Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Mistake #44 Me


(Yes, I'm a dog.)


Well, I knew this day was going to come. However, I didn't think it would take 2 1/2 months. This was at first a supposedly funny response to another blogger's site, but I soon found that my blog's overnight popularity was more intriguing to me than trying to match wits with another blogger's dating rules.

Honestly, I initially had a lot of fun with this blog. Being anonymous to everyone had me laughing through the night. Sometimes I couldn't believe the conversations about the blog amongst my friends and my ward. Keeping a straight face became almost an art. Boston was having fits and Provo (27,000 unique visitors) was subtly becoming my Mecca. But as the posts continued, the conversations turned more disheartening than promising. Hearing that some girls were reduced to tears and others "deeply hurt" finally made me wonder, "don't they see I'm just having some fun here?" Now that I realize that I was wrong, I am here to tell the truth before I disappear from the blogosphere.

To all the RM sisters and those still planning on serving a mission, Gotcha! I think you are all great! No matter what stereotype that is pinned on you, I still remember you are doing the Lord's work in bringing souls unto Christ. I respect that. Really.

Actually, every "type" of girl that has been portrayed in my postings all have an extreme great worth. No one should be considered less datable based on an objective criteria. We are all "flawed" in some respect, and it's what makes us all unique. I'm probably the most flawed of all. Although I don't "live in my parents basement" "find myself unemployed" "extremely bitter toward girls" or even "wrapped in a web of video/computer games," I still have many undesirable characteristics & traits. But just like anyone who has felt humbled, I want to be better too.

As many of you can attest, I haven't provided any real answers on how girls or guys (for that matter) can find companionship. All I've really done is re-started the discussion of why dating is so frustrating. Truthfully, I have just brought up old adages that have been recycled over and over again. Maybe I've added a new spin or put some cheeky pop cultural reference on some, but it's nothing new. Granted, I have received quite the handful of questions that are often over my spectrum of expertise (okay, one MFHD class doesn't give me any expertise.) I am quite flattered, but have no elixir or remedy. From my personal dating forays, nothing has been more successful for me than being honest, caring, and loving.

From the bevy of commentators, I have thoroughly enjoyed the comments. I definitely looked forward to the comments more than I looked forward to writing the next post. However, some of you were way over the top and the language got a touch sour at times. I'm not one to complain, but just one that observed. As my posts continued to get worse, the comments became greater and more incendiary in nature. The pattern was staggering and my heart became more uneasy.

No matter how relevant the subject matter posted was, being hurtful doesn't help any of us progress. I believe I was more enthralled in the "Oh that's sooooo true" comments, that I turned a blind eye to those that were offended/struggling with the comments. There seemed to be a general consensus that if someone was offended by the blog that they shouldn't read what was before them, but we have always been taught to stand up for what we think is right. So I believe it was fair that those objecting to a post had the right to do so. I am definitely awed in the psyche of a person, though. The fact someone can dislike a site and still come back again and again is a bit funny & disturbing. I tracked the IP addresses of multiple "Anonymous" responders who disliked the blog and found a 87% return rate of the 174 people I followed.

From this blog, I have gained a love for writing, and consequently, a desire to work more diligently on my sentence structure, spelling, and grammar. Maybe I'll take a class on satire. I also have decided to use my writing for something more uplifting and less of a degradation to our LDS sub-culture. Maybe you'll find me in the future writing something because it's insightful and not because it's disrespectful.

My apologies to Mike Cunningham, Dave Alba, Mike Visser, Jansen Gunther, Paul Dozier, and to any other guy who was thought to be behind this blog. As much as you would like to hate these guys: they are all innocent. You can hate them for something else. But I ask sincerely that you don't.

Maybe I'm stopping because I have a conscience somewhere in my apparent, "cold, bitter, soul" (someone emailed that to me.) But, I won't continue through your congratulations or your daily need to read my "funny" postings. I figure one day I'll meet my Maker, and hopefully through some repentance, I will have already exonerated this garbage from my "body of work"

But until then, the only reason why Mormon Girls Stay Single is me. Dating and finding the right person is hard, but rewarding work. The last thing you need is a unsuccessful single guy telling you how you're screwing it up. Forgive me, I am but a boy. One day, hopefully, I'll be a man.

Until we meet again,
Peter Preisthood aka (------- ----- ---- ---)

Fin

P.S. I never got caught and I'm not from Provo or Boston :)

129 comments:

  1. I'm a returned missionary, single girl who thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts. Props to being clever and controversial. We'll miss you in the blogosphere.

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  2. Did your bishop find you out? Darn.

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  3. Don't go! I throughly enjoy reading your blog! I wish people didn't take things so personally that they had to ruin a fun, good thing.

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  4. Coward. Many of us spent hours laughing at your posts. Many were upset because a lot of what you write has some truth behind it. This is coming from a married mother-to-be in grad school.

