COW Here

Somebody at work pointed out that there's a support group for everyone but us. There are the people of color, the Jewish families affinity group, the group for gay, lesbian and transgender issues, among others. "What we need," she said, "is a group for Cranky Old Women." "COWs," I responded. "COWs."

So I got to thinking that perhaps when I feel a rant coming on, I could put a picture of a cow in my post, and then people would know that it doesn't contain any quilty, family, or theological content, but rather is just a Cranky Old Woman holding forth.

Got it?

Good. So here's the cow again. And here's the diatribe:

I'm thinking that the blog world I frequent is changing a bit. And here are some the things that are peeving me right about now.

Blogs that are are done by people who work for fabric manufacturing companies. They're nothing short of free advertising for Moda, etc. It took me a little while to figure this out, and then I took the links out of my Quilters list because I'm not on the payroll.
Blogs that have giveaways with all manner of traffic-generating conditions (you know, earn one entry for leaving a comment, earn another for posting, earn yet another for making a link, yadda yadda). Why would anyone want to sift through a couple of hundred comments from people who are only interested in the giveaway? Isn't blogging about developing cyber-relationships with other bloggers?
Blogs that, again, involve generating revenue for a company or designer. Right now a lot of quilters are participating in a project that involves purchasing one pattern per month from a certain designer. Lots more free advertising for the designer as the participants post their finished projects on their blogs. Because lots of us see what others are doing and imitation, you know, is the sincerest form of flattery.
And then there's the endurance test. Some group of designers somehow banded together and set up some kind of a triathlon where for twelve consecutive days one has to visit a whole slew of blogs on a daily basis and leave a comment on each one, each day, in the hopes of winning some prize or another. Makes me tired just reading about it!
Okay. 'Nuff said. End of rant.
Cranky Old Woman, Near Philadelphia, Signing Off (for now)

Comments

LoieJ said…
I guess I don't visit those fabric-company-related blogs that you do, but I have been getting emails from fabric/quilting related companies and I wonder where they are getting my email address. Obviously, either some on-line fabric companies are selling addresses or they are doing some kind of search to find my interests, which isn't hard.
Kimberly Mason said…
Holy cow wow, I'm with you, sister! I'm REALLY sick of these "giveaways" that make you jump through hoops. You don't get nuttin' for free, as they say (well, except at MY blog, of course LOL)
Karen said…
Hi Nancy, I find my self equally annoyed with these same issues. Easy to delete them from our reading list.

I think for the 12 day blog hop you need to post a comment only on the designer of the day, but I could be wrong. Even 12 is too many for me!

I read blogs with Google Reader and what I find annoying are the blogs that you have to click through to the original post. I think this is so the blogger gets credit for all the people that visit. Again, I could be wrong.

Happy Thanksgiving.
Pat said…
First, please sign me up for the COWS. If you ever get a quilt Guild going, that's probably what you should name them. I'd be first in line to join.

I agree about the blogs. I get the feeling that some of them started innocently enough, then succumed to the commercialism. The one that REALLY ticked me off was the recent fabric company blog that conveniently posted a journal cover tutorial. Hmm. Haven't many of us been talking about a journal cover tutorial on a REAL blogger's site fow a while now?

I like your idea of deleting those sites from my blog roll. No sense in giving them free advertising.
Where do I sign up? You put in perfect, concise words my thoughts exactly about blogging. I look to fellow bloggers for inspiration and ideas but the constant reference to designer names and fabric lines turn me off. The "give away" craze has gotten ridiculous. I'd rather spend my time visiting bloggers who share their opinions, observations, and projects with no strings attached. You know, sorta like genuine friends do.
The Calico Cat said…
I won't mention my "sister's" name here, but we had this very discussion a week or two ago. We are peeved to pull up a blog post to only see a "so & so is having a give away" post.

I am a COW... & proud.

