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Author Topic: Time to celebrate?  (Read 18017 times)

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« on: February 11, 2011, 14:17 »
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Oh goody

Sounds like Istock is getting ready to send its favorite admins, inspectors, (AKA Vetta contributors) and a randomly chosen representative contributor off for another big party.

http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=302622&messageid=5837262

Why aren't parties unsustainable? 


« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2011, 14:32 »
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I saw that too. It didn't take too much to get the obedient little sycophants to recite another chorus of 'Wooyays' did it? Presumeably the torn and bleeding sphincters of the faithful are beginning to heal a little. Totally vomit-inducing.

lisafx

« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2011, 14:40 »
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OMFG!!  H*cking unbelievable!!   :o

ETA: Lovely - site in ruins and administrators post half a page of discussions about flipflops (the footwear kind).  Entertainment for this event will be provided by Nero and his fiddle.   :P
« Last Edit: February 11, 2011, 14:45 by lisafx »

« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2011, 14:44 »
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Non-stop complaining.  Sweet jesus

lisafx

« Reply #4 on: February 11, 2011, 14:46 »
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Non-stop complaining.  Sweet jesus

Indeed.  Non-stop issues to complain about.  Maybe if the site were to ever be fixed the complaints will die down.  No danger of that though ;)

« Reply #5 on: February 11, 2011, 14:50 »
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Doubt it

People always complain

lisafx

« Reply #6 on: February 11, 2011, 14:52 »
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Doubt it

People always complain

You're probably right.  There are always people to complain, and always other people complaining about the complaining, without even a trace of irony ;)

« Reply #7 on: February 11, 2011, 14:52 »
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Doubt it

People always complain

------------------------
much like you are doing now? ;D

lisafx

« Reply #8 on: February 11, 2011, 14:53 »
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Doubt it

People always complain

------------------------
much like you are doing now? ;D

Snap!  ;D

« Reply #9 on: February 11, 2011, 14:55 »
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They're just doing some promotional work at an event with this type of stuff.  I don't see it as that big a deal.

« Reply #10 on: February 11, 2011, 15:03 »
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Maybe but Echodelta said "...More on this and something else coming very soon" which sounds to me cyrpto-istock speak for we've got a big 'lypse coming.   

« Reply #11 on: February 11, 2011, 15:40 »
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Except for the social part (meeting friends) I don't fancy this type of event, I prefer to do my shootings on my own. That said, I think they are useful for many people that is learning how to work with professional lightning, and they generate a flow of exclusive images, no matter if shot by exclusives or not exclusives.

« Reply #12 on: February 11, 2011, 15:44 »
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Maybe but Echodelta said "...More on this and something else coming very soon" which sounds to me cyrpto-istock speak for we've got a big 'lypse coming.   

Yeah.  Sigh.

« Reply #13 on: February 11, 2011, 16:08 »
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As long as they don't send any developers and skip a 'lypse website, it should have no impact on their ongoing work to fix the broken web site.

I'd like the staff to wear T-shirts saying "Trip expenses paid for with cash transfer from iStock contributors"

lisafx

« Reply #14 on: February 11, 2011, 16:08 »
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Maybe but Echodelta said "...More on this and something else coming very soon" which sounds to me cyrpto-istock speak for we've got a big 'lypse coming.  

This is exactly my concern.  Every time a big event (Japan) or holiday (Christmas) takes a large number of admins away from their jobs some fresh disaster hits the site.  

Even when the site was functional it was a problem having it run on a skeleton crew.  Now, with this unbelievable plethora of bugs and glitches, I can't believe the administration is going to go hopping off on another jaunt.  Just reinforces the impression that nobody in authority gives a rat's a$$ about the site anymore.   :(    

« Reply #15 on: February 11, 2011, 16:13 »
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They're just doing some promotional work at an event with this type of stuff.  I don't see it as that big a deal.

