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
From my perspective as a reader, spelling mistakes are a big turnoff. As to typos, why not take the time to check your text before posting it? Blogs use written language as a means of conveying a person’s ideas. Let’s imagine the same logic, “I’m not inclined to give attention to such trivial details”, applied to paintings, songs, movies, accounting, surgery.
While I understand that this might bother you, I don’t feel like spelling errors are a reason to totally discount content. Spelling is not my strong suit. After reading and re-reading my posts, I often see things as I think I wrote them, rather than what they are. The best I can do is use spell check and ask others for help, but if I don’t see a mistake, I don’t see it. If someone else points it out, I am always eager to correct errors and thankful that they do.
Like bloggers, painters, musicians, actors, accountants, and doctors make mistakes, some more serious than others. Even journalists and authors have people that double and triple check their work {which I do not}. My point was that even the best of us make mistakes and mercy goes a lot further than public criticism.
Callye, you’re doing just fine! 🙂 Minor mistakes here and there are no big deal. Most people rely on spell-check to catch errors, and not everything gets caught. It’s not as if you’re typing in text lingo (which is just horrifying regardless of the context.) If people are getting hung up on an occasional error….well, I don’t know what, but I can’t imagine that they have much fun making cookies.
I’m a published writer and a stellar speller. (alliteration intended.) I had my book edited by two professionals and a friend before publication. In addition, I’d read and re-read my book innumerable times, and out loud to myself twice. (It’s about 270 pages.) I then asked a friend who’s a teacher to proof read it for grammar and spelling. He found more than 100 fairly minor errors. My book is out now, and my brother just finished reading it. He found six mistakes.
I don’t care about an error once in a while. It’s obvious that you’re a GENIUS artist. That’s why I come here. Not to seek out trivial things to get all bent out of shape about. Try to ignore petty comments and keep up the fabulous work you do. WE LOVE YOU!!! (and I know I wouldn’t be where I am in the cookie business without you.)
xoxoxo
As Kim said, errors happen. I proof-read my bachelor thesis four times, my boyfriend proof-read it twice, my two supervisors read it and both my parents. A week after the defense I looked it over and discovered 5 spelling mistakes and 4(!) mistakes in reaction equations that with these mistakes made no sense at all.
Besides, you really don’t have enough typos to disturb the reading of your brilliant posts! (I haven’t even spotted a single typo in this post)
I’ve been baking cookies for quite some time. I have been more into drop and bar cookies which doesn’t require too much research other than recipe searches. I’ve only recently become obsessed with decorating (cutout) cookies which has brought me to many blogs. I am flabbergasted that anyone could be (publically or otherwise) critical of a blogger who is just posting (from the heart) about a passion or hobby they enjoy and want to share with others, free of charge. Very hard for me to relate to or understand this kind of behavior.
Thanks for the post Callye and for sharing and helping me become a better cookier. Forge on my friend. Keep doing what you love, trust in the goodness of most and delete and ignore all negative posts/emails 🙂
First and foremost, you have been my inspiration to create amazing cookies that have earned me praise from my friends who have been lucky enough to benefit from your guidance. I always tell them that if it was not for your generosity, I never would have had the courage to attempt to bake even the first cookie. You never fail to inspire me, entertain me and motivate me. I am not a blogger, not a professional baker, but just someone who gets excited to spend time away from a stressful job doing something fun , that makes me happy, and brings smiles to those who get to enjoy the end result of my “fun”.
If it’s any consolation for you to know this, I am an instructor of nurses who do medical review. I prepare reference texts, PowerPoint presentations and try my best to teach very complex topics to people who have little interest in learning – who think they already know all they need to know to do the job they were hired to do. I proof and re-proof and then proof read again but there inevitably will be a misspelled word projected on a huge wall – and people just can’t wait to point it out to me! It always makes me laugh, because experience has shown me that those who are the first to point out my “mistake” are generally those who would never dream of being brave enough to put themselves out there, to do anything but be a follower, not a leader.
Those who feel the need to criticize are generally mean spirited people who take delight in pointing out what they feel are other people’s shortcomings – my advise to you is to ignore them, delete their emails and ridiculous comments and hold your head up high as you’re doing it! And keep making the rest of us happy with every single post on your blog!
Brought tears to my eyes. I felt every word and could relate. You’ve verbalized my thought and experiences to the T. This is pretty much why I can’t become a blogger no matter how hard I try. Thank you Callye for taking the time to write this, let it out and hopefully put an end to all this nonsense. Luv you chica!
I’m a long time follower, but I’ve never taken the time to post a comment. This seemed like a great time. THANK YOU for the wonderful blog. I rarely have the time to make cookies, but I love the inspiration just the same. Quick question, how do you feel about Pinterest? Do you mind when people pin your pictures? I know they automatically link back, so it’s not stealing in that way… I know I’ve pinned a few pictures just to keep my favourite cookies where I can find them for when I do get around to making them. Hope this usage of your images is okay!
I hope the happy blogger is stronger than the sad or mad blogger. I only subscribe to a couple of blogs and yours is my favourite. You have inspired me to do cookies, I love it but wouldn’t have done them unless I had your blog for help. I feel like you are there helping me and only me because every question I’ve ever had has basically been asked and answered already. I don’t comment because I don’t think anyone would be interested in anything I have to say.
