Your comments about DC Darkside are always welcome. Please feel free to comment  in this public forum so we can share your thoughts with other visitors.

Add Your Comments

 Your Name:

E-Mail (Optional):



After you submit your comments, you will need to reload this page with your browser in order to see your additions to the log.


UserName: Sharon Tom
UserEmail:
Time: 18:20:27
Remote User:

Comments

It's been a long time since I read writing that touches a nerve about problems in our society. I don't live in Washington, have visited a couple of times but the way the author captures the gritty hardships of life and "success" in Washington brought a sense of realism that I probably wouldn't have received in the news.

UserName: Red
UserEmail: jazzmonkey@hotmail.com
Date: 25 Oct 1996
Time: 17:14:45
Remote User:

Comments

Great stuff, a little cynical, though. Now that I'm a college student living in Denton, TX, your site helps me show my friends what my hometown is about. -Former Adams Morgan resident

UserName: Rene Sarafian
UserEmail: SaraF39
Date: 29 Oct 1996
Time: 17:07:43
Remote User:

Comments

What a great page!!!!! Thanks for the information and thought provoking articles. I will visit you often now that I know you exist.

UserName: Ray Davis
UserEmail: rdavis@a2znet.com
Date: 24 Dec 1996
Time: 07:27:10
Remote User:

Comments

This has to be one of the best sites on the web. Interesting topics and very well written. Will be back often. Thanks.

UserName: Adolfo Abalos
UserEmail: abalos@eros.com
Date: 11 Jan 1997
Time: 00:35:31
Remote User:

Comments

It almost makes you wanna slash your wrists. Thank god I moved out of Fairfax (Fairfucks) Co. as I refer to it. Most people schizophrenic, It is adding years to my life living in Carrol County, I look back at my years of living in the Wash. area as a bad dream. I'll be checking this site periodically. Please keep it up. thanks Adolfo

UserName: al
UserEmail: LOLO@SATURNNET.COM
Date: 13 Jan 1997
Time: 10:20:57
Remote User:

Comments

my hats off to josh watkins.a man of decency and respect.we need more josh watkins. al (a whitey)

UserName: Chuck Beretz
UserEmail: cberetz@farmland.org
Date: 21 Jan 1997
Time: 12:02:50
Remote User:

Comments

Doug-

In your recent article on ebonics you state -- and your interviewee concurs -- that the Oakland school board wants to teach ebonics. This is simply untrue. The school board wanted ebonics recognized as a distinct language so that the teachers could have the legal authority to use ebonics as a tool in the teaching of STANDARD english.

This is no different than current secondary school language programs. My wife, for example, who is a spanish teacher, must occasionally rely on English as a conduit for teaching spanish.

Thanks for providing an entertaining and challenging site.

Chuck Beretz

UserName: Michael
UserEmail: Killey@MSN.com
Date: 26 Jan 1997
Time: 00:31:35
Remote User:

Comments

Great short stories, I spent the last hour reading and enjoying most. Thanks! The site is well designed and the articles entertaining and at times frightening. Several hit home. A good overall composition of material. Keep up the good work, how often do you change stories?

UserName: Tracey Henley
UserEmail: thenley@nnsdc.com
Date: 27 Jan 1997
Time: 16:46:03
Remote User:

Comments

Bob Levey you ain't. Is this stuff true? If it is, why aren't you writing for our major dailies? I know, I know -- you're too hard-edged and this electronic medium allows you the freedom the Post Metro editors won't. But hey -- you're really good. I'm definitely hooked on DC Darkside.

UserName: WILLIAM WILKINS
UserEmail: WWILKINS@CONCENTRIC.COM
Date: 01 Feb 1997
Time: 15:26:30
Remote User:

Comments

I read your "bleeding heart" on the dark side section of your site, you have exeptional skills in this format. ( My Uncle drools when I give him your articals, he has been a reporter for 40 years.) This weeks Dark Side is interesting, I have been in the same position as the board member on several occaions, at a much lower level, supervisior or second line manager, and I have never regreted giving someone a second chance.

In each occasion that I gave someone some help, the person involved was caught up in the "I am destroying my self because I am suppose to be..... (FILL IN THE BLANKS). Given help none of those people have ever returned to their previous self destructive behavior. It can be difficult, some people don't want help, but some have an inner core that has been twisted and a little fire and forge can straightens out, these people can be saved.