I am also rather disappointed with what was once a good/great blog & now is pretty "EH" since they are doing a super secret (Book) that they will want me to buy... & I get to look forward to the peddling of hte book...
*karendianne. said…
Holy "COW" you took the words right out of my mouth. You don't even want to know what I do with those posts and people with those damn give-aways around-the-world. You don't!!! You're right about things changing like this, Nancy. I really appreciate how you brought this up. We all needed to vent about this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous said…
I don't like the fact that on average a blogger gets let's say, 10 comments a post and when there's a give-away 587. Where are those 577 when there's a "normal" post to read. I'd be embarrased to comment only for a give-away.
And c.o.w. or not: you're soooo right!
floribunda said…
I'm with you all the way -- but couldn't we come up with a better acronym than "cow"? We quilters have enough body-image issues already!
Finn said…
Nothing wrong with COW....even BatMan and Robin have been known to use that Holiest of Holys...A big "Holy Cow Batman"!
Great post Nancy...it's something that just wasn't happening the nearly 5 years ago when I began blogging. I suppose it's human nature to "take advantage", and sister, they sure do!!!
I'm with Amy for Calico Cat, one gets a bit tired of being an unwilling audience for yet the 'next' book, or worse yet, some version of a FOUR PATCH being sold as a hang pattern.
I think maybe it's time for the COWs to unite! Hugs, Finn
Sharon said…
I want to be a COW too. I think I am already, what am I thinking? hehe. I came via Julies blog and I agree. I tried to follow the 12 days, too stressful, did I leave a message? did I miss a day? what project went with what designer? Fun, but give up on the giveaways. I read my regular blogs because I enjoy them! I blog to share, enough said!
boop said…
I'm w/Sheddy....Amen, sista!!
Crispy said…
I wanna be a COW too!!! After all I live in the town that has the largest Holstein cow statue in the world Salem Sue LOL. I agree with all you have said.

Crispy
BJ said…
Call me a COW!!! Love it!

Thanks for posting your many observations - may I say "me too"? It's getting to be less and less fun to visit my favorite quilt blogs. First of all, let me say, I DO NOT have a blog. And I have noticed that because of that, I am not eligible for most of the give-aways these days....there are few exceptions. That saddens me, and despite perky reassurances that I can do "other things" to "earn entries", I certainly have NEVER won from those blogs!!!!

Anyway, I nominate you for the first president of the COWS, 2009.
Norma said…
I am proudly a COW! I agree that blogland is no longer the friendly place it used to be. $$$$$$ seem to be the motivation for everything. For a long time now, I have wondered why people go to blogs that have multi advertisement on them, post two and three times a day..........and those people don't realize that the "blogger/friend/designer is making money off of them every time they go there. These blogs give free quilt patterns, spread them over weeks and make money.

Maybe we need a COW webring, or are those a thing of the past? Maybe we need to just revolt and not go to the blogs that use your friendship.
next fresian I get I am calling it Nancy...........lol...........
I am so with you on the giveaways....get sick of reading it on x amount of blogs.......so boring.......would they blog about it if they weren't in for a giveaway - NO.........
some of my blogs I read have turned into "salesmen".......
Susan said…
I love this post, Nancy, but I'm not so crazy about the acronym. I agree about the giveaways. They're annoying and who has that much time to comment, post, etc. Thanks for saying what I've been thinking.
quiltinbysea said…
Oh Dearie me, do I agree? mainly on the whole yes, the covert advertising, etc ,etc, .......but its a really big blog world out there and how to reach others?

The giveaway seems to be a way of getting folks to at least give you a look over, hopefully some will stick with you. But the jumping through hoops bit, a big definite NO, just a simple comment is all that is needed.

And why my vested interest? well I do a blog for my quilting group and I am having a giveaway for our 1st birthday, we don't have advertising, or any of the other annoying little things - just a bunch of ladies, with the odd sprinkling of COW's (if I may be so bold as to borrow your expression - love it) wanting to show off their work and share with the quilting world.
Andrea
on her first visit to your blog, found it through one of my faves.
Unknown said…
Please let me join the new support group. I am being more selective to what blogs I am reading and only want to read the blogs with funny or interesting things to say.
Terry said…
I have to agree...there are lots of blogs I don't visit anymore because reading them gets too complicated. I like real people who simply make quilts and inspire me! :0)
Julie said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jeanette said…
thats why i stopped going in so many giveaways. too many conditions.
jodie said…
well said Nancy! I agree, blogging sure has changed since I started. I don't go in the giveaway if there are conditions of entry.
Thimbleanna said…
Boy, you've sure hit a nerve here! And so funny -- I was just thinking the same thing this morning -- those jump through hoops posts drive me cah-razy -- mostly because then, for a week I have to read all the other posts of people who are jumping through that hoop. As a general rule I don't re-blog them (oops, I just made an exception, but not 'cause I want any prize, but 'cause I thought it was a good idea.)

