Tuesday, August 19

Tuesday Farm Photo: Cary Scratches an Itch


Or maybe she's just posting - it is Cary, after all.

Wondering who Cary is?
You'll find links to her story and more photos of her
here.

© 2008 FarmgirlFare.com, the award-winning blog where this copyright notice will no longer contain the phrase 'award-winning' because apparently it's annoying some people — or at least the one person who left a comment complaining about it recently ("can we drop the same opening sentence for every graph — I think its abdundently [sic] clear you have an awrd [sic] winning blog").

So here's the deal. Because unscrupulous people are constantly stealing and republishing the contents of my blog on other websites and claiming it as their own (usually to make money from advertising without having to actually write anything themselves), last year I began adding a copyright notice at the bottom of each blog post to help stop them, and to prove the content is indeed mine. Using the same wording every time makes it easier for me to track things using google alerts.

But after a while I got bored typing the same notice over and over, so for kicks I started changing it. Some of you realized this right away and let me know you enjoyed the little bits of farm news I'd share — kind of like my own personal Twitter. I simply kept the first line the same, and it never crossed my mind that this meant I was bombarding you with the fact that Farmgirl Fare has won some awards — probably because I was too busy coming up with something new and amusing to say.

Or, as my ever-so-subtle best pal and staunch supporter Beth put it, "It's a *bleeping* copyright notice that is original every day! Shut the *bleep* up if you don't like the lede - or start reading on the second line."

But just in case it's been bothering you, too (after that comment I started wondering if it had been getting on everybody's nerves), I'm going to stop saying 'award-winning.' It's no big deal to me, but I did want to explain it all to you. And this just might be the longest copyright notice ever written.

70 comments:

  1. By ALL means do not stop the copyright notice, it's awesome. I noticed when you started changing it even though I don't read your blog every day, and what's more, anyone who has read your blog for more than a week would know better than to assume you are purposely self-congratulatory in your choice of words. Stick with whatever makes it easier for you to run this blog as well as you do, and never mind the haters.

    New copyright notice: "Never mind the haters, here come the CHICKENS!"

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  2. I just found your blog via Chickens in the Road and I personally love your copyright notices. I think they're cute.

    And I'm sorry people are stealing blog posts. How lame is that? Prety lame.

    I have a cat on a tractor pic too! My daughter took it. :)

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  3. I may be dense but it took me awhile to realize that there was actual content past the award winning intro....
    Nice not to have to read same sentence every time.
    Keep up the interesting blog!

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  4. I'm with Beth. It's YOUR blog, and you can say whatever you want. If someone doesn't like it, then by all means, they should stop visiting your blog! Then there's the people who obviously like what you say too much, if they are stealing your material. But that's life, I guess, with the high road bordered by a ditch full of crabs, kooks, and crooks on either side. Blog on!

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  5. Oh, keep doing what you've always done. You have a large readership and we love you, your blog and your farm. So one person got annoyed. Big deal. It's their problem not yours. I love your posts, your photos and your clever copyright notices that are so newsy. I love your style. Please don't change it for one disgruntled commenter. You rock!

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  6. I've been reading your blog for awhile now (love it!!), and I've been getting a kick out of the clever wording that you come up with after the copyright in each post footer. Always so interesting! Keep up the great work. :)

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  7. I'm with Beth, too! It's your blog and if anyone doesn't like what you write, they can go somewhere else! I *love* reading your award-winning blog and seeing your pictures!

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  8. I always read the copywright notice, it's just a little tidbit about farm life, and my favorite part of the photo posts. Sucks that somebody feels the need to take out their insecurities out on you.

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  9. I love the copyright notices and it makes total sense (for google searches and simply because it's TRUE) that you start them all with that line. I am never annoyed. Whomever is so annoyed that they wrote to complain can go read lesser, non-award-winning blogs if they care so much!

    By the by, I tried pre-assembling the tomato pie to bake a day later and it worked great! Thanks SO much for your thoughts on that!

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  10. I LOVE the copyright notices. I think they're fantastic and really just updates in disguise!

    Keep at it.

    I've had haters too, some I know, which make me ever so sad. But, that which you put out in the world will come back you a thousand times over. And you've taken the high road, so be prepared for all good things!

