Did You Know?

I have recently learned that there has been some confusion and concern regarding my personal blog content appearing on the Stampin' Up! corporate website, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to share a few things with you.

First, soshelli.com is my personal blog (and a journal of sorts for me), where I post about my life, my family, my religion, and Stampin’ Up!, just as I have done since the beginning of my blog. These posts evolve with my personal circumstances.

Stampin’ Up!’s home page is a feed with content from some of our social sites and includes Stampin' Up!’s own corporate blog. The site tells an overall story about who we are and is a place for us to share ideas, promote products, and make announcements.

As the owner of the company, my blog posts contribute to that feed because many of them feature samples made with Stampin’ Up! products, recognize demonstrators and employees, and highlight company events; however, timely corporate announcements should always be the priority, and we have taken steps to ensure this will happen in the future.

I understand that some people may occasionally be offended by what I write. To offend is certainly never my intention! My goal is to inspire and connect on a more personal basis with those who visit my blog.

Some subtle changes have been made to soshelli.com, and we will make more changes to distinguish corporate blog posts from my personal posts so visitors can more clearly choose what content they wish to view. I will also try to remember to have sensitive posts removed from the company’s home page feed, so as not to offend.

I’m sorry to have caused concern or to have offended anyone. I hope you know me well enough to know that I would never intentionally do either. It’s just not my nature.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns. I really do value them…and all of you!

Comments

[Susan Christian]

How very sad that others have made comments about what you post without remembering that it is your PERSONAL blog. Yes, you are the CEO of Stampin' Up, but that does not mean that is all that you are. Anyone who has been with Stampin' Up for a while knows of your firm belief in your faith and many of the struggles and successes you've had over the years. A lot of that info has come from your blog, not from the company website. I love reading about your life outside of the corporate world; I think it is very endearing and uplifting, even when posts don't really apply to me. I can still appreciate them. I wholeheartedly support your right to personal posts, even if they include samples or company info, and hope they do not stop!

[Nina]

My goodness, how sad to have to read this morning! I hope that your blog remains as is! It is inspiring, fun, faithful, enjoyable and you! Something you should never have to apologize for. Blessings to you and Sterling for the good work you are doing to make this world a better place.

[Lynn Anderson]

It's a real shame that you have had to post this. I am not a remotely religious person but your commitment to your faith, your dedication to your company and your love for your family shines through in every post and is a pleasure to see. I am afraid I fail to see what could possibly be offensive about that!

[Carol]

Never have I been confused or concerned about your blog. Blogs are so common these days, and yours is obviously a personal blog about you and your life. Your life is full of blessings including your family, your faith, your incredible journey to becoming a CEO, and so much more. Anyone who follows you knows you would never intentionally offend anyone. I, for one, am inspired by your blog, the life you lead, and how you care so much about others. I thank you for sharing your life with us. I hope others who were confused now understand.

[Carol Bradley]

As someone who is very active in my own faith, I am never offended by what you write. I find your posts to be thoughtful and caring. The decision you and Sterling made to give a year of service to you church is inspiring. Not all of us have the ability to do that but that commitment made me think about how could I better serve my church and my community. There are optimists and pessimists in this world. We all need to realize that pessimists will probably never change and we can not make them happy or positive. Stay the positive and caring person you are and please continue to share that with those of us who read your blog.

[Deb]

I have been following your blog for years! I have always been inspired by the person you are. Your commitment in all aspects of your life is truly wonderful and I have always enjoyed being a part of your world via your blog. Your beliefs on many things has taught me different view points and I want to thank you!

[Kimberley Morris]

I have to say, even after having had some awful experiences with organized religion...with the LDS church, coincidentally...I still don't understand how people get offended over you sharing what's important to you. It's so simple and non-confrontational for them to either stop reading, or say, "no, thank you." I guess if it was thought that you were speaking in a company capacity, I could see how some feathers could get ruffled over it. But even then, all they had to do was click on the "About Me" portion of your blog to get clarity. I think some people just prefer to be caustic. Props to you for handling it so gracefully--as always!

[shh]

Shelli, thank you, once again, for showing us what a true Christian looks and acts like! It's a joy to read about your life, both personally and professionally. Keep up the GREAT work!

[Julie Davison]

I don't think the problem is the content of your personal blog being offensive to people. The problem is the PERCEPTION that your So Shelli blog posts are official company blog posts. On the company home website, http://stampinup.com, your posts look exactly the same as company posts about promotions and products. When people view your blog posts on stampinup.com, it brings up a little pop-up with the blog content. People who read your blog on the company website don't see your smiling face and beautiful So Shelli blog header. There is no link to your About Me section. They are not offended by your personal views. They are offended by the perception that the COMPANY is posting viewpoints that are very personal.

I love and respect you, Shelli. And I will continue to follow your personal blog. I appreciate your viewpoint and enjoy reading every post. Thank you for taking steps to make a better distinction between SHELLI and STAMPIN' UP! on the COMPANY website.

[Ruurd]

Dear Shelli,

Oh and Sherman too! We should not forget him should we? Since we met I must say I admire the effort you two are putting into SU on one hand and the sheer audacity of leaving that for a year to do the duty your personal beliefs compel you to do. I respect that very much.
Please do not be fooled into apologizing for yourself for something you did not do in the first place. There are alas a lot of people that cannot help themselves. I apologize for them.
Please keep up the good work.

[Janet]

sounds as if to me someone is not tolerant of peoples religious beliefs have complained. I hope that Stampin' Up! is one of those companies that doesn't cave to just a couple of voices that are in the minority over the majority of us that enjoy hearing that the owner of a great company holds God close to her heart. Be strong in your faith and what you believe in because it DOES matter. It matters to God and it matters to many of us that feel being a Christian is under serious attack. Folks in this country can be business owners and Christians at the same time.

