Monday, March 26, 2012

My Blogging Bildungsroman*

{from this pin on Pinterest}


Dear readers, I have Arrived. With a capital A. Every blogger dreams of this day, when they become a full-fledged Real Blogger, the kind with the fur rubbed off the nose from being kissed too much. Or something. But if you think about it, wouldn't the story of the Velveteen Rabbit count as a coming of age story of sorts? But I digress. So what is the symbolic ritual that makes one a Real Blogger, you ask? How can you, too, become a Real Blogger? Ahh, but my child, the answer is simple. It is not something you can ask for. It is not something you can buy. It is something that Just Happens To You.

I came back from a lovely weekend in Big Bear with old friends to find that while I was AFK, I had been graced with that Thing Which Makes One Real: a pointless negative comment regarding my Girl on Fire dress, from an anonymous troll. How appropriate that it was intended for the GoF dress! It shows a certain poetic irony, just like how the gamemakers set Katniss on fire in the arena. I have kindly reproduced it here, so that you may gather 'round in admiration of my flame (see the irony?? see it? see it?):

Anonymous Mar 25, 2012 06:07 AM
"Oh god. You just made a failed attempt.
YOU CALL THIS A DRESS?!?? wow. your mature.

LOL"
Note how perfect my badge of honour is: the misuse of your/you're, the all caps sentence, the totally not-a-normal-person's-waking-hours time of comment, and above all, the anonymity of the troll. I tell you, unless yours has the same hallmarks, you have not Arrived. If you are looking to Arrive, I would recommend that you spend a lot of time on a project, pour your heart into it, and above all, make sure that it is related to a big pop culture phenomenon, one that preferably has a large, vocal and even belligerent fan base. Maybe you could post your improved version of the Black Widow's armaments for the upcoming Avengers movie.

And just in case this anon was gravely inept in his or her efforts to leave a reasoned comment, I'll just throw this out there, in case you're reading this: you apparently wouldn't call my dress a dress...so what is your definition of a dress? Could you clarify what, exactly, about my piece makes it a failed attempt? If you would like to start a dialog about this subject, may I suggest that you make yourself known, instead of hiding behind the cloak of anonymity? I would also suggest learning some basic grammar, because I really have a hard time taking people seriously when they can't write properly, but I think I'm supposed to be trying for generosity here.

*This is all meant to be tongue-in-cheek. I do not believe, by any means, that I have Arrived as a Real Blogger, whatever that even means. I would hope that that came across in my tone, but this being Teh Interwebs and all, one can never be sure, since there are no facial expressions shown. Allow me to offer a humble, clarifying emoticon:

= ^__~ =

51 comments:

  1. The thing that really gets me is these people are too chicken to even attach a name to a comment. They've got to spread ugliness all through a veil of anonymity. And the improper use of 'your' and 'you're.' In the end, it shows who is really the mature one. I think your dress was gorgeous and I love your blog!

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    1. Thank you for your support, Christine! I am having a hard time deciding which bothers me more: the fact that it was anonymous, or the misuse of "your."

      Delete
  2. Oh, how funny those negative comments can be. Your maturity was questioned! (By someone lacking in grammar skills, no less!) I don't think I've seen that one yet. Congrats on the Arrival! ;-)

    By the way, I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Participation is optional. Details on my blog :-) The Musings of a Dedicated Housefiancee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have had my maturity questioned many times before, but never because I called something a dress! Thank you for nomination, but I have already received this award...hmmm, maybe I should get around to posting that badge somewhere.

      Delete
  3. This is probably the best way to take any negative comment, with sarcasm. I recently had a strange comment too, but it had such bad grammar and was misspelled that I really couldn't understand anything the writer was trying to get across. It wasn't anonymous so I just marked it as spam.

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    1. Oh Molly, those are the best -- when you can't even figure out what they're trying to say! Thank you for your affirmation of my sarcasm :)

      Delete
  4. oh god this is funny.

    you have INDEED arrived, i say it with all sincerity, i remember the first flame i got with fondness. (i'm positive that ain't proper sentence structure.) it involved me being ignorant, and was posted on my birthday. ah, memories.

    luckily the anons are few and far between.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How lucky for you, that you Arrived on your birthday! But really, how sad that someone felt the need to flame on such a day. Everyone should have been thrilled to celebrate the birth of the fabulous Oona. Come on, now, people, get with it!

      Delete
  5. Trolls are the worst. There is something about Hunger Games fans though - did you follow any of that twitter business with all these racist 15 year old kids freaking out that Rue was black? YIKES.

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    1. I saw an article about that this morning and got briefly depressed. Seriously, my little troll is NOT the problem to be concerned about! Yikes indeed.