Anyway -- thanks for being the BRAVE one!!!
Julie said…
Mooo!

Well said. I just want to blog because I want to blog. I got burned in the one and only giveaway when I first started and I don't enter any now unless its a blogger I'm friends with. I only enter once, I don't have time for the whole "put my logo on your blog" for another entry thing.

I hadn't thought about the staff of fabric companies blogs, good point. I have an on-line shop but I don't flog it on my blog, I figure my readers know its there no need to shove it in their face every time they read a post. oooo I'm sounding like a cow now.

And as for the endurance test triathalons things, I really don't have time.

Phew, that feels good. Keep up the good work.

Cheers, Julie.
Melinda said…
I want to join the COWs too. I do like giveaways but only from blogs I follow anyway. If I have a giveaway, it is only for people who read my blog anyway. I enjoy comments from people who are interested. I blog because I enjoy writing about my life and projects. I hope other people also enjoy reading about them.
MARCIE said…
I believe you hit a nerve. Apparently this is something many of us have noticed. Good for you for voicing it!
Sweet P said…
I found your blog from Chookyblue . . . and I agree with everything you've said. I stopped joining drawings unless I know the blogger and I certainly don't join them if I have to jump through hoops. I'd love to join C.O.W.s
Gari in AL said…
Well, I agree, too. I have stopped reading several blogs that either are selling stuff/fabric related or have stopped being quilt related. I love reading blogs but since I don't watch infommercials, I don't do blogomercials either. I participate in givaways where I either would really like the prize or on blogs that I always read: I only enter once. Great post!!
Copper Patch said…
Here here! If I wanted to jump through hoops, I'd join the circus.
Now what do I win :)
Abbe
Cardygirl said…
I agree...I thought it was about sharing an interest, supporting & sharing & meeting great people on the way! I hear you loud & clear!
Anonymous said…
I think you hit the nail on the head. My favorite blogs are ones where people are sharing their love of their craft, for no other reason than to share their enthusiasm with like minds. As soon as the blogger's focus changes to making a buck, the whole feel changes and I lose interest.

COWs it is!
Lorraine said…
Wow Nancy...have you been reading my mind??? You really hit the nail on the head....my time to blog and read blogs is limited and I don't enter any giveaways unless it is someone I read regularly and I don't enter if there are conditions.....I don't have the time or energy to put links on my blog to theirs etc etc ....I blog because I enjoy it and if others like what I have to say and come visit and comment that's awesome..and if there are only ten people out there who read my blog that's ok - last time I looked it wasn't a competition about who has the most readers/comments....and if it was I wouldn't enter...If I have a giveaway I would like the "prize" to go to someone I "know" so would probably make it retrospective.....your post was well written and...........my name is Lorraine.....and I am a COW........LOL!
Myra said…
Well said Nancy! I agree with all of it! There are also those that jump from having 70 followers 1 month, to 500-600 the next, because of a "joined designers blog" that many are taking part in.
Then you find that these persons that you have been getting to know for a year or 2 suddenly don't have time to "visit" you anymore. Also, their posts tend to get 5 to 8 times longer, sometimes 2 to 4 posts a day, and who has time to read all that!?! Typing about blogging traffic, advertising, promotions with even bigger giveaways, and even more loops to jump, etc...
Sad, but I've taken myself off their followers lists...
There is my rant! I'm a COW nearing 50!!!
Janet said…
Thank you for putting into words things that have been bothering me but I didn't quite know what it was. The other thing is quilts and stuff churned out for etsy with designer fabrics that are all stipple quilted. My last giveaway was a quilt with no strings attached, it felt good.
Kris said…
Oh my goodness! I agree wholeheartedly.

I was going to start this comment with: My name is Kris, and I am a COW!, but I see Lorraine has already done that! (We so are identical twins separated at birth!) I think the best giveaways I have seen lately are retrospective ones. Where the blogger wants to give to their regular commenters and does a draw from the previous couple of posts.

