Here's some news about what's going on with me, I'm excited about some new adventures.
My article in Belle Armoire Jewelry for the Summer issue is coming out soon, the article is about faux amber resin.
I just sent out a packet to apply to teach at a fun place, I'll share more details once I find out if my proposal has been accepted. Hard to wait!
I made this focal component to look like one of the old-timey shoe buckles, or a lady's delicate belt buckle. Do you remember those? I used to have one that looked like carved ivory or bone, but sometime in the past I lost track of it. Maybe I'll make a reproduction of that one. This one is in pewter with a coppery-bronze finish.
It looks very old, worn and has a great patina.
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Do you ever get frustrated with custom order requests? I have recently had a situation come up where I was trying to do something nice for someone, and now that person is unhappy with the outcome. I try my best to treat folks the way I want to be treated, that's my standard for how I should act.
I've gotten to the place where I am reluctant to take custom orders. It's so hurtful when they don't work out. Don't get me wrong, when it works out well people are so happy and have such nice communications. You'd think that would make more of a difference, wouldn't you?
Why is it that the bad communications stick out so much more, why wouldn't the nice communciations, the happy words, be the ones that get the most notice? The unhappy person with their CAPS LOCK on when they email does seem to be the one that gets the most focus, somehow.
If you have any words of wisdom I wish you'd share them. It's a real downer to try so very hard to put a smile on someone's face, just to have it turn out to be impossible to do.
If I've ever put a smile on your face, I would sure enjoy thinking that I made a difference for you ...
Thank you in advance for your support as I weather this thunderstorm of personal attack.
22 comments:
Lynn the capital letters is an indication of the rudeness of the email sender. Net courtesy is imperative - using capital letters is the equivalent of shouting in conversation and should never be used in an email, except for punctuation. The capital letters are more a statement about the character of the other person. I have not had any dealings with you however I do enjoy reading your posts and that has to count for something.
Lynn, you often make me smile! In fact your lovely gift of pewter keys has become part of a piece of personal art, that makes me smile everyday.
On other matters, I will rush out to get BA just to see your article. Best of luck on the submission to teach. I would love to take a class from you!
My honesty and integrity are being abused. I won't put the quotes from the email here, that wouldn't be right. No money has changed hands, everything was done as a favor, and I'm being accused of theft. If I have ever cast something for you that's special, to reproduce for you, and you were pleased with the results, sharing that here and now will be very helpful. Thank you to all my supportive friends and customers, and all the positive feedback you've left at the Etsy shop. It may help against this attack.
I've never ordered anything custom from you, but I love every piece that you make...Heck, when I see one that just screams at me that I need to buy it, it almost feels like you made it custom for me without even realizing it :o)
I know how awful it can make you feel when you work so hard on something, only to have someone yell at you (since that's basically what caps means) because it's not exactly what they had pictured in their head...I don't know about you, but I don't have psychic powers yet...
Don't let it get you down - you may have one hater, but there are many more of us who love you and your work! I always love reading your blog because it's a great combo of "what I've been working on" and "what's up in my life."
Awww Lynn, there are some people who just cant be pleased. The last custom order I took was not fun to do. In the end it worked out well but it's turned me off to continue doing them for now. However, with that said I hope you don't stop taking custom orders b/c hopefully in the future (when I have money again, lol) I'd love to have some custom work done from you. And I'm 100% positive that I won't be dissapointed with it!
Hi Lynn - What a shame, that someone feels so angry with their own life that they feel the need to take it out on you. I am so sorry that you have to go through this, but, just by being yourself, your true character and integrity will shine through. I love your work - I'm making a piece including one of your keys as we speak! - and will be ordering more from you very soon. Hang in there - this too shall pass.
:-) Molly
You make me smile everytime I look in your shop! I love the pieces I have gotten from you and plan on getting more in the future. A few bad apples can spoil the bunch, but not if you take them out early. So focus on the good , the great and the amazing custom orders, those really are the ones that matter most! We will keep coming back!
Well, you know how I feel, but I very happy to explain it here! Your work is just outstanding, your pieces over the top. You always come through 1,000% every time! We have done a lot together, and I am always extremely happy. Not to mention you are one of the kindest ladies to deal with.
When I was in the business world, I worked for a national radio rep firm. Our boss constantly told us we weren't fired by a radio station for lack of performance, but due to lack of communication. Sounds like expectations weren't met, and not that you did anything wrong at all, she just wasn't on the same page. This is a tough one, especially if she is getting nasty and more interested in attacking you, than working through the problem. And one thing I know for sure, you are not a thief!
I am soooooo sorry my friend, that you are going through this. Please know we all have your back, care a ton about your sweet self. You are a giving, talented and generous person. Big hug. Riki
Lynn my words of encouragement are don't let that one person steal your joy in the things you create. Your art treasures brings joy to all your loyal customers. There is always one in the crowd you can't please.
Hi Lynn, So sorry to hear you are having this trouble. It seems the person you are dealing with is the one who can't communicate!
I must say you have been more than generous in your gifting of yourself to all of us who love you so much. Please don't let one person overshadow all the good and positive things you represent in your art and business.
