Afterthoughts
It took me a while to decide how I feel about the article in Ma'ariv. I think I have it down now, and there are some things I feel the need to say.
I was really excited to know that I was going to be in an article in such a large and wide-spread publication. But when I first read the article, I was horrified. I wasn't expecting to be portrayed that way. Then, a couple of friends of mine who read it convinced me that it is a great article and I was just being overly-sensitive because it is about me. I agreed with that for a while, but then I couldn't fall alseep last night. I lay awake, tossing and turning, and thinking about the not-necessarily-positive impression I was about to leave on so many people, acquaintances and strangers, who were going to read it. Bottom line - it's in print now, and there's nothing I can really do about it.
When I agreed to do the article, I did it because I thought I had an interesting and inspirational story to tell. It was never about the publicity - frankly, I really don't need it. I am not trying to be arrogant, but if you've been following my work you're probably aware that my beads sell pretty quickly - as it is, there is no way I could possibly meet the demand.
I was thinking of all the people out there who feel the way I did - like they are "stuck" in a boring job, when they would really rather be doing something else with their lives. I have always believed that most people are capable of succeeding at whatever they really want to succeed at, no matter how imaginary or far-out it may sound - in most cases, all it takes is a strong will and some guts. I thought, if I could inspire just one or two people to make a drastic change in their lives and do something they've been dreaming of - that would be an amazing accomplishment. But, to my dismay, the fact that the article begins and ends with "she is a nutcase" does not make it sound very inspiring. Who would want to live like the crazy loner who is, apparently, so full of hatred and rage at the world? Ma'ariv got their gossip. Most people who read the article probably think that when I'm not making beads I'm busy hunting for prey and polishing my axe collection (I guess it's a good thing I don't go out much). So, generally speaking, I am extremely disappointed. Looking back, if I knew it was going to be this way, I probably never would have agreed to do the interview in the first place.
The small inaccuracies in the article seem like petty things. To most people it won't make a difference, but to people I've known or worked with in the past, it will sound as if I'm a liar, or worse - someone who takes credit for things they didn't actually do. I think that is horrible. I would never, never ever take undeserved credit for anything - never. And I can't go back now and tell that to all those people. The small bits of gossip in the last paragraph (which I feel was totally unnecessary, irrelevant and not related to anything) have offended some people whom I had no intention to offend.
In general, I think I am a happy person. I love my life, I love what I do and how I do it, and most of the time, I feel extremely fortunate. I like being different. And I do hope that some people out there find that inspiring. I would love for that to be my contribution to the world, along with my peculiar little glass objects. I am not an angry person. I am not bitter. I do not harbor feelings of hatred towards humanity (though I am not too fond of the ones who work at newspapers at the moment). Why do I always have to feel like I need to explain to people that I'm not crazy? And, possibly more importantly, why do I even give a damn? I don't know. I guess that's just who I am.
Many of my friends, in real life (yes, I do have some of those!) and online, have been extremely supportive and I can't tell you how much that means to me. You all know who you are - thanks so much for all your kind words and for telling me that the huge photo of me looking like I'm about to jump off a bridge while jabbing myself in the eye with a focal bead isn't really that bad.
And now, since it's all in print, and like I said - there's nothing I can do about it any more, I am going to try my best to focus on the good aspects of all of this, and hope that something better comes from it... who knows.
Thanks for reading this.
Sarah, my boss who is pretty famous has always refused to talk to the press, and that is precisely why. 95% of the time, the press will get "it" wrong because all they want to do is move copy. Ultimately, your (and my boss') work will speak for itself. You are incredibly talented and no matter what appears on print your work shines through. Keep your chin, and your wonderful work, up.
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Hi Gabriel,
Sounds like your boss knows what he's talking about. I wish I was smarter a few weeks ago.
Thanks so much for the compliments and the support.
