Our guest today was Charlie Fox. Charlie a.k.a. @defencegirl on Twitter blogs over at “the MOD stole my boyfriend.” We spoke about her life as an army partner and how blogging started as a release and therapeutic tool. Later it turned into amusement as well.
Having a partner who serves isn’t easy. You will frequently hear that the entire family serves as everyone adjusts to the serving partner’s schedule. Spouses, children, all their lives are affected. That is one of the reason’s my guest started blogging.
The blog is full of useful information and is certainly recommended reading for anyone whose partner is going to be deployed. The best post to me is the one with all the FAQ how to communicate and send materials to the troops in Afghanistan.
Charlie answered a variety of questions from her plans to turn her blog into a paperback, from the USA elections to UK wrongful convictions, and from dealing with nasty comments to PTSD.
Since Charlie left a little earlier, we had some time to interrupt Christa Miller‘s workday and to ask her a few questions about a brand new chat to be launched on Twitter next week: #copchat. Christa’s answers are at the bottom of the verbatim thread. Next week’s #cclivechat will be about the launch of #copchat and what their plans are for the future.
If you have any questions for Charlie Fox, please leave them in the comment box below and I will alert Charlie. The verbatim thread is below as usual.
Cheers!
| Vidocq_CC | We have a very special chat today. My guest is Charlie Fox! But first, an announcement about a new chat on Twitter: #copchat! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:59:08 |
| Paulcoxon81 | RT @DefenceGirl: Please tune in now to the hashtag #cclivechat to ask me whatever questions you like (within reason) | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:59:29 |
| Vidocq_CC | Coming Wednesday Tim Burrows and Christa Miller launch #copchat, a weekly returning chat starting at 9pm EST. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:59:43 |
| Vidocq_CC | Christa will be my guest next week to tell us all about #copchat. But now: Charlie Fox! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:00:10 |
| christammiller | RT @Vidocq_CC: Coming Wednesday Tim Burrows and Christa Miller launch #copchat, a weekly returning chat starting at 9pm EST. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:00:26 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl Charlie, welcome to the chat. How are you? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:00:27 |
| Clare_McGregor | @DefenceGirl what does the cc bit stand for in #cclivechat? | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:00:44 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC Hello! Thank you for having me #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:00:45 |
| christammiller | @Vidocq_CC @DefenceGirl Many thanks to you both for the quick advert for #copchat! Hope you can join us next Wednesday! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:01:00 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl You are very welcome. Let's start with your blog. Your approach to the blog was part to help yourself, correct? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:01:46 |
| DefenceGirl | @Clare_McGregor it stands for Cold Cases, Nic (@Vidocq_CC) is the man to follow for unsolved casework and miscs of justice #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:01:50 |
| craigathomson | @DefenceGirl How's the law thing working out? What stage are you at? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:02:53 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC Yes, it was very therapeutic in the beginning, now it is more for the readers' entertainment #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:03:04 |
| Vidocq_CC | @Clare_McGregor These chat usually center on cold cases and forensics but I tackle other subjects, name remains the same though #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:03:54 |
| DefenceGirl | @craigathomson finished reading straight law in '10, now on LPC part time and trying to qualify as a solicitor (crim defence) #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:03:58 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl What are the general reactions from people? Is there an understanding how hard it can be to have an army partner? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:04:33 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC most of my readers are people in the same position. I get a lot of emails from women telling me they don't feel alone #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:05:31 |
| firstforensic3 | #cclivechat Hello all. Actually managed to sit down at the right time! | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:05:56 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC after reading the blog, that it has made them happier. I also get a lot of non military who say it opens their eyes #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:06:00 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl How do you deal with negative reactions from those who may think you complain too much? You chose this life, right? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:06:09 |
| Vidocq_CC | @firstforensic3 Hi Andrew! No cold cases this week but Charlie knows all about life as an army partner! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:06:50 |
| craigathomson | @DefenceGirl And what is your general opinion of the legal system? Do you think miscarriages of justice happen often? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:07:05 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC comments like that have only happened once or twice. It's quite easy, you can't choose something you don't understand #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:07:20 |
