First of all I want to say that I’m delighted that most people understood last week’s moan.
My moan to MYSELF this week is that I sometimes regret not charging for my patterns. Why? Well I could really have done without a big unexpected bill at the moment.
The bill was for my trusty old iMac which died. Died dead too. I went to use it and nothing happened. It had closed itself down and wouldn’t re-start. I read all I could find about how to get past this problem but nothing worked. Not even the one where you have four fingers on keys (which needs both hands) and then (whilst they’re there) you also press the on button!!! Thank goodness Nick was around to press the on/off button!
Next decision was ‘what to do’ and I had two options. Buy a new one (this one was ‘born’ in 2015) or repair it. I looked at the current prices of new iMacs and Mac minis and nearly fell over. Repairing Apple ‘stuff’ is so specialised that I knew it would need somebody who had those skills.
So a trip to the shop in town to talk to Tom (this is his outlet). He said it was the hard disk that had failed and he brought his ‘ambulance’ round (his car, actually!) and took it into his hospital. He performed the operation and restored my data from my separate hard disk and after a while in intensive care the same ‘ambulance’ brought it home.
If ONLY I had decided to sell my work things wouldn’t have been quite so traumatic - or would they?!?!?
Oh dear. We had the same problem recently, albeit with an Acer not a Mac. I was just glad to get most of my photos and other datary things back. But yes, it's costly.
ReplyDeleteSeems like there is some sort of unseen 'sensor' in our devices/appliances. When the sensor determines the time we can LEAST afford to replace/repair them, THAT is exactly the time they stop working. The more necessary the device/appliance is, the more likely this is to happen. :) Well, maybe not, but it sure SEEMS like it sometimes.
ReplyDeleteStephanieW
Painful! We are all so dependent on technology these days. You could start charging from now on.
ReplyDeleteOh Jane, I am so sorry. I despise computer issues. I just bought a backup system because I am worried about my old faithful. I can as well understand your angst of not charging for your patterns. I suspect many of us would love to have a way to support your work.
ReplyDeleteThis is probably NOT the time to mention casually that I am still using the iPad mini my son bought me for Christmas in 2014………
ReplyDeleteHe bought me a full- sized one four years ago but that one is still sitting tucked up nicely in it’s box. I love my mini and haven’t switched on the big computer for years.
I've got a mini too, Maureen. Second one as the first eventually became 'too hot to handle' and had to be traded in!!!!
ReplyDeleteApple products can be a pain to service, from what I've heard. But no matter what device you have, it's a good idea to back up your important files, either on a separate external drive or in the cloud. Though I myself wouldn't risk to put sensitive stuff in the cloud.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your issue was a quick fix.
Regarding the patterns, I want to thank you for giving them away for free until now. But starting to charge for them is a good idea. It is your hard work and you have the right to make money from it.
Exactly - I totally agree Jane - I'd definitely pay the price! Your patterns and the work you've put into them are worth any price you charge ❣️
DeleteYou’re right about Apple products, Lavinia but they’re so reliable and this machine is a 2015 model and could last the same amount of time again. I usually only use it for drawing diagrams so I don’t need it to do regular updates. Agree about the external drive too. I’ve had one for many years and it’s proved it’s worth this time!!!
ReplyDeleteI doubt I’ll ever charge for my patterns. I would have to declare it as income and the government get enough off me already!!! Part of the reason I don’t charge is to annoy them!!!!!