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  5. SO SAD! I am going to miss the laughs. So much of what you said had some truth to it which is why I'm sure you offended some people. However, I am a strong believer that one CHOOSES to be offended. It's a state of mind. But good for you for doing what you think is right! Best wishes!

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  6. Good man, dead on! I've found this quote helpful, "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle". Sometimes we hide behind anonymous or pretend names but the people are real and we should try to uplift and support eachother. I also enjoyed your blog but I see your point in this post. God speed!

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  7. I would ask you to reconsider. Fear of speaking the truth should not be the reason to stop. Just because people's feelings get hurt from the truth, is not a reason to keep it quiet.

    I think these days in the church we spend too much time keeping the truth quiet. It's one of the reasons I admire the GAs, Apostles, and Prophet. They don't mince words. Like this past conference when they discussed how meeting prayers should be simple and concise and not another sermon or testimony. We have all seen people like that. Yet we never say anything because we don't want to hurt their feelings. And their behavior continues until the brethren eventually address it.

    I think we should speak speak the truth more often. I guess the real point is intent. Was the intent of your site to inform and educate and help girls get past the being single, while providing a laugh? Or was it to be mean? I want to believe it was the former. And if that is your intent, I say keep it going. If not, I'll gladly take over for you. :)

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  8. I was never offended by your blog. There were many times I said, with a chuckle, "Oh that is sooo true." I congratulate you on #1 your conscience, #2 your new found skill of writing (and wish you luck in pursuing it) and #3 I think it actually says a lot about you that you would have the decency to decide to stop if you feel like it's not what is in the best interest of others at this point. (I'm assuming your little sister came to you crying at some point about something "PP" had written) but all in all...thank you for the memories, I guess. best of luck!

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  9. The only reason this blog was hated is that it spoke the truth. The men in the church never stand up for themselves when they are attacked, and there is way too much whining instead of thinking from the other side. Then, a man stood and spoke the truth. The other men rejoiced, hoping that at least the blame game would become two-sided. Then, suddenly, he excused himself and sat down, trying to apologize for what he'd done. But either he has suddenly become cowed by shrieking chorus, or he has simply become bored with speaking the truth and has turned...to lies...!

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  10. it's a sad day with you leaving the blogosphere. what other random stranger's blog can i stalk for amusement after work?

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  11. thanks for the laughs. that sure was fun to read. good luck with life pp :)

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  12. Sad day...I loved hearing all the crazy bitter womens' comments!

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  13. Don't be so hard on yourself. Your tone did change, but we all kept coming back to read. I think that guys in the church get a bad rap and are harder on themselves and each other than is necessary. I can't conceive of a way to write a blog like this without stereotypes. Perhaps the reason Mormons stay single comes down to fear and choice. But mainly, it's a choice. Guys need to stop calling themselves dogs and girls need to stop acting so entitled. Thanks for the thoughts and the laughs! Good luck!

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  14. Thanks for this post. I'm one of those who didn't like the increasingly negative bent of the articles but found myself coming back to read new stuff. You are clever, and you did voice some of those thoughts that we've all thought guiltily in the back of our minds. Thank you for recognizing that not every thought should be expressed, no matter how "true" or clever it is.

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  15. Boooo, hissssss. I really liked this blog. And yeah, the comments from some people were WAY over the top and accusatory/demeaning (and a some of the blog entries were really generalized), but still... I liked it.

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  16. Dear Peter/Fin,

    Wow, I really enjoyed your blog. I think I emailed once because I was offended and that stuck in my head for awhile. I know what you mean on both sides. I think the people who are calling you a coward are wrong. You just feel like you have a standard to live up to and you're doing the best you can and what you think is right. I'm impressed. This post shows that you're a man. Good luck in your life and possibility of writing. You can make it (so long as you work on those mechanics).
    -Ginger Budd

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  17. While I think that the above comments have some truth, I do not agree that blaming the "other" in any way, shape, or form is condusive to any relationship. You have written many true things but I think that the accusatory tone of this blog was the real detriment. No one wants to be blamed for who they are, whether they can fix it or not.

    Having said that, I feel very strongly that man-bashing on the part of women is equally, of not more, destructive. We as women need to constantly strive to be the best we can be. If we are hurt by a man, that is indeed unfortunate, but hardly cause to blame the entire half of the human race.

    Men and women are different. We will never understand each other completely, and that is how it is meant to be. However, trying to relate to each other and being compassionate and understanding is the only way that the battle of the sexes will ever get any better. I wish we could try harder to treat each other as human beings and not as the enemy.

    I admire you for realizing that while you surely had good intentions, the method was a bit harsh. Previous posts didn't offend me so much as make me a little sad for the state of the world. I am heartened to see that you don't truly believe those things, although still saddened to see how many people agreed with you on certain points.

    Best of luck in future endeavours and I truly do admire you for what you have written in this post.

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  18. I just found your blog and now you are leaving.... I thought that this sight was funny and in some ways very true. I was never upset by anything that was said and I think you gave some fun light to a topic that is always talked about... So thank you and I hope you reconsider.