| DefenceGirl | @craigathomson it is imperfect, and that is why it is important that we have an appeals system. They do still happen yes #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:08:23 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl Correct, I think there is much more under the surface to this. You have turned your "letters" into an ebook, right? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:08:41 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC I am in the process of deciding whether or not to publish the blog as a paperback #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:09:23 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl How does your partner feel about blogging about your relationship? Has his opinion changed in the past few years? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:09:53 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC he's incredibly supportive. He finds reading personal passages hard as he hates how the separation makes us both feel #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:10:40 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl Paperback: interesting. Will you re-write the posts? Also, does this mean there is no ebook? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:11:23 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl That was exactly what I was hinting at, it must be extremely hard to read your pain. Very glad he is so supportive! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:12:09 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC There will be an e-book too, and I am also considering a more interactive professional website to accompany the book #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:12:12 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl Now aside from writing on your blog, possibly turning it into paperback, do you write anything or anywhere else? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:12:53 |
| ir_emery | @DefenceGirl @Vidocq_CC has he ever said a blog post crossed the line? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:13:10 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl You are full of plans! Excellent! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:13:25 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC you have seen my piece on the Cardiff 3 miscarriage of justice? That's the last thing I wrote that wasn't on the blog #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:13:40 |
| Vidocq_CC | @ir_emery Good question. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:13:52 |
| DefenceGirl | @ir_emery @Vidocq_CC No, but he was moved to tears by the account I wrote of his grandfather passing whilst he was deployed #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:14:07 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl I think not, pls send me the link. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:14:27 |
| craigathomson | @DefenceGirl Do you think convictions based entirely on corroborating circumstantial evidence is acceptable in modern society? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:14:56 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl How do his friends deal with their deployment? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:15:08 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC My piece on the Cardiff Three http://t.co/81QZaa5o #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:15:11 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC They all deal with it in different ways, some of them become scared and emotional, others shut down #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:15:36 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl I think you have a section on your blog how to help service men and women. Can you tell us more about that? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:15:44 |
| DefenceGirl | @craigathomson no and am in fact involved in the appeal of a life term prisoner who was convicted based on flimsy circ evidence #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:16:34 |
| Vidocq_CC | RT @DefenceGirl: @Vidocq_CC My piece on the Cardiff Three http://t.co/472xOgyq #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:16:38 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl What kinds of support systems are there for them when they return home? Are there any free counselling services? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:17:30 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC Yes, I will actively refer on people who contact me needing help whether it is legal / financial support by charities #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:17:41 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC They are assessed (brought back into their unit) shortly after returning & individuals are trained to spot PTSD #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:18:42 |
| Clare_McGregor | @DefenceGirl Thanks both. @vidocq_cc How cool does a case have to be to be cold? (no need to answer until #cclivechat's over) | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:18:43 |
| msashton_writer | @DefenceGirl ~ May I ask what prompted you to write the book? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:19:46 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC My other half is trained to do it, they train regular troops so that each small group of men has one who can spot it #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:19:57 |
| msashton_writer | @DefenceGirl ~ How long did it take you to write your book? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:20:19 |
| Vidocq_CC | @Clare_McGregor If no more new leads come in and every lead has been exhausted the case is cold. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:20:29 |
| DefenceGirl | @msashton_writer boredom brought me to Twitter, where someone suggested I write up my diary online (it's a blog not book -yet!) #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:21:02 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl How big is such a group? Do they once to spot PTSD rotate or does one remain in that position all the time? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:21:28 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC small, 1 in 10 men or less in his regiment knows how to spot the signs, it's pretty basic but rolled out en masse #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:22:44 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl Being deployed over the Holidays is very hard so what is done to make that easier for the soldiers? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:22:45 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC Sometimes I think they have a better time of it than we do with an empty chair - see video http://t.co/Rth7qDRu #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:23:46 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC My other half loves it as it means he gets to 'forget' to buy Christmas presents - so tight! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:24:35 |
| msashton_writer | @DefenceGirl ~ WOW! That is a neat idea. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:24:48 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl Tell us about being shortlisted for "In the Defence IQ Blogging Awards 2012" #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:25:55 |
| craigathomson | @DefenceGirl What's your opinion of the Supreme Court? Is it really needed? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:26:03 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC I was very honoured, although I don't think I really fitted the category. I think it was a friendly hat tip #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:27:22 |
| DefenceGirl | @craigathomson separation of legal system and judiciary from politics is a necessity, a pity it took so long #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:27:57 |
| Vidocq_CC | From @Evie_G_L: My Dad was WW2 Do you think we've improved support & resettlement for ex-forces people, much since then? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:28:25 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC @Evie_G_L we've come on leaps and bounds even from the Falklands. The problem is that we learn AFTER the conflicts #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:29:14 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl Ain't that the truth! Is there a different attitude to PTSD then and now? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:30:17 |
| SamuraiKnitter | @Vidocq_CC @Evie_G_L Having been part of the ex-forces, not much, if any improvement. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:30:40 |
| ir_emery | @DefenceGirl @Vidocq_CC do your employers know about your blog? Do they support it? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:31:43 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC I have been informed that in Britain it is being changed from a diagnosed illness to a clinical injury #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:31:49 |
| DefenceGirl | @ir_emery @Vidocq_CC the firm I have been interviewed by do (they follow me on here) my last employers did not #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:32:18 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl I love this post "FAQ –Sending Mail to Afghanistan" http://t.co/vFbALYW0 #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:34:28 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl What is the best read post from the entire blog? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:34:44 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC thank you, it has been approved by the Ministry of Defence (UK) #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:34:51 |
| craigathomson | @DefenceGirl Does Brussels have too much influence on or interfere with the legal system? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:34:53 |
| DefenceGirl | @craigathomson certain EU legislation is binding on us and others can be opted out of, depending on it's type #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:35:59 |
| DefenceGirl | @craigathomson We surrendered to that when we joined, but it has been very beneficial especially in employment #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:36:23 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC This is the most popular post - mainly due to Facebook users sharing it excessively http://t.co/wDG7nmQX #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:37:41 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl If you could do a trial all over again, what case comes to mind? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:38:25 |
| Vidocq_CC | RT @DefenceGirl: This is the most popular post - mainly due to Facebook users sharing it excessively http://t.co/PCdui0pn #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:38:36 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC Ooh tough one. I'd like to say the lad I worked on the CCRC submission for, he's innocent but serving for murder #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:39:02 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl And if you could debate a judgment which decision would that be and why? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:40:05 |
| Vidocq_CC | Folks, if you have any questions for @defencegirl ... now is the time! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:41:32 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC It's too easy to pick an old miscarriage of justice for this one, I need more time to think of a contemporary one! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:41:37 |
| craigathomson | @DefenceGirl Do you think the people of Scotland will vote for independence? What's your thoughts on the #indyref? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:41:41 |
| roserandel | RT @Vidocq_CC: Christa will be my guest next week to tell us all about #copchat. But now: Charlie Fox! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:41:44 |
| roserandel | RT @Vidocq_CC: Coming Wednesday Tim Burrows and Christa Miller launch #copchat, a weekly returning chat starting at 9pm EST. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:41:54 |
| DefenceGirl | @craigathomson No, I think they are wise to Salmond's ploys. They know it would be hugely damaging to them economically #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:42:52 |
| roserandel | RT @Vidocq_CC: 15min warning for a chat in MOD style with @defencegirl! Noon-1pm EST, get your coffee and pull up a chair. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:43:58 |
| Vidocq_CC | @DefenceGirl On a different note: Obama or Romney? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:45:04 |