That being said, I have not had that BAD experience with a custom order -- I enjoy custom orders actually. However, they do take a great deal of extra communications back and forth.
Chin up, take care of yourself.
Emanda
Oh, and I forgot to say how much I enjoyed your article in Belle Armoire! Fabulous!
Emanda
So sorry to hear you are having a bad time with someone making accusations. While I am sure it is very unpleasant for you, you shouldn't give it too much room in your life and thoughts. I have no idea how many times you have done custom work - but I don't believe this particular case can make up more than a fraction of a percent - try to view it in its proper scale.
I'm so sorry that this is happening to you Lynn as you always provide, beautiful pieces, the greatest service and lovely communication. Unfortunately, there are some people who look for conflict (bullies). When I run into someone like this, it makes me feel better to be happy that I'm not like that. They are not happy folks. You could stand on your head and produce nickels as the old saying goes and some people would demand quarters instead. You can only do your best (which is super fantastic by the way). If this person leaves negative feedback for you, you can be sure that many, many others will respond with glowing feedback.
I am so sorry that it hasn't worked out. I mainly do custom requests so I do know what that is like, but mine are all face to face. I try very hard to honor requests but within reason. Heather at The Peacock Fairy just wrote of her struggles with this same issue (you should read what happened to her). I am also hoping to go live with my Etsy site this summer and really have to think about this. There is only so much that you can do. Some people you can never please. Those I don't mind 'divorcing' and explaining what I can do. I guess having clear policies is a start but it also is important to treat others as you wish to be treated. Unfortunately, not everyone learned that.
I have to say that you have definitely made a difference in my life. You have gone above and beyond and I always feel special when I order from you. I hope that these words (all true!) make a difference to you.
Enjoy the day!
Erin
P.S. Can't wait to see your article...and I do hope that I am somewhere close to where you are teaching. I would take your class in a heartbeat, even if it was just to meet you!
I am reluctant to do custom orders too. I'm much happier with "What you see is what you get" I have a hard time charging for the extra time and anxiety in making custom orders but perhaps that would help.
Meanwhile I avoid them for just that reason. It definitely feels that the negative speaks louder than the numerous positives. Why is that? Every time a customer starts a sentence with me " I bought some jewelry from you...." I immediately wonder what went wrong with it and so far it's always ended up being a positive comment.
Sorry you had a to experience that rudeness.
Kim
Kim
Lynn...I worked as a hair stylist for a while and pleasing women is very challenging, so much of it is in the communication but there is always an unseen, unknown element that is difficult to articulate. I think your work is original enough that you could not offer custom creations or you can let them know that it will be your interpretation of their idea and be proud of that, if it doesn't work for them, so be it! I hope you applied to teach at Artfest! I finally get to go next year and it would be fun to meet you. ♥Piper
It is so awful dealing with customers who cannot be pleased, no matter what! I WILL NOT (capitals!)do custom orders ever again because of my experiences. Some people don't understand the creative process or that artists cannot exactly reproduce what is in someone's head!
I LOVE(!) your work and understand that every piece is unique because it has been made by an artist with integrity.
I actually feel that everything I have from you has been made especially for me(some has) you and your work are wonderful.x
What a huge bummer for you...but, don’t play it over and over in your head...You did your best, this person expected more or something else. My goodness, its not like its a life or death situation. Breathe deep and let it pass and learn from it. Perhaps custom orders are not a wise choice anymore. I never do custom stuff..I’ve had trouble as well and decided its not worth it for me anymore. You do beautiful, unique work...don’t let this person spoil all that is so wonderful about what you do....
I knew that you all would know just what to say, and you're all very RIGHT (all caps) about not taking this to heart. I do put a lot of myself into the pieces I make and when they are criticized it's hard to distance that from me being criticized. I do wear my heart on my sleeve sometimes, I need a steel guard for it, like the mirror guard I made earlier with dragons.
You all have been my dragons (in a nice way) over this incident.
And although it sounds very corny, I know, I make every piece as though it was for me, and don't finish with it until it's hard for me to part with it myself because I like it so much. Silly, huh?
Hey Lynn! I too would be a good bit reluctant to do custom orders. You were doing them a favour a courtesy, they could spare the rudeness. Your works really superb. So like the Wizard of OZ said..."take no notice of that person behind the curtain"!! lol
I'm sorry you are experiencing this.
Anyone can see by the way you run your shop, your feedback, your long respected standing in the art jewelry community, that honesty is your nature.
Any accusations need to be dealt with fiercely and with legal backing. If the comments are made online they can be taken as defamation. If someone publishes a false statement of fact as opposed to an opinion, then that person can and should be held responsible for their words.
I would not discuss this online any further and simply seek legal counsel as to your next step should the accuser make the mistake of taking their false statements to the public.
You have a business reputation to protect.
Shannon, I'm sincerely hoping the things that have been mentioned are toothless and won't happen, and that all that happens is my feelings are hurt - and you guys have gone a long way toward healing that hurt already.
But one thing's for sure, Shannon, you are FIERCE and I admire you! Your kindness on my part is valued, thank you.
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