Artists Don’t Owe Jerks Jack
I have been writing Artists Who THRIVE since 2011, for free.
It’s not like I’m not busy running Ann Rea, Inc. but each and every week I gladly post to share my successes, failures, insights, and hard lessons learned.
Why? Because I think that the “Starving Artist” mythology is bull$hit and I want to empower artists to gain their creative freedom through business savvy. Building a profitable artistic enterprise took me a long time and a lot of pain that I’d like to spare other artists.
Since I started blogging I have begun consulting and coaching, but trust me, Artists Who THRIVE is still a largely volunteer effort.
So I’m frankly a bit galled and amazed at the occasional snotty rant I receive from readers. If you don’t like what I’m writing, don’t read it.
But if you have constructive feedback; I’m all ears. I’m down for positive dialogue and constructive criticism. I don’t know everything.
But please make like you are an invited guest sitting across from me at my living room table. Because you kind of are and I have feelings.
Why am I sharing this? Because, you too may be experiencing wrath that comes in the wrapper of online anonymity.
This negative behavior is like someone’s willingness to flip you off in a car and spew profanity in a way they would never even consider if they were sitting across from you.
However, this is simply one of the hazards of putting yourself out there online.
So remember this, online communication is not a democracy. You own your blog, email, and your social media channels.
If someone comes along, online or offline, and decides to take a dump on you, or the people who work for you, you have every right to hit delete or to show them the door. You don’t owe jerks jack.
If someone simply disagrees, invite a respectful discourse and be thankful that they are taking the time to read and engage with you. It’s good.
Word to the wise. As your success increases so will the number of haters. Whatever. We can’t let that stop us now. Can we?
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Comments (37)
Mary
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I think–most of the time when someone does a snotty rant—its not really about you–it is something else they are mad about and they’re just letting it out to feel better.
I have a kid who does that to me–lets me have it cause I’m safer to huff at than whoever is really the culprit.
Glad you spoke up–I do too when it happens to me, sometimes you need to tell people that you’re not here so they can get batting practice.
I do read all your articles. Thanks!
Still–good to point it out and not just take it.
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Ann Rea
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Mary,
You are absolutely right. When someone goes off it’s not about you. It’s about them.
But healthy boundaries are very important.
Thank you for tuning in!
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Gloria
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Anne, I for one found your article above extremely truthful because I’ve also experienced things similar to this as well. Sadly, what I have learned is that usually those who criticize us have “issues”, so they take out their insecure feelings on those who don’t deserve to be mistreated. I have been so very grateful to receive your articles and they have been truly helpful to me as a fellow creative. When we think we know it all and cannot take advice from others, then we have a real problem! Sharing ideas is a good thing! Like you stated, if someone no longer wishes to receive your advice, then they should delete the emails or take themselves off of your list. Your advice is a GIFT! Usually, critical people are envious of another’s success! So, I personally wanted you to know that I am thanking you for all you do and are doing to help artists across this country. You are an inspiration in my book!
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Ann Rea
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Thank you for taking the time to let me know. I appreciate it.
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suzie g
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Dear ann –
i enjoy your writings & reading your blog – sometimes i can feel pretty isolated when working in my studio – however, i do harbor a belief that i try not to share often . . . . but i will share it with you….people suck sometimes….i know, a real eye opener…. right…. so in those moments when it is all to obvious how much they suck…i find solace in the words of my 3 yr old granddaughter – what eva
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Aiden Kringen
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Great post! Felt really honest and an amazing reminder. Thanks for this Ann!
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Ann Rea
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Thank You! What eva is right!
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Ann Rea
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Thank you Aiden!
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Lyn
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Dear Ann,
I just wanted to let you know that as one of your invited guests, I value your thoughts immensely. I am an art teacher who makes artwork on the side. Since subscribing to your blog I have given lots of thought to what goals I have for my art and what my value is to my customers. It’s a whole new way of thinking for me. I’m not ready yet for a consult, but continue to feel pushed to take steps toward a more professional approach by what you write. I would hate for you to stop writing because of the haters out there! So I thought I’d let you know that you have fans as well, who are often quieter than the haters.
-Lyn
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Ann Rea
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Thank you Lyn! No one is going to stop me from my mission!
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Fran Sauer
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Hi Ann,
I just wanted you to know that I love getting your email updates. You are great! You share so much helpful information and sound advice. I really appreciate your willingness to share your wisdom with so many of us. Thank you! Please, keep moving forward and continue helping emerging (and veteran) artists. You are an inspiration to many! Thanks again!
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Ann Rea
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Thank you Fran!
