Insiders at Hugo House report that Sue Joerger's claim that Alix Wilber "resigned" is a shameless fabrication. In fact, Wilber was abruptly and involuntarily fired in retaliation for raising concerns about Joerger's management style and decisions to the board president in late December. The classes and public programs that Wilber designed and led over her eight years on staff have been the beating heart of Hugo House. The organization's current financial health is largely due to Wilber's talent, creativity, and passion for supporting the community of writers. Her firing is more than just a tragedy for Hugo House. It is a serious blow to the entire arts community in Seattle.

Alix will be sorely missed by all of the teachers at Hugo House. She did a terrific job of running the program and we all respected her immensely.

Judith Roche

#2....wow. That actually makes sense.

#2 has to be Wilber herself. Who knows how many "insiders" actually agree with this take, or how accurate the statement is. Sounds pretty self-serving to me.

#5--No, I'm not #2. First of all, I don't have that high an opinion of myself. Secondly, on those rare occasions when I actually post a response to a blog entry, I sign my name--as I have below.

Alix Wilber

As someone who has been involved with and keeps up with a lot of drama from the RHH, and is particularly upset by the Slaby layoff both personally and RHH concern-wise, I'll say this: I never got along with Alix completely, and I left right as Sue arrived, but from what I've heard from people at the Hugo House, Alix and Sue were both doing fine jobs.

I don't know if there is any drama surrounding this particular incident, but the conspiracy theories about the Hugo House every time a change happens needs to stop (and I've been as guilty of this as anyone involved with the org). It's not healthy for the organization - even if you love the RHH it puts a sour taste in the mouths of people reading your comments, and spreads the feeling that the organization is dying, which it's not yet. The last thing an organization that failed to meet their fundraising goal needs is bad gossip spreading from sloggers who won't identify themselves or back themselves up with any facts.

K. Higgins