The Poodle Prince enjoyed his stay at Camp Del - at least he seemed happy. And I loved having him. Unfortunately, every time he needed to 'go out' it seemed to be raining. There is something about a wet poodle that is just daunting. One needs to get/let him dry before trying to brush out all the kinks. I fear I didn't give him a complete brush every time, so he looks a little bedraggled. However, he goes to the groomer Wednesday - she'll get him in shape. In this picture he has been sleeping while I did some hand sewing. He is telling me he needs to get down for a drink of water and a stretch. Which is really good for me as the PTherapist tells me I sit too long at a stretch. Quilters do that and so do people who live on the computer.
I pulled up behind this car at a signal and couldn't get my camera out fast enough. At first I thought the two symbols on the right were upside down, "backward kids" perhaps? But on closer viewing on my computer I see that isn't so. I don't understand what this tells me about this family of four - dead people? anthropologists? poisoners? I've seen all sorts of symbols used to designate a family (why?), but this is a first and a mystery.
Rant: It has long been my belief that what is wrong with this country is advertising! Or maybe I should say commercialism. Everything, I think, is for sale. Everyone wants to turn their thoughts, ideas, craft, art, etc., into a product they can sell. It was bad enough before the advent of computers, now it is almost sickening sometimes. Multi-million $$ for a 30 second ad on the Super Bowl? Ridiculous. But closer to home... it seems that every other new blog I open is selling something. Since I mostly look at blogs related to quiltmaking I'm beginning to think that each blog that sells something should have a designator to indicate that the writer thinks of me as a potential customer and therefore "buyer beware". Maybe "blog$spot" would do it. Or "Type$pad". Don't misunderstand - it is the bloggers right to do whatever is legal. Your blog content is your choice. I just feel inundated with 'product' when I am looking for the "original" sort of blog which is just sharing of thoughts, ideas, everyday sorts of things. I've made quilts for over 60 years and always enjoyed the sharing and friendship that has traditionally been part of the 'practice'. Maybe it is just the advent of "art" that has turned everyone into a business person. But, again, maybe it is just the fact that because the opportunity is there via computer. Anyway, I suspect I will 'surf' the quilting world "net" less in the future.
11 comments:
Del, are you an Australian? You sound just like one of us! Maybe you should move here!
I just love your attitude!
The puppy prince (no caps) looks really cute in curls. That is what happens when it's wet outside!
Hugz
Rest assured, there are some of us who aren't selling anything on our blogs....although I did include a link to where to donate for Haitian relief....does that count????
Del,
Amen! (to your rant). I don't look at blogs where people are selling things; I don't even go to the give-away blogs because I don't need any more fat quarters and because most of the give-aways are meant to talk you into buying things.
And I'm someone who is less exposed to commercialism than most of the country because I'm more home-bound than most. It feels like a cancer of having to sell and having to buy has metastasized and is killing the goodness that could exist here.
I am giving more and more away; that feels very good indeed!
I understand your rant, Del. I have a non-quilting friend who, every time she sees my latest artwork, suggests I rent a stall in the local market to sell it! She never seems to get that I'm not making stuff to sell! I do give things away to people who admire them.
I agree about giveaways as well - you read 'business' advice that recommends those hooks. Here in NZ it is worse than other places. The newspapers have full page ads for cheap sausages, and only a third of a column of news.
I'm with you, Del - and you should find my non-selling blog suits you just fine next time you want to have a read about something in a quilter's life.
There's recently been an interesting discussion on the Make and Meaning blog about "free", and about treating your readers as friends and not as customers.
I don't stick around long if a blog has too many promotions or give-aways.
I love reading about Corky, your road trips, and your quilt collection, Del!
Dottie Daybell
My first thought when you wrote PTherapist was that you meant Pet Therapist (is that what you are?). Ack, tired eyes. Please don't stop reading my blog - I promise not to try and sell you anything!!
That is a really cute picture of Corky.
Funny thing that I have found is that I have sold more of my work from my non-sales oriented blog than I ever have when I have been trying to sell. I wonder what that says? I wonder if other people have found this. I just don't read blogs that are there just to sell something. Maybe nobody does.
Those are the blogs I refer to - that are primarily created to sell something. Even the chatter that they present as a "post" is related to selling. Many blogs have an understated selling component - sort of "...and here, if you are interested, are a few things I am selling". NOT the primary purpose of the blog. Your blog offers something that those blogs cannot - I don't know what the proper word would be, other than "friendship". Thank you for that, it is very valuable in my life and the lives of many others. Love, Del
Hear Hear! I agree about the commercial warning.
Corky looks gorgeous with his little curls.
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