I started writing this post a week ago. . . then I stopped!
Sometimes when bad things happen to you. . . you just need to stop. . . take time to reflect, consider and contemplate.
This is my sad tale of the naughty little blogger.
First I have to take you back to (here) in October when I released my first ever eBook – The Creative Mumpreneur. My 100 page, nine months in the making book that was released to coincide with the 20th anniversary of my business – Woodberry Designs. It’s 20 years of business experience all rolled in to a how-to book on getting a creative business up and running; including everything from researching your product to business basics and all the legal kerfuffle, through to all the fun stuff like branding, logos, advertising, selling and networking.
I was thrilled when my friends and followers got behind me. . . they read, reviewed, purchased and promoted my book. All of you lovely ladies are simply amazing!! Thank you.
This is where the naughty little blogger comes into the story. We’ll call her a ‘mega blogger’ on account of her many thousands of followers. She was someone that I greatly admired and followed. I was so chuffed when she wanted to be an affiliate for my book that I sent her a copy to read. . . but instead of signing up as an affiliate the naughty little blogger wrote her own book several weeks later. . . a book that. . .well. . . it shared alarming similarities. [sigh]
I confronted the naughty little blogger who at first denied having read my book and then proclaimed she was in desperate need of money and did what she needed to do to create an income. . . sooooooo, I wished her great success for her new eBook – clearly this naughty little bloggers need for money is greater than my own to have such little honour or integrity!!
I suppose to the naughty little blogger I’m just a minion. . . a nobody in blogland with a small band of followers who lives on a different continent far, far away. No real threat!
So thus began a week of emotional turmoil, where at my lowest point. . . I seriously considered closing my business and my blog for good (what was the point). . .
. . .then the craziest of moments fuelled by pink bubbly when I thought it would be hilarious and kind of ironic to join the naughty little bloggers affiliate program for her eBook (seriously, that is kind of funny). . .
THEN. . . the magical moment when my posse of staunch supporters got behind me and lifted me back up. You were all there when I really needed you . . thank you ladies from the bottom of my heart!
Sometimes life sucks and while this really hurts and infuriates me, it’s not the end of the world.
A meeting of the ‘Bored Housewives Club’, (a tongue-in-cheek name for the very talented and close knit group of creative ladies I belong to) was held and aptly put everything back in perspective. In the midst of great frivolity and merriment (and lots of bubbles) I laughed till I cried, guffawed and chuckled and perhaps. . . maybe. . . even a tinkle in the panties episode!! Oh where would we be without our beautiful friends!
So before I sign off on this unfortunate episode. . . here’s one last shameless plug ~
If you want to read the ‘bestest’ ever how-to book on running a creative business, check out MY eBook,
For this weekend only it will be available here for just $10 – that’s a whopping 50% off!
Oh what the heck. . . let’s go all out. . .
If you want to become an affiliate and link up to my book, earning yourself a 30% commission (that’s $6 for each book sold) it’s super easy and costs you nothing. . . just read this.
Righto then. . . got that off my chest. . . so now let’s get back to the joy and merriment of Christmas,
Hugs ~ Kerry
misteejay says
Oh Kerryanne, what can I say other than I think I would have been using terms a lot stronger than ‘naughty little blogger’ – the sheer cheek of the…NLB
I’m so glad you had your close crafty friends on hand to support you – nothing better than a few bubbles and a lot of laughter.
We wouldn’t have let you go you know – what would Christmas be without you.
Here’s to the bestest ‘mumpreneur’ there is.
Hugs
Toni xx
Anna Rosa Designs says
Hi Kerryanne,
Great Post and so compossed when you’ve been kicked in the guts like that.
I know what a great book it is and all the homework you did to come up with such a fabulous book.
I truly believe in Karma and the naughty little blogger will get whats coming to her!
Creative hugs,
Anna
Fiona says
I’m sorry to hear that happened ….. sounds like you are well above it all… good on you Kerryanne
Hugz
shez says
What a horrible person,sad that that is the only way she thought of making money was to steal some-one elses idea.
I love the saying Karma is a bitch and she has no option but to experience Karma some where down the track,wouldnt want to be her.
You have held your head high and have shown the person you are Kerry,success will be yours in many ways.Here is to sellings lots and lots of book,good luck Kerry and may the force be with you.
Linda Lilly Cottage says
Hi gorgeous Kerryanne, that naughty little blogger, in fact all naughty little bloggers that have no integrity or honor will no doubt have some unbelievable Karma coming their way I am sure.
I am so glad you didn’t pack up your kit bag and close down your amazing blog…what hope would there be for the rest of us?!
I am also extremely glad there were good friends and bubbles on hand to bounce your spirits back up and that your Aussie spirit returned!!!
I adore you and your blog and am off now to promote the pants off your amazing book.
Kiss Noises Linda
stefanie says
you are really just tooo sweet, you should of just said her name!!! shame on her!!!
sandie says
How sad that the poor little “naughty blogger” obviously can’t produce an original idea of her own. She has to copy the work of some-one who has proved herself by years of hard work to be “one of the best” at what she does. You can be proud of yourself Kerryanne, you have handled this unfortunate situation far better than most. May you be blessed with many more successes in your life.
