About Oldbies And Site Issues And Differing Opinions

Decorating By SquirrellyCakes Updated 17 May 2005 , 3:27pm by KarenOR

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SquirrellyCakes Posted 16 May 2005 , 3:44am
post #1 of 19

I have been catching up on the site and see that a lot of stuff has happened in the last little while.
I see that old topic about people using the search function or repeating questions that were already answered as always, stirred a lot of hard feelings. I have been through that topic a few times on many sites and it always ends up with people on both sides offended.
I read a few comments stating that was likely why a lot of oldbies left sites, because they got sick of the same questions and it is likely true in some cases. But it is likely also not true in just as many cases.
It is one topic that I fail to understand why folks cannot have differing opinions on, without it getting a little out of control.
Everyone understands that newbies that are brand new decorators and brand new to sites. and will repeat questions. That is a given. So is it a given that folks when they are pressed for time, will also ask a question rather than take the time to do a search and that too, is a given and understandable.
But at the same time I don't think it is unreasonable to point someone in the direction of where they might find the information, because in doing so, you are really giving them a hand's up in helping themselves and that is a good thing and not meant to be an insulting thing.
I always end up sitting on the fence on this topic because I can see both sides. I remember the first time it came up on the Wilton site and the lady that suggested using the search function was attacked. I remember joking that sometimes when I saw questions about how to get the colour red, I actually growled at the computer. It was a joke and is a joke amongst most decorators because it is one thing that comes up often. I also remember having three people email me for the Cake Lady Recipes and after I had sent them out to them, I received emails from them giving me a tongue lashing about making that "Red comment'. But honestly after you have decorated for even 6 months, it will likely become a joke with you too. It doesn't mean that you cannot ask the question or that anyone is laughing at you for asking it, it just means that it is the most common problem that all new decorators have and we are laughing with you, not at you!
From what I can see on the site, this repetition of topics became an issue as did a contest and the application of the rules.
So where am I heading with this one? Well let me tell you.
First of all when you join a site you agree to abide by the rules of that site and if the rules change along the way you are notified and by staying on the site, you are agreeing to accepting those changes. So you have to abide by them. If you don't like them, you can try to get them changed otherwise you are stuck with them because they are the site owner's perogative. Whenever you enter a contest it is up to you to read the rules and be sure you abide by them also.
So this is where I am heading, the reason why people leave sites, both newbies and oldies - are various. Sometimes it is because an issue comes up that they cannot resolve. Sometimes their personal life becomes such that they do not have the time.
But I would say that the majority of the time, people leave a site because of the infighting or the bickering or the fact that the right to have differing opinions, is not respected. Having a difference of opinion does not give either party the right to make personal attacks or sarcastic comments and such.
Most of the time disputes can be resolved if people do not let their personal pride get the best of them. That is right, I am saying that things can be talked over until some form of an agreement is made, but they have to be talked over in a nice way.
I am just saying how I feel here and everyone is entitled to have their own feelings and to voice them. I take breaks from sites when I get fed up enough with the nonsense that goes on that becomes truly offensive. Nobody needs that stuff in their lives although there will always be those that thrive on it. These were likely the schoolyard bullies of yesteryear that have aged, but not grown up.
I can tell you that you can get into just as much hot water on a site by trying to be nice as you can by being offensive. That is likely because people are suspicious of each other and think that there is a hidden agenda somewhere. That is a sad state of affairs, but very true.
I can tell you that after enough of this nonsense, that people do leave the sites never to return, that happens a lot.
I was saddened to see some of the members who normally are posting, no longer posting. The number of posts also seems to be down. That is a shame because everyone was getting along so well.
When you are a guest in someone's home, you have to treat the host and their rules with respect and you also have to treat the other guests with the same respect you feel you should deserve.
Anyway, just something I wanted to get off my chest.
Hugs Squirrelly Cakes

18 replies
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charlieinMO Posted 16 May 2005 , 3:57am
post #2 of 19

Wow Squirrelly! You said it there! I agree with you. I don't know all that has been happening here lately (haven't been on very much) but bickering is no fun no matter what the reason. I know I personally have been a "newbie" to some sites and have found the search function very "unuser" friendly (wilton comes to mind as very frustrating at first) but I kept trying and also reading the posts suggesting how to use them. Hope everyone will have patience with the new people and hope the new people remember to thank the ones that help along the way. Remember, they don't have to take up their time to answer the questions icon_lol.gificon_lol.gif

Happy baking!
Charlotte

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SquirrellyCakes Posted 16 May 2005 , 4:18am
post #3 of 19

Yes Charlotte, at one time the search function on Wilton was terrible, but it has improved immensely lately. And I can say that because, you know, I am not the most computer knowledgable person around, haha!
I think learning to navigate sites takes a long time and people understand that. And information can change too. And sometimes instructions are not clear and can be confusing to everyone. We just need to have a little patience with everyone.
Hugs Squirrelly Cakes

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Loucinda Posted 16 May 2005 , 4:22am
post #4 of 19

Very good points! There's an old saying....a little patience goes a long way! I know I appreciate all of the information and help that is shared here. I hope to someday be able to help someone else with the things I have learned.