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  19. I too, just found your blog and I'm almost in tears :( Keep me in the loop and let me know if you decide to blog in real life ;) Your ability to entertain through writing was a pleasure to behold!

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  20. Ok So I was offended by ONE post and commented. I dont think you can please everyone all the time. I say keep writing and take that chance. For the most part I felt that this blog was HILARIOUS :)

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  21. I think that by the tone of these comments....you are going out on top...there is no better way to go out...good luck in all endeavors from here on out and if you blog them...let us in on it...

    another fan of your blog..

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  22. I'm glad you're quitting. I'm one of the people who have come to dread going to church each Sunday because of people's mean-spiritedness about appearance, dating, etc. I mean, yeah, the Gospel's the most important thing, but it sucks coming home crying from any activity, especially when it's a church one.

    Now, for once, one of the hateful people seems to have had a change of heart. That's inspiring to me.

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  23. i think curiosity killed the cat. i just came upon your blog and thought it was great.. I think you should keep going and keep in mind that you have your own personal opinion. but to go out the way you decide to go out is smart. you are just as much a child of god as anyone else.

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  24. Oh I am so sad! I just discovered your blog and I thought it was hilarious! I am a single mormon girl over the age of 20 who has a sense of humor, but I guess it was lost on a lot of people.

    Your blog sadly spoke the truth. I am sorry that people chose to get offended, and I wish that you would continue. But I admire the reason that you are stopping. I just hope you continue to regale your friends and acquaintances with the same quality of tales and that one day I get to hear more!

    Good luck with your future endeavors.

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  25. Sadness. I am in mourning now. Whatever shall we do now to make fun of the Mormon dating scene? Yes some posts made little sense, but there is no reason for any girl to be offended. If they are offended, it is because they choose to be.

    Keep on laughing.

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  26. Shame dude. I really enjoyed your posts and was happy that you so blatantly called this culture out. At the same time, I respect a man who can admit that something that hurts others feelings even though it's not intended to is wrong and should be stopped. God Speed, bro.

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  27. Did you choose to humble yourself or were you compelled?
    Though this post honestly seems completely sincere to me.
    Though I enjoyed the blog, it really is better it end.
    Well done P.P.

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  28. I'll miss you too, although I am glad to hear you do appreciate female RMs.

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  29. I'll miss you Pete. While some things were offensive - at least you had the guts to get some topics out there and get people (including myself) thinking about how we act!

    Props for getting out of the game - we'll miss you in the blogosphere!!!!

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  30. I think if people get offended they are just pathetic and most likely single. I hardly ever read blogs but I always hit this one up bc its awesome.

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  31. While I did get a kick out of most of your posts, I was beginning to get a little uncomfortable reading them. The way the comments got so heated was probably the worst part. Mostly I just enjoyed your style of writing, and I would like to see how it transfers to more uplifting subjects. I used to think you were a funny, intelligent loser. haha. Now I think you're funny, intelligent, and probably a pretty decent guy.

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  32. Ah, I lived for your blog updates. Even so, I understand your reasons for peacing out. Thanks for the smiles!

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  33. i'm bummed. i liked your blog even when people told me that you used mine as inspiration for your jabs at "married mormon blogs."

    wish you'd stay.

    if i offered you my sister (she's single and cute) would you keep blogging?

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  34. Oh my gosh are these people serious? It is a freaking BLOG. Get over yourselves (those who are offended) and read it for what the intention was (humor, with some truth mixed in). We all know most of what he wrote about happens in our culture of dating.

    So you crucify the guy?

    While you may call him or the other people who contribute to the blog cowards and dogs etc. it is you (the offended) who are indeed the cowards and dogs. You stooped to his "supposed level" in calling him names, places he will go that have endless punishment, yada yada.

    All in all PP, you should re-consider. If the dogs return to their so called vomit that is their fault, not yours. If they can't handle the type of humor, don't come back to flippin' site! Is it really that hard to not type in the address people?

    Write on man

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  35. I was VERY amused by your posts as I know a lot of my friends were as well. Although I am married now, I remember what it felt like to be a single Mormon girl (in Provo-which is the worst). It's hard to be single anyway but when you are Mormon it is even harder because you have the stress from your friends and the church making you feel like you should be married as soon as possible (after a mission if you are a guy). When I was a FRESHMAN my stake president spoke and said "If you aren't married in 4-5 years then there's a problem". We were 18 years old. I support my church leaders, but that's ridiculous.
    People who can't make fun of themselves are missing out on a lot of laughs and probably take things too seriously. Being a convert to the church I have noticed that there are a lot of Mormons that are like that. They are wonderful people, but they need to lighten up a little. I guess finding balance is hard. I bet you could make a new blog about why ALL GIRLS stay single or why people desperate to get married stay single and it would be just as amusing and not as "offensive" to some people.

