opinions

The First Rule of Beauty School

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The first rule of beauty school—in the middle ages, when I attended—never speak of three things to your client, religion, politics, or sex. Yes, that last one was ignored, a lot, but the others remained taboo long after I graduated.

All of these are hot-button, polarizing topics that could make or break your career. I’ve seen it happen in action. You could give a client the best experience of their life in your chair, but because of what you said behind it, they won’t be back. Not only will then not be back, they’ll tell their friends. And your tip will probably end up as a white chocolate mocha in your client’s hand, instead of yours.

I’m not talking censorship here, I’m talking commonsense.

Each and every one of us knows these topics can and will cause discussions that will possibly lead to offense. You have every right to ‘your’ beliefs and the right to speak ‘your’ mind. Picking the opportune moment to do so is the key. If you are put into such a situation, there are polite ways to maneuver a conversation away from these topics, use them.

I believe this rule to also be true for myself as a writer. I stay away from hot-button topics on purpose. Maybe because of my past training, maybe because I get tired of the non-discussion of others. My job as a writer is to entertain my readers, not press my views onto others, or condemn them because they don’t agree. Be truthful, do you as readers really care about my views on any of the above? Didn’t think so.

In this age of preached tolerance, I find it very difficult to tolerate others who are of the opinion their way is the only way. In this age of anti-bullying, I find it appalling to see how those with strong views push their ideas onto others, without considering their thoughts or feelings.

There is no compromise and never will be until we learn to have discussions. True discussions, where everyone is allowed to explain their views, look for ways in which they intersect, and can work together. Until that day comes, I’ll try and stick to the first rule of beauty school.

Any Moron Can Run A Hair Dryer

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The Des Moines Register’s latest editorial, ‘Why require a license to run a hair dryer?’ is another in a long list of things that chafe my ass. Yes, I know it’s an opinion piece, but I’m entitled to my opinion on the subject too.

I’m quite passionate when it comes to cosmetology. Yes, there are a lot of things wrong with the industry, but there are a lot of things right too. I could go on and on about the execution of services and how I think changes in State Board testing have failed, but that’s not the point of this post.

Licensing is my concern, something the Register keeps tossing around without doing a bit of research behind why we are licensed. They keep pushing that 2100 hours is a ridiculous amount of time. Tell me, is an unpaid internship any different than on the floor training of students in beauty school? Personally, I think the fail is in what and how they are being trained, not the length of time. I’m proud that I have those hours behind me. All that practice helped me understand how to treat clients and run a salon properly.

I’m not debating that any moron can run a hair dryer—although, with all the warning tags they stick on them, it could be questioned—but have they thought about the other tools involved? Brushes, combs, irons, hell, even your fingers, or the chair the client sits in. All of those things need to be cleaned and sanitized. Does the average Joe know the procedure for dealing with a client with lice? How about other scalp issues? Would they know what to look for, or when to deny service because of a possible contagion?

As for blow dry bar, franchise owners—this goes for any business—do your damn research. It’s not like it’s a secret that the state requires licensing for several professions. Lots of states do. If you are starting something that requires a license you should know before opening your business. Oh, I’m sorry; I forgot common sense is passé.

In no way is enforcing proper procedure stopping small businesses from opening. These procedures are set in place to protect not only the public, but also stylists. These are not ‘job-killing licensing laws.’ Unless you’re practicing illegally.

I worked hard for that little slip of paper and am proud to hold the title of cosmetologist. In my opinion, this whole discussion devalues the profession.

Opinions Are Like…

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There seems to be a flood of posts on self-publishing vs. traditional publishing vs. hybrid, e-publishing vs. print, and us vs. them.

First off, I do not intentionally search out these posts—I’m too busy working—friends have steered me toward them, thinking they would interest me.  They are all interesting, to a point.

I refuse to get riled by them, because they are all opinion pieces. Must I remind you of the old saying, opinions are like a-holes, everyone has one, and they all stink? Don’t bother telling me in the comments, on Facebook, twitter, or by email that mine do too. I’m well aware there are others who find the scent less than pleasing.

I’m not saying my opinions don’t stink, to someone, somewhere. What I am saying is that everyone has the right to choose whatever scent they please. You also have the right to step away from headache inducing perfume purveyors. There is no law that says you have to respond.

Online it’s easy, close the window, shut down the computer, whatever it takes. If you’re having a discussion face to face, it’s a little harder. I would hope those in the discussion would be adult enough to conduct it in a reasonable, respectful manner, but that’s not always the case. There’s a statement I use to avoid being sucked into arguments with people who don’t understand the concept of a discussion. (It’s also appropriate when you had a meaningful discussion with someone who understands the concept. Don’t you love multi-taskers?) I’m glad we can agree to disagree. It works. For the most part. There will always be those who will chase you down and spray whatever they’re pushing all over you.

Do not think you have the right to spritz others just because you can. I don’t care if you think you’re pushing Chanel, I don’t want it sprayed all over me.  I already have my own N°5 on.  Just as we all have the right to our opinions; no one has the right to push their opinion on others.

That said, I’m on the path I’ve chosen. I know the risks involved. I know it takes a small army to back me up, and the resourcefulness to do it right. I’m not fooled by all the online chatter, or hucksters promising I’ll make millions. I do what I do, because I enjoy it, even the bumps in the road. There have been many, and every problem has been of my making in some way, shape or form. There is no blaming someone else, when I should have triple checked. All of it is up to me. It’s my path and for now I’ll continue the journey.

It may not be the right path for you, and that’s fine. You need to do what’s best for you.

 

Readin’, Writin’ and Reviewin’

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The following ramble is my opinion, hopefully we can agree to disagree.

There’s been a bit of chatter on the interwebs about writers and reviewing.

There are those out there who don’t trust reviews by writers. I can understand. There’s the whole peer pressure thing, If I give so and so a bad review, will they trash me just because I ripped on their baby? I don’t think of my stories as babies. I’ve always thought that was a silly correlation. I write my fluff and put it out there hoping someone will enjoy it, if they don’t, no biggie. I don’t have the need to protect them, they stand on their own, or they fall. That’s life. Not everyone is going to like every book.

There are those who think every shinning review done by an author is because we are friends. Nope, not always the case. Sure, I’ve written reviews for friends and acquaintances, but I’ve also written them for people who don’t know I exist.

There are those who have a problem with traded reviews. For those that don’t know what that is, it’s when two authors send each other their work in exchange for a review. Yes, I’ve done this and probably will continue to do so, if and when I have time. I always make it clear I don’t give five star ratings, and I will be honest with my thoughts on the work. I expect the other author to do the same, the honest part at least; they can rate books however they see fit. Personally, I don’t trust five stars, in my mind that means it’s perfect, and I don’t believe anything is perfect. I also try and remember to mention the book was given to me in the review. If I forget, I’m sorry. I’m nowhere near five stars.

There are those who believe in what’s been labeled professional courtesy. From what I’ve seen, it’s a fancy way of saying, I won’t trash your book, because I’m a fellow author. To me professional courtesy is I won’t trash YOU, but I will be honest about what I think of your book.

I believe writers are readers. They have as much right to review a book as other readers as long as the review is fair. By fair, I mean, don’t sugar coat it because you’re afraid of backlash, or trash it just because you can. Be honest, tell readers what you liked and didn’t like.

I’m trying to keep the posts short and sweet, but feel the need to say, there is no room for personal attacks by readers, reviewers, or authors. I know some people live for drama, but I get enough in my make believe worlds, I don’t need it in real life. There’s always the possibility this topic may come up in a future post.