As for the COWs, I love your anacronym! I am often a Cranky Old Woman, and sometimes I just have to speak out about it! By the way, I came here via Chookyblue's COW post and intend to come back again. Thanks for saying exactly what I was thinking!
willywagtail said…
Wow. You sure have stirred up a lot of like minded people. It is good to know that one is not alone. Of course, big companies getting sales is great because somewhere along the way, in some out of the way patchwork shop you might find a great piece of fabric you really love that they created. I hate having to jump on the bandwagon though. If I like a fabric or design it is because I the individual really likes it - not because it is the latest from some particular designer or the correct vintage. I'm an individual and I intend to stay that way. I totally love having giveaways. My daughter and I get such a kick from picking the winner that sometimes we might even cheat a bit. (Don't tell anyone though!). I agree that joining following a blog just to enter is pretty weak and even hypocritical. I only follow if I want a person to know that I think their blog is pretty special and the should keep doing what they are doing. I guess it is like the difference between womens magazines, a historical novel and a how-to book from the library - you pick the one you like. Cherrie
Julie said…
ooops! i tried to edit my comment to add more, but accidentally deleted it. as i was saying..... i'm SO glad someone had the guts to voice what many of us have been thinking for a long time now. i admit to following the 12 days of christmas blog hop, but that was because i thought most of the free designs were of a decent quality. sadly, i cannot say the same for a similar group here in oz. i was awake to what that was REALLY about the first day i saw it, and yep, i was correct. can i just say... that was an extremely bad marketing ploy! i've spoken to many a blogger who have the same thoughts. and as someone above mentioned... how utterly frustrating to get online and find most of my bloglist constantly filled with the same content! for days on end, it was driving me nuts. that was when i deleted those particular blogs from my list. also, why is it that these women simply HAVE to have the most amount of followers? it seems to be a big competition for them. i find that really sad. because of this, i've deleted many blogs from my list. i'm only interested in genuine bloggers who have something of interest to share, and who can inspire me. i certainly won't be stroking the egos of those who demand i follow them. PUHLEASE!!!!!
yeppers, i'm also a COW and proud to be so!!! YAY!
julie :)
Unknown said…
Southern COW here..I totally agree
Di said…
Moo. You nailed it, Nancy. I did the "mention this drawing" on my blog once because I like the gal. I knew I would never win the prize, but, I won't be doing it again for anyone else.

COWS unite!
QuiltingFitzy said…
COW comment #845

Mooove over Babe, I'm sticking my hoof in here!

I've felt so alone, and your comments show I'm NOT! I rarely blog any more, I sew for my own enjoyment, not anyone elses!

I won't shop on Black Friday, and I won't support blogs who advertise. I read blogs for entertainment, shopping is a necessity.

AND...if you can't show your whole blog on the reader-making me click to read...phooey on you!

I'm proudly a COW, and tickled by your post!
I am a COW too. You know, on the last giveaway I did, halfway through, I decided would be the last giveaway I did. I don't like the ads on blogs either and have become an ad-free blog as it is not my intention to generate money. I am constantly updating my google reader removing blogs that promote. Thank you for airing this 'problem'.
Lynn said…
I'm not cranky, I just have my opinions and lots of them and I like to share them. I think we are kindred spirits. The giveaways although so generous make my head spin. I only enter ones of people I may know and those that don't make me jump through hoops - you are right blogging is supposed to be personal (well in a virtual computer way).
Mooove over, I am a COW, but didn't realize it. I came to blogland, last Jan., by way of Google search for a pattern.

I love the different blogs, I really do. I go caught up in a few, "lets watch the sheep jump thru the hoops" giveaways and felt like I was in the 4th grade again trying to be friends with "her". I have had giveaways and am not sure if I want to do anymore, seriously. I value my time and love to read what others are doing on their blogs. I am going to start deleting some blogs...I don't really care if YOU do have the latest fabric line. I want to know if you have heart. I don't like clicking on one of my favorite bloggers to have to sift thru giveaways on this or that blog. I love to see pics of the latest quilt you finished or maybe the bird outside your window or how your recipe turned out from grandma.

I also have an etsy shop with a tag on my blog sidebar. I think if you are interested you would click on it. I try not to mention it, but not on purpose but because I don't think about it. I am doing a quilt a long on my blog but it is for upcycling jeans/flannels/batting for a few non-quilters who lurk about and wanted some ideas of what to do for gifts without breaking the bank.