The people that give negative comments or emails aren’t worth worrying about, I’m pretty sure, there are plenty of others out here that, like me, appreciate everything you do (whether its spelt right or not) and as for people who would snag your pictures and tutorials, well, hopefully karma will take care of them
Thank you so much for writing this! I know there are a lot of people out there in the baking world who feel the same way yet do not ever say anything or if they do they do it in such a rude way it insults the loyal readers. I follow your posts and you’ve helped me in so many ways in cookie deco and for that I am eternally grateful. People are upset with spelling errors in a post, really? I care more that you took the time and effort to post something!
Keep up your wonderful work, there are those of us out there who really do enjoy, appreciate, and care about what you do! And to those who made you sad and mad…..grrr…shame on them.
Sending you BIG cookie hugs,
Rebecca ?
Like so many others who have commented, I do not come to your blog to nit pick your spelling or grammer. I come because you are so creative and give freely of your knowledge. We love you and your work. Thank you for all you do.
Dear Callye,
I cannot understand why anyone would leave a nasty comment on anyone’s blog. It is ones choice to read or leave. And your blog is a gem! Please continue doing what you are doing, and ignore the creeps.
I am stunned to see over a 100 responses- but it just shows how much people love you 🙂
Anyone who gives their time and heart to write a blog to teach and inspire others when they could so easily spend their precious time doing something else is to be thanked and treasured. End of !!
You are as inspring in person as you are on your blog and I for one am thankful you are here! 🙂
Thanks for keeping it real! You’re doing a great job. I love your creativity and certainly appreciate all the hard work that goes into your blog and your detailed tutorials. I can’t imagine where you find all the hours it must take. The cookies speak for themselves – you’re a great inspiration to us all!
Callye, babe, tell people like Josh to go jump in a lake. Some of us are grammatically-inclined, some of us are not as much. You still write quite well, as far as the blog-world goes! Hey, at least you break your writing into paragraphs – I hate going to a site that has run-on sentences and a single huge paragraph that overwhelms from the get-go! And I consider myself a writer first and I still have some typos on occasion, because as a blogger I also know that my readers want their 2 to 3 posts per week. In my haste at times, things get published before they are proofread.
You are insanely talented in cookie-decoration and you don’t need to be insanely talented in every aspect. You just need to do what you do and do it well.
As for the content stealers, that’s bound to happen in a media as loose and un-policed as the internet. It’s awful and I hate it, and I hope that we find a way to crack down on this stuff more with some true legal ramifications. But I also try not to let it work me up too much, because I could spend all day chasing down content stealers and then when would I have time for recipes and blogging???
I love you, Callye. You are so clearly a generous, thoughtful, caring person, and I appreciate what you do. That’s all.
Dear Callye,
Great post! I’m more a facebooker in responding to posts, but during my wake-up coffee your blog and the FB page of Jill FCS are my daily breakfast 🙂
I learned very much allready from your posts and want to thank you for this. You helped and i’m sure your posts will help me a lot in the future to translate my creations on paper to cookies.
I don’t know if i can post you my valentine cookie here on the blog but this is also a thank you to you!!!
“You stole my heart
for the cookie: http://www.facebook.com/jaan.bruinshoofd
I’m sorry it was necessary for you to write this in the first place! I fall among the ones who LOVE what you do, copy your designs incessantly, and very much appreciate the very fact that you’re accessible. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for showing me I could do this, illustrating for me HOW to do it, and just being pleasant in general. :o)
I look forward to your posts. When I check my email, I hope there is one from you. You inspire me, you help me create, you allow me to take your wonderful designs and complete my designs. You are my cookie guru. Which is what I say when I post my cookies that I have copied from you. You taught me everything I needed to know a year ago when I started my business. My dream is to go to cookie con and meet you and all of the other talented cookiers. I am sad because I am not friends with you all. I am sad because people are mean to you. I am sad because it is often enough that you actually needed to blog about it. Well, they can all go to HELL. Please dont stop doing what you do. You are great at it and you inspire me.
THANK YOU CALLYE. THANK YOU
Oh Callye! I love your work so much and I admire what you do! I always look forward to your posts and wish you’ll keep on blogging for a long time. I hope I have never offended you with me comments.
THank you!!! (Hug from Quebec!) 🙂
Thank you for your wonderful blog and willingness to share your creativity. I stumbled upon FLICKR several years ago and found that some of the most creative people were also the most generous in sharing their ideas with novice decorators, especially you. Over the years, I have tried to follow proper etiquette, such as simply asking for permission to duplicate an original idea, and more often than not I have received enthusiastic permission and encouragement to do so. When I am decorating cookies I often think of Hillary Clinton’s book, “It Takes a Village”, I honestly don’t know if I could decorate without the “village” of FLICKR, blogs and networking that the internet provides. Your blog is one of the most popular sites out there which opens you up to the criticism that all public figures have to face. Try to focus on the positive feedback and know that there will always be critics, unfortunately, the anonymity the internet provides a great forum for negative people. In my career as a history teacher I read thousands of essays and some of the best had errors that did not detract from the substance of the work. Continue to write your wonderful blog knowing that for every one negative comment written their are dozens of grateful followers who should probably take more time to write positive comments, including me!
