Happy Friday! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I have had a very interesting couple of weeks - people are always so facinating! They never cease to amaze me with their antics and behaviour!
- I came home from the lunch the other day and the Little Prince came tearing down the call shouting 'Mommy, mommy, mommy!' and threw himself at me. For no reason other than I had come home. It was awesome!
- I went into Walmart the other day, picked up the one thing I needed and got into the '10 Items or Less' line. As we were waiting the woman in front of me mumbled in to me 'I don't think she knows how to count' which, of course, made me look up to see what she was talking about....the woman in front of her had a FULL cart! She had put 3 or 4 things on the conveyer belt when I said 'Excuse me madam, I think maybe you didn't notice this is a 10 or less line, you will probably want to be into one of the other lines'. I like to think I have mastered the art of pointing out how stupid someone is in a subtly sarcastic way while appearing to be doubting myself in an innocent sort of way. I thank all those years of watching Designing Women reruns and have learned anything can sound charming when said with a slight Southern accent. Everyone around me thought I was charming - Full Cart Woman did not. She was very ticked off that someone would actually challenge her, eventually took her items off the belt and said 'There! Are you happy now?!'. I replied 'Yes, because I am in a 10 Items or Less line' and she stormed off yelling obscenities at me I didn't care to rebut. What surprised me is how 15 other people just stood there silent and staring. I wonder if they would've helped at all if Full Cart Woman had physically attacked me.
- My housekeeper had a get together at her house and since I was passing by on my way home from the aformentioned Walmart trip I decided to stop in. One of the things she was serving is peeled, sliced cucumbers with salt. That's the entire dish. And you know, I had forgotten just how delicious the simplicity of summer can be.
- My mail lady is very awesome. If I leave my mail sticking out of my mailbox she will take it for me and mail it since she is going to the post office anyway. This saves me going to the mailbox with a toddler in tow when that might be the only reason we leave the house that day. Mail carriers are not obligated to take mail for anyone but mine has told me she doesnt mind as long as it isn't a big parcel or anything. I send a lot of mail so a few times a week she will take cards and letters for me. I was in our local chocolate shop buying chocolates for HHL so I decided to get my mail lady a box of them too. I left a note on my mail box asking her to knock the door but I wasn't home when she came...the Suburban Prince answered the door and told her I got them for her because she is always so nice about taking the mail and always does a great job of delivering the mail. He told me he thought she was going to cry! She said no one has ever given her a gift for bringing the mail!
- When you go to a party and take a plate of something for the food table please dont try to take the food with you when you leave...even if you have only been there an hour and no one has touched the dish you brought. If the host/ess insists you take some food then by all means...but it's tacky to claim ownership on food you brought to an event. It no longers belongs to you, it belongs to the host/ess and the party.
- I have been reading the Millenium Series by Stieg Larsson and I can't put them down! I am about halfway through The Girl Who Played With Fire and I am torn - I want to hurry up and get to the end and find out what is going on but then I also know there wont be any more than 3 books so I want to savour them.
- And email conversation yesterday left me a bit tiggered. It takes me back to this post about all of the free advertising bloggers do without even thinking about it. Just this morning I saw posts on nail polish, stationary and clothing and I know none of those bloggers were comensated in any way by the companies. I was contacted about putting some information on my blog and was actually expected to do this...just because. Not for a link exchange, not for product, not for money...just because. This isn't a small struggling business, this is a business with the money to hire the marketing team who contacted me. Do you realise how many bloggers would do this for free and never ask what's in it for them? Companies are now expecting to get free advertising on our blogs and somewhere along the line we missed the chance to make a killing! No other publication would provide so much free promotion for every product under the sun. **Update - Yes, we all blog about products from time to time, but I am seeing more and more blogs that are nothing more than product showcases and we have no idea how powerful these blogs are - these bloggers invest a lot of time and energy into promoting companies for nothing and the companies have budgets for this sort of thing. If I blog about shoes there is the protential for 320 people guaranteed seeing it. Who knows how many blog rolls I am on...so the thought that we aren't going to 'make or break' a company should be considered. I do appreciate when someone blogs about a product I am considering, but I also think the company should thank that blogger for advertising for them. I'm not saying stop talking about products, but what I am hoping is we will all think about what we are doing and perhaps let companies know we should be 'thanked' for our brand loyalty and positive posts.
