Just curious if Redheron still posts on this site. I hadn't seen anything from her lately and then remembered seeing around Christmas that it had "banned member" by her name!! Does anyone know what happened to her. I enjoyed reading her posts and also found some of her information very helpful. Curious!!
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Yes, did not read all these messages but I wonder where this person went too! She seem to go missing all of the sudden. :(
When it comes to announcing designations (and many have in some form) is the risk of being taken as 'self promoting' and that is against the nettequette particularly when others post asking how to hire that person etc. I think that is a fine line to walk with the mods so people are careful.
the other issue can be that identifying oneself too closely with their existing businesses means walking on eggs a lot as one would be representing their business (whether intended or not) and so could feel an impact if anything negative were being said . As well it could hinder their ability to just be themselves in comments not related to decor because they still have to behave in a more professional manner than they would otherwise by being limited in the amount of personal or kidding around type posts they can make.
Meanwhile, some have posted, been open that they are designers and plainly stated they will not mention their real name/business and have no intention of promoting themselves.
Another thought I had is that those who are pro, might get inundated with questions being directed at them because they are pro (vs addressing the forum in general). We've seen that happen. That can mean a lot of extra time and energy being requested so again, it could be a concern.
Really, the only people who can answer are those who are designers (or otherwise involved in the industry) but for the most part the half dozen or so that are here have let it be known they do this professionally.
I, for one, wish people would identify themselves as having professional designations here. I have been a long time reader and I do not know all who are working in the design arena.
I don't think there is anything wrong with announcing credentials. Does it make someone any more special? No. Does it give them a bit more credibility? I think so. I do agree with Mysts of Thyme on that one.
I, for example, would never go on a 'what to wear' site without saying that I have some expertise and education in that area - because I do.
I don't think there was a 'blanket' criticism or a ‘blanket’ endorsement of anyone. But that is just the way I read the posts. Interesting how everyone puts their own biases into other's words, which certainly is part of the problem, on a site like this, it is easy to misinterpret words with the seeing body language, expressions etc behind them.
jmo
I have returned to a site that is void of any professional designers and only well-meaning amateurs remain. Sad.
Where have all the posters gone?????
I have to mention that if you read the posts and recognize the handles, this site is not “void of any professional designers’. Only one has gone, for reasons we can only guess at, but all the same she is gone. Everyone has to accept that whether they agree or not. Perhaps you are unaware, but there are other pros that are here and who do post regularly.
IMO there are more pro’s posting here right now than there were in the past few months. Many who had not been posting lately have returned. I can only imagine how hurtful it is for those other designers to have people make such comments which seem to dismiss their contributions.
The posters are also all still here, again, more have come back, new folks have started and it’s really quite insulting to have your comments imply there is little value here when we who are still here are seeing such comments.
As for your wish for higher end things, take a look at some of the posts. There are people who are after higher end things, but if you see more posts about walmart etc. It is due to the interest of many. The forum users are the ones who set the pace there and if many are interested in certain things, then that’s what comes up. If it seems more frequent than before I believe it is because some feel more comfortable posting now. In past months, posts about budget items were often put down, and that isn’t appropriate either given the nature of the people who can visit the forum. Everyone should feel comfortable posting regardless of their taste or budget without fear of being put down. That wasn’t happening a while back. If you don’t get that, you are probably missing the point of a public forum. If you are interested in other things, post about them and see what happens.
Meanwhile, please consider there are people here with feelings who probably don’t appreciate such blanket statements that seem to imply we are of no value. Points can be made without them being at the expense of others.
im really sorry that you are feeling left out, what has made you feel this way? i dont think its good for anyone to feel left out, that is sad i think. That is why i try and anwer each post on DD even if its not to give advice but just to say how much i admire thier rooms. There is nothing wrong with you wanting to go with quality as there is nothing wrong with superstore buys, its all about what our budget allows, nobody should be put down because of status, heck its only materialistic things, its not worth hurting someone over....i personally dont have a problem with anyone belonging to this forum as adults its all silliness that we cant come together and get along. I belong to a couple other groups, in regards to my illness and believe it or not, there is never a fight or problem amongst the members....so i believe it can be done.
smiles
janetc
The easiest solution, then, is to ask RH to come back.