To come back and reproach them after the fact is an abomonation, the person who does so is a jerk, I spent some time in the military and I can think of a lot stronger terms.

W. J. Wilkins

UserName: jillian
UserEmail: jmackin@mat.net
Date: 02 Feb 1997
Time: 01:44:31
Remote User:

Comments

This is one powerful website. I live in DC at the corner of 13th & Mass., NW. I know these people. I am these people. You are on the pulse of the good and the bad. Thanks for some great reading.

UserName: Walter Knowles
UserEmail: knowles@fp.com
Date: 12 Mar 1997
Time: 12:33:57
Remote User:

Comments

Just found your column. Excellent stuff!

UserName:
UserEmail:
Date: 14 Mar 1997
Time: 12:03:33
Remote User:

Comments

I THINK THAT THIS IS A REALLY NICE THING TO DO. IT'S INFORMING US , THE PEOPLE ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON IN OUR CAPITAL.

UserName:
Walter Talbott
UserEmail:
wdt@ix.netcom.com
Date:
03 Apr 1997
Time:
18:57:08
Remote User:
 

Comments

Incredible site with fantastic writing.

Keep up the good work.

UserName:
Dina Mac
UserEmail:
dinamac@ici.net
Date:
05 Apr 1997
Time:
21:40:33
Remote User:
 

Comments

Thought the two stories I read were interesting. I'd like something in the title that would be a bit more illuminating about the subject matter. Keep up the good work.

UserName:
J. E. Guerra R.
UserEmail:
 
Date:
09 Apr 1997
Time:
01:09:04
Remote User:
 

Comments

Before I go any further with my comments, I would like to let you know that keeping this site out on the open in the net, is a great thing to do. Congratulations.

I was touched once again by this very sensitive topic. I have read and heard this stories before, and everytime, it makes me realize how unsifisticated and primitive, not to mention cruel, this world in which we live is.

The lives of many of this man were changed for ever, they were made to do things that will never be erased from their minds. While some may be able to deal with their past, others suffer an unjust penalty. A penalty for being turn into killing machines, and for all the memories of all the killing they were mentally forced to commit.

UserName:
Evey
UserEmail:
yvonne.m.fleming@usace.army.mil
Date:
16 Apr 1997
Time:
10:31:30
Remote User:
 

Comments

I love D.C. Darkside. I usually count the days until you put up a new story. And a lot of times I go back and read the old ones. They are great! Keep up the good work! I really enjoy it and so do all of my friends.

UserName:
GU
UserEmail:
 
Date:
25 Apr 1997
Time:
17:22:05
Remote User:
 

Comments

Sounds pretty familiar.

UserName:
Chris Irving
UserEmail:
patpat@netvigator.com
Date:
02 May 1997
Time:
13:25:38
Remote User:
 

Comments

One of your best (the heart attack man). Car theft, teenage porn stars, guns, going broke on $1m pa ... great but essentially of sharpest interest in the US (or perhaps just DC). Middle aged man, heart/health etc ... a universal theme! Language? Get a couple of quotes from real (=scientific approach to the subject) linguists, it's fascinating, but not perhaps as big an impact as you wrote. Guns, cars, pollies (politicians), poverty, ... rather too focussed on the peculiarities of US/DC society for my interest (Zairians have somewhat different concerns, as do Sao Paulo street kids, backwater Chinese peasant farmers, unemployed Spanish youth.

Hey, don't get me wrong! You're writing about the US/DC, so my views reflect just a reader in Hong Kong.

Now sex, there's a universal human theme. Wow, what kind of wacky, wierd values do people there have??? Science has just begun to scratch the surface of where it all comes from (we are not plants, and at least we should understand what our hormones etc try to do with our bodies before we pontificate about how we should/should not behave). Perhaps a little more humility in our attitudes would be appropriate (not to mention tolerance). Of continual fascination to me is where does the incredible US (excuse my generalisations) up-tight attitudes to sex come from? Puritan antecedents? Over-weaning (Protestant) Christian ethics? Insecurity ("I'm not sure about my job, family or friends, so I'll take it out on sex)? Unhealthy feedback (very free press, sex sells, so let's beat up sex!)?

Hong Kong? It's getting hotter and even more humid; US$1m for a pokey (900 square foot) apartment is a bargain, and annual salary rises have fallen to below 5% for the first time in 40+ years (but GDP/capita is still within the global top 10 on a PPP basis). So, objectively, this is one of the most advanced civilizations in the world; pity more of those a fair bit lower down the tree can't see it, they might learn something valuable.

