But this blog belongs to me, I lay it out the way I want, I write the content that I want, I choose the background that I want --- It is mine.
In the last few months I've been questioned by people who are "upset" or “disappointed” that they are not in my blog links anymore, or people asking if I would PUT them in my side bar to drive up their traffic. And then if I remove them ---they get upset.
My links in my own side bar were put there for my own use, and ease of finding who I was reading. They have always rotated --- nothing stays the same.
If someone up the street painted their house blue and you didn’t like it --- would you send them an email, or write in a public forum demanding they “PUT IT BACK!” the way it was? I’m amazed at what some people will send out by email.
Just because we have the freedom TO say it --- does that mean we SHOULD send it?
I once got a complaint from a reader who was upset that my feed in google reader was a partial feed ---and she said she wanted me to put it back, explaining to me in kindergarten terms so I would understand – how to reset it. Turns out she was following 200 quilt blogs and wanted them ALL in full format in google reader so that she didn’t have to click a link to open a new window.
200 quilt blogs --- who has time to quilt if you are reading 200 quilt blogs daily in full format? This is all fine for her, but what is not fine is telling ME what I should do with my own blog feed.
Who I follow is my business. Being included in my side bar, added or removed from my side bar does not mean that I don’t like you, or like someone better. Since yesterday I’ve gotten emails DEMANDING that I put things back “THE WAY THEY WERE”.
It's WEIRD!! And creepy ---and so I made a decision to put all the people that I follow into my personal google reader and not have a "daily reads" section anymore. I can’t add EVERYONE, and I don’t like hurting people if I remove someone.
It is unreasonable for me to be the keeper of your bookmarks. That isn’t a job I signed up for. Things change. Please be responsible for your own bookmarks. It is better that way.
I have a lady who just un-enrolled from a class I am teaching in Florida because I couldn't give her the count number of pieces for each shape and which accuquilt die she needed to cut them. I told her that was not the focus of the class, that she was to come to class with 2.5" strips, and the rulers ---- and she lambasted me and said she is no longer a fan because I wouldn't give her what she wanted when she wanted it -- (I don't have that info for the quilt with me in my head?...I"m in California and was replying to her as quickly as I could by cell phone during class-- HELLO!??)
So that's what's going on here.
If I decide to clean house and rearrange my blog, it’s for my own reasons. If you didn’t bookmark things for yourself – I can’t be responsible for that. I need less stress not more. If there is someone you are looking for – google them. They are easy to find. The only thing keeping me calm is being far enough away ---- and experiencing such beauty as this, walking Laguna Beach at Sunset ----
238 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 238 of 238Bonnie, I've been reading your blog and enjoying quiltvile for many, many years. I rarely comment, but I have personally emailed you on several occasions and your response was always very prompt, kind, helpful and made me feel like we were friends :-) I can't add much to what has already been said, but, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!!! You have encouraged me, and to continue to encourage me and so many others to quilt, and to do it for all the right reasons--- for the love of it, for the beauty, and to share the comfort a quilt brings. Numbers 6:24-26 Annette my_creative_mess@sbcglobal.net
Dear Bonnie,
I found your blog a year ago, read for a few weeks, then went back to the very beginning and read every page. Last year, I've learned how to use my Companion Angle ruler, how to spin 4-patches, empathized with DS concerns, etc. etc.etc...... . You encouraged me, given me great ideas & tutorials, lifted my spirits, and taught me geography. Thank you. I don't sew Mystery Quilts (too many UFO's already) but I read (and save) every one and like the finished quilts. Should I now complain the Mysteries are a waste of time? I don't think so!!! I skip the Kindle summaries because I don't own one. My choice - just as it is your choice to do a service for your readers. Keep up the blog however you want it to be. Many blogs require substantial payment for patterns and tutorials. You've done that and more for FREE.
Carole in eastern Canada (mehner@rogers.com)
It is a pity that you were driven to take the daily reads off, as I enjoy seeing new to me blogs on other people's blogs especially if I know they are likely to intrest me like yours have. If I then like someone's blog I add it to mine to keep an eye on, but I love finding new ones by surfing from other peoples reads. But as you said: your blog and you do not need to get grief for any of it. I love reading your blog and looking at the pictures from the classes and seeing what you are up to.
Uh oh - you really think you can do things the way you want to ???? (just to make that very clear - that was ironic !) Bonnie, you need to do what you want to do the way you want to do it - and that's it. Sometimes I think the "problem" with bloggers and readers is that the blogger shows parts of her life to the public - and some readers think that gives them permission to be demanding. I guess those readers just need to learn that this is not true ;-)) So, all I demand from you is "please stay the Bonnie Hunter we all love !!"
