Tuesday, October 30, 2012

FRUSTRATED

First I want to say that this post is not about me tooting my own horn, I do not for one instance think I am better than anyone.........BUT..........I have been really frustrated as to what people think they have a right to say to me about my patterns.

I still consider myself a new designer......I think all of us will continue to learn as we go.  We are not perfect.  I admit that when I first started designing, that I didn't know what I was doing.  I know as a beginner to crochet, it took some time in learning what abbreviations meant on patterns, and also learning the style of designers.  One thing I did learn about writing out a design.....is that a lot of us do it differently. Some use their own abbreviation styles, some use the standard.  For me when starting out, I had seen in many patterns, "SS" which meant Slip stitch.  So I used the SS myself........I have heard from some people that it was not the normal SS.........so I decided to start using the standard, more used, "Slst" abbreviation.  I also learned that some will never be satisfied with how you write something out and I cannot change that.

My frustration comes from the comments I get from some people.  Some of them I know were genuine in not understanding something I had written out, and I could totally relate and understand as I am in that position with other patterns a lot.  To this day I still see how my own patterns can be re-written out to make it more easier.  Some comments though, can be very rude.  I have had some people tell me I have no right to have a, "Terms of Use" on my patterns, while others don't understand the need as they are offered free online.  well I do have a right to use them, and I do see how hard it can be to enforce it so to speak.  Even though I offer my patterns free online, does not mean or give anyone the right to say it's their own pattern.  They do not have a right to take my pictures and say it's their own work.......they do not have a right to take my patterns and change one round/row and then say it's their own work.......they do not have a right to tell me how and what I can add to my patterns pertaining to copyright, or terms of use.

I also get comments from others about my own style of writing.........they act as if they have a right to tell me it's wrong and I need to write it out the way they think it needs to be done.  Below is an example of a comment I just received today on a post.  Now it's not as rude or outright as some of the others, (which I don't approve)  I did, however, choose to post this one.  They made the comment as "Anonymous" I will say the only thing I changed in the pattern from the post, was I took out the special notes on beg corner and corner and just added them into the round instructions.  I also changed the SS to Slst, as it was one of the many patterns I have yet to change.  It's a time consuming process to go back and change all the patterns, but eventually I will get it done.  I think my response was also rude, but I am so frustrated as I took this comment as being rude.  To me I took it as they are saying, I don't know how to write, as they have "never" seen them like that.  Well I have seen instructions like it, and I have seen them even worse.  Some of those patterns were actually printed in a magazine/book I paid for.  But I would never think to write the designer with such a comment.  Why do I have to be the same as someone else?  Why can't I write in my own style??  Why on earth does someone think they have a right to tell this?  It's rude and very inconsiderate of my own feelings.  My patterns are offered for free.  They take time to make, write out, rewrite, test, rewrite, redo and so on..........and I am both upset and saddened that people out there just don't seem to care enough to be decent.  This person was more than welcome to ask for help.  She could have left a comment or emailed me about a question she had.  Maybe she is a beginner......or even not a crocheter at all.  As I do not understand how she didn't understand it at all.  The only other comment I have received is someone not knowing what ++ meant.  I admit that ++ is not the normal, but it was my way of writing it out, and maybe it should have been in the notes that ++ means to repeat instructions between the ++ signs.  I have seen other designers use the ++ and so I know it's not that uncommon to see in a pattern.  Even as I write this out I see that I didn't add the definition to that in the notes section.  But had I seen something in a pattern I didn't understand, I would first see if instructions were offered online.........if I still couldn't find it, I would then email/message the designer.  I would NEVER say the comment below to a designer.

I hope this person reads this and sees how this comment was taken, and hopefully next time she will ask if she doesn't understand something, and hopefully not make another designer feel this way.  I am hoping it was not her intention, but seeing the comment is really hard not to see that it's written out exactly like it was meant to be taken. 

