Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Anonymous...

Normally posts like this would irritate me, but really we've been shown so much support, kindness and generosity that it has just rolled off my back. I am blessed to be surrounded by a community, or at least the majority of a community, that would like to see us do well and that appreciates all the hard work that has already gone into this project and will continue to go into it. I would however like to talk to the Anonymous commenter and would be more than happy for any advice that they may have to offer. I can be reached by email at anytime and there's no need to "hide" behind an anonymous guise.

25 comments:

Kathleen Lange Klik said...

You are creating the Allegory Gallery for the artistic community, which is a wonderful and noble task. As artists, we like to support one another in various ways be it monetary, skill, encouragement etc. We are donating money because we believe in you and your dream, not because you are begging. Your town is very lucky!

Alice said...

Kathleen summed it up nicely! What I wouldn't give for something like this in my small town. Think of how many things would never come to fruition if it weren't for those generous souls who give just to see others succeed.

By the way, I got my package today for the challenge, and couldn't wait to open it. So lovely, and I can't wait to make something with all those goodies!

Andrew Thornton said...

Hi Kathleen! I hope that what we're doing fortifies the artistic community and does more than just act as a business, but a creative place to inspire and encourage.

The disheartening thing about this comment is the fact that it was made anonymously. The silly thing is that I can track IP addresses and can even see what type of browser they were using and where they came from and where they went after visiting the page. I know who left the comment and I am really sad that they felt they had to do it anonymously. It really is a shame.

But one thing I've learned is that not everyone agrees. I try to give to charities every day and to help my fellow artists out when I can. It's not because I have to or because they've guilted me into it or because they're "begging", but because I feel it's important to show support in the things you believe in.

Kim Van Antwerp said...

"It look bad", indeed, to show off one's sour grapes like that!

I think this person must be jealous of your creativity, Andrew! I was so impressed with this idea. And it's not like you're asking for something for nothing. I just got a sale and now have some Paypal funds. Off to make my contribution!

Aloha, best of luck!
Kim

Kim Van Antwerp said...

"It look bad", indeed, to show off one's sour grapes like that!

I think this person must be jealous of your creativity, Andrew! I was so impressed with this idea. And it's not like you're asking for something for nothing. I just got a sale and now have some Paypal funds. Off to make my contribution!

Aloha, best of luck!
Kim

TesoriTrovati said...

Anonymous is a shameful thing to hide behind. If you don't agree then don't comment. And if you feel you must then own up to it with your name or email the person directly. I am excited for you Andrew. I have been wondering what I can do to help you. Would a donation for an auction be helpful? I have been a bit remiss in visiting blogs of late with all that I have had on my multiple spinning plates, so maybe this has been discussed before. In any event, know that I am rally behind you.
Enjoy the day.
Erin

Jessie said...

Dear Andrew,

I’m so sorry for this negativity being directed your way. This person must not understand the joy that comes from supporting others in helping their dreams come to life.

I too received by August kit in the mail today and am positively overwhelmed with ideas! Thank you for providing so much inspiration.

Crimson Frog Designs by Kinga Nichols said...

Dear Andrew,
I love your blog, and your are a wonderfully creative individual, and your Allegory Gallery is a way of giving back to your community, not taking away from it.
Anonymous should learn his/her grammar first, then get some balls if he/she decided to be nasty and leave his/her name, and then go on Wikipedia and do a search on what fundraising is, before deciding that it's ok to leave these kinds of comments.

I feel people can be so rude on the internet, it almost has a dehumanizing effect sometimes, and it makes it ok to say things like this, simply because you don't have to do it in person, and then you can even be proud of speaking your mind.

Well behind every computer there is a real life person. Consider that Anonymus.

Cynthia of Cynful Creations said...

It is unfortunate that someone would leave such a comment but I agree you should just ignore it and continue doing what you are doing. I applaud your efforts to open this gallery without borrowing money and paying interest on same and if others among us choose to donate to assist you, that's our business. If Anonymous chooses not to donate, that's their choice and their business. You are creating something new and wonderful in an innovative way and that is to be applauded, the noise of which shall surely drown out the voices of any naysayers.

somethingunique said...

Hi Andrew, you are a kind, generous & gentle soul & i will always be there to support you no matter what, i have also had not much time for blogging as of late and miss my little family so much. Things are slowing down & i hope to visit regularly soon. I feel it is coward's that are full of shame that makes people hide behind a mask, you should be proud of all of your accomplishments & you have many friends that will be there for you always & i am honored to say that you Andrew are my friend!!
take care ttfn Lana :)

Andrew Thornton said...

