What would you change?
I'm talking scrapbooking related, but heck, everyone has different things that earn priority seating in their lives.
There are a lot of things that I would've done differently:
1. I would've avoided the online communities when I went searching for scrapbooking inspiration. I didn't start to doubt myself until I logged onto the .net for inspiration (I was a lone scrapper, so I had nobody to scrap with and no place to go to advance my skill set). CONSEQUENCE: I wouldn't have met my 2 best-est friends, Dorkfish and Chick'n Louver and that would've been really bad because they have been a stabilizing force in my scrappy life...mind you, neither of them are any more stable than I am...but it's nice to have company every once and while.
2. I would've forced myself to engage in scrapbooking at the many scrapping stores in my city.
I'm not a big people person (my cynical nature, for some, is hard to swallow), but I think that forcing myself to acclimate to the 'real scrapper' environment would've served as a much better support force than the faceless online communities. Yes, I would've had to bring ear plugs and aspirin, but eventually I would've grown numb and been able to overlook the hen house chatter.
3. I would've remembered that my creative spirit needs no justification other than my own. I loved my pages when I started scrapping. Every stinkin' last one. It wasn't until I started perusing the online arena that I began to view my creations with a critical eye. I judged myself because of a criteria for design set by people who don't know enough about me to dictate how I "should" scrap.
4. I would've left the online community (had I still been stupid enough to join it) as soon as I experienced my first creative block. That block lasted 3-4 months long. I was afraid that I wasn't good "enough", but never asked myself what I was trying to be good "enough" FOR! I spent 4 months of my life in turmoil over not being who GOD didn't intend for me to be. How could I have thought that anything good could come out of a venue that views praise as a validation for your continued existence within it's walls?
5. I would've stuck to the basics as far as tool purchases. I would've definitely gotten a Silent Setter, simply because most of my scrapping was done after my kids went to bed, but the majority of the rest of my tools...they would've never made it to my door unless I knew without a doubt that there was true value in possessing them. I would've definitely had my testosterone levels checked frequently in order to head off any tool buying frenzy.
6. I would've stayed away from Design Teams Calls, Contests, and anything else that inspired competition instead of unity. Seeing the favoritism and unethical practices did little more than further solidify my insecurity about my artistic ability. Why anyone thought that bringing interpersonal competition into the memory preservation crafting arena was sadistic and/or money hungry. Scrapbooking is about individual celebration of life...who, other than you-know-who, has any business passing judgement on that?
7. I would've only bought what I needed for a certain project. The fruits of my bulk buying has only proven to be an albatross...3 years later. I would've been more in touch with myself and hopefully picked up on how the need for validation fed into my desire to have everything that my 'peers' said I should. All I had to do was take a peek at my hundreds of yards of fabric and thousands of pony beads to come to grips with the fact that I am a pack rat hoarder...maybe that type of in-your-face intervention would've saved me thousands of dollars and tons of space.
8. I would've beat myself with my own frying pan if the thought of following trends had entered my mind. Trends are another person/persons interpretation of what is "in". Scrapbooking is about memory preservation...it doesn't really need to follow any trend scale because...well, your memories aren't trend based. I prided myself on being an independent, free thinker and yet I knowingly drank the Kool-aid...and asked for seconds. If I could do it all over again, I would've found a doctor that was willing to perform a voluntary frontal lobe lobotomy before I allowed myself to run off the cliff like many lemmings before me.
9. I would never have purchased a strap hinge album. I can think of a lot of things that I could do that would be far more entertaining than trying to remember how to reassemble my scrapbooking album. Taking an alcohol bath in a shallow tub full of scissors and cleaning my ears with Drano top my list of 'better things to do".
10. I would've remained true to myself. I would've learned to ask myself if "I liked my layout" instead of focusing on how it would be received. I almost lost my desire to tell the story because of my misguided focus on the layout design...I will never allow that to happen. Trust me, my family would quickly get tired of "getting" that I "cherished" my kids, husband, pets, garden vegetables and camera.
11. I wouldn't have bought photo editing software. I didn't need it for the first 8 months of scrapping. In fact, I didn't need it until it was suggested to me that I get it in order to broaden the possibilities of layout design. I have painfully neat hand writing, I'm not tooting my own horn, but I didn't need a computer to journal and I would've ordered reprints instead of fooling around with the color management on my computer.
