Long Distance Relationships are more common than ever today, Internet dating being a norm rather than exception. But, meeting someone on-line (in town, or out of it) demands additional care and caution, while being careful not to obliterate spontaneity, romance, and excitement.

LDRs necessitate extra skills, resources (emotional and financial), and commitment. They can also push connections to new places prematurely, but unavoidably.  Later, things, usually, calm down and routines form.

Additional and unfamiliar efforts can be taxing, but also fun. Thinking of the "destination," as well as the "journey," enhances purpose—"happy endings" making everything worthwhile.  If you’ve not risked, you might not have tried.  Lost dreams can get reinvented, and what hasn’t happened locally may elsewhere.

Both parties need to work hard in their own unique, as well as more expected, ways to help keep things afloat—have the other person trust, feel secure, excited, and adored—consistently.  This helps build confidence in, as well as beyond, the relationship. Communication and equal effort are key, but without behaviors that are obsessive, compulsive, or unreasonable (or that can be perceived as such) especially if individuals don’t know each other well, initially.

It might seem like the fast-forward button has been hit.  But, sometimes, that’s the only way.  Better to find out sooner than later if there’s "quirks in the works."  Who calls, who doesn’t, who writes, who doesn’t, all become significant in one way or another:  show degree of interest/caring, potential for sacrifice, and willingness to make trade-offs, until routines fall into place.  

How much is shared and how much is allowed to remain a mystery also effect outcome. Planning (short and long-range), and a willingness to do so together, is important.  Looking forward to the next face-to-face encounter matters, and preparing for that, as well as time apart.  Rigidity may need to yield to out-of-the-ordinary behaviors, especially since life can be short.  And, of course, there’s little space for "shy."

Travel to the other’s space if you can.  Get their perspective on the world, not just your own.  Many people like their personal "safe places" and prefer not to explore another’s.  But, it’s all part of the getting-to-know you process.  Taking chances, not prejudging, and visits in both directions.

Not everyone is up for doing things "out of the box."  But, those who can, may find the rewards worth it.  What’s a better alternative? To sit home alone, no special other to focus on?  Long-distance doesn’t last forever.  Ultimately, things work out or they don’t. Somebody moves, and/or somebody doesn’t.  Long distance provides opportunities that in-town ho-hum might not. It involves risk and chance and a stretching of the imagination, as well as a loss of control and certainty.

Long-distance can have advantages that at-home relationships don’t. There’s more time and ways to talk, question, and check-in.  It can also record a story.  Words, thoughts, and feelings get a chance to be aired and translated from afar, as well as face-to-face.  Most important, the essential transition from "me-" to "we-" thinking gets activated early, if things are healthy.  Reciprocity shines!  Though individuals may bask in separate worlds, they also recognize the power and glow that opportunities to "give and take," with someone else, can prompt.  

As Aimee Mann sings, "One is the loneliest number." But, never get into a relationship just for the sake of it…  Go for gain, not pain!

THIS BLOG’S EARLIER RELATIONSHIP-RELATED POSTS INCLUDE:

