A Response
I've been hoping to hear back from the yarn shop owner in Snellville. I was hoping that she'd email me, call me, or just send a check. She's finally responded, and her insistence that there are "two sides to every story" are true. I'd LOVE to hear her side, believe me! Of course she has a side - I just can't see where she has any justification for, basically, stealing money.
Here's a link to her own blog if you'd like to read what she's written.
And sinced her comments are moderated (not a bad idea, I moderate mine, too, to avoid spam or duplicate posts, but please know that I have not blocked any posts that are positive about her shop - none have been posted.) here's my own response to her. You'll have to read it here as it will not be showing up at her blog.
Why Do I Write About This
I write about this because it's important. It's a big part of my life now in that I do this (knitting, teaching) as my livelihood. Keeping quiet is what makes folks feel they can get away with unfairness.
I'm trying to be as fair as I can about the incident although I do understand that it's not possible to be totally objective about ourselves) and would be thrilled to publish any points she'd like to make as to why she felt it was proper to cancel payment on a well taught class without any notice or reason given. I still don't know what her reasoning was, aside from what I've mentioned in the earlier post. If there's a different reason, if the class was bad, if I was late, if I didn't show up, if I didn't fulfill my contractural obligation - I'd love to hear it.
Here's a link to her own blog if you'd like to read what she's written.
And sinced her comments are moderated (not a bad idea, I moderate mine, too, to avoid spam or duplicate posts, but please know that I have not blocked any posts that are positive about her shop - none have been posted.) here's my own response to her. You'll have to read it here as it will not be showing up at her blog.
Why Do I Write About This
I write about this because it's important. It's a big part of my life now in that I do this (knitting, teaching) as my livelihood. Keeping quiet is what makes folks feel they can get away with unfairness.
I'm trying to be as fair as I can about the incident although I do understand that it's not possible to be totally objective about ourselves) and would be thrilled to publish any points she'd like to make as to why she felt it was proper to cancel payment on a well taught class without any notice or reason given. I still don't know what her reasoning was, aside from what I've mentioned in the earlier post. If there's a different reason, if the class was bad, if I was late, if I didn't show up, if I didn't fulfill my contractural obligation - I'd love to hear it.
posted by Annie at
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
43 Comments:
How rude! I hope this works out for you!
Wow...I just read the store owner's blog...it makes no sense to me. I took the class from you with Wild Wools, and I had SUCH a great time! You created a fun, relaxed, inspiring atmosphere. As to the person who took your class and posted a comment at the other store in Georgia...I don't know what to say. Your personality shows through in your teaching, and to me that is a delightful thing.
Quite sad. Yes, there are always two sides (at least) to any story, but after saying that, she does not explain hers. This makes her post seem bitter and petty to me. Maybe she did feel like she was being yelled at - people perceive things differently than we intend them quite often - but it is sad that your communicating that you didn't feel you were yelling did not allow her to step back and see that maybe the communication was just not working out and try to meet you halfway with it. Of course, using a stopped check as a way to initiate said communication indicates that she may have some difficulties in that area to begin with. So sorry this is happening. It really does seem that if she had sent a couple emails at the start, with information on lodging and that she would not be able to print hand-outs, none of this would have been a problem. Good luck with all this.
I think you have to realize that for some people any kind of attention, even negative attention, is what they seek. It seems to me, after reading your blog and the owner's blog, that she is jealous of your success and wishes to be the "person who brought a famous author/designer/teacher" down." When you are dealing with that type of person you have to just bite your tongue and let your lawyer speak for you. You will never change her mind and at the end of the day you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you performed. Do not waste more negative energy on someone who is clearly not worthy of your time to begin with. This is not a reflection on the people who attended your class, but merely the shop owner herself. One can only hope that her business suffers from her embarrassing behaviour, but I suspect that many in that area already know of her personality. You seem to be a kind and generous soul....don't waste any more time on her. Think of it this way, you will get your money back and can likely sue for costs as well. Some people....what can you say?
Wow. The lack of content or, well, sanity in her post pretty much confirms that you were robbed, and have been treated quite unfairly.