12. I would've never bought a large format printer. Yes, I HAD to get it in order to give myself the ability to print directly on my card stock...but I've done that all of 3 times...so why did I blow that $300? Oh yeah, I didn't have any frying pans handy and lobotomies are considered illegal where I live.
13. I would've made scrapbooking a hobby to share with my kids. Instead of spending so much time scrapping alone and desiring moments of lone scrapping, I would've taken advantage of the memory making opportunity that sharing one's love of scrapping can afford. There is nothing that curves your spending that watching your hard earned dollars go up in flames when your kids get ahold of it.
14. I would've never even introduced the use of acrylic paints into my scrapping sphere. I have over 60 bottles of paints...70% of them have never seen action...and never will. The good thing is that I've dabbled in painting, so I may eventually use them. The bad thing is, that I'm now lying to myself... again...and most of my paints will probably wind up on Ebay before the weeks complete.
15. I would've searched out objective product reviews before buying. I don't mean the reviews/advertisements that inundate CK, MM and the other popular magazines. I mean real reviews. The reviews that would've told m that Heidi Swapps rubons were schizophrenic, that the die and notch tools were optimistic wastes of money that would've been better allocated for payment for the aforementioned frontal lobe lobotomy, and that the odds of getting your money's worth out of those huge boxes of zig markers were slightly less than the odds of my getting smacked in the forehead by an airborne leprechaun who'd been catapulted from the land of Liliputia (that's Gulliver's favorite island if you don't know what I'm talking about). I would've been more aware of people trying to blow sunshine up my poop chute and taken evasive action accordingly.
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I find it funny that many of my biggest regrets stem from allowing myself to get involved int eh faceless machine that online scrapbooking has become. I can honestly say that wouldn't want to give up the online arena, again, because of my 2 sister/friends, but I would definitely keep my eyes open and my backside guarded. I am sure that there are a lot of things that I would strive to do over, but these are the ones that strike me as most important...at the moment.
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21 comments:
Here, here! I could have written that whole post myself. Like you, I turned to the internet because I had no one to scrap with, and unfortunately no LSS nearby. My SIL in UT got me started when we went there to visit. So I KNEW there were way more supplies than Walmart was offering! LOL! Hence the internet shopping and messageboards.
I have to admit there are a lot of things I would do over and the online community is the biggest one. I live in an area now that has at least one really great LSS and I have been entertaining the idea of cropping there and giving up the online stuff entirely. I hate the second guessing I do and being blocked. I loved all my pages when I started. Now I have some I'm not sure I even like.
I decided this morning that I have so much product and I'm just going to see how much I can use up. Just for fun, not because of guilt (like times past) but just for the fun of seeing just how long I can keep from buying anything but adhesive. Lord knows I have all the tools! Ok, I DID draw the line at diecut machines. I do trust my own judgement sometimes. lol
Love this blog btw!
ITA with your numbers 1 and 10. I've let myself be suckered into worrying about whether my layouts are "good enough"-which is really ironic since I've never posted a layout in an online gallery, and never submitted anything for publication.
Great blog, btw!
I love your post today :)
Looking back, there aren't as many regrets as I thought there would be, but the ones I do have are big.
I would have waited to start diving into supplies until I knew what I liked instead of just buying everything.
I would have thought about future usage for rubber stamps, punches and tools before going absolutely NUTS! and then losing a ton of money selling all the dusty stuff at garage sales or on ebay.
I would have quit Club Scrap a lot sooner and never ordered extra paper.
I would have shopped with a budget instead of just buying everything that I liked instead of things that I knew I was going to use.
I would never have gotten a tax ID to make custom scrapbooks as a business (yeah right.)
It's taken me almost 10 years, but I've finally begun to see that you need to think about future value and usage of non-consumables, and that you need to look at the price and figure out how much your pages will cost if you buy certain products. Some things are cute (IE Anna Griffen $9 for 3-4 crocheted doodads), but SO not worth the money when you think of page costs.
Okay, so I had a few more regrets than I originally thought. LOL. I'm sure there are more, but yeah. There are a lot of things I'd do differently if I were just starting out now.
ironic that you would have mostly avoided the "faceless machine" given how faceless and nameless this blog is. To each their own glad you found yours
The Conscious Scrapbooker said...
2:47, I afford everyone the right to protect their identity for whatever reason they choose. It's not my business who posts here. I did notice that you chose freely, to join our faceless party, is it okay for you but not for others? Why do you need to know who I am? Why do you need to know who anyone here is?
