Help Me Counter The Nay-Sayers?

[CEO]

The Monday before the HGP kicks off is always hectic, but this year, we have a bumper crop of naysayers out there.

For instance, check out the comments and link under this story at the Consumerist blog:

http://consumerist.com/5041371/christma ... -walgreens

There are others coming in today, and several of them, but I won't trouble you with individual bloggers. Suffice to say, we all know the kind of reaction that pops up when the HGP rolls around.

So this morning, I sat down to re-write the HGP intro. I'm hoping to make it a bit more clear that this plan isn't what any one person SHOULD do, but what some people CHOOSE to do.

I"m uncharacteristically uncertain of what I wrote, so can I ask you all to take a peek and tell me where you think I hit, and where you think I missed?

Don't be afraid to be honest; that's why I'm asking. If it comes across as defensive, I need to know--but most of all, do you think it makes it a bit more clear WHAT the plan is about?

http://organizedchristmas.com/holiday-grand-plan

CEO

 

[MrsSoup]

I think it sounds great. The only thing that sounds defensive is the part where it says, "This is not a program for everyone. It doesn't try to be." Or something like that. You could write something like, "While this program is not suited for every individual, many people swear by it for their holiday preparation." Hope this helps!

 

[Grammyk]

I think it is all good, we can't ever please everyone. The ones of us that are members here and the ones that come and stay get it. Don't the "naysayers" get to you. I love everything about this site. When someone comes across in a way I don't approve or just ruffles my feathers a bit, I simply skip that forum next time. Remember, these naysayers are the folks that give the presents that get returned next morning, or go to good will next week, or maybe they came in the plastic sack they were bought in, and they were going crazy trying to get everything done at the last minute. I think you do an absolutely great job!!!!

 

[CEO]

Thanks, MrsSoup--that is just the kind of feedback I'm looking for.

I'll give it another stab a bit later this afternoon, and try to make the point without making it so POINTED.

CEO

 

[HouseElf]

:applause: Looks good. I don't think the lines (" It's not a program for everyone. It doesn't try to be. But " ) is necessary? Just continue on with the same tone (" If you are determined to move from today's clutter and chaos to a clean and organized home for the holidays, the Holiday Grand Plan is a tried and tested roadmap to the Christmas of your dreams." )

Good luck. :leprechaun: We appreciate it!

 

[Tasha]

My question is why do you care what other people think? There will always be people that think it's stupid just let them think that. You have plenty of people who follow the plan that think it is just great. Don't let others get you down.

I think it sounds great, but the suggestion from MrsSoup does make it better.

 

[Gingerbug]

Tasha...I can answer that "why do you care"..because anyone who writes...just about anything .....cares...we want people to like and appreciate our work...and in this case plan! We want to know that what we spend time on makes a difference to people. Pure and Simple...and I suppose any career not just writing....as a teacher I knew I couldn't please every parent...but I sure wanted to.....as a counselor I know I can't help every person but I still want to...I think we can all say that about what we "do".

 

[Cathymac]

It always amazes me that the very people who call us fanatics or worse are the very same ones that will be running around like a chicken with their heads cut off in December, trying to get everything done. We who have followed a "plan", "schedule", "timeline", or whatever you choose to call yours, on the other hand, are cool, calm and collected, with our houses sparkling, our trees beautifully trimmed, our children dressed to the nines, and our oh, so carefully chosen gifts wrapped in paper that coordinates with the tree skirt. While they are battling the crowds at the mall, we are sipping lattes in the coffeeshop, people watching. While they are frantically trying to decide what to get that hard to please person (or persons) on their list, we have a stash of lovely hand made, one of a kind gifts, wrapped and ready to present. While they are struggling to get the family fed before they rush off to the next scheduled activity and ending up driving through the local fast food joint, we are cheerfully feeding our brood a home cooked meal, pulled from our stash of freezer meals made in October and November. And they call us crazy???