Keep up the good writing!

UserName:
JL
UserEmail:
jl8833@erols.com
Date:
21 May 1997
Time:
19:10:02
Remote User:
 

Comments

Doug,

I just read your story, "A Question of Manners." I assume that the man in this story is you--if so, I say thanks to you. The sorry state of society these days and the total breakdown of societal manners is very disheartening. I am not an extremist in any sense of the word, however, I feel that "your" actions in this case (and in some of the earlier stories) were fully justified. I'm just jealous that I don't have the necessary training to do the same things.

Great columns, I hope you keep writing them for a long while, since I have all friends hooked on them.

Thanks.

JL

UserName:
chuck
UserEmail:
chuck@olg.com
Date:
23 May 1997
Time:
23:52:51
Remote User:
 

Comments

Maybe we need some more guys like that ex-SEAL.

UserName:
Lacye
UserEmail:
lacye@temc.com
Date:
30 May 1997
Time:
17:35:38
Remote User:
 

Comments

Hi, Douglas. Hope you have a good weekend and are planning to spend a little time writing a new D.C. darkside--I need a little variation in my life. Enjoy. Lacye

UserName:
Will Kelly
UserEmail:
willk@tiac.net
Date:
16 Jun 1997
Time:
20:10:47
Remote User:
 

Comments

The stories touched a nerve. Very powerful writing. The site got me thinking of short stories again.

UserName:
al
UserEmail:
alinc@powernet.net
Date:
28 Jun 1997
Time:
13:29:53
Remote User:
 

Comments

excellent. best website of all

UserName:
Hasan Hakeem
UserEmail:
taqwa@usa.net
Date:
07 Jul 1997
Time:
09:38:32
Remote User:
 

Comments

Exceptional writing...interesting subject matter. I enjoy reading your columns.

UserName:
Don Wohlfarth
UserEmail:
wohlfrth@erols.om
Date:
21 Jul 1997
Time:
09:32:02
Remote User:
 

Comments

Congratulations, this is one of the best ideas you've had recently. You work too damn hard. Maybe you'll find that there's more to life than nursing your laptop. With fresh batteries maybe you'll be able to find the green flag? Hope the fish are biting.

UserName:
Kathleen
UserEmail:
kricker@orion.it.luc.edu
Date:
22 Jul 1997
Time:
13:16:01
Remote User:
 

Comments

I became a fan of yours after moving to Virginia and discovering your column. Some of your stories really resonate with experiences people close to me have had. You force into the open some profound questions about power and violence that no one else seems willing to acknowledge.

Please don't let this website lapse. This may sound a bit corny, but it really does seem to exemplify all that's good about the Internet.

UserName:
Randy Wahl
UserEmail:
rwahl@iquest.net
Date:
22 Jul 1997
Time:
13:41:54
Remote User:
 

Comments

I enjoy your articles; but can appreciate the stress of gathering this type of information. Hope they bite well but not long. loook forward to more articles. Randy Wahl

UserName:
Chuck Chapman
UserEmail:
chuck@olg.com
Date:
22 Jul 1997
Time:
22:15:32
Remote User:
 

Comments

Doug, I'll miss this column. It's one of the few I keep coming back to, though I still need a search engine for my bookmark file. Enjoy the fishing time, but when you do come back, let us know. Thanks.

UserName:
Joanne Abalos
UserEmail:
abalos@erols.com
Date:
22 Jul 1997
Time:
22:55:47
Remote User:
 

Comments

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy Darkside. I check frequently for new postings. But I can understand how exhausting it must be to compose such emotionally wrenching articles and how you must need a break. Enjoy yourself, but come back. We'll be waiting.

UserName:
Jim McCarthy
UserEmail:
mccomm@clark.net
Date:
24 Jul 1997
Time:
16:54:41
Remote User:
 

Comments

Take your time Doug -- we'll be here when you get back. The column is fantastic, like Steve Twomey without the rose-colored glasses!

Hope you catch a big one!

Jim

UserName:
Travis B. Truman
UserEmail:
ttruman@maaco.com
Date:
28 Jul 1997
Time:
10:56:16
Remote User:
 

Comments

Mr. Thompson,

Please know that while respect and certainly understand your need to take some time off from your creative control and direction of D.C. Darkside that your writing will be missed. I can remember checking Darkside infallibly every week after first reading about your site in the Post's Fast Forward. Now, Darkside and Fast Forward are both at least temporarily no longer. Therefore, please accept my thanks for your insight and efforts thus far and my wishes for a rewarding vacation/hiatus. However, please continue to write when you feel you can.