Ooops, I left out a preposition in my reply (anonymity OF the internet) so I guess your detractors can co after me, too 🙂
Oops, another mistake “come after me, too. Seriously, I did not do this on purpose but perhaps it just shows the difficulty of writing within the tech parameters of a blog. It is definitely harder to proof read this way, regardless of what your critics say.
What a well written post Callye! Good for you for finally getting all those feelings off your chest. I feel so fortunate to have found your blog and been inspired by you countless times. The whole blogging arena and social media have become a bit of a double edge sword at times and I think it’s because it’s so new and can be almost annoymous (I suck at spelling too). I’m sure many of these people who steal photos and are confronted would never behave that way face to face. It’s much easier to be brave (or bitchy) behind your computer screen. Please try to ignore the hateful comments and know you are loved and respected by so many people. Thank you, your blog is one I always look forward to reading.
I love your blog and all your cookie ideas. I stop everything and watch your tutorials. Just this week I was asked to do zebra stripes on a round cookie. THANK GOD I found a tutorial of you doing this. THANK YOU !! I don’t need to repeat what everyone else here has said …. I appreciate your ideas — you certainly have inspired me and helped me many times !!
I’m a little late (123 comments late) I may have been in bed when this post went out. Having you mention me was better than my next dose of Tamaflu! You know its a slow go getting over this bug but I look forward to seeing anything and everything from YOU! Not only are you a brilliant cookie decorator/teacher, you have mad skills when it comes to writing. Happy Day to YOU! xoxo
I too am one that doesn’t comment on your blog, and I’m sorry about that. But today I wanted to tell you how much I love being in your “home” each time you post. You are one of the most talented people out there, and I love your blog, because of your talent, and also because of your heart. Whether I ever make a cookie or not, I will always read your blog because you inspire me with your creativity and attitude that just make me smile. So thank you! And from a fellow Texan, you go girl!
You Callye are fabulous! I’m not much of a commenter but I read your blog everyday and my cookies are SO much better for it! Don’t let ’em get ya down <3
Calleye, you are one of my very favorite cookie bloggers, infact when you were sick/taking a break I checked daily on your site waiting for you to return. I missed you so much, but totally understood you needed a break away from it all. We are all human!! What you posted needed to be said! You are MORE than generous by posting awesome tutorials. I wouldn’t be where I am today in cookie decorating without you. Thank you thank you thank you! Stay true to yourself! <3
Hi Callye,
I have been following your blog since sometime now just to check new cookie designs. Though I haven’t ever posted any comment, I felt that I should today. I am in the process of designing my blog and I really do understand how painful it is when somebody copies your work and that too without giving you the credit. Though bad, rude comments are part n parcel of blogging, I really don’t understand why people do that. I really hope such people realize that it is very hurting to rudely comment on a blogger’s hardwork.
Callye,
When you climb to the top of the cookie heap as you have, there are going to be some who want you to crumble. Toughen up and know that you are loved by so many more than the few with mean comments. You are the ultimate in cookie inspiration. I appreciate all you have given to the cookie world. It is a better place because of your contributions!
Donna
Thank you so much for sharing from the heart about your blogging ups and downs. I too feel like blogging is a marriage and often times I just stumble along hoping to get things right, happy when they’re good, really sad when you feel like all you are doing is spinning your wheels, then completely bummed when others aren’t supportive. For someone who has only been blogging for a two short years, I so appreciate your insight and your willingness to share all you’ve learned. It’s such an encouragement to me! Your work and passion stand alone and there will always be negative people who just can’t see the forest for the trees. Don’t let the bas*#rds get you down! You’re amazing, kind and so talented! Keep up the phenomenal work!
You are such a great person Callye! I love reading your blog day to day and catching up on your tutorials and recipes and you really are such a great inspiration. It’s people like you who share what you do best that really got me into cookies. Keep it up! It’s very much appreciated!
I can not believe you would receive nasty emails or comments. I am FLOORED by your generosity (and talent, of course). When I first found your blog I gushed to my husband “I can’t BELIEVE she shares her knowledge and posts tutorials FOR FREE and she really wants to help us make the gorgeous cookies she makes!!”. I bring up your blog and show my husband your cookies at least twice a week – your talent is beyond anything I’ve ever seen. And I’m still overwhelmed by your generosity.
I’m not sure I’ve ever commented before but I truly, truly thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help and knowledge. As far as the nasty people – in all honestly, I see nothing but jealousy there.
Thanks for your honesty! I am beginning a blog and love getting info from someone with experience. I think people with petty complaints are just that, petty. Always trying to bring others down to elevate themselves. It is an easy trap to fall into and sometimes hard to get out but in your HEART you know you are not what those people say. Listen to your heart.
And thanks for all of the cookie inspiration too.
Thanks for posting this. I’m brand new to cookie blogging so its great to read
We love you Callye! Your work has given me so much inspiration and confidence in my cookie decorating! I love the way you use cutters to make something totally different than what they are orignally intended for. I never would have thought of such a thing. This Christmas I was so proud that I used an upside cauldren for a snowglobe. My skills are not the greatest still but I feel that I am getting better every time I make a batch. I know it’s hard to ignore the haters but some people don’t realize that cookie decorating is a lot of trial and error and need someone to blame. Thank you for your wonderful blog!!
