Michelle, ma belle... tres bien ensemble
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Michelle ma belle, sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,

Tres bien ensemble

Colloquy

6/10/2014

16 Comments

 
I gifted myself a week away from work and the internet in celebration of my birthday last week (the big 3-0!).  By week's end, I was drawn back. It seems that I missed a lot of conversation during my absence. I received an email from Heather over at Closet Case Files, reaching out, as she put it, to make sure I didn't feel picked on or attacked by her recent posts on pattern testing. Huh?, I thought. 

I got online and started reading. First I read Heather's posts(1 & 2). Next I jumped over to Cashmerette's post where I was linked to Charlotte's post. Holy smokes. You guys. There's a lot of chatter happening! And, you know what? I think it's really awesome. 

I didn't read all of the comments, but I did read a good deal of them. I didn't see anyone making personal attacks against... anyone, actually. From what I can tell lots of people have been able to express their points of view on a topic that they have opinions about. Aside from a bit of Hamleting, it looks like there's been a really great conversation taking place. Also, it looks like there's already been a good deal of responsiveness to feedback on both sides of the line as a result. That's cool, right? 

Heather's email and expressed concern got me thinking about the way we communicate online. I think it's really difficult to know exactly what someone is saying and how they are saying it by solely reading words on a screen. While a lot of us know of each other online, most of us don't know each other in real life, and there's a lot of room for projection and (mis)interpretation.  We all communicate differently. 

In real life, I work as a litigation assistant. It's my daily experience to listen to persons expressing opposing points of view in a well organized and respectful manner.  This method of communication is very normal for me; I am very aware that it's not the way a lot of other people carry-on discussions. But, I most certainly do not take offense to general statements of opinion. I also probably think that you're a good person, even if we disagree.  

I would feel differently if I was singled out, called names, etc... That's not what I see happening.  I hope we can all continue on this way.  I truly think it's wonderfully beneficial to maintain open channels of communication. And, I think it makes our community better and stronger to feel comfortable enough to start this type of dialogue.  
Picture
That is all. I'm not a fan of posts without pictures, so here's a little snippet from my birthday shenanigans. And, as an aside, holy shit! I'm 30!!!! 
16 Comments
Gail link
6/10/2014 05:54:44 am

Happy Birthday, Michelle! Looks like you had some amazing experiences! I really like the idea that you took an internet break for your birthday too!

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Michelle link
6/10/2014 07:20:46 am

Oh, it was lovely! I wasn't able to peel myself free from instagram, but I managed to distance myself from my blogroll completely. It's ridiculous that I have to make a conscious decision to do so. :-D

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zilredloh link
6/10/2014 06:31:55 am

Happy Belated Birthday Michelle!

I feel like you really started something here - but from all the comments it appears this topic has been simmering on a lot of minds for quite a while. :D Kudos for your great post.

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Michelle link
6/10/2014 07:25:59 am

Haha. You know, I went back through my original post on Flora a dozen or more times, and, not once, did I discuss pattern testing. I really can't take any credit for starting things. All this chatter sprang from the comments. :-D

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Renee Anne link
6/10/2014 07:49:04 am

Woohoo! 30!

I feel old and I'm not that much older than you (34).

As for online communication...it's one of the reasons things like emoticons were invented. People have/had difficulty expressing themselves in a way where they are understood. Emoticons take care of some of that...not that you're going to find it in a professional setting.

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Michelle link
6/10/2014 09:39:04 am

Haha. You're so right! Clear communication is much easier with the assistance of emojis.

I think my thirties are going to be fantastic! Somehow, I already feel like, "I have arrived" now that I'm into a new decade. I was nervous to give up my twenties, but now that they're gone, I'm only looking forward!

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Gina link
6/10/2014 09:30:55 am

Wow, you did trapeze and got a tattoo for your 30th birthday? A happy birthday indeed!

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Michelle link
6/10/2014 09:40:38 am

Thanks!!

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tanyamaile link
6/10/2014 11:55:47 pm

Happy belated birthday! 30 isn't so bad!! :)

I do think you started something that others had been thinking and perhaps it may lead to more honesty and constructive criticism. We must be the nicest group on the internet since we don't bash each other or delve into drama and that's a good thing, but sometimes we want to hear honesty in regards to reviews so we don't spend our hard earned money on a project that may inevitably fail.

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Michelle link
6/12/2014 06:24:36 am

Thanks for the birthday wishes.

I think more is more when it comes to talking and sharing ideas, so I like that there's a discussion going on.

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Lynn link
6/11/2014 12:24:35 am

Wishing a VERY Happy Birthday to you! What a wonderful week it would seem you have had. Enjoy! As for turning 30... I swear it isn't so bad. :) xo

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Sara link
6/12/2014 05:30:50 am

Happy Belated Birthday, Michelle! Looks like you had a memorable time! And 30 is young! 40 is rapidly approaching for me and I feel FEAR! Not ready for that! But I do still have a couple of years to get used to the idea!

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crab&bee link
6/12/2014 09:23:34 am

Happy (really belated!) birthday, Michelle. I haven't been in my thirties for too long, but I've really been enjoying them so far. My twenties were fun but rough! I'm glad to know more about who I am now. It sounds like you celebrated your new decade in high style.

I've also been really impressed by the quantity and quality of discussion that's been happening. It sounds like frustrations that people have had for awhile with the online sewing world are finally coming out into the open, and I think only good things can come of that. :)

Reply
Ashley link
6/14/2014 01:02:26 pm

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

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Charlotte link
6/15/2014 10:57:37 am

Happy belated birthday! I'm sorry for being so late to this post. (I'm reorganizing my readers and blogs, and everything is getting lost in the fray.)

I'm still in school (and will be until the end of time). I come from a world of lots of measured, fair discussion, and I've become really used to having my work subject to critique and critiquing the work of others. So, like you, I pretty much never take offense to general statements of opinion, and operate under the assumption that everyone is a good person. I will admit, though, that after things rapidly picked up speed, I started to feel a bit guilty and wondered if I should have emailed the bloggers to whom I linked to ask permission, or if I perhaps mischaracterized what I thought was the equivalent of a pretty friendly coffeeshop chat. But, the Internet, she's weird and wonderful. Full stop.

Anyway! On to your tattoo and trapeze adventures. *That* is the way one should celebrate thirty. Brava!

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katie metzroth link
6/23/2014 04:24:03 am

happy belated birthday! I'm glad you had a nice birthday week off. :)

Your sweater looks great. Thanks for the 18 page pattern warning. sheesh!

and HOW sweet is Lola's little dress!?!? lovely job! :)

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