• R-E-S-P-E-C-T  Respect Revisited (May 7, 2009)
• Strategies to Help Minimize "UID," or Under-Identification Discomfort: Surviving Solo on Family Day in Ontairo (February 16, 2009)
• Second-Hand Stress:  Breaking-Up and Making-Up, "Frienemies," and Used-to-be-Friend" Types (November 16, 2008)
• Reliability, Vulnerabllity, Fear (October 8, 2008)
• GUILT(Y) Verdict for OJ Simpson, and/or Others… (October 7, 2008)
• Mixed Messages and Contradictions (September 29, 2008)
• Relationships that Work, No Communication-Glitches:  Mazal Tov to Ellen and Portia on Their August 16, 08 Wedding (August 29, 2008)
• Airport News Stands: Jennifer Aniston, "Straggler Single":  Uncommon Attention, Common Problems. (Poetry about ating and Related Blog Entry Links Included) (August 22, 2008)
• PLAY NICE—Near and Far! (John Edwards too…) (August 13, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• Single Because, Just Single, or (Im)Perfectly Single: Unscientific Findings (April 13, 2008)
• In Anticipation of VALENTINE’S DAY, Singles Included (February 13, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (February 1, 2008)
• RELATIONSHIP “Uppers” and “Downers” (January 29, 2008)
• Dating Games and Disappointments, On- and Off-Line: Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker Helps Identify Obstacles to Relationship-Making (January 25, 2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 2007)
• SINGLES Who Don’t Want to STAY SINGLE and "SINGLES’ BUSINESSES" (July 31, 2007)
• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)
• ABUSE Checklists (May 26, 2007)
• TRUTH Matters (May 8, 2007)
• Make Things CLEAR—Avoid MISUNDERSTANDINGS (April 17, 2007)
• Handle with CARE—IDENTIFY, EXPOSE, and GET HELP for Those Who Can Do Harm (like at Virginia Tech) (April 17, 2007)
• A “NO” REPLY is Better than NO REPLY (April 13, 2007)
• REJECTION Protection (February 25, 2007)
• Notes on a Scandal: Single and Living Vicariously (February 7, 2007)
• Single Woman Syndrome (SWS) (January 30, 2007)
• BAD DATE indicators (January 22, 2007)
• SINGLE and Not Settling (December 29, 2006)
• TIME is Precious (December 15, 2006)
• Dating Know-How—For Serious Daters (December 4, 2006)

Last week, I had the privilege of being at the launch party for a new company in Boston. Artaic, housed in the Marine Industrial Park, was given a cheque for $50,000, and a lot of encouragement and applause.  

Mayor Thomas Menino and John F. Palmieri, Director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, told how Create Boston can help turn new business dreams into realities, for those engaged in the arts and technology.
 

Mayor Menino, stressing that his administration “cherishes creative expressions,” commented that Artaic is the kind of business they wish to have in Boston. He also announced:  “If you have a (creative) business that wants to relocate, contact us.” The $50,000 is more than just a business loan: a lot of services, advantages, and connections come with it.

In this image, from right to left:  Dr. Ted Acworth (Artaic), Director John F. Palmieri (Boston Redevelopment Authority), Mayor Thomas Menino (Boston).

Dr. Ted Acworth, Founder and CEO of Artaic, expressed sincere thanks to his team, and declared:  “We’re here to stay, and to cover the city wall to wall with beautiful mosaics.”

The City of Boston’s commitment to supporting the “creative class,” in efforts to rebuild and/or reinvent the local economy sets a terrific example.  No wonder Boston tops many a top 10 list for creative types!

We switched to PetCare Insurance in 2000, when seeking a provider that could cover claims in the US as well as Canada. But, is pet insurance really worth it?  Do you ever get back what you pay with ceilings on illness categories?  And, the older your dog, the higher the deductible, no matter his/her claim record!  Then there’s the "small print" and "exemptions" and "exceptions" as well as "specials." 

You need to be bold and ask in order to receive a "discount" because charges can vary.  When I questioned an increase in monthly premiums (for 2008) for each of my dogs, a customer care representative responded by offering a 15% reduction for us to stay with their program.  We became "eligible for discounts," it seemed, only when making a fuss, not automatically.

For Sage’s urogenital illness in February (08) the bill was $591.32, for which we received $381.39. The co-payment was $59.03 and the deductible $150!

A typical "Mastercare" (90% coverage) policy for a toy poodle (when we were enrolled) broke down like this:

Payplan fee:  $1.50 monthly
Premium: $49.35 monthly (including discount)
Taxes:  $3.95 monthly
Total: $54.80

Is insurance like this really worth it at the end of the day?  Perhaps creating a personal bank account, strictly kept as a monthly pet security fund, to be drawn from only for veterinary emergencies, is a better option. A growing number of pet owners prefer to do this—especially those who have encountered vets who don’t show extra care and attention in filling out clients’ claim forms. Let’s not forget that these professionals will get paid anyway, no matter the source for the funds.

