I moved here in 1981, I was amazed at how friendly people were. The first thing I noticed that was different from other places I had lived was that everyone waved at you when they drove by. You would walk in a store and feel as if they knew you. The tourists and locals would hang out together at the local bars making for some of the fondest memories!
A few years back I went to St. Thomas Island and before we got off the plane they explained local customs one of which was when you walked pass someone on the street it was customary to ingage in small talk, not just pass by or give a nod. Once you got used to that it actually became fun and was a great way to meet and learn about people.
My point is, I feel like a lot of people here just aren't friendly. I've worked in Seaside, Rosemary, Watercolor and everywhere else on 30A (Painting and maintenence) and have noticed this trend since about 1996. I know there are still a lot of friendly happy people it just seems like there are a lot more grumpy ones.
So I thought, from here on out I'm going to do like they do in St. Thomas and smile, wave and talk to people. If we all did that you wouldn't believe how infectious it is.
Sorry, just had to semi rant!
WaterbaddrinkwineWaterbaddrinkwineBeach LoverPoint Washington112 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
WaterbaddrinkwineBeach LoverPoint Washington112 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover2,597 views
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KurtKurtAdminSoWal2,472 postsJoined View profileMessageAdmin
KurtAdminSoWal2,472 postsJoined View profileMessageAdminMy only message is I hope things improve for you and to investigate use of the return key. :lol:
Certain businesses are going to get hurt (first) when times are tough. Like landscapers, artists, auto detailing, etc - stuff that are not always essential or can be put off. I think some local businesses are going to hold off on some of those items and services. I can understand why some are "cautiously" optimistic. I just don't get pessimism.
Certain businesses are going to get hurt (first) when times are tough. Like landscapers, artists, auto detailing, etc - stuff that are not always essential or can be put off. I think some local businesses are going to hold off on some of those items and services. I can understand why some are "cautiously" optimistic. I just don't get pessimism.
librarianlibrarianBeach Lover94 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
i only know the contrast from where i live which has gotten much less of a place i want to live and raise children. i try to save my money so i can spend it in south walton where i feel appreciated-i know the heat and crowds can be tough but i like to spend money in a place where people act like they are happy and enjoying what they do instead of acting like it's a pain to help-maybe your day has been tough but you sure do make mine with that southern hospitality -and that is what brings me and my family back. the people who come down with us say the same.
ScooterScooterBeach FanaticAtlanta, GA; New Orleans, LA686 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
ScooterBeach FanaticAtlanta, GA; New Orleans, LA686 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI want to be a local!!!!!!!
mputnalmputnalBeach Fanatic2,396 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
My only message is I hope things improve for you and to investigate use of the return key. :lol:Kurt, it is very difficult to successfully own and operate a small business on either pure optimism or pure pessimism. You better have some realisim in their somewhere. I can survive "normal" trends in the economy and have done so. The BP economic disaster has no precedent. I do not have a magic ball to see into the future. I have to forecast and project based on my own data. That data comes in the form of revenue and customer feedback.
Certain businesses are going to get hurt (first) when times are tough. Like landscapers, artists, auto detailing, etc - stuff that are not always essential or can be put off. I think some local businesses are going to hold off on some of those items and services. I can understand why some are "cautiously" optimistic. I just don't get pessimism.
My message is obviously not getting across to you. BP is a destructive corporation- do not trust them or help them. Mega corporations are bad- they are reducing our abilities to choose products and services. Politics is broken- ideals will not pay the bills and maybe we need a third party. Our economic system is broken or least very sick- I have no idea what to do about it. You have somehow twisted my message into pessimism or doom and gloom when I have more energy toward a better future than at any other time in my life!
And finally, not everyone falls into your box of economic recovery- you can listen and learn or you can listen and make jokes or right us off as doom and gloom. A good leader will choose to listen and learn and I think you have that ability.
sisters4sisters4Beach Lover198 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
I am reading these posts and thinking that some people here have their panties in a twist. Don't take this wrong but I think perspective is needed. I think all reasonable people appreciate where people are coming from but I am thinking that it's not the end of the world to live/rent/visit/vacation down there. I am not downplaying the protective stance people come from for the area because it is so special but how lucky are we to come there. Maybe it is because I don't live there year round and take it for granted? I cannot wait to be there in 6 weeks - it is keeping me going! It really is a healing place.
KurtKurtAdminSoWal2,472 postsJoined View profileMessageAdmin
KurtAdminSoWal2,472 postsJoined View profileMessageAdminI am reading these posts and thinking that some people here have their panties in a twist. Don't take this wrong but I think perspective is needed. I think all reasonable people appreciate where people are coming from but I am thinking that it's not the end of the world to live/rent/visit/vacation down there. I am not downplaying the protective stance people come from for the area because it is so special but how lucky are we to come there. Maybe it is because I don't live there year round and take it for granted? I cannot wait to be there in 6 weeks - it is keeping me going! It really is a healing place.
Yes - Mark thinks I'm picking on him but some are saying this is the best summer ever for tourism. In addition real estate is selling again. A lot of the distressed properties are getting cleared out. The airports have been busy. People are looking forward to a good fall and off season. Lots of folks are moving here. Walmart and two new middle schools opening are signs of progress (like it or not).
As I said, I understand many of us are still feeling BP effects but we also have a great sense of relief. And as I said many, many times over the last year - we really have been lucky to have escaped the worst of it.
mputnalmputnalBeach Fanatic2,396 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Okay lets just think perspective (good advice). It could have been worse like those to the West of us are experiencing. I do understand this and feel bad for those that were hit harder. I am not complaining about my situation but I do listen to what others (my customers) are saying about available work and whether or not they can survive additional economic stress.
Tourism is up in Walton County because it should be. We have an amazing community along with a resource paradise. Why wouldn't Tourism be up? All indications were that the South Walton economy would have had the best year out of the last three years in 2010 before the spill. I am basing that on a 35% increase in revenue during those first four months of 2010 before the spill. Not every business recovers the same way as Kurt said. There is still a lot of economic hurt (my business is only one of many).
Yes, I have a lot of resentment toward BP and I would like to move on. Easier said than done because of fixed expenses and revenue projection. Pure optimism will not pay my expenses. It is not doom and gloom or pessimism to be concerned.
I doubt there is anyone that feels any more lucky than I do to be a part of this community. I love this community to the point that I would be willing to sacrifice business to keep it the same but it is inevitable that it will grow and change. Middlesister is correct in that it is all about perspective. Kurt is correct regarding optimism vs pessimism but that kind of missed my point. We just have to remember that we are each a part of the whole community. I promise to do my part to make the community even better.
Tourism is up in Walton County because it should be. We have an amazing community along with a resource paradise. Why wouldn't Tourism be up? All indications were that the South Walton economy would have had the best year out of the last three years in 2010 before the spill. I am basing that on a 35% increase in revenue during those first four months of 2010 before the spill. Not every business recovers the same way as Kurt said. There is still a lot of economic hurt (my business is only one of many).
Yes, I have a lot of resentment toward BP and I would like to move on. Easier said than done because of fixed expenses and revenue projection. Pure optimism will not pay my expenses. It is not doom and gloom or pessimism to be concerned.
I doubt there is anyone that feels any more lucky than I do to be a part of this community. I love this community to the point that I would be willing to sacrifice business to keep it the same but it is inevitable that it will grow and change. Middlesister is correct in that it is all about perspective. Kurt is correct regarding optimism vs pessimism but that kind of missed my point. We just have to remember that we are each a part of the whole community. I promise to do my part to make the community even better.
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