A day without blogging...
"What happened to your blog?"
1100+ emails later and a phone that never stopped ringing gave me a very big reminder just how many people read the blog every day. I love my blog too, and I knew over 5,000 of you read it daily... but today, a good portion of my readers were left hanging when they tried to visit their favorite coupon hangout on the web.
So what happened? Quite simply and honestly, I didn't pay the bill for my web account on time and it was deleted. I've had this account for many years, long before I started blogging, and I have been on a 5-year plan which comes up for renewal... every 5 years.
Well, 5 years ago, we were living at a different house with a different email address. And when the bill went out, it was sent both to the old mailing address and the old email address. I didn't receive either. With my incredibly hectic schedule as of late, I wasn't thinking about something that only pops on my radar once every 5 years... I'm living, breathing, teaching, and... believe it or not, at times... sleeping and dreaming of coupons for over 60 hours a week. :) It just slipped through the cracks.
But now the bill is paid, the site is back, and life will go on. Today's deals are late because my day's been crazy, obviously. In the middle of all this, I spent a couple hours today with CBS News filming more footage for their upcoming profile on my classes. And of course, I've been working incessantly to get the blog back up.
And while all that was going on, I received over 1100 emails asking where the blog was. Close to 100 Facebook messages asked the same thing. And most disturbingly, my home phone number rang off the hook today from people who looked me up and CALLED to ask why the blog was not up. Some were pleasant. Others were demanding. Even others insisted I NEEDED to get it up ASAP because "this is the day I like to go to Jewel."
Despite my local, mini-celebrity status... I am still a mom. I am a staff of one. Everything on the blog is run by me alone. And in addition to this, I have the same responsibilities as anyone else. I have business calls to field. I have children who nap. And as the day wore on I grew increasingly upset by the phone ringing over, and over, and over from people I do not know personally expressing their displeasure with ME.
If I spoke to you today and sounded frustrated, it's because I WAS. I am sorry that the blog was down. But I am human. This entire day stemmed from not paying a bill on time because I did not receive it. I realize that many of you depend on my blog, but please remember that I am one person. Demanding I get the blog back up ASAP, while I'm trying to have dinner with my family or get my kids ready for bed did frustrate me a great deal today, especially since in the midst of everything else -- because that's exactly what I've been trying to do all day long - get the blog back up.
Unbelievable
Yes the people who call you at home should be ashamed.
This is also why you should all remember to click the ads on the site and print coupons from here so we can help Jill keep the blog free and make sure it's bills get paid on time so it does not go away again! It was no fun being without you even for one day Jill.
Shame on you people!
Really? People thought it was a wise idea to CALL YOU AT HOME? Are you people insane? Figure it out on your own! I wasn't going to respond to this- but Jill- it mad me so mad for you!!!! You are doing such a great thing for us- I really appreciate the effort you put into this. For those of you who called her house- shame on you!!!!!!! Ok- I'm done- I just had to get that out. Thanks Jill- you rock!!!
Many THANKS!!
I did try to access the site yesterday, and when I found it not working, I figured something in the internet world just wasn't cooperating. It NEVER occured to me to email you, Facebook you, or (gasp!) call you at home! I just want to give you a HUGE thank you for doing all this work for us. After all, before becoming Super Coupon lady, you were a regular ol' stay at home mom like many of us. You have taught us the skills to find these deals, and yet, we still rely on you to tell us about them. You make it SO easy for the rest of us, and you do it all out of the goodness of your heart. I don't know how you find the time! I just want you to know how much I appreciate reading your blog and finding these amazing deals on your FREE website!!! Don't let those demanding, crazy people get you frustrated!
Get a number
Jill, I have a recommendation if anyone call you at home again.
Take their number off the caller I.D. and post to the blog. I'm sure some of your readers who respect your privacy will return the call for you!
Thank you for all you do!
Brandmeier :)
A whoops - slip of the number(s) on the air might do the trick...
YOU NEED AN ASSISTANT!
I'm sorry Jill. Just read this. Didn't know that so many contacted you and called you at home. That's crazy. I am a guilty party of contacting you on FB. I guess I got carried away. I apoligize for being selfish!!! Please Forgive and Thanks for all you do.
Wow! People if your worried
Wow! People if your worried about not getting deals for like a few hours, what if you push Jill to the point where she says she quits. I admit I read all the blogs daily too, but would never bother her at home! I didn't even email her because I figured why waste her time telling me the site is down and will be up soon! She should probably have some sort of banking hours, like she will not respond after 4p and totally off on weekends or something like that! Getting good deals is not an emergency.
I look at everything I try to accomplish in a day (mom/housewife) just like Jill and wonder how in the world does she get anything done!
I'm so sorry people bothered you!!!!
I am new in the past few weeks to you, and also have 2 small ones. I'm sorry people pestered you!!!! We all want to save money, but it isn't life or death if someone has to wait!!!!