This coming from a man who just had $3400 taken from him. You just HAVE to be getting some benefits that we never hear about, for you to be this loyal. Maybe free passes for you and your family to said events?  ;)

LSD72

  • My Bologna has a first name...
« Reply #16 on: February 11, 2011, 16:16 »
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Money won't make you happy...parties will.  ::)

« Reply #17 on: February 11, 2011, 16:19 »
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As long as they don't send any developers and skip a 'lypse website, it should have no impact on their ongoing work to fix the broken web site.
Actually this could be a way of getting rid of the current developers and get new ones while they are away. :)

« Reply #18 on: February 11, 2011, 16:21 »
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They're just doing some promotional work at an event with this type of stuff.  I don't see it as that big a deal.

This coming from a man who just had $3400 taken from him. You just HAVE to be getting some benefits that we never hear about, for you to be this loyal. Maybe free passes for you and your family to said events?  ;)

If someone wants to send me tix to London, sign me up!  But I see "free photo shoot opportunities" as just a normal marketing thing to try and get new contributors.  It's not in my best interest, but for "the company", I can't say it's a bad move.

« Reply #19 on: February 11, 2011, 16:42 »
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They're just doing some promotional work at an event with this type of stuff.  I don't see it as that big a deal.

This coming from a man who just had $3400 taken from him. You just HAVE to be getting some benefits that we never hear about, for you to be this loyal. Maybe free passes for you and your family to said events?  ;)

He has to stick with it and be loyal. What other options does he have? Going non-exclusive would be a loss at this point.

« Reply #20 on: February 11, 2011, 17:04 »
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Yeah, I don't see the big deal. I hear all of the complaints... it just seems like a stretch. And I'm not getting paid to disagree... FWIW.

« Reply #21 on: February 11, 2011, 18:41 »
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I don't know who was in the US when Nancy Reagan bought new White House china during a recession. There was a huge uproar.

The PR spin doctors went to work explaining that it was all purchased with private money. It was true, but it was a tone-deaf thing to do given the state of most people's lives at the time - the notion that there were multiple services with different patterns in use at large state dinners didn't seem to most like a crisis.

I do think that promoting the business to buyers is something they should continue to do, but the notion that they're partying (or party planning) while the site limps along says to me that they just don't get it. They may not care one little bit about their existing contributors, or the massively long time the site has been limping, but they don't have to remind me of it so often.

lisafx

« Reply #22 on: February 11, 2011, 19:05 »
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^^ Beautifully stated JoAnn. 

This sums up so much of their seeming indifference lately: 

"They may not care one little bit about their existing contributors, or the massively long time the site has been limping, but they don't have to remind me of it so often."

« Reply #23 on: February 12, 2011, 00:52 »
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I don't know who was in the US when Nancy Reagan bought new White House china during a recession. There was a huge uproar.

The PR spin doctors went to work explaining that it was all purchased with private money. It was true, but it was a tone-deaf thing to do given the state of most people's lives at the time - the notion that there were multiple services with different patterns in use at large state dinners didn't seem to most like a crisis.

I do think that promoting the business to buyers is something they should continue to do, but the notion that they're partying (or party planning) while the site limps along says to me that they just don't get it. They may not care one little bit about their existing contributors, or the massively long time the site has been limping, but they don't have to remind me of it so often.

Very well said.

« Reply #24 on: February 12, 2011, 02:26 »
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I don't know who was in the US when Nancy Reagan bought new White House china during a recession. There was a huge uproar.

The PR spin doctors went to work explaining that it was all purchased with private money. It was true, but it was a tone-deaf thing to do given the state of most people's lives at the time - the notion that there were multiple services with different patterns in use at large state dinners didn't seem to most like a crisis.

I do think that promoting the business to buyers is something they should continue to do, but the notion that they're partying (or party planning) while the site limps along says to me that they just don't get it. They may not care one little bit about their existing contributors, or the massively long time the site has been limping, but they don't have to remind me of it so often.

+4 ... no wait, is that banned or is it only +1 that is banned? Are the use of numbers other 1 allowed?

Tone deaf is right - every company I have ever known that conducts itself like this ends up going down in flames - I surely would not be relying on them for anything - arrogance like this sinks ships ...

RacePhoto

« Reply #25 on: February 14, 2011, 02:20 »
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And there's no recession now right? One sided politics always bother me, just like the one sided hate for everything some agencies do, even if it's promotion or good for the general group. Personally a Lypse or convention don't do much for the business side of Micro that I can see, but maybe someone else can find something good in these events? Surely of no interest to me.