UserName:
Randy Wahl
UserEmail:
rwahl@iquest.net
Date:
04 Aug 1997
Time:
01:14:16
Remote User:
 

Comments

Doug, I didn't move as much as you did; but I lost my dad four months before I was born and no one can appreciate that unless they have lived it. Thanks for coming back on line. Randy

UserName:
Doug Friend
UserEmail:
catfishdug@bigfoot.com
Date:
05 Aug 1997
Time:
11:30:03
Remote User:
 

Comments

Hello,

I've been a visitor to D.C. many times due to my work. It was great to finally see the human side of such a plastic city. Thanks.

UserName:
Dick G
UserEmail:
goodwin@ezl.com
Date:
06 Sep 1997
Time:
14:16:47
Remote User:
 

Comments

Welcome back. -Dick

UserName:
John Leone
UserEmail:
LeonJ@webtv.net
Date:
23 Sep 1997
Time:
18:43:33
Remote User:
 

Comments

The city of D.C. is disgusting.

UserName:
Lynne
UserEmail:
a8044@erols.com
Date:
26 Oct 1997
Time:
22:30:51
Remote User:
 

Comments

I appreciate the fact that you write about topics that are not popular in the mainstream. Your topics are harsh but real. I enjoy the honesty. Our society is full of insulting sterotypes but no one ever wants to admit that they exist. There are very few places on the internet that hold my attention and have me looking forward to waht is new. Again, I applaud your efforts to publish the real world!

UserName:
Zack Wright
UserEmail:
zzwright@erols.com
Date:
06 Nov 1997
Time:
10:12:28
Remote User:
 

Comments

I enjoy the page immensely. Recently moved from D.C. after 3 years being there. The stories hit close to home sometimes. They also take me back when a bar I've been to is mentioned (Nathan's), highways (Rte. 7), Dulles, etc. etc., I am taken back to DC, if only for a minute. In my case, Darkside is bookmarked for life. Keep up the excellent work!

UserName:
Allison Walls
UserEmail:
 
Date:
11/15/97
Time:
12:45:31 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Incredible, thought provoking stories. Thanks for the great read.

UserName:
Judy Rodriguez
UserEmail:
TazmansMom@aol.com
Date:
11/19/97
Time:
9:31:38 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Hi Doug! It's wonderful to see you back in service again. Missed you when you went fishing. I'm happy to wait a little longer between stories. I wish I had some ideas or people you could talk to. I look forward to reading your stories and believe you are doing a wonderful thing for the area, opening a lot of eyes. :o) Take Care. Judy R.

UserName:
David Ascher
UserEmail:
 
Date:
12/7/97
Time:
9:49:56 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Doug,

UserName:
David Ascher
UserEmail:
 
Date:
12/7/97
Time:
9:55:33 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I don't have an e-mail address @ this computer, but when I do, I'll send you some more stuff. I really liked these stories. Are all of them true? Are you "Zipper"? Either way they're great. And once I get my e-mail set up, I'll send it to you so you can give it to TEMC. I'll be in touch

David

UserName:
Aaron Z. Snyder
UserEmail:
maddawg@world.std.com
Date:
12/18/97
Time:
10:41:57 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I'm 53. Everybody I know is 50 and above or approaching that dreaded transition. Pop icons are turning fifty (heard James Taylor discussing this on the radio yesterday). Gray-haired near-senior-citizen women look sexy to me. My whole being seems absurd, and I'm enjoying the phenomenon immensely. Hence: I *loved* "A Pirate Looks at 50." Great stuff! Keep up the good work!

UserName:
klaatu
UserEmail:
klaatu@clark.net
Date:
12/26/97
Time:
7:42:21 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Still knocking 'em dead I see!<p>

Please keep up the good work, you're a resource like no other.

UserName:
Jonathan Wilson
UserEmail:
 
Date:
1/4/98
Time:
1:51:16 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I like the new look. Keep up the good work.

UserName:
russ
UserEmail:
kiler@doleta.gov
Date:
1/28/98
Time:
8:02:04 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

veryinteresting. add me to your list

UserName:
russ
UserEmail:
kiler@doleta.gov
Date:
1/28/98
Time:
8:02:07 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

veryinteresting. add me to your list

UserName:
ron
UserEmail:
 
Date:
2/20/98
Time:
2:45:59 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

your darkside stories rock, but are you done with them? i check back every few days, only to be disappointed. just wondering. take it easy.