This is really a simple matter. Either she does or she doesn't. If she comes back, we all try hardER to get along, and if she doesn't, then we drop this back and forth and let it go. THe decision is ultimately hers. Not all of ours.
Many of us know we ALL want to be here (including me), so why don't we all just drop this and we all just try to start over.
Personally speaking, I'm willing to try anything to bring this forum back to the way it's meant to be. There's something here for everyone, and we all have something to give back.
Did you read my posts? I was not referring exclusively to Red Heron's absence, (although that was the title of this thread) but also to the loss of other talented designers and posters.
I also feel that it is helpful to have more than one point of view. I said there is nothing wrong with amateur advise, and there is not, but there is also nothing wrong with being able to read what prof decorators have to say about decor, after all they are in the marketplace much more often than I am.
I have fantasized for years about having a room that looks as if a designer had a hand in it and I am now at a stage in my life where I can afford to spend the extra dollar on a few things and get that look I dream about. As much as talented amateurs can offer, I want advice from the pros too. I am also at the stage where I don't want to be replacing things every year so I am willing to wait until I can afford something that will be durable and stylish enough to last for a long time. I think designers offer me that option and opinion.
I miss BCDec and Red Heron and others too who used to frequent the site.
Home Diva is right "all inclusive" but lately I have been feeling left out. And, I bet I am not the only forum member who is feeling that way.
I have been on this forum for several years and often someone will ask where is so and so when they haven't seen someone for a while. I don't find it unusual that someone who was as active as Redheron would be missed.
I wouldn't report it I just find it interesting that's all.
this is where we have different opinions. Which is more than cool with me.
I didn't find the comment worthy of reporting. Definitely an interesting topic though that I am sure we can discuss the same way that we do countertops, furniture etc. :cool:
Am sorry if I misunderstood what you meant to say.
Don't you find it interesting that about once a week someone comes back with Redheron's name and she gets a ton of free air time without even being here. As soon as one post about dies down another starts up.
No, Jelli, that is not what I said.
My suggestion is that If the advice/ideas given by those who are not being valued because they do not meet some imaginary criteria or who do not meet what others consider to be "worthy", why bother even being here? Why a public forum at all?
The comment yesterday that was deleted, referred to the fact that all we have left on this forum since RH left, are "Amateurs who shop at Walmart".
You tell me who has insulted the others. There is a definite underlying inference in that comment. I saw the post and I reported it.
You seem to think that "amateurs" is an insult. I don't think it is. I guess I think that the difference is to do with having training and some certification. Isn't that what the other poster meant?
? :rolleyes:
That you do not need a degree in rocket science to know she did contribute, as have many decorators-designers and amateurs who over the past have given advise freely to everyone. Some of the trouble may have been the constant promoting the shop, products and paint line. Posting unkindly remarks about other decorators/designers in the business did not earn many brownie points either. I think after she was asked not to some of the groupies posted for her on her behalf.
Threatening a law suit on the MSN Album site months ago also did not earn many points with members. (defaming her name )
What I would imagine was repeated warnings from the Mods as well re: forum guidelines.
After all she choose to use her business name as a handle, that would give more publicity , yes.... No other professional on the forums has ever used their business name as a handle (for obvious reasons).
So I can see the reasoning behind the decision. Try the Style@Home forum for advise from her as it was posted earlier she posts there now. :)
Mysts of Thyme,
I don't think there is any doubt that RH was appreciated for her ability. And I truly feel that RH has a lot to offer. Over the years that I have been here,, however, I have seen many others on this forum come and go who offered as much or more, or less. There are "ask a designer" forums here if anyone wants the advice of a professional, also.