Anyway, here's the quote for you one sided pickers who are still picking at Nancy Regan for something that is common practice in the White House.

"At a time when people are having trouble holding on to their houses, Barack and Michelle Obama have sensibly decided not to use taxpayers money to renovate theirs. New presidents are allotted $100,000 to overhaul the White House residence and the Oval Office, and the Obamas hired Hollywood decorator Michael S. Smith (known, per his site, for mixing Old World classicism with very contemporary settings). But the First Couple isnt spending that money. They are not using public funds or accepting donations of goods for redecorating their private quarters, says Camille Johnston, director of communications for the First Lady. Nor is the couple, who reported $4.2 million in household income in 2007 tax returns, using money from the White House Historical Association, a privately funded foundation that paid for a $74,000 set of china shortly before Laura Bush left town."

Hmm sounds like the same argument as below. Where's the huge uproar now? Same issue, same defense, but we're still hearing about Regan? Laura Bush just wasted money on new china, waiting for Michelle's new set now.

I don't know who was in the US when Nancy Reagan bought new White House china during a recession. There was a huge uproar.

The PR spin doctors went to work explaining that it was all purchased with private money. It was true, but it was a tone-deaf thing to do given the state of most people's lives at the time - the notion that there were multiple services with different patterns in use at large state dinners didn't seem to most like a crisis.

I do think that promoting the business to buyers is something they should continue to do, but the notion that they're partying (or party planning) while the site limps along says to me that they just don't get it. They may not care one little bit about their existing contributors, or the massively long time the site has been limping, but they don't have to remind me of it so often.

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #26 on: February 14, 2011, 08:57 »
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As long as they don't send any developers and skip a 'lypse website, it should have no impact on their ongoing work to fix the broken web site.

I'd like the staff to wear T-shirts saying "Trip expenses paid for with cash transfer from iStock contributors"
It was that sort of talk that got me accused of trolling then Banned!  :o

lisafx

« Reply #27 on: February 14, 2011, 16:28 »
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Anyway, here's the quote for you one sided pickers who are still picking at Nancy Regan for something that is common practice in the White House.

Sorry, I didn't interpret JoAnn's post as "picking at Nancy Reagan"  I believe she was just using that as an example of the phenomenon of some small, unimportant side issue getting people riled up when they are really upset about other larger issues.

RacePhoto

« Reply #28 on: February 15, 2011, 01:00 »
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Anyway, here's the quote for you one sided pickers who are still picking at Nancy Regan for something that is common practice in the White House.

Sorry, I didn't interpret JoAnn's post as "picking at Nancy Reagan"  I believe she was just using that as an example of the phenomenon of some small, unimportant side issue getting people riled up when they are really upset about other larger issues.

Oh I probably missed it as, look what stupid Nancy Reagan did when the economy was flat. But not pointing to what stupid liberals now in office also do. Personally I'm a political cynic at this point. They all do it isn't an excuse, it's the way of lawyers and politicians who are all doing the same things, no matter what they promise.

I also read it as spending money on stupid side events, or maybe like Nero playing the fiddle while Rome burns.  ;D  That would be IS spends money on trips and sends workers to a company event while the site is foundering.

But the rest stays. I don't care about conventions or cheerleader training sessions put on my the agencies.

« Reply #29 on: February 15, 2011, 01:05 »
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As long as they don't send any developers and skip a 'lypse website, it should have no impact on their ongoing work to fix the broken web site.

I'd like the staff to wear T-shirts saying "Trip expenses paid for with cash transfer from iStock contributors"
It was that sort of talk that got me accused of trolling then Banned!  :o

I stick to MSG when I let my dry humour out of its cage :)

lisafx

« Reply #30 on: February 15, 2011, 12:10 »
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or maybe like Nero playing the fiddle while Rome burns.  ;D  That would be IS spends money on trips and sends workers to a company event while the site is foundering.


Yeah, it was me that made the Nero comparison, and I will stick by it. 