CEO, I think the new intro sounds great, and if I wasn't on board, then I'd jump on board after reading that!! Don't let those nay-sayers get you down...we all have to deal with those, but if we follow our hearts and do what we know works and is right for our families, we are the winners..and they are headless chickens in December!

Good job!

 

[happy2bme]

Cathymac,

I couldn't have said it better myself!!


:snowman: Melanie

 

[luludou]

I agree Cathymac! well said! :applause:

CEO this is great!! :grin: Keep up the good work. Here at MHH we appreciate all you do!

 

[iluv2scrap]

CEO, i think it sounds great as is or changed to what the others said. Cathymac what a great motivator you are.

 

[snowlvr]

I can only add that it is a fine introduction..I tried to read it as someone just finding the HGP and it made me want to join in!..Personally, I was so tickled to have found the OC a couple of years ago, and the HGP, which I try to follow, but ya know what?? Just the stuff I have been able to do has been such a huge help...pooh on the naysayers!

 

[Deckr8r]

I also think it is an extremely well done rework of the introduction. I probably wouldn't want to be involved in anything most of those who commented there would be interested in but I wouldn't degrade them. They say "To Each His Own" and it would be a boring world if we were all the same. Plus I think they just like to see themselves trying to be so clever in print.

 

[jinglemom]

I think you did a great job CEO. I think you covered the reason behind the grand plan very well. I think if I were to change anything (I'll be nit picky) it would be in the 4th paragraph where it says "you need the grand plan".....I think it might come off a little better if you wrote something along the lines of the Grand Plan can help you achieve.....maybe emphasizing more how breaking everything down over several weeks is less stressful.
I think it would give more of an impression of the Grand Plan is there to help in a more gentle way.

The last couple of days I overheard a few people in the stores complaining about Christmas stuff in August. I really don't understand how they cannot get excited. Who could not love Christmas and get excited thinking, planning, and see visual reminders in anticipation for it? They don't understand it isn't about commercialism to many (all of us here), It is the joyful FEELING of Christmas we keep with us all year. I actually feel sad for people who don't get it. I feel very blessed that I have this joy all year long. Try not to let their comments bother you CEO! Just know we are all very blessed here and that we are so very happy to have found your website. You have helped us so much! I'm also very grateful to everyone who continued with the website after the OC message boards closed. :grouphug:

 

[CEO]

Thank you all for the feedback.

Not to worry, I'm not bothered or disturbed by this--this happens every year. Reading over it, though, I had the impression that the intro didn't explain things very well.

Of course, some of the language used by the detractors was, well, irritating. "Deranged" was one of the milder terms applied to us.

Yes. Well, we know what WE know: that we're giving ourselves and our family a priceless gift of December calm, December celebration.

CEO

 

[aggy]

Cathymac, you're the bomb. You hit the nail on the head. You put into words what I was feeling. CEO, glad to hear that you're not going to let the naysayers get to you. They shouldn't knock it until they've tried it.

 

[Darcy]

The only thing I would suggest might be a few personal comments from those that WERE disorganized before the HGP and have now ENJOYED the holidays more because of the HGP.

Nothing is better than an endorsement from a happy customer!

Thanks for everything CEO - let the make fun of you (and us!) I DON'T CARE! :haha:

 

[CEO]

Heh-heh-heh.

Okay, I will do something fun: I will turn ON comments for that page.

You want to tell them why we do it? This will be your chance.

CEO, knowing she'll have to fight spammers but hey! this should be fun

http://organizedchristmas.com/holiday-grand-plan

 

[girlsinmo]

I've had a rough few days so I hope my response doesn't come across wrong

CEO I clicked on the first link you provided read a few comments and left If I were you I would go back and edit my post and remove his link I personally wouldn't provide him with traffic from the people some of his commenters are talking about

I haven't read your new page yet but I know it is fine Because you are trying to help others have a great holiday Thank you for all you do

 

[Woman]

Is this the same man that last year made fun of Christmas and lots of us sent him a card or letter? If so maybe he needs some more Christmas wishes and letters from us. WOMAN

:bigsnow: :bigsnow: :bigsnow: