I couldn't read the link you posted, it just gave me a clip but it sounds like their editing completely changed the way your write... and that's sad. I like this version a lot more.

And I agree, boycotting Formspring won't do much. People need to reach out to their community.

I don't know Lexi but from articles and pictures it was clear that she was a beautiful young girl who mattered, and it's sad she didn't/couldn't see that. She was someone's daughter, and someone's friend and her life will hold it's value to those who loved her.

1 | Left by a texas girl | Mar. 26, 2010 at 9:10am

Jamie, Thank you for the reminder that everyone matters. My prayer, love, and positive thoughts go out to all of those whose lives were touched by Lexi.

2 | Left by Stephanie Rudat | Mar. 26, 2010 at 9:41am

Jamie, you are an incredible person with such an immense way with words.

A few friends and I are really trying to do a TWLOHA concert benefit at West Islip High School. please please please contact me. I know you're a busy person, but many people in our town are now affected by Alexis' death and we really need your help to allow her true loved ones to grieve and come together in remembrance of her.

3 | Left by Bernadette Regina | Mar. 26, 2010 at 10:07am

thank you for writing such an inspirational and beautiful piece about my good friend.

4 | Left by Kelsey | Mar. 26, 2010 at 10:43am

Jamie,
Thank you for suggesting positive and proactive ideas that encourage people to move forward in hope and in love for each other.

5 | Left by Robin | Mar. 26, 2010 at 12:35pm

Reply to Comment #3 left by Bernadette Regina.

You might want to email benefit@twloha.com and info@twloha.com for suggestions and information on putting together a benefit concert for To Write Love on Her Arms. Good luck, and God Bless.

6 | Left by Robin | Mar. 26, 2010 at 12:39pm

This article is really nicely written. This is so sad. I don't think Formspring is the problem, its people. Why can't we all just get along?

7 | Left by Sydney | Mar. 26, 2010 at 2:00pm

When I first saw this, I was surprised that anyone would think boycotting Formspring would solve the problem. It's clear that the problem was the people who sent hateful messages, not the site itself.

That said, I love the article you wrote. I think it really explains this well, and I love the call to action.

8 | Left by Kenna | Mar. 26, 2010 at 2:08pm

It's formspring.me not formspring.com, I just wanted people see the correct site if you want it boycotted or just known about.

9 | Left by Anon | Mar. 26, 2010 at 2:26pm

So....i've finally gathered up enough words, guts, and time to leave a comment....

Great job Jamie. That was wonderfully worded...too bad that it was heavily edited in Newsday in Long Island.
I hope you are doing ok. Depression is a hard thing to deal with, but fortunately there IS help, and most importantly, people to talk to. You inspire me so much. I think you're a very brave person.
Peace to YOU, Jamie, and the rest of TWLOHA,
-Alice

10 | Left by Alice | Mar. 26, 2010 at 3:30pm

this is so sad... like you said, people say things and dont know how strongly it can affect people... maybe what the people wrote was meant to be a prank, maybe not. but either way people need to think about what theyre doing and saying.
lexi is a beautiful girl on the outside and by what ive heard about her, on the inside too. the world has lost a young girl, who didnt get a chance to show the world who she truely is. may she RIP.

11 | Left by Lisa | Mar. 26, 2010 at 5:11pm

Ever since I've heard about Formspring and went to the site, I've only seen completely negative or positive comments or questions, and most of it has been negative. I think the original intention of Formspring, like Jamie said, is amazing, but altogether, we should just boycott Formspring completely. Besides my friends commenting mine with positive things, my ex best friend constantly spammed it, cyber bullying me. I didn't let it affect me, and just responded in a mature way, but I know that I'm going to delete mine. What happened to Alexis, shouldn't happen again. Ever. She was such a beautiful, young girl. RIP.

12 | Left by Marina | Mar. 26, 2010 at 11:02pm

formspring.me is the problem, alexis was a beautiful young girl its really sad rip alexis.