- Are all men born knowing how to turn on a BBQ? I dont recall ever being taught how to use one and every time I want to grill anything I have to ask the Suburban Princee to come and light it or at least talk me through it.
- Politics, religion and money conversations are best conducted in your own home, not someone else's. If you are just entering the grown up social scene, keep in mind you don't always know who you are talking to and who might overhear you. You could lose friends, opportunities and respect if your opinions are on the extreme end - 'neutral topics only' at cocktails parties! Yes I got phone calls about an incident at our cocktail party. I didn't even know about it so I must've been in the kitchen getting drinks or food or something.
- Does anyone know what happened to HB&HB ? I realised I havn't seen or heard a peep from her all year and her blog doesn't seem to exist anymore.
- If you are wondering why you havn't seen me commenting much lately, I apologize but my time has been quite limited recently and I dont always get to go through all of my favourite blogs and leave comments. I have mentioned the word verification before and sometimes when I see this on the comments I just close the page and dont bother leaving a comment - it just takes too long with all the extra clicks and I know I am not alone in this so...here is how to take it off...At the top of your blog click on ‘Design’ then click on the tab called ‘Settings’. Click on ‘Comments’ then scroll down to the bottom of the page and where it says ‘Show word verification for comments?’ click on NO. Lastly, click on save settings.
Have a fabulous day!
PS...I promise this should be my last rant about blog ads...I have no idea why I have such a bee in my bonnet about it!
Friday, August 27, 2010
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24 comments:
I love your random posts!
1 - I have been wondering about HB&HB as well. Makes me nervous when a blogger just kind of goes away...
2 - So sweet what you did for the mail woman. I am sure you made her week!
3. When I was on vacation my cousins were making fun of me for not knowing how to turn on the grill. They said I have been in the city for too long!
Happy weekend!
Wow!!! I would have done the exact same thing in line! That is so ridiculous and what's sad is that a lot of times the cashier won't even say anything!!!!!! You know all of the people behind you were thinking the same thing just too scared to say anything.
Some people think they are above everything. Drives me nuts.....
Since I posted about nail polish this morning (or rather, a type of manicure), I guess I should respond. I don't live in a vacuum. Every day I use products & services & go to new places. When I write about something I've done or bought myself, I do it in case others may be interested, but want to know more before they spend their own money on something. I am happy when I read an impartial review of a product a blogger has purchased, because I know they're giving an honest opinion & aren't obligated to say good things. I've found a lot of things I did (& didn't) want to try this way.
I think if you want to review products in return for compensation in any form, that should be your decision, but making money off of my blog is not important to me. I earn money at my job & my blog is for fun.
I'm just trying to give a perspective on why many bloggers do this. I'm pretty sure nothing I say on my blog is going to make or break OPI (or PepsiCo or any other companies I've talked about).
SCW-Agreed but I am seeing more and more blogs that are just about products and it makes me wonder if they realize how much they are doing for the companies. Before you do your next product review why don't you ask the company if they will give you some samples - I think the free ad you do forthem would be worth a bottle of polish.
I guess as a newer blogger, I'm not sure of the fine line between free advertising and just plain giving my opinion or showing something I've tried. My blog is about more than just products, but for instance, I posted today about a couple things I picked up yesterday. Free advertising or just me sharing what I did yesterday?
Lots of good points in your post today though and THANK YOU for saying something to that woman! She knew exactly what she was doing and didn't like being called out on it. Good for you. :)
I received the wonderful stationary in the mail yesterday! Thanks so much for the fun giveaway.
