Friday, October 16, 2009

Bringing More Negativity into the World

When I started this blog six years ago, I expected a lot more comments like this one. But I can count on one hand the number of posts that have elicited such comments (three to be exact). I didn't spend forever in grad school and come out of it with a thin skin. So if this was an attempt to hurt my feeling* you're going to have to work much harder. Still, I'd like to respond. The comment was made in response to this post. Here's the comment in full so I can't be accused of taking it out of context:

There is no need to link these designers websites to your blog post purely for the purpose of trashing them. It is rude and inconsiderate.

Also, you can't assume that the designers intentionally make these mistakes. Most likely the designers are not intentionally making things up and the "misktakes" that you are referring to are truly just mistakes. Unlike you, the designers probably have other jobs and don't have the luxury of sitting around and researching every single verse they find to be absolutely sure that it is the correct original verse.

There is already enough negativity in this world but that doesn't stop crazy bloggers like you from bringing more into it. The name of your blog is an extremely appropriate name and I couldn't agree with it more.

"There is no need to link these designers websites to your blog post purely for the purpose of trashing them. It is rude and inconsiderate."
I was operating under the assumption that there is no such thing as bad publicity. Recently on regretsy.com people complained that the author wasn't linking their etsy shops when she trashed their work. But if the designers mentioned in my post were to write to me, I would be happy to deactivate the links at their request.

"Also, you can't assume that the designers intentionally make these mistakes. Most likely the designers are not intentionally making things up and the "misktakes" that you are referring to are truly just mistakes."
If they're not intentionally making mistakes that means they're doing it unintentionally--which I would conclude means they're either careless or intellectually challenged. People make unintentional mistakes because they don't know any better. I, at least, have given the designers credit for intentionality. I disagree with their strategy, but at least I see it as a strategy. If you're going to do faux primitive own it!

"Unlike you, the designers probably have other jobs and don't have the luxury of sitting around and researching every single verse they find to be absolutely sure that it is the correct original verse."
Is that supposed to be funny because I am one of America's 15.1 million unemployed? As it turns out, even when I had another job I could still manage to do this kind of research. I'm not saying that things have to be "correct original verses." No, I didn't say that at all because "speak not unless you can improve the silence" is a proverb, and of course there are variations. I'm just saying your variation has to make sense.

"There is already enough negativity in this world but that doesn't stop crazy bloggers like you from bringing more into it." This is my favorite part. Who's being negative? Do you really think your comment was an example of positivity? More importantly, should we always praise things uncritically? I was making comments about an artifact, and you are attacking me. My tone embraced humor; yours harped on my shortcomings. Some people might consider that negative.

"The name of your blog is an extremely appropriate name and I couldn't agree with it more." You do realize I chose the name for a reason? So, you're saying I got it right? Thanks!

Anyone else?

*See, that's a joke: only one feeling. Stitch Bitch. It works, right? ;)

28 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, Anna. Is it really fair of you to joust with an unarmed intellect? At least you can do it with wit and charm and not just the whiny "I'm going to hit you over the head with my high mindedness." We need more people with discrimination, not less.

Alice said...

Wow. I guess this person is entitled to her opinion about your opinion, and you have responded to her points. I think that a blog should be what a blog owner wants it to be and if persons don't like reading it, then they don't have to! I appreciate reading your take on different charts and designers, much as I appreciate hearing what fabrics and flosses are good and not.

There is plenty of negativity in the world, but plenty of positivity too.... so I would say Get over it!

staci said...

Because I am nosy and forgetful, I had to go back and reread that post. I noticed that comment was "Anonymous". Everyone is intitled to their opinion, but they should at least own up to it!

staci said...

PS I was completely entertained by that post and all the logic and research you included. What does that say about me?

doris said...

I did exactly what Staci did. I went back to the comments to see who had written that comment. It turns out that Ms/Mr/Mrs Anonymous wrote it. To me, that was the most interesting part of the comment.

Sadie said...

Now that I have finished laughing, I have a question.
Was anonymous being 'clever' when she spelled mistakes wrong or was it a genuine mistake?

riona said...

I love your blog because of your edgy humor ... and I have enjoyed your reviews ... as a former English teacher, I have a love affair going with the English language and so, appreciate many of your comments. You are not being negative. Indeed, you are being nice in the truest meaning of the word ... that of making a nice [or fine] distinction. As to The Primitive Needle, I enjoy the designs and will continue to do so ... though I will feel free to adjust/correct a chart to my taste/standards ... just as I would with any other designer's charts.

Nic said...

I didn't comment on the original post because I was too busy nodding and giggling - add typing to the mix and it would have fried my little brain - but Anna, honestly, you don't have to defend yourself against this anonymous numbskull. If they don't like what you write, they don't have to read it - and they can leave the comments space clear for those who *do* like it, and like your take on the stitching industry, and who put their names to their remarks

Hey, we've disagreed over stuff before, but I'd like to think we comment constructively on each other's words, and agree to disagree if we need to, without being snide about it!

drea_dear said...

