Okay…well let’s talk about some things, because while I agree with an artist’s right to protect their work, I also think we need to be careful how we address folks. What am I talking about? I’m talking about this YouTube video.

First off, let me stay that I’m a staunch supporter of artists and their rights to protect their work.  See the artwork on this blog? I approached the artist (via email) and asked permission (and obtained that permisison) to use it as part of a blog template. I’ve used his artwork in a few of my blog designs, and always asked permission each time.  I was the lone person, who had issue with artwork displayed in signatures/avatars on NP, because folks were not giving credit, nor had they asked permission to make an avatar out of someone else’s artwork.  An attorney had the nerve to tell me I was “making a big deal” out of it. So, trust me, I understand.

Secondly, we need to realize that everyone doesn’t view the world the way we do. “How would you feel????”  is a valid question, but the answer is even more important, especially if the answer is “not how you feel”.  Just because a person has a different perspective than you, doesn’t mean their perspective is wrong. There’s two sides to this, and both sides can be presented intelligently.  Since my comments disappeared, I’m assuming you disagree. No problem.

Thirdly, MANY people consider YouTube videos to be under the nebulous “fair use” umbrella, regardless of how right or wrong it is to think that way. It’s one thing to have your own site, with your work displayed on that site, and have others take from your PERSONAL site, without your permission.  It’s one thing to have others try to pass off your work as their own.  It’s one thing to clearly state your terms of use, and have others ignore your wishes. It’s another thing to post your video on “YouTube” and get all uptight about folks embedding your videos, especially if you didn’t specify your terms of use.  Quite frankly, I wouldn’t post a video on YouTube, if I had a problem with it being shared, embedded, or otherwise (without permission), regardless of the quality or “level” of the content . So see, I feel much differently than you.

The ”Hair Growth” video was shared as a “gift” to your subscribers, according to your own words.  It was beautifully done, as are all of your videos, and it was very educational/informative. I think many of us were mesmerized and thankful, and decided to share the gift…not with the intent of trying to “make money off your hard work”, but we simply wanted others to see what we saw.  Again, I didn’t ask permission, because based on the nature of the video and the vehicle used to share it, I didn’t consider it  necessary…no disrespect intended. To say that “people who post your videos on their blogs are trying to make money off your work, pure and simple…” (paraphrased) is off base and quite presumptuous (and offensive).  I don’t have a monetized blog, and if I were looking to make money from videos, YouTube would not be my resource.

A Nappy Girl

I’m not buying any products, on Black Friday.  First off,  only a few of the “luxe lines” for napptural hair are offering any REAL discounts.  Darcy’s Botanicals is doing a 25% off EVERYTHING sale, with the introduction of new products.   Now, that’s a sale worthy of pulling out the cyber wallet. 10% is not worth my time.

If I order from one of the major napptural lines, I can forget getting my products quickly.  Most of the time, I expect to wait about two (2) weeks, from the time I order, till the time the box arrives.  So, if there’s a big sale, it only means more wait time, because there’s more orders to get out.  Most of the companies don’t even throw in a sample of anything.  Now, I’m not one to get too upset about the scarcity of product samples, but I can’t get a generous sample of a conditioner, after I’ve dropped $60 AND waited 2 + weeks to get my order?  Okay.

The BEST online deal I’ve found is for the 25.36 ounce bottle of Bed Head Moisture Maniac Conditioner @ $11.99 (not including shipping), at Amazon.  It’s not a “natural” product, but it’s one of the most loved and talked about conditioners in the napptural hair community. I bought it, and I don’t have to wait for “Black Friday”.

A Nappy Girl

Here’s what’s coming down the road:

• The blog is getting an extreme makeover. Yep…it’s time for a change. I didn’t realize it’s been two (2) years since this design was introduced. That’s exciting. The forum will have a customized header.  I have no idea what I wanna do.  Not sure if I’m going to use new artwork, or go a completely different route. I’m sticking with the WP platform, because it’s great.

• I want to start a Detroit nappturals meet-up group. I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time, but it’s just a matter of planning the first meet-up. I’ve got a few partners in crime, who also wanna make it happen. You interested? Send me me some mail, and check “Detroit Nappturals Meet-up Group” as the contact reason.

• I’ve gotten some requests to talk  more about my experiences as a single woman, in her forties. Sure, I can do that. Not sure how interesting it would be, but I’ll take a stab at it.

• I’d like to add a male guest blogger. Now that’s going to be interesting. The guy I want has his hands full with his own blog and family life (including a new baby on the way).  So, I’m on a search.

Stay tuned….

A Nappy Girl

Okay…I’m almost down one month, in my 6-month “Healthy Hair Challenge”. How’s it going? VERY well! I’m already starting to see real progress, and I’m pleased.

I’ve incorporated “finger combing” into my detangling sessions (before using an actual comb), and I can honestly say it’s making a BIG difference in the amount of hair that ends up in my comb. Big ups to the mystery person who taught me that trick…I don’t remember. I think I saw it on a You Tube video. “Fingers” are better for releasing knots and tangles.  I’m forced to be patient with my hair.  No more trying to detangle my hair, when I’m tired and irritable from a long, stressful day at work. If it knocks me off schedule by a day or two, then I’ll just have to go with it. I’d rather preserve my hair, not to mention my mind.

NuNAAT conditioners are the BOMB! I just used the Treatment Conditioner as a pre-poo detangler (I used the Chocolat Special for the same purpose), and I actually like it BETTER than the combing cream. I have the Chocolat Cream Mask, and I’ll be using that to deep condition this week.

My trusty hair shears finally gave out on me.  I’ve had them since I’ve been nappy, so they served me well.  I’m buying the Tweezerman Hair Shears.

I’m still going back and forth, with the henna/indigo coloring project. I’ve never used indigo, and truth be told, I’m not looking forward to the mess…and the time. A “Henndigo” treatment will add another whole day to my one shampoo/condition day.  I need to cover gray, and I don’t know what to expect. I don’t want any “unpleasant” surprises.

I’ve gotta do a book review for Thank God I’m Natural! Just made myself a note to get on that this weekend (Sunday).

So, overall it’s been a great few weeks. I know quite a few nappturals are participating in some kind of hair health challenge, and I hope they’re having the same great results!

Stay tuned….
A Nappy Girl