Good GRAVY, there are some sucky people in the world, aren’t there…
Callye, you are one of the most helpful, gracious bloggers I’ve ever met. It ticks me off when people try to steal my sunshine by leaving a nasty-gram on my blog or Facebook page. I don’t have the creativity of a gnat compared to you, so fortunately, nobody has stolen my content verbatim yet, but I can imagine how INFURIATED and saddened you must be when it’s done to you!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
Incidentally, are you on Google+ yet? I’d like to share this post there and when I do, I’d love to tag you in it
You have the best blog I’ve ever seen. Your work is incredible, your photos are fantastic, the ideas are genius, and your writing is fun. It never even crossed my mind people would not be sending you comments and emails telling you how much they adore you. You really are a cookie trailblazer and it’s very easy to identify your cookies even when seen out of context on the web, ie Pinterest. I don’t usually comment, but I check your site daily because you are THAT good. If I gush anymore, this may come across more creepy than appreciative. Thank you.
Thank you so much for posting this! 🙂 What great words of wisdom.
Hi Callye, Your words flow as well as your icing does! Thank goodness that there are good people in this world that overshadow the unkind ones. I do believe in karma 🙂
Hi, I’m a big fan of ur work. I’ve never left any comments here. But I want to say that ur putting urself/ ur work out on public. That means there will be critic. Just like a celebrity. You can’t expect everyone to be nice to you. If you can’t handle the critism, maybe you arent in the right place. I’m sorry, but crying about mean comments is just so.. Child like.
Maria is an idiot.
Maria — If that’s all you got out of this post, you weren’t reading it very closely.
Maria,
That was just one very small point out of many. And really, at the end of the day, I think Callye is simply stating that it’d be nice if people were nice. She does more than her part to make the world happier and sweeter – wouldn’t it be great if everyone else did, too?
If hoping that people will be nice to each other is so… Child like… please sign me up. I would like to be more child like.
Thank you for this and thank you so much for what I learn every time I am here. Your work inspire me and everything you write makes its spot on.
Very nicely said…I love your blog BTW…and I really can’t believe other people think it’s ok to criticize and be rude & mean (Maria!) You are really not asking for anyone’s opinions/advice, you are just putting your beautiful talent out there to share and help others who want to learn how to make pretty cookies. Why is that so hard to understand?????
I for one SOOOO appreciate your blog and your wonderful tutorials. I am blown away that people can be so mean but I guess it takes all kinds of people to make up this crazy world of ours. You just keep doing what you’re doing. You’re such an inspiration and I would hate to think that all those ‘pain in the hiney’ people out there might make you or any of the other awesome cookiers out there who share their creativity stop what they’re doing. I don’t comment much but I read every on of your posts and just felt the need to let you know how much you are appreciated.
Calley,
I am tearing up as I read this blog post and I just want to say THANK YOU for all of your beautiful writing, photos, tutorials and encouragement. It really is because of you that I ventured into cookies and your blog had been my cookie Bible! I know from first-hand experience that you read and respond to your followers, giving advise and support with a genuine heart to see every person succeed. My favorite thing about your blog is that you so willingly share tips and techniques, not trying to make a quick buck off others’ inexperience. Please don’t let those who are mean, inconsiderate and self-focused take away the joy you
bring to so many…spelling and slow email responses are nothing compared to a dedicated mom whose creativity and talent can be shared and enjoyed by all. You are the BEST!
Hi there,
i am from the netherlands, where cookie craft is getting more and more popular,. I check your blog a few times a week and you are an inspirator and teacher to me.
Thnx so much for all your great tips and tricks, it makes cookie craft so much nicer for me.
<3 LOVE <3 this article! Truly.
<3 LOVE <3 your cookie creations!
Sadly, haters are gonna be haters because they live to make others miserable. If only they recognized the blessings they had in their own lives instead of feeling envious or jealous of others' they'd be much happier with themselves and wouldn't go popping other people's balloons for fun.
Keep up the great work. I'll be here rooting you on cuz I think you're amazing!
I've never been good with sugar cookies. Paper is my medium. But you give me hope that maybe one day I'll make a cookie worth sharing. :0)
This is the point where I have to take the time to tell you that (entirely because of your website!), I had the self-confidence to agree to make decorated cookies for my son’s preschool class this year. They certainly weren’t fancy (just green Christmas trees), but I was incredibly proud of the finished product. I would never had been able to do it if I hadn’t been reading your blog for the past 18 months and screwing up my courage to try the decorating myself. Thank you for all the hard effort you put into those wonderful tutorials and also the fabulous inspirational ideas you provide. I really appreciate it.
Granted, I just came from a lovely brunch and may have had a glass of wine (or two), BUT…don’t you dare pay attention to those haters. They sit in basements wearing dirty underwear and only WISH they could be as talented and successful as you are.
I *love* your blog, visit it every week, and am continually amazed at your skill, creativity, and artistry. I should have shared the love earlier. 🙂 Thank you for your hard work and dedication for those of us who truly appreciate what you do!
