Thank you so much to every one of you who commented and/or emailed me about the blog issues. Through the various emails, a couple of thoughts popped into my head that I pondered as I lay in bed this morning trying to decide if today was a good day to stay in bed all day or get up and get busy.
One thing is that some feel blogs are a forum for debate. Do I expect everyone to agree with me on every issue? Definitely NOT! Vince and I do not agree on every issue and I love him to death! I don’t even agree with myself 100% of the time. (That issue of getting out of bed this morning . . still not sure I made the right decision on that one.) But, I do not consider my blog as a debate forum. I’m not asking for you to agree or disagree or comment. If you choose to comment, fine . . I love comments. If you disagree, do it nicely! You’re not going to change my mind on most issues. Do not put words into my mouth. Read what I wrote and comment on what I wrote . . not on what you think I’m really thinking but didn’t say.
There are all kinds of forums that are there specifically for debate type discussions. My blog is not one of them!
I was thinking about this analogy about the magazine issue. Suppose we pay Joe to cut our grass and Joe requires us to pay for the entire summer before May 1 in order to have a spot on his grass cutting schedule. My neighbor is married to Joe’s wife’s brother’s neighbor’s cousin and she hears that Joe is maybe going out of business . . maybe not but rumor has it that he isn’t going to be cutting grass this summer but he’s still asking people to pay for the entire summer. Does my neighbor mention to me what she’s heard or does she mind her own business and not say a word? Suppose she says nothing and I pay Joe for the entire summer and he never shows up the first time to cut my grass. Then she says to me “wellllll, I heard he might not be cutting grass this summer but didn’t feel I should mention it to you because I didn’t know for sure!” Or, suppose she mentions it and I say to Joe “You know, Joe! I heard you might be going out of business and I’d love to have you continue cutting my lawn but for this summer, it’s going to be pay as you go. You cut the grass, I’ll have cash for you when you finish each day.”
Yes, some of you would just pay Joe and hope for the best. Some of you would not. Knowledge is power. I had known about the magazine company for weeks but until it was actually in writing on the internet on what appeared to be a reputable site, I didn’t mention it here.
Second thing is comments. I assume that every comment left on my blog is left to what I’ve written. Please do not leave comments to comments! I am in the “business” of quilting. What someone reads on my blog could affect me or those I represent. If I were talking about great quilt teachers from whom I’ve taken classes and someone leaves a comment that Suzie Quilter is the WORST teacher she’s ever had and then 10 more leave comments about what a rotten teacher Suzie Quilter is . . you know what people remember? Judy Laquidara said Suzie Quilter was a rotten teacher, which is not what I said! I can’t be on the blog 24/7. Yes, you think I am and Vince thinks I am but I am not. I can’t always nip problems in the bud but if there’s a problem comment or a controversial comment, I’ll deal with it when I see it. Please do not perpetuate a problem! And, if you see a problem comment, or a comment you perceive as a problem, you’re welcome to email me. There have been a few times when I read comments and thought . . that was kinda snippy but I just let it go. Then I’d get a dozen or so emails from people wondering if the comment had hurt my feelings . . . then I may respond on the blog, I may delete the comment or I may just let it go. You are always welcome to write me privately to discuss issues or state your vehement disagreement with me. I’m not much of a debater. I think about my positions and much of what I believe is what my parents and their parents believed. Chad has most of the same beliefs we hold. Our beliefs have “evolved” through the years but some of our basic principles have not. Most of the time, you’re not going to change my mind and I’m not going to change your mind. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Time will tell. We’ll probably all leave this earth thinking we were right. Who cares at that point?
Third thing is “no comments”. On the few occasions that I write a post and set it to where no comments can be left, that means I do not want comments! You’re welcome to write me privately but please do not go off to a totally irrelevant post and leave a comment. The reason I use no comments is that I do not want a raging debate on the blog and when I see a post may be a potential for those type comments, I invoke the “no comments” option. It isn’t because I can’t take anyone disagreeing with me or because I think I’m always right, it’s simply that I don’t want to see arguing and bickering between comments on my blog.
Thank you very much for respecting my right to write what I wish on my blog and for accepting that you have the power to move on; my views are not being imposed upon anyone . . you read it because you have chosen to do so.
Donna says
Judy,
I have been following your blog for some time now. I really enjoy your posts. There have been times I didn’t agree maybe but hey! it’s your life your blog. I feel that just because something is written doesn’t mean it is an invitation for debate or rude comments. I guess the old adage “treat others the way you want to be treated” has been lost in some people. I just started a blog and haven’t received any negative comments yet. I am sure if I keep at it I will eventually get some. But like you, they won’t change my mind or my views and opinions. Your post generally make me smile and who can argue with that. I for one was glad for the information. My children have given me subscriptions to some of the magazines mention on the web link and I don’t want them to potentially waste their hard earned money. Thanks for blogging, you were one of the reasons I started. Have a great day.
Julia says
I personally try to live by the “Thumper” rule. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. I may not always succeed, but I try. ;~) Keep blogging and sharing! I find it enlightening to read others thoughts and views on things. Whether I agree with them or not. :~)
Cheryl L says
Bravo Judy!!! Very well stated.
Bonnie Stevens says
Your blog is always entertaining, informative, well written and often unexpected. Therefore it is also popular which means you get more comments than other blogs which undoubtedly leads to the negative comments. The price of fame perhaps? It is too bad that some folks feel it necessary to disagree in a disagreeable manner. Please don’t let these negative comments keep you from blogging. There are many, many of us out here who look forward to reading your blog and count you as a dear friend.