    As far as the stealers, I've been there too, in fact I've written some copy on about 200 websites at last count! Just do what I do, realize that imitation is the highest form of flattery and that you can't stop it, so mock it! I

    Have a great day. Peace, Lilbet.

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  11. I'm with Beth. Some people, i.e. self-absorbed A$$, think they need to be catered to.

    Carey emailed me (Great idea giving her that Blackberry) and she wrote that she doesn't want you to change a thing.

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  12. Keep it as it is. Why change it only one person complained! If they do not like it they can read something else.

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  13. I also LOVE the copyright notices, keep 'em coming! Clearly there are some bitter jealous people in the world - forget them!

    tortie kitty mom

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  14. I find it annoying too. It's annoying that you have to scroll through copyright text (that's sometimes even longer than the actual post) to get to the next post. I never thought to say anything because it's your blog so your business. But I think things would be a lot easier to read if the copyright text were somewhere in a corner on the static page and not embedded in every single post.
    Not trying to be rude or start anything because I do really enjoy your blog, just throwing in my 2 cents since it was mentioned.

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  15. I do not mind the "award winning" part at all! After all it is true.

    I am sure most of your abdundent fans don't mind either. Especially the ones who actually know how to spell abdundent.

    Nancy

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  16. I'm just joining the chorus here to say I like your copyright copy just fine the way it is and has been. It's your blog. It won an award. So there. Bronx cheers for the whinger, say I.

    Keep it up, Farmgirl!

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  17. keep your copyright notice the way you have been doing it! I love it, and even like the way you say award winning! In fact, I was excited today when I glanced down and noticed it was a large one this time.... I bet the person commenting has not been reading long and didn't realize it was a new "feature"! It's interesting and fun.

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  18. I like the copy right notices! It took me a week or so to actually read them but once I figured it out I thought they were hilarious!

    Go ahead and say you're award winning, it's true. If someone doesn't like it they don't have to read the blog.

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  19. That's the funny part--that it starts the same but yet is different with every post. It's sort of like the Simpson's opener that ends differently every single episode. I'd say the reader should get over it. It *is* an award winning blog. If they can't get the joke, then they don't need to read it.

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  20. I absolutely have no problem with you mentioning that you have won awards. I think the first time I saw it I got curious and went and looked at what you'd won, and from that I found links to other cool things that are now regular reads of mine.

    I'll stick my hand up with a "You don't have to change a thing" vote!

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  21. My vote's with ReddH! Keep it how you want it - and "Award Winning" works great!

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  22. I enjoy your creative copyright notice, and I don't mind reading that your blog is award-winning. After all, you earned those fancy patches!

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  23. LOL @ "Never mind the haters, here come the CHICKENS!"

    I reeeally like your same-but-always-different copyright lead-in...do whatever the heck you want with it. I'll keep reading. It's funny/neat to see what different things FarmGirl Susan can come up with from day to day, post to post.

    And for the record: that's how sheep scratch? Whenever you have time, please let me know how to catch my Myrtle Mae doing that claw-on-the-head, chicken-dance scratch. It's SOOOO funny, and I can never time the shot just right to get a good pic! Aaargh!

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  24. you do whatever you want! its your blog! free speech. award winning free speech.
    also, the nice part about living on a farm in the middle of nowhere, when people get on your nerves, just step outside, take a breath of farm fresh (or at least farm authentic) air, play with some sheep, and relax in knowing that there is a piece of pie for whatever meal with your name on it, and no one around to tell you otherwise.

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  25. I'll add my vote to the chorus that says KEEP it the SAME as always. Don't mess with it just because one person with low self-esteem decided to get all mad that their blog (if they even HAVE one) didn't win any awards yet. I love the copyright notices, they keeps us up to date on the tidbits are farm life that are too hard to photograph.

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  26. Oh, well, Waahh - If they don't like the cake, then they can get out of the kitchen. I personally love your copywrite notices, award winning and all :-) T.

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  27. I love the copyright notice. Especially on days when you just have a picture, the copyright is like a bonus mini-post.

    Frankly, I wonder how you manage to come up with something clever and new every day; it's really impressive. So you go ahead and write whatever you want. We love it!

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  28. I love your blog - everything about it.

