I got an anonymous comment today that my kitchen makeover was featured on Apartment Therapy's website called Re-Nest. You can see it here.
At first I thought it was cool -- I was so excited I accidentally tweeted!-- but if you look at the website, it's jam packed full of ads. It kind of reminds me of the pirate that stole my content to generate ad revenue.
What do you think? Should I be flattered or are they just using my content? They do provide links back to my blog. (I should add that I just checked my stats and I got almost 2200 page views yesterday. That's about 1200 more than a good day.)
And check out the redbegonia who commented it was nothing more than a paint job and a better photo! It cracks me up but I'll have you know, redbegonia, this makeover cost $347!
I'm off to check out this madness. I'll be back...
ReplyDeleteWell, at least they acknowledged your hard work. Though they could have asked you for your permission first. I'm sure you would have said 'yes'.
ReplyDeleteI agree, redbegonia's a bit critical!
I say its flattery and good exposure for you. They gave a link back to your blog. I'd be fine with that and happy to have it show up. And yes, it's an inventive cheap makeover. Not just paint.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I found this site. And subscribed...
ReplyDeleteOk. I'm back. I actually think it's very flattering! Yes. They should have asked first, courtesy and all. But total credit was given and that's what counts. Won't the cranky commentor be surprised when she's sees you in a book?? :)
ReplyDeleteThat is weird that they didn't contact you beforehand. I have been on a partner site (ohdeedoh) and they contacted me and at least let me know that I was feature. And yes, she was rude. There are a lot of snarky people roaming on those sites. I think it is great you got a feature! Congrats. Plus, respond back to redbegonia and let her know who just got featured in a book ;)
ReplyDeleteIMHO....without permission its stealing.
ReplyDeleteYour kitchen looks wonderful. I wish I had the talent to come up with the ideas you do.
I love your make-over! Its like a breath of fresh air and charming as hell. And all for $350? A M A Z I N G!!!
ReplyDeletepay no attention to the aforementioned idiot. obviously talentless and jealous. best ~ Laurel
i think the fact that they linked back to you makes it ok. blogging is craaaazy these days. i'd take it as a compliment though.
ReplyDeleteAll very interesting comments.
ReplyDeleteWhoa! my first thought was one of disbelief, that they didn't even ASK!?!?
ReplyDeleteand Redbegonia? she "kinda bugs me"
but whatever, she has no idea of what really went into the makeover.
Still, I'm so surprise that this was posted without your consent. But yeah, I'd say it's FLATTERY (after the intial shock) and though I've seen your kitchen makeover before, this made me stare at it in awe again!
:D - Cindi
Gotta tell ya I just love how you respond to things and of course your talent is simply amazing.
ReplyDeleteI think they should have contacted you to make you aware they were going to feature you. At least it's a positive feature, but still ... I think it's professional courtesy to get in touch first. Speaking of which, tomorrow I have a post going live in which I mention your blog and link to your post about Country Living magazine ... I'm not using your photos or content, of course. But here's a heads up!
ReplyDeleteClaudia
Thanks, Claudia! Appreciate the mention.
ReplyDeleteI have loved to watch the evolution of your very thoughtful renovation and am glad you are getting recognition for your efforts. Your taste is considered and lovely. Any snarky comments are unfortunate...but don't let them get you down! You are better than that!! Celebrate 2200!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debbie. I actually thought that comment was funny because the bad picture/good picture is kind of true. Just not intentional as it seemed to insinuate.
ReplyDeleteI definately think they should have contacted your first...I just think that's blogging etiquette. Most of us like to have our blogs gain more attention but every day I see more liberties being taken with other peoples ideas, posts, photos etc.
ReplyDeleteHowever, as they did credit you and provided a link to your blog, I would take it as a compliment.
You deserve it!
Don't you wish it was just a little paint job?! :)
Oh hell it's apartment therapy. I say we celebrate! And the hell with redbegonia or whatever plant she's claiming to be.
ReplyDeleteAnd who tweet? Who knew? i might have to expand into the clouds to be in CONSTANT contact with you, you hot athlete you.
xo Jane
I think they should have asked for your consent first.