I just love your work, and love how you are, my mother tongue is Spanish, but I am making an effort to tell you , that people like you make a difference, that there are lots of parasites that steel nor only the ideas but some times the spirit to share, but thera are many more of us how appreciate every effort, and that never see anything wrong on your cookies or your post, because we just adore your work, accept a big big hug from North Mexico Tijuana, the last city of México we share the border with San Diego,CA. hugsssssssss and lots of kisses. Be your self, because we need more people like you!!!!
SSB you are my inspiration! To think that you even had to write this post saddens me beyond belief.I think Thumper was right with his Momma’s quote “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all” (it was from Bambi wasn’t it?). Sending happy thoughts your way! X o x
I would like to join the other people who have posted in saying Thank You Callye! Thank you for your generosity, your inspiration, your creativity, your humor, your talent, your time, but most of all your heart and your spirit. Because of your selflessness I am beginning to develop a talent and a passion that I never knew I had until I discovered your blog. Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough…..
You are such an inspiration! I would not have ever started decorating cookies without your amazing tutorials, whenever anyone asks me how I do it, I send them to your blog!!! In fact, I just volunteered for my kids middle school exploratory day to teach 7th graders how to decorate cookies…pray for me ;-)! I plan to “try” to teach them how to make zebra print cookies and I’m going to give them your blog address if they want to learn more. Thank you for sharing your talent, it is sooooo appreciated!!!! Don’t let the bad get you down, you are amazing!
I just want to say how much I love your blog, I don’t remember how I stumbled upon it but it came right at a time when I was looking for an outlet, I too am a stay at home mom of 2 small boys { one is 27 months the other is 6 months } when I saw your cookies I was completely an utterly in awe of your abilities, I’ve always been a creative person but I never knew that cookies could be such a good canvas. and now I am hooked on cookie-ing. I have started a page on facebook for my creations {http://www.facebook.com/AngelCakesBakeryOttawa }, I get excited to see all your new posts. you have no idea how much you’ve helped me. Thank you 🙂
So sad people have to be that way. Makes me embarrassed to be a person. I love your blog and wish I had 1/100th of the talent of your pinky. I may not post a lot but I quietly admire your work and appreciate your wisdom and tutorials (Although I am too afraid to try most of them!) I was a little worried when you didn’t post last month and hope you are back to 100%.
Hi Callye! I see others have been compelled to do what I need to do – that is, thank you for sharing your talent and time with us. I’m not a commenter or an emailer, but I am a regular follower and I want you to know that I appreciate you and this blog! One of my favorite things to do in the morning before work is grab my cup of coffee, iPad and see if you’ve posted something new!
After “studying up” for a long time through your blog and others, I finally got the courage to give decorated cookies a whirl. I’m happy to say that after a lot of trial and error and practice, I’ve gotten pretty darn good at it! I likely wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn if it hadn’t have been for your blog and some others.
Any who, I would guess that there are a lot of folks just like me out there – the silent students who should really stop for a moment and say thanks. We would likely drown out all the negatives. So, thank you, Callye. Your blog makes a positive difference in the world!
Callye,
It took a lot of courage to write a post like this & I applaud you for it. I totally credit you for where I am today. I found cookies because of you. I so admired your blog that I said “can I do this?” “can I be a blogger too?” and slowly but surely I have become a blogger. What started as a place that only family was looking at has become a place where people visit me and enjoy what I do. None of this would have been possible without you. The amazing friendships I’ve made through cookies would not exist if not for you.
I know there are so many others out there like me who would not be doing what we’re doing without you. I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with ugliness. You are one of the sweetest, most giving people I know and there is just no reason for it. God bless you Callye. Your supporters are here for you and we appreciate you.
Stay strong Callye!! Look at how many favorable comments you’re getting…..and there are thousands more unwritten. You are my absolute favorite cookie educator. I am always amazed how willing you are to share your knowledge, ideas, secrets and talent……and I am so very grateful that you do. Don’t ever let anyone strip you of your spirit. Thank you for sharing your gift with us…..please don’t stop.
This is why you are LOVED, ADORED and REVERED by everyone who follows this blog. I’ve always respected you but never more than after reading this heartfelt posting.
Learning from you about cookie making and design has really been life-changing for me and I’m sure for the entire community of Cookiers. Stay strong, Callye and know how much you are loved.
“YOU SUCK”——ceed in my opinion! (Sorry, couldn’t resist!) I rarely make comments but was so sad (but not surprised), to hear that people haven’t always been very kind. From someone who would kill to have your talent, please know that someone appreciates all you do! And personally, I love your cutesie elementary school icons! People need to get a life! You just keep making cookies! You’ve brought a smile to my face with each one! : )
Even your angry cookies are beautiful!
Love ya lady!
I love everything about this post, Callye. Very well-said!
