Status of our Forums
Posted on 09. Aug, 2008 by Admin in Status, Website
Update: this post was written last year in August 2008 and I wanted to inform you that the information here is old and relevant to events at that time. The comments here range from old to new; and since we love them, we want to keep them active and available. But because the status information is old, we want you to know that we maintain a forum (The Cullens Garage) of our server status and Q&A at the TwilightMomsForums.com site. You must be a registered member to leave forum comments; so join the members and let us know about any problems or concerns about the websites, or just enjoy the friendships and fun topics there … -SnapJag
Yesterday at least one of the Twilight communities mounted an attack on some of the Twilight fansites. They held a “contest” of sorts to see who could post as many of their banners on a site and take a screen shot of their banner before it got deleted. They posted a few posts on our site before we decided to disable the forum for the night. The TwilightMOMS forums were not hacked and are still in tact but due to lack of staffing available this weekend to deal with the issue we have decided to keep the forum disabled for the weekend.
Our heart goes out to the Lexicon and we are truly saddened that their site was hacked last night. The Lexicon held a wealth of information for the Twilight Fandom which is currently unavailable to all.
ETA: It appears it was one really upset person who hacked into the Lexicon. I’m truly sorry for the time and energy that it will take the Lex to restore the damage that was done. The Lexicon provided so much valuable information for the Twilight community. I personally agree that, no matter whether you loved or hated Breaking Dawn, or agreed or diagreed with the Lexicon stance on what is allowed on their personal site, hacking in and destroying someone’s website is unjustifiable and completely wrong.
ETA: My original post said it was a teenager who hacked into the Lex but in reality I don’t have a clue how old the person was. Stephenie Meyer has many loyal fans of all ages!!! Teenagers and adults alike adore her and the world she has created.
~inspiredbytwilight
65 Responses to “Status of our Forums”
IsabellaCullen
09. Aug, 2008
Inspired – I know that you have been working diligently to keep TM up and running all week and I would like to personally thank you for your dedication. All of the admins & mods have been working hard and deserve a HUGE round of applause.
I hope, more than anything, that the negativity that has become pervasive all through the “Twilight” universe will come to an end very soon. Its okay to not be thrilled with BD, if that is your opinion, but some of this is getting out of control.
IsabellaCullen
Lisa 314
09. Aug, 2008
It saddens me to no end that people will stop at nothing to spoil something nice. My heart goes out to Pel and the lexicon. Imagine how nice things could really be, if those responsible, took a moment to simply channeled that anger, and destructive thinking into something positive for a change?
Danemom
09. Aug, 2008
I am new to the forum and I have yet to leave an intro, as my password was recently activated but I am so disheartened that some jealous and angry fools had to ruin this for all the members. I recently discovered these wonderful books and I enjoy reading other’s thought and insight to the Twilight phemomenon. I hope they find out who the hackers are and make sure they cannot do this again.
Highland Twilight 72
09. Aug, 2008
Inspired-
Thank you for all your hard work during this time. It is greatly appreciated! For all the haters out there, if you don’t like BD, stop coming to sites like this and ruining it for everyone else. Keep strong!
TwilightScot
09. Aug, 2008
Just wanted to second IsabellaCullen’s statement. I’m shocked that people can be this hateful – surely they have something better and more productive to do? Thanks for all you do TwilightMom’s!!
Ness
09. Aug, 2008
It’s one thing to have an opinion and want to express it. It’s completely another to maliciously attack fan sites. I’m very sorry to see the Lexicon down and was concerned that the TM site had been attacked too.
Ness
mamafox
09. Aug, 2008
Wow- and I thought we were all adults in this forum. How sad that people feel the need to do damage. What was the point- to prove they could? I’m not impressed- it reminds me of something- oh, yeah- a temper tantrum.
Thanks to all of you who work so hard on the forum- it is appreciated!
Bella
09. Aug, 2008
I am saddened and disappointed that things have spiraled so out of control in our little Twilight universe. Who are these people that think it is ok to ruin things for everyone else? What perverse pleasure do they gain in hacking fan sites and having others shut down? It really makes no sense to me. If you don’t like a particular book or particular parts of a book, fine. You are certainly entitled to your opinion and I gladly listen to both sides with interest. But that’s where your rights end — you don’t have a right to spam a site and you don’t have a right to disable a site through hacking. That is stealing — stealing from me and from all the other fans who want to remain reasonable adults and enjoy our favorite fan sites.