« Reply #31 on: February 15, 2011, 14:27 »
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lisafx

« Reply #32 on: February 15, 2011, 17:05 »
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Thanks Sean.  So it is another Istockalypse then.  Wooyay.   ::)

« Reply #33 on: February 15, 2011, 18:12 »
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Thanks Sean.  So it is another Istockalypse then.  Wooyay.   ::)

it's the magician's trick. don't look at all the things wrong over here.. look at the shiny, fun istockalypse!  wooyay!

I used to get excited about these things and dream about attending something I could never afford.  but now it's just feels like rubbing salt into my wounds.  perhaps I'm still a little bitter over the whole royalty scheme fiasco.

« Reply #34 on: February 15, 2011, 19:16 »
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Thanks Sean.  So it is another Istockalypse then.  Wooyay.   ::)

it's the magician's trick. don't look at all the things wrong over here.. look at the shiny, fun istockalypse!  wooyay!

I used to get excited about these things and dream about attending something I could never afford.  but now it's just feels like rubbing salt into my wounds.  perhaps I'm still a little bitter over the whole royalty scheme fiasco.

I can completely get the bitterness. I still have a hard time letting go of what might have been, and when I consider the snail's pace at which fixes are coming and  the number of unfinished or half baked things, the idea that anyone's spending a second organizing a shindig feels very much like rubbing salt into a wound. I've been dipping into the editorial forum looking to see how things are progressing, and that project seems in need of a ton of TLC to work out the details and get it started on solid footing. Very little admin input there - all work and no wooyays :)

I did attend the iStockalypse HQ in August 2009 and it was a wonderful experience. I had thought that attending another would be a great idea, but even if I could have gone to Japan (I couldn't) the requirement that content go to the partner program even if you were opted out took that out of the running for me. I don't know if the same thing will be true for London, but with the Getty involvement, I expect it will.

Seems rather strange to time it around the royal wedding - it'll just make hotel rooms harder to come by and more expensive. Unless one of the little surprises is a shoot with the royals :)

« Reply #35 on: February 15, 2011, 20:01 »
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There is a World Photography Event taking place in London just a few days before the Lypse. Many photographers will attend that anyway. It makes sense to have the Lypse at that time.

I am not entering the draw, but I will maybe drop by for a day or two to meet people. I have family and friends in London, so I am lucky that I can go whenever I like.

« Reply #36 on: February 15, 2011, 20:03 »
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nruboc

« Reply #37 on: February 15, 2011, 20:15 »
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Any word on whether vlad_the_imp will be attending? There might be some poeple there that don't know how successful he is and this would be the perfect opportunity to inform them.

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #38 on: February 16, 2011, 14:00 »
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Well, ya knows, you've got to speculate to accumulate.
So, unless you're in the clique, you have to pay $500 for a ticket.
They are suggesting two accommodations as "offering a reasonable rate".
It's all relative, of course.
Citadines, one of their recommendations, is offering, at the promotional rate I seemed to be offered by clicking through the iStock link, the six nights for 1095.60 + 20% VAT, room only, note that: "The credit card is charged upon reservation. Offer non cancelable, non exchangeable and not refundable."

The Strand Palace, where we're paying the Staff to stay, is charging "Save 15% with prepayment! 755.50 - 1,250.50
Rate is inclusive of English Breakfast & VAT and will require full prepayment for the entire stay at the time of booking. The rate is non-refundable and non-changeable. Prepayment is charged to the credit /debit card supplied at the time of booking. Cancellation or non-arrival will result in the forfeiture of your deposit. All deposits are non-transferable."

If anyone is determined to go, it's cheap and 'adequate', but very well located: my place in London is the Travelodge in Drury Lane, Covent Garden, which is 370.20 for the six nights, non refundable or 527.50 flexible rate, cancel up to 24 hours in advance. I can't see if that includes VAT.

And note, you have to make your images available on Thinkstock. Echodelta just 'forgot' to mention it until Sean nudged her. Just like the last time.

« Reply #39 on: February 16, 2011, 14:11 »
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Bread and circuses....

« Reply #40 on: February 16, 2011, 14:25 »
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Any word on whether vlad_the_imp will be attending? There might be some poeple there that don't know how successful he is and this would be the perfect opportunity to inform them.