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SquirrellyCakes Posted 16 May 2005 , 4:37am
post #5 of 19

You know the newbies probably don't realize this, but you already help people. You help by the questions you ask, because they inform others and make others think why they do things in certain ways. Also, the newbies keep more current on what is out there - both designs and products, so this keeps oldbies more up-to-date. So in the long run, everyone learns from everyone else.
Hugs Squirrelly Cakes

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blessBeckysbaking Posted 16 May 2005 , 7:11am
post #6 of 19

I agree everyone can learn from everyone and it is a lot easier when your willing to unlearn and relearn its so much better to be a blessing then to just be looking to be blessed!

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llj68 Posted 16 May 2005 , 11:40am
post #7 of 19

I have kept silent on this issue until now. I completely and totally agree with you, Squirrley. You said perfectly what I have been thinking all along. It is a really sad state of affairs when things spirl out of control like they seem to have here. I was actually thinking about you last week--wondering where you had been--and hoping that you weren't going to leave, too. You have a wealth of information that I have found so helpful. I have made changes in the way I do things with my cakes because of things that you have taught me.

I'm not a "newbie" to decorating but I just found this site a couple of months ago. The only coment I have on using the "search" feature is that when I was on here at first, I did try and use it--but I was not using the correct search tool and didn't get the answers I needed. Through trial and error, I finally figured it out. So see, sometimes there is a really valid reason why a question is repeated over and over.

Additionally, I have learned SO much from the decorators on this site regarding certain things that I am happy to share the information and techniques I have learned with others.

When it is all said and done--I so wish that whatever happened (and I don't know for sure--nor do I really want too) could just be water under the bridge and we could just move on without hurt feelings and people leaving the site. But sadly, I know that is just not realistic.

I wish everyone peace and happiness and beautiful cakes. If you have a question--please post--if I know the answer, I will be happy to reply.

Lisa

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peacockplace Posted 16 May 2005 , 11:57am
post #8 of 19

Squirrelly, so glad to see you back. You've been missed! Thanks for all the advise and the words of wisdom! I thought it was just me, but the # of posts do seem to be down lately.

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melodyscakes Posted 16 May 2005 , 4:56pm
post #9 of 19

icon_cool.gif just wanted to say, thank you for coming back quirelycakes! your wealth of info was missed....not sure about everthing that went on, but i love coming to this site and have learned so, soooo much from you guysj...still havent figured out the search yet, so i probably will ask things that have been posted before, anyway.......i enjoy all of my cake friends and have actually had a boost of confidence since being a member of cc and have started to charge a more fair price for my cakes instead of almost giving them away and being quilty for taking peoples money.......i've asked questions here, and answered questions, and have learned that my cakes arent too bad, and that i can charge a bit more (people dont mind paying more, although, i still dont charge what the stores charge yet...that will come) i got the confidence to take the wilton classes after being a member on here and the wilton site,.....i've actually talked about taking the classes for years, and finally just did it.
anyway, not sure what all the fuss was about on this site, but i am glad my wonderful friends are here...............squirlycakes, i missed you! and peacockplace, i enjoy reading your post, and the other one that posted here, lith...with the pretty flower picture (sorry about forgetting your icon_redface.gif
welcome and thank you for your input and information!
melody

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ntertayneme Posted 16 May 2005 , 4:59pm
post #10 of 19

A lot of stuff on here is repetitive.. I never mind answer again and again .. to me, it's kinda what we're here for .. I tend to ask questions that may have been asked many times before... but I don't mind answering anyone's questions if I know the answer icon_smile.gif

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mrsrunning Posted 17 May 2005 , 4:06am
post #11 of 19

This is my frist post, and a newbie to the CC site. I agree with using the search functions as much as possible, which is one reason I haven't posted all of my questions have been answerd with searching. Some people are just not as computer friendly as others and I think by pointing out the search option within your reponse would be very helpful

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bikegal Posted 17 May 2005 , 4:47am
post #12 of 19