I feel terrible for all those on the Lex who have worked so tirelessly to provide such a wealth of information for the fans to read through and enjoy. I hope it is not all lost. What a shame this all is.
sunshine
09. Aug, 2008
I can’t believe that there are people who would maliciously attack those of us who like the Twilight Saga…all of it! I understand that we are all entitled to our opinions, but this has gone to far!! My heart goes out to the Lex…what a pain to have to deal with!!
Isabellacullen and Highland Twilight 72 said it best…stop ruining this for everyone else and find something better to do!!!
To Inspiredbytwilight and the other moderators…thank you for making sure that during this choatic week of high emotions we still had a place to express them..whether good or bad. It is because of you wonderful ladies that this site runs as well as it does! If I could I would give each of you a hug and personally say thanks but this will have to do!!
Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!
InnamorataDiTwilight
09. Aug, 2008
My heart goes out to SM, her fans at this site and other sites. I am so saddened by the news and what happened at the Lexicon. Admins, mods and fans of Twilight, please do not become discouraged by this. There are so many of us who are immensely appreciative of all the hard work that you do and have done. We love SM, her work and this site and want so desperately to preserve its integrity. I pray that the negative feelings that some people are feeling can be channeled in a constructive and positive way.
im4edward
09. Aug, 2008
I am saddened to hear the news. Being a former internet message board community owner that has been hacked and had their community destroyed in the past by hackers, I feel completely devastated for the Lex and understand their pain. It is a very time consuming rebuild and the feelings of violation that go with something like that are immeasurable. As far as TM’s go…I am so glad that we weren’t hacked that way. Thankfully, phpBB works REALLY hard to keep their software up to date and hard to penetrate. However, I am disappointed that people that had membership here, possibly participated in posting banners. I really don’t care what people think of TM’s policies, it is a private site and you can choose to opt out of participating if you don’t like the policies. I get so tired of hearing people complain about censorship, but I know it is a part of managing and participating in a site. I know from experience when people are censored it isn’t about power — it is about tactfulness. I heard it many times in my days of owning a board and that was a lot of the reason I turned the site over to someone else after almost four years. It gets old. It takes the joy out of what you are doing. I truly thank the owners, administrators and moderators of this site. I thank you for putting up with the crap that goes along with all this. I thank you for giving us a place to talk, make friends and vent. Twilight Moms isn’t just about Twilight, it’s about family and friendship. Thank you for giving that to us. I know it means a lot to me. ::Hugs:: to you all!
Muttmommie
09. Aug, 2008
I am appalled at how far the trolls have gone this time. It was bad enough when they spammed Larry and Twilight Tuesday with hate comments when my daughter’s band was featured, but to hack into a private website is intolerable. I personally think the hacker(s) should be prosecuted for criminal conduct. Perhaps that’s the lesson that the trolls need to learn. Hacking and spam are NOT expressions of “free speech”. They seem to feel protected by the constitution for their bad behaviour and I think it’s time they were educated about what “free speech” really means. Am I wrong? Isn’t hacking a federal offense? The trolls are becoming more like terrorists running amuck across the fansites.
My heart also goes out to Pel, Alphie and the other mods of the lex and Twilightmoms…..not to mention to Stephenie. We all know that the “backlash” on Breaking Dawn was unnecessarily exagerated by these same anti-Twilight terrorists! Hopefully Stephenie, Little-Brown and Summit all realize that TRUE fans of Twilight still remain true.
Sprut
09. Aug, 2008
Thank you for posting this. I know I was wondering if you guys had been hacked like the Lexicon. I’m glad to see that you weren’t and I do feel sorry for the Lex. It’s a shame that someone was so upset that they felt the need to violate peoples hard work. Hopefully, Alphie and Pel get it up and running quickly and are able to take measures so that this never happens again. Very unfortunate for them. Sending happy thoughts their way.
CloserToEdwardsAge
09. Aug, 2008
ACK!!!!
I got the weird email that the Lex has been hacked.What a waste.It was my only refuge seeing as my account here is still inactive since changing my email Tuesday.*sob*
(also looking for admin sympathy seeing as I am not getting response to reactivate my account
)
DancingQueen
09. Aug, 2008
This is so sad. I don’t understand people that feel the need to ruin things for others. Talk about immaturity.
Thank you TM Admins and Mods for the hard work you do for all of us. I love our website. It is wonderful to come to a place where people share my love and obsession. I know we can get through this.
My heart goes out to the Lex. I hope you get things taken care of soon, and that all your info has not been lost there.
((BIG HUGS)) to everyone concerned.
~Amber
Reader
09. Aug, 2008
I too am very saddened by the way a small minority feel the need to try to ruin things for others. I am also, as many of you are, I’m sure, quite puzzled by the vitriolic response SM has received from some readers of BD. Thank you for all of your hard work on this site!