I know there are two sides to every story, and was quite interested to hear her side. If that's all her side consists of, you are clearly in the right.
well, she wanted to 'catch your attention'--i suppose she has done this before, (and gotten away with it) and just presumed she'd get away with again..
she's seems to have a blog, (but rarely posts) and i suspect she is almost totally ignorant of the internet and the real power of open communication.
well, she's getting attention.. and i can't think she is happy with it.
good luck to you.. i hope she realize she hasn't a leg to stand on, and every day she withholds your money is going to cost her far more.
helen
What the h*ll were you wearing that shocked the class participant? Neckline slashed down to the navel? Skirt split up to the navel? . I want pics! :)
I know the store owner's blog is being bombarded with comments right now. Yet, I see only two, both strongly sharing her view. I don't think she's interested in entertaining any views other than her own - that's a valuable skill I guess her mom forgot to teach her.
I too am curious to know what her side of the story is... but the lack of content in her blog post tells me she doesn't really have any good excuses. Sounds like a personality clash but I don't think that gives her a reason to cancel your payment check.
I also wouldn't be surprised to learn she has done this before and gotten away with it. Maybe she enjoys jerking people around and making them beg for their money, it's a power trip thing? Maybe she hopes they won't notice or they'll let it slide to avoid confrontation, and she nets even more money?
Apparently your clothes really offended those Southern ladies, shame on you Annie for not dressing to impress! (I'm being sarcastic, I don't care what people wear.) How snobby.
P.S. If I were a customer at this woman's shop I'd be horrified to learn how much she charges for classes vs how much she pays the teacher. She is ripping off the teacher and her loyal customers! Shame on her. I hope she's embarrassed the secret is out.
could her attitude be one of the reasons the south lost the civil war? just curious.....
regardless of the she said/she said crap, the fact is that the yarn shop owner has committed breach of contract, and that you, annie, are entitled to your teaching fees. Let your lawyer do his/her thing to show this bitch who's boss.
you want we should call in guido and paulie to settle up *heh heh heh*?
anne marie
The blogger you linked to said stuff like, "I couldn't believe the apparel she was wearing."
What the heck does THAT have to do with anything. She didn't like your CLOTHES? Give me a break.
It sounds like part of this is "Yankee bias" I have a coworker who often tells me I am abrupt and that I hurt his feelings. When I explain to him I am not speaking personally and that this is just work, he tells me "You're such a yankee!"
Another friend from the south goes on to say it is just the "New Englander's Way" and that we really don't understand "Southern Hospitality and Congeniality".
I won't type my general Yankee New Englander response which might give you cause to edit or moderate me.
Hopw this is resolved swiftly.
Ohhhhhmmmmmmmmmmm...
Thanks guys - I'm sorry to bring this up again, but I felt that I should link to her blog for her side of the story.
I was a little surprised about the clothes comment, too. You should know that earlier that day I had a sort of job interview with the folks who run the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo - we were meeting to see if they might like me to teach at future expos across the country - and I tried to dress as I do for all of my classes; knit business casual.
I think (if I remember right) I was wearing my "teaching uniform" of a black skirt, a colored shirt (I think it was red with a white collar) with my hair back and makeup on.
If anything, I felt overdressed quite often when I was in Georgia as I had brought NJ Winter clothes and arrived in the middle of a warm snap in the south and most folks were in shorts or summer dresses. But we all have different ideas of what is appropriate business dress.
As a friend of mine says, "Business professional? WHOSE profession?"
Thanks again for your continued support - I promise this is the last post on this (until it's finally resolved!)
I almost never comment on blogs - but jeez - this woman is being ridiculous! I mean, even if you had shown up in a bathrobe and fluffy slippers - and taught the class -- the point is you taught the class and she was obligated by the contract to pay you! I also don't understand how she can say that there are 2 sides to every story - and then not tell her side of the story as to why she will not pay you for showing up and teaching the class.
Leslie
I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. Some people are just asses.
This was my response to her blog post:
It's just interesting that you post all of these things about what your Mama told you, don't look a gift horse in the mouth. This is a business transaction between two so-called professionals. Giving payment is what is expected, not a "gift horse." I think in any terms of business if a service is provided, payment is expected and received. If you had an issue with this person, you should have brought it up at the time of payment and not stopped payment of a check later. That's bad business behavior on your part. You need to think about that.
I doubt if that comment will show up at her blog.
below are my comments--which of course, didn't get approved..
Anne, why don't you invite everyone to post their comments here, (since i know you'll publish most, and only edit/delete the ones that are vulgar.)
she hasn't comments, and it basically not letting anyone else comment.. i hate censorship. maybe you could set up a seperate page for all the unpublished comments.