That being said, I AM sorry that you have such a limited understanding of the hypothetical situation as it was proposed in today's entry. I spoke of what I would change differently and how it would impact the way I would eventually come to regard scrapbooking. Does the fact that I am posting my regrets on a faceless blog somehow make them invalid? Had thing have been done differently, I would have little knowledge of the ugliness that writhes in the underbelly of this industry and the faceless entity that the online community represents...therefore this blog would have been nonexistent. I can't erase what I have learned or the effects that my knowledge of the online community has had on my opinion of it.
I don't understand how any grievance was cast upon you by my saying that I would've avoided the online arena, perhaps you should accept that others have different ways of thinking and doing things that may not quite sit well with your personal value system. It's the whole agree to disagree thing.
Since I did choose to become a part of the faceless community, I have knowledge of it's existence and I've learned how to navigate it without doing any further damage to my perception of scrapbooking. Does that make me a hypocrite for wishing that I'd never gotten involved with it? I think that I reserve the right to feel how ever I want to feel as long as I do no harm to anyone by doing so. It's my choice to maintain a blog and discuss whatever it is that tickles my little fancy. You couldn't have hit that nail squarer on the head...to each it's own...and I have found mine.
Perhaps you should refer to my rules; it might lend you a better understanding of my lack of concern for your point of view as it pertains to my anonymity. Does seeing faces somehow negate what is discussed here? I think not. Does knowing who posts comments here somehow make discussions that are held here less valid? Only in the wildest of pipe dreams.
The irony that you find between my post and the fact that I maintain a blog is gossamer thin. In other words, you're grasping at short straws. Again, I ask, how is it that you've allowed yourself to become offended by my personal opinion of what I would've done differently?
You have the choice not to read this blog, I suggest you exercise that right if you have a problem with the fact that we choose to post here without getting caught up in our identities. If you do wish to continue here, feel free, but know that I don't hold your right to malicious free speech in anything that resembles high regard. We have gone this long while behaving civily towards each other and respecting differences of opinions, if you are an antagonistic spirit, I can offer you some links to blogs that may be more to your liking.
If you have a problem with this blog and the anonymity that we all enjoy here, please don't visit. We are doing what we are doing without attacking anyone and we are doing it as adults. This is a docile platform for sensible discussion and I WILL fight to keep it that way. Your voice of implied censorship is not welcomed here if you can't respect that.
CS
Sorry folks...that was in response to the following comment (just in case the commenter decides to delete it)
Anonymous said...
ironic that you would have mostly avoided the "faceless machine" given how faceless and nameless this blog is. To each their own glad you found yours
June 15, 2007 2:47 PM
OH MY. I think you needed another post for that. Simmer down. The definition of ironic--look it up. It is INDEED ironic that a good portion of your list is about how faceless and cold the online "not real" interactions of the internet are as opposed to the real life LSS. I wasn't dissing you. Making an observation. That your face is nowhere here, and as owner of the blog you make it quite easy to NOT make this a more personable, real life friendly interaction. If I have a problem with the crack dealers on the corner in my neighborhood, I don't tell them to come sell it from my kitchen table. Relax...it is an exagerated point, but one to perhaps draw those lines a little more clearly in regards to how *I* see the irony of "it" all being.
You've got some issues with the online machine. Get it. Because you jumped right in and added another faceless blog to the machine does it make you a hypocrite? I don't know if I would PERSONALLY go that far as to say that, but to some, yep. It does. I like to think it makes you at least partly responsible for it. More than others who just post to an annon blog. More because by running this you ensure as long as you allow anon posting and post annon yourself that the faceless machine will still be available.
But that was not the point of my one line post. The point was not "shame on you for being anon". The point was "wow, if we're really having an issue with the faceless nature of the online scrap machine, then isn't it ironic to run another piece onto that board with yet another "faceless" addition to the game? Get it? Ironic...right?
Relax. Get. A. Grip. People can point out the obvious without it being a personal attack on you.
I post anon here not to hide behind my beliefs but to not get a bunch of email nonsense in my inbox trying to "correct my point of view". Pointless waste of time. I'm saving you the trouble.