      Delete
  6. I'm really perplexed by his/her use of the word "mature" here, especially since it's followed by a resounding "LOL." What COULD be more mature than a lovely flowy chiffon floor-length gown? Hm. Well anyway, it seems you're handling it with stride and I commend you for that. You made a beautiful dress -- and yes, you can and should call it a DRESS.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. "Dress, I dub thee, well, a dress." Done.

      Thank you for your kind words about my dress, and echoing my confusion regarding the application of the word "mature."

      Delete
  7. OMG. Hilarious and horrible all at the same time. I just don't get these types of comments at all!!

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    1. Hilarious and horrible indeed! We should call this type of comment...hilarrible.

      Delete
  8. Wow, that's kind of awesome, especially with the "mature" comment. What is that even supposed to mean? The insult about the dress is at least understandable, if random and unfounded. But how does one become immature through making a dress? It is a mystery.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The mysteries of this world...will they never cease?

      Delete
  9. Although you generally shouldn't feed the trolls, you handled it quite well. Reminds me of Kate Beaton's [Hark! A Vagrant] approach:
    http://beatonna.tumblr.com/post/17590263751/living-life-fast-and-furious-on-the-internet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wasn't originally going to feed it, but the more I thought about it, the funnier it got. I love that comic!

      Delete
  10. Exactly the reason that I do not care to try to be known in the blogosphere. I like my 2 little sweet comments I get on a post every once and a while. haha! :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I didn't originally intend on becoming known, but then I guess anything tagged Hunger Games is going to attract rabid fans?

      I just peeked at your blog, and your sewing is definitely deserving of more than just the 2 comments!

      Delete
  11. There is always one out there, anonymous and clueless in their own small life who has to put a dampener on anyone else who achieves more than them. Good-on-you for taking their mindless comment on the chin....

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Unfortunately, there seem to be more than one of them out there...

      I'm glad I was able to see the humor in the situation eventually, although I'll confess to fifteen seconds of brain-wailing, "Noooooo why don't you like meeeeeee???" before coming to my senses.

      Delete
  12. Congratulations! It's so fun to laugh at stupid people. This person is promoting you by viewing your blog AND taking the time to leave a comment.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Not to mention providing me with posting fodder for the day!

      Delete
  13. As a self-professed grammar Nazi, troll comments make my blood BOIL. And also... laugh. I mean, seriously, if you're this lacking in ballz...

    Have you seen HG yet?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have seen it! Have you? What did you think?

      And yes, despite not being an English teacher, poor grammar/spelling bugs the heck out of me. Sometimes I can't bring myself to subscribe to blogs because of their grammar/spelling issues, even though I really like the blog content.

      Thanks for laughing with me!

      Delete
  14. Hahhaaa, ah, congratulations, you have arrived! Good for you, Cindy, your magnificent creation drew completely uninspired and foolish hate from the nice people of the internet. People just do not seem to use LOL well. What are you going to do? But at least you know how to use you're and your appropriately. So if you failed at making a dress, you win at that!

    Seriously, though, I just read this article about all these horrible people who are upset that black actors were cast in The Hunger Games Movies, like, they feel betrayed that they got emotionally attached to characters that then turned out to be black in the movies, they feel like they wasted their emotions.

    SERIOUSLY? Are you kidding me? People. Are. The. Worst.

    Your dress was awesome. Haters gonna hate.

    strugglesewsastraightseam.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I read that same article, and it made me so sad. Really, people, really?? To quote my troll (calling it *my* troll is causing me to actually develop tiny fond feelings for it), "wow. your mature." I loved all the actors/actresses they cast for District 11 and Cinna, and the fact that those people can't get over their skin color?! Sometimes I don't understand.

      Delete
  15. Cindy, I just love how this doesn't phase you at all, but that you can just laugh it off. Oh, what it must be like to be a T...

    Haha, so many people already commented on it, but I just love the irrelevance of the "mature" comment. What the heck does that have to do with your dress?? n00b.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Right? Since when does dress = (im)mature? I had a lot of fun writing this blog post, but I will admit to fifteen seconds of F-ness when I first read the comment. I am not always a T, especially when it comes to my sewn babies.

      Delete
  16. Urgh, trolls. Pathetic.
    That's all I have to say.
    I hate negative comments... from trolls or non-anons... I don't see the point in slamming someone over the internet. Have the guts to say it in real life, or don't say anything at all. I really don't understand what point these trolls and nasty commenters are trying to make. I can't stand negativity... some people are just jealous and negative sour pusses!
    I love your GOF dress, and when I was at the cinemas watching THG I was telling everyone about your dress!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww Neeno, you're the best. Or should I say, your the best ;)

      But yeah, anonymity with a negative comment is *such* cowardice.

      Delete
  17. I felt better about the movie dress once I saw it in the movie, and not just in that online clip. I still hold that CGI-flames are a bit of a cop out, but at least once it got going it felt more true to the book description.

