Thursday, June 25, 2009

CAUTION....SOAPBOX Speech Up Ahead...

Ok....this post has now been removed.....the ones I intended it for I think have seen it and I hope it will accomplish what I wanted it to.....I love all you wonderful lovely ladies who are sooo kind and supportive. You gals have just made my week!!! I have gotten to meet some of my 'lurkers' and kind of put a name with some of you! Now....let's just get on to some nicer things...like exciting new quilty projects!!!


59 comments:

  1. Hmmm... I must still be in my "innocent" phase because I had no clue about any of the above... I hope I have not offended you! I joke around with you a lot because I thought we were kinda like that... we are, right?

    For my part, I am always surprised when people talk about me (like in real life) because I never think I am interesting enough for them to bother! LOL! I guess you must be pretty interesting! :0)

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  2. I'm sorry you have had these bad experiences. I haven't run into any of this, although I have heard of some others who have. I hardly ever read other peoples' comments. Don't give up. I enjoy reading your blog!

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  3. Hugs Belinda. I'm shocked that this has been going on. I didn't have a clue.

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  4. I have noticed some of the things you mention too. I think you are just the sweetest, fun loving person. I can't see that you have done anything to make people jeolous, mad, or anything else so it's their problem not yours. They say don't hang around with people who bring you down.

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  5. Hi Belinda,

    I am sorry that you had this experience. It's too bad that a few's bad behavior can ruin it for so many. I don't know exactly what you refer too but I was thinking about that beautiful tea pot quilt you recently sent to Stephanie at Loft Creations (I read her blog as well). What a beautiful creation and all I could think was, "that Stephanie is some lucky girl!" I hope you aren't too disillusioned by all of this and I hope you keep blogging--I enjoy reading your posts.

    Hugs,
    Molly

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  6. I am sorry you are having problems on the blog.

    I do not comment on everyone's blog every time I read them. So I hope that I did not give the impression of a brush off. I guess I have have been more of a lurker. lol

    Don't let others get you down. You have the power to ignore them.

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  7. BlogLand is an odd mix of elements, some of which are ugly indeed. I'm often shocked at the "popularity contest" aspect of blogging - and the lengths people will go to to preserve their Prom Queen status. I am glad I'm too boring to be a threat to any of those folks. I'm not a regular commenter but I do read your posts - all of them - and have enjoyed your blog immensely. I do hope you will continue to share your creations, as there are probably lots of silent folks out there who take in your good work and use it for their own inspiration.

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  8. I really enjoy your blog, so please keep blogging.
    Sharon
    p.s. my roses are beautiful, thanks for the pruning tips you gave me!

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  9. Good for you Belinda. I think sometimes people need to hear the truth and get the air cleared. I watched (hate to admit) that Real Housewifes of New Jersey the other night while sewing! Whew. Women can be so vicious. It is mostly all jealousy I think. Really. I think selfishness is our biggest fault. I have seen some cattiness. But mostly not. I think whatever you put out comes back to you. Good begets good and bad begets bad. Sad but true. I admit I'm jealous of some of the bloggers out there. But I don't let it rule me. There will always be those more fortunate and more talented than me and those less than me too. This is supposed to be fun. When blogging ceases to be good for me I will stop. So I don't blame you. I did have some negative comments but once I took off the anonymous thing the bad comments stopped pretty much. Most people aren't woman enough to let us know who they really are. For what it is worth I've never heard a bad comment or negative thing said about you, or 99% of the bloggers out there for that matter. I'm sorry this has happened. It really is too bad. You have so much to offer all of us.

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  10. I think people should treat blogland like the public arena it is, and be very cautious about what the publish or comments they make. I like blogs for the eye candy and the inspiration they provide, for the information or tips, and for the feedback when I'm not sure what direction my quilt should take. You've had lots of eye candy and inspiration, and I'll keep reding for that. Thanks.

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  11. I love your blog. Keep up the good work, and don't let discouragement get in the way of all the great things you do. I don't have a blog, but I like lurking a lot. I have learned so much about quilting, but I want to stay in the "innocent" stage. Love, Tricia Tolton

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  12. Wow, I have no clue about anything like this. I have never had anyone say anything negative to me in blogland. I guess i'm not popular enough to deserve the attention! I enjoy your blog and hope you just forge ahead.

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  13. Wow! Hang in there! I agree it's tough watching people come and go. I don't understand the reason for trashing another blogger, if you don't want to read their posts than stay away. Visiting someone's blog should be done for enjoyment and friendship. I guess like everything in life there are nasty elements to any group but cheers to you for seeking out the positive. Art of any kind should be about sharing!

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  14. I like you, I like your blog, I like all the wonderful things you make. Keep it up Baby!

