If you’re on my mailing list you received an announcement about the change to this blog, but some of you have emailed me wanting to know what has happened so here’s the scoop (the abbreviated version):
Many of you have been with me since the beginning in 2005 when I was on the Blogger platform. In 2007 I was contacted by Beliefnet who wanted to carry my blog on their site, and in 2008 I agreed and signed a contract with them. They pulled the RSS feed of all of my posts at that time.
As some of you know, over time the advertising on Beliefnet became more and more offensive and I started carrying an ad-free copy of the blog on my own website. Last year Patheos contacted me about moving my blog to their site, and in January of this year I made the decision to move to Patheos. (Mars was stationing before turning retrograde but it was about a week from the retrograde turn.)
Everything was going fine until Patheos received a threatening letter from Beliefnet attorneys stating that they OWN the trademark and the blog Astrological Musings. Rather than provide me with an opportunity to defend this charge, Patheos followed the advice of their attorneys and took the blog down.
Of course all of this is occurring with both Mars (aggression and defense) and Pluto (destruction and nuclear warfare) stationary in the sky, forcing latent conflicts into the open where they must be fought. I have filed for the trademark Astrological Musings and have sent a letter to the Beliefnet attorneys but in the meantime Beliefnet has hired another writer to write Astrological Musings on their site.
It’s hard to say how much effect my letter to Beliefnet will have – after all, I am just a tiny fish and Beliefnet is a large corporation with a phalanx of lawyers on staff. It doesn’t really matter – and other than fighting for the principle of the matter it’s the writing that’s the point here at this blog – there are plenty of other sites that incorporate “Astrological Musings” into the title. Transiting Uranus (innovation and change) is in an exact trine to my progressed Ascendant (my evolving persona in the world) this week, so there is a sense of liberation here and freedom for greater self-expression. So I thank you for your support, and for continuing to find this blog no matter where it lives!
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I am boggled!!! Bullies in religion and spirituality!! Again!!!! So glad you know how to fight this fight, may they get doubles of what they deserve!
I’m actually glad you moved, Lynn. Every time I’ve tried to access the Patheos site, I get a virus on my computer. I love your posts and hated missing them.
That’s helpful information Kallan, thanks!
I ‘m on several Beliefnet mailing lists, and I agree that the advertisements are growing steadily more offensive. Not only that – they encourage a mindset directly opposite the stated purpose of a site like Beliefnet. In my estimation, they’re simply greedy merchants playing all the angles, getting that cash any way they can. I’m disappointed to hear of the actions of their lawyers, but it’s pretty much par for the course these days, no matter who you’re dealing with. I can’t say I blame you for moving your blog.
I considered canceling my subscriptions, but they really do contain some good things that I enjoy sharing. I do my best to ignore the bad and focus on the good. Looking forward to more of your Musings.
I’ve been following your blog through all these changes. Beliefnet was impossible and oxymoronic for the spiritual content with their greedy attitude. Keep on keeping on with your excellent content.
I will follow you where ever you are. Your writing about astrology is clear and understandable. You now have your own following. I will continue to subscribe to you.
What a bunch of creeps. I like your attitude: it is the writing that counts. For what it’s worth I think your name is more important than the title Astrological Musings. It’s always how I think of your blog.
This is very true! I learned of your blog a year ago via your name and they said just google Lynn Hayes to find her blog! So go forth Lynn Hayes, The Astrology Muse!
Yes, this! You’ve written under this title for so long I know you’re attached to it, but for those of us who read you faithfully I can say we don’t really care what you call your blog. Your name carries more weight than the title.
Hear Hear! What they said, Lynn! I, too, am one who will continue to follow you around wherever you go! (But in a good way, not a creepy stalking way!) :)
Let me weigh in too on how much I enjoy your Astrological Musings, Lynn. I’m dumbfounded by all the trouble Beliefnet has caused you, even stealing your title!
I enjoy your writing and will follow you around the Webverse, wherever you post it.
Cheers,
Greg
That is horrible!!! Bad karma will come to those who made those poor decisions, if done knowingly. Hopefully, those involved will see the lunacy of their actions and hence a quick resolution. In any case, u r a great writer and educator of astrology and that is ultimately what will shine and grab readers Attention (and lose readers in beliefnet case) to wherever or whatever u call your blog.
I agree with this: ” For what it’s worth I think your name is more important than the title Astrological Musings.” I love your work: and I will follow you anywhere! :D
What a pain. At the end of the day, your writing has value and will be recognised as such. Websites who are more greedy than giving will also be recognised as such. Good luck. best, Sally
My love from Athens Greece.
I will follow you fanatically!!!!!!
totally agree with Christina ~ it’s your name I think of first. The Astrological Muse sounds even better than ‘musings’. Leave them behind ~ not worth the bother, you have much better things to do.. Wishing you the very best :)
You can always be ‘LynnR