I THOUGHT this blog was a good one with some good insight where people could sensibly discuss scrap issues here. I didn't attack you personally when I said I found it ironic ("it" being the things we hate being the things we keep coming back to). I NEVER said I needed to know who you were. Never said the post was invalid because it was ironic.
I don't at all have a "limited understanding" of the blog post. I DO have a "limited understanding" of why you are taking this so personally and chose to lash out at one of the few (not that you care...as is clearly stated in your rules of engagement) people who actually subscribe to and regularly read this blog.
I THOUGHT it was about a bit of dialogue and making the "faceless" at least personable, but clearly I didn't read the part of the rules that said I was only allowed to lurk here. I'll go back and read more closely but I will say that it is precisely attacks like this that keep this realm so "cold and heartless" for the likes of people who find them to be so. You reap what you sow I guess.
There was no "grievance" on my side by what you would have avoided in scrapping. And I do hope that you will take your own advice to heart--accept that others have different ways of thinking (and viewing the world)and take a moment to consider what they are actually saying (compared to what you THINK they are saying) before you jump down their throats. By rule, I know you don't CARE if people never come back and read your blog. But you held a modicum of respect and were regarded a bit "above the fray" when you at least afforded visitors to this blog the same respect you asked for. It isn't just a matter of agreeing to disagree. It is about learning how to really listen because, in the end, you might find that you really don't disagree at all.
Let me make the connections a bit more obvious than the usual one liner and big words. The connection between annon and "faceless" is actually, very obvious and rather than liken that connection to gossamer, I envision rich, thick velvet. You do indeed lose some "street cred" when complaining about how "no one wants to keep it real" when you don't "keep it real" yourself. In anon blog speak--yes, your words about how bleak and disheartening and cold and detached the online world of scrapping is are tinged when you not only participate on the message boards, but you run an anon blog that does exactly what you decry--it makes for very convenient "faceless" interaction with one another. See how very long those straws really are?
Until your response to my very NON PERSONAL comment, I visited precisely because this didn't get personal. Another irony for you? The very last paragraph of your response to my post. Particularly where you say:
"We are doing what we are doing without attacking anyone and we are doing it as adults. This is a docile platform for sensible discussion and I WILL fight to keep it that way. Your voice of implied censorship is not welcomed here if you can't respect that."
Which brings us back to irony. www.dictionary.com. Though all the rest also apply, especially look at #5:
an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected
It IS ironic that someone who laments the faceless machine would add another cog to that machine. Instead, when someone says "oh, the internet is so impersonal," one might more logically expect that the original individual would find a way to make the system more personable...not start up another faceless cog in the machine.
It IS ironic that someone who purports to believing in a docile, non-personal attack and non-censored way of communicating with one another would go off and do just that. Your post was NOT docile, was VERY personal (I'll repost below mine just so I can quite it later if you'd really like me to "go there") and was written solely as a means--if not an outright plea for censorship on my part.
Ironic. Still.
----------------------------------
For your reference:
The Conscious Scrapbooker said...
2:47, I afford everyone the right to protect their identity for whatever reason they choose. It's not my business who posts here. I did notice that you chose freely, to join our faceless party, is it okay for you but not for others? Why do you need to know who I am? Why do you need to know who anyone here is?
That being said, I AM sorry that you have such a limited understanding of the hypothetical situation as it was proposed in today's entry. I spoke of what I would change differently and how it would impact the way I would eventually come to regard scrapbooking. Does the fact that I am posting my regrets on a faceless blog somehow make them invalid? Had thing have been done differently, I would have little knowledge of the ugliness that writhes in the underbelly of this industry and the faceless entity that the online community represents...therefore this blog would have been nonexistent. I can't erase what I have learned or the effects that my knowledge of the online community has had on my opinion of it.
I don't understand how any grievance was cast upon you by my saying that I would've avoided the online arena, perhaps you should accept that others have different ways of thinking and doing things that may not quite sit well with your personal value system. It's the whole agree to disagree thing.
Since I did choose to become a part of the faceless community, I have knowledge of it's existence and I've learned how to navigate it without doing any further damage to my perception of scrapbooking. Does that make me a hypocrite for wishing that I'd never gotten involved with it? I think that I reserve the right to feel how ever I want to feel as long as I do no harm to anyone by doing so. It's my choice to maintain a blog and discuss whatever it is that tickles my little fancy. You couldn't have hit that nail squarer on the head...to each it's own...and I have found mine.