    Don't feel too bad about the things you wrote :)

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  36. I enjoyed every single post. Start another blog, please =)

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  37. Sad day! I will miss the laughs, but oh well, hope all goes well for you in the future!

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  38. I found in rather interesting to have a glimpse into the world of men! A lot of times guys clam up and won't tell us what they really think so this was a breath of fresh air! How sad you're stopping! I hope you reconsider too!

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  39. I think you ran out of reason for why girls are retarded but that's ok, I'm over it. However I did enjoy reading all the posts, they made for some good laughs. Peace out Pete.

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  40. Ok, so I FULLY expect an e-mail from you asap now! No matter what has happened or the fantastical comments you have gotten I think you are very classy for bringing it back to the real and speaking from the heart in this, your final post. I am sad I didn't get a feature as I asked (ha ha)!!! At least you know you can garner an audience :) K, get on that e-mail or g-chat now!

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  41. wow... this is so unexpected... I wish it weren't so and I wish that you wouldn't leave...

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  42. In my humble opinion, a classy end to a hilarious blog. Thanks for the laughs and good discussions. A lot of my female friends asked me questions about these posts and in a strange way, I think some misconceptions on both sides were cleared up, although for some, new prejudices may have been created as well.

    After reading your posts and some of the comments, I think it is fair to say that the truth can be both harsh and hilarious. No matter what you do in life, you will offend someone so I hope that doesn't stop you from writing about your views, especially when they may be controversial.

    Although I don't agree with everything you wrote, it is refreshing to read posts by someone who is willing to pop the bubble. Thanks, Peter!

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  43. No!!! Keep writing!! While you got some things wrong, for the most part you are so right it's ridiculous. I have thoroughly enjoyed the posts and now I will have nothing to distract me from work.

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  44. PP- I see you've caught the writing bug...addicting, isn't it?! I will look forward to your future musings. xoxo

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  45. A coward? No way. It takes guts for him to come here and admit he was wrong. Even if you don't think he was wrong, he obviously does, and it takes courage to come out and say that.

    Of any group of people out there, the LDS people should really respect the other gender. We know why the two seperate genders, and how it is supposed to be. Bashing one gender is flat out wrong. I agree that man-bashing is a problem, too, but that doesn't justify bashing women. Both sides need to step up and show dignity and respect.

    PP- This took class and guts, and I admire that. You are witty and have a good writing style. I'd love to see it be used in an area that I could truly enjoy. I always liked your style, but stopped reading this blog because of the subject matter. Perhaps there is another topic you'd jump into the blogosphere with?

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  46. I'll be honest, I read some of your posts and was hugely offended, most particularly by the girl missionary post. At the same time, I realized that what really bothered me about your site was that it seemed to mock the church - from your heading (near identical to lds.org) to your code name and the names of your contributors to branding all of us single Mormon girls sad and pathetic. I understand the need for anonymity, but I didn't see the need to poisen the callings of Elders Quorum Leader, etc, by having them say/post such things. I felt saddened by the negative image that this site presented to the world, who don’t understand the subtleties of wards and our particular style of dating. I wish you could have found a way to temper that side of it. I agree with many of the comments above, that you were telling the truth, and from where I sit, having an honest male perspective is not only entertaining, but hugely enlightening. I think one of the major issues in dating, especially LDS dating, is that we have such a skewed idea of what is cute/fun/sexy to the opposite sex. In many ways, your blog was an LDS answer to “He’s Just Not That Into You” and helped clarify so many things. So I never thought I would say this, but thank you for your blog and I am sad to see it end.

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  47. PP,
    if you ever re-start this blog or start a new blog email me at nate_nate_nate2002@yahoo.com and don't let other less blessed people control what you say or do. Everyone who has ever read this blog has to know your talking about the extremes of every situation and if they didn't catch that they probably won't get offended either cause they wouldn't know it was talking about them. in short it was better to have loved your blog and lost it than to have never loved at all.
    DATESTRONG

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  48. Thanks for the laughs Pete. We'll miss you.

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  49. "The only reason why Mormon Girls Stay Single is me."

    Bold, funny, very you, and probably untrue, but thanks anyways. Don't tell your future wife you're the writer until you get back from the honeymoon. Have a wonderful life!

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  50. i am so sad you are leaving the world wide web. thank you for your posts and for introducting me to burberry brit. :]

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  51. oh dang!!! this blog was hilarious to me! but what a way to be a classy guy and apologize to those who were offended (which is kinda ridiculous to have been offended) BUT, that's just my opinion. Sad to see you go!! PS. I totally know some of the guys you named in this post, haha and I laughed and thought that i could see them writing this blog. so funny!

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  52. Dagnabbit!! don't stop! or at least start a new blog or something... I've only recently begun following and i don't want to see it end. :( And to those offended, simply cannot take a joke. From the way i see it, you were just stating stereotypes that we ALL know exist, and making a joke out of them, which is a better way to treat life than ignoring their existence. :D keep up the good work, my friend, and i hope to see you or your writing sometime in the future!

