I'd like to think I don't complain TOO often..
BUT
(that's a mighty big BUT)
I was just reading, on another's page, about how it irks people when others don't want to share tips, techniques, paint colors, etc.
I found myself annoyed by how many people commented that those that don't share
are "just jealous" and "afraid of being copied"
Is this seriously what people think?
The best analogy I can think of is this:
Do you think, if Maison Blanche was asked by CeCe for their color recipes they'd share?
Would Annie Sloan mind telling Maison Blanche all about her "secret techniques"?
You know the answer, and you wouldn't think badly of any of these smart business women
for protecting their livelihood, would you?
It would be ridiculous to think they would or should be willing to share.
Why? Because it's a BUSINESS not a hobby.
When you run a business that feeds your family, pays your mortgage, and keeps the lights on,
you better believe people aren't going to be too willing to share what separates you from your competitors
(and no matter how much I love my fellow painters,
if they are in business and sell in the same arena as I do, we are competitors...it's not a bad thing)
"It's like a recipe, it will be not be the same"
SURE...that's why Plankton keeps trying to steal
the Krabby Patty recipe...
In this age, there is a world of information available at our fingertips
arriving within seconds...you just have to be willing to look and figure it out
possibly make some mistakes and get it wrong before you get it right
I do take it as a compliment to be asked "how did you..."
most of the time..
but sometimes, I think the person asking is really just being incredibly self-entitled...
you know, those emails from complete strangers that demand details
without a please or thank you?
Yeah, those really aren't taken as a compliment
If you're panicking because your stain is funky or your wax is gunky
by all means, please ask me if I can help you!
There are people willing to share all they know...
They write books, and get paid to do so...
Sponsored blog tutorials are EVERYWHERE...
Heck, some people don't think twice about sharing all they know...
there are so many options!
So...if I use a color and you love it...I don't mind you asking what color it is.
If it's a pre-mix, I am happy to tell you who makes it, and what color it is
I'll even give you a link to their site
but if I mixed it up myself, I'm not going to share that info
There are plenty of other things I'll happily share
and plenty I'm NOT willing to share...
and it's not because I'm jealous of you, or fearful of being "copied"
it's because I worked hard at it and figured it out on my own
or spent hard-earned cash on books and classes...
and spent hours trying to get it right
and there is no reason others can't do the same
So please, be respectful when artisans don't want to share
and understand the reasoning behind their hesitance