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  15. hmmmm. in this electronic world we can never be sure of anything. but i hope that your discouragement fades. you have many readers that are kind and grateful that you share your stories and projects.

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  16. I'm with Melanie.. this totally took me by surprise too. Lots of really lovely people here to give you support. I've never heard a negative word about you.
    Not sure my email is working properly.. but I did send you a little note too.

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  17. Some things never change, do they? {sigh} Hang in there - some of us need the color and the fun you bring to Blogland :- )

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  18. Well - that just makes me mad that there are mean comments about/to you - how could anyone in the world find something about YOU to complain about - you are sweet and lovely and share so much (and make me sew wonky stars LOL) I say - forget the meanies - we'll put them in a boat and sail them out to sea - then we can't see or hear them.

    I've seen snarky comments on some blogs - and it upsets me - I have unsubbed to some blogs after seeing the owner make a mean remark - I don't need that kind of influence. Maybe not allowing annonymous comments would clear some of that up - seems some people are not so brave when they have to show their "face".

    One time I had a mean mean comment - but I left it there - I figure if someone says something snarky then the world needs to see them for who they are - they wrote it - not me. I know one blogger that posted the mean comment in her blog - that someone else had left - sure stopped that sort of thing from happening to her again.

    Hang in there kiddo - I've really missed you - though I've been too busy to do much blog reading since Don had his open heart surgery - but he is improving every day and things may get back to normal soon. I always smile when I see your blog come up on my reading list - even if I can't get to all of them I always read yours.

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  19. Oh gosh I must be so naive,have not come across this type of blogging stuff.
    But you know what I would just ignore the rubbish and keep on with all the good things out there.
    I am to old to waste time with people like that.

    Keep blogging.

    cheers
    Christine

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  20. Sorry that you experienced those kinds of negative things. I have to admit that I haven't so far, but I do feel badly when someone like you has. I agree that the person' true personality comes out even in blogland, but there are many nice people, and the few bad apples should not spoil it for you. I enjoy your blog, and hope that you know I value your friendship.
    All the best,
    Micki

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  21. Wow, I have heard about people being negative on blogs but it usually has to do with personal views. Who ever heard of someone being negative about a quilting blog; quilts are fun and quilt blogs are so inspirational!!!!! How can someone be negative when it comes to offering tips, hints and ideas!?

    Too bad this type of thing is happening; blogging is so much fun, I hope some of the fun returns for you.

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  22. Hi Belinda, I have been blogging for about 4-5 years and have never come across anything negative or had hurtful comments.Sorry that you experienced those kinds of negative things. As dear Christine said ignore the rubbish, life's too short to let them worry you.
    Whoever they are need to get a life!
    Don't give up on your blog, we would miss you...
    Hugs Julia ♥

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  23. Oh Belinda, I'm so sorry you've had the short end of the stick on more than one occassion by the sounds of things. Been there, I know how it feels, UGLY. My thoughts, for what they are worth. Keep on doing what you enjoy, and try and ignore the negative, easier said than done, I know. I so enjoy visiting your blog, you're always so upbeat and happy. Keep it up.

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  24. Hi Belinda,
    I enjoy reading your blog and hope to be able to continue to read as you post some more. People can be a real pain at times, but they are usually the exception. I have only had one ugly commenter and she did not really leave a comment but emailed me something very rude. So I just took her off my list and poof - she's gone! Wish it were that easy to get rid of ugly people in my real life.

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  25. WOW! I'm sorry this happened to you! I hope you will continue blogging, I enjoy your posts.

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  26. Belinda,

    I'm glad you were brave enough to say something! Hopefully it will put blogging, opinions and friendships into perspective.

    I've gone through what sounds like a similar 'brush off' feeling as you described. I am left baffeled as to what have I done?

    I've often thought that blogging isn't worth the mixed emotions that come with cliques and expectations. But just as there are a few bruised areas, there are many many many positive and inspirational blogs that I would would miss out on if I were to drop out. Taking breaks is a good idea!

    Thank you for the post, it needed to be said.

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  27. Oh wow, Belinda, I had no idea. I'm so sorry this has happened to you. Yep, just like high school all over again. Jealousy, negativity, drama queens. Who needs it?? It was bad enough the first time. And like Christine said, I'm too old to waste my time (and energy) on people like that. I haven't had any negative comments or anything, and I hope I don't.

    Please don't give up on your blog! You're one of my favorites! I always read your blog, and look forward to the next post! Your work is so inspiring. And I like to think you're my friend. (I really hope so!) Don't let the ugly meanies get to you - there are so many truly nice people in blogland, and you are one of them. I hope good things happen to you from now on!

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  28. I enjoy your blog Belinda and I love your fun sense of humour...
    Be you, be you, be you!! :D

    I'm gonna borrow a quote from Khris that I read last night... Love this..

