There is a very simple answer to every comment in this thread: If you don’t like what gossip is, then you know that drop down menu on the front page that says ‘Gossip’? Don’t click on it.

If you consider what I wrote about Clay Aiken vindictive and mean-spirited and a good reason to not read a paper, then honey, you’re not going to make it very far in this world, especially in New York, although I doubt you live here anyway.

I’m not going to argue semantics, or the morality of gossip (and definition of gossip for that matter, which no one here seems able to grasp), or media ethics, because don’t kid yourselves, that’s not what this is about. This is about all seven members with a paid membership to the Clay Aiken Official Fan Club upset that they, and their hero, were made fun of, and utilizing every avenue they can to pick a fight and getting other fans from message boards to come here and attack the paper’s, and my, integrity, any way they can. That’s vindictive. It’s also sad. But that’s what overzealous fans do.

This marks exactly the second time I’ve visited this comment area, while it appears some of you have been in here for hours, so if you think I’m sitting here plotting against the Clay Aiken fans of the world to get my jollies, don’t flatter yourselves.

Like I’ve said before, this paragraph, as well as this response, took minutes to write. Your time here, and demonstrated knowledge of Clay Aiken–and your Twitter accounts that you’ve shared that track his every move and everything ever said about him as it happens in real time–has far exceeded my time spent on this column. So in response to the ‘Don’t you have anything better to do?’ comment, I ask you the same question.

But if you don’t have anything better to do, be my guest. Keep visiting this newspaper Web site that you said you were shunning (yet keep coming back to) just because I do not share your love of Clay Aiken (the real issue here, however you choose to dress it up), insinuated you would suffer some not-so-pleasant consequences for having an @clayaiken.com email address—and apparently am not entitled to my own opinion. It’s your time, not mine.

And yes John, it is a shame isn’t it? Must be my lack of media ethics and my hatefulness and dearth of attention for those pesky little facts, that have won me these awards. Thanks for noticing!

Since you’re new ’round these parts, you might want to know that this newspaper that “peddles gossip” is also taken quite seriously by many people. Including the newspaper industry. Serious enough to have won more than 150 awards for journalism in 7 years. Mostly against other newspapers. Other Long Island newspapers. Like Newsday. Just FYI. You might actually want to give us, and Ms. Gallucci, a tad bit more benefit of the doubt.

But, if not, that’s cool. Before you leave though, can you actually explain what it was in the original article that was so “vindictive”? Where, in your opinion, did we “cross the line”? Just curious..

I love this column. I read every week, good job!

Don’t listen to these haters, this is just how the clay aiken fan club prudes spend their nights….alone in front of their computers searching “clay aiken” on google and trolling message boards. Get a llife losers!

Gossip ceases to be entertainment when it crosses the line into vindictiveness.

I’ll stay with Newsday for local news, the NY Times for Metropolitan and National news.

I don’t want to be controversial, however. Maybe we can just all agree that Aiken has sold the most books and tour tickets of any male from AI…until Daughtry has their own tour and are not just an opening act!

Ah. Gotcha. No facts in what passes for media these days, just unsubstantiated gossip meant to inflict harm. No wonder no one believes what they read anymore. Wishing the same back atch’a.

(btw for a good “gotcha,” why don’t you watch the YouTube of Jimmy Kimmel nailing the Gawker chick–easy to find on search )

Plus, arguing about the “wrongness” of something, and using such a non-politically-correct word like “midget”, kinda = fail.

:-) G’nite..

Because you are gifted with free will, and we are gifted with free speech, you don’t have to read Loose Lips. You can stay in the News and Lifestyle sections, or columnists sections, or check the traffic…

But some people like gossip. Some like defending their pop culture heroes, and some enjoy poking fun at the phenomenom of celebrity.

All are welcome here.

If you can’t understand what a gossip column is, or dont like what it is, then dont read it. You’re all just mad that your idol got made fun of. Stop acting like 12 year old girls and deal with it.

But we, unlike you, are quite happy to let you be entitled to your opinion. You know, the respect that you seem hesitant to give to the writer of a gossip column and the participants of the ensuing discussion. Yeah, that.