Happy Blogger, Sad Blogger, Mad Blogger
When I started this blogging adventure I didn’t really know what to expect. I figured I’d talk about cookies and cross my fingers that people might just be interested enough to read what I wrote. Isn’t it kind of funny when you look back and laugh at the old naive you that had no idea what you were getting into?
Turns out, blogging is like real life. There are ups and downs, highs and lows, and everything in between. And while most experiences are positive and encouraging, every once in a while I have a bad day.
To be honest, I made these cookies almost eighteen months ago which is about how long it took me to gather enough man parts to speak my mind. What can I say? I’m a lover not a fighter. I’d rather people like me than not and I definitely don’t want to make people mad. But there comes a time to say what you need to say out of respect for yourself and the people around you. Today just happens to be my day.
Happy Blogger
Having a blog has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced. I’ve invested in blood, sweat, and tears {okay, not so much blood but I have been burned} and the return has been overwhelmingly positive. Here are some of my most favorite things about having a blog:
1. Inspiring Others
For me this was the best unexpected perk. I knew that I liked cookies and I knew that I liked making people smile, but never in a million years did I imagine how fulfilling it would be to hear another person say, “you have helped me so much” or ” I never thought I could do this until I found your site”. Hearing things like that make me feel like I’m making a difference in the world that goes way beyond cookies.
2. Meeting New People
Three or four years ago, I’d have told you that having Internet friends was CRAZY {right Manti}…but believe it or not, I’ve met some of my closest friends online. Though I’m often alone during the day, I never feel lonely. I’m just thankful to live in an age that friends are only a click away.
3. Being Inspired
When it comes to cookie decorating, I have learned so much from others. I can honestly say if it weren’t for Flickr, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Looking at what others create is not only fun, it inspires me to be the best cookier I can be. I love looking at another cookier’s design and having a light bulb moment. Can you imagine how much longer it would have taken to develop our skills if we’d all had to figure these things out on our own?! I truly believe sharing makes us all better decorators regardless of experience or skill level.
4. Having a Creative Outlet
I chose to be a stay at home mom because when it’s all said and done nothing matters more than being around for my kids. But when you have a brain that is always in hyperdrive you need focus.
Having a cookie blog works well for me because it allows me to be artistic but requires discipline, following a schedule, and finishing the projects that I start, none of which are my strong points.
5. Having a job that allows me to be a mom first
I kind of said this already but I thought it needed a little expanding {expansion, whatever}. I’m fortunate enough that my husband could support our family if necessary. However, it makes me feel good to know that I can help out a little {income wise} while still being able to drop what I am doing and take my six-year old to the ER when he cracks his head open at school {true story}. Blogging is probably not going to make me a millionaire {which is highly overrated, I hear} but it’s rewarding to make a little money doing things that I would probably do anyhow.
6. A cookie community that encourages and uplifts one another
This is probably my favoritist thing of all. When I started there wasn’t a whole lot of information available on the subject of cookie decorating. My mom suggested I join Flicker and it was there that I met people like The CookieArtisan, The Barefoot Baker, Cookie Crazie, The Polka-Dot Zebra, Glorious Treats, Ali-Bee’s Bake Shop Montreal Confections, Sweet Landa, Cancun Cookies, The Partiologist, and many many more. Over time, as we shared our work we began to develop a mutual respect for one another which led to sharing. Soon we were growing exponentially in skill and in number. Then, in the blink of an eye there was a community of cookie decorators where there wasn’t before.
At this point our community has grown so large and accomplished it’s a little hard for me to keep track, but I am am super proud of the men and women that make up our expanding group and I hope that it continues to grow.
7. Comments and nice emails
That’s pretty self explanatory. In my early days of blogging comments and emails were about the only way I knew anyone was paying attention. Now, I totally get it if ya don’t comment every time I post, ESPECIALLY if you read multiple blogs. I just wanted to say that even if I don’t always answer, I see every single comment and email {eventually} and they mean the world to me!
8. When people use my tutorials
I put my tutorials on the Internet for people who want to learn cookie decorating but don’t know where to start. When I post ideas and designs I fully expect people to copy them. Did you hear that? I WANT YOU TO COPY MY COOKIES! I mean, how silly would it be me to share step-by-step instructions only to wag my finger and say, “but you may not recreate my design!”
Ultimately my hope is to give readers enough confidence to go from imitation to inspiration until ultimately they don’t need me anymore {well maybe a LITTLE, LOL}.
I would like to mention, however, not everyone feels this way. Especially decorators who rely on cookies as their primary source of income. It’s hard to get a feel for people’s opinion on duplication until you know them or worse, cross them .
A good rule of thumb is to ALWAYS ASK before duplicating a design. Often you’ll get a flattered yes and sometimes a no. Every once in a while you might even encounter a “Hell no, don’t ever ask me again,”. It may sting a bit, but at least you know where you stand before unwittingly getting into a nest of hornets. Above all, whether you agree or not, you must respect the answer whatever it may be.
Sad Blogger
As much as I hate to admit it, I am a softie. My Mamaw always said I wear my heart on my sleeve and it’s true. I am much more likely to get hurt feelings than to become angry when issues arise so, of course, there are a few things about blogging that make me sad.
1. Public criticism
I think Kristan said it best. If I am standing in front of a crowded room and you come and whisper that my zipper is down, I’ll be grateful to you for the rest of my life. Yell it loud enough that everyone stops and gawks? Well that’s just rude.
