this all began outside of the normal parameters... our little semi-collective house had a small rupture recently, and unfortunately we discovered that the small rupture, in turn, caused a minor betrayal of loyalties. how, you ask, did we unearth such a thing?

well, the house's email account, which we all have access to, and use to keep in touch with others who have some relation to the house's business (past, present and future), started evidencing something that hadn't ever been there before.

so, we were forced to take some real notes.

we're currently screening for a potential new housemate, and the messages coming back from people into the house account had "reply" copies at their lower ends. so the emails sent out were, unbeknownst to us, saying unpleasant things to potential roommates! and, además... the turncoat had suggested even further betrayal. working together against us.

as you can see...first potential suitor, lost.

Hey,
Aw! I really liked you! I'm sorry you won't be moving in here but wish you luck wherever you're going. Actually, I don't blame you. I too am probably going to be moving to the City as soon as possible. It used to be so nice here. But things here at our house have really changed over the past few months and they are really wanting young party people in here. So, I realized that I'm tired of dealing with misguided behavior. I'm looking for peace and the more beautiful things in life! So, I thought I'd mention that I am looking for a room just in case something opens up where you are moving or you hear of anything, maybe you could let me know (it never hurts to network!). Thanks.

Best wishes to you in all your endeavors! Enjoy today's sunshine!

...and the worst part of it all, that old thorn in the side, derogatory old City with a big letter. as if oaktown was the middle of f*king nowhere.


and then,

How are you? Hope that you are doing well. I am still interested in the option of renting the available room [...]
I am; however, concerned about your decision to move out, the household's ability to resolve conflict, and whether the remaining roommates would be able to behave in considerate and respectful ways. Your room is [...] not very well insulated from the noise, but I think that they should have respected your desire to sleep. Do they party a lot? Would you be willing to talk or e-mail me further about the situation?

There was more, but... more importantly, what should we do with such notes? wait and see? probe further? or burn em at the stake!




< and yes, one week later, there WAS more... the gig was up! >

Well, my roommates got into the email and found out that I had been
talking to people about the partying and about me wanting to move out. So, now they are having a field day. I really wish you hadn't written that long message with all the details. Now the situation here may get so bad that I'll have to leave sooner than I had wished. I had hoped to be discreet. I know you had good intentions but this really has screwed things up for me. Now I've got to move faster than I had wished to.

Good luck in your search for a room.

Lastly, and perhaps most unfortunately, the response to us housemates, when this sh*t came to light, man.

what is wrong with you? do whatever you like. I don't need to use that email address for anything. I don't feel the need to talk to you about anything and I'm not interested in doing so. for some reason you seem to be very aggressive towards me. please save it.

that's it, there you have it, kids. the end of the story, the whole shebang. sometimes you eat the bar, and well, sometimes the bar he eats you.