In My Face!

I stumbled across an article today on The Rage Diaries.  It is a fun, intelligently written blog on a plethora of random topics, Anyway, this article has several statements, while not pointed directly at me, could or should fly in my face. Smack, smack:

What do you think of organizing and decluttering websites? I freely admit I’m of two minds about them. On the one hand: not everyone is a born curator. On the other: I sometimes find that so-called organizing tips or tricks are stealth consumer messages.

Among the reasons I unsubbed from … their “if you buy this, your life will be less chaotic!” … which seemed to invent problems that could be solved with a quick $20 at Bed, Bath and Beyond. …

(NB: … I didn’t care for the “if it works for me, it’ll work for you” tone of some of the early posts, because to me, there is nothing less universal and more personal than learning how to best manage your physical environment. I am the kind … who thinks that clutter management is a highly individualized endeavor. Or, come to think of it, I take the Granny Weatherwax approach: if you view your clutter as a monster, then I think it makes sense to get yourself a chair and a large stick, because that is what will work for your brain. But whatever — if … works for you, that’s great.)

(Quote Note: I replaced the names and details of referenced sites with the “…”)

Notice that I said it should fly in my face. The truth is I think this is exactly the reason I have been having such a hard time with this site. You see, for several weeks I have been trying to find a way to translate my in person nature and situation solutions to print. I hate the person portrayed in many of the articles on Laurel Plum Online. She is either wishy-washy/floundering or totally stiff and boring. I am far from unsure of myself, but I do not know it all either, and I would like to think if we met face to face you would enjoy talking with me.

Thanks to The Rage Diaries, I think I suddenly realize why I have been having such a hard time expressing myself.

First, I very much agree with Organizing being a very personal and individualized process. Take a minute to read my actual philosophy in Getting Perfectly Organized.  After writing that, in the following articles I came across as unsure or inept. It was because I was trying to inject my organizing philosophy into each and every article. BIG Fail. I hated all of those posts. The solution? I decided to forget about the philosophy hoping that you would at some point find the article and know my intentions.  I instead just wrote “stick to the facts” specifics on topics as they came to mind. Well, that still doesn’t really work because all of the articles are I, I, I, me, me, me and are about as personable as an instruction manual for resetting the blinking clocks on your electronics.

When I am working with someone, I get an opportunity to ask questions. I get to hear their stories. I can find out what is working and what is not. I usually get to see the space either in person or through pictures. I can figure out all of the things about the individual and the space that gives me the necessary information to find a customized solution. When writing here, it is as if I am blindfolded throwing random darts simply hoping it hits the target for someone.

On the other point of being about marketing and making suggestions for the fix everything product, I keep finding myself in a Catch 22.

You see, there are many products/services I would like to suggest.  Just as I wrote about in Container Confusion, I want you to be able to find the products I know are good if you have a need for it.  There are products I’d like to show you as examples of solutions hoping you will pick up the ball and run with it - noticing specific features of the item, sparking more ideas of your own.  And sometimes with a new to me product such as Myndology I just get excited and want to share because I see the possibilities. I would really love to be able to try out new things, read (or read again) more books, and then share my thoughts as a sort of review so you could make a more informed purchasing decision.

Here is the catch. If I talk about stuff and you think I want you to acquire it I risk coming across as a hypocrite. After all, I am encouraging you to declutter and toss the things you already have. I am encouraging you to simplify. And if one of the products I recommend happened to be from one of our advertisers it would seem as if I were just trying to make the sale.

So Now What?

I really do not know. I will continue to write for several personal reasons: I genuinely hope I will be able to help someone. I really think this is a great avenue to learn from so many others. I enjoy writing even though I may not always be happy with the results. And, because of my computer background, I am enjoying learning all of the technical aspects of blogging (who knew there would be so very many different things to learn!).

It would be so much better and more relevant if there were more conversation. I had hoped the comment section would provide more specific questions and activity. I put too much weight on the comments building a community that would attract others who would add even more to the conversation.

I guess I need to just speak/suggest as it comes to mind and let the chips fall where they may. I’ll just say a little prayer that someone who does not like the site today, will find it again when they need it or we need them.

What would you suggest?

Today I am not just asking for your comments. I could really use some feedback and suggestions. Will some of you come out of lurking just long enough to give me some guidance? Please, tell me what you like or don’t like. What other things would you like to see? Do you have any question you would like to ask? Without your input, I’m still blindfolded, talking to myself.

photo credit: Smack! by Old Shoe Woman

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