Perhaps you should refer to my rules; it might lend you a better understanding of my lack of concern for your point of view as it pertains to my anonymity. Does seeing faces somehow negate what is discussed here? I think not. Does knowing who posts comments here somehow make discussions that are held here less valid? Only in the wildest of pipe dreams.
The irony that you find between my post and the fact that I maintain a blog is gossamer thin. In other words, you're grasping at short straws. Again, I ask, how is it that you've allowed yourself to become offended by my personal opinion of what I would've done differently?
You have the choice not to read this blog, I suggest you exercise that right if you have a problem with the fact that we choose to post here without getting caught up in our identities. If you do wish to continue here, feel free, but know that I don't hold your right to malicious free speech in anything that resembles high regard. We have gone this long while behaving civily towards each other and respecting differences of opinions, if you are an antagonistic spirit, I can offer you some links to blogs that may be more to your liking.
If you have a problem with this blog and the anonymity that we all enjoy here, please don't visit. We are doing what we are doing without attacking anyone and we are doing it as adults. This is a docile platform for sensible discussion and I WILL fight to keep it that way. Your voice of implied censorship is not welcomed here if you can't respect that.
CS
June 15, 2007 4:17 PM
The comment that you left was set in such a way that I believe, whole heartedly that you intended for it to be ill received. Why you seek to come here and leave such a comment without disclaimer or qualifier is beyond me. It has been my experience that when people are preparing to say something that may be construed as a personal attack, they ensure that the person to which it may be directed knows that that isn't their intent. Your comment added nothing to this blog outside of conflict and purported misunderstanding, so you will have to forgive me for not believing that your intentions weren't purposeful.
The internet is impersonal, there's no need for a newsflash, it's pretty much a given. I will not shoulder the burden of reversing the impersonal nature of internet communication, because once again, I choose my battles. If I want to have an impersonal site, then that is my right.
I don't know where you get your assumptions about my attitude towards censorship or personal attacks. If you read rule #2 you should get a clear idea of where I draw the line as far as comment content. As far as a personal attack, I don't think that my response, though quite blunt, qualifies as a flagrant personal attack; you left a comment that was perceived as mean spirited and I rebutted. If you were expecting something else, I'm sorry, you should expect such a response when you leave such statements. There have been people who have disagreed with me before, so you accusation of censorship is a poor one. If you could tell me exactly what value you were adding to the discussion by stating the very obvious and closing with a "to each his own" statement, I'd appreciate it. I am at a loss to find anything positive about your comment. Even a disagreement with my posted viewpoint would add to this conversation. The bottom line is that you did nothing to contribute to this discussion outside of leaving a veiled criticism, if you expected my response to be anything other than it was, I'm sorry for your disillusionment.
I neither have to chill out nor settle down. I assure you that I am sufficiently relaxed enough to handle your pseudo rude comment.
And yes, my comment was sufficient enough to be another blog entry. However, since it is my blog, I think that I reserve the right to write as much as I want to. I encourage any readers to write as much as they like and I happen to extend that same permission to myself.
(I'll repost below mine just so I can quite it later if you'd really like me to "go there")
I don't know what you mean by "go there", but I know what it means to me. You might want to check that at the door because this is not your personal 3-ring circus. I responded to your rude comment and you recanted the malicious intent. I will not give you the pleasure of further reply after this comment (unless you decide to "go there" with profanity"). You are obviously looking to start something with me in order to feel validate for making your backhanded comment, but I regret to inform you, that you will be going there by yourself.
CS
Wow! I usually come here for the good read. I wasn't expecting to see drama here, especially not over something as harmless as what I would change about my scrapbooking habits.
I have to agree that the posters initial comment did sound like she was trying to start something with the C.S. I mean, otherwise, why would she have come back if not to see what the response would be?kwim?
I love this blog because I can discuss this stuff without somebody calling me an overweight soccermom or jealous. Keep up the good work C.S.! Youre right, it's not your job to change the internet, one blog at a time.
Anyway, I don't want to give anything else to the drama, so on topic----->>>
I LMBO when I read today's entry! You certainly have a way with words! I have to agree that my downfall came when I came to the online community as well for much the same reasons as some of the other commenters. If I had to do it all over, I'd pretty much do everything you would C.S., except I do happen to like the strap hinge album *gasp*. I started out scrapping CM and I bulk bought like 200 refills for the strap albums, so I am stuck with them till I get rid of the darned pages.lol
Oh, and I would leave the fetish for my kiddies and the buttons for my sewing basket.