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  29. I agree with Beth, don't change it! Ever since I realized the copyright notice changed, I've been reading it. I personally feel good being reminded that I'm reading an award-winning blog--it means my RSS reader isn't entirely full of garbage. ;)

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  30. Oh, pleeeze!!
    I love your blog (have to limit how many times a day I check it).
    I love your content (allows me to daydream).
    I love the photos - too cute (especially the puppies).
    I love the recipes - have worked through several - and yum!
    I love the copyright..it is so comforting to have the same beginning each time (same effect as "in the great green room, there was a.....). In this world of constant change I love it.
    Doesn't life make you sigh sometimes?

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  31. I'm with Beth!

    Wait, I am Beth.

    I totally adore your copyright notices and hope you keep doing them. It's sort of like having a secret, once a day Twitter feed from you...and only those of us who know to look get it.

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  32. I love your blog just the way it is...after all it is YOUR blog. Your blog is one of my favorite for so many reasons! Don't change a thing, Susan!

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  33. I love everything about your blog! And I think that you have every right to toot your own horn a little bit; that little modifyer is like a title - you know, MD, PhD, award winning blog...

    And besides, everytime I read that it makes me think that, yes, some hopefully objective body has deemed this blog worthwhile, and I'm not wasting my time on drivel.

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  34. Hey look, it's another Beth!

    It's official: two out of two Beths agree, farmgirl's copyright notices rock.

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  35. I''d say if votes count, the haters lose. I love the copyright notice, and anyone who doesn't can just skip on down the page. Let 'em eat bugs. Unless the chickens want the bugs, I mean. In which case the haters can just go hungry.

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  36. Don't change the copyright notice. It's awesome just the way it is. It's fun to read, and you go ahead and do what you want on your own blog!

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  37. Oh, IT'S ON! Now you have to keep saying award-winning. Because you are, and I'd bet my chickens that your anonymous hater is not. Miserable person. Boooooo.

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  38. I enjoy the change and hey you are award winning and don't quit the notice business, it's fun to read the changes.

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  39. Keep the copyright notice. I love it. I did not know that folks were stealing your blog.

    And the older I get the more I believe in being openly proud of your achievements. You won an award for your blog so be proud. When I graduate from graduate school in May 2009 you bet I am going to put the three letters I earned behind my name every single time!

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  40. I got no problem with it, you go girl!

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  41. OMG, does anyone really have so much time on their hands that they would leave such lame comments about the way ''you'' blog on your very own personal blog. Please continue posting as you've always have, I love reading those cute little copyright notices... actually, I look forward to reading them each time you have a new picture.

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  42. Longtime lurker, infrequent poster here to say DO NOT change the copyright notice! Yours is one of two blogs I visit every day (I enjoy your farm, your recipes and your writing so much that I wish I could have looked you up when I was in SW Missouri last winter) and I ALWAYS read the copyright notice and I love that you add little tidbits in there each day.
    Carrie

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  43. Hi Susan - Looks like the 'votes' are in and we all agree that your 'award-winning' blog totally rocks, and please don't change anything about it!!!

    WE LOVE IT JUST THE WAY IT IS!
    (that's a happy shout from all of us :)!)

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  44. I have been reading your blog for a while now and it is one of my absolute favorites. Please, don't listen to someone's ridiculous complaint about something that isn't their business. I love reading the copyright notice...it's part of the post in my opinion!

    By the way, my husband and I are getting ready to take the step and become farmers!

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  45. Wow, some people have way too much time on their hands. Not only do I think you should keep saying "award-winning," I think you should put the damned thing in all caps.

    PS Love the blog, the recipes, the photos, the lot. Thanks for keeping it going!

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  46. Hi Susan!
    I wouldn't change a thing about your copyright - I always get a kick out of seeing what your beasties are doing and then walk out back and mine are doing the same. I think someone gave my woolies a computer and didn't tell me cuz there's all this laughing from the ewes as they gather round the hay feeders each night. HHHMMMMM.
    My theory : if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
    Never mind what some small-minded haters say, in the long run it's your blog and you can do what you like.
    Please, keep up the GREAT work ( award notices and all ).
    From Benita and Everyone at ValleView Farms !!!