ReplyDeleteHi Sweetie, Apartment Therapy is a good thing! They don't just choose anyone, it means your Kitchen Makeover was a hit, bigtime!
ReplyDeleteConsider it's like being featured in a magazine, trust me, be very flattered! By the way I'm heading over to check our your makeover, somehow I missed it and judging from the pics it was amazing!
So surprising that they wouldn't at least contact you and ask you first. At least they linked to you. A bowl of apples always adds a little something something to the after picture too. :)
ReplyDeleteSurely flattering, but they should have asked first. I love AT but mad to know they recycle other people's content - but it is good "promotion" for your blog, although I know that's not what you're after.
ReplyDeleteI'm new to your blog and shall proceed to stamp my name to it with these comments:
ReplyDelete1) a makeover is a change. You've changed the kitchen. A lick of paint does wonders for the way a room looks. You're obviously considered stingy for not selling both kidneys and a retina for a 'proper' renovation lol.
2) theft is theft, whether it's money, ideas, intellectual property. It's common courtesy for them to ASK your permission for the use of YOUR pictures etc. I believe big business call it COPYRIGHT! Why, when taken from a 'little person' should it be called anything else.
Debbie is right. Snarky comments are usually a result of jealousy. You've achieved a GREAT look for a minimum fuss and money. WELL DONE YOU! I applaud you.
Theft is theft, whether it be money or intellectual property. I believe big business call it 'breach of copyright'. Why should it be any different in your case. Flattery or no, they should have asked your permission. ALL internet activity requires acknowledgement AND permission for such things so to have it referred to/featured as it was...unethical and inappropriate. Secondly, just because you didn't sell both kidneys and a retina to pay for a brand, spanking new kitchen should not diminish the fantastic look you've achieved at a minimum price. Snarky, as Debbie said, and a result of a jealous person who's just sold both THEIR kidneys for a kitchen reno lol.
ReplyDeleteKeep the faith...Love your work.
I think the Begonia lady obviously is missing the details you added on your wonderful makeover. And even is it was JUST PAINT, it would still be fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI always think people should ask before they use your content which is why I hate pinterest. I recently had a photo pinned that got over 35,000 hits on my blog over 5 days. And I removed the post because of snarky comments.
if they didn't ask... it's STEALING!
ReplyDeleteI would have to tell 'redbegonia' that jealousy isn't very lady-like. Who wouldn't love what you've done to your home? I mean...this isn't a contest to see how much money you can throw at a room and make it beautiful, rather the opposite...so...some people are just 'odd'...:-)
ReplyDeleteBTW...I'd be flattered...angry if they hadn't linked back to your blog...but since they did...I'd be flattered...:-)
**Tami
I agree with others that it would have been polite to let you know/ask your blessing but would be more flattered than offended. We should all send kind thoughts to poor redbegonia--I just tracked back to his/her blog to find ONE follower and ZERO comments this year. Can you say green-eyed monster, boys and girls?
ReplyDeletei don't know what to think. the interweb is full of recyclers. that is why a long time ago i decided to try posting (mostly) all original content on my blog and not a lot of "i find this pretty" posts. i look at lots of blogs that post just eye candy but never comment and never connect with the owners. sites like AT are so popular but i don't feel any connection so rarely look at them. i prefer to follow blogs with bloggers i like and feel like i know.
ReplyDeletethere is a whole class of blogger out there who just wants eye candy - decor porn addicts and there are billions of sites to satisfy them. i prefer a wholesome relationship with my eye candy. i like to go steady.
congrats, but don't spend too much time hanging out with those kids.
; )
It's flattery Steve - and they sometimes do contact you first, but the link back is the crucial thing.
ReplyDeleteIts bloggy courtesy to send an email asking permission but it is a compliment.
ReplyDeleteIf you can improve a room to this degree with some paint and a camera for $347, more fool her! You can't put a price on clever but bitchy is just plain cheap!
ReplyDeleteI think it's fine as long as they link back - I think that's the accepted thing in bloggerland.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a compliment that they used your kitchen (it is wonderful, as far as the nasty comment let it roll off your back! I had one last week, at first I felt offended and then I let it go....Hey, enjoy all of those hits!