But I think to "paint" everyone who you consider to be an amateur with the same brush is insulting to those who have MUCH to offer. Just because someone offers something "different" it should not be considered to be amateur. It's just an opinion, an idea, a thought. One should not be so quick to judge because that is how we all learn. RH is NOT the only professional on this forum, and that's a kick in the pants to anyone who has worked hard to achieve what they have achieved. This is a FORUM - that means open dialogue among members, amateurs included. If RH only wants to offer advice to those who can, and not those who wish to try or those who just want to talk about ideas, then maybe this isn't the forum for her.
How does that song go... "this land was made for you and me"... all inclusive. :-)
Never intended to get such a response - was just wondering what had happened to her because I miss seeing her posts on the forum. So am I to assume that the conflict was with the fact this site thought that she was promoting her store, etc. I never found this to be the case plus I found that she was generally very careful about what she said and what she recommended. I do enjoy the advice and comments of everyone on the site - so I guess we will just have to continue to support each other.
i came to this forum i did not come here thinking i was going to get the advice of a designer, and was real content to see and hear other ideas from other amateurs..... i believe myst of tyme, as you said, you have not been here much or for a long time. Not all designers that came on here only recommended certain name paint, not all designers were stuck in thier own opinions and some worked very hard with some on here to help them with decisions. We are not all going to EVER agree that Red was the best out there, each and everyone has thier own opinions on what a good designer is. I do understand as her friends you are all sad to see that she was banned, but frankly the forums are surviving real well without her regardless of what some of you may think....as i said before, i had wonderful advice from these people when red was here and i still do with her gone. Its the same ole same....in my personal opinion, if you are not happy with us amateurs talking about our walmart buys and so on, then by all means find another forum that you consider to be more suited to your needs, so we can move on and not have to constantly hear how sad it is that red is gone....time to move on
smiles
janetc
(As for non-professionals giving advice, I think a lot of it is MORE useful than that of the professional). I do not agree with you. I think most of the questions asked are genuine and people want to do the very best decor in their homes as they can - designers have an edge most of the rest of us do not have and they make recommendations, that are out of the normal decorating box, yet are achievable. Good designers are able to work with a 10K budget or a 1K budget - depending upon the resources of the client. Have you not watched Design Match????
(Generally speaking, a layperson isn't going to recommend tossing out your brand new furniture because you bought the matching set, and Designers Don't Do That). No, they don't. Designers work with what you have.
(They're not going to recommend paint brands that you have no hope of purchasing because they're only sold in 3 locations across Canada, including your own design store). I take it you are referring to the designer in the heading - you are wrong. I saw her and other designers (where is BJDec) recommending Home Depot brands and colours. Home Depot is available in at least 200+ locations in Canada.
(Lay people are not going to tell you have custom drapes sewn in this fantastic $200 a metre fabric available to the Trade Only). I don't recall this advice being given exclusively, perhaps it given to someone who had access to the Designer Fabric Outlet in Toronto - wait a mintue that store is available to everyone via the internet!
(Certainly a designer's perspective is nice to have, especially for free. But really, how much of that advice are most of us able to put to practise?) I would guess about 50% of the readers.
There is NOTHING wrong with amateur advice, and there are many talented readers here. But, it is nice to get the perspective offered by people who's job it is to know what is in the decorating marketplace and who are willing to share their knowledge.
They have their own business's, they just do not promote or advertise (as per forum guidlines), but they are here for any advise you ask them. :)
is right on
coming down so hard on mysts of thyme? She didn't say the forum or its members are sad. I think she met it is sad that some professional designers don't post here anymore. I would agree with that.
i agree with you janmac.
most of the time it was others promoting her store and services as well with the other designers/decorators on here were promoted too. i know she made blunt remarks (who hasn't) and it offended many but she owned up to those and never denied anyone of her advice. i benefitted many times from her advice even if it was not asked for ,,,design is a study in many forms and aspects. the more information we can share the better for all of us.
it's also not fair to start bad mouthing someone who doesn't post here any longer as they can't defend themselves and serves no real purpose other than malice. i don't believe that galbraith is redheron. she has never hidden before behind aliases and i don't believe she would start now.
