As a new person to AR but not new to Staging, I was excited about a place where ideas could be exchanged, information shared, and friendships formed. One thing I have found in my relatively short time as part of this group is that people may post questions or thoughts, but they all don't want "helpful" advice. It's the old thought that anyone who is in a relationship can relate to: If your spouse or partner is venting about something they are unhappy about, do they want you to solve the problem or just listen? I made the mistake of trying to help solve the problem and give information, but it was not wanted because the people really just wanted to vent and share experiences. I see that now.
I am hoping that just because I might be affiliated with a training company, that you will give me a fair shake. I am here as a Stager. I have no hidden agenda. I know many of you on this site, you have been my students and you have been my friends. Some of you have come and gone from where we first met through training, but that does not mean I value you any less or target you. I thought the idea behind the blogs was to share ideas and information, which is what I have tried to do with the spirit of wanting to help and to point things in a positive direction.
Part of who I am is that I stick up for what I believe - and it's hard for me to see things in writing that are so opposite of what I know, and not "say" something to introduce another perspective. Are my feelings or beliefs any less important because of who I am and what I may do in the world of Staging? I have posted some helpful topics - and had people write that I didn't know what I was talking about, etc., and I didn't get my panties in a wad even though the postings were to me a bit confrontive. It's OK. Some have written about my character and what I believe and my motives - and how is that possible when they are not me and have no clue what my motives are and what is in my heart? The glass is half full in my book - and I honestly work to look for the best in people. That is the part of sharing - we can agree to disagree, or offer up additional information to help people understand. And sometimes it's best to just listen and empathize.
That is what I expect from the questions or topics I might write - I am actually asking for advice and input, and sometimes just a shoulder. Is this a forum where only the person starting the blog is right and anyone with experiences that are not the same or may not agree are on some sort of firing squad or are we big enough and open enough to welcome other viewpoints that may not agree with ours, and be willing to accept information that is based in fact (not just emotion)? I really hope so. . .it's what I was counting on when I joined this network. I have enjoyed reading many posts that have made me laugh, made me question processes, made me think of new ideas. . . it's great. I hope in the spirit of the AR group, you can get to know me . . . some one said, "To know me is to love me." At this point, I'll settle for "Like." - Jennie