    Thank you for your kind opposite-of-a-troll comment!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Love it! And even better- love the way you handled it. I guess everyone needs a hobby, right? PFffft.

    Aside from slight rudeness at times, I don't think I've ever had anything like that. *sniffle* One day I'll be a real boy...*

    *pinnochio

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you'd like to speed up the Pinocchio-ing process, I'd be happy to leave a fake flame ;) No but really, I'm glad you haven't had anything like this -- your work is so neat and beautiful, what could anyone possibly have to flame you about? Actually, that must be it: they were loathe to call it a dress because my chiffon was badly hemmed. Oh, if only I were neater!

      Delete
  19. Trolls are so ridiculous and such cowards, especially when they don't even out their name! Just ignore it, you have amazing talent and 220 followers that love reading your blog and I am definitely one of them. Keep up the amazing sewing and writing! XxxX http://thesecondhandrose.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you for all your kind and supportive words! Although I think it's a little late to start ignoring it, considering I just wrote a whole post in response ;)

      Delete
  20. Ah brilliant, I used to get a load of these kind of comments on my other blog, probably more than normal comments. And it used to get to me as I was new to it.
    But i like your style here. :D

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Oh, that's the worst, to get those kinds of comments as a new blogger! I can imagine how I would've felt if I hadn't had several months of blogging under my belt. I hope you don't get them anymore!

      Delete
  21. OH HELL TO THE NO. Anonymous people piss me off with their hidden profiles and outright rudeness. May they stab their fingers on a seam ripper every time they try and sew for the next six months.

    Sorry. Your method is probably better, but I will be angry on your behalf. And curse people. Because that's what I do.

    You are fabulous - do not let the cave trolls get you down!! *but now you can say: "I've got a cave troll" a la Sean Bean in Lord of the Rings. Just sayin'*

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Sad thing is, I doubt that person sews. I'd like to think sewing people are nicer than that...although I guess that would make it even more awesome, if a non-sewing person suddenly started stabbing him/herself on a seam ripper out of the blue.

      Thank you for being angry on my behalf, and I will definitely start channeling Boromir. Although...if I'm the one with the troll, doesn't that make me one of the orcs of Moria?

      Delete
  22. I thought that dress was beautiful, and much more indicative than the dress chosen for the production (blech!). Your response to that Mr or Ms Anonymous was perfect. We are all entitled to our opinions, but that was straight out mean. How mature. (<- that's sarcasm ;)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you. And you know, after seeing the dress perform in the movie (if a non-sentient object can be said to perform) in the movie, I felt better about it. It just looked so stiff in the pictures. Which, I suppose, makes sense, seeing as how we haven't mastered wizarding photos yet.

      Delete
  23. I LOL'd when I read your post! I truly think that your version of the dress made the one in the movie crash and burn! Perhaps the snarky comment was from the costume designer's child?

    But, I'm sure that their comment was meant to imply that calling it a mere dress is the insult... a stunning gown is what it is!

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    1. Thank you...you are too kind! I'd like to hope that I could attract attention from someone related to the real costumer!

      Delete
  24. LMAO! Oh, dear.

    I haven't had one of these yet. (admittedly, I had moderation implemented until recently, but I never had to delete anything. I might have anonymous commenting turned off, though---pretty sure my settings require a name and email. Not that it has to be a real name or email, of course.)

    Good for you for handling it with such aplomb and maturity! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  25. This post is absolutely gorgeous - I love the way you have handled such a rubbishy comment and I love your creations

    ReplyDelete
  26. (Ok first of all please note the time stamp - yes it's before 10am. In fact, I got up before 9am...I don't remember the last time waking up this early on a weekday.)

    NICE! congrats on officially getting a hater!! I would totally say that you're a real blogger! Cindy will you please post a negative comment on my blog so I can also become a real Blogger? :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Gotta love a hater who can't even use the right kind of "your". Congrats. Having haters means you're winning.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Someone once graffittied my garage. Know what made me the angriest? They did not have the "w" that is used in the word to describe a woman of ill repute. Two doors down they were missing the "t" in the word used to describe a female dog. I'm not the greatest speller (dyslexic) but even I know that if you are at home doing your homework or sleeping instead of ruining someone elses property and day you can spell those basic swear words correctly!
    I find haters are just insecure little brutes who should be pitied because the only time they have a sense of accomplishment is when they are tearing someone else and their accomplishments down. They have sad little lives. I liked your dress, by the way!

    ReplyDelete
  29. eh Sorry to hear that-just disable anonymous commenting and be done with it. People who can't take responsibility for their own statements shouldn't be allowed to make said statements especially on someone else's turf XD

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to tell me your thoughts! I appreciate reading them and I try to reply to most, if not all, comments, especially when they are questions. I ask that you keep your comments polite, and if you're a spammer, don't bother because your comment will just be deleted! Also, if you're commenting on a post that's more than two weeks old, it will be moderated.