Sitting on the fence

Hmmmmmmmmmm. I have a dilemma.

I detest anything scrapping-related that implies any sort of 'celebrity'.

With a passion.

As I think I may have said before, to me, the hobby is about preserving family memories, for my family. There are many, many pages in my albums that I choose not to share on the good old www. Some of them might be very aesthetically pleasing as far as other scrappers are concerned, but are just too personal to hold up for public consumption. You get 'edited highlights', if you like, and I put these pictures up so you can see cute photos of my kids more than anything.

There are of course people who make a very good living out of this hobby, particularly in the States, where scrapbooking has been established for far longer, and I don't wish to detract from them in any way: after all they write informative books/ magazine articles etc. which inspire many of us. Good luck to them.

There are many people also, who have a natural ability to teach, inspire, encourage others. These people get on with things quietly, in their own way, running crops and seminars, not inviting 'celebrity' status, but rather revelling in the satisfaction that they have enabled others to grow. I am fortunate enough to know one of these people: she has encouraged me more than she will ever know.

But..

there does now also seem to be a growing undercurrent of criticism 'over here', of people who are perceived to be attaining some sort of 'celebrity' status. Various threads on UK message boards, Blogs, and other such things. Snide comments. Downright rude statements.

Not interested, thank you.

I once dared to get involved in a public 'discussion' about a scrapping-related matter, which quickly degenerated into a character assassination. It was deeply hurtful to someone who has become a dear friend to me, and I have no wish to get involved in any sort of similar situation.

If people are willing to laugh at themselves, with their friends, and have a light-hearted take on life, then that's great. I for one will be the first to stick on a pair of novelty glasses and take a silly photo of myself. I love humour, satire, any form of comedy.

So for now, if anyone asks me to join in their fun and games,I shall reserve judgment.

You'll find me sitting on the fence, until such time as I can be sure that the fun and games are just that, rather than some fun at the expense of others.