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Susannah
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Dear Ann,
This is one of the reasons we shy artists are afraid to put ourselves out there! I am retired from a counseling career and focusing on my first love…art and websites. I am on your newsletter list and very grateful for it! I wish I had the information 30 years ago. I have been educated, inspired and encouraged….even though I think I am a long way from some of the steps you suggest. I want to thank you for being a trail blazer in this very much needed area. This world is full of jerks and opinions and is in great need of creative talent with courage. Thank you for having the courage to do what you love and make it into a business… and the courage and willingness to share it with us who need and appreciate your knowledge and experience.
Very gratefully wishing you peace,
Susannah
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Ann Rea
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Susannah,
Thank you so very much!
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Cindy
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Thanks for sharing that thought in this email Ann.
I like and support what you are doing
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Anne
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Thanks for sharing that! It can be especially hard for artists to put themselves out there…
And just letting you know that I appreciate what you write about
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Ann Rea
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Thank you Anne!
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Nancy Hines
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You don’t deserve having people give you any bad comments. You work way to hard to have this happen. Shame on them. They are the ones that deserve a hard time.
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Ann Rea
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Thank you Nancy!
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Virginia Jourdan
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Sorry to hear you are getting negative responses from some people! I appreciate all that you do!! God bless you!
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Ann Rea
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Thank you Virginia!
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George Brudos
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Great stuff Ann, and one more thing: None of us should feel any need to apologize for drawing the line!
Thanks for the encouragement and kick-in-the-pants that your writing often provides.
Best,
Geo
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Ann Rea
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Thank you George!
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Emily Otterman
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Kudos to you Ann!
The old saying about negative comments traveling farther than positive ones may not be true based on the great feedback you’ve received here on this post. Your approach to artists and business is RIGHT ON in my mind, and I’m one of many reaping benefits from your generous sharing. It takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there, and man, am I glad you have the guts.
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Ann Rea
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Thank you Emily!
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susan
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Well put, Ann. Just finished my fourth Open Studio and am devoting this summer to becoming computer literate, so tht much closer to pushing my work out the door.
Thanks for your newsletter. I always learn something from it and it keeps me going on those days I feel like I’m jogging in place.
Cheers.
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Ann Rea
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Thank you Susan!
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whitney
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After many years of allowing anonymous comments on my blog, I changed it so people have to register before commenting. I didn’t have many trolls to begin with, but I decided I wanted to encourage people to always own what they say before putting it out there publicly, and not provide any kind of platform for anyone who may be tempted to leave nasty comments. Thanks for shining the light Ann!
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Ann Rea
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Thank you Whitney!
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Danny
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somehow my thumb accidentally hit send on my iPad before I had completed what I want to say. I think your newsletters are VERY generous of you. Paying forward.Bringing good Karma your way. I don’t know what the “jerk”you’re referring to wrote to you or about you but apparently it set off a firestorm . You know you can’t be all things to all people and with as large , and growing, national and international fans, readers you have you can’t stop really to address someone who imagines himself or herself however I had a bad experience from emailing something o. your website. I only saw 1 email address to write and I used it. I received a response full of fury. So much so I quit reading your newsletters until only recently. However I’m over it and back in corral.
A similar incident to what I experienced may have been the cause of
setting this “jerk” off ? We’ll never know. I always remind my secretary that the telephone is our front door and it must always be welcoming to anyone knocking on it. I value and appreciate what you so graciously do and support artists in unselfishly,it seems, with your generous spirit.
Thanks always.
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Ann Rea
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Thank you Danny!
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Debra Keirce
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Funny I should stumble on your blog just now… I am experiencing the same thing lately, and wondering where the venom comes from. I mean, I figure you never know when someone is having a really bad day and you happen to end up in their path. The best I can do is to cross the street when I see them coming, and do my best to not BE one of the jerks.
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Ann Rea
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Great perspective!
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Rebecca Leonard
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You are a wonderful, kind, generous cheerleader. The world needs more people like you. Period.
I too have had my share of nasty comments or rude behavior from jealous people. It is sad that some of them are my contemporaries. BUT I remember most the gratitude I have experienced from those that I have uplifted and encouraged.
Please keep doing what you do best …… I remain your fan!
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Ann Rea
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I really appreciate your comment!
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Mari Vega
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Just found your site today and want to send my encouragement and thanks too. I’ve already shared the site with a couple of people.
I had a great art school experience, mostly about studio art and some great philosophical questions about “high art vs. craft”. Yeah. Why are art schools still so backwards? I’ve had a lot of trial and error since then, most of it having little directly to do with art-making. And, now I am just about ready to stand up and say out loud, ‘I’m a Human Artist goddammit! My art has value!’
But first I need to take care of a few things (no, really). While I take care of those, I’m gonna’ read a few more of your articles. First up, make a fresh body of work.
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Ann Rea
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You go Mari!
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