I’m not perfect, I make mistakes, my spelling leaves much to be desired, and I sure as heck make more than my fair share of typos. The bottom line is, despite my shortcomings we can all use a little mercy from time to time. If it REALLY bothers you that I misspell “Seuss” {which spell check doesn’t catch, BTW} or if I accidentally transpose a few cutters in a post, whisper it nicely, or better yet send me an email. The problem gets fixed without me walking around humiliated because the whole world knows that I can’t spell.
2. Mean, hateful comments
I truly believe there’s a lot to be said for having a filter. There are all different kinds of people in the world but I am pretty sure all of us grew up with a little exposure to the concept of “if you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all”.
A person’s blog is kind of like their home in a way. I would never barge into your home and insult your decor or the way live, so when you visit my “house” I expect the same kind of respect.
So what if you don’t like my paint? When you come visit I will do everything in my power to make you feel at home. I would hope that the effort is appreciated even if we don’t do things the exact same way.
Mean comments can range anywhere from “why did you change your background to that awful white” or “I have no interest in cutesie elementary school icons” to things I can’t even type. But let me say this, mean comments always devastate me hurt my feelings and they’re not welcome here. So, seriously, if you can’t say something nice, this probably isn’t the best place for you to hang out.
3. The comparison monster
The sad thing about the comparison thing, is that it’s something we do to ourselves. Admiration can quickly turn into feelings of inadequacy if we’re not mindful of our thoughts {there’s a little Jedi wisdom for you}. Even the best of the best are susceptible to this type of feelings. Seriously. Did you know models tend to be some of the most insecure people on earth?
Anywho, all I can say about comparison is this. Wouldn’t it be a boring world if all our cookies were exactly the same? Every single person has something to bring to the table. Embrace this and the possibilities are endless. Fall into the comparison trap and it will steal every ounce of joy that cookie decorating can bring. The end.
4. MINE, MINE, MINE
My frustration with this phenomenon seems to have grown with the ever expanding cookie community. Once upon a time there were so few decorators that there were plenty of “new” ideas. And by “new”, I mean “new” to cookies not new to mankind.
These days, with so many people trying their hand at decorating. overlap is a lot more common. There will always be multiple interpretations of various themes, especially when it comes to holidays, major events, party supplies, and all other occasions that people celebrate with cookies.
Seems pretty logical, but humans have a knack for complicating things. These common icons occur again and again, yet people still get angry over stolen ideas. Bottom line is not every single idea can be interpreted beyond what it is, nor should it be.
So, do me a favor. If you make ladybug cookies and shortly thereafter another cookier makes them too, give them the benefit of a doubt and let it go {this does not apply to direct copies, in which case I recommend asking first or at the very least crediting}.
If we don’t get a handle on this it could get very messy. I for one am not interested in a hobby where I have to Google every idea that crosses my mind. Are you?
Mad Blogger
1. Do not hijack others FB or blog to pimp your own posts
Okay, this doesn’t really make me mad, it’s more irritating than anything else. If you make or write something great, don’t use my space {meaning my Facebook page or blog} to pimp yourself. It’s rude. The best way to get noticed is to work hard and make something awesome…not to piggy back off others. In the long run you’ll be proud of yourself knowing that you earned your keep.
If you’re convinced you have come up with something so earth shattering that it begs to be seen, email me. Better yet, join a weekly linky party like Tidymom’s “I’m Lovin’ It”, where pimping your posts is welcome and encouraged. You’re much more likely to be recognized while sharing in this manner than by plastering a link to your latest blog post across someone else’s Facebook page.
2. Rude emails
I admit it. I suck at email. When I open my inbox and I see all those messages it makes me sleepy and overwhelmed. Sometimes I put important things in a folder only to lose them in a sea of new messages. This is my weakness and I have missed several opportunities because of my poor email management skills. I try and fail daily. It’s not because I don’t care, I’m just not good at it. But really I do try.
That being said, as frustrating as I know I can be mean emails are never ever acceptable. If get an email with “YOU SUCK” in the subject line, of course I’m going to open it. But as soon as I get to the part about me ruining your cookies because I didn’t answer an emergency question, I’m going to hit delete.
3. Tutorial Copycats
I’ll just keep this short. I work hard on my tutorials. It’s a painfully long process to stop in between every single step to take a {nice} photo, which is why I get kinda miffy when people use my instructions to make the very same cookie then reproduce my post, photo by photo, step-by step.
I guess as a blogger consider my tutorials more of my “portfolio” than the cookies, and therefore, I’m a little more protective of them. My advice is that if you use someone’s tutorial go ahead and post your creation with a link to the original. It’s less work for you {because who wants to go through all that if they don’t have to} and it’s also a great way to let someone else know they’ve done something good.
To be clear, I’m talking about blatant reproduction of a specific tutorial, not making different cookies using the same technique.
For example, once upon a time I made bunny impression cookies. If that inspires you to post tutorial on heart impression cookies, great, I’ve never done such a thing. But make the exact same bunnies and you’ve crossed into the realm of very uncool. Make sense?
Sometimes a tutorial inspires a better idea. But before you go off and post new and improved version take a moment to consider a few things. Can you add something helpful to make it better? Have you changed the design enough to warrant a redo? Are you willing to risk offending the original author by “fixing” their instructions {this goes back to the thing about tact and filters}. If you’ve thought about these things and think it’s worth the reward, then by all means…post away.
4. Picture stealers
There’s no nice way to say this because people who steal photos absolutely infuriate me. I see it like this. I freely allow people to recreate designs. I provide instructions. If you want to make these cookies and market them to customers then the least you can do is make your own darn cookies and take photos yourself. Anything else is laziness!