Hi callye,
I would like to express how much I appreciate all your hard work in creating each and every blog post and especially the time-consuming picture tutorials. I cant begin to imagine how many hours youve spent of your time doing those. Id also like to express how talented and entertaining you are. I enjoy every post and look forward to them. I have a shortcut to your website on my cellphone desktop so I have a quick access to you and your creative genius. You have been my inspiration for so many years. I aspire to make decorated sugar cookies as a profession one day because of you. Whether I fail or not…I would never put on you. I know it takes a lot of hard work, discipline, perseverance, and creativity to do what you do. To top it all off you are a wonderful and caring mother….that jus makes you a supermom. You are MY cookie hero. I have picture of your cookies as inspiration on my vision board (from ”the secret”). I also won your halloween cookie cutter contest and requested that I get your autograph on one of them and I was pleasantly surprised to find several of them signed. I was tickled pink!!! I was sad and disheartened to hear the downside of your blogging adventure. When I first saw your post…my heart mightve skipped a beat when I thought you mightve quit. Sigh. Thank you for holding on and for having the heart that you do. I love your creativity, sense of humor, and most of all…your heart. Your post couldve gone in a very different direction but you chose the graceful path and I admire that. I am not a blogger myself but im pretty sure that youve stated many issues that so many others have suffered from as well. But you…had the strength to say what needed to be said…in an ELOQUENT way. Bravo!! Please keep your spirits up. I would be very sad to find you gone one day. There would be a hole in my cookie heart. Thank you also to your family for supporting you. I believe that its important that your family supports your passion. I wish you all the best. <3 gayle
Despite the obvious hazards to the blog, please, please don’t stop what you are doing! Your tutorials are amazing and so helpful! I made and decorated my first sugar cookies ever last year for Easter and have had some amazing experiences in only a year of this new hobby. I have been to dozens of blogs and video sites and always come back to yours. I learned everything I know from your site and every time someone asks me to teach a class (frequently- which is just crazy!), I always refer them to your website. Don’t let the negative aspects get you down!
Thanks so much for this insightful post. I love your blog, your creativity and your craft. As a baker, I enjoy the art of creating, mixing, and seeing the final product. I have 0 patience for intricate design work and attention detail that you possess. YOu are truly talented and your cookie designs are works of art, they bring joy to many of my days!
Happy Blogging,
the gluten free chef
Oh sweet Callye. This post actually brought tears to my eyes. I can’t imagine that someone would say something mean and hurtful to someone that does SO much for the cookie community. I’m so sorry. It’s sad because we can read 170 positive comments and then get one negative comment and that’s the one that we remember because it hurts. I get it. Your post is simply asking for common courtesy. If they don’t have anything nice to say, then they shouldn’t say anything at all. You put your heart out in every post that you write. You have other things you could be doing with your time and yet you stop and take photos of the cookies you make and you share your knowledge and you inspire everyone around you. Unfortunately there are mean people. There are jealous people. There are people that think they have to put someone down to raise themselves up. Some will say get a thicker skin or ignore those haters. It doesn’t always work that way. You don’t want to lose your sensitivity, you don’t want to change who you are. We are all here to learn and to grow and to continue to improve and to give back to the community. Just know there is a whole community backing you up and appreciating you and we know that you are amazing and kind and generous and a beautiful person. Thank you for all that you do Callye, but even more so, thank you for WHO YOU ARE. Hugs, Cristin
Great post! I really enjoyed it! And I totally share your loves and not-loves! I have also learned that I am not alone when it it come to the ups and downs of sweet comments and picture stealing! Thank you for sharing your tips and coping skills! I adore your blog, and I think you are one of the most talented people i “know”!
Thank you, Callye, for this thoughtful, important post. I hope every single person out there in Cookie Land has the chance to read it! 🙂 You’re seriously the best.
I read your blogg every day and find it very inspiering. Your an inspiration to my baking every day and i dont give a damn about your spelling. I admire that you put a art of your life out there and still have the energy to be a, whats seems to me, a great mum! Keep on going 🙂
Greetings from your fan from Sweden!
Cuties!
AMEN! I just wanted to say that I truely appreciate reading your blog and your tutorials. You have given me so much inspiration, and for that, I am so grateful! Keep on and SMILE! YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I appreciate what you write, would never leave a mean comment, and wish everyone would treat you nicely! So sorry you’ve experienced some of the stealers and the haters. 🙁 But keep up the good work! I think you are AMAZING and the best cookie-decorating blog out there!
Hi Callye,
I have never posted a comment on any blog before but I was completely inspired by your post to figure out how to do it. I don’t make cookies but I so, so love your absolutely wonderful creative spirit and its a JOY to see all that you do. Actually, its more than a joy, its a privilege. And if horrible mean people don’t appreciate that it is a privilege, perhaps they need that privilege revoked. Surely in this technology age you can ban people with bad manners, bad motives and bad karma.
Again, all your hard work is absolutely appreciated by me (and my husband because I always drag him over to see your latest). You are 100% genius.
Hi Callye,
if you come across this comment, please know that you have inspired me to all ends!
During the day, I work as an accountant with fancy initials after my name. After a long day of number analysis and crunching, I look forward to piping, filling and making happy cookies for people to enjoy (most of the time they are for my own kids and the neighborhood kids). You will see your inspiration in most all my work, if not all. You and the rest of the named Ladies in this Sorority of Cookies (Alpha Bita Cookie) do so much good and are very paitent with us “pledges”. I wish I could extend my Magic Forcefield to protect you from such mean people. Since I cannot, I will fight bad words with good words. Ready?…..”Thank you! and Cheers to YOU!”
