I feel it necessary to post an update on the recent turn of events in the Helium saga.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I had recently decided to “boycott” Helium.com.

My primary reason for leaving helium was simply based on principle. My most recently submitted article was rejected on the basis of “promotion” of an organization. Basicly I mentioned a recent gallery shows sponsored by a non profit organization that supports struggling artists and they wouldn't publish it. (That’s okay though. Other sites did. They are all anti-censorship.) I explained that I wasn't plugging for any personal gain. I wrote an article about the city I live in, and made reference to an organization I believe in, because I was inspired to do so. The article was written in a general and informative fashion, and the organization is one of integrity. There are so many "opinions" that get published on helium; I saw no grounds for rejecting my article...hence the hypocrisy comment. In all honesty, the article was more about the history of the city I live in than anything else. The organization was simply listed as a point reference to how far the city has come.

A bullet point: Helium.com is set up with specific topics (channels and sub channels) that the members choose to submit articles on. Usually I create my own topics, as I am rarely inspired by their suggestions. This one time, I chose to write about one of their suggested topics: Art and Humanities, The best galleries around the globe.

Cut to present. Over the past couple of days I have received an overwhelming response, both from Helium members and Helium staff. Many members agreed with me. A few did not. (That’s okay though, I am anti-censorship too.) After several emails from Helium staff, I was finally convinced to resubmit my “promotional” article based on the fact that they had possibly made an error in judgment.

The article was published immediately upon resubmit.

Then tonight I received another email from Helium.com. They have asked me to be one of ten participants in a monthly conference call with the CEO. “This is in an effort to create more dialogue with our participating writers”. My response you ask? Well, I would be delighted. (Like I’m going to pass that up, my curiosity alone would never allow it) So I will say this. Helium.com has certainly extended impressive efforts in trying to resolve the situation (Or at the very least, they’ve provided an impressive talent for quieting troublemakers… perhaps in the hopes of preventing, riots, looting, public lynching....)
Now I am not one to fall for a ruse. In fact, I tend to be a ~bit~ skeptical by nature. For instance, I will not be placing links to helium back on my sites any time in the near future. At the very least this has been an enlightening experience and all kidding aside, Helium does deserve some credit for actually responding to a situation, whatever their agenda may or may not be.
I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

"If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time-a tremendous whack."

Winston Churchill