I’ve wasted countless hours of time and effort trying to explain this to people that don’t give a hoot. These days I don’t even think it’s worth the heartache to fight about it. Still, I want to say it out loud just one time just so it’s clear where I stand. Picture thieves are lame and I have absolutely no respect for people who knowingly and willfully do this.
5. Content-less websites that profit off of others hard work
By content-less websites I mean sites that take photos and/or information from other sites without permission and use it to create their own, income generating sites without doing any actual work. I mean, how hard is it to copy a photo from Flicker and post it with a half-___ link?
It’s not illegal, just unethical. All I can think of comparing it to is catfishing. You’ve all heard of catfishing by now, right? This sort of blogging is basically the same thing…misrepresentation for personal gain.
To be clear, there are ways to have an ethical sharing-type blog. Two great examples are Be Different, Act Normal and Craft Gossip. I personally know the the ladies behind these blogs {because they made an effort to get to know me before sharing my work} and I love that they read other blogs {not troll Flickr} to find great ideas and share them with a clear, direct link.
I understand that people aren’t born knowing the “Rules of the Internet”. I’m pretty sure when I joined Flickr I committed about every faux pas possible including blatant copying {because these people were my heros}, failing to credit {because it never occurred to me that people besides my mom were looking at what I made} along with many more. Luckily as time went by I learned how things worked.
I can usually tell the difference between the imitation/flattery thing and sneakyness because I’ve been on the other side. When it comes down to it, the majority of people have good intentions at heart, it’s just a few bad ones that spoil it for everyone.
Okay. That’ s about all of the “real talk” that I can handle in a day, so back to happy talk.
Like I said having a blog is a wonderful thing. In a lot of ways, it’s like a marriage. You fall in love, invest time and money, work hard, have days that you wonder what you were thinking, but at the end of the day you wouldn’t have it any other way.
I would never change what I do, but I often wish that people would appreciate and respect each other and put more time into mercy and understanding than fighting and anger. I know it’s a childish cliche, but I still believe that if we all give a little it will do a lot toward making our community {cookie and blogging} and world a better place. I think if we all work together we can make it so.
For more insight on blogging etiquette and more, check out these great reads:
- Social Media Etiquette Lessons From Kindergarten by Lilaloa
- Challenge Yourself…Forget About color by Lilaloa {there is a powerful message behind those gorgeous cookies}
- It’s Called a Link, Use it Correctly or Don’t Use it at All! by Confessions of a Cookbook Queen
- Bloggers Code of Ethics by Confessions of a Cookbook Queen
- How Blogging Can be Like Middle School by The Decorated Cookie
- The Power of Hurtful Words: A Commentary on Women’s Relationships in Blogging by Home Stories A to Z
- How to Deal with Negative Blog Comments by Home Stories A to Z
Thank you for such a thoughtful and honest look into the life of a blogger. I so appreciate all the beautiful things you create, and all you add to the blogging community! It’s such a shame that there are people who have the energy to be mean, hurtful or even outright steal, but it’s a great reminder to all of us to show a bit of grace when appropriate, and to stand up for ourselves when appropriate as well.
You are beyond talented and are the reason I’m trying to learn to decorate cookies, when I have always said there wasn’t a creative bone in my body. If you don’t do anything else take a few minutes to learn how to watermark your photos (I learned, so I know you’re capable), and every time someone steals your photo and posts it, right through the middle it will read “The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle” and the world will know it’s your work and your photography. By the way, I’m an incredible speller and I would gladly exchange my talent for yours any day. I along with countless others hope you forever continue to teach us with this blog. Most of us with manners knew by kindergarten to say nothing, if not something nice.
sugrbelle, you are an inspiration and screw everyone who publicly critizes you! you do amazing work and have helped me emensely in my journey of cookie decorating. while i try not to directly steal designs, i do use for inspiration and you are truly inspiring and amazing at what you do. rise about those people who are envious of your talent! you are better than them! 😉
Do you know how much I ? you?!?!?! I know it takes courage to blog, but to blog about a sensitive subject takes super-human courage. You are super human!
Were you in my brain?! I’ve had all of these same feelings for a while now…I felt like cookies were making me crazy! It felt competitive and ugly and I was having a hard time remembering why I started in the first place. But, cookies and I had a heart to heart and we’ve fallen in love once again. You really were the matchmaker that brought cookies and I together in the first place. 🙂 so thank you for that and thanks for sharing your feelings!!
Well said! Thank you so much for sharing your ideas… I have used many of them, always with a bit of a difference, on my cookies. And when I post pics, I always give you (and other awesome cookie bloggers) designer credit. Sometimes it’s hard to come up with a good, new idea for a cookie… thank you for being an inspiration and for allowing us into your cookie world!
Bravo. Well stated and I wholeheartedly agree. You have been an inspiration to me since I first happened upon your blog. I’m still learning and enjoy reading anything cookie related. I was afraid when I first started reading that you were going to tell us you were quitting…Hooray you are not!!! Thank you for your willingness to share. –Katy
Well said, sweet Sugarbelle! I am inspired by you daily and aspire to cookie like you. Thank you!!
Callye, I know what a softie you are and that’s a good thing. I do hope that you’re able to find a way not to let haters/thieves/whatever get you down. Keep deleting those negative comments or emails. Perhaps get someone to take care of the thieves for you. Someone could email on your behalf.
My hubby and I have a saying. “Don’t let them rent space in your head.” Does that make sense? I think we got it from a Dave Letterman show eons ago.