Callye, I’m so proud of you for who you are and what you do. You’re kind, beautiful, and smart. Keep being you. xoxo
I’m sorry, I’m not very good at this. I just wanted to say thank you. 🙁
I don’t think I’ve ever commented before on your blog, but I wanted to say “BRAVO” for sharing your feelings about things. I’m a person who really LIKES having guidelines and rules and knowing how they impact other people, and few bloggers tend to share this sort of information. I see no conflict here, just a person sharing their views on the world, and I think it’s great. 🙂 It makes me like your blog even more!
Do you know how much you inspire me to push myself harder? In my OWN craft? I’m not a cookie maker because I have so little self control when it comes to icing and raw cookie dough… but I come here and I see a new post and I’m like “Damn that’s good.” …so I go back to my craft and figure out how I can push the envelope… I’m a slacker blogger, really. I see how many people comment on your posts, and then look at mine… sure I get frustrated at it being low, but then I make adjustments.
And you keep me going! 😉
Remember, there will always be mean people and leeches. I don’t know WHY on this planet, they would want to complain for something you ROCK at AND give away for FREE.
P.S. If I was ever in your kitchen, your royal icing would go missing. o_O
Callye
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
You are the QUEEN OF COOKIES
Look at your LIKES
Now look at the others LIKES on facebook
Like I said you are the QUEEN OF COOKIES
YOU ARE THE BEST OF THE BEST and don’t never forget that.
You inspires me every day with your cookies.
You are the best out there in the COOKIE INTERNET WORLD
Don’t forget each day when you get up. (you make alot of people HAPPY
I check your blog almost daily to see what you have created now. You are fantastic at what you do and inspire me to try more and am now taking classes to learn more. I am sorry people are so rude as to not just enjoy what you share! Our sociaty thinks they are supposed criticize all errors they find. My granma told me that people who live in glass houses should not throw stones and more of us need to remember that! Keep up the good work. Naysayers, I don’t want to hear about my spelling either!!
The only reason I’m still decorating cookies is because of bloggers like you. When I first started, I would spend hours and hours, and be disappointed with the results and frustrated because I didn’t know what I was doing wrong. Then I stumbled upon your blog, among others. Now instead of guessing whether my icing is the right consistency, for example, I know exactly what to look for. I can still spend hours and hours decorating, but at least I’m pleased with the results. Your blog has become my favorite cookie blog, and one I check almost every day. I hope you’ll continue to decorate and blog for a long time to come.
18 months is way to long to hold something in…us Jerzee girls don’t play like that…you my dear are fabulous, your decorating is wonderful, beyond talented…I have a suggestion though and I’m sure you have thought of it too…why don’t you just put your “sugarbelle” label on your photos so people won’t copy them?? I sure someone else said that but I didn’t read all the comments…
I have a movie/food blog and when I post something new I, almost always, put a link on my Facebook status. I never even considered it rude before. I may need to rethink this as your post is the first negative I’ve heard of doing thus. Maybe I am annoying/offending people and, because a few people comment positively, I’ve ignored the affect it may have on others. Thank you for this post. It was very eye-opening.
I read your blog almost daily and have only tried the simplest of designs so far. I am, apparently, a cookie coward. I can barely draw stick people so I haven’t been brave enough to try a lot of your more detailed projects. It doesn’t stop me from enjoying what you do, though. I love this site and recommend it to anyone who mentions a love of baking. I’m sorry you felt the need for your current post but sometimes it’s just gotta be said.
Tarisa, I’m sorry, I think you misunderstood what I’m trying to say. It’s not rude for
You to post your link on your own pages, however, it would be rude for me to go to your Facebook page and write on your wall, to your fans, NEW BLOG POST on how to decorate NINJAGO cookies and include my link to my site. My thinking is that if you wanted my post shared on your page you would share it. It would inconsiderate of me to plaster it across your personal pages. Does that make sense?
I’m with you now. COMPLETELY misread that. Yes, that is rude. I don’t do that. 🙂
Love the ninja cookies!
First time commenting in your blog but following it since the days I was looking for ladybugs sugar cookie for my daughter birthday. Just want to say THANK YOU!
I learned making cookies following your tutorial, love your recipe and think you have a big heart to share your knowledge and creativity with everyone in the internet.
Thank you for your comments. I do not do baking professionally. Only for friends. If I ever do a simular cookie I will always say it is not my design. I don’t know if this is okay? I just admire all that you professional done. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Insightful, humorous, bittersweet and honest. Great entry!
I can’t believe anyone would be negative about what you do! I think you are amazing, and I have pretty much learned everything I know about cookies from you! If I need an idea, your blog is the first place I look! Thank you for your hard work, and for teaching people like me how to do something so fun, creative, and wonderful!
As usual, everything you say leaves a message in my heart!!! You are one of “heroes”!!! Thank you for this post!!!
Callye,
I absolutely agree with what you are saying. Honestly, I appreciate everything that you do on this website. If it weren’t for you, I don’t think my cookies would look as good as they do. You have definately hellped me to no end….
I started from scratch, searching the internet for ideas and tips and I found you! someday I hope to make cookies that look as professional as yours. I’m getting there but your quality is extraordinary. I still can’t believe that you can get so much done with children…they must be extremely good or you have a great husband that helps…..
I have been guilty of using your cookies for inspriratuion as this has been a definate learning curve for me….i’ve only been doing this since October of 2012. The people where I live think I’m a cookie goddess so I guess I have you to thank!