I'm with you all the way there, Bonnie. In fact I have become so disillusioned with the acts of some bloggers that I have changed my blog name, stopped following many and no longer write one of my own. The only reason I have not cancelled everything is so that I can read blogs like yours where I find friendliness and inspiration in buckets. Your blog reflects your personality - it is what helps to make you so interesting. x
Bonnie, Please keep on being Bonnie!!! We love you!
WOW, Bonnie! I am so with you!! You are one of the most giving quilt heroes I know. Please don't let those trolls get you down. For each of them, you must have 10,000 others who think you're the best!
How extraordinary and how rude!! I'd give my eye teeth to attend one of your courses! I can't believe anyone would cancel - leaves space for someone else who appreciates the chance (I hope she paid you a nice fat deposit that she won't get back)
So if you ever come to France and need some eye teeth I'm your woman!!
Wow. I'm so amazed that people think they can tell you what to do and glad you have the sense not to let them try.
Bonnie, I have read of other bloggers being fussed at for changing their blogs. The readers who do this fussing need to get a life. My blog, while I am happy to share, is MINE. The very word comes from "Web Log". It is so easy to just Google "how to set up a blogger reader" but some are too darn lazy to do it.
And the lady who got mad about the die-cutter? Too funny! She just gave up a great chance to learn from a great quilter, all because of her tantrum!
Change is good, if a pond does not change its water, it becomes STAGNANT!
Love you and your blog!
I love your blog and all the information you provide. Yes, it is your blog to do with it what you want and I would like to personally thank you for taking the time and effort to give us all the information that you do. There isn't much that you can do about the people who complain about anything and everything because the world is made up of those kind of people, but try your best to ignore them. I can't imagine how much time it takes to blog and post pictures everyday as you do, but I enjoy it all and your blog is at the top of my list and I check yours everyday. Just as no one can tell me who's blog to save on my personal computer, no one should tell you who to list on your blog listings either.
Hey Bonnie I love your blog. Please do what you feel needs done and don't "sweat the small stuff". I just attended a retreat where a woman ruined an evening of happy fellowship because things were not set up by the host the way she wanted it. The host was like you and did not back down by the woman's rude display and said what she felt. Fortunately there was apologies the next morning. Just remember ladies if you don't care for the way something is being done then just step away and do your own thing. Don't cause a fuss! Please Bonnie keep up the informative and wonderful posts. I have learned soooo much from you.
It's all been said, We love you Bonnie!
Beautiful picture of you Bonnie!
Way to go, Bonnie! Your blog & web site are so great. They are the only placesI visit regularly because, as you said, I need time to quilt. Keep on doing it your way.
Bonnie,
February is an intensely difficult month for me. BLAH winter, I lost my mom that month and it is her birthday month and I can't get out and be with other women. I *GET TO* spend time catching up on your mystery and doing some of your other projects. You've made my quilting time so EXCITING and interesting. I have lupus and don't have the high energy to do it all, but I sure do benefit from all you do. My mind isn't dull, even if my body would get sick if I overdo. YOU make February happy. I can always rely on more than I can possibly do from you. LOL! But, also, a lesson in what quilting is all about. Thank you, friend. I'm sorry your celebrity status is icky, but I'm glad you are "my Elvis". I hope you can find the balance of private and public...I can't EVEN imagine!
Bonnie,
February is an intensely difficult month for me. BLAH winter, I lost my mom that month and it is her birthday month and I can't get out and be with other women. I *GET TO* spend time catching up on your mystery and doing some of your other projects. You've made my quilting time so EXCITING and interesting. I have lupus and don't have the high energy to do it all, but I sure do benefit from all you do. My mind isn't dull, even if my body would get sick if I overdo. YOU make February happy. I can always rely on more than I can possibly do from you. LOL! But, also, a lesson in what quilting is all about. Thank you, friend. I'm sorry your celebrity status is icky, but I'm glad you are "my Elvis". I hope you can find the balance of private and public...I can't EVEN imagine!
I can stand on the street corner handing out $50 bills and some will complain that they'd rather have 2 20s and a 10. Know what I mean?
It's YOUR blog. End of story. I always find inspiration here! THANK YOU for blogging!!!
KZK
Bonnie, I know I am the last in the know, and the last to congratulate you. It IS your blog,it is your information and you have every right to control it. I think you do a great job and if I do not read every word, well, that is my choice. We are all adults and can control what is on your own equipment. If we cannot, too bad for you, pay for help.