Anyway, thank you so much for what you do. You’ve taught me most of what I know about cookie decorating and I just love your sweet Texas charm.
Well said! I love the cookies. I continually utilize your blog to help me improve my own cookies! Thank you for all you do!
I am a SAHM that found your site while trying to make a scooby doo cookie for my son’s birthday party 5 months ago. Making cookies has given me something creative and challenging to do for myself that brings joy to my friends and family. All I can say is thank you so very much for your beautiful cookies and your heart. You make it so that others can try new things and not run away scared. Everything you do inspires me or gives me answers when I need them. I couldn’t believe that people would take the time to put you down. Please keep going. I am now obessed with sugar cookies with royal icing and look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Hi Callye –
First let me say that you are my absolute favourite cookier and I take a lot of inspiration from you! I love, love, love your cookies, designs, technique all of it. I love cookie decorating because of you. Seriously, 20 second icing??? GENIUS!! I use a lot of your designs because they’re always so cute and innovative but I always credit you by saying “Original design by SweetSugarbelle”. It’s terrible to think that people would send you nasty emails or steal your photos/designs. Anyway, just wanted to say that I’m a huge fan. I read every post and love what you do. Keep the amazingness coming! Christy
Callye, you have such a gift for wording things and putting your heart into it. I am greatful for everything you have done and I know for sure I would not be where I am if it were not for what you do. Thank you!!!
I, for one, am sorry you had to put all of this into writing. For each person who emails you how much help you’ve been, there are at least a hundred more. I commonly email people with links to your tutorials who comment on my work. Without these and Karen’s Cookies tips, I wouldn’t be even decent at what I do, let alone able to market it to stay at home with my crazy baby (preemie, lots of fun dr’s appts every single week – crazy – and amazing!). So, Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. For all that you do: all that you give and all of your hard work. -April
Thank you for all your hard work and sharing your tutorials. I started to learn how to decorate just over a year ago as a hobby and your blog was one of my resources. Just letting you know how much I appreciate it! 🙂
I am a blogger and literally this post is filled with so much truth! 🙂 I feel very similar, I try to give credit on my blog to those who inspire me and never steal photos because I have had photos stole from me..
Thank you for writing this!
Callye, the happy blogger list is awesome, but the mad and sad blogger lists make me frown. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had to deal with some jerky folks. I can absolutely imagine how difficult it would be to ignore those nasty emails, comments, and stolen content. With each unpleasantry, please remember how so many of us call you the Cookie Queen and are inspired by your creative genius!! We love your work and unfortunately with fame (even cookie fame!), jerks will try to bring you down. Forget ’em gal!
I’m so sorry people are mean. I never understand it either. My husband and kids tell me I live in my own little world, that that’s the way it is now. You know, I’m happy in this little world!!!! Breaks my heart when people are mean. I love looking at your cookies and those of other bloggers! And honestly I try to do them just like you show! Thing is – they are such bad knock-offs no one would ever relate them to yours! I always try to remember to give you credit for the design! Hang in there. I miss you when you aren’t around. I’m in radiation right now and don’t have the energy but when I’m done I’ll be back to “knock-off” your creations. Only because I think you are the BEST!
Callye–just wanted to say that even though I hardly ever comment I get so excited about every single blog post you write, and you never cease to amaze me with your talent and generosity. (But I am going to start commenting more because you deserve to know how awesome you are, how much you inspire me, and how much you are appreciated. :)) I can’t tell you enough how amazing and beautiful your cookies are, or thank you enough for how kind you are for sharing eveything you know with us. Your sweetness comes through in all your posts. I cannot believe that anyone would ever say anything mean or hurtful to you after all you do for us. Thank you for sharing how you feel with us, since I’m sure this was really hard for you. LOVE YOU CALLYE!!!! 🙂
You tell em girl! I know how hard it can be for you to say stuff that might hurt people’s feelings, and I am proud to see you standing up for yourself! Everything you said was right on point!
I’m just so happy that you aren’t going to stop blogging! I just found you in October and you are my greatest hero…well, cookie mentor anyway! Thanks for your honesty and all those good points you made!
You just have me a whole bunch more reasons to love you! This post was so well written and thoughtful! Kudos to you Callye for telling it like it is (and like it should be)!
I just made 30 people’s weekend with cookies – your recipe and your icing tutorials taught me how! Sad you had to write this but glad you did!
I love to re create your cookies and have fun doing so! Love your help and ideas!!! Thank you
Well-stated.
I never leave comments on your blog or fb, but it’s time to tell you that you’re my cookie-hero. I love all you provide here. Keep up that good work! 😀
Calleye- I am standing and clapping… Well, if I wasn’t texting!
Your Jedi Wisdom is welcome – always! I’m a new cookie decorator who hopes to someday be half as good as you and the other talented, generous bloggers who take time to teach us such a fun and rewarding outlet for our creativity. Thank you.
I can’t thank you enough for your blog. It was because of you that I started decorating cookies just over a year ago. It was because of you I started a cookie blog…which is currently under reconstruction. I love and thank you for EVERYTHING you do for the cookie community. THANK YOU!!!! from the bottom of my heart…THANK YOU!!!!!
Congrats on gathering up the courage to speak your mind, Callye. I almost wanted a highlighter for my screen so I could highlight the many things you said that really resonated with me. What it mostly comes down to, for me, is what you said about a blog being like someone’s home. RESPECT IT. Should be easy enough, right?