Fall 2008, we terminated our PetCare policies. Unfortunately, as is often the case, we felt that "might over right" was wearing us out. Regardless of whether PetCare’s practices were questionable, there seemed little effective recourse, even after approaching the ombudsman and other insurance industry overseers. An earlier blog entry, Older Dogs’ Healthwatch, points to where some of our woes began. Vets, it seems, can perform multiple investigations/suggest alternative (potential) diagnoses when not sure what’s wrong, maximizing fee, procedure, and treatment possibilities. An insurance company, it seems, can easily deny all other (unrelated) charges, just by finding one that can attach to a condition category that’s not "covered."

Even though more than a year has gone by, we still have not forgotten the pain, anguish, and loss caused by our investment in PetCare policies. Bad enough to have a sick pet. Worse to be with an insurance company that, in our experience, seemed to help add stress (and expense), not take it away.

Lev and Sage are now nearly 13 and 10 years old, respectively—hopefully with many more good times ahead. Here’s a look back at some of our already blogged about adventures (photos included):

• It’s a Dog’s Life:  Editors in Chief and Studio Assistants, Lev and Sage, Took a Bit of Time Off, at the Cape, August Long Weekend (June 7, 2009)
• Yes, We Did—And We Made the News! (June 9, 2009)
• Exchanging Vows, With Poetry At Woofstock Wedding—Today. Lev and Sage Are the Happy Bride and Groom (June 7, 2009)
• Woofstock’s Weddings for Dogs—Today! (June 7, 2009)
• Wedding Announcement! A Later in Life Marriage for Older Woman, Younger Man, and It’s Dog-Friendly (May 28, 2009)
• 12 Years-Old Today—Lev Makin, Editor-in-Chief, DocSusan’s Blog. From Puppy to Pensioner! (February 5, 2009)
• Winter Fashion and Practicality for Dogs (February 7, 09)
• Paraphimosis: Little Penis, Big Swelling and Extrusion from the Prepuce—Sage’s Health Saga Continues (February 4, 2009)
• Dog-Shots by Lev and Sage Makin: Some of the Best Poses of 2008 (February 2, 2009)
• “The Sneeze”: Lev Makin (Blog Editor in Chief) Post Oral Surgery—Older Dog, Longer Recovery and Greater Concern (January 14, 2009)
• Sew Nice! Homemade as Tonic and Treasure (January 9, 2009)
• Lessons from 2008: Canine Confidence and Coincidence Cure (January 1, 2009)
• Home for the Holidays! Sick Puppy Alert: When Two Dogs are Better than One. (December 25, 2008)
• Homemade Dog Food: Synchronicity, Health, Quality (November 22, 2008)
• 48-Hours of Caring for Sick and Elderly. Sage Makin, Little Wonder-Dog’s Recovery in Images (November 10, 2008)
• One to One at Apple: Customer Satisfaction and Doggies Included (July 26, 2008)
• Older Dogs’ Health Watch (July 10, 2008)
• Favorite Dog Toy is a Duck (June 8, 2008)
• Artists Need Moral Support—and Caninekind Offers the Best (May 5, 2008)
• Artwork Approval: Animalkind like Animal Magic! (April 15, 2008)
• Every Art Studio Needs a Watch-Dog (April 10, 2008)
• Veterinary Emergencies (April 2, 2008)
• Sunbathing DOGS (March 12, 2008)
• “Happy Birthday!” Editor-in-Chief and Studio Assistant, Lev (February 5, 2008)
• Always a Puppy, Never a Dog (August 23, 2007)
• ART STUDIO Assistants and Poodle Pals (April 1, 2007)
• DOG-Sitter Caution (January 21, 2007)
• PUPPY (Baby) Pictures (December 22, 2006)
• CAPE COD in Fall/Winter (November 6, 2006)