ReplyDeleteYour talent is amazing and what you can do with $347 is incredible. At least they linked back to you. Love your response.
ReplyDeleteI think as long as it has a link back you are good. I You will get more traffic and exposure for your blog.That happened to me once while googling images, I found my wallpapered cabinet featured on The Paris Apartment...with a link thankfully!
ReplyDeleteI hate those kind of comment~like momma said, if you don't have anything nice to say...
I don't know what to think. This happened to me with a site called book-mark this recipe. They also provided a link back to my blog. This site is just starting up and I did not receive the traffic on my blog that you did. Strange!!
ReplyDeleteYour comment about the “witch” make me lol! Your loyal fans know that your makeovers are more than ”paint jobs”. You tackle everything with great ingenuity and thoughtfulness. I wonder what Emily Post’s take on websites using other people's material without asking is. Take it as a great complement I guess. They linked your site and that just created more fans that will look forward to your progress.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little surprised that they didn't ask first, but with the amount of stuff they post I guess they think they don't have time? It is a compliment, though. And I agree - I've seen your kitchen many times, but I still find this pic jaw-dropping!
ReplyDeleteKarin/lifeinsmallchunks.blogspot.com
Okay. I would be pissed but that's just me. Why? Because they didn't ask first and you became one of their 'blog posts' without your consent. So a blog like AT garners thousands of followers (and a book deal) by recycling hundreds (seemingly daily) of others' blog posts without their permission and we should all be flattered by the "exposure"? Exposure to the crass and snarky remarks that inevitably show up with big numbers. No thanks. I am thoroughly amazed how many people subscribe to blogs with recycled content as though they are original content. Just because they might send 'traffic" your way doesn't mean they shouldn't have to play by the rules. I much prefer small blogs with original content to blogs who turn into commercial ventures by theft. And your kitchen is awesome, BTW!
ReplyDeletei call it flattery, because they posted a taste of what you offered and then linked to your full coverage.
ReplyDeleteIt's a catch-22 being on AT. It IS flattering that the editors admire your style, however, you're quite lucky it was only redbegonia slagging it off since AT readers are notoriously cruel for no good reason. They NEVER ask permission b/c they are about the high volume of posts-no time for permission I guess?
ReplyDeleteLooks like a win for you, just don't take the haters personally!
eek, this is a tough call. i'm guessing you didn't submit this to them ages ago and they just posted it w/o telling you so...i'd feel a tad taken. yes, AT is "big" but it's not that tough to find a peon to send you a standard "we're featuring you" email.
ReplyDeletedid you happen to subtly ask the poster if you missed some email along the way?
as for the bloody begonia...glad to see that someone gave it right back to her. what's her kitchen look like???
Hmm - well, both - I guess. I mean, it's completely flattering that anyone would think your home was gorgeous - and by 'your' I mean the global 'your' because obviously YOUR personal home is STUNNING! Anyway, when blogs like that - with tons of sponsors - take images without asking, they are cultivating posts by stealing. That's my thought anyway.
ReplyDeleteBut when I mention your blog and show pics, and I stealing? Cause I've got a post with your dining room picture! LOL!
I think it was a nice feature....I call it that because of the link back. Beautiful before and after!
ReplyDeleteI google my blog once and a while to see what pops up. I do think its a bit weird when someone will mention a project or post without letting me know. Kind of how I felt when someone would pin one of my pictures on pinterest...but now I'm pinning too.
Having a link would be their saving grace in my book! What if you had never found out? How could you have been flattered then! lol! I never saw the makeover so I'm glad you had the pictures. Love it!!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
If redbegonia had gone to your site she would have realized that your talent (makeover) is more than paint and pictures.
ReplyDeleteYou are brillant!
I'm chiming in with flattery - they did give you credit and provided the link to your beguiling website. But in a perfect world, they would have asked your permission. (Still, you've been given credit.)
ReplyDeleteI say, Ignore the redbegonia, you know who your friends are! Paint job and a better photo, pshaw, that's just pure hooey.
ReplyDeleteYour kitchen looks great.