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  53. Thanks for all the great blog posts and laughs! My friends and I checked your blog every few days just to have a good laugh together. We'll miss WMGSS!

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  54. God Speed PP, I've enjoyed most of your articles, chimed in on several, and hope to have enlightened, and have been enlightened by much of it.

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  55. ah shoot- this was a fabulous source of entertainment and distraction from things I should be getting done. Perhaps use your sense of humor and insight on the disgustingly contrived LDS single life on a new blog? eh?

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  56. Bummer... this blog is too funny and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I totally get why you are stopping though... it's one of those things that couldn't last forever and it's probably time to move on. Congrats on not getting caught!!

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  57. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  58. dangit! this is tragic.
    I loved your blog.

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  59. I only read your blog a handful of times. I thought it ridiculous for one to make fun of the very culture "he" is a part of. But sure, I laughed on occasion due to the hilarious truths of our Mormon culture. But I've always thought you're really a FEMALE. That or you're gay. If you ARE a man, next time have the balls to show your face. But nice job for apparently pulling off the anonymous thing. Praise the Lord, it's over.

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  60. NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I can't believe it's over. I looked forward to this blog making me laugh each week. Women are so quick to dish out the critisim on men but they can't take it themselves. Are you really stopping this blog because of some poor girls feelings? Coming from a family of MANY single women and having attended some SA (not YSA) wards this blog speaks the truth. I'm glad that someone has taken the responsibility to inform single Mormon girls about what makes them unattractive. Some people really needed to hear it.

    Here's a GA quote for those who were offended, "The larger and the more untamed one’s ego, the greater the likelihood of his being offended..." Neal A. Maxwell.

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  61. I think your downfall was changing your page to look more like the official church website. That's just wrong, man.

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  62. Dear Peter Priesthood,

    Thank you for clearing my name of any wrongdoing associated with this reprehensible blog.

    Sincerly,
    Paul Dozier

    PS: Yer a New Yorker, aren'tcha? I can keep a secret. If so, drop me a line. I have another blog idea in the works that you might find interesting.

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  63. I am disgusted with people. If they didn't agree with you or were offended...DONT READ IT. Simple as that. Sad. My roomates loved reading these on our blackberry's and would text eachother when it was updated we loved it so much. BYU Idaho loved u!

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  64. Sorry to see you go. I enjoyed reading your viewpoint. Best of luck to you.

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  65. I'm so sad to see your blog go! I was so amused by it. It's too bad people were offended. As the quote goes "Offense is something taken, not given." Please keep me updated if you make a new blog, your voice is one that is singular and I enjoy reading your expressed opinions. Good luck with your future literary endeavors.

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  66. I loved this blog! Thanks a lot. And dude, if I ever meet you in real life, please shake my hand. :)

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  67. you are not a hateful person. sorry if i am someone who's language you didn't like, for saying "douchebag." i loved this blog and thought it was a riot, and utterly true. anyone that got offended is just overly sensitive! i would say keep writing, but like some people commented--you are going out classy. thanks for the laughs.

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  68. I just found your blog!
    I think that people out there need to grow some skin.

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  69. Wow, I discovered this blog two days ago and you're quitting already? You're blog was a overnight success!

    Did you offend somebody important to you?

    There was a bright future for this blog and you killed it faster than Fox can kill a promising television series.

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  70. Serious?! I am SO sad! My institute class here in Texas loves this! It's the best. I think you did a lot of good by making people laugh!!!!! Well, sad day... good bye. Best of Luck!
    P.S. - People take themselves a bit too seriously... unfortunate.

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  71. Anyone who was offended by this blog seriously needs to get over it. In no way was the author ever stereotyping "all LDS women." He pointed out particular behaviors of certain women that are unattractive.
    I followed all the blogs that women made in response to this and I am now fully aware that women do not find it attractive when men are unemployed, obsessed with video games, don't plan their dates in advance, and can only talk about themselves. I don't find this offensive at all.
    Furthermore I love hearing and reading horror stories of dates with guys who show these behaviors. A time or two I actually thought "wow, I totally did that once. I can't believe how stupid I was." Never once was I offended by this type of humor.
    The only time I was offended was when a female posted somewhere on some of them that ALL mormon males are addicted to porn. THAT is stereotyping. This blog was not, it's called exaggerated humor people.

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  72. Man, I think if you really feel that way, then I understand why you want to quit. However, if there is any part of you that wants to continue, please do so! Why I do not find every article to be dead on and amazingly funny, I did like this blog overall and agreed with most points made in it.
    It's obvious that when truth is spoken, people will be offended. You will NEVER make everyone happy, but you chose to talk about a controversial subject and I applaud you for that.
    Thanks for the entertainment and good luck!

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  73. A part of me just died. It's too bad that some people get offended so easily, when it is clear that we all have issues. I wish you would reconsider but I fully respect your decision and your kind heart to stop writing if people are becoming offended.