On BBC radio last Sunday morning, I caught the end of a commentary. The gist was that social networks are transforming culture into a cacophony where everyone’s talking and no one’s listening.  Hmmm… 

Many of us have to be on-line every day. Or, do we really? This summer, I didn’t expect not to post on my blog for nearly two months (June - August). It just happened. Had I planned this in advance, I would have worried and weighed pros and cons.  Because I didn’t I couldn’t. Did I miss not being there?  Not especially. Did anyone else miss me not being there?  I doubt it…  Am I glad to be back to feeling the digital draw and roar/obligation. I’m not sure…  I know I’m fighting it, unconsciously, if not consciously.

Time spent in the real world in real time has greater significance.  However, it is too easy to be caught up with what most everyone else seems to be doing (or feeling obligated to do), even when it’s not entirely comfortable personally. Websites, blogging, Facebook, Twitter, we didn’t grow up with them.  Now, my blog posts, since the spontaneous summer break, will be less abundant. Nothing wrong with that! Cliché as it might sound, less is usually more.

A Wall Street Journal Article, right on time, also from last weekend, explains what’s been swirling in my head. The article is by John Freeman and entitled, Not So Fast:  Sending and receiving at breakneck speed can make life queasy; a manifesto for slow communication.

 

We have been on a "summer break" of sorts, but still working day and night. Please see Twitter (http://twitter.com/DocSusan) for current updates when the posts here are less frequent. A completely revised/new-look DocSusan website will be appearing mid-to-late fall. Thank you for your patience, and enjoy what’s left of summer, when and how ever you can.

p.s. A hint of some of what is to come is in this blueberry image (photo taken from the small bush in my garden).  Please check out Nancy O’Mallon’s new About Blueberries website to learn more about this wonder-fruit.

 

Having spent this past weekend in Boston, where summer doesn’t seem to have broken yet, many folks were complaining.  Sometimes, mood is set by what is going on (or not) in our lives. Other times, the weather doesn’t help.  We can hit a wall.  Be conscious of and sensitive to others’ states. You don’t always know how someone else might really be feeling. Small kindnesses can help in big ways.  (Small kindnesses include:  a smile, a phone call, a coffee, an errand, being reliable, keeping a plan.)

THE WALL

No it’s not a place on Facebook
It’s real and raw

When the body and mind have had enough
When the going gets tough
When everything feels rough

When bed is the only place to be
Can’t move
Can’t think
Can’t anything

Some know that place better than others

Not a place that you go by choice
Or for attention

Not something that’s discussed or planned

If you’ve not been there
Harder to understand

This is an interesting process for me.  Still evolving!

Since starting to tweet (about 6 weeks ago), I haven’t been making as many blog posts. While (my) blog posts take a while to compose, the tweets are (relatively) spontaneous and instantaneous. 

Addressing or commenting on immediate issues seems to have been made easy:  maybe one of the reasons Twitter has become so popular.  Also, in the "quick-fix society" in which we live, Tweeting seems to pull ahead by attracting all types of folk—writers and bloggers or not, and the famous, as well as the not-so.  Personal and technical resources needed are limited.  And, of course, it’s free!

What do my Tweets of the last few days reveal?

A quick look at my Tweets from the last few days is pasted below (as a list). If you add groups of them together, mini-stories and/or messages emerge. Others are one-off comments or responses to what others may have said—simply ways to connect back or respond. 

1.  A caution re. vets in Toronto and options:  who to see and who to avoid.
2.  A caution re. small dog illnesses and symptoms, like blocked anal glands.
3.  Thanks to those who have retweeted what I have had to say.
4.  Thanks to those who have recommended me/what I’ve had to say.
5.  Quotes and insights re. life and happenings.
6.  Responses to celebrities.