Real classy

« Reply #41 on: February 16, 2011, 14:27 »
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Well, ya knows, you've got to speculate to accumulate.
So, unless you're in the clique, you have to pay $500 for a ticket.

This is the part that really bugs me.  Many of the same admins and inspectors go to these events as the one before and the one before that generally on Istock's dime.  Then they invite people on special assignment that they like and toss in a few randomly drawn individuals to round out the field.  In my mind, these events boil down to a big party for the clique and not much more.  Just look at the thread and see who's posting.  Its admin, admin, admin, inspector, admin, shank, admin, inspector.  

If things are running smoothly I don't care if they throw a big party, but with Calgary burning, it sure seems like a lot of fiddling to me.  

Edited to add:  It does feel a bit like this event is paid for in part by the royalties that Istock took from me... 
« Last Edit: February 16, 2011, 14:34 by Sadstock »

nruboc

« Reply #42 on: February 16, 2011, 14:58 »
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Any word on whether vlad_the_imp will be attending? There might be some poeple there that don't know how successful he is and this would be the perfect opportunity to inform them.

Real classy

He makes in the top 10% of his European country you know? Spread the word of his talent...

« Reply #43 on: February 16, 2011, 15:04 »
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Any word on whether vlad_the_imp will be attending? There might be some poeple there that don't know how successful he is and this would be the perfect opportunity to inform them.

Real classy

Kind of like Vlad!

« Reply #44 on: February 16, 2011, 17:28 »
0

Any word on whether vlad_the_imp will be attending? There might be some poeple there that don't know how successful he is and this would be the perfect opportunity to inform them.

Real classy

He makes in the top 10% of his European country you know? Spread the word of his talent...

Im sure you have differences of opinion and all but to post insults about another member who hasnt even posted in this thread seems like a dick move to me

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #45 on: February 25, 2011, 17:29 »
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So, there are a few msg iStockers en route to the London'lypse.
Enjoy and pass on your hints and tips. (I'll trade any I get on my photojournalism course!)

« Reply #46 on: February 25, 2011, 19:06 »
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Well, ya knows, you've got to speculate to accumulate.
So, unless you're in the clique, you have to pay $500 for a ticket.

This is the part that really bugs me.  Many of the same admins and inspectors go to these events as the one before and the one before that generally on Istock's dime.  Then they invite people on special assignment that they like and toss in a few randomly drawn individuals to round out the field.  In my mind, these events boil down to a big party for the clique and not much more.  Just look at the thread and see who's posting.  Its admin, admin, admin, inspector, admin, shank, admin, inspector.  

If things are running smoothly I don't care if they throw a big party, but with Calgary burning, it sure seems like a lot of fiddling to me.  

Edited to add:  It does feel a bit like this event is paid for in part by the royalties that Istock took from me... 

And good god, what a long list of "staff" and "assignment" shooters!!! These things just piss me off more every time they do one.

« Reply #47 on: February 25, 2011, 19:18 »
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Yes, another (all expenses?) company-paid party overseas for the "it" crowd.

« Reply #48 on: February 25, 2011, 19:38 »
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I don't know who was in the US when Nancy Reagan bought new White House china during a recession. There was a huge uproar.


Believe me I am not a big Reagan fan...or should I say a fan of the Reagan myth. But the "china" in question was donated, not purchased by Nancy Reagan.

Reagan also raised taxes 11 times...a little myth buster that some would prefer to bury in this day an age.
« Last Edit: February 25, 2011, 20:05 by gwhitton »

« Reply #49 on: February 25, 2011, 20:09 »
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Wooyay.

Ya know - I'd love to go to a 'lypse. But the way they do it makes it unrealistic that will ever happen.  Is a shame. lol

jen

« Reply #50 on: February 25, 2011, 20:12 »
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I don't know who was in the US when Nancy Reagan bought new White House china during a recession. There was a huge uproar.


Believe me I am not a big Reagan fan...or should I say a fan of the Reagan myth. But the "china" in question was donated, not purchased by Nancy Reagan.

Reagan also raised taxes 11 times...a little myth buster that some would prefer to bury in this day an age.
That was the point of the anecdote. 


 

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