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  74. Maybe people in general just need to lighten up! Many of your posts were quite delightful. Us gnomes think you'd be a grand addition to the gnome home. Don't ask.

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  75. This is a joke, right? You're not really quitting us are you?

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  76. Hey Mr "PP" aka sensitive, do you really have time to check out every blog that comments about you? Wow! Maybe you should 1.quit lurking and go out and get some fresh air. 2.Take some constructive criticism and relax. I think your blog is great a little harsh at times, especially against sister missionaries(and I personally feel bad you haven't met any cool ones.)but just what some chicks(including myself) need to hear. The truth is everyone is entitled to their own opinion so maybe instead of being a baby and "shutting it down" be a bIt more open minded.

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  77. At first I thought this post was about girls who own too many dogs or pets, and how that helps keep them single. That would've been a good one. Maybe I'll write it.

    I haven't read most of these comments, but I will probably echo others in saying that shutting down the blog is premature. Of course people will be offended. Everyone needs a little indignant outrage sometimes. Write enough, and you're bound to offend everyone at some point, even your biggest fans. That shouldn't keep you from writing.

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  78. I think what many people are missing is that it's not all about being offended, which implies arrogance and entitlement. Perhaps instead it is about discouragement, and that many women felt a decrease in hope...that if she had served a mission (aka followed personal revelation), wasn't 18, etc., then perhaps the posts and the comments of "ooh that's true" are right. Perhaps the fear is that despite being pretty/nice/friendly, she would always do or be something that would mess things up. Your apology was quite beautiful, though.

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  79. sad...i just thought it was funny...but i'm really excited for the day you fall in love and have to tell your wife about this blog...hopefully she has a good sense of humor like you so she'll think its funny...but i also hope she read it cuz that would be classic haha good luck ;)

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  80. I thought the posts were quite hilarious and well written. I'll miss them

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  81. I have to admit, I do find almost all (and that is pretty much 85.9%) of your posts incredibly insightful and intriguing. It is not for the cure of my boredom to the max, but because it mostly speaks for pretty much how I feel about others. Some I agree and some I disagree but for the most part, it has all been very lighthearted and well-written. I am thoroughly entertained by the pop-culture references, something that I've always wished I had the writing creativity to pass for but fail every single time. But, apologies accepted. lol You now leave me curious about your real identity, maybe if I have the time to track you down, I will certainly give you a piece of my mind, which I'd rather do physically. lol j/k

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  82. This is a bunch a bull, man. What is the deal, are you a wussy little girl or something? I'm not madly in love with your blog or anything, but how are you going to be such a push-over? Here are the facts, and feel free to pass these gems on to the idiots who don't already know them:
    a.)This blog is not some meaningful, life-affirming chicken-soup-for-the-mormon-soul. It's a joke.
    b.)This blog is in no way meant to be a roadmap to get those poor single girls well on their way to marriage. IT'S A JOKE.
    c.)This blog isn't nearly important enough to garner this much animosity. It's not a session of the UN Security Council people. Nothing in here will in any way affect your life unless you let it. Cuz, as previously stated, it's a joke.

    Dude, get over yourself. Stop wallowing in your own pool of self-pity becawse sum meenie hed towd you you were nawghty (said in my best droopie dawg voice). If writing is what you love, specifically writing this blog, then DO IT. Screw the commentators who don't have the balls (gender-neutral) to get out there and actually have an opinion of their own.

    P.S. Love the comment that refers to you as "Fin". Funniest part of this post.

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  83. I think something else may have had a role in PP's decision to humble himself. For instance, something that occured over the weekend, you know, major event for the members, lots of discussion about being Christlike, maybe even comments liike: "The tendency to focus on the insignificant at the expense of the profound happens to everyone." Or "I wonder what could be accomplished if we 'put away childish things' and gave ourselves, heart and soul, to becoming worthy priesthood bearers and true representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ."

    Just saying, perhaps the GC call to repentence struck a chord in PP and made him realise that regardless of fun intent, this blog was not magnifying himself, or the young ladies it was addressing nearly as much as it was harming himself.

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  84. While you are all waiting for the Second Coming of this blog, Sometimes I Write Things too!
    www.jennakimjones.com

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  85. It seems like none of the folks defending the blog or being sad that it's ending actually read the last entry. That was a classy way to say "being the guy who splintered the single LDS community isn't the way I want to go down in history." All of you who loved watching girls get mercilessly mocked and derided for 10 weeks kind of make me sad. Mormon dating is hard enough without drawing stupid lines in the sand.

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  86. That was really sweet! I enjoyed your blog but will admit it was kind of mean at times, on the hard some of those comments were even more mean .. seriously why do people think its ok to be LDS and use some of the language you guys did?

    Good for you for doing what you feel is right and being a true deciple of Christ. Someone was paying attention during Conference. :)

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  87. Sad day, I always enjoyed your blog! I hope to read your future books. Good luck! Thanks for the laughs.!.

