catrancher

I stopped sewing to address an issue that came up a couple of weeks ago. I started a topic about JoAnn's coupons that devolved into a pretty negative thread. It looks like it's been removed and so I can't address the person I'm trying to find directly--I hope she's reading.

Someone posted that she wondered why we still shop at JoAnn's if we're unhappy there and made the excellent point that this forum is seen all over the world, and that such negative comments reflect badly on those of us who are Americans. (I suppose Americans aren't the only ones, but since most of us are Americans, I'm speaking directly to my countrymen and women.)

So I've given this quite a bit of thought and looked back over my topic log to see how often I've complained about something. Not too many times, I'm glad to see, but enough that I've decided I need to make a sincere attempt to be more positive in the things I write here.

With that said, I catrancher, pledge to keep my topics positive and not whine and complain about the minor inconveniences in my life. While I think there's something cathartic about talking to others about things that upset or offend me, I need to keep those comments private and discuss them only with close friends and family--not on a public forum.

I can't remember who posted the comment that got me thinking about this, but I apologize for upsetting you. That was never my intention. I just wanted you to know that you've given me a lot to think about, and I'm turning over a new leaf.

Jim's Gem

Well said Catrancher!

I really try to have a positive attitude and outlook on life and I think it has made me and my family much happier and healthier than otherwise.
Sometimes there are things that need be brought up, but we must remember that this is a very public forum and anyone can see what we write. If we try to keep a positive outlook on life we would all be much happier people. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

hobo2000

Very well stated. That day had me thinking also. I don't think I got into it but you are so right. We do represent America as far as this board is concerned and should put our best foot? forward. I too will think before I put words to computer.

Sadiemae

I will try...

catrancher

It occurred to me that when I travel in a foreign country, I always try to put my best foot forward. This really is no different.

SharonAnne

I'd like to say something nice about JoAnn's, although I have never had cause to complain about them. And today, they were exceptional about honoring their mistake and to my favor. A bolt of batik was marked at $10.99/yard, and the sign above the batiks stated 30% off which would have made the price $7.69 per yard. The 5 yard cut was completed and the price ticket handed to me and the pricing came up at $9.09 per yard. I asked the cutter to please adjust the price and gave her my calculation explanation, and she said she could not do so once it was printed, but she DID look it up and said that apparently the store had raised the price but the bolt sticker was not corrected. She told me to take it to the checkout counter and tell them to override and give me the lower price. I did, and they did. I was happy and they were gracious about it, as well. Made me smile. AND there is also a wonderful cutter who had waited on me a few weeks ago and we had a lovely conversation at that time. When I returned the other day, she had recalled our conversation and asked me a question about it. I was surprised and flattered. Good choice of employees, JoAnn's... Thanks for doing the right thing today.

gollytwo

I noticed that I was skipping alot of entries because of so much carping.
I have a rubber bracelet that I bought several of for my family - No Complaints.

MadQuilter

I think that criticism has its place but one negative comment does not have to be belabored. Nor does it have to turn into a feeding frency at the shark tank.

Good for you for wanting to stay positive.

Sadiemae

I have been thinking for quite awhile about people making generalizations about a store or a group because of one they don't care for. Also posting a complaint before even trying to deal with the manager or owner of an establishment. It is really quite easy to get sucked into these types of topics. It really does bother me.

I hear a lot of people complaining about JoAnn's. They have always been good to me. Sometimes I think the "Do unto others as you want them to do unto you." holds true. I remember a topic posted about Hancock's and their classes being just horrible. I admit that I became defensive about that because I taught beginning quilting. I had to finally unwatch the topic because it was upsetting. I went out of my way to teach everything I could in a positive way. I taught school and I know how to teach. The opinions were that the only places where you get good classes were at a LQS. I took classes at one LQS where they handed you the book and then you did it on your own. I helped the gal I was with because she was lost. I didn't mind helping her at all, but the teacher was getting paid. Again putting all LQS in one category because of this experience would not be fair.
These generalizations are just not good for anyone. I have a friend who always has problems at JoAnn's, and I question attitudes being presented. It is human nature for them to get defensive if you have a poor attitude, even if it isn't what they should do sometimes. I think in our society now there are a lot of people who just have no patience to deal with difficulties. I may be wrong, but I think we need to think before we speak.
I will stop before I get rotten eggs thrown at me. I don't like cleaning enough to clean them up.

noveltyjunkie

I am not American so I read with interest when you speak about how you see yourselves, and want us foreigners to see you! I can say that there is only one post I have read here that has really stopped me in my tracks, and that was one about US military on active service posting a video of themselves on YouTube destroying a defective printer with a gun which presumably had been issued to them for their duties. A few people chipped in to applaud them and that sickened me. However, I am intelligent enough to realize that these posters are not speaking on behalf of their country, and I am also intelligent enough to note that many people did not express any support for their actions. I don't think anyone could reasonably make any judgement about your country based on carping about money off coupons. It's just not that significant. So, if you want to change your outlook, that's great, but why not do it just because it fits with your own values? Why does America even come into it? I have moved around the world a lot and I don't find nationality to be that interesting. There is good and bad everywhere If I meet a person with a certain characteristic I certainly don't assume it is typical of all their countrywomen. There is so much more to people, isn't there?