Bridgemor
Well I LOVE your makeover! Why? Because I did a $450 "makeover" in our kitchen this spring too. Sure it was mostly paint, but all the other little add-ins are what made it look fresh and new again! And these kind of extremely budget friendly redos make good sense. Why mess up what works just to do something different, right ;-)
ReplyDeleteAgain, I love your new kitchen look! They link back to your site, so people can see all your great work.
I'd say it's flattery!
ReplyDeleteI'd also say it sounds like "redbegonia" is green with envy - meow!
Whoever said it was just a paint job didn't actually notice the new stove, among other things...?!!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous and an inspiration but I do think it wouldn't have hurt to ask if you agree!
Ok so here are my thoughts. What ever we put on the internet is pretty much fair game to any and everyone (unfortunately). Fortunately, they did have the wherewithal to give credit to you and direct folks to your blog. However, they did not have the tact to let you know that they were featuring your wonderful kitchen.
ReplyDeleteNow that said, I think you totally outdid yourself. Your kitchen is absolutely fabulous. By the way...your kitchen was never "hideous".
Paula
ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
I check about 10 design blogs on a daily basis and there's a lot of cannibalism going on, so it doesn't surprise me that someone "sourced" your blog for fresh ideas.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, YOU need to line up advertising so you get paid for your efforts and not someone else. I'm actually surprised you haven't done it by now. Your project is stellar and I can see you being a go-to person for ideas, if not a consultant.
Since when does one have to spend a fortune to do a good make-over? If you can do it for under $400 and it looks this great - go for it. Redbegonia probably sells granite!
ReplyDeleteI have decided that when you put something on the internet it is free game. NO SUCH THING AS CONTROL!
ReplyDeleteBe flattered and move on. Most viewers will love everything you do if they have a brain in their head!
xo Dianne
I think you should be thrilled! I'm thrilled for you! (and jealous)
ReplyDeleteIf Redbegonia didn't think much of your kitchen she should have kept that to herself. How sad she made public her small mindedness.
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful that your kitchen is featured but like others have said it is common sense to ask and notify. To me it just bad manners.
I think your kitchen is lovely, smart and inspiring.
Mary
From Virginia
I stopped looking at AT months ago. The posts are recycled, the commenters are often snarky and/or ill-informed, the advertising is tiresome, and the staff writers have grammar that would embarass a third-grader.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! I love the elegant simplicity of the black and white! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of the commenters. This is flattering for you and you did receive increaased traffic but it would have been nice if they asked first.
ReplyDeleteRedbegonia was a bit rude and clearly did not know what he/she was talking about.
I think the transformation was amazing.
I admire you putting yourself (and others who do) out there at all. I have thought about it-but the judging, oh my! and your kitchen is very pretty :)
ReplyDeleteI know I'm late to the party here, but first I have to say that your kitchen makeover is stunning...It's hard to even imagine that for only $347 you did THIS?! I love the mirror above the sink, the open shelving with just the perfect things on them...the bowl of apples, the plant, the flowers, the window shade...it just makes my heart sing...okay I know, enough. May I just ask, are you against advertising on your blog? Would it be so terrible to make money at this? I'm just asking...don't hate me.
ReplyDeleteI think that it's VERY BAD MANNERS. They should have contacted you prior to using your photos. If you had stated copyright for your images then they might have had to pay you for use! But, yes, it's a compliment - well deserved!
ReplyDeleteHi, it's me - Your honorable defender. :)
ReplyDeleteFirst - I love what you've done. That's worth saying again. Nice work!
It comes as a surprise to me that you didn't know ahead of time you'd be featured on AT. But I guess it shouldn't.. I've noticed that they seem to be more & more surfing the online design world, collecting & reposting links to things found on Pinterest & blogs. In fact, I've found there are a hoard of blogs that do the same thing, click save as, and repost stuff they collect.. I find that annoying.
So while I think it would be totally crazy to find out you're on Apartment Therapy from an anonymous comment, I'm glad they did link back to you. I clicked the link, that's how I gathered my response toward the blind Begonia lady, and why I'm here.
About the feature - I'd be thrilled & excited, but there is some kind of bittersweetness that they are profiting from hits made on your material. I've blogged a long time & never used ads, so my form of payoff would be the exposure, as it seems yours' is this time around. Congrats on that!
