Clarification

It always surprises me when someone mentions reading this blog, and I had some funny conversations yesterday with people who admitted they don't really read it, just look at the pictures. I do get to pontificating sometimes, kind of rambling long-winded preaching, and I don't really mind if you don't read it. I know I can be silly and mistaken, and that is the nature of public statements. People did thank me for posting that little "live without pretending" statement which I learned from FB was from Drakkardnoir, which I googled but don't yet know much about.

A few people admitted they didn't know my position in the last entry, but I think they accurately read that I was on the fence and just working out my thoughts as I wrote, not coming to any real conclusions. Hey, I don't have to have a position, anyway. Make up your own mind about everything, don't take my word for it.

But regarding the Serve campaign, I thought yesterday went really well, that their corporate presence was respectful and lowkey and not a problem in any way. It's exciting to be in the development phase of something new, to be asked for honest feedback as if our opinions were valuable. They saw us as a challenging opportunity and as a partner and I think it will be an interesting development for us. So I guess I am for it.

I sold more tote bags than usual, which was only three, and a couple of those locally made Market bags, so my fears about the free totes were silly. These folks didn't repeat the style errors of those people handing out the insurance company totes last year, who stood on every corner and forced them upon everyone who walked by, and wouldn't leave when we asked them to (well, they moved to corners outside our footprint and continued). Those people would apologize for impacting our businesses but then give the excuse that they were just doing their jobs, to give the grosses of bags away, and they finally did and left and I haven't seen another of their bags since. It wasn't like that yesterday, and I don't think it will be.

The Serve people were clearly cooperative with us and though the system had some glitches, I think it could benefit us if enough people use it. It may just be a precursor of a better system to come, but it's a step forward in integrating technology into our ancient market model, and I think we're wise to take it.

I had my moments of paranoia but that's my silly coming out. Fear only has the power you give it. It's useful to point out to you the areas in which you need to work, or as a warning system, but fears rarely materialize. Once I got used to the look of their "creative", I didn't mind the little signs in people's booths and I didn't mind wearing the little button and I think we're going to see this as we see the use of credit cards, which is now a completely normal activity. I'm sure back in the eighties or whenever we started processing them, we were nervous about whether or not the Market should be adding a layer of complexity.

Our layers of complexity are what make us rich, figuratively, and literally. I had a great day yesterday, and lots of us did. The sun made a huge difference for us, very welcome. Thanks to the Earth and it's relationship with the Sun.

I'm going out for Easter brunch. Now if my friend would have signed up for Serve, we could split the check even if we didn't have any cash. That is if we had smart phones. And if our passwords worked, if we remembered them. And if we had those young Serve people along to help us through the process. I'm thinking that after four weeks, maybe we'll catch on. It's not that complicated.

See you Saturday!