___________________________________
13 people took the class.
2 negative comments.
lets hear from all 13 of them..
let's hear something from someone who disagrees with you, or disapproves of your behavior.
Oh, yeah, i forgot, only your opinion matters, and if comments are't in support of your stance (or should i say your still unexplianed theft of services) they aren't getting posted.. you must be working your fingers to the bone delete comments--well don't worry, you'll have time enough, its the only work you'll have.
you'll find knitters vote with their feet, and i doubt many will be walking into your little shop for a while.
i just find it amusing that she gets a comment whining about how your blog moderates comments, when that one does too. this is all quite silly on the owner's part. i would think she should be glad for your professionalism in not mentioning her name. who's being the child here?
I read what this shop owner has said in regards to this episode, I can't discern a cogent argument. It is obvious that she has solicited comments to make you look bad (dumb, not well thought out comments), and she still hasn't explained her reasoning. Let your lawyer off the leash, name the shop owner and demand more than she would have paid to begin with. For cying out loud.
Heh. I was sure from the commentsover there that you'd chosen this opportunity to wear the knitted bathing suit & accessorize it with a Janet Jackson nipple ring. Who knew a black skirt was so offensive?
I left a comment on that blog; I doubt it will show up. Annie, I've taken classes from you and have enjoyed every one. You did the job; you are entitled to your fee. Her own post is just a bunch of platitudes, amounting to no point whatsoever. Get your lawyer after her for the fee and costs. She's defrauded you. She'll never quit telling the story, but that's her personal torment.
Oh I am sorry you had to go through that. I taught adults for years-at a university-and had many positive comments. Unfortunately, the negative ones are still the ones that have stuck with me(what IS IT about me that does that?????)Just be comforted in the thought that there have been so many positives. And say a really nasty curse and thumb your nose and put your feet up and have a cup of tea!
I'm from Qwinnett County. Georgia and was in the class. Annie, I am so sorry you have not been paid. I enjoyed your ever so slightly irreverent sense of humor and learned a great deal from you. As a trainer by profession, I could tell you were maybe not at your best but you told us why (your health) and did a great job teaching us in a very engaging manner - not an easy task.
I had no idea she had defraded you until yesterday, when I read three negative comments on her blog that referred to it. Today those comments are gone, which speaks volumes to me.
With someone as angry and unhappy as she is, there is no reasoning or middle ground to be found so let your lawyer do the talking.
For those of us here, at least for me, this has mad me extremely ashamed of her and very sad. The women I've come to know through the shop are wonderful, generous, true southern ladies. Because of this, I can't go back there and so today is a day to grieve for the loss of her dream (for she is kiling it) and the loss, for me, of the community of fabulous women that has grown around it.
Someday soon, I hope you come back to here and get to experience the true South, one of friendiness and hospitality. Meg Boendier
Please excuse my spelling (or lack thereof) in my previous posting. I was and still am pretty upset over this. My hope is you get paid your full due and soon. MB
Meg, I really do feel your pain - and I'm sorry to have been (albeit innocently and unknowingly) the catalyst that has divided you from your yarn shop. It's important, though, to know that even though you all paid for the class, no money has been paid to me.
There are SO many magnificent yarn shops in the area - EVERY shop I taught at, save one, was just stellar - with it's own personality and style - and you will love any of them. Thanks for your kind note, and know that I do understand how hard it is to break from a shop (and you're not the first to write this to me)
Boy, is this woman a piece of work! I actually read her blog after I got the name of her shop. This was before she had posted about the situation. What an awful woman!!! All she appears to do is whine and insult the very customers she then turns around and solicits business from. Folks that don't know diddly about customer service ought to stay out of businesses that require them to interact with the public. Regardless of any hurt feelings, this lady owes you money. Period. End of sentence. There is no gift horse here. The two of you had a contract which she failed to fulfill. I say nail her butt to the wall in small claims court. You go Annie!
Annie,
I am appalled at the behavior of this shopowner. I would like to apologize to you on behalf of all Southerners. I don't think this has anything to do with her living in the South or you being a Northerner. I think she's just what I have always heard called, "a low-down dirty cheat." As a business owner of 25+ years, the rule is, I hire someone to do a job, they show up and do it, I pay them. Period.