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  47. When I first noticed the coperight changing I thought it was so funny and immediately had to go back and read all the ones I missed. Your humor brings a smile to my face and brightens my day. Hay by the way, don't forget about telling us about the cows!

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  48. So don't all fairy tales start off the same way, you know, "Once upon a time ..."? Why not "award-winning" too? Keep tellin' your tales, m'dear.

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  49. I'm with Beth and Michelle (and most everyone else) - if one individual doesn't like something about your blog they don't have to read it. Just as they have that choice, you have the choice of what you inculde in your blog and how you present it. Don't let one sour grape ruin the wine for the rest of us!

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  50. Loved the longest copyright notice ever written. Don't change a thing!!

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  51. Doesn't bother me! I look forward to the copyright notes =)

    Maybe the person who didn't like it is one of those who are stealing your work. Jerks!

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  52. How Dare some people!!!!!!!!!!! It is your blog! Please, Please, Please DO NOT CHANGE IT!

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  53. Don't sell yourself short, you ARE an award-winning blogger. Please keep the pictures and copyright notices coming! I'm with Beth, bleep um if they don't like "award winning". You earned it.

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  54. Oh good grief! It never has seemed braggardly - just a lead in - duh. Seems like *somebody* might have a NON-award-winning blog AND a chip on their shoulder. Carry on Susan!!!

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  55. You are award-winning and deserve to be and we all know it--so I'm just going to make a point of thinking of that when I read your blog whether the words are there or not. Just that yummy cottage cheese recipe is enough to justify it!

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  56. I totally agree: Keep the award winning part. It is your blog, and as far as I'm aware we still have this lovely thing called the First Amendment, which allows you freedom of speech.

    As to the person(s)who complained: Get a life and start your own blog. The rest of us love Susan's writings.

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful life with us, Susan!

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  57. Well, you just KNOW what I'm going to say; I second everyone else's sentiments. I didn't spot the comments for a while but when I did, I thought they were a really neat addition to THE BEST BLOG out there - award winning or not. But don't remove the award winning bit (unless of course you are bored typing it). You deserve the plaudits and as I sometimes sit here agonizing over what to say on my little patch, you seem to effortlessly spin out terrific little yarns that connect with us in often special ways. THAT is a talent. And THAT's why you've earned the awards.

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  58. Award deserving AND Winning - how's them apples whiners?
    or something else reflecting your sweet spirit and devoted following? ROFL - I honestly continue to be amazed at what BS people want to gripe about on blogs - you get what you pay for - oh that's right you get to read and see all this stuff for FREE We love you Susan - and yer bloggity notices and awards and sheeps and puppies and oh yeah - them chickens!

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  59. I have never sent a comment to a blog before so I'm not sure of the etiquette here...but geez, for someone to bitch about that is just petty and nitpicky. There is so much to enjoy, why waste energy complaining about anything. Life is too short. Thank you for sharing what is, I suspect, a dream that many of us have and maybe try to create on a different scale in our own lives.

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  60. I read an article once about Freedom of Speech: "since the First Amendment protects all kinds of speech, including the most violent speech, the hater has the constitutional right to express violent messages... but unfortunately and ironically, those who are targeted have no right not to be offended by hate messages." (Yangqi Li, "Hate Speech, Censorship, and Librarians’ Dilemma")

    I think the same unfortunately applies to blog commenting. In a smaller way. It's YOUR blog, you award-winning Farmgirl! I've always believed that "if you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all!" Especially on someone else's website. Apparently that tidbit of Thumper common decency has flown out the window in the internet world.

    Anyways, don't let bullies give their "honest" (unwanted) opinion and have even an ounce of control on your blog contents!

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  61. OMG. Really?!?! I can't believe some people! Don't change your copyright notice just because of one unhappy person--I imagine they are just plain unhappy in general. I love checking for your new photos and reading the copyright!

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  62. And I agree with Beth and all the others....who cares what one person thinks? It's yours, award-winning and all!
    I wouldn't miss a day of reading your blog....EVER!
    Linda in St. Louis

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  63. not to add one more voice to the melee, but...being a new reader myself, i didn't see the changing copyright piece at the bottom at first. i just wondered why this person with a wonderful story and fantastic pictures never said anything with her photos... then, lo and behold, one day i actually noticed the change in the copyright notice! and i've been hooked! (and hey, if you're an award winner, you're an award winner! kudos to you!)
    so glad i discovered your blog... i check it daily and LOVE LOVE LOVE the photography. makes me want to sell my meager belongings, turn in the lease on my small SoCal apt, and flee to the farm!! keep it up, farmgirl!