Hi, I just want to tell you your work has been a great inspiration to me and all your tutorials and tips have helped me become a better cookie decorator. It’s a shame that in this day and age we need to be reminded to be polite and observe good behaviour when we are on line, but I thank you for taking the time and doing it. Keep up your good spirit and happy cookie-ing. Sol
I was nodding my head the whole time I spent reading this post. Well said. Blogging has a lot of highs and lows and nice comments can make your day while mean comments or content stealers can certainly ruin it. This is a great post and it really captures the emotional roller coaster that is being a blogger. Ditto to everything you said!
Thank you for saying this – sometimes people don’t “get it” until its spelled out in a public forum. Cookie ladies are some of the nicest people around – they have shared and taught me so much. Stealing from them after all their effort and generosity is just courting bad karma.
Excellent post Callye!
I totally understand your frustration. It is so easy for others to criticize, especially when they don’t have the guts to do what you do (& are awesome at, by the way!). I am always telling people “Sugarbelle said this…” or “Sugarbelle said that…” because you are so good at not only decorating but explaining things. Both are a real gift! And you made some really good points about “stealing”. I would hate for people to take credit for something I came up with and post it on the web. It is just plain wrong. Keep up the good work and don’t let those insecure, mean people get to you!
Bravo! Could not have said it better myself. Although it’s hard to imagine anyone being mean to you, you’re always so nice and helpful.
This blog post was especially important for YOU to write since you are such an influence to other bloggers and cookie decorators. A lot of people look up to you and this post will be read far and wide. I sincerely hope each person who reads it learns a little something.
Cookies are my happy place. There’s enough negativity elsewhere, we don’t want it in our cookies 🙂
Thank you for taking the time and the patience to do this. This blog entry says it all, and I love it.
P.S. I sent you an email too! 🙂
Well said, well said, well said!! You are such an inspiration and I am grateful that you stick around and give us all a smile and a reason to make cookies! And yes, love the tutorials, I get such a kick when I can make something that looks great and the recipients truly appreciate! I always credit Sugarbelle when someone asks!!
Well said and I’m so proud of you for having the courage to say it!
I don’t think I’ve ever left you a message but I just wanted to take the time to say that I LOVE your blog and the work that you do! Cookie decorating became a hobby of mine shortly before I stumbled onto your site, and I’m not ashamed to say that I have tweaked your ideas into my own several times! You have the natural and God-given talent to imagine new things to do on cookies; that doesn’t come so easily for me and something that I struggle with. But a few glimpses onto your pages surrounding an ‘idea’ or ‘theme’ that I have inspires me to start decorating. I know that I have mentioned you and your blog several times in my own blog, and how much I appreciate the work that you do. So to sum it all up, thanks for taking the time to share things! Your tutorials are incredibly helpful and I can’t even imagine spending all that hard work on making them (well no- I have imagined it and the mere thought of it makes me shudder). So thanks for being so awesome! –Michelle from Canada 🙂
Loved. This.
you know I love you! you said this all so perfectly Callye!
I love this post Callye! I have been working on one similar for quite awhile but have not had the guts to post it. You said perfectly. You summed up so many of my feelings. The stress that I feel sometimes having to come up with something completely “unique” is hard when there are so many of us. Thank you for writing this post.
You ROCK- this was awesome. All of it. 🙂
🙂
right on.
That was a great post. I am a student in cookie land and I consider you and many others you mention as my mentors… my instructors. I don’t make anything from my blog and I just jumped on the wagon in the beginning – didn’t have a clue. Blog etiquette? Never heard of it…took a while for me to gather that just because it was in Google Images didn’t mean I could use it, even if I quoted Google Images as the source. DUH (head slap)…I think I’ve fixed those.
I often recreate cookies…and I guarantee mine never look like the cookie I am copying. If I want to try an exact copy and I want to post it – I always link back (another word I’d never heard of when I started). I always thought it would be a complement to the original cookier to have someone trying what they were posting for show and tell. Now, I have made a cookie one day and two days later seen someone else post something nearly identical…and we just both “thought” of it in the same space – time … sometimes it does happen. Especially with holiday cookies, scrolls, and dots! I know that somewhere, sometime I am going to accidentally create a Valentine Heart that someone is going to claim as theirs. YIKES… I’m afraid! Snowflakes? I see mine all the time…or maybe I saw theirs and unconsciously did it “that way”. I don’t know. It’s only going to be more of a problem now with Etsy shops and Facebook pages and I don’t even do Flikr or Instagram…who knows what would sneak into my subconscious?
Anyway – I just want to thank you for putting on your big girl panties and laying it all out there. You were one of the first cookiers I found and I read every post you do (unless I’m in a slump and can’t make myself read anyone’s blogs!).
Thank you so much for all you’ve done to make my cookie world more magical. You rock!
I love you even more now! I see you finally got some cojones! Teach me 😉
This was a very well written article. I can’t believe the examples of the rude things people have written u. I mean they dont have to gush and rave but no need to be a big pooper on ur blog. Pish posh to them…I think u r awesome. Thank u for sharing ur passion.
When I first found your blog, I had a cupboard full of cake decorating supplies and zero interest in cakes! I thought I would love decorating, but after three cake decorating lessons, I knew it wasn’t for me. Then, I found you!!! And with your tutorials, I found my creative outlet. I can’t say thank you enough for posting the wonderful instructions and pictures. Thank you for allowing us “newbies” to copy your designs. I love making cookies for family and friends. When I read this latest blog, I was stunned! I find it so hard to believe that people would ever make negative comments to you! It’s been said that it takes 4 positive comments to offset 1 negative…..so let this positive inspire you to continue all you do for us! Thank you!