13 | Left by conner | Mar. 27, 2010 at 12:35am

R.I.P Lexi we miss you

14 | Left by Anon | Mar. 27, 2010 at 6:53am

This article is wonderful, and I do agree that formspring should NOT be boycotted. It's not going to help at all, it's not going to stop suicide, it's not going to bring Alexis back. There isn't a satisfaction to it at all.
I DO think that formspring should enforce rules much more though, I think that only registered users should be allowed to ask questions. What I've noticed, is that the people who do insult me on formspring, aren't even registered.
But, they do allow you to block questions from people who aren't registered. Cyber-bullying should be enforced in schools more, and I think that Alexis had and has a great story to share.
She was beautiful, and I don't understand how others could hurt her feelings so much that she took her own life. I hope her family is okay, and anyone else who cared about her. RIP.

15 | Left by Brigette | Mar. 27, 2010 at 8:38am

This is a great article, but I want to point out that I believe boycotting formspring.me COULD help things. All those people who hide behind "Anonymous" because they're too scared to say it to the victims face wouldn't have a chance to tell them the negative things they think, and the person wouldn't know what negative things are thought about them. If people stopped singing up for formspring, or it closed down or something, there would be less bullying and less negativity leading to depression or worse depression, and could prevent further suicides. It's terrible that it's not this way and that the horrible comments got to her. I hope the people who left the comments know who they are and feel guilty. RIP A.P.

16 | Left by morgan | Mar. 27, 2010 at 3:09pm

Jamie, you write so beautifully. Some people are filled with words, and when used correctly, their words can change lives. My prayers are with Lexi's friends and family and that they will recover and that they have peace and know that they aren't alone.

17 | Left by Kendra | Mar. 27, 2010 at 3:30pm

I can definitely see where Formspring would cause something like this, it's basically begging for cyber bullies. I hate Formspring, due to having received harsh words myself on there, and I am completely for this boycott.

18 | Left by Kasey | Mar. 27, 2010 at 6:16pm

She was a truly beautiful young woman... I will be praying for the family in their loss... God bless.

19 | Left by Shannon | Mar. 27, 2010 at 7:58pm

This is really sad, I agree though the problem isnt the sights so much as human sin nature. We need to rise above the sin and wrong and use the sights to helpand build eachother up. My heart goes out to this family

20 | Left by Tara | Mar. 28, 2010 at 5:07pm

Bernadette Regina, if you see this, please get in contact with me.

21 | Left by Andrew katsock | Mar. 29, 2010 at 4:10am

Great insight & well said. I fight depression - even with all the help available, the journey of dealing w/root issue, finding meds that work for you as well as not alienating your community during the process is a "fight". Having people who will keep you accountable- even when it's annoying & hurtful is important. No matter how bad some days are - keep telling myself I am loved!

22 | Left by Grace | Mar. 29, 2010 at 7:59am

jamie, you have really touched me and many people. i think that was a great thing to write about alexis, and my thoughts and prayers are sent out to her friends and family. it's horrible to see such beautiful people give their lives away to depression and suicide, but i've realized that there IS hope and there IS help. thank you to jamie and twloha to help me realize it

23 | Left by nicole | Mar. 29, 2010 at 12:50pm

I'm so sorry about Lexi.

But I really don't see Formspring as something to blame. I have a Formspring account and I love that people can ask questions anonymously; I've seen groups like Holding of Wrist allow people to ask questions, people who wouldn't normally ask their question but do because they don't have to identify themselves.

On a personal level, I like that anonymous people can ask me questions. A lot of people who read my blog might not want me to know who they are.

I've seen some people receive hurtful questions on Formspring. You have the choice to ignore them. Don't blame the site.

It's tragic that a young girl ended her life, but I agree with her father. There was more going on. No one can make you do something you don't want to do.