I love the COW reference, proud to wear it (in my mind) and will continue to do as I want to. Thank you for bringing up this issue.

I have added you to my list of blogs to read...not because I am trying to help you win the most friends but because I kinda like your thoughts!
Unknown said…
First I would like to say I agree with most of what you and the comments have said. Having said that I have to admit that at 73 and survived a lot in my life, I don't let things like this give me a COW, grin.I don't have a blog but love to read them, and love it when they share a free pattern with their readers, but if you are going to do a giveaway I think there be rules to make things equal for all blog readers. Like only 1 entry per person, equal chance for a non-blogger to win as a blogger, no posting the giveaway on other blogs, which gives your personal readers a fair chance to win. I know one blogger who won 3 in one week, humm, makes one wonder, but life goes on, and I just go on to the next blog, enjoying what they say, and the needlearts they show. Try it, it's easy and makes you a more cheerful person. BarbM
RG said…
Ah yes... and WOW!!
I tend to ponder on these things and don't say much, but this is so true..
Thanks for the timely reminder.

Daisy the Cow :D
Leanne said…
I have come via Chookyblue - you have made my Sunday morning. If your blog is so uninspiring that you have to cajole people into putting your giveaways in their post - I say give up. The other thing that makes me laugh is all these people that have suddenly become "designers". Where can I sign up for "COWs" I think I would qualify. LOL
Shari said…
Well said Nancy! Thanks!

Cheers - Shari
Gretchen said…
Sign me up as a COW too (I mean moo!) Some blogs are getting to commercialized and then there are the blogs with all the random advertisements on them. I read blogs to escape from ads not find them in the middle of a post.

WV: "parit" as in pare it down!
Narelle said…
Three cheers for a refreshing post!
It's not often I read all the comments but I did this time and enjoyed it for pure pleasure!
COW Down Under
Anonymous said…
LOL I guess I'm too young to be a COW can I be a CALF instead! I'm not sure what that would stand for but I agree. I don't understand why you'd want more people following, commenting etc. when they don't really care to KNOW anything about you as a person. I had a giveaway but really just wanted it to be friends so I just wrote within my post hey I've got some stuff to giveaway leave a comment if interested. Some of my friends said that's nice but I have plenty. Fine by me. I just want my old stuff put to good use.

I didn't know about the fabric manufacturing blogs. I guess I'm traveling the wrong circles. And really didn't know about the endurance thing....hmmmm.....I dont' have the time for that.

I started blogging to make friends and am happy with the few close relationships that have developed. It was hard on me at first watching so many people lose interest in what I thought was me because I'm not constantly talking about a fabric line or a certain quilt personality.

I like when I hit on a blog that has rants, tantrums and mad COW disease.

Rock on!!!
Anonymous said…
Firstly, count me in as a COW!

Secondly, it has been really refreshing to read everyone's comments about the commercialisation of many blogs. As a small Australian designer I have been told, and told again, to promote myself through my blog via giveaways etc. etc. BUT it feels so false to me and I don't enjoy it at all. It has turned my whole blogging experience into a stressful nightmare of "I must do this" and "I must post that" and "Good God I haven't posted for a week!" The experience has just about turned me off quilting and sewing and blogging in general. I'm certainly a more cynical person because of it.

I thought that the commercialised blogs were what everyone wanted though? We are certainly made to believe that.

In defence of some of the smaller designers - blogs are about the only way we can get our patterns out there and into the market. We can't compete with the big bucks advertising and many stores won't stock our patterns because we don't have the 1000's of fan girls buying everything we put out. Why does anyone buy a pattern for a strip quilt regardless of who designed it?

You have given me the nudge to say "to hell with this" and to go back to just being myself and enjoying my blog. Forgive me for being gutless and posting this anonymously.
dutchcomfort said…
I have come via Chookyblue and I so agree with you on the give-away posts and the changing bloggings-world.
When I first started blogging everything seemed to be more kind and appreciative!

I love cows, I relly do, I even call myself the flying cow!
dutchcomfort said…
P.S.

