My passion for the past two years has been decorating cookies. I usually spend most of my CC time in the cookie forum or viewing the cookie pictures. But there was a topic in a different forum that I commented on, much to my regret. I've recieved more than one nasty PM as a result, and am incredibly bummed because of it. I didn't respond to the PM's and maybe I should've. Now I'm wondering if I should leave CC and just have my photos deleted. I LOVE seeing all the beautiful cookies, and reading all the tips and hints for making such works of art. But I can't seem to get past the nasty PM's. If you've received something similar, how did you put it behind you? Am I just obsessing (I'm good at that!). Should I just restrict myself to the cookie forum so no one can accuse me of not knowing actual cake decorating because I don't have a lot of cake pictures posted? So-o-o bummed!
I have no idea what the issues were, but I would be very sad to see you leave Cake Central. Your tremendous talent for decorating cookies AND cakes are evident from your photo gallery. I'm such a fan of everything and everyone here on CC. I've learned so much about decorating and though I don't participate in the forums very often - I do enjoy reading the stories and tips everyone shares.
My wonderful boss, who died several years ago at the age of 86, always gave me the best advice - "Don't sweat the small stuff!" Don't let negative comments get you down!
I'll take a stab at this one....
Gemini - I stick mainly to the cookie forum so I can't say much about some of the other forums but I know that you're thought of quite highly here in the cookie world. I have to say there are some topics that I'd like to comment on once in a while but I've seen the "nasty" side of some of the posts so I just stay away from certain ones even though I may have a constructive opinion. I'm sorry this has happened to you and would not like to see you leave because you've been very helpful and inspirational to so many people. Take a good look at your cookies and how well you do them and realize that you really do add a lot here on cc. I look forward to everything you create and your posts too. You're definitely on that list in my head of people to watch for. Keep up the great work Gemini!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wouldn't let a couple of PM's discourage you from CC. People are entitled to their opinions and unfortunately, some will express theirs without thinking about the other person. I looked at your photos, and no one should be accusing you of not knowing about "actual cake decorating". Your cakes and cookies are beautiful.
My advice is this: Don't respond to the PM's and don't let this take away from your passion for cookie decorating.
I looked at your pictures and saw that there are a bazillion of people that have marked them as their favorites. I'd pay more attention to that than to some stupid PM that some idiot left. I'd love to have your cookie ability. My cookies look like crap and I'm jealous of what you can do. You need to stay here!
i'll be honest and say i dont know what specifically you're talking about, but DON'T LEAVE CC!! your cookies are so kickass (i'm going to start experimenting with cookies tonight, actually! 
) and who cares if you don't have many cake pics up? I dont have any! LOL
and whomever PMed you because you supposedly dont know much about cake decorating should be shamed of themselves. like hello? what's the point of this site if it's not to learn?! and i like to think that i could succeed at doing my cookies tonight based on what i know as a cake decorator. and i think the same goes for those who do cookies.
although I can't speak from experience, i say just delete all the nasty PMs and move on and continue being the awesome cookie maker/decorator that you are. the people who are mean don't belong here.
but that's just my two cents. canadian cents. they're not worth as much. LOL *shakes fist at the economy*
Oh, Gemini! I am so sorry this happened! 
I too worry about things, so I fully understand how you feel. I think of you as one of the main cookie decorators here on CC and I can't imagine if you left. Your ideas inspire and you always are so kind to other cookiers. I can say that I feel honored when you leave a comment on my cookies as I think so highly of your work.
As for other forums, I stick here in the cookie world - this is my family, as it were, here on CC and honestly, I know zippo about cakes! I personally have never see a posting get nasty here in our little cookie world. I would just delete those PMs and try your very best to put it behind you. Before thinking of deleting your photos and leaving CC, remember that it was not likely fellow cookie CC'ers who caused you this pain and we would be sad to see you leave.
I've only been in the cookie room at CC, and I'm new, but I've looked at your cookie pictures (just now) and they are AMAZING! Seriously, I don't know what the comments were about or anything, but I'm nowhere near your level of decorating, but that's what I'm here for, to learn. I have been on other boards like this one for parenting and there are always a few people who you just have to shake your head at and think "seriously, what in their head makes them think it is OK to say something like that??" I am also really really sensitive if somebody scolds or criticizes or makes any off handed remark so I understand your questioning your place here. However, as a newbie, I think you have a lot to offer myself and all of the other cookie decorators.