24 | Left by Elizabeth Kaylene | Mar. 29, 2010 at 12:58pm

How about instead of boycotting formspring, let's make a point to put positive things on people's pages. Reminding someone that they're amazing can do wonders. Maybe we can prevent another suicide if that person knows we care. [:

25 | Left by Ahhhlexis! | Mar. 29, 2010 at 2:15pm

Jamie, you are truly an inspiration.
Spoken like a true hero.
And Lexi was a beautiful girl, she really was.
And it brings heaviness to my heart that she is now gone.
I myself have too received messages from anonymous people suggesting that I am ugly, and even on other social networking sites such as Facebook and AIM.
I refuse to give up.
TWLOHA keeps me strong, and when I cry, I read the story.
My heart really goes out to Lexi, and even though I never knew her.
I feel the upmost empathy.
I'm so sorry.

26 | Left by Taryn | Mar. 29, 2010 at 2:19pm

I agree that people need to take this into their communiities hands and trying to boycott formspring wouldn't do much.

27 | Left by Amy | Mar. 30, 2010 at 7:07am

Reading this article made me want to cry. It is really good and I think its stupid that Newsday would shorten your article. People need to know about what will happen if you cyberbully or do different types of bullying. I have been bullied all my life and have had thoughts of suicide, but i have gotten help from friends, family, and my the most important thing in my life music. Talking to someone or turning to something that you really like to do can really help you out. There is help out there for people who need it and there are people that will listen to you and try and help. Jamie you are an insperation to me and a lot of people. Keep up the good work and continue helping people that really need it.

28 | Left by Ian McDonough | Mar. 31, 2010 at 6:15am

Boycotting an established website will not solve any problem. If one person committed suicide because of Facebook, would it be just to remove the site over one case?
The world is full of hate, its dispersed in everyone's lives. Some people allow it too control them, feed upon their self-confidence. I deal with acute depression, and I do my best to have an optimistic view upon the world.
RIP Alexis Pilkington, a young soul tragically enveloped by hate.

29 | Left by Martyn | Mar. 31, 2010 at 8:43am

Hope is what pepole need. I agree that boycotting these sites isn't going to fix anything. Love is the answer. If only the rest of the world knew it.

30 | Left by Christina | Apr. 1, 2010 at 7:16am

I believe we would be reminded that love is stronger than hate and that friendship might be the greatest miracle that happens on this planet.

That line says it all man. I came here today because I was feeling a bit down and wanted to see some hope. That's it right there.

The article you wrote is so right. People will always find a way to be awful to each other just as easily as they will find a way to be nice. No website will alter that. Neither will boycotting it.

RIP Alexis

31 | Left by Joelle | Apr. 1, 2010 at 9:51am

This is so sad. I didn't even know about this. I was looking at her Facebook Memorial Page. People are so inconsiderate. They know that they won't get caught so they do it. R.I.P. Alexis.

Olivia

32 | Left by Olivia | Apr. 2, 2010 at 3:41pm

This truly is a heartbreaking story. I do agree that Formspring was the issue. It's anonymous, which makes it even worse. Cyber-bullying is definitley an issue and I am completely for the boycott of formspring.

God bless Alexis' family and friends. You are in my prayers.

33 | Left by Hannah | Apr. 4, 2010 at 6:41pm

It pains me when I hear stories about this. My heart goes to Alexis' family and friends during this time. Jaime I loved your respose to boycotting Formspring and I agree that isnt the answer. It's about addressing the issue which is Cyber-bullying. It's about talking it and learning how to deal with it.

34 | Left by Tashana | Apr. 5, 2010 at 1:54pm

Wonderful story :) I'm new here... Sooo I'd just like to say formspring.me is just a website where people can go to bully others and put them down. What a dumb idea for a social networking site.

35 | Left by Josh godkin | Apr. 5, 2010 at 5:57pm

Heartbreaking

36 | Left by Miranda Elaine | Apr. 5, 2010 at 11:49pm

That SOOOO SAD!!!!!!!! Cant believe people would do that!

37 | Left by LUPE | Apr. 6, 2010 at 9:39am

beautiful words Jamie. This story is too sad :'( how can people be so thoughtless. Rest In Peace. And I send my love to her family and friends.

38 | Left by Seth | Apr. 7, 2010 at 7:56pm

Lexi is beautiful. My heart is also heavy for her and her loved ones. May she RIP.

39 | Left by tatiyana | Apr. 8, 2010 at 9:19pm

Nicely put Jamie. I agree with you. It is so sad, and my heart goes out to all of those who knew Lexi.

