “positive” blog that she seems to think she is and is disappointed that Rick is getting all the attention. Poor little CJ. That’s probably what he was talking about…there are blogs like this to “help” advocate for the Ds world…disgusting. These are the very bloggers that need to go get their job back at Mcdonalds.
Amy

you dont get it. there are soo many people in the DS community that are see what he is doing.. its too bad you are too blind to see it…
Anonymous

Cause God Forbid he is well known and doing an awesome job at what he does! Sooooo WHAT that he promotes himself…he’s smart for doing it. Shame on you for even listening to this crap. you are just sooo jealous. The only thing you poor little bloggers are upset about is that he is getting all the attention. Other than sharing his website- what in the world is your problem. Shame on you- take your judgmental blinders off and see what he is doing for what it is. Stop listening to tiny little voices like CJ that thinks people give a crap what she says. And Why in the world would he promote this blog out of all of them?! This is the last thing that Ds world needs.
Amy

see the thing is he is not well known in the Ds community for doing and awesome……. no one messes with the Ds community and he has.
Anonymous

You act like it’s a mob…please! That’s ridiculous and sooo immature. Please- let’s grow up here and realize that there are always bigger and better people in the world. No press is bad press…goooo Rick!!!!
http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

If you want to know our “problems”, go back and read the blog post. I outline a number of issues with this particular blogger and state why he has rubbed so many of us the wrong way.

As for promoting my blog, if you re-read the post (instead of just coming here to bash me) you will see that I have not asked anything of him. I have had no personal contact with him and I certainly have not asked him to promote MY blog in any way, shape or form. If I WAS interested in having him promote anything, it would be The Traveling Afghan Project (because that directly relates to Down syndrome advocacy) and NOT my personal blog.
Heather Seal

I’m not a fan of Rick’s either and shared Lisa Morguess’ blog on my facebook wall. It has NOTHING to do with jealousy. I celebrate the successes of other Ds blogs. Kelle Hampton’s blog is a favorite. She got her success because people shared her blog link because they loved what they read not because she pushed people and spammed them over and over with her blog address. There is such a big difference.
Maria Yakkey

It’s the way in which he promotes his site. I have seen many places where he leaves a comment that says nothing more that his URL, he offers nothing on the topic and nothing on his site pertains to the topic. He’s not trying to help anyone but himself and in doing so he’s hurting a community. Is there a place for him? Sure there is but instead of spamming nonsense he should contribute about his experiences with the topics at hand.
http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

CJ isn’t wanting to BE anything. This is not, as I’ve stated before, a platform for Ds advocacy. This is my personal blog containing my personal thoughts and pieces of my life. My daughter HAS Down syndrome, but that’s a VERY minuscule part of our lives and takes up even less space on my blog. My personal blog.

Lmorguess

Here, here! You said it, sistah!
Anonymous

It sounds as though you are doing the same. Gingriching it.

http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

Yes, I spam my website address wherever I can, refuse to link to anyone else’s blog, ignore the amazing Down syndrome bloggers who’ve been around a great deal longer than I have and drone on and on about nothing more than my daughter’s life. This is your first time here, isn’t it??

Nicjoe

Cj ignore them. I sit with my dying father today and praise God for His many blessings in my life you are one of them. You are intelligent, honest and caring. I have watched yoy evolve over the years and KNOW your heart. Ignore those who throw stones, for they are guilty.

Anonymous

haha…that’s sooooo true jshorrell. Right on! She won’t see that though. She is upset cause no one wants to read her blog.

http://www.dontlicktheferrets.com CJ

And you’re just upset because your book wasn’t well-received in the Down syndrome community and I was one of the many people who actually had the audacity to speak publicly about my opinion of it. For that reason alone, I’ve become your target. Are you done throwing your little fit now, or would you like to continue?
Nicole

Wow i feel sorry for you. Take your own advice. Dont waste your time. Do something constructive!

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