Is the Internet Making Your Head Explode?
Perhaps I'm just tired...too many emails to answer...too many photos to take, who knows? But I've been thinking...how did we get to where we are now?
Here is a bit of my story. Wondering if you have any stories of your own to share?
Here is a bit of my story. Wondering if you have any stories of your own to share?
Timeline1995 - Start selling vintage & antique items (I won't bore you with how I got there). There was (still is) a magazine called the Antique Trader Weekly. A classified advertising magazine of sorts. This was long before eBay really started getting rolling. You would post an ad in the 'Trader,' and on Monday mornings you'd get calls from people who wanted to purchase your items, sight unseen. Can you imagine? Yep, those were the good old days...Except for the 5:00 a.m phone calls.
1997 - Discover a small company called eBay. They have a little booth set up here at one of our local antique shows. I purchase my first digital camera for a whopping $700 (a clunky Sony Mavica), and off I am selling on eBay. Those were the days when there were more buyers than sellers, so it was really profitable. You could buy a Raggedy Ann doll at a yard sale for $1, and it would be snatched up on eBay for $40.
1998 - Purchase this new book called "Shabby Chic" by some lady called Rachel Ashwell, and am totally blown away by "chippy" & weathered items. Start selling this look on eBay and it's totally insane. Ebay bidding wars are the daily norm. Things like tole chandeliers are selling in the thousands of dollars...rose oil paintings are a hot commodity, and sell in excess of $500. Beaded chandeliers? $1,500 and up!
At some point, I use the name "Paris Hotel" because I'm selling a lot of French and "hotel-related items."
2002- Home Companion contacts me to photograph my home for their magazine. I'm elated. A friend suggests I start a website to sell my wares. Find a web designer and "Paris Hotel Boutique" is born.
2007 - My web designer tells me about blogging. What the heck is that? I sign up. Do a little post here and there, but don't know what it really is.
Fast Forward - Here I am. 2010. Running my web shop and blogging regularly, but now we've added Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc. Which brings me to my point...
How do we juggle our lives? Number one is family, of course. Then for me it's managing my website which is my full-time job. Blogging, Facebook, Twitter are all secondary. In fact, I really don't like Twitter much at all. And what are all of these "share buttons"? Digg, Buzz Up!??
I love to blog and enjoy reading other people's blogs. But, how to we have the time to reciprocate with comments on so many great blogs out there? Is there time in your day to really read the posts and not just glance at the pretty pictures? What happened to just curling up with a good book? Are we all at our computers day and night getting lost in cyberspace?
I'd love to hear your thoughts about how the internet has affected your life. Has it opened up a whole new world, a new business perhaps? Made new friends and contacts? Is it taking time away from other things you'd like to do, or does it inspire you to do more?
1997 - Discover a small company called eBay. They have a little booth set up here at one of our local antique shows. I purchase my first digital camera for a whopping $700 (a clunky Sony Mavica), and off I am selling on eBay. Those were the days when there were more buyers than sellers, so it was really profitable. You could buy a Raggedy Ann doll at a yard sale for $1, and it would be snatched up on eBay for $40.
1998 - Purchase this new book called "Shabby Chic" by some lady called Rachel Ashwell, and am totally blown away by "chippy" & weathered items. Start selling this look on eBay and it's totally insane. Ebay bidding wars are the daily norm. Things like tole chandeliers are selling in the thousands of dollars...rose oil paintings are a hot commodity, and sell in excess of $500. Beaded chandeliers? $1,500 and up!
At some point, I use the name "Paris Hotel" because I'm selling a lot of French and "hotel-related items."
2002- Home Companion contacts me to photograph my home for their magazine. I'm elated. A friend suggests I start a website to sell my wares. Find a web designer and "Paris Hotel Boutique" is born.
2007 - My web designer tells me about blogging. What the heck is that? I sign up. Do a little post here and there, but don't know what it really is.
Fast Forward - Here I am. 2010. Running my web shop and blogging regularly, but now we've added Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc. Which brings me to my point...
How do we juggle our lives? Number one is family, of course. Then for me it's managing my website which is my full-time job. Blogging, Facebook, Twitter are all secondary. In fact, I really don't like Twitter much at all. And what are all of these "share buttons"? Digg, Buzz Up!??
I love to blog and enjoy reading other people's blogs. But, how to we have the time to reciprocate with comments on so many great blogs out there? Is there time in your day to really read the posts and not just glance at the pretty pictures? What happened to just curling up with a good book? Are we all at our computers day and night getting lost in cyberspace?
I'd love to hear your thoughts about how the internet has affected your life. Has it opened up a whole new world, a new business perhaps? Made new friends and contacts? Is it taking time away from other things you'd like to do, or does it inspire you to do more?
Comments
I would agree with you that the internet is a time guzzler but so are most rewarding jobs of interest. If I logged every hour that I spent creating my books I would never start another one! Blogging can be and is all consuming and there is not enough time to respond as I would like to the comments and emails. I hope that others understand that pressure and appreciate that it's not lack of interest but lack of time that means less commenting. It is impossible to post very frequently - especially original content - and comment on all your favourite blogs at the same time. For me it is one or the other and I alternate less posts, more commenting and vice-versa. I love to read old and new blogs and I like to leave comments - I miss my favourites if I don't know what they have been posting. I believe blogging should not be stressful or a chore so when I feel like that I take a breather even if the analytics tell me I have lost readership, bounce rate or new visitors!