Love the happy/sad/mad cookies, and everything you had to say! My cookie skills have come so far since finding your blog. Thank you!!
Very well said!
Well done Miss Callye! I think somewhere along the way many people have lost the general rules of civility. Be kind, say please and thank you, if you hurt someone’s feelings on the playground say sorry. The world, blogging world included, would be a much nicer place if we all remembered to play nicely.
So….Callye,I think your blog and talents are amazing. Please, please, please keep doing what you do, including putting your thoughts and opinions into words. We stop by not only for your cookies but to visit with you too. Thank you for always inspiring me to be a better baker, photographer and blogger. I have the pleasure of knowing you personally a teeny bit and I’m always left with a smile after chatting with you. You are also a great friend with a lovely heart, thank you for that as well! I certainly hope I haven’t crossed any boundaries in the bloggy or cookie sense, but if I unknowingly have , I’ll say sorry for that too! Mistakes happen and I’m more than willing to take responsibility for mine!
Hugs!
I love this post! In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever taken a moment to leave you a comment and that’s a shame. Because I love reading your blog! I may never even make any cookies! I can’t for the life of me remember how I found you or why I stayed except that I think what you do is really remarkable! (Wow, I’ve ended every sentence with an exclamation point.) I just am so impressed that you see things differently than I probably would (different/unique uses of cookies cutters, coming up with new designs, etc.) and I just enjoy seeing what you’ve come up with. I know other people that make things like this (or at least they’re trying) and so sometimes I Pin your tutorials hoping others will enjoy what you do as much as I do. Keep up the hard work, keep sharing, keep creating and thank you for doing all of it. : ) Always makes me smile.
I think that your site rocks it has so many great links I have only just started out writing a blog but when I try a recipe from another source be it another blogger or even a book I link it
I think sometimes that its nice to have a change and I like it when people change it up on their site cause it kinda shows what they are feelin
This is a fabulous post, Callye. You hit the nail on the head, for sure!
You said it, girl! (And those cookies are too adorable and funny. Perfect visuals!)
I read all your posts but time precludes a comment each time…..but I had to comment on this. Very well said. You are such a gentle sweet person and you give such encouragement. I couldn’t believe how “clique”like blogging was……once a person gets over everyone else, the number of comments or features, it’s so much more fun!!!
Well played ma’am!! I just want you to know that I adore your blog and FB posts and gain so much inspiration from you! I just like to make cookies here and there to bring to work or mail to my kids at college. Nothing groud-breaking. Just a fun outlet.
Keep doing what you’re doing!! Because girl, you do it well!
Also, a big thank you, because I followed a link on your icing bottle/tip post and ordered a bunch of supplies. They actually had a “how did you find out about us” button and I happily checked you!!
=) Diane
I just want ro say I think you’re wonderful & greatly appreciate all the work you do & the inspiration you provide. Sending a hug your way 🙂
Nicely said! It is a shame that you have to use your time writing something that should be common knowledge.
Love. Love. Love your blog!! I have never made a cookie yet, but I almost have enough desire to try now, though I know I will be disappointed when they are not as amazing as yours! Anyway, I can’t even believe that people would say anything but amazing things to you for the work that you do!! THANK YOU!!!
You said it! Way to go! As a newbie into the foodie blogging world, I already know the above rules and I thought they were just common sense! I guess I was wrong. Kudos to you for pointing it out to those who may not understand that the same principles of respect apply to blogging as in real life. p.s You are on my favorites list and I intend to keep you there! Thanks for all your inspiration!
Hi Sugarbelle!
I just want to say that I LOVE your blog, I check it everyday (sometimes more then once). You’re such an inspiration and have helped me start on my cookie adventures! Thank you so much for everything you do here! It’s fantastic!
Hugs my sugar friend! So well and eloquently written! I am so sorry that for all the joy and love you give to us, your kindness is sometimes not well received by those who can’t share the joy you have. You and Pam were my first blogs and I was so in awe of your designs and look at us now we are cookie friends! And I was so inspired when you took on the Texas cottage law. Boy do I wish you lived in Connecticut, I might have had a chance with you leading the pack!
To me you will always be the cream of the crop of bloggers and I have truly benefited from your gift of sharing your talent. I am now a cookie shop owner! And I felt like I had you with me for my first “Official” opened weekend using your Groundhog cookies as my “Welcome” to the shop gift today. Even as I passed them out, so many people said how cute they were and I said a good Cookier friend in Texas is “known” for re-purposing cookie cutter designs and this was one of hers! Can I tell you how they were amazed it was a teddy bear cutter? LOL
Any way you have touched so many of us and I know there will always be “rotted eggs” out there but know that more people love and respect your talent?
Now for the 10th time, please write a book on your re-purposing designs! I would sell them in my shop! Love ya Girl!
WOW! I can’t imagine the though and planning that went into this post. I agree that the world needs to be much nicer that it is. I seriously can’t understand why people use the comment sections of blogs to leave mean or ugly comments.
My dream would be for everyone to give credit where credit is due and to be respectful and play nice together. We will all have more friends and the world will be better because of it! You said it perfectly!!!
Well said! Found you on Pinterest and will certainly be following!
I have never commented mostly because its a pain on my phone. But, you inspire me and my day is brighter whenever I discover a new post with your beautiful cookies. I hope the meanies out there don’t discourage you.
Thanks!
yes, yes, and more yes. thanks so much for articulating these issues so well! i’m not in the foodie-sphere of blogging, but i feel you (and agree with you) on every point you made. thank you!