Carol Kimble says
With the decision to blog publicly, you get all of the issues. Some people like what you say, some don’t. Some people comment appropriately and some don’t. It all comes with the decision to blog publicly. I think that is why we do it!
I enjoy your blog – especially when it is about your life, your quilting, your recipes, your family, and your humor – not so much when it is a lecture to all based on the actions of the very few who are not appropriate in their comments.
Susan Fields says
I have enjoyed your blog since I first started blogging. I have enjoyed getting to know you and Vince and Chad. I have learned many wonderful things from you and you have shared your recipes and other tips with all of us.
You provide quilt patterns that make me feel good about my ability to quilt.
So many forums and groups are spoiled by unhappy people that want everyone to be unhappy.
You are Bang On…….. If you don’t like what is said, don’t read that blog again. If you can’t say something nice, keep quiet.
Beryl Redfield says
Let’s move on and get back to quilting! I love your site, your quilts, your recipes, your adventures, and you have inspired me more than you will EVER know! Keep up the good work…
Beryl
Sandra (Sandy Gail) says
Judy,
Just wanted you to know that I started reading quilt blogs because I read a few and everyone was so very nice to each other. I was amazed that a group of hundreds of women could get along so nicely. I guess I was expecting to read lots of biting comments and _itchiness. Actually, almost everyone IS so very polite and nice on their blogs and in their commenting. I think you have a lot to do with that because you discourage such nonsense. Bravo!
As to quilt magazines, I have, for a couple of years now, thought about writing to what used to be my favorite magazines and asking them why they have changed so much. I’m just not interested in most of the quilts now featured in the magazines. But, I assumed that quilters with my tastes are just not in the majority anymore. My solution? I plan to let my subscriptions run out and not renew. It has nothing to do with the economy. I buy what I’m interested in and the quilts in most magazines no longer hold any interest for me. That’s just ME, I’m sure that the quilts in the magazines interest the majority of quilters or the magazines wouldn’t be featuring them.
CBear says
I love your blog, and how you speak your mind. good for you.
re: comments. Is it possible to set your comments to “moderation” mode? that way you can keep out the meanies and let us good girls through! 🙂
Suzanne says
Wow, I don’t read your blog for a couple of days & miss all sorts of drama. People, this is not a debate or post your own version of the truth….it’s a wonderful blog about quilting & chickens & a college son & friendship! Be nice….& thanks Judy for putting up with the grouchies of the quilting world!
dee says
Blogs bring out the very best, and sadly sometimes, the very worst in human nature. To paraphrase my Grandma, “If you can’t say something nice, click away”
Regarding the magazine thing-I forgot to say that I had, for many years, a subscription to Miniature Quilts. Loved that magazine. They went out of business half way through my last subscription. That burned me and made me not want to do the subcription thing. As for the other magazines by the publisher you mentioned-they stopped being good when the original creator of the magazine retired. A real shame. I had copies going back to the 80s.
You always make my day… although I must say I do miss the occasional Chad shenanagans.
Mary-Kay C. says
I can’t believe people would post negative comments about what you write on “your” blog. I hope tomorrow is a better blogging day for you. Now go quilt something and post pictures to keep us all inspired.
Pam says
I read your blog because I choose to! ‘Nuff said.
Brenda says
for me personally, I love coming to your blog. Period. this is a great place.
Amy says
I still can’t believe that people read the comments… 90% of the time I don’t. It never occured to me to comment on a comment… Live n learn.
CJ says
Judy, I do believe you’re sweating this too much :-D. Remember you’re QUEEN here and the rest of us are just peasants. Don’t worry about what everyone thinks or writes. Just keep doing what you’re doing, it obviously works or we wouldn’t all be here.
Did you have some cheesecake? Go indulge yourself. I’ll be right over. LOL
Linda says
When we start a blog I guess we put ourselves “out there” where everyone feels free to criticize. So far I’ve been lucky to not see too much of that, but I’ve only been at it since last fall. I, for one, enjoy reading your blog and hope you keep it up. I enjoy reading about your quilts, family, cooking, shopping……..whatever. Maybe people are just extra sensitive because of the economy & when they see someone who seems to have a good life they just have to be critical, I don’t know. After reading & hearing about so many lives ruined by this economy I LIKE reading about a life that is still on an even keel. I think we all need to see positive things and not try to tear them down.
We need you and your blog, Judy.
Maggie says
Well said.
Julie in the Barn says
I love your blog, Judy, for all the reasons others have stated. Eclectic, interesting, informative, but most of all it is a reflection of you…a real person. Never hesitate to share with us your opinions and feelings. To heck with the snarky commenters.
Sheryl aka QuiltingTizzy says
Judy, you’re the reason I decided to start blogging. I love to read what you’re up to and you know I’m always impressed with your ability to get so much done and your talent. Thanks for sharing yourself with us. I’m proud to be able to say I know you. 🙂
Annie says
Judy, you have a very interesting and well written blog. One of the few I look forward to each day. Thanks for being here.
: )
Eileen C says
I for one love your blog – you inspire me more than you may ever now. I enjoy your life posts and the way you tell your tales. Please don’t let negative comments stop you from what you surely enjoy – blogging, living life, quilting and sharing.
(((HUGS!!!)))
ruth anne shorter says
I don’t know Eileen C, but I love you. And Judy. I live in a very rural area, 2 hrs from a quilt shop, little local paper of 4 pages, and I hate to read a newspaper on line, so I really really appreciate Judy letting me know happernings. I use to live in a busy city but now retired to a quieter place and slower pace of life. A blog is a sharing of one’s life with you and I love Judy’s. It is the only one I read daily.