ShyTwilighter
09. Aug, 2008
Unbelievable! I just don’t understand the logic behind why some malicious people would do such a thing
I feel so bad that The Lex was hacked I mean seriously how absurd that they had to attack such a nice informative site?
Thank you to the mods here that have worked so tirelessly this week to keep everything balanced so that we the fans of Twilight and of SM can come together and talk about it.
I love my Twilight saga and just the thought of some people who have no sense to do anything positive or constructive with their extra time but to make things harder for others is just appalling
Jadar
09. Aug, 2008
it is so disappointing that people will stoop to doing things like this. I hope that legal charges are brought against the teenager who decided to hack the lexicon. I checked their blog every day for news and that “twilight fix” as I do here. so sad.
Pixie
09. Aug, 2008
Thanks for the update, and all the hard work you have put into keeping TM’s together Kathy. I am shocked, that it apparently all boiled down to someone mad about censorship. I really get tired of people misunderstanding the First Amendment.
K0712
09. Aug, 2008
Wow, I am really shocked. I was actually visiting the lex yesterday and saw a really disgusting and insulting post on there, so honestly I wasn’t surprised when I found out what happened. I agree with Jadar, that teenager should be charged for this. Parent really need to monitor what their kids are doing on the computer, but more than that, people that do these things really need to find something more productive to do with their time than to ruin things. I hope the lex gets things fixed soon, and hopefully it is not too much of a hassle for them. Unbelievable.
thirdwife
09. Aug, 2008
as i was logging on to tm this morning to get my “fix” for the morning, i saw the posting about the forum being closed. so my first thoughts and words weren’t so pleasant toward those people who have no respect for taking their bad and hateful opinions and threats way to far. this all reminds me of junior high behavior…. i should know because i teach it… and the irresponsible behavior out there. and now also to find out that the lex has been hacked into. i’m still having trouble getting over this. it just scares me to death that people would get that upset.
so i also wanted to give tm admins and mods a big hug and say THANK YOU for all the trouble you are dealing with and having to put up with these people who have no concerns about anyone else’s feelings. without you i would feel totally lost in my fix of talking, meeting other tms and reading more about my favorite saga.
you deserve our upmost respect and graditudes. we love you….thanks again!!!!!!
andreabond143
09. Aug, 2008
I can’t believe someone did that! That is so disappointing! Why have a contest like that? I mean, I LOVE this series, but it’s just fiction! I thought Stephenie did an excellent job with Breaking Dawn! It’s not at all what I excpected but I liked having a bunch of surprises! So to the Haters, KNOCK IT OFF! It’s alright! Good thing you guys shut down too! Although I don’t know if kids are dumb enough to mess with MOMS! Love you guys and the Lex too!
TNRN
09. Aug, 2008
Warning! I want to alert all of you that you may receive an email from “twilight”. It’s the Lexicon site and since their site has been hacked it would not be wise to open anything that resembles coming from there. I deleted that email only because I had already read our blog, went to the Lexicon site and saw that it is “under construction”, and I new better than to invite trouble by opening that email. Please, everyone, beware, be aware, and be wary!
PEL
09. Aug, 2008
Thank you for all the support. It means a lot, and I do sincerely mean that. At a certain point there’s a line in the sand that isn’t crossed and that is hacking.
Whatever point they may have been trying to make, it was lost in the depths of the level they sunk to.
Scarle1245
09. Aug, 2008
How rude! How very, very, very, inexcuseably rude! I understand that everyone has a right to freedom of expression, but only so far as it doesn’t infringe on MY right to come here and visit with friends and fellow Twilight enthusiasts. If these hate-mongers were angry about Breaking Dawn or anything else in their lives, take it out in the proper place. Get some exercise, journal, see a therapist – but don’t damage things that don’t belong to you! My sympathies to the folks at the Lexicon – it’s as if we’ve lost a sibling…..
rosanna
09. Aug, 2008
Oh my…
I was so happy in this morning that finally today I can met again my beautiful Twilight friends and talk about BD, I readed the book finally till the end last night.
I’m so sorry about that what some unthinking teenager has done and ruin all funny about this powerful moment of my (and others) life…
I hope that she/he who do this, can be found and she/he will be punished about this.
My heart goes also to Lex, and also everyone who have suffer because of this.
I hope things will be well as soon as possible and we true Twilighters can continue our beautiful and meaningful talking about this saga.
With hearts, I love you my Twilight friends. Forever and forever and forever, Rosanna
Vikinggrl36
09. Aug, 2008
I don’t understand it! Why do people have to be so mean?
