5.21.2010

I'm Back...

I took a breif hiatus from blogging because I was wounded by some ugly words from a feckless nay-sayer about my blog. My confidence is like a big prink balloon... it floats and soars, but it is easily deflated by sharpness. I'm in a life-long endevor to become more thick skinned. Consider this an episode in the epic journey. ~winks~

But now I'm back... and I'd like to share more little treasures and joys with any reader that happens by. And from now on, if nay-sayers and grumpy people come here, take your criticism somewhere else.




*Image Via Government Archives

8 comments:

  1. I didn't know having valid and accurate criticism was considered "grumpy", but nothing about this blog tends to follow logic so I am not surprised. Do you consider all people unpleasant when they aren't showering you with false compliments or dare to hold you accountable for something? Unfortunately I think only highly successful people who can pay for "yes men" get that treatment. I feel honored that you felt the need to act like I wasn't polite (albeit direct) at first when I asked you why you didn't give credit. Only when you decided to make personal attacks about my character, which you no nothing about, did I become more assertive. You don't seem to understand that someone questioning anything about you or your blog is not attempting to undermine you, but may actually have a point! Nobody is perfect, you know.

    Deleting the entire existence of our prior conversation once again demonstrates you would rather take the easy way out than acknowledge your mistakes. It's a pity, especially since I was happy you decided to finally provide links back to original sources. I would consider that a sign of growth, but what you've decided to do doesn't allow for that to be apparent. It’s unsettling that so few people today want to have a true discussion and have no problem becoming censors when substantial commentary comes around. Perhaps that’s why no one attacked my comments for being in correct, I make a good bit of effort to be accurate if I’m going to comment about someone or act like I am an expert of some kind.

    I even held my tongue with the last post where you were requesting that a friend copy that other artist’s design. I really am quite concerned about your desire to just take and take from other people and never give much back. Perhaps your balloon will take you to a place where you can learn to treat other people's work with respect. I believe that's called maturity.

    For a blog that seems to be a personal account of one’s tastes or ideas, there is very little personality behind it. It all runs together as a muddy stream of pictures with little to no explanation and other people’s ideas. Where is the author? What is the direction of this blog? What is the purpose? Where are original and innovative ideas and concepts? I feel that this whole endeavor is a misdirected attempt by a dilettante with delusions of importance and competence. The only evocative aspect about this entire thing is that someone had been mislead into thinking other people would be interested in such drivel when there are far superior options.

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  2. Excuse me...I happen to find this fun and lively blog inspiring and enjoyable. I love the images and the imagination. I think if someone does not care for what one sees, it is only logical to not visit this site anymore.
    Thank you, Blair, for sharing your visions of a pleasant life with those of us who are not nearly as creative.

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  3. Your enjoyment of the blog does not negate the problems with sourcing content, plagiarism, and overall negative disposition toward valid criticism. The success of several major blogs (i.e. The Sartorialist, Sea of Shoes, Apartment Therapy) is due to their ability to provide original content and concepts, being transparent with their readers, and always providing adequate recognition for the work of others that they may republish. It seems perhaps I am more invested in the improvement of this blog than anyone else!

    This type of problem is not going to go away from me ignoring it and I have every right to express my displeasure. When someone makes claims about being whimsical, original, and highly innovative, is it really that surprising that they are expected to meet those claims? I guess I’m unusual for expecting people to say what they mean and for their actions to speak louder than their words. Enjoy what you want, but there is nothing original or creative about complaining and plagiarizing.

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  4. Actually, I took your words of wisdom quite seriously. I did not delete our former communication to hide; rather, I deleted all posts which lacked citation. Thus... it too fell by the way side. Sorry. Since that time I have endevored to adequately cite images. Thank you for your input. From now on I will be good.

    That being said... there are so many wonderful blogs in the world. I hope from now on you will fill your time reading and loving them rather than reading and hating mine. I don't want to spoil any more of your blog reading time with my blunderings. All of our hours in life are precious.

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  5. Once again I really am not very sure if you’re fully understanding my original intentions. There are major differences between subjective opinions of quality (like if I said “Oh wow, this blog is ugly” which I didn’t) and the type of objective input I provided you. Issues with intellectual property, the internet, and citations are serious concerns and I am glad you are taking the time to make sure things are sourced correctly. Since you made necessary changes, I assume this also means you now recognize that I was accurate in my claims of what you were doing.

    I am not “hating” your blog; I made a valid observation about how you were composing your posts and not providing adequate citation. However, despite two attempts to allow you to correct this problem, you were avoidant and then decided to attack me personally. If anything, your behavior has been hateful. You can try as hard as you want to candy coat things with bright colors and syrupy words, but I really must say your inability to realize the difference between subjective opinion and objective criticism and doesn’t reflect highly on your character. I’m glad you acknowledge you need a tougher skin, but how you’ve handled this entire situation doesn’t reflect any substantial change. You’re still lashing out in an immature way and not really accepting full responsibility.

    So, once again I don’t understand why you keep on fluctuating between saying what I told you was helpful but also found it necessary to attack my character in a blog post. This disparity is probably not something I should even bother you with, but I think it needs to be stated that your actions and words are highly inconsistent. Blaming me isn’t going to change that, but from your decision to make this post dedicated to me I guess you just want to fight or be the victim. It’s a waste of my time to keep on explaining things to someone who doesn’t want to take the time to take a little perspective and reflect. So it goes.

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  6. You're original intentions are clear. Cite the blog. Got it.

    As for inconsistency of character, allow me to clarify: I still think you're uptight and persnickety to go hunting the internet for people to fuss at. I can maintain that opinion while also accepting your critique and adjusting my actions accordingly. Just as we can appreciate, for example, the work of scientists specializing in ant colonies while also thinking, "They must be a little crazy to care so much about this."

    You are right, though, this is a waste of your time. I'm not "fired up" about this issue... only vaguely surprised and amused by your dogged persistence. My attitude about all of this in one of mild humor and curiosity to see what happens next. But I think we've more or less exhausted the subject, although I welcome continuance if you think there is more to dicker about.

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  7. It's not an obsession with you or your blog, it's more of a surprise that someone could be so stubborn to the point only when someone is incredibly direct with them do they seem to be able to comprehend what is said. Don't let my stumbling across this blog, seeing images republished without credit from other blogs I've read and making comments deceive you into thinking it's interest. Perhaps I should have gone the other route I had in mind and emailed the owners of the images and let them handle you. Alas, I decided to be more civil. I'm more entertained by your constant changes in opinion and back pedaling.

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  8. At least we're all pleased with ourselves.

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