I do not have a website as I don’t plan to market them over the internet….i sell cookies to contacts in my county and I thank you for all the inspirations that you have sent my way….!
Love your work, advice and heart. Keep going… You inspire so many. (Sorry people can be so hurtful). Thanks for all you do!!
Thanks for the info. It was really well thought out and very informative. But did I tell you I really hate that shade of green in your titles? LOL LOL LOL. Love your website, flaws and all. (though I don’t ever recall seeing a flaw).
I am totally new to your blog (and blogs in general) and had no idea how intense they can be. I thought you stated your points beautifully. It is very sad if people choose to get so worked up about a cookie blog (albeit a fantastic one). Don’t get caught up in the negative energy. Thank you so much for your blog. I’ve learned a ton from it and am now completely addicted to cookie decorating (much to my husband’s dismay)!
Great post! First time to your blog. Your cookies are beautiful. These happy, sad, and mad cookies are absolutely adorable:) As a blogger, I can appreciate how much time and effort you put into your blog. It is sad that there are people out there who just don’t get it.
I just think you’re super. Super, super, super. And OH so talented. It’s too bad that people with insecurities they don’t know how to deal with project their anger and frustration onto other people/bloggers. It’s always about them. Not you.
Always.
Still frustrating, I know. For sure.
But you’re great. And your work is fabulous.
Keep it up!
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I’m so sorry that there are such hurtful people out there. You are an amazing artist and teacher. Thank you for all of the work you do to share your talent and knowledge. The extra time and care you take to publish your blog is not lost on the vast majority of readers who feel exactly as I do.
I LOVE this post. I totally agree with everything you have said. I am not a cookie decorator… just something I dabble in from time to time. I am a creative sewer and other things. I have similar issues going on in my sphere of creativity. I get it… TOTALLY. I would love to do a post on my blog and link it to here for people to read. I have had a ‘shop’ from Denmark link to something I created, that was on my blog, it was for a product they were selling. I have now deleted the post. WHAT A CHEEK! I am always checking my status information and checking where traffic is coming from.
I LOVE you designs, ideas and tutorials. I find them very inspiring. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
It’s my first time posting and I’m shy, but this is a great post. It is so informative that I will have to read it again. I have been decorating cookies for a few months now and you are one of main teachers. Thanks so much and keep up the GREAT work.
I’ve been referencing to your site every time before I make a cookie, from idea to tutorial, but this is my first comment. And I just want to say thank you!
i like this on
Kudos to you Callye for Keeping It Real! I love your website, its one of the happiest places that I frequent on the web. Whether I’m looking for cookie inspiration or just to peruse your site to take in all your creative works of art, no matter the reason I always leave with a smile!
Thanks for really letting it all out and sharing your personal recipe for blogging etiquette!
I just want to say thank you for all you do with this blog. I am so sad you get nasty grams, you are providing a free service to people! grrrr it makes me mad to think of them saying such things. Oh well. I for one am grateful for all you do ,you started this cookie journey for me and without you I don’t think my cookies would be nearly as fantastic! I used to only make cakes and now I love everything cookie I have a buisness, a facebook page, and a blog. Wewwwh so when you have a sad or mad blogger day just remember those of us who you have inspired.
I love this! Every word you said could not be truer! I totally run to your blog every time something comes out wrong because I know you have the most experience and trust your advice on everything cookie. I remember seeing your cookies featured in a Martha Stewart magazine and thought, wow she has hit the big time! I was worried you would not have time to be blogging anymore! I cannot even imagine anyone having something ugly to say to you when you help us all every step of the way. I love your blogs, I think you’re super funny, and I appreciate all the hard work I know you put into it!
From Cathy in New Orleans!
I want to encourage you and share with you that there are many more of us out here, that love, appreciate, smile, jump for joy at all things you share cookies and more. We realize it is not easy sharing as you do, the pictures, instructions, tutorials….I feel like you walk into my home and help me in my kitchen!!!!!! It is personal, and it is beyond spectacular! You are giving and kind and the thought that people are meanmuggin’ you through emails or othewise is very unkind and inappropriate. I apologize on their behalf. Shame on them. Please continue to feel the positive energies that come from those of us in blog lang that grow because of your sharing. Thanks so much!!
Howdy!
Love your post… actually make that I LOVE YOUR BLOG and your COOKIE AWESOMENESS!
Its sad to think that you put so much of your heart, soul and time into sharing your amazing talent and yet ‘some’ people feel the need to bring you down in some way or the other. Im not a blogger myself, but my sister has a newish diy/craft blog and we’ve had a bit of a laugh over some of the rude/hurtful comments that she has recieved.
I could only imagine the hurtful/spiteful things that must get thrown your way. I dont know whether it stems from a sense of jelousy/inadequacy or not, but honestly, did these people never learn manners?? that if you dont have anything nice to say then say nothing at all?? Honestly i cant understand why people would even read a blog that they didnt like… let alone make the time to write a negative comment on it…
And as far as all those proofreading, copyeditor wannabes… well … ’nuff said!! LOL!!
and just one final note…
YOUR BLOG IS STUPENDOUSLY FABULOUSLY WONDERFULLY AWESOME!!
all the best…
Tammy from Melbourne, Australia 🙂