Actual Tweets

•  Thanks for the RT re. #Vets about 1 hour ago from web in reply to @Looking4God
   
•  Thanks Jilly for the rec and interesting info! about 1 hour ago from web in reply to @JillyWisdom
   
•  Not all #vets are pet-sensitive. #Toronto now has alternatives to VEC, also available 24 hours. Rec Downtown Vet Church Street for Sundays about 1 hour ago from web
   
•  Small dogs need quick attention when something is wrong. Decline is fast. Don’t listen 2 vets you don’t trust. B safe. Go elsewhere + push about 1 hour ago from web
   
•  Rough night with Sage post surgery. Toronto VEC vet intern had told us 2 c regular vet tomorrow. Thankfully we didn’t. Went to Downtown vet! about 1 hour ago from web
   
•  Once may be a mistake. Twice, you’re not certain what’s happening. Three times is a pattern. Now you know with whom you’re dealing. Caution! about 10 hours ago from web
   
•  Sandals = Most innovative product at Woofstock sold by http://doggieq.com Don’t damage dog’s toenails and protect from hot sidewalks $15 about 11 hours ago from web
   
• @melissagrelo VEC (Vet Emergency) needs to b better represented+more dog friendly if they plan to be there. Interesting stories to tell! about 11 hours ago from web in reply to melissagrelo
   
•  The more expensive the brand the smaller the number sizes on the labels:-) about 11 hours ago from web in reply to @SherriEShepherd
   
•  Blue skies and a sunny day in Toronto—and it’s the weekend. Finally a hint of summer in the air! Seize the moment and enjoy:-) 7:20 AM Jun 13th from web
   
•  Hard work doesn’t always bring rewards externally, but feeling good inside is worth a whole lot more—knowing that your tried and never lied 7:16 AM Jun 13th from web
   
•  Growing ego may lead 2 shrinking heart. The quicker the fix, the greater the expectation—and disappointment:-) 7:08 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @JillyWisdom
   
•  And the more you put yourself out there, the more you have to be prepared for what might come back at you:-) 7:04 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @JillyWisdom
   
•  #Canada, shame on you for selling #asbestos to #developing countries, like #India. Thx #CBC for drawing attention to this today on the news 6:59 AM Jun 13th from web
   
•  @hashsocial Thanks for sharing:-) 6:49 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @hashsocial
   
•  @DocSarah Thanks for sharing:-) 6:48 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @DocSarah
   
•  #quote: Those who don’t have the courage to reply say more about themselves and their own inadequacies than they do about you and yours:-) 6:47 AM Jun 13th from web
   
• @aplusk Reading what others have to say is more important than saying what doesn’t need to be said:-) 4:42 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @aplusk
   
• #Facebook name: Susan.R.Makin 4:37 AM Jun 13th from web

• @DocSarah and acceptance that no matter how hard you try, others may pull ahead, without trying 4:35 AM Jun 13th from web in reply to @DocSarah

The image at the top of this post is my current Twitter Wallpaper, one of my paintings, 18 x 18 in, oil on canvas.

RESPECT is one of the "Three Rs": Respect, Reciprocity, Replies.  For more details about the two others, please see earlier blog posts (listed below) that have been highlighted in bold.

Back to basics:  showing respect for others

1. Arrive on time.
2. Listen with interest and focus.
3. Follow up on and stick to what’s been planned or discussed.
4. Give a  “please,”  “thank you,”  “sorry,” without prompt.
5. Show that we all matter equally, regardless of position.
6. Put yourself in the other’s shoes: value and acknowledge their effort.
7. Be prepared in advance, and present on the spot:  don’t waste anyone else’s time or energy.
8. Offer compensation or alternatives when/if things go wrong.
9. Don’t let your cell phone interrupt or take over.
10. Check self-importance at the door.

It’s surprising when (and where) there’s a need to point out “basics.”  Sadly, those in positions of the greatest authority may show the least consideration.  Expectations of them can lead to disappointments, and disappointments may be justified. The only “higher-ups” that deserve RESPECT are the ones who are able to give it.  In a world, and an economy, where anything can happen, being able to get back to basics helps us know (not just feel) what might be right and/or wrong.