I have not been fortunate enough to attend your classes, but I ordered patterns from you. You were out of town when your mother was very ill and still took the time to email me to let me know you were out of town and when you expected to return. You were courteous and prompt at a time when I would not have expected you to reply. So, I know who I believe in this dreadful situation. I just hope you get your money. You earned it. You deserve payment. You also deserve an apology but after reading her blog, I'd say it'll be a cold day in hell before she ever admits she was wrong.
Please come back to the South. Lots of very nice Southerners think you are wonderful.
I was looking at the comments on her blog and there is something fishy about them.
i can't believe the woman mentioned the clothes you were wearing! seeing what you design i'm quite sure that 99.44% of the time you are beautifully dressed. how petty and tacky of her to mention that.
Again, I'm so sorry that this has happened to you. No matter how you slice it, this situation sucks.
I did go over and read her "response" to this situation. You know what I couldn't help thinking? Too bad her mama didn't teach anything about not stealing from others.
I guess the thing that makes me grin sardonically the most is that while her mother told her "not to air dirty laundry" apparently that doesnt' hold true if someone else has already "aired" it. If she were to really do what she is claiming to do, she would have contacted you in the first place about this whole thing. Additionally, she would not have made nasty comments on her blog. The other commenters are right. She is an unhappy person bent on making others unhappy too. Also... I did not realize how very little she was paying you. That is just sick. She either way over charged her customers or way underpaid you... well potentially underpaid, anyway.
This must be such a dissapointment. I know you will deal with it because you have to, and I hope that it doesn't damper your spirits about teaching other places.
In reading the comments about the class, I wonder if those ladies are the owner's buddies. I would believe it.
Anyway, I hope it all works out, and I am sorry to hear that it even happened. Perhaps she will learn some communications skills as a result of this? We can only hope.
Take the bitch to small claims court. She admitted in print that she had agreed to pay you and failed to do so. She has no case whatsoever.
I have left a comment on her blog, and I will leave the same basic message here. You have a contract; go to court, get it settled, never do business with each other again. I am not taking sides with one or the other. I just would like to see this matter settled.
Me, too!
Evidently her mama didn't teach her a couple of things--honor your agreements, and proper grammar--between she and I?????? What is that??????
Annie even if they thought you were the worst teacher they ever had at that shop the reality is that you did the job. If you sign up for courses at any collage and dont like the teacher THE TEACHER GETS PAID> The reprehensible conduct of the shopkeeper to charge her customers and then not pay the teacher or refund the clients is so dishonest it boarders on fraud.Shane on her.
Well, I have to say I won't be happy until I see a photo of you in your scandalous outfit. *wink*
Good luck sorting this out. So unpleasant, yeck.
EEEkk. As a teacher, I know how maddening this situation is. You teach, you wanna get paid. Good luck settling it, doll.
How come you didn't wear your "scandalous outfit" to teach when you were at The Loop? You also did a fantastic class there.
Here's what I posted on her website. You guys can see if this gets posted or "moderated out":
This is dumb. I don't understand how payment for a course is a "gift horse." It's a job. Unless there was some sort of contractual obligation that the person hired didn't perform, then that person deserves payment.
If we go to a restaurant and don't LOOOOOOOVE the food (we only think it's okay), we're not allowed to not pay for the food. So the chef isn't the best in the world, but he made the food, you got the hamburger you ordered, but it's not a place you'll go to again. But you don't get to not pay for the hamburger. You bought it at a price marked on the menu.
I don't understand why not paying the "chef" here would be an option. Simply pay the chef, but don't go to that restaurant again. That's that.
Me again. Hamburger Gal.
There's a funny about the grammar. On the blog's "interests" page, the author says that she enjoys "dools." Geez.
Annie,
I too agree that the "comments" on her blog are a bit fishy. Both say almost exactly the same thing, with the same grammar. I left a comment on her blog (like I'll ever see it) that she should not be so obvious in leaving comments on her own blog. :)
I was raised in the South (I'm not there anymore) and I too learned that you don't cheat. You taught the class, you get paid. Frankly, her whine about spending $30 to cancel a check doesn't hold water either, as it was only $30 she's out, not the full amount!
I've never ordered a pattern from you, but after this, I think I will! (ok, do you have anything for the newbie who still tangles her fingers in her yarn?) :)
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