UserName:
Bobby J
UserEmail:
 
Date:
2/26/98
Time:
11:44:08 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

As a life long resident of the D.C. area this site seems like the evening news. Why dont you guys add an open chat room where local happenings and the gathering of those that live here can exchange the daily going ons?...Keep the good work up...I am hanging in here...

UserName:
klaatu
UserEmail:
klaatu@clark.net
Date:
5/1/98
Time:
8:31:10 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Still kicking butts and taking names I see!

My heartfelt congratulations on your good works and better writing.

I don't think I've seen much better writing anywhere. I was particularly amazed by your "child's play" piece and the piece about "Callie" the call-girl.

I do believe we've found the new master of the twist-ending one-liner.

Saki and O. Henry would be proud.

UserName:
Mary
UserEmail:
kttn411@aol.com
Date:
5/15/98
Time:
1:58:10 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

this is awesome and i hope that you will continue to do this because it is awesome and i love it!!!

UserName:
Jim McCarthy
UserEmail:
mccomm@clark.net
Date:
5/18/98
Time:
1:19:31 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Doug, Yet another fantastic piece -- really enjoyed it. There's just something so compelling about these stories of everyday people. It's not just that you wouldn't read them elsewhere (although that's important) it's more that they are about the kind of people we live and work with.

You deserve high esteem -- keep it up!

Jim

UserName:
R. W. COKER
UserEmail:
RWCOKER@AOL.COM
Date:
5/26/98
Time:
4:32:46 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

Though perhaps cynical and pessimistic, it is some of the most enjoyable and best writing on the net. I am reasonably sure that I am not aquainted with any of the personages who are subjects of the articles, but they do describe a lot of people and real life situations that I have known. Always look forward to a new column. Keep up the good work.

UserName:
w0ld0
UserEmail:
willck@hotmail.com
Date:
5/31/98
Time:
6:40:29 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

This is kind of new for me because i found this by someone said that i should go to the site a read some story's and i am shocked on how people can be so cruel in rapes and the other things that i read. I feel sorry for those woman. I think this was a cool page that people can tell there story's and exspress there feelings.

UserName:
w0ld0
UserEmail:
willck@hotmail.com
Date:
5/31/98
Time:
6:41:29 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

This is kind of new for me because i found this by someone said that i should go to the site a read some story's and i am shocked on how people can be so cruel in rapes and the other things that i read. I feel sorry for those woman. I think this was a cool page that people can tell there story's and exspress there feelings.

UserName:
Mike Weinstein
UserEmail:
mike.weinstein@gs.com
Date:
6/12/98
Time:
8:33:55 PM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I did not like pictures from the past!!! What the hell was that all about anyway?! This guy in the story sounds like he blew his chance not once but twice! He should have at least said "Well, it's your loss, it looks like you haven't really gotten over your problems after all." before she slammed the door on him!

UserName:
Stan
UserEmail:
frogtown@fm-net.com
Date:
8/4/98
Time:
1:14:14 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I found this site over a month ago and have been anxiously waiting for more stories. This is one of the most moving sites on the net.

UserName:
Nathan Marsh
UserEmail:
namarsh@hotmail.com
Date:
8/12/98
Time:
2:40:34 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I was a Television Productions student of Darin Jensen's at Woodbridge Senior High School. The article "Death of a Dream" brings back memories of a tragedy that dampened the lives of many. We lost a lot when we lost Mr. Jensen. He is truly missed.

UserName:
Don Blanton
UserEmail:
dblanton@vt.edu
Date:
8/14/98
Time:
12:43:41 AM
Remote User:
 

Comments

I was also a student of Darin Jensen's (see "Death Of A Dream"). However, I disagree with you final conclusion. The "cluckers" didn't win. Where he fell, many of us stood up in his place. Most of us are now in college, and many of those are considering or pursuing education as a minor (we're mostly Comm majors). We lost a good man in Mr. Darin Jensen, but we were better people for knowing him. His passion for TV, for teaching, even for life, were contagious. On behalf of all of us from his class, thank you for not letting this story die. Don Blanton General Manager VTTV Student Television, Virginia Tech

Revised: 05 Aug 2005 16:58:49 -0400 .