Gemini: Don't leave!!! You can't do that to us!!!! I don't know what your specific issue was; although I do know I got caught up in a couple of other threads couple of weekends ago, and there were some pretty mean comments thrown out there, and I wondered, Could I myself had posted a reply that would have been taken differently than I intended it? Did my silly humor come off as offensive? I think the 'preview' button is a wonderful tool! Now, having said all that, I've never, and I mean never read any of your posts or replys as in any way offensive. We Need YOU here. I do look at cake photos because I am in awe of you cakers!!! I hope one day to be able to take a stab at it. I mainly stay here in cookieworld, but if I see something that catches my attention on the home page, I might get involved in another forum's thread.
Just delete those PMs and move on.
As an aside, is it just me, or you too? I used to be able to look at every single cookie pic submitted into the cookie gallary, and now I just can't keep up!! I bet you've inspired more than one of these (that includes me) new cookiers!!
Oh, who cares what some b*tches said? Negativity only breeds more negativity. Learning to let little things like the jealousy and pettiness of others roll off your back is something that will develop POSITIVITY in your life - and I think we could all use more of that!
I don't know what happened or who these hens are that are pecking at you, but just keep in mind that only unhappy people criticize. Happy people encourage.
It's easier said than done, I know, but try to look at all of the wonderful things CC has given you. I'm sure they far outweigh some negative nelly PMs.
Remember, Karma is a bigger b*tch than anyone on here could ever be. What goes around comes around!
I don't know what happened or who these hens are that are pecking at you, but just keep in mind that only unhappy people criticize. Happy people encourage.
txcupcake you said it!
Be strong and keep doing what pleases U! 
You sound like you have a big heart...that plus big talent is an awesome combo!
Stay!
I wouldn't worry about what a few twits that don't have anything better to do then cause hard feelings. I've seen so much of it on CC. I know it's hard but let it go and keep doing what you do best.......cakes and cookies. If it hadn't been for you I would have known about Dixies Icing or that she gave classes locally. I learned more from her than any Wilton class and I have you to thank for that. Ignore the PMs and consider the source.
Oh, please stick it out!!!! I, too, LOVE looking at your cookies! And, I'm almost positive it was you who shared your wonderful cookie icing recipe a few weeks back. I appreciated that so much.
Just remember, if all of the nice ones quit and leave, the mean ones win!!
BRAVO! BRAVO! ::clapping::
I totally agree with txcupcake!! Don't let haters deter you away from something you love. Some hag probably needed to take a midol. Stay with us. You are a great asset to the cake and cookie community, and shouldn't be afraid to express yourself. If your comments get at someone it's probably because you are right and they wrong. Let your work speak for your expertise.
BTW txcupcake i almost choked on my ice tea!! Next time tell us how you really feel!
oease on't leave you are definately an inspiration!! and who says that "cookie" people can't offer some advice/tips/crietics to "cake" people anyway?!?! (or vise versa) that's what this community is supposed to be about-some people need to take a breath and chill
There will be no leaving! If you can't be here, what does that say about the pathetic (unskilled) decorators like me who are here to learn and grow in this craft? I've seen some nastiness around here that might have deterred me from sharing my two cents or even my photos (no really, I am unskilled), but what I get out of the nice, helpful, funny, and encouraging people on this site really outweighs any of the bad.
And your cookies are AWESOME! I am actually becoming very interested in pursuing that route here lately, and you are certainly going to be a big inspiration to me. Besides the cookies, HOLY SMOKES, your cakes are perfection!
For all the time I spend on CC I didn't even know there was specifically a cookie forum as well. 
Gemini...
Please don't take it personally that some people are unable to accept differing opinions. When I first started here, their was a poster that had been really supportive to me and she experienced what sounds like the same thing you did. (Not here on the cookie board) Someone took what she said out of context and started a string of mean PM's to her. Really sad. I feel bad for people like that whose own lives must be so dreadful that they try to make themselves feel better by belittling someone else. Don't become one of this type of person's victim. This is a board of support. If someone disagrees with your opinion, then a tactful, polite response like "I respectfully disagree" would be sufficient.