I feel horrible that The Lexicon was hacked. It always kept me up to date on what was going on. It is one of my favorites.
Thanks to all of you fansites for giving s our Twilight fixes.
BellaJen
09. Aug, 2008
I can’t even express how saddened I am about what happened to the Lexicon. It is unbelieveable that people can be so heartless, and ruthless. It sickens me to no end that someone would want to destroy another’s website, because I cannot even imagine the time and efforts that are put forth into creating, and moderating them. Shame on them! And I hope criminal charges are brought against them, hacking and destroying someone’s website is NOT “free speech”.
Thank you to all of the Admin’s and Mod’s here for all of your hard work. I can’t even imagine. I appreciate you, and this website.
Sending lots of thoughts to Pel and Alphie, to our Admin’s and Mod’s here at TwilightMom’s, and not to mention Stephenie.
Kellymom
09. Aug, 2008
Wow.
I want to second everything said by im4edward. I just don’t understand what these people get out of trying to destroy these sites! How sad that this kind of activity is important to them.
I wanted to throw something out there in case anyone who has the ability to put it together sees this: Is there a way– for all of us who would like to at TwilightMOMs– to send something to Stephanie to show our love? Like gathering messages to be delivered with some sort of card or gift on behalf of the TwilightMOM community? Does that make sense? I have no clue how anything like that would get done–I just know the admin team and Lisa seem to be able to communicate with her somehow. I may be completely mistaken or thinking way too big–just an idea I had.
I look forward to posting with you all real soon!
Kelly
queenofmycastle
09. Aug, 2008
I would like to add my voice to those who have expressed their sympathy for the Lexicon, Stephenie and the Twilight fandom as a whole. It saddens me deeply that our community, which has been built around, not only an author, but a woman who has unselfishly dedicated the past 5 years of her life to her fans, would be attacked for no reason other than to assuage a feeling of disappointment over a book. While we may not always agree, we have built a foundation of friendships here at TwilightMOMs and I look forward to the time that we can move beyond the turmoil and regain a feeling of camaraderie based on our love for Stephenie and the characters whom she so selflessly allowed us the privelege of knowing and loving.
debdy
09. Aug, 2008
I’m new here and have not had an opportunity to introduce myself. Love the saga…
It is sad. Immature hackers don’t always realize the collateral damage that they impose on innocent people.
Hope everything works out.
cynthial11
09. Aug, 2008
I totally agree.. I feel so sad for everyone from the Lex.. i can’t believe how bad and evil some people can be..if they didn’t like the book that’s their problem they don’t have to try to make everybody else miserable. It is sooo sad, I hope that everything gets better and we can all be happy again very soon, i miss Twilight Moms.
Melissa Cullen
09. Aug, 2008
I am so sad to hear about the hacking of the Lex. My heart goes out to them and I hope they get their site back up and running very soon.
I also want to say a big THANK YOU to the mods of our forums, especially inspiredbytwilight. I know that you all have been working very hard this past week to keep everything on the up and up here on TMs. We all appreciate your dedication and enthusiasm. Twilight Moms would not be the wonderful site it is without all of you. Sending you all big hugs.
cliffdiver
09. Aug, 2008
Ditto, so very sad. I am inspired by how much support and comfort other websites-like TM-are givng to Lex…showing you can be (sort of) competitors and still be friendly.
inspiredbytwilight
09. Aug, 2008
A huge thanks to all the wonderful TwilightMOMS. Kellymom – I’m going to start a blog post where those who want post messages for Stephenie showing their appreciation for her!
gates4100
09. Aug, 2008
This saddens me also..as I am a new member of this forum, I have found it an excellent place to meet new friends and chat about the books. It is sad that someone was unhappy and had to do that. I was hoping to get some good “chatting” time in this weekend, but I guess I gotta wait..poor Lexicon too:(
ecullenlove
09. Aug, 2008
Wow, I am just shocked to hear that THAT is why the forums are disabled right now. My heart definitely goes out to Twlight Lexicon and hope them the best!! Whether or not I liked certain things that happened in Breaking Dawn, in the end its still just a book. That’s just terrible
Joanne Maria
09. Aug, 2008
I have just learned about the LEX, I am so sorry for Pel and Alphie and everyone. This is such a hugh loss to the Twilight community, it saddens me so.
