Comments on: Old dogs and new tricks

By: Trish @ Another Piece of the Puzzle

Trish @ Another Piece of the Puzzle — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:02:46 +0000

When I attended a health fair (with all adult attendees) with some Early Intervention workers, I learned that the best chance we had of people actually looking at and picking up info on childhood developmental delays was to avoid eye contact and only speak when spoken to.

By contrast, the fairs with children were easy because you could have some fun activity to draw them in and give the parents some basic info (plus slyly handing more detailed info to the parents whose children you thought may need some assessment).

I’m way off topic here, I guess, but I would be interested in watching the woman who was working. If I had to approach the table, I would choose the two who were turned towards each other because they didn’t seem to need my attention or interest as much as the others.

By: Tanya Savko

Tanya Savko — Tue, 12 May 2009 05:46:04 +0000

Fabulous drawings! And as nice as I’m sure those ladies must be, as an introvert I’d be much more comfortable at your table!

By: Leanne

Leanne — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:43:07 +0000

I have to remind myself to make eye contact. I’m the type of person who can be having a conversation while staring up at the clouds or watching people walking by. I would definately approach the person doing her crafty thing than the firing squad in the first drawing. And, as usual, your drawings make me smile.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:16:36 +0000

More of your intelligent insights, Maddy! This old dog loves coming here to learn at your crafty paws.

See where Michelle and I used the same word – insight? Great minds think alike, eh, Michelle?

By: Childlife

Childlife — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:02:16 +0000

I do believe you’re a crafter (minus the over-kill eye-contact) and don’t even know it Very insightful post, Maddy.

You know, I’m a fan of eye contact, but there are times when it’s appropriate and times when it’s over the top. Eye contact when we’re engaged in conversation, yes. Direct un-relenting eye contact just because we happen to be in the same vicinity, no. I’d be hanging out at your booth and scooting past the crafter welcome committee panel

Happy MMM, Maddy — love your doodles as always!

~Michelle @ 5MFSN

By: Heidi @ ggip

Heidi @ ggip — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:48:07 +0000

I didn’t realize that “crafting” and sidewalk sales were american.

I like sidewalk sales. It is easier to browse different items without having to struggle to get the stroller into each store. I think that if I didn’t like someone’s particular craft I would just comment on something else such as the weather or slowness/business of foot traffic or something like that.

By: HAMMER

HAMMER — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:20:10 +0000

I like sidewalk sales. I grew up going to them with my grandmother who was also into crafting things. I’m sure it can be intimidating putting your items out there and having to face customers and competitors head on.

By: Sandi

Sandi — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:01:28 +0000

Love your drawings!

My preference is the “absorbed with their work” person. I feel so uncomfortable being watched over while I browse, being forced to chit-chat and feeling guilty if I don’t purchase anything. I’ll go out of my way to avoid craft booths when the seller is sitting and staring…no matter how friendly they are. I also avoid retail stores where the sales staff is instructed to swoop down on shopper’s the minute they walk in the door!

By: Jazz

Jazz — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:27:29 +0000

I don’t necessarily have problems with the eye contact thing – though sometimes it just feels wrong. But I much prefer the “absorbed in her bowl” person than the firing squad at the table.

Why? She just seems more comfortable to be with.

And by the way,I really like your drawings.