Whoa! Where have I been? Congratulations! Yes, it might be nice to ask permission, but I think of Apartment Therapy and the like a sort of index of design -- pointing folks in this direction or that. Your $300 some odd dollars did a world of pretty and good here.
ReplyDeleteCamille
P.S. AT is full of nasty commenting. I wonder if it's one reason they don't ask -- I'm not sure anyone would voluntarily submit to a house tour if they knew the ridicule they'd be submitted to. It's part of the AT culture, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteOh fiddley sticks...there is so much stealing going on in Blogland now...think about Pinterest! I think you should be flattered....and maybe that is just a tiny bit about why we blog...to get noticed? I don't know....but that witch who scoffed at you and said it was just about paint...I would say to her "and your point?"
ReplyDeletewow... such a wonderful makeover and all of the mayhem... people are just jealous... i think it is totally charming and job well done!!! xx
ReplyDeleteAs long as someone talking about you is the only thing that really matters...even if it's bad, at least someone is paying attention....
ReplyDeleteAnd you get 1200 views a day...good job!
I love your kitchen. Its great that they gave you credit. I have seen my staircase on other blogs with NO credit or link...oh well. i got a couple bad comments on our kitchen when it was featured on Hooked on Houses--the good ones make up for it though.
ReplyDeleteAnd your kitchen is a BEAUTIFUL improvement!
Be thankful. I wouldn't have even found your site if it weren't for apartment therapy.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed, thievery is alive and living at Re-nest. But let me quote some forgetten person: "Creativity is being good at hiding where you got your ideas".
ReplyDeleteWhile some are better than others at this trickery you are clearly cited and more people can appreciate your work. Take a bow, even. No, I don't think they should steal your stuff. But they will pick on someone else tomorrow. In the mean time you will continue being "creative" and they will continue stealing.
Relax, it's a big world and there is room for you both. Ann
Be flattered! I would be so excited if my work was featured on Apartment Therapy. Your kitchen looks beautiful. Let the haters hate! I love that you pointed out the $347 cost. My husband and I are always joking that we can remodel anything for $35 because we are always getting ourselves into projects when we have no money!
ReplyDeleteI'm a relatively new blogger ( and yours is awesome BTW) and I read alot of blogs before beginning. I actually stopped reading some blogs because they went on and on about people stealing their whatever. I decided before I began blogging that if you put something on the world wide web you are asking for someone to use it in some way. I think people should ask but if they don't then I'm going to remember that I offered it up in a super public way. That's just my opinion on that but the biggie here is that your reno for 347.00 is one of the best things I've seen and I have restored a hundred year old home so I know that what you accomplished is no small thing and how awesome that so many people jumped over to your site and gleaned a little wisdom from you. I'm not the least bit impressed by a 25,000 or 50,000 dollar reno. Anyone can do great stuff with gobs of money. you share a great talent and hopefully some of the blog visitors got what was important and were betterd by your sharing your taste, talent and good sense!
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying catching up on your blog and am readuing it start to finish. Marcie @madebymolliesmom.blogspot.com
Hi there - I actually found this thread because Apartment Therapy seemed to be re-writing a lot of my content - even to the point of using the exact same verbiage as I do in my articles, and in my frustration I wanted to see if it is happening to other people.
ReplyDeleteIt is lame that they didn't request permission first, but at least they are giving you credit for your work. I have had two articles re-worked and re-posted by Apartment Therapy in the last month - basically taking my ideas and not giving any credit, and my little startup blog would LOVE some of the traffic from linkbacks that they aren't providing.
However, this is the internet, and it's hard to prove plagiarism. It's just incredibly annoying and has turned this long-time Apartment Therapy fan into someone who finds the site pathetic that they have to steal from little underling bloggers.
A makeover's a makeover, redbegonia-bitter-butt, why I aughta..
ReplyDeleteTheoretically, flattering, except for the massively unfrupessional, er, unprofessionalism in neglecting the courtesy to at least LET YOU KNOW??? Gaawd. What IS it with people these days. *sigh*
Since you asked.