From: "Gerrilynne Hoskin - Cleaver" <avid@sympatico.ca> To: "deco list" <balloondeco@balloonhq.com> Subject: Snow White, Octopus, and special requests.... Date: Fri, 19 May 2000 22:57:48 -0400 Hello While researching the Balloon Industry before deciding on jumping in with both feet, I came across several different mediums of information. I have ordered expensive books, magazine subscriptions, videos & newsletters. I've paid enormous exchange rates, shipping and handling, and customs fees. I've traveled hours to volunteer for three separate Balloon Decorators to gain experience, and traveled hours to take to expensive classes. My first choice for information is Balloon HQ! Where I first begin my research on a job. When I don't find it in the archives, I ASK. I have learned a great deal Reading the daily postings and searching the archives. I think my "blanket request" comes more from inexperience rather than lack of creativity. Each day I learn more and more how to handle the Question "how much are your balloons?" Developing a spiel on how great & long lasting balloons can be, what can be done and what a great impact the designs will have. It gets easier doesn't it? I hope so! I admit I panic when that phone call comes in on a theme or request for decor that I know nothing about! I turn to Balloon HQ, for the information I need on Balloon decorating questions. In reference to my post.... For the record... www.snowwhite.com looks like somebody bought the domain name hoping Disney would want it & they could cash in on it! And www.disney.com would be happy to sell me 2378 Snow White themed items such as snow globes, bath towels, & charm bracelets. Of course, I checked my catalogues for Snow White Balloons. Several licensed balloons are not available in Canada. Finding out who manufactures Snow White Balloons would be the first step in finding a Canadian distributor of them if there is one. Listing ideas we have already come up with is an excellent idea. I will do so in future posts when I request information / ideas. I think its a great idea to request that people offer more details (budget, indoor / outdoor, length of time it will be up , etc) to their posts when requesting some ideas, however it may limit the ideas generated that could exist in the archives for future reference. A blanket request is an invitation to design the perfect party with out space, weather conditions and budget limitations! Now that's in the "Kick' in Ideas Around" Department. I use Melanie's suggestion each time I begin a proposal on an event. Write a list of everything you can think of that relates to the events theme. It's an excellent way to begin. It works when your familiar with the theme. If your not familiar with the theme, I suggest utilizing Balloon HQ!! There is no I in Team, there is no "1" in OUR JOINT Creative TEAM, "Happy to offer information when I can, GRATEFUL when I receive it" Gerrilynne Hoskin - Cleaver Belle Balloons Belleville, Ontario, Canada -----Original Message----- Sent: Friday, May 19, 2000 8:17 PM To: balloondeco@balloonhq.com Subject: A special request....and special requests.... Hi All! I have a concern..... Please don't get me wrong..... I love helping and being helped by others on this list..... But I've noticed a little trend...... There seems to more and more blanket requests for decor ideas....... Kind of like I and many others are the creative designers and then others go out and sell it.......which is cool too and I personally don't mind most of the time; but it seems many of the same people seem to be making these blanket decor requests? The thing that is concerning me is that it almost SEEMS as though some folks out their requesting help aren't even taking ANY time to generate some ideas of their own or do the research....rent the video.....check the book out from the library.....search the net etc...you get the picture. I think my concern is just filtering up to the surface in that SOME requesters while they may have a few ideas on their own don't even list what they have thought of or do others even the courtesy of laying out what it is specifically they need help with......ie. centerpieces, photo back drop, entrance, stage etc. One of the great things I have always LOVED about participating is that we are all the very best at what we do and true we are all at varying levels but I would personally love to brainstorm and kick ideas around even more frequently if I felt the requesters were also participating in the process.......does that make since? We all get blocks and total confusion and brain drain and zone to the creativity ozone; though if we put a little structure into are requests I believe (at least I hope) we would ALL see EVEN MORE participation in the "Kick'in Ideas Around"Department... I could be way off base here maybe many many folks are doing some research and generating some ideas before they request help and if that's the case I ask that you list your ideas and thoughts so that WE TOO can ALL PROFIT from each of the theme/design topics that we discuss..... So let's see some stretching of those creative muscles here....it's the only way to build them up.....no one can possibly archive every design topic but if we use this great forum to build our own creative capabilities WE ALL should be able to most often find at least a design starting place on our own....and then move into this wonderful forum and really "KICK IT AROUND" NOW THAT WILL BE SOME BRAINSTORMING! That's my concern......what do you all think? Please no flames......... We Keep'Em Flying High o~ Melanie Binkley, CBA o~ o~ Applause! Applause! Balloon Decor & Event Design Torrance, CA USA