Thanks for the laughs, the patterns, the ability to use my numerous scraps and stash! and for being patient, understanding and kind.
Ah, Bonnie, I'm so sorry you have to deal with people like that. As my mother would say, "no good deed goes unpunished." Some people are like black holes, and no matter how much you give them, you will always hear a sucking sound near them - they want more, more, more. Try to ignore them and concentrate on your fans who really do appreciate all you give us. I confess to being a bit sad that the poor behavior of a few people has ruined a good thing for the rest of us. But even though I will miss your links, I will still treasure the gifts you have been doling out for years. Thank you for all you do!
Think my comment got sucked down the spam hold. My point was you could stand on a corner handing out $50 bills and some will complain that they want 2 20s and a 10. :) It's YOUR blog and I always feel inspired after reading! THANK YOU for sharing a bit of yourself with us!
KZK bagsbyKZK@gmail.com
People/Snowbirds in Florida check their manners at the state line. Have had the mis-fortune of moving back here, to be with family. I lived here for eight years before and couldn't believe how everybody assumed you were indebted to them and owed "them". Rude rude rude. NC felt like home and everyone was so nice; miss it.
Bonnie, I love your blog and appreciate having an online friend to "talk" quilting with. Keep up your blog, just as it is, I think it is wonderful!
Well said!
Bonnie, I am so sorry you have had to put up with such nonsense from uncaring and thoughtless people. I've always felt quilters were a calm and reasonable group. I guess I was being naive!
Hope things settle down for you - SOON; and that you have more time to rejuvenate in your travels.
This site is fantastic. it gives me floods of inspiration, although I'm just browsing, finding little time to start a project after a hard day's work. Thanks to my Goddess of Quilting!
Love your blog, and it is YOUR blog to do with what you wish. Some people feel they are "entitled" to what ever, ignore them and keep doing what you love. Thanks for the encouragement in making me think outside the box. Will continue to read your blog no matter how you choose to do it.
Love your pictures, I have lived on both coasts and Lake
Erie and I could count my ocean pictures on one hand. During my youth to teen years,would go to sleep with the light and wake up to Boston Harbour Lighthouse fog horn and never took a picture. Oh well. Love your quilts, keep up the great job, and get rid of the stress. SEW,Sew,sew and enjoy life.
Bonnie I'm new to quilting and have not been in one of your classes, but as I read your FB posts and your blog, it blows my mind that you are able to accomplish all that you do. You must NEVER sleep! Each of us can surely find the things we need without expecting you to do that as well! Keep on doing the Bonnie!
Bonnie, you are the best. You are so great to share all that youy do with us. I enjoy your blog everyday and I am also aware that it is your blog.
Aren't people amazing? And not always in a good way. hugs
I, for one, am happy as can be. I come to Bonnie's blog to enjoy her humor, travel stories, and find ideas/inspiration which I get in abundance!
Bonnie, be true to yourself and don't worry about the few!! Thank you for generously sharing your precious time and talent with us and making quilting fun :D :D
You've got to be kidding. Can you say it's a "ME-world". People want what's convenient for themself.
Enjoy your walk on the beach... and stay true to yourself. Your creativity is inspirational.
We are such a society of me first and instant gratification,. You go Bonnie and do your blog anyway you want it is yours after all.
Bonnie, Bonnie, Bonnie!!! You should do what you like with your blog!!! Any quilter who seriously FOLLOWS 200 blogs....can't possibly be getting much quilting done!! Having said that, would you please change all your free patterns so we have size charts with all the sizes on there? And cutting lists, yeah, we need them too, for each size and you might as well figure those cutting lists out for rotary AND die cutting machines. And why can't you show us pictures of each pattern in several color ways;it's not like you're entitled to a minute to yourself! What did you think you had a life of your own??? Ok, I'll stop, don't hit me!!!!! LOL Rock on girlie!! Lori in VA
Some people are very silly these days and also very selfish ( well I expect they were beforehand but on the internet it is extremely public LOL) So I think you should stop worrying about them and carry on doing what you enjoy, for which I thank you :)
Some people are very silly these days and also very selfish ( well I expect they were beforehand but on the internet it is extremely public LOL) So I think you should stop worrying about them and carry on doing what you enjoy, for which I thank you :)
Some people are very silly and some are selfish and some are both and the internet shows it up unfortunately. They are showing themselves up in the end. Take no notice (really is it worth the bother?) and keep doing what you enjoy doing, for which I thank you :)
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