Hilarious post today C.S.!
I also thought that comment to be a personal attack against CS.
I think you have an awesome blog going...faceless or not. I enjoy coming here to read GOOD writing. I am always amazed with your insight and have to laugh right along with you. Keep it up CS I think you are an amazing writer and I know I visit daily just to see what is on your mind .
Back to topic....I agree about the online communities. I wish I hadn't gotten so involved either. But then again..if I hadn't I never would have met MY two bestest friends and for them I'm truly grateful. I have however, skimmed down to just one community where I like to join in challenges and post my layouts for my friends and family to view. And guess what...I've scrapped four layouts today and I've used old stuff and haven't worried about them being good enough...and ya know...I actually like 'em.
I disagree.. I think both of the comments posted were good. A lot of bigger phrases and words that could of been left aside for the medicore peeps out there, like myself.
Regardless of the face, I thought the topic at hand was having to do it all over again? Like not buying the notch tool now because you realize it was a stupid tool.. Or buying all the new and latest paper just cause and then realizing you hated it {I am this way with BG, I TRIED to like the stuff but it just isn't happening for me}..
Who cares whether or not someone is faceless, or how many faceless blogs we've got. The mere fact that we are all here reading this means we are just another notch or cog if you will to the machine.. But isn't that life? If you didn't like it that much then you wouldn't be on here typing these long posted comments or even having a blog either. And I mean both CS and the annom. posted with the long windedness, which is fine by me.
I think if I had to do it all over again the things for me I would change would be not to get upset when I did not make the DT I truly wanted. I did really want it badly, I'll admit it. I loved the product this company was selling, they had a call, and of course did not state in the call that they wanted you to write an essay for it... So I didn't and of course aside from that and other things I didn't make the team. But my point and what I'd change was the after effect. After awhile and after I got several DT rejections under my belt, I realized who cared... There were others out there that would take me on and have. But the bottom line in that is that I never get upset if I don't make a team anymore because there are several more, tons more in fact out there daily that maybe will give me a chance.
I realized also early on that certain sites aren't worth my time. I thought that a particular veggie site {and I call it that because I am not sure if I am allowed to actually state it or not} isn't all that it's cracked up to be, so I simply pulled my entire gallery and left there never to return. Oh wait, that would be lying on my part I truly do like their resources page for pea soup with quotes, and poems. But that is the only time I go on there. So I'd change not thinking that even though this site is #1 it doesn't mean it's #1 for me.
I would also change and learned now that I do not have to fit into anyone's mold but my own. Meaning that if it ain't broke don't fix it... Of course that means that trends aren't important because they are just that... A trend, fad if you will and will be gone just like that... So I stick with what I know cause it's what I know and love.
I used to feel as though I had to buy it all too.. But you know what? I don't have to buy it all especially if its the latest and greatest cause I don't have too. I buy what I like, when I like it if at all... I use what I like on my pages and don't give a flying flip if they all are the same...
Okay my eyes are burning it's late..
So for me, I don't care if we're faceless or not. It doesn't hurt me one bit to add to the machine world because without it we'd all be lost...
But in truth, I wouldn't change a thing since I've been scrapping these past 9 years for anything... But I have learned a great deal and to me that's what matters the most, personal growth.
I love this blog by the way and every comment. It's all about respect!
okay...clearly (from the comments in response) this is a personal party in a public place that I wasn't invited to. I came back (uninvited, but invited) because I sub with BLOGLINES and have read (and commented before) on this blog and felt comfy doing so. Not an ounce of sweat off my back UNTIL I was attacked very blatantly and personally. You didn't have to "assume" that my comment was meant maliciously. Your post back, was clearly meant to silence. After this post (have your last word, it is your blog) you'll have done that. Congrats. Send me your email addy and I'll send you a certificate.
I'm not better than you and (because this is "web savvy" which I clearly didn't know) I don't mean to imply that I am. I simply made a one line statement because I was at work at the moment and couldn't post a long elaborate comment. If the only time I am allowed to post if if I can write pages on end as per my response, then back to lurkdome--really, back to a better use of my time--I go.
I came back after a long day of overnight work to correct what I felt was a misinterpretation because this was one of the few places online I ENJOYED coming to for scrap news and I didn't want to "leave it at that" with my comment being entirely misunderstood.