I don't expect everyone to like my patterns, there are plenty I have seen from others that I don't like but you know what?  I still respect them, and I just don't work the pattern.  I was raised to respect people, even when you don't agree/like them.  IF you don't like my patterns, that is fine .....don't visit my blog, don't make my patterns, but please don't try to insult me. 
Anonymous said...
I must be a beginner, cause I have never seen directions like this. I don't think I'll try it.
2:38 PM
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Blogger Dragonflymomof2 said...
I debated on approving this last comment, but did so to point out that I took this as you being rude! If you do not understand something why not ask?? Why do you need to point out that you think my pattern is too hard to read? I have seen many patterns both online and bought that are written out in many different ways/styles. I do not think I need to try to insult the designer by insinuating that the pattern is just not written well. I am learning as I go about designing......and my patterns may not be written to every individuals preferences, or written out to be exactly like another designers way of writing. I have my own unique style and I offer my patterns free online. So I think your comment especially being "Anonymous" was out of line. I would have been more than happy to help you out with anything you didn't understand. I did, however change a few things to make it more "normal" I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but I am very frustrated when I offer my patterns free online then I get people trying to tell me how to write, or insinuating I don't know how.
3:01 PM
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10 comments:

Vicky said...

You know I've crocheted for a really long time. And I am still learning. I have enjoyed all the patterns that you have shared with me, as a matter of fact from one of your squares I made an afghan for one of my granddaughters and she just adores it.

Well anyway, don't let one persons opinion bother you, as I see it, its their problem and not yours. I appreciate your sharing and the work you put into your patterns. And even though I have crocheted for such a long time, all it takes is to ask if I don't understand.

Just my two cents...

Jennifer said...

I totally agree with you. I have been crocheting for over a decade and even follow patterns written in the 1800's with little effort. BUT when it comes to me writting out something I have designed I find it quite hard to do. I have a huge amount of respect for designers weather they are new or not. All I ask as a "customer" is when I ask for help please help me. And I do believe you always do try your best to write things out so most people understand the pattern.

All this said..Please keep designing and don't let the few people who don't know how to function in the real world bring you down.

My mom who blogs about her cross stitch had someone actually call her a "show off" because she shares her stash purchases! Well, I don't buy much through out the year so I don't share those things just my WIP and finishes but I still don't see anything wrong with what she does.

She offers giveaways almost every month. Not much different than you offering your patterns for free. you are offering a gift to us for our use and whether we choose to use them or not is up to us but that doesn't mean we can use them for any ol' thing! We still have to respect your terms for use. Period.

Petunia Pill said...

Doesn't it just make you not want to offer anything to anyone? I've written out one pattern and shared it. It's been extremely popular, but has also drawn a few comments that I didn't appreciate. It's the only pattern I've ever offered and it will probably REMAIN the only pattern I ever share. Isn't it so sad that a few rude beings have to ruin it for the rest of us that love and appreciate the free patterns that are graciously shared within this community? I'm so sorry you've had to experience the frustration. It was a good deed you did and certainly didn't merit any of the c _ _ _!

Unknown said...

Hey, I love your patterns & want to say that at least you're contributing & trying. Some people don't know how to be positive & show their arrogance by being rude & critical. I agree & echo with those who side with you. The saying "If you can't say something nice, don't say it at all" still applies, even though some may never have been taught that ever.

Criossa said...

I can honestly say I am not usually a nice person. People just get on my nerves. So coming from Detroit I would happily let you borrow my Detroit b*tch attitude and tell them where to go and how to get there! Don't let them bug you some people were just not raised right and need to be ignored!

ponykeg said...

OMG...the whole reason to have "special stitches" section is to have a key to the legend, like on a map. Aurora, you do beautiful work, you create beautiful things and I love your patterns. Thank you for all your hard work. Happy Halloween!!
Beth

Stephanie B. said...

I agree with everyone above. I have done several of your patterns as tests and as exchanges and I understand almost all of it and if I ever had a question I would ask. Don;t let her get you down. people's netiquette is startling sometimes. People don't think before they write. I am looking forward to the November 5th Cal you are going to start.

Dragonflymomof2 said...

Ladies, I want to thank you so much for your kinds words. I really appreciate it. :D

tidybear said...

I enjoy your posts. Your patterns are easy to understand. Please do not give up designing and/or your blog. I appreciate you.

tidybear said...

Your patterns are both unique and easy to understand. Keep up the good work.