Yes Kellymom and inspiredbytwilight I to think it is a good idea to get something out to Steph.
mommavamp
09. Aug, 2008
I am so sorry this has happened to the Lex! When I got that weird e-mail today I was worried. Then when TM forums were closed I was more worried. The Lexicon was actually the 1st place I was able to post after finishing BD (& the fan site that brought me to Twilight Moms). I was shocked at how much hate some of the younger people were showing for BD! I do believe everyone is entitled to their opinion – this is America right-but there is not need to spread that kind of hate!! Where is the power of Jasper when you need it. *trying to send out a soothing feeling*
hopelovesvampires
09. Aug, 2008
Can’t believe people would be so mean. There is no way SM could make everyone happy with BD. I feel so bad for the Lex and it really sucks that the forums are closed as I really was enjoying getting to know everyone. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but that does not mean you have a right to force it on others. I hope this all calms down soon and that it is not to hard for the Lex to get up and going again.
InLustWithEC
09. Aug, 2008
I have to admit, at first when I saw the forum boards were down I was a wee bit mad at the Admins for their censorship. But I guess I need to apologize for the mutterings in my mind
I am saddended that there are those that thought that hacking was the way to express their anger. I’m glad though that it was teenagers and not TM’s that did this.
I am amazed that someone who is obviously very smart (having the ability to hack into a site) is not putting their knowledge to good use.
Sending happy thoughts to the Lex, I hope you are able to rebuild (is that even the right thing to say??) soon. And to the Admins, thanks for keeping this site safe. I have met many friends through this site, and I’m glad that this site wasn’t hacked.
Kragels
09. Aug, 2008
It’s sad that someone felt the need to go to such extreme measures to vent or just to entertain themselves. In the grand scheme of life it is just a book that was meant to entertain. There is no reason to “bash” the book or Stephanie Meyer. I love how these books have given me and my daughters(18 & 16) a great opportunity to sit and discuss the books at great length. I love to hear their take on the books and hear what their thoughts were on certain aspects of the book. We would have differing opinions on what certain things meant and that would lead to very spirited conversations. It is too bad that whoever hacked into that site does not have other ways of expressing their feelings without hurting others.
spagirlval
09. Aug, 2008
Wow, I can’t believe this actually happens. It saddens me to see, if this was a teenager, that they soon be out in the “Big World” and how will they handle themselves. Scary thought.
I just recently found the Lex sit and this one and it sad to see that happen to such a wonderful place to be able to share your thoughts and opinions.
Drgnphre
09. Aug, 2008
All because someone didn’t like the way the book went.
5678kick
09. Aug, 2008
HOW SAD!! Truly truly truly heartbreaking! I won’t repeat what everyone else has said because I completely agree! Thank-you to everyone that keeps TwilightMoms up and running and deals with all the time. I hope that people can get a grip on their emotions to become rational thinking people again.
Esme echo
09. Aug, 2008
I am appalled that a “fan” was so self-absorbed and filled with hateful vengeance that she dedicated hours of her life to destroying the personal property of those she disagreed with–having no regard for the legality or morality of her actions.
I am appalled that so many young teens feel they have the right to spew vitrol wherever and in whatever amounts they desire, with no regard for the feelings of others. That’s not freedom of speech, that’s abuse! They may have a right to their opinions, but imposing those opinions on others on a private site is not a right, it is a privilege.
My heart goes out to Pel and Alphie; I miss the Lexicon! I miss my friends there! I hope the site can be brought back up essentially undamaged; but if not, I hope Pel and Alphie know how much their hard work has meant to me over the months since I was introduced to Twilight.
Thank goodness for Twilight Moms … I know I’m not alone in my obsession, ’cause you all are here, too! Thank you, Stephenie, for a wonderful, compelling, and completely enchanting story!
tx highlife
09. Aug, 2008
Thanks TM, I’m glad I was able to find out here what happened at the Lexicon. I am concerned bc I opened the email before I knew what happened so I hope I didn’t just invite a hacker to my computer. Its to bad this hacker didn’t use their time and energy doing something more creative then hacking into someone else’s web site, what a waste of knowledge.
cramirez
09. Aug, 2008
Wow, this is just really sad. I just finished reading BD and I was hoping to share my love for the books and have meaningful discussions with everyone here.. It is sad enough that some people have nothing good to say about SM and the saga but is it really necessary for them to destroy a private site? It is really scary how those people handle their emotions.
My heart goes out to SM, the Lex and to our wonderful moderators. I hope we get through this. I am looking forward for the forums to be open again. I truly miss our site.
glamblover
09. Aug, 2008
horrible…i cant believe someone would do that. whats the point? im a little confused by what happened…i didnt “love” breaking dawn like i did twi, nm, eclipse but i would never even think to do something like that….im actually re-reading bd and want to talk about it. how lame!
cliffdiver
10. Aug, 2008
Anyone heard of a problem at Twilight Fanfiction and Fanart site? I cannot get that site to come up tonight at all.