I have seen a lot of cyber bullying on formspring as well, but I definitely would not blame formspring for this. It's the cruelty of people that are to blame. Whenever I see rude things posted on people's formsprings, I post a bunch of kind things for the person. I think that if people focus on posting the kind comments, it can let the person know that they are important and cared about. And whoever is posting the mean things doesn't matter. I understand it can be really hard to receive rude comments, but if we can overpower them with kind comments, maybe it could help.

40 | Left by Jess | Apr. 9, 2010 at 10:37am

"The sun shone, having no alternative, on the nothing new."
"All this happened, more or less."
"A story has no beginning or end; arbitrarily one chooses that moment of experience from which to look back or from which to look ahead."
"If I am out of my mind, it's all right with me."

All of these wise words were uttered by wise people; curious and sly of wit. They were the ones who understood the world, or, at least themselves. When you see the sun, so far away, and you think that there’s no chance in hell of you ever reaching it, you can. Faith is important, sort of key. Otherwise what good are we to each other, or to the world? That’s right. We aren’t. Try to notice those tiny things-those priceless, breathtaking things. Like when light hits your love’s eyes at just the right angle, they come to life. Full of specks and freckles and you realize you’re okay. Or that contagious smile that’s passed from face to face in a room full of people. We need this. See it. Know it. Live it. Breathe it.
Feel your heart pound. Feel your limbs tremble with the pulse of thick blood. And know that you’re alive. Feel it.
Question life, your sanity for God’s sake! Look at your soul in your hands. It’s putty slipping through your fingers. Bend it, flex it, stretch it. This is you. Enjoy.

41 | Left by izzie | Apr. 9, 2010 at 8:21pm

I've struggled through deppression and i know that formspring isn't the problem it's the hateful things that people can say on the site. Jamie I agree to your response to boycotting Formspring,I also agree that isnt the answer. And may Alexis rest in peace.

42 | Left by Nikki | Apr. 10, 2010 at 3:11pm

i think this is horrible!!! im never going on formspring ever in my life time. Why are people soooo stupid???? this was exteremly tragic incident it makes me want to cry:(

43 | Left by sahra | Apr. 12, 2010 at 9:59am

even though this was very sad, and my cousin was her best friend. everyone needs to stop saying formspring is the reason she killed herself. that statement is not true at all and you all need to shut your mouths unless you know the entire story. r.i.p alexis

44 | Left by Sam | Apr. 12, 2010 at 12:57pm

im sure she had reasons other then formspring. and noone should say snything unless they know the story. i dont but i know one thing doesnt just lead you to it. maybe she had famliy issues like me and has been picked on for a long time and something finally lead upto this. yes its sad but i agree with sam

45 | Left by brit | Apr. 13, 2010 at 10:58am

the difference between formspring and other social networking forums is its anonymity. this increases the impact of (negative) personal comments.

46 | Left by kelly | Apr. 28, 2010 at 4:03am

I do not think that just formspring caused it but, I do think it could have been a large piece. I personally don't have one but when my friend goes on I see some of the things people say...It can be a very cruel thing to be apart of. Boycotting does not seem to be the answer, becuase no matter what harsh things are still going to be spoken.

47 | Left by Kristen | May. 1, 2010 at 8:46am

No no no no. Formspring's PURPOSE is for people to ask stupid questions to people anonymously. Personal responsibility HAS to come into play here. If you are being cyberbullied, put on your big girl panties and ignore it or just turn off your damn computer. You don't have to read every question written by some troll who says bad things about your hair or what have you. Grow a brain and some thicker skin.
This is just a good old case of social Darwinism in my opinion. My advice to all of you is to go outside once in a while.

48 | Left by LOLOLOL | May. 5, 2010 at 11:26pm

jamie, thank you. It was a wonderful article and I compleatly agree with you. Your writing inspires thousands. You're a born speaker! You know exactly what to say to make ANYONE feel better. Thank you.

49 | Left by Lesley | Jan. 27, 2011 at 4:27pm