Working 9-5, and Beyond
Content Sharing on Social Media
So, I woke up this morning and poured myself a cup of ambition…
Yawning stretching trying to come to life (in the words of Dolly Parton).
Traditionally I start my day with a few sips of coffee and a gander at social media while I line up chronological thoughts that will prepare me for the groove of my day.
A few more sips of coffee…
and it wasn’t long until the infamous 9-5 feeling started to hit after reading the first post my eyes took in. It was a post in a universal card making group. Where we share card making ideas, sneak peeks at products, card tutorials, just all things card making, and most importantly where we boost each others souls. We give credit where credit is due, and encouragement where it is needed, and compliment everyone’s beautiful works of art.
So you can imagine how shocked I was to see a post with content concerning the video and blog tutorials that content creators provide for everyone in the crafty card making world. Well, I wasn’t shocked to see a post on that subject, I was disturbed that the content of the post was how annoying these videos and blog posts can be.
At that moment I thought the post may have. been a little heartless, however everyone is entitled to an opinion and this was just that - that persons opinion. Normally I would just scroll on …. just scroll on by when you see something that doesn’t bring you joy! Right?!
I happened to notice there were hundreds of comments on the post and well… this intrigued me. Click, into the comments I go.
I was gut wrenched, mortified, completely astounded at the the comments I was seeing. and not just a few, 9 out of 10 comments were pretty much just cringe.
I hate that people talk when they are doing a card making video
I don’t care if your dog is sick
I don’t want to know that your grand kid won an award
just shut up and get to the card
I don’t want what you are selling
just show us how to how to make the card, we don’t need you to talk
for god sakes, have the supplies ready
we don’t need to see you die cut pieces with your die cutting machine
can we just see how to make the card
This post was filled with comments with a similar tone to the ones above.
At this point feeling as unappreciated as Jane Fonda or Lily Tomlin in their efforts to create a fair working environment.
I gave these somewhat “entitled” comments great thought and finally decided that I needed to vent about them. Best place to vent - in a blog post not yet published.
Will I publish it? Maybe, Maybe not.
Pen to paper, I started to write my opinion on the talking points discovered in the comments of said social media post. I let my thoughts sit and resonate overnight, and edited them this morning into words that didn’t have as much punch as they did when I originally wrote them.
The words following I hope, give a better understanding in regards to the how and why of working 9 -5 and beyond to share content with fellow crafty card makers…
Creating handmade cards is a labor of love that often goes unappreciated. Behind every card tutorial is a whirlwind of creativity, planning, and meticulous execution. Just think about the hours spent brainstorming ideas, selecting colours, gathering materials, and perfecting techniques. Each card brings a unique story to life, and we pour our hearts into this artistic process.
Video tutorials/blog tutorials are an essential part of sharing our passion. They provide a visual and auditory guide, allowing fellow crafters to follow along step-by-step. Yet, what viewers often overlook is the time commitment that goes into producing these tutorials. From scripting and filming to editing the final product, it’s a full production! It can take hours—sometimes even days—to create a high-quality tutorial that will resonate and inspire.
Unfortunately, while the crafting community celebrates the finished product, there’s a tendency to forget the dedication involved. Many people simply want the instructions and quickly move on without realizing that behind every card, there are infinite hours of effort spent to make the process accessible and enjoyable.
We create these tutorials out of sheer joy and a desire to share our craft, often without any monetary compensation. The payoff comes in the form of smiles when someone sends a card made from our tutorial or expresses excitement about learning a new technique. This is what fuels our passion, yet it’s also a gentle reminder of the importance of recognizing the effort put into crafting and sharing creative content. So, the next time you dive into a card-making tutorial, remember that every video/blog post represents countless hours of hard work, dedication, and a love for this delightful art.
Affiliate links for card making products during a crafting video or blog serve a crucial purpose, much like a television commercial. These creators, who generously share their passion and expertise, are often compensated only a fraction of what it costs to produce quality content.
It’s vital to remember that while you’re enjoying free tutorials and inspiration, the creators behind them are navigating a landscape of expenses—website upkeep, hosting fees, and the myriad hours spent crafting content can quickly add up. The pennies they earn from affiliate links help keep the lights on and the creativity flowing.
Instead of critiquing the presence of these links, consider the immense effort and dedication that goes into making these joyful crafting moments available to you. The next time you follow a tutorial and see those links, know that you’re supporting a community of passionate crafters who want to share their love of card making while still managing to cover their costs. So, embrace the fun and remember that every bit of support helps keep that creative spirit alive - whether its a purchase, a comment or a like, it’s all important.
Building a community around card making is like creating a patchwork quilt, each square stitched together with shared experiences, creativity, and friendship. As we delve into this colorful world of crafting, social media becomes our cozy living room, where we gather to swap ideas, share tutorials, and reveal a piece of ourselves.
When we share a card-making tutorial, we're not just teaching a technique. We're inviting you into our creative process, laying bare the joys and challenges we face while crafting. These glimpses into our lives help foster connections that go beyond hobbies; they create a sense of family. Each like, comment, and share we receive is like a warm hug, reminding us that we're not alone on this artistic journey.
Crafting and sharing on platforms like blogs and social media fills an essential need for socialisation. In an age where some may feel isolated, connecting with fellow creators over shared interests provides support and camaraderie. By sharing personal stories alongside our craft, we create deeper bonds, turning simple card-making tutorials into conversations that matter.
Every hand-stamped card or intricate design serves not only as a creative expression but as an invitation to participate in a larger conversation. We celebrate each other's triumphs and lend ears during struggles, creating an environment teeming with encouragement and joy.
As we continue to innovate and explore new techniques, let's remember that this community thrives on authenticity. Whether we’re sharing a triumph like mastering a new fold or a vulnerability like feeling uninspired, our transparency nurtures a vibrant, supportive space where everyone can feel welcome.
So, as you scroll through your feed, watch those tutorials, or engage in discussions, remember that you're part of something much larger. Let's keep crafting, sharing our stories, and building a colourful tapestry of friendship through every card we create together!