For me and me alone, I don't feel it is worth that anymore. I know you don't care. But *I* care because I recently had the opportunity to chat with folks I cared about (in real life) about the very issues you bring up here and I was VERY QUICK to add that if they wanted to go somewhere online to feel safe and get some great reading in, this was the place to be. I'll be sure to warn them not to comment if they don't have the moment to carefully compose a very wordy response to explain all the intricacies of their minds so as not to be misunderstood by those who clearly think the only reason to post anon is to flame someone.
I added my two cents because in the past, I have done the same and was NEVER attacked for doing so. I felt...odd as this sounds "comfortable" here.
Not your job to make me feel comfy and you've made it clear you don't care. I guess I respond because now I AM upset over this and it was never meant to be that way. From your writing, I thought you would "get" that it was a quick response to note that it is ironic that the things we loathe the most (as per your own statement being that it was "funny" (often used in place of "ironic") that your biggest regrets stemed from getting involved in the faceless machine) are the things we come back to. Hence my note that if you take the time to listen (read in this case) you find that you really don't disagree at all.
To that, I'm clearly not wanted here...I'll move on. Start my own "impersonal blog". Add to the system like all fed up people are supposed to do.
I appreciate the comment before mine that says she (assuming...and we know what happens then) that she loves this blog and every comment. And it being about respect. That was what I came here for. Since that need is no longer met. I'll cease. Have fun everyone. Keep on keepin' on.
Only thing I'd change about MY scrapping was the part where I take things at face value. Seems like almost no one else does that so why put myself out there for dissapointment like this. Just not worth it in the long run. And for the record (it was a lot of reading before), the comment was NOT about the validity of an anon blog. It was an "ITA" that said more than just "ITA" with the last paragraph of your post that prompted my comment. I think you put a LOT of time and thought into your posts and a simple "ITA" I thought was not "enough". Clearly. I was wrong. Mea culpa. I'll move on.
Girl, you can't be serious!
My mama used to say don't let your mouth write checks your behind can't cash. IMO, that's what you did and now you are gettin' bent because the Blogger checked you a little harder than you feel you deserved?
Come on now, we're all adults right? You say you were pressed for time and thats the reason for the snarky tone of your comment? How long does it take to type, "I don't have a lot of time, so I hope this isn't taken wrong..."? You coulda typed that instead of that pretentious comment about it being to each its own.
Look. Nobody said you weren't welcomed here. All I saw was that the blogger said that if you couldn't respect her request that you add something more than irrelevant conflict that you find some other blog to try and tear down.
The whole long 'feel sorry for me', 'boohoo, I'm a victim' stuff is just immature. I think it was a while ago that Blogger said that she writes this stuff for her own peace of mind, so all that stuff about how you refer people to this site is wasted on her.
I respect the bloggers no conflict for the sake of conflict rule. It aint that hard. When I want to act a fool, I go over to Smack, when I want to really think I come here. Your first comment was a Smack quality comment and IMO, you go what you had coming for doing the way you did.
PS Well, I didn't add anything to the discussion either...sorry Blogger/CS...I just had to respond to the whiny post from 12:54. I know you said you wouldn't be responding to anymore of her posts, so I figured that somebody should.
Keep doin' what you're doing CS, I get you and I think it's cool that you put all of this out here for the rest of us. Even if its faceless
Faceless #20,345
Wow... I must be blind or stupid becuase I didn't read rudeness in either post. I read speaking one's mind in the freedom of posting here. As I stated before and I'll say it again I truly believe that both parties involved spoke their mind. I don't personally feel it was an attack on CS {the blog owner} at all. And no I haven't a clue who the heck anyone is I just see it as face value. If we were all in person sitting around chatting it would of been okay in my opinion for that person to state what she stated and thensome. And then we as the listeners could disagree or agree or nothing. But since we're on here speaking one's mind is not okay? Since when? This might be a faceless machine, but we aren't not faceless people even when we post annom. Writing always tends to makes matters or things out of hand if you ask me. I think that sometimes on here with it actually being faceless that we tend to take things out of context or think one thing when it's really another.. And everyone seems to think that CS got bashed, but I just happen to think it was a person speaking their minds. Just as CS stated hers and so did everyone else. It has nothing to do with immaturity, feelings getting hurt, or etc.. The bottom line is that like I stated before and here I go again, it's all about respect. And I'll stand firm and say I respected both parties part in this. Regardless if I agree with either one of them, I can see where both are coming from to say the least. But I certainly don't feel and still don't after reading today's comments that it was wrong for either party to post or wrong to say what either one stated. When someone disagrees that's great, but we dont' all have to jump into the same ship because of it. Your #4 rule states that you are operating under free speech and that means then so are we aren't we? I find this interesting to note. Free speech to mean means that we have the capability to say what we mean, mean what we say and respect everyone from where they are coming from...