I am glad you said something to the lady in line! That is one of my pet peeves.
My favorite easy summer dish... fresh tomatoes with salt and pepper. So good!
As far as the review thing goes. I think if I find a good nail polish color, or something I love... I would not have a problem blogging about it without compensation. Honestly, I rather just do a quick post than try to figure out who to contact at OPI. That is just too much work for me. ha. But I must say, I reviewed a Macclaren buggy that I bought and loved, Macclaren saw the review and as a "thanks" send me several hundreds of dollars of baby products. It was such a kind and generous gift, I was actually in tears when I opened the box. So sometimes it pays off, even when you don't expect it!
FPT - And that's exactly how it should work! Payless sent me shoes I couldn't find here as a thank you for writing about their spring lines :O)
The word verification & more than 10 items drives me nuts too!
WOW!
That's a well thought out post today...lots of food for thought.
I removed that verififcation thingy awhile back as it was frustrating me too.
I am not sure who HB&HB is?
Have a great weekend.
Oh honey, WELL SAID!!!!! Like I said on FB, you're just saying what we're all thinking! Have a great weekend ~ ♥♥
Love this post Miss Princess, lots of food for thought, beginning with HB&HB, we have also wondered if something happened.
And the blog disclosure issue is a hot button for me, you know how strongly we feel about bloggers disclosing any consideration, be it in payment form, trip form, or products, how else do you judge the review on its own merits?
Back to work, happy to pop in and read this one!
tp
PP - I think if the company supplies the product it can be judged fairly. When someone has to pay for it they will factor that into the assessment.
Way to call out the lady at Walmart! It really bothers me when someone breaks a "rule", gets called on it, and then yells at the person who pointed out their error. Hello? You just messed up! I'm telling you, try apologizing not screaming and swearing at me. This goes for driving too.
Have a great weekend dear! :)
Hello,
The enthusiastic welcome home from a child is incomparable. My boys may be grown and only one still living at home, but it warms my heart when he comes out to the car when I pull up and greets me with a hug and carries my briefcase and purse into the house.
I have used my natural Southern accent for those very same purposes many times! And too think, I have never seen Designing Women! ;)
My son loves cucumbers like that. I prefer tomatoes.
I have an evil mail lady. I really wish she would retire... Our mail carriers are required to take our mail.
I agree, never attempt to reclaim your food or beverage offerings at a party.
I have to admit that I know my way around a BBQ but I have now turned it over to my boys. No, not all men are born knowing how to BBQ - my ex was a dismal failure at it! He could never turn it on properly and we always ended up with burnt offerings!
You are so not alone with the word verification. I too have moved on and not left comments because of word verifications or when I have to fill out my name, email and website.
Goodness what a long response! I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
~ Tracy
BTW - package finally went out. Sorry about the delay.
Great Post!!! those chocolates are now my "NEW" Fav... I even managed to sweet talk Mr. G to share his :) ... You spoiled us!!
Walmart woman - sounds like a seriously unhappy, without regard for others kinda person. Good for you to call her on it..
It is ceratinly unbelievable how many people do not show appreciation for good service. On the other side are people who do not provide good service and feel they deserve to be rewarded. You are very lucky to have the Mail person you do - and she is most fortunate that you are on her route and truly are appreciative.
Sometimes you really wonder if people think about what they say.
LPrincess is so adorable, loving and extremely well mannered for his two years of age. I'm certain he will grow up to be a fine young man.
Thank you for bringing the "is it free advertising or self expression of opinion/excitement to share a new great fine" topic to the forefront.
Having had the honour of meeting you and getting to know you - I can say that you are a natural nurturer and one of the kindest,most considerate people when it comes to the feelings of others. You wear your heart on your sleeve and anyone who has the privilege of meeting you and getting to know you, is most fortunate. I think that may explain the "bee in your bonnet" you genuinely care about all your friends and fellow Blogger friends. Thus being the savvy business woman you are .. you are aware of how big companies can "prey" - and you just don't want to see anyone taken advantage of. Many may not comment but read your Blog and leave learning a little more about the opportunity generate some extra income, while doing something they love!