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  88. I don't think this blog splintered the LDS community. Frankly a lot of things said is true. Take the Sister RM joke/jab; every missionary says that, it's a common joke, a common line to say that you'll be the junior companion in you marry a sister missionary. Even if it isn't true in practice, it is still said.

    The guy merely exaggerated that.

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  89. look, just because something is a common joke doesn't make it any less obnoxious. that sister missionary stuff is a perfect example. it's insulting, it's stupid and it's not funny. perpetuating a stereotype is a tired kind of comedy.

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  90. If you're going to make fun of Mormon culture, that is going to be included. We all know it is false, but even still I have friends who are married to women who served a mission and they even jest about it.
    Is it stupid? Yes, but if you make a blog making fun how Mormon girls are single, and include Mormon cultural things, that is bound to be brought up. If you find it insulting then you just have to accept that that is what guys joke about, or many of them.
    And regardless of being insulting, what he said about sister missionaries is spot on with what is said, or spread around in jest. And with him including that means he wasn't going to spare the common perception, which is good for him.

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  91. I for one am thoroughly disappointed that I won't be able to read new posts here. As a very single Mormon girl, I was never offended or thought the author was evil or hateful. Sarcastic, yes, but apparently sarcasm is lost on a lot of people. I'll miss this blog.

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  92. Is Paul STILL single??? Man he should have married my sister when he had the chance!
    ----- I guess he never really had a chance.. I take that back.

    Too bad your blog isn't going to be around any more... It was a great laugh.

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  93. i'll miss your blog, but i'm also happy that you've cleared up all the negativity. you're not a jerk face after all! but even when i thought you were a jerk, i still thought you were immensely entertaining.

    MISS YOU ALREADY!!

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  94. you obviously wrote this blog to be controversial so why would you stop because you got what you aimed for

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  95. turns out my sister actually knows who you are (not going to name any names), and she has informed me that you were kinda acting out from your bitterness in the mormon dating realm. i hope your satire on "this world" doesn't come back to bite. it was initially funny, but it came to a point...

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  96. sounds like anonymous and their sister needs to take a chill pill. i love this blog and hope it continues...i'm sharing it with friends and they love it. AND return sister missionaries love it....I'm one and it turns out that my MTC teacher and her husband read this blog too!

    it also sounds like anonymous and her sister are mormon girls that have found out why they're still single and can't take it.

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  97. And I just bought Burberry Brit and the CG Bigelow mint stuff! Sad! :) I'll let you know if it helps though. Ha ha.

    You will surely be missed... thank you for the great times. I'm a single 25 year old girl... and I love you. Okay, you know.. in the right way. Not in the creepy way. Promise. :) You take care... and come back someday, please?

    Best wishes!

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  98. i thought it was funny too when some chick thought you meant your name was Fin. hahahaha. priceless.

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  99. Ha ha, I almost bought Burberry Brit when it was talked about on here. Were it not for the fact that I am destitue and living below the poverty level, I totally would have.

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  100. Please don't quit! What this world (and this bubble needs is someone who will be honest, regardless of how brutal it is. There's not a bigger wake up call than picking yourself out of an article that is supposed to be a joke! Please don't quit!

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  102. too bad i found this blog a little too late. anyhow, you may like this:http://jendar.blogspot.com/2009/02/strong-latter-day-saints-single-women.html

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  103. funny I totally thought this was a women writing:D Its my first time to the blog and the last, let me just say this to Mark.. Mormon men think they can get the cream of the crop and often over look some wonderful women, I am a married mother, with my "mrs. Degree" I often scratch my head and wonder why so many wonderful women are single. However I do agree that no one likes a hater, well written however..

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  104. I just started a blog for the single rm guys. Check it out. Feel free to send me tips.
    http://whyrmguysaresingle.webs.com/apps/blog/

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  105. People need to stop taking things so seriously. I thoroughly enjoy this blog and am sad to see you go!

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  106. Dude, I am honestly very impressed. Herein lies the first evidence of you standing up to your name! Peter, your are cool!

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  107. :( You posts are super funny!!! Sorry to see you go.

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  108. bummer, i thought your posts were HIL-AR-IOUS! if it offends them why did they come back? the world will never know. but thats dumb, people are dumb, but you are funny. mabye just do a post a month? haha, but really. good luck

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  109. Don't Go!! Your blog is funny. The girls that get there feeling hurt need to get over it. Just keep writing and stay silent, thats what makes this blog great!!

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  110. I love how everyone says that it's wrong for anyone to get offended by anything. What they mean is if they are not personally offended, then no one else has the right to be offended either, or they must be self-righteous/stuffy/whatever. And by that logic, none of us should be offended or bothered by people who lie to us, disrespect our family, our friends, our church, our God, because we CHOOSE to let them offend us. I'm sure NONE of you have EVER been offended by someone doing these things, because that would just be wrong!

    Sorry, pet peeve of mine when people take a GC talk out of context.

