The Witch Wars explode – again?

It’s certainly been a long time since we’ve seen anything like this. Thanks to Mrs. B, author of Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom for this.

Pagans Against Plagiarism, a small Facebook group, has published some notes that have somehow originated from a group that is encouraging its members to attack members of Pagans Against Plagiarism online, and other Pagan Facebook groups. They have listed names, and have created links beside them. One of those names listed, is a minor according to US Law. I thought even myself was included on the list, but it was just a woman whom I share a last name with.

What is unclear at the moment is whether it really is a group of people who would call themselves Pagan, or if it is just a frustrated woman whose previously published book was withdrawn because it had been proven that a portion of the published material was effectively stolen. I don’t know at this point, as I’ve yet to find out more. Furthermore, the person instigating this stance is nicknamed Goblin Hunter, and the group Goblin Hunter runs is a closed group. With that, it should be noted that one cannot report this group since that is only available to members belonging to that group.

Yes, you read that right. Goblin Hunter. Just writing that reminds me of the absurdity of the situation. It’s been making the rounds on the Facebook groups, and there is a brilliant blogger who has been keeping up with this whole situation on Bustin’ Chops and has screenshots and a few posts that try to explain the people involved in the situation I am writing about.

When this sort of thing happens, I immediately hope that this does not leave the Pagan community because the mundane community already think some of us a bunch of idiots, so adding this would only incite more silliness.

It also makes me realise that Pagans are not exempt from people living on the fringe end of religious paths and lifestyles. Just because we have spells and have one step up, we still have to deal with the crazies just as much as other religious communities do.

So I guess… this is a bit of a warning to those in our community. Be very weary of whom you deal with, and when you come across situations like these, remain calm and deal with it in a reasonable and logical manner. Some groups can be brushed off with a simple chuckle and rolling of the eyes. Some groups can’t, but can be dealt with effectively if you get on with it. Pagan groups towing the line like this are not a new thing, and if you find yourself in a group that starts to fray, get yourself out immediately. If you have to, report it to the local authorities. In this case of the Goblin Hunter, someone has made a statement to local authorities. Without delay, remove yourself from the situation; don’t do anything senseless, and don’t get yourself caught up in the arguments, and negative discussion that could amount from something like this.

Pagans, of all people around, are duly aware of ethics and the importance they hold within our community, so if you are one of those people involved with this situation, make sure you are standing behind your own morals and beliefs with conviction, and (to quote my father) not out of utter stupidity. You know what is right and what is good, so do the right thing, and do it now before it blows up in your face.

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