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Sarah, this post won't be as long as the one I wrote yesterday... I promise
Things in life happen because there is always a good reason hiding somewhere. This is a short story I want to share with you... After reading the article yesterday, I sent an e-mail to my kids and husband with your page's link because I wanted to introduce you to them and share with them your life experience and positive example of being able to get hold of yourself and giving your life a "U turn". Believe it or not you were sitting with us at our dining room table for lunch today; my kids brought up your name and we started commenting on your experience. Cristián, who is entering university this year and is 17 years old, said he believed the world would be a much happier place to live in if there were more "Sarahs" wandering around. Felipe, 15 and still in school, said he would like to get to know you and if I could invite you over to our place someday.
How about that? There you are!
As far as I am concerned Sarah, I only believe half of what the press says... I dont buy magazines... there is too much gossiping and bad intention for my taste going on! I totally agree with your friend Gabriel.
Your work is remarkably beautiful, and it will keep on getting better, I have no doubts about that; with press or without press. Don't let this get you down, its not worth it! Let's turn the page, shall we? Draw a big smile on your face, go grab your torch and switch your engine to the ON position. There's people waiting out there.
All my love
PS: Damn! Came out long anyway!
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Hi again Valerie,
thanks so much for sharing this with me - I wish I actually was at your lunch table with you, it sounds like you have a wonderful family. Your kids are sweet and I would love to meet them someday - tell them thanks from me! And you are pretty sweet yourself.
I am hoping most people are like you and they realize a lot of it is gossip - hard to tell though.
You are right about turning the page - that sounds like a wonderful idea.
What the world needs is LESS PAPER, MORE GLASS!!!
Thanks again, my dear. I love reading you comments.
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You're a nut case, I am a nut case, lets celebrate!
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Hi Kathrin!
You said it very well. I wish I'd thought about all this before I gave the interview, but... oh well.
I love your work, by the way. I like how you do "your own thing" - it's very refreshing.
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Sarah, I experienced once the consequences of an interview to a journalist. It is never accurate and sometimes it might take the wrong direction. I will never do it again. There are two many examples like yours and mine. I believe that there should be a law that forces journalists to let their interviewed persons read the article before releasing to press, with the privilege to either correct points or add comments at the end.
Don't cry over spilled milk. Many people are waiting for you to make them smile.
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Yeah, there should totally be a law like that. It doesn't make sense that people can just write whatever they want about you... it's a good thing we're living in a time where there is a thing called the internet though - so at least you can talk back and hope for some kind of "damage control".
*sigh*
I am feeling a bit better though, after the initial shock.
Thanks!
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Sarah,
Anyone who has had dealings with the press knows that what comes out of your mouth can be wildly different by the time it hits the printed page (or the TV screen, or whatever). Many reporters have a story idea in mind before they interview someone, then they take what's been said and do their best to make it fit the story they were going to write all along. Others may come into the interview with an open mind, but then they can latch onto some odd edge of the conversation and blow it all way out of proportion. Either way, the end result is a more 'dramatic' story but isn't necessarily a reflection of reality.
I'm sorry for your upset, truly. But speaking as one who is a marketing professional, if I can offer a bit of advice -- don't swear off the press forever due to this incident. Learn from the incident and move, on, definitely, but there's a reason why the saying goes "it doesn't matter if the publicity is good or bad, so long as they spell my name right."
And on another note -- there is nothing at all wrong with being an introvert. I married one of them -- his favorite place to be is in front of his computer screen. Sometimes I hate his computer and call it 'his mistress' but I also realize that his love of computers has made him the man he is.
Best,
Rachel
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Hi Rachel!
Yeah, you are probably right... at least they spelled my name right.
If I ever do anything like this again (and that's a big IF), I will be VERY careful.
I know there's nothing wrong with being an introvert! That's why I don't like that the article makes it sound like there is. During the interview, I was trying to make exactly the opposite point - like, this is how I am, and I like my life. I guess I did get the point across to at least a few of the readers, and at this point, whoever doesn't get it - well - that's their problem.
Thanks!
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dearest sarah!
thankyou for your contribution to the world. please don't worry about the article, afterall your work has so much beauty in it ,and nothing and nobody can harm this fact. I WAS HAPPY to learn about you and probably so many others.
thanks again!!!
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Hi Eran, Thanks for saying that.
Glad you enjoyed the article.