I'm just glad you're ok
When I tried to log on yesterday and the site was down, my first concern was that something happened to you or in your life that interfered with the site. I said a little prayer that everything was ok and figured I'd try again today. I can't believe people would have the audacity to call you at home! To email is one thing, that doesn't intrude on your privacy. I wanted you to know that because of your class and this site you have changed my family's life for the better. Money is so tight and you have truly given me a gift helping us to save so much. I apologize for the rudeness of others and hope you know so many of us out there care more about you personally than whether or not this site is up and running. You've chosen to give these classes out of the goodness of your heart to help others live better lives - you are not obligated to do all the work for us (BUT BELIEVE ME I APPRECIATE SO MUCH THAT YOU DO). To bother you at home is horrible and again I'm sorry some people treated you so badly.
Thanks Jill!
First and foremost Jill, thanks for all you do for us and all that you give of yourself to us. This is clearly a passion born to a most bright and driven "mom-trepreneur" in which you have CHOSEN to share with all of us. You have SHARED with all of us, some amazing tips and secrets, teaching us your methodology of super-couponing, giving us all a little more money in a very, very tight and disturbing economy. More that that even, it's a FUN and HAPPY twist on a rather boring weekly task. I like to be happy and have fun! Don't we all? After reading your blog this morning, some people's actions seemed quite out of line and clearly upset you. Understandably so. Your note upset me too. So much so that I felt the need to (on this my first blog - I usually just read, not write) express my sincere gratitude for all you have given us. As a Mom who works and tries to juggle it all, I can see how this must have made you feel pretty sad and overwhelmed. Please remember that there are so very many of us out here that truly APPRECIATE your blogs and seminars every day and would never dream of such rudeness. Thanks Jill!
Thank you!
I am guilty of sending you an e-mail yesterday, too. Only it wasn't sent out of anger, definately sadness! And I didn't send it until I realized others were able to get on and I wasn't. :( .......I am on now! And happy I am, but sorry to hear that you were given such a hard time yesterday!!!!! I think that is horrible! Thank you for all you do!....And scorn to all who think you owe them something!!!
WOW!
I am so glad everything is back up and running! I am so sorry you had such a challenging day with rude people. I so appreciate this site which we all can access for FREE! Thanks for all you do - all you have taught me - and all you save for my family!
Thank you
Again for all you do.I noticed your site was not up.I did post a message on face book "Your site is down,is everything alright?".But I would have never called or even thought to do so.I was more concerned as "What happend to you"then "What happend to the site" really.I am glad you are alright despite the crazy day.I guess I don't know what else to say but thank you again for all you do.
Thank you!
When I logged on yesterday I stopped breathing for a moment when I could not pull up the webpage. Then I realized the site must have crashed or something techno happened and decided to check later in the day. My world did not stop over it like some others may have thought. I just wanted you to know that I and many others totally APPRECIATE all your time and effort that you put into all this. Its very addicting and I love it!
THANK YOU!
Unbelieveable
I can't believe the audacity of some people! I think that most of us wouldn't DREAM of calling you--let alone, DEMANDING that you fix the problem so we can have our deals! I was going through "Jill withdrawal" yesterday but I couldn't imagine adding to your troubles even by emailing you! I am glad the problem is fixed and I am so sorry that you endured the rudeness of some of your OWN followers! Please know that most of us aren't like that!
Facebook
I was one of the facebook messages but mine was pretty pleasant. I enjoyed seeing it though because I couldn't stop laughing at Guy Bauer's pic. I thought it was my computer that just kept redirecting me until I decided to email the people I sent the list to and see if they were getting in there. Half were and half weren't. Anyway I'm glad to see you're back and got everything squared away. I'm also sorry that you had to deal with people who have #2 dirty diaper for brains. And anytime you need some assistance putting those kids down for a nap give me a jingle and I'll send you over a couple of bottles of Old Style. Knocks my little guy right out.
I hope you are joking
I certainly hope that you are joking about giving your little guy Old Style. Small children's livers cannot detoxify alcohol-your little guy may respiratory arrest during his sleep. Not to mention you would deserve a knock on your door from DCFS!
Holy crap
That's insane! I'm so sorry that you had to endure any of that! Please know that most of us greatly appreciate everything you do and would never infringe upon your personal life like that. That's just horrible. I hope tomorrow is a much better day for you!
People just don't get it!
Jill, this is my first post though I read your blogs at least once a day. I am registered for your class in Carol Stream next month I have tried to get in sooner but no luck you are so booked. I just wanted to tell you that I am so glad to have stumbled on your site and am learning so much from your blog. I know many people are busy and appreciate the ease of your blogs to find the deals so fast and convenient. They do not realize the work you have got to be putting in to doing this for us. You have given me and many others control of our money and may God bless you for for this. These people who have disrespected you and your family are clueless and selfish and not to mention lazy. I can not wait to see you in the classroom so I can learn so much more keep up the great job and know in your heart that there are those of out here who really appreciate all you do.
God Bless and See You Soon!
