Can We Talk?

Heather says

You may find this funny; it’s been a few weeks, and I’m still somewhere between puzzled and amused.

There was recently a request, from an individual, for this site to test multiple smooth stovetops and rate them by manufacturer and glass type. I am hoping that this person just doesn’t realize that:

a) that’s what Consumer Reports is for


b) I’d have to take out a sizable loan


c) this website is my second job, my head hurts thinking about the amount of time that would involve


d) even I don’t cook enough to seriously test multiple ranges


e) the ad revenue for that post or series would never begin to repay the amount of money it would take to create, it probably wouldn’t even chip away at the interest


f) I’m saving up to have a gas line run to the kitchen, the sooner I can kiss our smooth top range goodbye, the happier I’ll be. 

I promise I didn’t cause the bubbles in your smooth top range, contact the manufacturer and if you don’t like their answer, don’t buy from them again. Yes, it sucks. You may not get your money back, especially if you didn’t follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

It is kind of funny, right? Except when it isn’t. I’ve been deleting a lot of rude comments lately. I don’t know if it is my tolerance has lessened or if it’s just a symptom of the way the internet is changing. Respectful disagreement is fine. There was recently a librarian who took umbrage that I dared suggest donating magazines as a part of decluttering. We both made assumptions, and we’re both wrong. It varies by district or region. Comments like that aren’t what I’m referring to.

The internet is a large place, and if you need someone who is going to freak out over “chemicals” cue scary hand motions, I am not your go-to girl. My kids are no longer babies, and I work full-time. My standards may not be the same as yours; I have learned just to let some things go. Yes, I take reasonable precautions when it comes to keeping the kids, dog, and hedgehog away from harmful chemicals, but the thought of a round of salmonella going through the house ensures that we will use chlorine bleach to disinfect. 

Sometimes the answer to how do I fix something is, you don’t. Some things are broken beyond repair or stained permanently. Not liking that isn’t a reason to send me a nasty curse-filled email. Pump the brakes, buddy. I didn’t cause the damage and you didn’t pay me anything except a few moments of your time.

You might not like every recipe posted. That’s okay, too. I enjoy cooking; it’s my hobby and creative outlet, it doesn’t have to be yours. I try to ensure that the ingredients are available for a majority of American cooks. If the spices aren’t easily found at places like Walmart, it probably isn’t going to make the cut, unless it’s for a special occasion. I know I’ve turned my nose up at Walmart, but their grocery pick-up service? That is life-alteringly wonderful. I can get all of my grocery shopping done without having to navigate around people or deal with the checkout clerk not recognizing ginger root. I don’t have to hunt for where they hid the brown rice pasta this week? Fantastic. I give, they win my business for the grocery staples. 

Have you ever seen Jim Gaffigan’s entire bit on McDonald’s? I promise this relates.

I’ve never wanted to play the my way is better than your way game. There are enough people and media outlets for that. Let’s quit pretending we don’t have our foibles and shortcomings and give each other a bit of grace.

If we can’t, I’m pulling this site over until we can speak respectfully and kindly to each other.

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