My grandma used to have a saying, "Sometimes people can't resist the urge to track mud on the carpet."

Stepha said...

I do not see the harm in asking your supporters for help. I believe that whoever wrote that to you may be jealous of your success. Your a inspiration to all us little designers starting out. Negative publicity is still publicity. Congrats on the Gallery!!

Andrew Thornton said...

We set up our fundraiser to be as close to the Kickstarter format as possible. I don't think that anyone would accuse these artists of "begging" for money. They're just seeking an alternative source of funding from their followers and the people who believe in their project and want to see it completed.

I think the rewards offered for contributions are nice! And are by no means paltry.

I agree that each person should use their best discretion as far as if the Fundraiser is something that they want to give to. If not, that's fine. It's not required.

What I take most offense to is that they couldn't own up to their opinion. It reflects poorly on them. Instead of being open to dialogue and conversation, they chose to place a one-way edict and judgement. That's not cool.

I opened my blog up to "anonymous" commenters to facilitate discussion and reduce the hassle of having to sign-in and answer Word Verification codes, not to have people pass judgement behind a veil of supposed anonymity.

Diana P said...

Sheesh. At least if you are going to leave a comment like that have the guts to sign your name to it. Andrew, who cares about this h8ter. This community likes to support one another and that's what I love so much about it. ::hugs:: See you in a few days!

Jenny said...

I don't really see the difference between raising money the way you have, and raising it some other way. As long as you're not doing it by putting a mask on and pointing a gun at somebody, I don't see why it's anyone else's business. Those who desire and have the means to contribute, can, and those who don't will not. It's not so different from getting a grant from an agency or foundation. Some of your blog readers may, indeed, appreciate the opportunity to help out an artist whose work they admire. None of us can change the world, but all of us can change or help change one person's world.

SummersStudio said...

Boo, anonymous comments. If you have something to say, good or bad, then do it with your name on it. It's sniping other wise and that has little place in the blogs that I love and visit often. Now that I've gotten that off my chest, sigh, I am so happy for you to be creating Alegory Gallery. It's an inspiration and I am happy to contribute in any way I can. So call on us to nurture this beautiful dream in anyway.

Lori Bowring Michaud said...

Andrew, you just keep being you. It doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, or what you do for a living - there will always be petty, negative people around who don't have the courage to stand behind the venom they spew.

When I saw you initial post about the Gallery fundraiser, it reminded me immediately of the Kickstarter fundraisers I've seen for other artists. I bet you'll make your goal and surpass it. I believe the artistic community, in general, is a very supportive, giving group.

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

All I have to say is I wish I could start something like this in my town and you have given me the ideas and courage to begin to make some sort of plan. I wished I lived closer to your location because I would die to have my work in a shop like that, just die.
I wish you much success.

sasha + max studio said...

As LeAnn has said very well "boo to them!". Good luck with the new adventure, Andrew.

JeannieK said...

What's that quote, "He who angers you conquers you."

Way to rise above it Andrew. Always the better way to go. What I wouldn't give to have your shop opening in my neighborhood. Maybe when you expand you can open one up here in MN.

I wish you the best always.

Pam Chesbro said...

I think "anonymous" has a point...you could take out a loan. In fact, it is what almost everybody would do under the circumstances. Of course, almost everyone who chose to do it this way would inevitably fail to thrive because of the burden of debt. Your talent is thinking outside the box and making things work in an unconventional way. No need for anonymous to poke a finger at you for it! I hope you have every success and that the artistic community benefits greatly! How wonderful for your donors to feel pride in knowing they have contributed a piece of the puzzle.

My Life Under the Bus said...

Well I guess the fact that the economy is in the toilet from hmmm....TOO MANY LOANS?!?... hasn't hit anonymous yet. That must be nice - perhaps also the fact that this is a free country and if they don't want to participate they don't have to - move along. This is America - the grassroots version the way it used to be neighbor supporting neighbor - like a barn raising.
We are all living vicariously through you - your success is our success. XOXO

Spirited Earth said...

i see a lot of artists doing Kickstarter fundraisers for their projects..i don't see much difference in this..
one artist doing a large project offered her donors,little handmade pins which tied into the project theme , thought that a nice idea.

Do Be Do Bead Do said...

Bah to them. You keep on doing what you're doing Andrew. There are so many of us that support you and your dreams.

Gaea said...

Too many... snarky ... comments... sarcasm bubbling up... musn't.... let it.... out.... can't.... I think my head may just explode from the ridiculousness of it!

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