    "Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are" --Dale Carnegie

    Be true to you!
    friendship hugs,
    Robyn xx

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  29. Oh no I'm so sorry that you've seen those things go on. I am another naive one on here - I think most of us probably are - we just blog because it's fun and we make lovely new friends. Shame on the few who spoil it for the rest. I for one love you blog and subscribed a long time ago. Keep it going :)

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  30. Hey Kiddo, DON"T you DARE let this silliness’ get to you, my goodness, you blog because you love to, let the rest slip away. Please continue to inspire, entertain, teach, and share yourself with us. Try to bring the fun back into your blogging experience and totally ignore the rest. You have too much to offer to let it go!! xoxo

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  31. I'm fairly new to your blog and enjoy visiting you. Keep your head up and try not to let this bother you, it's not your problem, it's theirs. The ones who enjoy your blog will keep coming. I hope you get the fun back.

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  32. I guess I am like most of your friends who have commented: I have not had any negative comments. But I am so unimportant in Blogland that I frequently don't get any comments and the most I have ever had are 8. I was feeling bad about that but after reading your post, I guess it is really all right. Your's is one of the first blogs that I subscribed to so I really enjoy seeing what you are doing and how I can be inspired by you.

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  33. Very sorry that this has happened to you. So far I haven't run into this in blogland, just the opposite as everyone has been very supportive... however I have most definitely experienced it first hand in the "real world". I know the hurt, anger and confusion that it can cause you to feel. I wish for a world where jealousy and pettiness no longer exist and we all support, encourage and uplift each other.

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  34. Don't get discouraged, Belinda! I'm sending you warm happy fuzzies from Lurkdom (I am SOO guilty of lurking without comment) and hope that we don't lose you because of a few mean girls. You obviously have lots of sweet friends and support, write your blog for THEM and not for the meanies...but only if you want to. And only if it makes you happy. 'Kay? Cause we want you to be happy, too!

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  35. Oh my goodness!! Or should I say badness... I had no idea that this crapola was going on! I'm so sorry, you just keep being you and ignore the meanies! xoxo

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  36. Hi Belinda-

    Don't let others break you're creative spirit - envy is usually the source. You are who you are and you should never have to question yourself if you keep your integrity intact.
    I am so new by only 4 months to blogland and am still wearing "rose colored glasses"
    which I hope will stay on!
    I love your blog and I love your creativity & sense of humor...keep on the sunny side:)

    Your bloggy friend,
    Lori

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  37. Dear Belinda, I hope you are not going to stop blogging. I enjoy reading your blog and you inspired me in many ways. I am new to blogging and really enjoying everything on here so far. I hope I will still keep seeing you - XOXO

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  38. Oh, man, that stinks! Sorry to hear that some people are ruining your fun. It is not fair and you don't deserve it. I have your blog in my favorites and have really enjoyed all that you have shared. Jealousy should be left out of blogland--some people are more talented, some are better sewers, some can afford more fabric and travel than others. So what? If you can't be happy for someone, at least don't be nasty and mean about it. Do unto others sure applies in blogland too.

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  39. some people never have anything nice to say do they.....and some never left highschool.......
    sorry you have had a bad experience.........I love blogland and would hope the nasty comments bugger off.....they are not needed......

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  40. Man, what a bummer. Why do a few people have to ruin all the fun? Like many others who have commented, I love your blog and miss you when you don't post for awhile. Keep blogging for us, Belinda, your true admirerers and friends and let the snarky ones fade into oblivion where they belong.

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  41. Hi Belinda
    It's wonderful to read so many comments from these nice ladies. I don't usually read a lot of the other comments due to time constraints, but this is interesting because I'm something of a people watcher and the psychology is interesting. People in general simply can't fake who they really are for any length of time. Eventually something will out if they have a nasty streak. People who have not found their own intrinsic value can only latch on to external things for value and their self-worth. In blogland that probably translates into number of followers, number of swaps, more projects etc. and of course the old stand-by trick of tearing others down to build yourself up.
    I've been blogging less than a year and have found most people to be really really nice (you're one of them!) My time availability and energy levels vary so my blogging is in stops and starts. I put myself out there with no expectations - I think it's a little ludicrous that anyone would find me that interesting that they'd want to 'follow' me but there you go, people do. I take comfort in knowing we are all women living similar lives with similar trials and joys (and of course quilting!).
    I enjoy what you share on your blog. I don't always comment, but then I don't have to. And I don't expect you or anyone to comment on every blog either. We share when we are moved to.
    So negative emails? Mark them as spam so they go straight to the rubbish (a.k.a. trash LOL)
    I hope I've got my point across. I do have a tendency to ramble when I feel strongly, so better stop before I make it worse.
    Sending you a big hug...
    Shari
    PS I really like the word snarky - will have to file that for future use... do you play Scrabble?
    PS you can moderate comments - Bonnie Hunter had to start doing that too (not fair that one would have to)

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  42. Hi Belinda, sorry you had a bad experience but please know that there are a lot of people who are "lurking" and reading your blog every day just for beautiful quilts and ideas and inspirations. I don't even read other's comments. Just keep blogging and leave them in the dust....Texas dust! :-) -A fellow Texan!