JMO>
mysts of thyme....how would you rate yourself as an interior decorator? Would love to know and also wouldn't mind seeing some of your work in your house :cool:
I have not been on the site for a long time and now that I am back I must say I MISS Red Heron. Her advice was always spot on and even when it was not taken or even ignored she continued to support the participants here with humour and grace (and the occasional lecture). But, everyone here was learning about good design.
I have returned to a site that is void of any professional designers and only well-meaning amateurs remain. Sad.
Where have all the posters gone?????
Being called sad… that’s not a fair statement to make. I love the advice I get here, the people on this forum seem to take a genuine interest in the decorating and lives of the other members. I really do appreciate all the different options that I get here. I don’t know that we ‘need” to have a professional designer on here.
mysts of thyme – have you taken the time to look at the pictures that have been posted of members homes, they are beautiful, well put together, and many look as if a designer has done them. The members on here have a great sense of personal style and are very knowledgeable in regards to all aspects of design.
It is funny how some seemed to think that Redheron promoted her own store constantly. I didn't find that the case at all. Often it was someone else who had to give an address or website when it was asked for. She was always free with her advice and that benefited everyone. She was a bonus on the forum.
[QUOTE=mysts of thyme]yesterday and it was deleted. Why? Perhaps it was because I mentioned that the only shopping advice here is for Walmart and grocery stores????
I have returned to a site that is void of any professional designers and only well-meaning amateurs remain. Sad.
[QUOTE]
Why is this sad? What's so disappointing about shopping advice that's accessible to nearly every canadian??? Why is a recommendation for a store that only 1/9th of population can reasonably get to, somehow better advice?
As for non-professionals giving advice, I think a lot of it is MORE useful than that of the professional. Generally speaking, a layperson isn't going to recommend tossing out your brand new furniture because you bought the matching set, and Designers Don't Do That. They're not going to recommend paint brands that you have no hope of purchasing because they're only sold in 3 locations across Canada, including your own design store. Lay people are not going to tell you have custom drapes sewn in this fantastic $200 a metre fabric available to the Trade Only.
Certainly a designer's perspective is nice to have, especially for free. But really, how much of that advice are most of us able to put to practise????
Sorry you're so disappointed with the forums. Maybe you could recruit a professional to grace our boards and make it worthwhile for you to visit again. Meanwhile, it might be nice not to dismiss the current contributers as "sad".
kipper
You are mistaken as there are still designers-decorators who post on the forums. Recently some came back to the forums.
They have their own business's, they just do not promote or advertise (as per forum guidlines), but they are here for any advise you ask them. :)
yesterday and it was deleted. Why? Perhaps it was because I mentioned that the only shopping advice here is for Walmart and grocery stores????
I have not been on the site for a long time and now that I am back I must say I MISS Red Heron. Her advice was always spot on and even when it was not taken or even ignored she continued to support the participants here with humour and grace (and the occasional lecture). But, everyone here was learning about good design.
I have returned to a site that is void of any professional designers and only well-meaning amateurs remain. Sad.
Where have all the posters gone?????
It's my belief that when you are talented, have a genuine passion for what you do, have a witty intelligent sense of humour, are beautiful....... you are allowed to be however you want :D
I kind of sound like I'm in love with her don't I :eek: I'm not, sorry to dissapoint.
Red Heron Essentials (as the store is called) has moved from the Distillery district; I am not from Toronto, and can't remember its new location; and yes, I received many criticisms from Red Heron (just do a search on teal !!!!! ) but still miss her, blunt as she was - an probably still is, come to think of it lol
Hope you have an arse left? :D