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Hey Sarah, I havent spoken with you for years, and I don't really read here regulary, nor did I read the article, But I remember you like a good and creative person, and not like someone who's full with hatred. When you read a story in the news that's close to you, you're always suprised to see how much it differs from the reality, only then you can understand how much the media is biased.
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Hi Nir (I'm wondering which Nir you are, I know a few... Z.?)
Thanks so much for the character testimony.
I WISH someone had told me all of this before I did the interview. Oh well.
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Yeah, you only live once, and yes, its Z.
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Hey dear.
Nice hearing from you.
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Hi Sarah,
I got the distinct impression from this article that the writer was there to do a piece on 'internet business' and how it is changing the face of society for good or bad. He angled for the good and there was plenty (congratulations) and he angled on the bad to try and show what an insightful balanced reporter he is (sarcastic tone). You were used I think. I am disappointed for you in that respect, but if you can let it just wash off you, at the end of the day it's publicity and recognition.
I like the photo, it is arty and mysterious/enigmatic.
By the way, you are one of my late found inspirations. I too came from a web design background and also can't bear the thought of doing that anymore, but I left it joyfully for a different job and a year ago discovered beadmaking. I would LOVE to do it full time like you but I'm not ready to take that plunge yet. Just honing my skills and exploring different areas of focus without the stress of having to make money out of it to pay bills! Plus I don't known how you can part with them
Your sense of colour and design are extraordinary, there's noone like you - I have seen a couple of pale imitators, but you're the real deal. I have bid for your work without success thus far but I hope to own one of your luscious beads some day. Go Sarah!
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Hi Georgie, I think I was used too, and it's hard to say if it's the writer's fault or if the editor decided to "spice it up" later. I guess probably both are to blame.
But I am feeling better now - the "initial shock" is slowly wearing off.
Thanks so much for saying so many nice things!
Isn't beadmaking the BEST?
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Sarah, I don't know what is exactly in the article but let me tell you, you responded to my first email when I raved about your beads. I was shocked that someone of your ability would even take the time to email a little lampworker like me. So, if you are considered a "nutcase" in this article, than I want to be one too!!! take care kelly in niceville florida
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Hi Kelly, Thanks for saying that!
I like your website - your work is beautiful!
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I also found out the hard way that you can never trust a journalist to portray you accurately or even quote you correctly. There must be a special place in hell for journalists... I'm sorry you were hurt. Hugs to you.
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*sigh*
You're probably right.
Thanks!
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hi Sarah
I want to remind you, that the way you look at your self is diferent from th e way people see you from outside. I for instance, did not read all the plastic details that were in the article, I was facinated from your glass, and capture only the essential deatails to get to know your work, a work of a grate artist that you are.
yafa
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Thanks so much Yafa, I hope most people read the article like you did.
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Hi Sara,
I am just a stranger who would never be here if that slandered article hadn’t been published…
I never knew you, your story or your work (which is indeed extraordinarily beautiful) before I read the article.
For me – that article was a great optimistic empowering inspiration, and having read all your reservations hasn’t changed that.
For me – that article is exactly what you wanted it to be, and I am grateful for the opportunity I had to read it. The inaccuracies you mention did not change the inspirational value of your story. I didn’t get the feeling that you are “a nutcase”. Maybe a bit secluded, but most artists have that tendency, so it’s all expected…
I am really sorry that the publication and the exposure charged such a high price of your peace of mind.
But I think it is crucial that voices such as yours are publicly heard.
It is crucial that creative independent thinking people will know that there is an alternative to the mental slavery of the conventional employment conditions we are adapting.
I would have written more, but I miss my Hebrew…
Please note that this article has served it’s purpose in spite everything.
And thank you for your inspiration.
Tali
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Hi Tali,
Thanks so much for saying that - it means a lot, especially coming from a stranger.
I'm glad you saw the positive in the article.
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Hi Sarah,
I know this is an old thread but perhaps it can help you now and in the future. In England we buy our local cuisine (fish and chips) and traditionally it comes in an news paper wrapping. Our saying is "todays news, tomorrows fish and chips".
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