I sure hope that respect is included in all of this somewhere. I thought it was, still do. But the only thing I disagree with is the person leaving because of the end result. I wouldn't leave. I'd stand up for what I stated and then move on. If we are women, or men for that matter then speak what you feel, believe, and live and then stick by that!
I for one, hope nothing changes. I said it before too {sorry I'm good at that whole repeating thing...} It's a nice blog. I like the different takes and opinions from everyone, even if you guys thought either party was attacking I must of been out in the woods because I didn't think that at all! I respect everyone.
Just drop it and move on. I think both posts (and subsequent posts) are valid. I don't think it should turn into a big personal stink.
I like that everyone is anonymous. I really don't care who the posters are or who the blogger is. I think it's irrelevant and I'm happy to remain anonymous too.
I also like this blog because there is great, intelligent dialogue.
I sure don't want it to turn into a tit-for-tat duel sending it downhill and the way of other crappy sites.
This site is truly unique, I hope it stays that way without getting ruined with alot of drama, misunderstanding, personal responses to posts and attacks and inevitable defensive posts.
I don't think the poster who commented on CS's original entry was necessarily being critical. It read more to me as an observation of irony. Then CS got alittle defensive and it kind of went downhill from there. Too bad. But can everyone put it behind them and move on.
I'd hate to see this unique and thought-provoking blog turned into something other than a sensible, intelligent, and civil place to discuss topics of the day.
JMHO
Back to the subject ...
Have you ever noticed that when kids have too many toys they don't seem to enjoy them so much ? Their imagination is somewhat overwhelmed and frozen.
I think the same goes for scrapbooking.
When I first started in 1995, supplies were scarce and my creativity was at its highest. Should I add that fun too was at its highest ? Scouting the aisles of my local Home Depot and rummaging the attic would just energize my creative juices. I wasn't in desperate need of the perfect sticker or rubon to embellish my layout. I actually MADE embellishments. Today, I have so many supplies that I would need some computer program in order to locate and manage them. I have gotten so fed up with consumerism infecting scrapbooking that I retaliated : I have stopped all my subscriptions (it's been 2 years), I haven't bought anything in months.
You know what ? I have rediscovered scrapbooking. I'm enjoying the creative process once more !
Good for you 7:12! I too have entertained the idea of keeping track of my stash via computer program. I actually started keeping an inventory on the Craft Memo site...but it got really disturbing once my total stock value (undepreciated) hit $4000 and I hadn't even gotten to the consumables yet.
I spoke to my dorkhead sister this weekend and she pretty much reamed me for not scrapping, but we both agreed that having too much is just as crippling as not having enough.
So the question is...how do you strike a balance?
I am totally loving this blog! Definitely going into my favs! It's amazing that most of your list would be just like mine! I have forever given up those stupid forums! Every forum you visit , the SAME people, heck the same DTs are there! Not much inspiration when all the forums are sharing the same DTs! I have stopped ordering online, too! I was reading the posts on the forums and seeing that so and so bought this and that so I felt I HAD to have it too. But no more. I'm sticking to a couple of kits for some new stuff, but basically I'm in the process of using up my OLD stuff!
Hmmm i think i have to disagree a little - wothout the online communities, i wouldnt see what tools are available, i wouldnt stretch my creativity - in fact i wouldnt know how! i am my own person, and dont follow like a pack rat - if i like it and i want it, i get it - if not then its my choice! i am NOT a sheep!
If you have the equipment, then instead of saying 'i never use it' think up a different way to use it! make the concious decision to get it out, and try it again! you may surprise yourself!
so instead of looking back with regret - challenge yourself to use the stash you have, use the tools you have, and view the world as your creative playground, not a field full of other sheep you have to follow!
Great comment about using what you have - I'm trying to do this too and last week, I even managed to use the dratted notch and die tool that I once lusted after!!
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