Kelsey says
That is awful!! What goes around comes around though! You know what they say about karma – it is the ‘b’ word.
I really admire the way you have handled the entire thing though – something to be proud of. My husband and I have some ‘friends’ and everything we do they seem to do right after us. It is a little different but can be SO irritating and you just want to say – ‘can’t you come up with your own ideas!?!’
-Keep your chin up girly!
Kelsey
toni xxx says
I’m so sorry that this has happened to you Kerryanne. There are a LOT of naughty little bloggers out there at the moment, a lot, and they don’t care about copyright or anything else for that matter. It is something that has driven me to almost giving up several times. Keep laughing it’s the only way to win :o>>> toni xxx
Stitchin' time says
The cheek of some people! It is sad that they don’t have their own original ideas though and usually ‘copies’ aren’t as good as originals.
Now that I have my computer back and have sorted out how to ‘drive’ most of the new stuff on it I’ll grab a copy of your e-book and try to work out the linking and things to the affiliate program.
Cheers,
Robyn
Michelle says
I agree with everyone else… you have shown you are the better person!!! And you would have been missed terribly by all of us :O) I have just ordered a copy and am looking forward to sitting down with a cuppa and a good read… Thank you sew much for all the effort you are putting into ‘Simply Christmas’ I know a lot of work must go on behind the scene…
Sweet Blessings
Michelle
Anne says
I know I’m a new blogger to your blog, but had to tell you I am totally shocked that someone would do this, I believe just as the comments say, about Karma. It will come back to bite her! I also wanted to say I admire your strength and persistence in not allowing one person to destroy your dreams. And I know, as I have one terrific loyal friend, you are blessed to have your close friends who are there to support you. All the best to you, and I agree, on with your wonderful Christmas blogging. It will help!! 🙂
ANNIE says
That is a really low act to do to you Kerryanne. People take advantage of the nice people.I am glad also that you didn’t close up your business,you are a very talented lady. I enjoy seeing what you make and reading your blogs. Hugs to you. :o)
De says
What a horrible thing to happen! Ive just placed an order – something I have been meaning to do for a while now but never got around to it.
Rona Gregory says
Kerry I am new to your blog and had no idea this had happened to you. To have your idea cloned and passed off by someone else is one thing but to have been pinched from under your nose in such an underhand way was just despicable. BUT I applaud the way you have handled the situation and you have risen above it.
Now go change those tinkly panties…upwards and onwards my girl! wishing you every success with your book and I am very glad you didn’t shut down your blog (or your business)!
((hugs)) Ro xx
ArtfulLee Designed says
Well said Kerryanne.
I add my ‘gladness’ when you decided to keep going. Your integrity and moral codes means that you will outlast that ‘naughty little blogger’ and she will fall flat on the seat of her pants. Nothing good comes from selling out on your morals.
Without you I was losing my Christmas spirit so lets keep on keeping on with the festive season. I will have a glass of bubbly for you tonight as I put up my tree.
Lee:)
Carol says
sorry to hear about the copy cat thing that
happened, glad you did not close every thing
as I love to follow your blog and your things are so lovely.
Anne-Lise at Rag, Tag, Bobtail says
What a horrible thing for you! So glad you are keeping up your work and blog.
Big hugs!
Julies Knit and Sew Corner says
It is sad that people like this do not take a moment to think, when they do something as horrid as this. What this blogger stole is about another persons hard work that they treasure in life, and were kind enough to share with us. I can understand Kerryanne how sick you must have felt, I too would have been near to giving it up, sooo glad you did not. Your lovely work still shines on. best wishes Julie.C xx
Mirevan says
It’s very sad to hear that ! In France also we have very naughty blogger. Money money…. they can do anything for money !!!!
Be positive, I’sure she’ll have a bad return.
Thinking of you (I had a bad story too with identity usurpation,2 years ago, but I’m still on ….)
Mirevan from Chambéry
http://www.mirevan.canalblog.com
Lady Pamela says
I don’t know what to say to make you feel better. But I do know that you DID the right thing. You carried on, you forgave, you allowed your friends to help heal the hurts. I am so proud of you. Give yourself a HUG from me.
*Hugs*
Just this... Alice says
On the pretense of befriending you, Ms. Cyber thief left her conscience out there with all the other trash in outer space. You are by far the better person in this situation. I wasn’t following your blog when it happened yet I am experiencing feelings of fury toward Ms. Cyber Thief. As bad as I need money for Christmas, I would never stoop to that level. I’ll keep my dignity in check compared to her. BTW as a new subscriber, I am enjoying your blog and appreciate all the hard work you go to to present it to us.
Lori says
I am sorry for your terrible experience, but the naughty thief is the real loser here…nothing good can come of her deceitfulness. I joined your affiliate program and I know that you will be blessed.
Tracee says
You my friend are truly an inspiration to be held. I so do admire you for the way you are handling this awful situation. All I can say is-Watch out to all the thousands of people who are following this Naughty Little Blogger because if this is the way The NLB operates not one of their ideas is safe.