Congratulations on your wonderful business...such an accomplishment creating a business from scratch. Enjoy the weekend, xv
Great finding out more about you!About blogging... this subject came up when I met Amanda, Greet and Tracey and Haley and Melanie in Paris. First off people have to prioritize. I can't post everyday and can't comment everyday I run a shop, and have been doing design work for a new client on my days off for which I am grateful. I feel badly I haven't been able to keep up and add more new blogs but I am trying. The upside is I love as we all do the validation on positive comments on the blogs I post. I started it as a way to increase awareness for the shop but I had no idea how much time it would take. I for one will just blog for now and pass on the rest. Thanks for bringing this up!!Maryanne xo
I just read Vicki's comment and have nothing more to say. Her outlook is unbelieveable and very true. :-))
And.. I could NEVER stop eating candy!!
xoxo Noel
I know you and I have discussed this at length. It is overwhelming especially with a brick and mortar store as you can feel you aren't devoting quality time to any of them just to keep up. Entries start feeling obligatory and shallow.
I don't really get the Twitter thing and so I have made it lowest priority.
With networked blogs it seems like FB and the blog are connected but feels repetitive.
I honestly don't know how people get around to making fifty comments a day. I know this drives people to your blog but how much time out of the day is it taking, that I don't have?
I have taken a major breather from it all and am just now beginning to get my rhythm back. It seems we keep adding without editing something out. And isn't that the exact opposite of what I tell my clients to do.....Just have to remember some things work better in our lives than others. So I drop out or make low priority those that don't until I feel the quality of the more important ones is something I can be happy with.
I am sure this topic will come up again and again.
xoxo,
Lisa & Alfie
I really loved reading about your rise to fame ! It was brilliant.
I started my blog because I was reading someone elses and saw 'Create Blog' at the top of the page !.... and, I'm so pleased that I did. I have met the most wonderful people from all over the world. It certainly does take up a great deal of my time but, our children are married or have their own place now so, I do have a bit more time ( although the housework takes a back seat !!). I don't post as much as other people, once or twice a week, which takes the pressure off, but I do like to try and comment on as many people as are on my blog list or have left me a comment.I am not on facebook or twitter or anything else.I definitely wouldn't have time for all of that. It's best to do one thing well, rather than lots of things not so well.
Brilliant post causing much discussion, Lynn.
Have a lovely weekend. XXXX
I like what Lisa at Pickled Hutch says, "It seems we keep adding without editing something out." I think that's what I'm feeling. Keep adding to the plate and something else gets pushed aside or your head starts to explode!!!
You aready know what I am going to say because you know me so well... I so believe in B A L A N C E. My life is like a tightrope walk. I must balance or I will fall.
I believe in being choosy how, where and who I spend my time with. Time is very precious to me. This is why I love blogging. As Vicki said, blogging is where I go to rest. I read and comment only on blogs that interest me. I post only what is in my mind that day that I want to share. Blogging has connected me with a few very special people. Just like Ebay connected us how many years ago? When I bid on that beaded sconce I had no idea I was winning my Best Friend! I embrace the internet but only in moderation. My website is a gift that allows me to market my finds and sell them across the world:) It truly amazes me who some of my buyers are.
I honestly don't have time for facebook or twitter.
If something comes into my home at this point in my life, something must go out...just as Lisa & Alfie said.
XO
Always,
Janet
This is a very poignant post about the reality of our world today. Technology is a great thing, but sometimes, I believe we become too consumed with it and forget the greatness of reading a book, sitting at a cafe with friends just talking and going out for long walks sans any music, phones or other techno gadget. It is important to ground ourselves in what makes our souls feel a certain peace and harmony. Like you, the internet is my business, it is how I make a living. This being said, I do spend a lot of time online, but lately, I have had to refocus and realize that my body was lacking the nourishment from yoga and just being in touch with nature that it so strongly needs. I limit my time to work in the evenings and only Sunday - Thursday nights and when the crumb naps. My husband and I both turn off the laptops Friday at 4 and then back on again Sunday night (again with the exception of a few minutes here or there during the day to check for orders, etc.).
I recently succumbed to TWitter, and I really do not see the point in it. I refuse to get pushed into the 'rat race' of constantly sending messages, etc. It is a time-sucker. Blogging has brought me so much pleasure and introduced me to ladies I would have never met without it ~ friendships that will last a lifetime. For this, I am beyond blessed. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I just step back and take a breather before jumping back in. Vicki summed it up perfectly!
And I am beyond impressed and proud of you for all the accomplishments you have done throughout this short period of time. A true testament to following your dreams and making them a reality!
Bisous,
Melissa
What a perfect post that reflects exaclty what my life is right now. It is so hard to balance everything. I find myself commenting less and posting less but always reading my favorites.
I have "met" so many creative, amazing, and inspirational women blogging. I would love to spend more time in the blogosphere but with a toddler, work, the Etsy shop, etc. I have been burning the candle at both ends and when I have to stop and edit my priorities sometimes blogging ends up being my edit (as much as I love it)!
I loved reading about how you came to create PHB and love the journey. You have always been such an inspiration and you, Claudia, and Janet really help me keep my dream alive. You are such a special and beautiful group of talented women. Thank you for all of your blogging time and your blog friendship! I appreciate every online minute you share with us!!!
xoxo
Judith~
Lynn~ I would love to continue this convo on a physical walk with you either in my neighborhood or around the Lafayette Reservoir!! This is an invitation! I'll make you lunch afterwards or we can do Bakesale Betty's :)
xo
Terri
Take it easy,Lynn,
Catherine