One Word for those people....
Tell them to GOOGLE. They will get their deals...sometimes I do that if I am bored or want to shop around....price check etc. Just google "Jewel Deals 3/1" or "wag Deals 3/1" etc....type the store you want to check with the word Deals then Sundays date and you will find TONS of blogs, websites, etc. with LOTS of deals.
P.S. Good Luck to you when you try to take a vacation. :)
Your Only Human
It's disappointing to know that others would be so disrespectful. You, like many of us, are only human! Quite honestly, after reading your post, I felt like---maybe I am normal! Life is crazy and many of us are spread so thin! I can't imagine adding what you are doing to my list of things to do. I appreciate your efforts!
Wow
I'm sorry to hear that. I saw the message this a.m. and thought something had happened (as it had,) but never would I have thought you'd have responses like you described.
I guess it's true that no good deed goes unpunished.
Anyone that called you today should be banned!
Wow, I just read your comment and can not believe that people are so aweful. It is also a little scarey that they can't make it through the day with out the deal of the week. I to read your site almost everyday but have outside responsibilities that do not involve getting deals. Sorry Jill, it should not be cost of your local fame! I love your site and blogs but would never, ever asume you owed me or anyone else anything!!! As for calling your home -- that is outrageous!
Thanks for all the great work you do.
GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wish I could relate to you just how much you are appreciated. It is very disturbing to me that people could be that way to a person such as you. I especially feel for you as a mom. You are doing it all and your family comes first. I am glad you continue to stand up for yourself and let others know that. I hope that you are able to slow your schedule down and establish a game plan that allows you to enjoy your job that has become far too demanding. Thank you for all you do, but those of us that understand where you are coming from, would understand that you need to take some "you" and "family" time.
Wow! That makes me sick to my
Wow! That makes me sick to my stomach to read. Have a glass of wine, some chocolates and call it a night! It's terrible that you've been treated that way.
I have to agree with the
I have to agree with the above posters. I am horrified by the sense of entitlement people have regarding the information you freely and enthusiastically provide us each week. There was no reason people had to have the info yesterday, and why not pick up the paper and figure them out yourself!?!
Right!
Isn't the point of this to be self sufficient??
Yes :)
Thanks everyone for your kind words.
As I said above, I guess I never quite grasped just HOW popular this site is until yesterday. And I appreciate all of the comments, and of course understand why so many emails and messages were sent. The phonecalls were what upset me the most, as yes, my site is free to use -- and I was stunned that people would take the time to look me up, call me at home, and complain about something FREE being off-line temporarily.
But Kristin's post is spot on... my classes and blog are tools. There are many paths to get to the goal of saving on your groceries, and you can take many different routes to get there. Many of us shop at Jewel. Others like Dominick's or Meijer. Some people use Grocery Game or Coupon Mom lists to help them shop. Others do their matchups right out of the fliers with Coupon Tom. However you do it, I've tried to teach everybody how to find a method that best suits them. I've long liked that adage about giving a man to fish, and he eats for day... teach him to fish, and he eats for a lifetime.
I spend a good portion of every week teaching hundreds of people to fish. If I've done a good job, having the blog offline for a day didn't affect your ability to shop too terribly. Missing the chatter on the forums and the deals being posted... I completely understand. And again, I appreciate the messages from everyone who sincerely wondered if I was okay (I am! :)
But along the way, don't forget to keep learning how to "fish" on your own too :)
Entitlement ...
Jill, as should be the common reply here, I offer my condolences for your terrible Monday experience.
Unfortunately, there are people who seem to think that something offered to them for free is something they're entitled to perpetually receive.
It's interesting to me that people availed themselves of the resources necessary to track you down, yet they lacked the most simple resource found at the top corner of your "downed" website, which stated (and I paraphrase): "this domain expired on 02/24/09" ... thus people might have logically realized that your site's domain merely needed to be renewed, or that something went awry with your hosting service. I decided that I'd just check back today, and if it was still not here, I'd make my returns to the site a once-a-day thing until your site was back.
In the meantime, I was fully capable of seeing the $5 Catalina deal at Jewel on the $20 worth of P&G/PepsiCo products, and all by my lonesome I went to Jewel and scored myself a big 12 pack of Bounty paper towels, along with one box of Rice-A-Roni (which I had never before tried), and reached just beyond the $20 mark, and received my $5 Catalina (not to mention the $5 savings off the Bounty and $.66 off the Rice-A-Roni by using the Preferred Card). And immediately after that transaction, I emptied the reminder of my grocery crate, which had 4 boxes of the 40ct. Tampax (sorry, to much information?), again going just beyond the $20 mark, and received another $5 Catalina.
It's amazing ... isn't it?!?!?
I did that all by myself!!!!!
It's too bad that every one of us can't do the same.
Jill, thanks for everything!!
Hopefully, you can find a tiny smidgen of solace knowing that there's at least one person who doesn't need your blog as if breathing would cease without it.
Again, thank you for everything.