I love hearing your opinions and seeing your work-I consider you part of my CC family.
And txcupcake is right!!! Karma is a b*tch!
Holy fritters!! What on earth is wrong with people around here lately??
Seriously Gemini... you HAVE to stay here, if nothing else but for those of us who do cookies! Your work is gorgeous, and you have knowledge and information that we cookie folk must share.
Sure, I do both, but I cannot believe that someone would say you shouldn't talk because you like cookies better than cakes. Seriously, how do they know you just don't post pictures of your cakes. So stupid!!
Please don't let what someone else says affect you enough to leave. Negativity has been rampant around here lately and it's getting tiresome! But, take my word as a long time forum user, this too shall pass. There was just too much PMS rolling, and once the cycle is over, everyone will be fine.
The ignore button will block PMs from the negative person. Just click on the profile, and then the ignore button is on the left.
(If they were really nasty, you may want to report the person to a moderator.)
Please don't leave, I would miss you dreadfully. 
BTW txcupcake i almost choked on my ice tea!! Next time tell us how you really feel!
Oh, I will! 
Seriously though, it seems like there are a lot of meanies around here lately and it just peeves me to the core. I'll bet anyone dollars to donuts that if this were a real (as in tangeable) place for people to meet up and discuss cake/cookie/cupcake matters, most of the big-talking bully types would be sitting quietly in the corner stewing in their own sour juices.
I just think that if you're gonna talk the talk, you'd better get your big girl boots on and start walkin'. 
Gemini, we love you and you'd better not go anywhere!
GeminiRJ
I think you have your answer!! 
Sounds like your loved by all. I know I'd certainly miss all of your help with everything. Sometimes we're darned if we do and darned if we don't. Keep on plugging through; they'll get over it. You'll be a bigger person for it.
Gemini,
I don't know nor do I really care what you may or may not have said to offend "them".
I am one of your biggest fans. 
I alway will be. Ignore the nonsense and if you can't let me know and I will go and kick some A$$ for you. 
Don't leave. 
I told you I want to be able to say I knew you when and then I can borrow a kidney from you. LOL 
You are a gem and will be missed if you go.
DON'T LEAVE, LET THEM GO!!
YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST. I HAVE A FEW PEOPLE THAT I LIKE TO FOLLOW AND YOU ARE ONE OF THEM!!!
STAY!!
STAY!!!
STAY!!!
OMG people can be REAL MAJOR pains. You're great at what you do...just ignorew and stay. Typing with onef hand.
Gemini ~
I just wanted to say that I joined CC for the cookies too, and I'm not even anywhere close to you in talent for the cookies. This is a place for novice to professional. Your cakes are great, I can't believe some of the negative people who have been coming out of the virtual woodwork lately.
Don't give them that kind of power over you. You know you have talent. I love your 3D cutters that you designed, and you do BEAUTIFUL work!
You are needed here!
Gemini,
So I don't know what was said, but come on, YOUR AWESOME!!!! You can't leave, because at the very least, from what I can tell you have a great passion for your craft & you sharing your skills is going to be greatly appreciated.
BTW txcupcake i almost choked on my ice tea!! Next time tell us how you really feel!
Oh, I will!
Seriously though, it seems like there are a lot of meanies around here lately and it just peeves me to the core. I'll bet anyone dollars to donuts that if this were a real (as in tangeable) place for people to meet up and discuss cake/cookie/cupcake matters, most of the big-talking bully types would be sitting quietly in the corner stewing in their own sour juices.
I was thinking something similar to this. I don't post very often, because even a simple question sometimes receives very snide remarks. It's very easy to forget when typing online that there are real people on the receiving end. I'm sorry to hear how rude people have been. I looked at your photos and I think they're ALL so cute! You have a lot of talent; I was very impressed.
Yes, I think you should leave.
There is way too much chocolate in this house.
The person who invented the margarita should be shot.
My DH is way too considerate.
Ummm, no. You can't leave. Nope, not allowed.
I don't remember the particular episode of Seinfeld, but this is one of my favorite quotes:
Elaine: Ugh, I hate people.
Jerry: Yeah, they're the worst.
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%