Katrina says
I was upset to read this post. I like to think well of people,sigh, and sometimes they can be so disappointing. I have just bought a copy of your e-books, not because I feel sorry for you, but because I am interested in the idea and would also like to show you support. I have only been blogging for two months and am not sure about beginning an e-business but have been thinking about it. I am glad you’ve had a chance to recover from this difficult episode with good friends, laughter and good grace. I truly believe how we conduct ourselves creates our karma (or positive life flow) and you have done yourself a great service by being able to see beyond the negative. Best wishes for your future.
Peg - Happy In Quilting says
Oh Kerryanne……gee, not sure what to say after that…I am shaking my head, I am just so sorry this has all happened to you….the book is amazing…you should be so very proud of it…I love the copy that you so kindly sent to me…big hugs coming your way…
Annette says
Kerryanne! First of all I just ordered your book. 2. Thank GOD you did not quit because of ONE LOUSY person. 3. Maybe you can see that now, YOUR 20 years of business experience, AN AMAZING ARTIST, all your work – just never quit. Its Okay if you chose to stop but not because of that experience of that lady. What would you have advised your child or children? You are greatly admired and are extremely giving. I’m new to your blog I came here to say “Thank you Kerry, you have no idea how much your Holiday planner 2011 has helped me!” LOL… You are truly wonderful. As I type this I’m constantly deleting because I have to much to say. Kerry – I’m proud of you for not throwing in the towel. You are blessed and you will be even more successful because of your talent and gracefulness of rising above obstacles.
Mandy says
Just remember Kerryanne, what goes around, comes around! What a wonderful example you are.
Kirsty, New Zealand says
yay for you being stronger than she is … happy to become an affiliate for you my dear 🙂
Smoochy Kiss says
I think you are truly inspiring Mrs Woodberry. You have risen above this poop-head and are soaring through the clouds of success. You are a champion.
Christy says
Hi Kerry,
Hope you don’t let that experience with naughty little blogger put out your creative fire. I know you’ll be blessed with more gifts and abundance.
Have a great day!
kelly says
Hi Kerryanne, It’s sad to hear about your recent experience with “The naughty blogger” I don’t think that there would be many bloggers that would have your 20 years of experience. I can imagine it would be very heartbreaking to be let down by someone you trusted and admired. I am happy that you have decided to continue.
Kelly
bubbachenille says
I am sorry to hear of these recent dispicable events ( albeit a bit late ! ) and want you to know I am happy to promote your book and wouldn’t dream of being renumerated if any sold from me linking on facebook. keep on keeping on !
Miriam
fleurcottage says
aww…some people just SUCK! but in the end YOU’RE the winner & SHE’S the loser! love your spirit & i know you’ll be rewarded!
Mirevan says
I love your cushions
Mirevan from Chambéry
http://www.mirevan.canalblog.com
sisbabestitches says
Congratulations on writing this post beautifully, and thank you for sharing. I am so glad you did not give up based on this bad experience. You may never know of the many you touch and inspire with your integrity, creativity and generosity, that is the point of going on. Being out there always makes a significant difference to someone, whether you know it or not.
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Chipper says
That is awful! It is so sad that there are people like that around. I only found your blog recently and have been enjoying it very much. You wrote this post very politely (I wonder how many times you rewrote parts LOL). I don’t have any spare cash so I am not able to buy your book but I wish you all the best with it.
Have a wonderful Christmas 🙂
Rita says
i am sorry this happened to you! i wish i knew who this ‘naughty little blogger’ was so i could avoid any dealings with her, especially her blog. gratefully, time heals all wounds, and i’m sure you will come out on top — with poise and dignity all in tact!
Rita says
i am sorry this happened to you! i wish i knew who this ‘naughty little blogger’ was so i could avoid any dealings with her, especially her blog. gratefully, time heals all wounds, and i’m sure you will come out on top — with poise and dignity all in tact!
Jenny of Elefantz says
Hi Kerryanne,
We’ve never spoken but I hear your heart loud and clear. Bless you dear girl for remembering just how important you are, and how unimportant that naughty blogger is over the huge plan of your life.
Just today I have been at a place where I was ready to close my blog and my business. I’ve a promise to mysel never to react immediately. Wait till morning, have a cry, a good Belgian chocky or three…and then see if the darkness still covers the sun.
Sending you hugs,
Jenny
xx
Sunnybec says
How sad that she felt so desperate for money that she had to resort to this. You are far richer in spirit and kindness that she will ever be, I really hope I am not a follower of the N.L.B. Hugs Linda
MosaicMagpie says
I am visiting as a result of reading Jenny of Elefantz’s newsletter. I am sorry this has happened to you. To work so hard, spend your time and effort on a book and have someone just take it! You have shown us there is more than one way to be victorious. Congratulations on choosing the high road and setting an example.
Deb
Cath Ü says
I have just been sent a link to you blog to read about this. It is sad that there are people out there that take delight in doing things like this.. we all know one or two of these people. I am glad you have decided to keep on blogging and I am about to become a follower.
Cath Ü