[Patricia]

Hi Shelli,

I love reading your blog - for the last 8 years! I look forward every week to seeing what you are up too or what you may have created. Like all the other people who have commented on today's blog I think it is gracious of you to share your creative ideas and also you personal life. I am so sadden that you had to write an explanation of your blog just because it confuses or may offend some readers. Since you are our CEO and Owner of Stampin'UP! I think it is important for your blog to be tied in with the corporate website. It shows that you are engaged in every way with the company and how your personal life spills into Stampin'UP! too and vice versa.
I am a Christian too but not an overly observant one sometimes, but I respect and appreciate that you are and I do enjoy reading your moments where they include Jesus and how you are celebrating your faith.
I know I'm not expressing myself fully but know that I greatly enjoy reading your blog and hope that nothing changes. Thank you for sharing your life's passions with us.

[Gail S.]

Shelli,
I have enjoyed your blog for many years and you are a beautiful person inside and out. I have loved learning about your life, your religion and your passion for stamping. Please keep up the great blog and the best to you on your mission! God Bless You!

[Kim]

I love your blog, Shelli. I don't always agree with everything about your faith, but I'm certain you wouldn't agree with everything about my faith either, and that's okay! I visit Stampin' Up!'s website and regularly because I love Stampin' Up! and the product (and, of course, I'm a demonstrator). I visit your blog regularly, because I love the spirit of your posts and I love hearing what you're up to and seeing pictures of your adventures. Just keep doing what you do! We all love you for the PERSON you are!

[Debbie McBride]

I find your post very sad. This is YOUR blog to share YOUR beliefs, YOUR thoughts, and anything thing else YOU want. If this offends someone, they have the right to stop reading. No one is being forced to read your blog. God has given you the beautiful gift of FAITH, faith and comfort in God the Father. Please don't let anyone bully you into "hiding your light under a basket." Think of all the lives you have touched through your blog. Be strong in your beliefs.

[Linda]

I so enjoy your posts, and look forward to reading them. Personally I think it is wonderful the way you go above and beyond to share your thoughts and family with us. You are such an example to all of us. Hope you don't change a thing! I know the Lord will bless you, for the work you are doing this year. You are truly showing your love and caring spirit. Thank you.

[alison gibson]

i love reading your blog, long may it continue. It has never offended me and makes me feel that i know the person who started my favorite company.

[Debbie]

I think it is ridiculous that you even need to consider this. If people are offended by things you do and write that is their problem. This community is made up of adults. If only we could rational to the title. Believe me when I say there are things in this world that offend me... and I decide how to react. If something is hurtful or discriminatory I will step up and call a person out, but if someone is just sharing an opinion,belief or faith I don't personally agree with I look the other way because as humans we have the right to differ here. No point in being offended.

[Dona S]

Ugh! Righteous intolerance has hit us all... even those most thoughtful and kind among us if you were criticized. Wish I could give you a hug and wipe off the mud someone felt compelled to sling. I'm not the least surprised that you considered making some changes on the company page - you always reflect on how things could be better and act on it. But I'd caution you to take on guilt where someone else is responsible - none of us are forced to read your blog. Personally I check every day because you give me so many ideas and yes, there are times I think "Maybe her, but not me," but I can't imagine you ever being uncomfortable with that. If someone finds something that is not relevant to their lives, that is offensive to their tastes, that is counter to their world view, it is THEIR responsibility to click to another topic. It is completely in your character to try to check and make sure no one else was offended, but don't let someone else's incorrect perception drag you down. Hugs! [PS: No, I am not a member of your faith... but that's not relevant is it!]

[Patti Rocha]

Hello Shelli,

I have made it a habit of stopping in 2-3 times a week to check your blog posts--I have bad days and sometimes what you post, is exactly what I need to hear. I have always felt that even though it was your 'personal' blog, that since you were the Founder and President of Stampin Up, of course it was going to talk about both personal and professional. You ARE Stampin Up!

I have never, ever, been offended by anything you wrote, and even made it a point recently to go back through your archives and re-read several blog posts. Do you know what I found? Love of family. Love of country. A tremendous strength from faith. It is an inspiring, tangible thing, that I personally feel happy to have been privy to.

Anyone who is offended or feel the water was 'muddied' by mixing personal with professional obviously is someone who just doesn't get the whole Stampin Up statement of the heart...."To love what we do and share what we love as we help others enjoy creativity and worthwhile accomplishments....in this we make a difference:
You make a difference in all that you do and in each life you touch, in the way you conduct yourself, personally and professionally. I, for, one, THANK YOU for being you.

[Judy Grant]

Shelli, you never led anyone to believe this blog was corporate. It has been a ray of sunshine, even in your dark hours. This blog gives us the ability to really know you and your unwavering faith, your love of family, your charitable heart, your hard work and love for us all. In this, you make a difference.

[Alison Langford]

Shelli, I look forward to reading your blog posts, it makes me feel like I'm invited to share your special moments. It's my treat to myself after reading all the business and demonstrator stuff. Please stay just the way you are. You can't please all of the people, all of the time. But, you can please some of the people, some of the time. xx

[Carolyn]

This has nothing to do about your blog and everything to do about the frittata that you liked at the Courtyard. It's back on the breakfast menu for the next three months. Just a little information and all the best..

[martha]

Thank you Shelli for your inspiration! No one should be offended by someone else's dedication to their beliefs. Your blog shows that you are human and have chosen to use your life as inspiration to others.

Thanks for being you and keep blogging!

[Shiloh]

I love your blog. Thank you for sharing everything you share!