If no one has told you lately .. "My dear thank you for being a caring person"!!
Hugs..HHL
Great Post!!! those chocolates are now my "NEW" Fav... I even managed to sweet talk Mr. G to share his :) ... You spoiled us!!
Walmart woman - sounds like a seriously unhappy, without regard for others kinda person. Good for you to call her on it..
It is ceratinly unbelievable how many people do not show appreciation for good service. On the other side are people who do not provide good service and feel they deserve to be rewarded. You are very lucky to have the Mail person you do - and she is most fortunate that you are on her route and truly are appreciative.
Sometimes you really wonder if people think about what they say.
LPrincess is so adorable, loving and extremely well mannered for his two years of age. I'm certain he will grow up to be a fine young man.
Thank you for bringing the "is it free advertising or self expression of opinion/excitement to share a new great fine" topic to the forefront.
Having had the honour of meeting you and getting to know you - I can say that you are a natural nurturer and one of the kindest,most considerate people when it comes to the feelings of others. You wear your heart on your sleeve and anyone who has the privilege of meeting you and getting to know you, is most fortunate. I think that may explain the "bee in your bonnet" you genuinely care about all your friends and fellow Blogger friends. Thus being the savvy business woman you are .. you are aware of how big companies can "prey" - and you just don't want to see anyone taken advantage of. Many may not comment but read your Blog and leave learning a little more about the opportunity generate some extra income, while doing something they love!
If no one has told you lately .. "My dear thank you for being a caring person"!!
Hugs..HHL
What a sweet thing to do for you mail lady.
And I have called out a checker and her two friends with carts full at a 20 items or less line at Wal-mart. They even had the nerve to ask the lady in front of to put stuff back for them they didn't want and she did it. This one was one at the cigerette counter too and this lady had nothing in her hands. I walked off and told them to put the stuff back and learn to count. I went home and wrote a letter to Wal-Mart. It got the attention of the manager and I got a call.
What a nice and thoughtful gesture for the mail lady - I'm sure she was so thankful!
And props to you for saying something about the full cart lady - stuff like that drives me nutty!
I struggle with the word verification too - but I worry if you take it off, will you get spam comments? Or do you moderate all your comments before posting?
Two blog about product comments.
Once upon a time I mentioned J Peterman in a post and very quickly I had a new BF, that I couldn't get to go away. I received surveys, catalogs, emails and no thanks. Not that I was looking for any.
In a post this week I mentioned my intention to purchase a pair of shoes. Two pair were sent for trial. writing in haste I asked if I could keep pair #1.
The seller thought I was searching for a gift, which was the furthest thing from my mind. It took a while to clear that up.
have a great weekend
But Mr Toad...if you mention a product in a post why wouldn't the company thank you with a free pair of shoes? This is the sort of thing I am talking about - the company was happy to have the free advertising but wasn't willing to thank you for it?
They would never expect a magazine or newspaper to do the thing and in fact the only editorials are about products being advertised in the publications. Companies get a freebie with the blogs and bloggers have no idea how much power they have.
I guess I do free advertising when I'm talking about "What I'm Wearing" and where I bought this and that. I really don't want to do a compensated review, because then I would feel like I was indebted to that certain company. Ugh! Love the way you handled the Full Cart lady!
Miss Janice - what if then Lilly sent you samples for you to review? They get a lot of free advertising from your blog!
When reviewing an item you are influenced by what you paid for it.
I was wondering about HB&HB myself lately. Worries me when a blogger just disappears like that, esp since her whole blog seems to have been deleted!
I think it's an interesting point about the free advertising issue. It makes a lot of sense. I'm not sure how it would work in practicality for smaller blogs though? If everytime I wanted to mention something I contacted the company first? You do bring up a point thoguh, I'm going to have to think about it!!
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