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  64. I know I don't leave comments very often, Susan, but I read, and love, your blog everyday. So to Andrea and that other person who find the lede to your copyright notice annoying, some small-minded, rather sanctimonious people just don't have enough to keep themselves busy. The copyright notice IS the post and it's darned cute and original. So Susan, please don't let a few stop you from doing what many, many of us love.

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  65. I just want more blogs! I miss seeing new posts--although I am sure it is time consuming when there are other things going on in life. When I come to this blog it is like a little treat in the afternoon that takes me to another place. Thank you!

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  66. I think you could drop the "award-winning" line without losing a lot of content, and you could keep the rest of your copyright notice just as kicky and fun. Besides, the info that you've won awards is other places on your blog, and in those banners, etc., it comes off as less self-aggrandizing because you expect to see things like that on award-winning blogs. And I don't believe that you are self-aggrandizing, but I see how it comes off that way. I, for one, stop reading after I see the phrase "award-winning;" it's a turn-off. This time I stayed tuned-in because your tone was rather snarky and I was kind of surprised, since you generally seem like an at-peace person. Who cares what us commenters think? Don't stoop to our level. ;)

    Unrelated.....where have all the recipes gone?

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  67. I personally love your copyright notices. I probably missed a lot of clever ones, since it took me a while to realize that they changed each time. Kind of reminds me of the credits for the Monty Python movies--easy to overlook, but some of the best writing of the film! I have no problem with the "award-winning" by-line. It's certainly well-deserved! It's not surprising (but is disgusting) that individuals steal writing off of the internet. I just heard an NPR broadcast about a music blogger who found a recent article of his published almost verbatum in a local newspaper! Good for you for taking some steps to protect your intellectual property! As a science writer I ALWAYS credit whatever tidbit I use in my writing--all it takes is a footnote! It's about time that blogs are recognized as truly published writing (and there is some excellent writing in blogs out there!) Lucky for us readers we get to read it for "free". Keep up the great work, and perhaps someday (in your spare time!!) you can get a book published. I for one would love to read about your farming-food adventures in book form! (Yes, I would purchase it!)

    Jeannine from Pittsburgh

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  68. uhm. be proud. i say it is your bragging rights. you DID win the award, and that pain in the *%^ did not. i mean really, it is our choice to read the blogs we read, not our choice to tell you what content to put in your blog. people. grrr!

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  69. I just got back from the 12 days at the State Fair and you are one of the very first blogs I read. I don't think you need to worry about how people think about your "award-winning" statement. I think it's rather cute as well as helping say what you say. I love your copyright stuff.

    And, as I see that you have had almost 70 comments, I don't think you need to worry about one complainer that has nothing else to do.

    Keep up the good work, and hug Cary for me ... she's a cutie! Is she as noisy as our Arthur Godfrey when she hears your voice?

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  70. Don't be afraid to toot your own horn a bit - anybody who denigrates that is just jealous, or bored and trying to stir the pot. It's not annoying. I've decided that changing the way you do things because someone is annoyed or complains or makes fun of you is usually a bad idea, and I think this is one of those occasions!

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December 2015 update: Hi! For some reason I can't figure out, Blogger hasn't been letting me leave comments on my own blog (!) for the last several months, so I've been unable to respond to your comments and questions. My apologies for any inconvenience! You're always welcome to email me: farmgirlfare AT gmail DOT com.

Hi! Thanks for visiting Farmgirl Fare and taking the time to write. While I'm not always able to reply to every comment, I receive and enjoy reading them all.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and I especially love hearing about your experiences with my recipes. Comments on older posts are always welcome!

Please note that I moderate comments, so if I'm away from the computer it may be a while before yours appears.

I try my best to answer all questions, though sometimes it takes me a few days. And sometimes, I'm sorry to say, they fall through the cracks, and for that I sincerely apologize.

I look forward to hearing from you and hope you enjoy your e-visits to our farm!