How do you confirm you’ve not been respected?  

1. If 5 or more items on the ten-point list (above) appear to have been ignored, intentionally or not.  
2. If you have a stress response later, like IFS (Instant Fatigue Syndrome)

IFS (Instant Fatigue Syndrome)

Fatigue seems to come from nowhere.  One minute you were fine. The next, you feel drained.  Stress can do this!  A feeling of powerlessness and disappointment take over, and nothing (not even the kind words of those who understand) appears able to lift your spirits or energy.  

To go with the fatigue or not?  Sometimes you don’t have a choice.  Being able to sleep things off is a luxury and necessity. Dragging yourself around in pain (without gain) can often make things worse.  Take the time out that you need to regroup, and know better for next time, that no else has the power to drain your essential energies, hopes, and inspiration.  You are weren’t problem!  They were…  Let this be an isolated experience and learning opportunity…

Too polite, or awkward, to let it be known how you feel?

You are not alone!  Most of us would have a similar reaction.  If we were to speak up, we might not be heard anyway. So, what would be the point?  No one likes to be criticized, and complaints often fall on deaf ears.  No wonder there’s so much glumness around!  Fight glumness by moving on. When it’s clear that another can’t show you the respect you’re due, step back and away.  But, don’t be silent about what occurred, indefinitely.  Help make sure that no one else be unnecessarily upset in the same way.  “Forewarned is forearmed,” or so it’s said.

Earlier respect-related Blog Posts include:

• Relationship Watch: Don’t Know What to Do? Do Something! Doing (and Thinking) Differently in 2009 (January 18, 2009)
• New Year’s Resolutions for 2009: Forgiveness Tops Many a List (December 30, 2008)
• Reflections on “The Season of Giving”: Who Cares? Doers, Takers, Nosey-Pokes, Nothingers (December 28, 2008)
• Veterans Day and SHARING (November 11, 2008)
• Secondhand Stress: Breaking-Up and Making-Up, “Frienemies,” and “Used-to-be-Friend” Types (November 16, 2008)
• MANIPULATION (August 9, 2008)
• No “PLEASE,” No “THANK-YOU,” No HAPPY (May 30, 2008)
• RECIPROCITY (February 8, 2008)
• CONFIDENCE (Februrary 1,2008)
• DEPRESSION ALERT! and Heath Ledger’s Unfortunate Death (January 24, 2008)
• GIVING: Give to Give (September 5, 2007)
• Keep Your Word (July 25, 2007)
• The COURAGE to Speak Up—Use POETRY (July 10, 2007)
• “A” and “B” List FRIENDS (July 8, 2007)
• COMPARISON-MAKING, ENVY, JEALOUSY (June 23, 2007)
• ABUSE Checklists (May 26, 2007)
• TRUTH Matters (May 8, 2007)
• Make Things CLEAR—Avoid MISUNDERSTANDINGS (April 17, 2007)
• A “NO” REPLY is Better than NO REPLY (April 13, 2007)
• REJECTION Protection (February 25, 2007)
• TIME is Precious (December 15, 2006)
• FRIENDS Help Friends (December 7, 2006)

It’s nice for artists to think their artwork could have been noticed. But, as many learn, it’s better not to be fooled by e-solicitations. These may be to join on-line sites (seeking to sell or rep artwork), to participate in off-line shows or competitions (with hefty submission or registration fees) or to sign up with agents and representatives (who offer unusual promises or take high commissions).  At the end of the day, it’s those making the requests who appear to profit most (through fee collection or resulting development opportunities for themselves). 

Requests for participation or membership have gone from monthly to weekly to daily.  From business managers in India to awards in Germany, to artist-specific social-networking sites, it’s astonishing how many "opportunities" can arrive in an artist’s website in-box.  There’s the shows and organizations that have clever "personalized" letters, designed to make recipients feel special. There’s also the form e-mails that are cc’d from “unknown senders” to “unknown domains.”  Below, you’ll find a variety of examples (in random order). 