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  43. I love your blog. I am unaware of any of this. Keep sharing your good things. We love them.

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  44. good for you to speak or write your mind. I think you made your point and I took the time to read all the comments left. I come through the liberated ring and read when I have time..leave comments, but not always.
    I am in the camp of be true to yourself and focus on the positive and fun of why you blog-you are a wonderful quilter and because you love bright colors like I do..I find your blog always great to visit.
    Your photo in the previous post of what is on your design wall is a good example of fun inspiration for me. I have not had anyone directly be negative to me, I always think if someone doesn't like what I post, hey, they do not need to visit my blog. I am secure in being happy doing my own thing-it sounds like you are too!

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  45. Hi Belinda,
    I am so sorry that you have had to experience the petty side of people. Your blog is one of inspiration, joy and friendship.......please try to ignore the ugly thoughts of others and know that there are many who treasure your insights, talents, and willingness to share with us. Have a great weekend.
    Hugs, Barb

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  46. You're so right about everything you said and its a shame that people have to be like that... I too have experienced it but not on my blog here.. probably because I don't get involved in give a ways or quilt circles but I do have an online game that I play and have had jealous people try to start all kinds of crap with me and I just ignore them.
    Please don't stop blogging because some of us truely love seeing what you do and visiting with you.
    ((hugs))

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  47. I must be completely clueless because I haven't seen but a little of what you are saying. On my blog I certainly am not trying to show someone how to do anything only what I do. I would never put anyone that is trying down. I do think there are unwritten rules about blogging that I didn't know. I have been dropped from some lists and I don't know why. What I write may not be as interesting as others but it is my and my life. I do get upset when I constantly leave comments and don't get a response. I truly enjoy your blog and I hope that you continue blogging.

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  48. I am sorry that you have had some bad things happening while blogging. I love to read your blog and I hope that I have not ever offended you in any way. I have not ever felt you were showing off. You are an inspiration to me and that is why I follow your blog. I hope you will continue to share your talents.

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  49. I enjoy you, your blog and your work. Keep it up!!!
    Seeing the purse a few posts back made me want to go buy ric rack and I don't even like ric rack!!!

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  50. belinda,
    i know you took the post down and i don't know what really happened...just wanted to say you're great, you're blog is great...wipe those bad folks right out of your mind! sending smiles your way!!

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  51. Hello There Belinda... Unfortunately our world is not All Roses... more's the shame... But Life is too short to give creedence to small mindedness...
    They are just not worth the energy!!!
    Luv Your Blog please do stay with us all...

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  52. Ok.. I missed something here!!! But I sure hope everything is ok now.. whatever it was!! Sorry to hear anyway!! Is it better now???

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  53. Well, shoot. I'm a week behind reading and have NO IDEA of what happened but can guess. Anyhow - as probably every one of our mothers said, if you can't say something nice, don't say it. And people who can't say something nice are just jerks. Life is too short to be mean-spirited. Hope you know I love your blog and your quilts and your spirit.

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  54. Belinda, I missed it too, but have to tell you I had a negative comment on my blog, very negative and deleted it. Upset me and thought I should give up blogging. People can be rude and just looking for attention, good or bad.
    Just look at all the people that read your blog and love it. I'm one, so stay with it.
    Keep Stitchen'
    Bonnie

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  55. What! I think I missed something and I don't like how it sounds.

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  56. I missed whatever happened, too. I hope whatever to was stops.

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  57. Hi Belinda,
    I didnt see the first post so I dont know what happened but I can only imagine. There are some wicked, nasty women out there. I've had my fair share of that let me tell you. Even ones who anonymously leave their nasty rants. They cant be big enough to say who they are. Just ignore these people and keep on being you. We dont pay attention to what the nasty women say. I say it's jealousy, and that's there problem. So you be you!!!
    Hugs

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  58. Just home from vacation and have no idea what your blog post said. But here's what I say quoting Thumper "if you don't have nuthin nice to say, don't say nuthin at all!" And to that I'll add... Mean People Suck

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  59. I found your blog today. You have really inspired me. I love scrap quilts and I love the fact that your quilts do not contain all the latest " in" fabrics. I know your post was written a few years ago but I am glad I found you. I am sick at the moment and you have inspired me to sort my scraps. A massive hug from me in the U.K. x

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