So lately I have been forwarded lots of event info for other pageant systems. I was shocked and somewhat flattered to see other systems 2012 schedule looking like Storybook’s 2011 schedule. Literally the same themes back to back!

Its funny because Tami and I were just talking about how we just can not keep up with all the ideas and themes we have lined up. There just literally is not enough time in the pageant year to do all the themes we have in mind. We are set with original, creative ideas until 2014 at least without repeating themes. I just can’t comprehend how there are so many fun themes out there but instead everyone just copies. I even saw one system in TX that goes as far as to copy and paste the event info right from Tami’s page and onto their own. The only difference is the date and location. I guess everything is bigger Texas…..even the plagiarism. I remember when we did a “prom” theme, I felt guilty because it is similar  to a back to school theme that is popular in the industry. That prom theme is a perfect example. The writeup is word for word what Tami and I came up with for Nationals 2011, even the little details (graduation hats at crowning, diplomas, and prom party with royal court). Sad.

This is just another way I know we have the best contestants! Obviously we are not going to lose contestants to a TX pageant that is reusing our ideas, but it is a real eye opener. I was flattered at first, but when the links became pageants in the north east, then new systems right here in NY, it was a little too close to home.  I guess I always assumed the ideas were the easy part of planning a pageant because they always came easy to me. We will definitely give consideration to making the page private and sending info to a selected list as opposed to everyone on the friends list. I can’t do everyones legwork for them and yes, you do have to do a little thinking if you plan on being a director. You cannot simply sleepwalk through this biz, mirroring other pageants success. Believe me, people are noticing!

It is also unfortunate, I admit, that sometimes the negative stuff inspires me more than the positive. Do not get  me wrong, nothing feels like reading the emails from parents of kids who “had the best time” or “will NEVER miss a Storybook event”. Those emails are what keep me going, but sometimes it works both ways. So with all that beg said, we have BIG plans lined up in 2012! Fresh ideas that have NEVER been done in this industry (yes I googled them). I can’t post them yet as they will end up on someone else’s page lol.

2012 will be the year of the contestant as we are now motivated more than ever to wow you all and will be going above and beyond. Ideas that used to be pondered over dinner  are now full fledge, pen and paper, think-tank style brainstorming. Only the best ideas will materialize! So contestants, hold on to your wiglets, it is going to be the most amazing year for you! And parasite directors, lick your lips and attach yourselves to the lower underbelly of the shark that is storybook, and enjoy the ride. There is sure to be plenty of idea scraps to go around!

My SATA hard drive came in the mail today. 750gb 16mb cache. I used carbon copy to duplicate my drive and it did not work. I ended up using super duper and it worked but it was quite the scare! CC took 2 plus hours to copy then after I removed my old internal ind replaced it, it came pup as unformatted and MS FAT system  not mac.

Anyhow, I am back in action and working on everyones projects. My macbook pro is faster and stronger than ever! I recommend upgrading yourself. The how to videos are up on youtube and it saves you $$. I saved enough to max out my ram at 8gb! It was also nice to clean out my internal components as well.

Ok So here is the link to the video of me proposing to Tami at Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend pageant. I could not ask for it to go any better. Prop was awesome (thanks Crystal). Everything went smooth and believe me, the pressure was on! I was nervous and I NEVER get nervous! Authentic TV (toddlers & Tiaras) crew were awesome and a couple local news channel was there as well filming and taking interviews with moms. Tami had NO idea as far as I know and if she did she played it off perfect (but I know she is not that good of an actress). She cried (of corse lol). I am still so surprised at all the different footage rolling in. It is cool to get all the different perspectives! All the moms crying that probably don’t even know they were being filmed crying… priceless. We even got toddlers producer to rock the runway and loader her up with Storybook swag to take back to L.A. What a day! One I will NEVER forget. It felt great to know how many people out there support what we do and truly care for us. If you have not seen it or want to see it again, here is the youtube link

Well, here it is; my new blog site. I guess I just wanted a place to vent and leave my digital footprint. A place where I can post my pics and vids without having to deal with all the youtube and Facebook yellow tape. Now that we have SOPA and PIPA everything is uncertain lol (it’s officially over, I heard, and no way can pass the vote in Feb thank god).

I will be keeping this as a sort of online journal through the development of my new studio in Silver Creek, NY. This site is developed and designed by myself but it is powered by wordpress. For those who are unfamiliar, wordpress is a powerful engine that can organize and manage profile data. It is popular for blog sites like mine but can power massive social networking sites like Facebook twitter myspace dig etc. I can always open this site up and allow users to setup their own profiles and start blogging on here as well! For the time being, anyone is permitted (and encouraged) to leave comments and share with your favorite social networks, just click the “share” dropdown on the upper right corner!

Enough with the tech talk….lets get bloggin’!!!!