Please click on the links to try and determine which could lead to more costs (financial and emotional) than benefits (professional and income-wise):

• Who Is in Visual Art
• (Solo) Be Discovered (International Art Expo, New York)  
• Art Expo, Montreal 
• PooL Art Fair, Miami
• Chris Braken ("art dealer")
• Art Hamptons
• Premier Gallery
• World Art Media and Picks NY Arts Magazine
• My Artspace.com competitions
• Palm Award 
• The Artist Project, Toronto
• DiscoveredArtists.com
• Gallery Gora, Montreal
• ModernPainters:  The Artist’s Studio
• Balaark Overseas, New Dehli
• Amsterdam Whitney Gallery

One way to find out if something isn’t a good idea for follow-up is to do a Google search.  Put the key words "scam" and "scams artists" in front of or after suspicious and/or unknown contacts or groups.  Almost instantaneously, you can learn of others’ experiences (and cautions). I did this for the Amsterdam Whitney Gallery (listed above) and discovered relevant postings on a CAN page (Contemporarly Art Network). Also, when I searched Chris Braken (listed above, as well) I found a very useful page on the aristsspace.org site dedicated to listing individual scam artists’ e-mail addresses.

As for shows and organizers that you’d like to hope could (have) be(en) more reliable, still proceed with caution. As indicated elsewhere on this blog, I never did receive receipts from Toronto Art Expo, despite numerous reminder e-mails and phone calls to its organizer, Mr. Peter Maguire. The Florence Biennale (07) and the Artist’s Project (Chicago, 08) also had some financial and organizational suprises (and disappointments).  Interesting to note that the 09 Artist Project (Chicago) was canceled.

Participants who have had a negative experience the first time around are unlikely to want to sign up again.  The same applies to membership of fee-paying artist support organizations, like Visual Arts Ontario and CARFAC Ontario.  If you feel you’ve been given inaccurate or misleading information by them, or they can’t answer fundamental questions appropriately (while still charging for services) where’s the benefit?  Interestingly, CARFAC recently did a phone survey to help them better understand (ex)members’ perspectives.  An outside agency called to find out what might have been discouraging…  After answering honestly, I heard no more—from the outside agency, or CARFAC.

For earlier blog posts about art business and/or show concerns, as well as other (unexpected) art world disappointments, please see: 

• Art Shows: Business Priorities Versus Exhibitor Satisfaction (July 23, 2008)

• March 5, 09, Art Events in Toronto, Invitation Reminder: Portrait Society of Canada’s Annual Juried Show, Opening Reception Tomorrow Night. Please Join Us! (March 4, 2009)

• Art Gallery of Ontario’s Short-Falls. Blaming Recession is Easy, Reaching Back to Local Artists Isn’t. “Massive Party” Might Not Help Solve Massive Problem (March 20, 2009)

On a more positive note, a (US) organization that helps artists as well as the community at large, is The Art Connection.  Artists can’t go wrong by becoming donors through them! Their initiative has now spread to New York and Washington D.C., with LA following soon!  Earlier posts on this blog that mention The Art Connection include:

• Thanksgiving Thanks to The Art Connection, Boston. Effort and Possibility in Everyone’s Reach (November 27, 2008)

• Giving Back, Creatively (August 26, 2008)

• Creating a MAGIC POT: Artists and Community-Giving (May 8, 2008)

• BOSTON Recommendations—An Insider’s Guide (January 10, 2007)

Those who have donated their artwork through other organizations (myself included) may have regrets.  But, with The Art Connection, that’s never the case.  You always know your work is going to a good home where it will be well taken care of, your time and effort truly appreciated.  "Thank yous" are not forgotten, and there’s a sense of encouragement to give more and give often.  Also, The Art Connection’s annual gatherings and frequent mailings to forward links to exhibition opportunities for donor members help nurture community caring and atmosphere.