PayPal vs. Google

And it's a win for Google.  At least, it does for me...and thousands of other PalPal haters.

I am exclusively using Google Checkout now.  It's been about three months with only a few hiccups. PayPal has lost me for good.  I won't go into my own story, but let's just say between Ebay (officially the devil of "independent" web commerce) and PayPal (Ebay's bitch and the one CURRENTLY holding the torch in web monetary transactions), I was screwed out of nearly two grand. 

My first thought...  Fuck PayPal, I should sue.  But I'm not the litigious type, and of course, I'm not the only one.  There are multiple sites and groups out there with HORRIBLE stories, much worse then mine.  I have had customers who refused to use PayPal due to money being withheld or fraud (that buyer protection ain't so solid), or simple identify theft.  You're dealing with a monopoly of a company who only wants your money.  That's it.  And they really don't care about the buyer or seller.  There was a woman who called them up after not receiving a $10 item on Etsy that was lost in the mail.  The PayPal representative she spoke to on the phone immediately told her to "take action".  But, one simple conversation on Etsy with the seller...all cleared up.  No PayPal involvement, no issues. 

That one little phone call could have ruined someone's business and livelihood.  I was thoroughly shocked when I read some of these stories...

So, I weighed out my options and decided to go with Google Checkout.  It's super secure.  You do have to sign up, but if you have a Gmail account (which EVERYONE should by now) it's a cakewalk.  It's an extra step for me, sending out an invoice after the sale notification, but it helps me to keep better records and it's a little more official, yet personal.  Google Checkout may still be a bit foreign to some, but it's only going to get bigger and better....just like Google itself.  It's a winner.  Oh, and I've personally confirmed that international buyers love Checkout over PayPal.

Next time, why Ebay is a total bastard...

My puppy.

I need custody of my baby Dudley.  Soon.  There's a huge hole in my heart....

In the retail world.

Here is a pic I found by accident from one of my favorite stores to work with.  Someday I'll get there in person... 
Thanks Tildé.  I love you...and apparently so does Portland.

I'm trying...

So I am still without a studio...and it's driven me, not so slowly, insane.  But to make do for now, I've set up my wheel outside.  It's on a huge tarp so I don't make a big mess and so I can wrap it up like a burrito at night and when it rains. Which, by the way, it has...almost everyday...and it's been a particularly cold September.  Perfect when you have two important shows coming up in less than two weeks.  Bleh.  But, I've made it through most of the inconvenience of the workspace and made what I hope will be some great pieces...no one really knows til they open that kiln...kiln...now there's a whole other issue...

It's always nice...

to get a write up on someone else's blog.  Especially one so super-terrific.
http://www.veniceclayartists.com/shoshona-snow-ceramics/

Too many...

Shows coming up....and no studio.  Freaking out?  Yes.

Day...ah #$*& it...

It's been too many days to count now. I still have no studio. We never moved and are now staying a my friend's mother's house. I was feeling too depressed to even have the slight urge to want to make work...not anymore... I still have my wheel, which means I could still make work without having a full studio...but I need somewhere to fire. I THINK I may have an answer to that for at least this first firing I hope. Then maybe I can look more to the long run option..renting space somewhere or from someone. And I suppose finding out where we'll be living next will be of some importance in that decision.

For now, I already have several custom orders and a few shows that I need work for...It's making me antsy and nervous. The holiday's are right around the corner. I don't want summer to be over. :(

And yes, that is a REAL waterfall. Right near where I'm staying right now. Nestled in the woods in a secret spot...