    Aside from that, I think you have a gift for observation and writing, but those gifts were not being used to edify or uplift. I felt like there seemed to be REAL anger behind it, and that came through in your writing. It was still funny, but it was mean-funny, and I personally think humor is a powerful tool because it subtly confirms things we've seen in real life, so we have to be careful that we're not using it to throw mud (funny, clever mud) at someone with a smiling face.

    Don't get me wrong, I adore satire, and many of your earlier posts were great without being angry/condensing in any way that made me uncomfortable. I just think we can jab at each other more gently but still get the point across in a way that makes people want to change instead of get hurt or angry.

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  111. Nice job on the final post. Very introspective. I respect that.

    The old saying is never discuss politics or religion-- but among Mormon singles this is definitely the fireball of all fireball topics. It is sad that it cannot be discussed objectively and/or honestly without going into gross stereotypes.

    We've all had those "check please!" moments in dating. However, he (or she) who has never unwittingly creeped out a date, cast the first stone.

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  112. Out on a high note. Nice. Best of luck!

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  113. I think it's funny how people are acting like this blog uncovered some sort of unspoke truth. You yourself admitted that you are just repeating stereotypes that have been annoying people for years. It's not refreshing, it's repetative. this blog could have been funny because the subject is funny, but it was just mean. making fun of people is not the same as standing up for yourself.

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  114. thanks for the call out that it wasn't me...but let's just be clear...I'm a narcisist, so I don't mind attention...even if it's bad. Any press is good press right!?

    David Alba

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  115. I'm not Mormon, and I didn't stumble across your blog 'til long after its heyday, but I just wanted to say that I thought it was quite clever. I'm a single Mennonite, so as I read through your blog, I could easily imagine what you might have written if you were writing from within MY subculture. :)

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  116. Good on ya for ending it. There may have been some truth to some of it, but some of it really did come out pretty hateful even if you didn't mean it. This is the danger of the internets. Maybe if you had a blog that was a little less one-sided and pointed out the troubles with dudes also? I was worried that some women might take some of it too seriously and I hate to see my sisters down. If anyone even bothers reading through these comments, know Ladies that despite violating a couple of the rules listed on this site I got my sweet awesome husband at just shy of 30 years, and one day you will get yours. Just be happy.

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  118. Wow, you grew a heart? Huh...or did you find love? It sounds like a romantic comedy in the making...bitter guy makes blog, finds love, girl finds out about double life, misunderstanding, and then boom--you're apologizing in your blog and then later when you're catching up to her taxi on her way to the airport in the rain and you say, "No! Please! Check out my latest blog!" and them BOOM, all is happy and then credits roll. And then you're coming out with your next blog about... "Why M. Guys stay single." Beautiful.
    Oh, but seriously, you need to publish your name because if you DO decide to publish (especially in the LDS genre), you'll have tons of girls buying your stuff, hoping for your autograph and quite possibly your heart...because everyone knows that girls (judging by a lot of these comments) like men who treat them bad, and then a reformed rogue?--even better (maybe a bigger reason why we single girls aren't married). Oh my, money in the bank. Of course, I don't want to tell you how to run your business. Enjoy!

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  119. I Think you should continue writing there are a lot of people including myself who love your blog. remember you will always offend someone!! people are like that i think you are entitled to your opinion and i think you have probably helped a lot of people. I say keep it up! : )

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  120. I also think the lds church keeps so many things quiete and there are a lot of things that need to be said and i think you say theym quite well! maybe i didnt read the blogs that were offensive.. why stop because a few cry babys got offended haha man i will miss this blog!

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  121. I am somewhat peculiar in that I am an ex-mormon but not an anti-mormon. I came to what might be called a "gentleman's disagreement" about certain items of doctrine and could no longer live what I could no longer believe. But certain aspects about the church I still miss and still think rocks: I admire the encouragement for food storage; the "word of wisdom" (in a world where there's precious little of that commodity); and most especially I admire the social activities the church organizes to get singles together and meeting one-another. How frikkin' cool is that? Out here in the cold dark non-mormon world, it's a very harsh jungle. Sometimes I even consider pretending to believe all that "found gold plates in the woods" crap just to have a more supportive community in which to try to find that special someone. If you do have a stretched enough imagination to envision that all the claims made by that New York huckster were "true", then by all means hang onto it and cherish it. Live the dream. Shine on you crazy diamonds! Much love... :)

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  122. I was just introduced to your blog by a friend. You are a very good writer - I appreciate that. Certainly pretty harsh at times. I appreciate that you have done some introspection, as we all have to do from time to time. As someone who was single for many years, it can be painful; and while I love a laugh as much as the next, somethings cut a little too deep. Somethings look at a stereotype and forget the child of god inside. Anyway, I think you wrapped it up pretty well. From my experience what the whole dating situation needs is a little more caring and understanding and a little less judging. But thank you for sharing your talents

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  123. http://latterdaysaintwoman.wordpress.com/

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