I don’t comment BUT I stalk your blog, FB & Pinterest. I adore your designs, learn from you, laugh with you, admire your hard work and now I’ve got some tears rolling down my cheeks for you. Sad that anonymous negative twits can put such a damper on your party. You are awesome. I SO appreciate your delicious recipes. I say keep the party going and hit your delete button more often. Shame on the twits! You are a ‘must read’ in my book. Consider yourself hugged, back patted & pep talked by all of us true fans. I love a good party and you always make me feel welcome…and for that, I thank you. (Nana would have said to tell them to bugger off…God rest her soul…and I think she’d be right on!) <3
I’m so happy I had a chance to read this amazing post. Mostly I’m happy that we are online buddies, because I valued your hard work, especially your tutorials. I’m a single mom, who makes a decorate cookies to sustain my family and so I do appreciate all you’ve done for the cookie community including myself. This is a wonderful post and I hope everyone gets to read it. I for one will share on my page.
Love you my friend,
Jeannette
I agree with everything you said, except I don’t know what catfishing is. lol But I can imagine, and I agree anyway!
Also…..these cookies are awesome, and my favorites are the mean red ones! Ha! So great!
Wow, what a great post. As a semi-newish blogger, I can honestly say when I first started writing posts I didn’t know much about blogging etiquette… mostly about sharing and linking back. I know better now. (However, I still don’t get how people can be so mean online. Be nice, people.) You are an inspiration, encouraging a whole new batch of cookie makers. Thanks for taking the time to write this awesomely articulate post.
I’m so glad Glory of Glorious Treats shared this post today. I am a very new blogger and I got so discouraged last week when someone posted how terrible something they made turned out from a recipe I’d posted. I need to develop a thicker skin it sounds like! I really appreciated all that you shared in this post. I’m checking out the links you posted.
I LOVE reading your blog! I’m fairly new at decorating cookies with royal icing, but am getting better and better at it because of you and your wonderful tutorials! You have the cutest personality and sense of humor—I’ve laughed out loud at some of your comments! Keep up the great work and THANK YOU for being such a fabulous teacher!
Never could have said it better myself. Well done. Sometimes, I just don’t understand why people do and say the things they do, and I’m old. You and your blog are a favorite in my household. My daughter and I both call you our cookie guru! I’m relatively new at decorating cookies and have learned so much from you. My friends and family love you, too!!
I’m glad you gathered up your man parts, so to speak, because this was a great post. It took me a long time to learn I could be assertive and at the same time still be a nice person, and you conveyed those qualities very nicely here. Thanks too for sharing the links at the bottom of the post!
Callye,
You were the first cookie blog I stumbled upon a few years ago. I was newly married and we had just picked up and moved across the country so my husband could attend grad school. I had no friends. I got a job 45 minutes outside of our town, so even when I made friends at work there was no extra-curricular hang-out time because they were so far away. My husband had classes until late in the evening and I was miserable and alone nearly every night. Then I found YOU! (Cue angels singing and a heavenly light shining on your blog homepage) You gorgeous cookies inspired me to try my hand at decorating. Your step by step tutorials made it a fun and easy way to express myself creatively as well as quit wallowing in self pity every night. The biggest thing that hooked my on your blog was that you were REAL. Your personality shines beautifully throughout your posts and I’ve gotta say, you seriously crack me up!! I hate that you have been hurt by others ignorance. Know that you have inspired me, made me laugh, and lifted me up. You are my cookie GURU!! Thank you!!
I would like to simply say thank you. Than you for inviting me into your “home”. You are such an inspiration. Not only as a blogger, but also as a cookier.
Bravo – great points said really well. I love the blog/house comparison. I hadn’t thought of it that way but it is oh so true. Super fun to read this, does it feel good to have it out there?
This post was UBER informative! I only have a lil ole tiny blog, with 2 readers, and really bad pictures! So I would have never imagined some of this stuff. This is like the bloggers book of manners for beginners:) Thanks for getting the guts to share!
I think your blog is amazing. Inspiring, witty, funny, educational, creative, and entertaining. I can’t imagine anyone having envy thing negative to say about you. I guess you are right when you say that blogging is like real life, and there are some nasty people in this world, but wouldn’t it be nice of they just chose not to make nasty comments or steal your photos? You seem like a very sweet person, keep up the good work on your fantastic blog. I think it’s a huge success:)
This is one of THE BEST posts I’ve read! I admire your courage to say things in such a caring and elegant way… you are a lady, my sweet friend! Thank you for speaking your mind and ours! Love ya, SSB! <3
Awesome post Callye 🙂
So well said Callye! 🙂
Callye,
I got to see you at the first Cookie Con In Louisville. It was nice to see you in person. I have enjoyed your blog and facebook page. I have tried several of your cookies and have brought so much joy to family and friends. Thanks for what you do. I hope that you continue for a long time.
What a wonderful post! Loved your insight and will now be a new follower! have a great day! 🙂
I love you!!!! Thank you for tour inspiration and just ignore those rude ninnies!!!
Thanks for sharing, I guess I am really so blogging ignorant: I really appreciate all your info sharing! It has really helped me! Just wanted to say thanks!
Callye, Please Please Please work out a trade relationship with a fellow blogger to screen each other’s posts and emails & DUMP THE TRASH! “What the eye can’t see, the heart can’t grieve over”. [Mrs. Patmore, Downton Abbey]. Don’t subject yourself to evil posts or emails. Don’t ever let them into your realm of consciousness. Their words don’t belong in your braiin and certainly not in your heart. You don’t deserve to lose one more nano second to nasty people when you could be using that time to create, love on your kids or pamer yourself. You give so much joy to all of us and you deserve to receive ONLY joy back.
