The following has happened since yesterday:

The first response to my e-mail came from a third party, evidently a supporter of the anti-M.-fans. ( She explained that apparently, you don't have to be polite to people who annoy you. )

The next person to speak up was B., the author in question, that I never actually identified by name. Still, she knew I was referring to her. ( She felt the need to explain herself, and did so quite rationally in an admirable manner. )

( Finally, the listmom voiced her opinion. )

( I've sent a private e-mail to B. because she sent her response both to the list as well as to me privately. That hopefully concludes this matter. )

M., I feel for you.

The whole mess still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.