I rather have COW stand for Creative Old Woman!
Kim said…
I stopped by because I heard you were having a giveaway. No? Nothing to sell either? How boring! LOL! I love the COW acronym--maybe we could start a COW webring?!
Nancy said…
I so agree....I am not about to spend my time posting dribble on my blog about another blog contest. I've had it....
My giveaways are usually mentioned AFTER I pick the winner from a particular post. That way, I am assured that my winnings go to someone that actually frequents my blog more than to "enter a contest".... I also don't like people to advertise my contest.
I like the readers I have....although I always welcome new ones...
Judy D in WA said…
MooMoo Buckaroo! I'm a COW too!
Thanks for saying it so well!
Nicole said…
Gosh, you hit a nerve indeed. I am going to have to speak up as the apparently only dissenting reader. I think you were a bit harsh on the "generating revenue" issue. The challenge that is currently going on featuring the patterns of a well known designer was started up by two gals who love that designer's little patterns. Her patterns do get promoted, but it isn't she herself who is doing the promoting. It is a testament to how fun and creative her designs are that she has so many followers. And, I love seeing the monthly show and tell of the variations all the participants come up with. I think that effort is a great deal of good fun. The projects are small, and quilters who are intimidated about tackling a full size quilt can turn something out each month that they can be proud of. In addition, working through a year of these various patterns gives a less experienced quilter a chance to develop their skills.
Some of your other points are well taken, but I can't agree that a designer's product getting promoted is a bad thing.
suz said…
Okay, here's another dissenter, sort of. I'm not participating in the project of that one designer, but I did buy the (very inexpensive) patterns because I want to get better at machine piecing and they were just the ticket. Without those inspirations, who knows when I would have found something that I felt would work. I also followed along with the recent designer blogs - a few seconds to say, thank you for taking the time to design a pattern, write the instructions, take photos of the steps and then offer it free - not much of a "cost" for a beautiful pattern that I'll definitely make as a gift for next year. However, I won't comment on giveaways on a blog if I'm not a regular reader and I truly find the "need to be a blogger ... I'm not one, yet ... and 30 different rules to enter the giveaway - no time, not that interested. I've been fortunate to win a couple of giveaways and have made nice friends as a result. I won't join a giveaway just to get a free thing, only if it's something I would buy anyway. I know some designers who work out of their kitchens and when they show their new designs and offer a giveaway - more power to them. There's a huge amount of work involved in designing and pattern writing and for these small businesses, advertising in magazines isn't always an option. They are quilters too, so we should generously support their work.
HOA Mgr Lady said…
I totally agree although if the truth be known I am slightly jealous of the people who generate 6 figure incomes off their blogs. Maybe a little bit more than slightly envious not really jealous. I just don;t have 'anything exciting to say each and every day..uhmmm week... month.
But I also agree that I don't ever want to sift through all the crap.
Ok I'm done
COW here too !
Ruth
Julie said…
i can't say how entertaining this post and following comments have been! i think leanne hit the nail on the head when she mentioned how all these woman are suddenly calling themselves designers. what a hoot!!!! the particular band of women who promised to send the entire blogland nutty, well what can one say? oh, deary me indeed! i also find it very interesting that none of those particular women have commented on this issue, and it's hardly like they have missed this....it's everywhere.
Quiltdivajulie said…
For now, I have NOT read everyone else's comments.

Yes, the blog world is changing... notably your pet peeves. Those offending sites were long ago deleted from my reader! I'm an independent ... a free thinker ... not one who will blindly follow just because "X" says so.

And your COW ... LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!
Sandy said…
Love your blog and sign me up as the newest COW. Love it.
Found you through Chookyblue, love her blog as well, and I have learned a lot reading yours, as well as your readers comments.
I am new to this blog stuff, and admit, I am doing my frist give away. The main reason for the give away is to share and meet other quilters. So far, so good.
I agree with you regarding all the ads and extras attached to blogs in order to generate money. Won't ever be doing that on my blog. I am not blogging to make money, I'm blogging to meet fellow quilters, learn better ways of quilting, find great patterns and great ideas for future quilts.
Thanks for the eye opener.
Fellow COW
Sandy
Jennifer said…
Oh yes.....I agree with every word. I don't do hoops or triathlons, and my endurance is shot to pieces these days!
hetty said…
I'm in total agreement! So - moooooo! Sign me up!