Wow. Just wow. Maybe "Anonymous" would get more hits and comments on her/his own blog if s/he bothered to include a link.

Your honesty, wit and perspective are what keep us coming back, Anna! If I don't agree with you or have anything constructive to say (or if I'm merely repeating what 15 others said before me) I don't comment. It's an option! Who knew! :)

karenv said...

Ah, the ubiquitous anonymous commenter with a negative viewpoint. I've seen a few of those recently on other blogs - such a shame that people are prepared to mouth off but are too afraid to identify themselves. I think that speaks volumes. Loved your response!

Real Live Woman said...

Pointing out a spelling or grammar mistake on a chart is no different than pointing out a mistake with a symbol or color code on the legend. I would think more people would find it helpful rather than negative.

mainely stitching said...

Well, I wondered if someone would react this way actually. I guess I'm in a minority, but I did kind of see it coming. However, I thought anyone who read your blog would also comment using her/his identity. Your sharp humor weeds out cowards quickly, so I am surprised to find that your audience includes Anonymous. Ah well, spirited discussion keeps those gray cells firing, right? ;)

Edgar said...

It is amazing how some will hide behind the "anonymous" it is kind of a shame and just a little cowardly - Keep up the great posts Miss Anna!!!

Jeannine 520 said...

When I read that post I just knew you'd get one of these comments.

I didn't see your post as being negative but I understand how some of the more tender headed folks could view it as such. Perhaps they're reading the wrong blog. Take care and keep up those interesting posts.

xeyedmary said...

Jeesh! She needs to get a life! And take Sarcasm and Humor 101 while she's at it.

Teresa said...

Pompous Anonymous needs to get some perspective, a sense of humor, and a life!

Donna said...

Posted anonymously, of course.

I, personally, thought your original post was spot on. I'd say someone doesn't "get" who you are and what you bring to discussions of needlework.

Stitch Bitch is aptly named, after all.

SF said...

If you can't express an opinion on your own blog, where CAN you express it? I thought the entire point of a blog was to be personal. Someplace to put out YOUR opinions, YOUR observations and information on things that are of interest to YOU... while inviting the rest of us along for the ride if we find them interesting too.

And if we don't, relief is just a mouse-click away.

Thanks for being there for the rest of us bitches - you're a welcome break from teddy bears and pink puffy hearts.

SF

Annemarie said...

Well, I agree with everything's that's been said above and got quite a giggle not only out of your blog post, but also out of Lee's comment. I'm sorry someone felt bad enough about themselves to leave this sort of comment on your blog which is, after all, a stitchy bitchy blog. She/He knew she/he was being bad, otherwise they would have made themselves known, right?

Coral said...

Hillarious.

But I am confused about the mistakes - am I right in that if we make mistakes on purpose then they would not be mistakes? Umm, going to corner to suck thumb and make sense of that!

Don't stop reviewing, your comments are so funny!

word verificaton - definse - funny!!

Judy said...

Anna, I loved your blog, your OWN opinion. What a great way to start my Monday. You are correct about mistakes--nothing upsets me more than to buy the fabric and threads only to find that I don't have the proper size or color for the project. We have to spend time trying to get the designer to correct the mistake. Keep up the fun blog, Judy

Anonymous said...

Hahahaha!! I'm so glad you posted this ridiculous comment. I never would have gotten to enjoy it otherwise.

Anonymous. That's rich. At least you have the integrity to stand behind what you say.

The "lest you improve the silence" design has driven me crazy since I first saw it. It's a cute design, but I'm going to go buggy when I start seeing WIPs. I am, I truly am.

I think my LNS changed the model to be "kindred." I could be wrong. I've never noticed the discrepancy before. But, yeah, if it's going to be misspelled on the design, it needs to correspond in the title.

Same went for Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah, and I adore Lori Markovic. I'm still traumatized. ;)

Katie said...

Golly . . . someone sure is sensitive!

Jennifer said...

I was watching Keith Olbermann the other night and he thought it was pretty funny that George HW Bush was complaining about the lack of respect for the office of President and the general coarsening of political discourse due to the influence of "the cables" (assuming he meant cable news), then went on to call both Keith and Rachel Maddow "sick puppies".

Perhaps your anonymous commenter is George HW Bush?

urban craft said...

As someone who has been linked and slightly bashed by another blogger about one of my posts, I would have liked to be invited to the bashing to at least defend myself. So, linking is good, cause that is the only way via trackbacks that the blogger will know you are talking about them.
But, I say speak your mind. I do, the truth hurts sometimes but that doesn't mean that it doesn't need to be told, even if that truth may be just one's persons opinion, as it usually is in my case.
If you didn't have this blog name I would have stole it. Then again, I am not that good at stitching.

Trish said...

Anna, YOU ROCK! I love your blog!!!

Annie Beez said...

LOL!

Rachel S-H said...

This is your blog. You have a right to opine here as you see fit. People are so wierd.