Why would anyone say anything ugly to you? You have been nothing but generous with sharing your knowledge. You have helped me more than I can possibly say! You are always my go-to for tutorials and inspiration. I simply cannot fathom what anyone could possibly have to say to you that’s negative. That’s just crazy and so are those ugly people.
I love this, and you couldn’t have worded it any better than you did! You were the very first cookie page I began following and now I probably have over 1,000, but I always run back to SWEET SUGARBELLE when I need help! Thank you for everything Callye! <3
Well said Callye!!!
I’m one of those people that doesn’t post or comment very often, but I needed to let you know I care.
Sweetie, here’s a big cyber (((hug))) to let you know you have so many supporters out here that have your back. Don’t let small minded people get you down. Just delete them. (They make a button for that now).
Unfortunately there will always be mean, spiteful, negative, self-important, know-it-all type people that have nothing better to do than belittle others so they can feel better about their lofty selves. They really need to find a better hobby.
Your blog selflessly shares with the rest of us what you’ve learned, discovered, accomplished, or just plain been lucky enough to find, and I for one sincerely hope you continue to do so.
((((((HUGS)))))) Can’t have too many of those!!!
Just wanted to say I LOVE your blog. I appreciate your willingness to share and teach!!! I look forward to each post and I’m trying to learn to “cookie think.” My mom and I decorate together and we discuss you so often that my kids and husband know you too. At our house you’re a celebrity! Thanks for what you do!!!
Callye-
I’m another one who doesn’t comment often, but I read your blog every day (I have a link to you from my own private blog, actually), and I have been very inspired by your art and I’ve learned most of what I know from watching the tutorials you’ve made. Thank you so much for doing what you do! Keep up the beautiful work!
-Selena
Callye, There’s a special spot for you in my cookie-lovin’ heart <3
It is amazing to me how obnoxious people on the internet can be. I guess the anonymity gives people the “man parts” (lol’d at that!) to be that way.
Your blog is the first cookie blog I subscribed to and it’s still my favorite. I saw your cookies on Pinterest and loved them. Being a cake decorator made me think that maybe, just maybe, I could do that too. Your tutorials saved me countless hours of frustration! I surely would have abandoned all hope of decorating cookies without them. You have also led me to other inspiring and helpful blogs, as well as some awesome retail websites. You seem like a genuinely sweet person – I honestly think I would love being friends with you in real life. You know, if we had actually met or something.
I’m sorry there are such jerks in the world. I’m glad you feel there is more good than bad to having your blog, because I love, love, love it!
I don’t comment often enough, but I love your blog. The instruction you give, and the photos and ideas mean so much to me. Pls don’t spend too much time thinking about the negative, you’re special and I love to see your new posts in my inbox. They’re a gift from you, and I appreciate every one of the them and the time I know you put in. Thanks now for all the posts you’ve given, and all the rest to come. You’re a special kind of person!
I’m so sorry that people hurt your feelings. I personally read every blogpost you share and have never seen anything that would warrant an assy reply. I’ve learned so much from you and plan to continue learning much, much more! I even shared your blog adress with my little niece who wanted me to teach her what I know. I quickly filled her a container of starter supplies, emailed your blog post to her and told her to follow you closely and shed be learning tons within the first month! If ever I comment and offend you in any way… Please whack my hand with your rolling pin! I would never mean to hurt, I sometimes have a warped sense if humor that people don’t catch. I’m a heart sleeve wearer myself, so please trust that I think you’re the bee’s knees on everything cookie!
I just want to say, I LOVE your blog! I look forward to seeing your new creations. You have helped me so much. Because of you, I can decorate cookies better and have more confidence to try new things. Thank you so much for blogging!!
Hi Callye, I enjoyed this post, you would think the world of cookies & cupcakes would be all rainbows and stuff but not so. I wanted to write more but I feel that some are not even worth mentioning.
Hugs to you Sweet Callye.
Hi Callye! We have a couple of things in common. 1. I am from Texas, too! I live in Conroe, near Houston. 2. I love cookie decorating. Well, honestly, I am new to it and am not very good but I am learning a lot from you and a few others out there. Let me tell you what you have done for me…I was a kindergarten teacher (my true calling). I taught junior high Home Ec, (NOT my true calling!) but my last nine years of a 22 year career was in kindergarten. I miss it a lot! I have a very rare lung condition that only women get. It’s called Lymphngioleiomyomatosis, (LAM) and three years ago my disease progressed to the pont that it was too difficult to continue teaching. So I retired early due to my health. I love being home because I am a new grandma. I am Mimi to two little boys now, Cannon and Jaxon. Anyway, last March, I was listed for a double lung transplant. I have been called three times but each time it was cancelled due to problems with the donor lungs. I have found myself falling into a deep depression and sleeping all the time. After I saw all the fun online with cookie decorating, I got interested. I have found something in what you do that is creative and fun. I love your blog. Actually, yours is the only blog I read. I never plan to make money with cookies but just to have fun, learn and make cookies for friends and family. Thank you for what you do. Your talent is amazing and you are so unselfish to share it. I now can focus on learning new things, ministering to others using cookies, making them for my friends and family. It has given me something to enjoy. I read your blog every day and I look at all the beautiful cookies ideas that you have. God bless you! Oh, I made Clifford, the Big Red Dog cookies for my grandboys today. They are are far from perfect but my two little guys think they are! Thank you, Callye!