Squirrelly,
You're a fountain of information, I've read many of your posts on CC & Wilton. To the moderators on this forum, how about more stickies? icon_smile.gif I think a sticky on marshmallow fondant/red/buttercreamtransfers,etc. would really help the newbies and oldbies. I'm more of a searcher/reader than a poster but I just had to pipe up and say I love stickies. It just keeps everyone sane on forums. icon_smile.gif

bikegal

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SquirrellyCakes Posted 17 May 2005 , 5:09am
post #13 of 19

I like that system too! This site does have a wealth of information in that type of format, I love the tutorials and such.
I use these sites so much, that I often have to do a search for my own posts for recipes and such, haha! It is faster for me to find them on the sites than to find them in my books or computer. My hubby laughs at me when I can remember posting something on a site, but can't remember where the heck I put my hard copy!
I remember the first time I came on this site, it was to get the Whimsical Cake Instructions. I often refer people to those instructions as the basis and throw in a few of my own. The same with Dawn's buttercream transfer tutorial, now that is a handy reference. It was especially handy for me because I hadn't done one in 15 or 20 years and we used to do them a bit differently. So it was a grand refresher course with new tricks and I could also use it as a basis of referral to a lot of folks.
You can save a lot of time in posts and emails when you have these handy references to direct folks to. They are also a lot faster to find than going through all of your books and notes to find what you are looking for.
I find this a very handy site, well laid out.
Hugs Squirrelly Cakes

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nernan Posted 17 May 2005 , 6:52am
post #14 of 19

I too am a newbie and i like looking through old posts because i come across things i didnt know and would never have thought to ask.

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Mchelle Posted 17 May 2005 , 12:57pm
post #15 of 19

Thanks Squirrelly, I think we were all thinking it, but really didn't want to say anything. We are all here to learn and to teach. We just have to be a bit patient with each other.

I was so glad that I found a site where the people were so helpful and didn't have a mean thing to say. You all are so willing to help and I know that it is appreciated. I too noticed that the posts were down, but I just thought that it was because business was busy.

Please let's remember, that sometimes you need to ask a question a couple of times to really understand the jist of things. Looking at someone show you is completely different than reading it. I am one of those that work better visually.

By the way I'm still learning the whole coloring thing, it has been much easier since I got a coloring wheel. Yippee!

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Mchelle Posted 17 May 2005 , 1:05pm
post #16 of 19

Thanks Squirrelly, I think we were all thinking it, but really didn't want to say anything. We are all here to learn and to teach. We just have to be a bit patient with each other.

I was so glad that I found a site where the people were so helpful and didn't have a mean thing to say. You all are so willing to help and I know that it is appreciated. I too noticed that the posts were down, but I just thought that it was because business was busy.

Please let's remember, that sometimes you need to ask a question a couple of times to really understand the jist of things. Looking at someone show you is completely different than reading it. I am one of those that work better visually.

By the way I'm still learning the whole coloring thing, it has been much easier since I got a coloring wheel. Yippee!

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SquirrellyCakes Posted 17 May 2005 , 2:45pm
post #17 of 19

Yes Mchelle, we all learn in different ways, some from reading instructions, some from looking at pictures, some from hands-on, some from verbal instruction, some from a combination of methods. I think most people have to ask questions to make sure that they understand the directions correctly - that is all part of communication. When you are giving instructions, you have to place yourself in a point in time when you knew nothing about that particular method and then go through a step by step process. It is a hard thing to do because once you know how to do things, you make a certain number of assumptions and may leave out some details.
hugs Squirrelly Cakes

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Mchelle Posted 17 May 2005 , 3:02pm
post #18 of 19

So true squirelly.

Happy Baking!

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KarenOR Posted 17 May 2005 , 3:27pm
post #19 of 19

Wow, somehow I missed all that controversy. I'm sorry there are hurt feelings.
I love this site, because there is a wealth of information. Some things I can find myself and other things, just never come up correctly. I'm pretty new and I have tried, but then end up asking for clarification or opinions.

Looking back over the weeks that I've been here, I have noticed that some things get asked over and over. Most often it is from people who just joined, have few posts and come to ask. I don't think there is anything wrong with that, per se. No one HAS to answer any particular question.

Maybe one solution would be to have an easily accessible list of the most popular questions. Similar to the e"verything you wanted to know about buttercream" that someone was compiling. That way, new people can be directed to those and then come back with other questions.

I can easily see a need for MMF, Fondant, Color Flow, etc. Maybe this already exists and I haven't found it yet.

It might take some pressure off the oldbies if the basic things had comprehensive information availble.

Just an idea.

I love it here. I've gotten great help and ideas! Soooo many ideas!

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