| Vidocq_CC | Folks, we are cutting this chat short. Thank you, Charlie, for being so generous with your time. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:45:37 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC Obama..... Cameron + Obama are getting flack because they are running their countries at a REALLY difficult time #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:45:51 |
| roserandel | #cclivechat As usual I'm sliding in late. Hello everyone! | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:45:59 |
| Vidocq_CC | If you have questions for Charlie, pls post them in the comment box below the recap and I'll alert Charlie. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:46:01 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC I've been keeping an eye on Romney's campaign and I can't say I'm impressed - at all #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:46:14 |
| Vidocq_CC | Charlie, thanks again and have an awesome weekend. Pls do say "Hi!" to your partner for us! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:46:30 |
| DefenceGirl | @Vidocq_CC thank you for having me, I'd be pleased to answer any questions later or tomorrow, and am always free for emails #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:46:53 |
| Vidocq_CC | From @Evie_G_L for Charlie's partner: Thank you & God Bless. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:47:26 |
| Vidocq_CC | Charlie has left the building, folks. But Vids is still here ... is @christammiller still here? #copchat #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:48:09 |
| TMT_Lawyer | Hi, @DefenceGirl. Trident - waste of money or essential deterrent, even if rest of HM Forces cut to ceremonial duties only? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:49:16 |
| Barnesy_ | #cclivechat just caught up on everything @DefenceGirl has posted and found it all very interesting, good luck with the publishing 🙂 | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:50:01 |
| DefenceGirl | @TMT_Lawyer Dammit, I'm sloping off early to pick up B! Essential deterrent #cclivechat (I'm off now but can continue later/tomorrow) | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:50:18 |
| Barnesy_ | #cclivechat and well done @Vidocq_CC for setting up another good one. | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:50:23 |
| christammiller | @Vidocq_CC Yes sir, I'm still here. 🙂 #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:50:34 |
| Vidocq_CC | @Barnesy_ Hi Daniel, I'll post the links to Charlie's articles later in the recap. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:51:02 |
| Vidocq_CC | @christammiller Great, #copchat: what is it and who can join? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:51:24 |
| christammiller | @Vidocq_CC ... and my phone just rang! #copchat is available to anyone w/ interest in how #police use social media or high tech. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:54:50 |
| craigathomson | @DefenceGirl Where does your political compass point? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:55:18 |
| Vidocq_CC | @christammiller So we will dig into the use of a variety of social media platforms? is this limited to cops in the USA? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:55:54 |
| Vidocq_CC | @craigathomson Charlie left. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:56:19 |
| christammiller | @Vidocq_CC It'll be more broad than just social media -- we'll talk communications and tech overall, digital forensics... #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:57:07 |
| Vidocq_CC | @christammiller Can you give an example of the technologies you will be discussing as a "teaser" for Wednesday's launch? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:57:29 |
| christammiller | @Vidocq_CC ...public perception issues, police/internal perception; and no it is in no way limited to the US! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:57:55 |
| Vidocq_CC | @christammiller Who will be moderating? Do you also intend to blog about the chats? #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:58:19 |
| christammiller | @Vidocq_CC Tim & I are actually planning our first chat to be open-ended so we can get a feel for community interest areas. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:58:22 |
| christammiller | @Vidocq_CC We know what we are interested in 😉 but want to be sure it's aligned w/ community needs! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:58:43 |
| Vidocq_CC | @christammiller Agreed! So a general launch for all to share out questions and interests. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:59:33 |
| christammiller | @Vidocq_CC Tim & I will co-moderate unless one of us is unavailable. We plan on having special guests also. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 16:59:44 |
| christammiller | @Vidocq_CC I anticipate there will be blogging as well, transcripts at least & maybe perceptions too. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:00:33 |
| christammiller | Exactly! RT @Vidocq_CC: @christammiller Agreed! So a general launch for all to share out questions and interests. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:00:44 |
| Vidocq_CC | @christammiller Fantastic, can't wait. Thanks Christa for a last plug at the end of #cclivechat. It is 1pm EST, folks. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:01:02 |
| Vidocq_CC | I will post a recap and the verbatim thread on DCC later. Pls post Qs for Charlie in the comment box below the recap. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:01:32 |
| Vidocq_CC | Thanks all for joining and thanks Christa for the information on #copchat! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:02:01 |
| christammiller | @Vidocq_CC Me too, thanks again for the support Nic! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:02:12 |
| Vidocq_CC | Next #cclivechat is June 29 with Tim Burrows and Christa Miller to discuss the launch and future of #copchat. #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:02:55 |
| Vidocq_CC | Signing off! #cclivechat | Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:03:03 |