Friday, August 15, 2008
Wordsmiths Books Asks For Money, Hosts Fundraiser This Weekend
Posted by: lain // Category: Big Money No Whammies, Bravery, Failed Attempts at Looking Reputable, Fundraising, Marketing Tricks // 2:39 pm
Our friends at Wordsmiths Books are asking for money–and not in exchange for goods or services. And no, they’re not a nonprofit.
This is, like, blowing people’s minds.
Since Wordsmiths started asking for contributions a few weeks back, they’ve been featured in everything from local blogs like BabyGotBooks and Decatur Metro, to national media outlets like NPR.
It’s been a marketing coup.
Here’s the quickest run-down of the details I can give–
- Wordsmiths opened last year, chose lackluster location.
- They moved to the location they originally wanted, saw increases in sales and visibility.
- Despite success, they’re suffocating under weight of debt from previous location.
- Owner Zach asks for a hand, makes promises of eventual returns.
You may call this last move tacky. And maybe it is. But it also happens to be brilliant.
Wordsmiths could have fizzled out this month and closed its doors with a whimper like so many small, noble businesses. Which would’ve been a shame. Who else was going to help us host an event about burning down house museums?
By asking for money, Wordsmiths has prompted many folks not just to take notice, but to form opinions about their bookstore. Asking didn’t cost them anything, and it has resulted in collecting 60% of their end goal.
Sure, they’ve garnered a lot of criticism along the way. But really, if you’re Wordsmiths, who cares?
They would close otherwise, and avoiding that fate is certainly their bottom line. Plus, they’ve created allies who are willing to support their business without receiving anything in return. Local bookstores: the new nonprofits? Not quite, but these past few weeks have demonstrated just how much they mean to their communities.
The moral: check out Wordsmiths in Decatur this weekend. They’re hosting a fundraiser. Jack Pendarvis will be there. Paste Magazine will be there. And now’s your chance to see what all the fuss is about before it’s too late.
Comments: 0Thunderstorm Forces Wedding Inside the Wren’s Nest
Posted by: lain // Category: Bravery, Events, Flawless weddings, What Would JCH Do? // 8:32 pm
This evening we were all set to host our friend Kay’s wedding.
The tents were up, the faux Corinthian columns were in place, and the cake was in the fridge. We were ready. But then this thunderstorm comes barreling out of nowhere.
To be fair, I guess it barreled from the north.
For those of you familiar with our grounds, you probably understand that we have no rain plan. We’ve got the museum, sure, but it’s not like we can just invite everyone in when it rains. That would be stupid.
But when there’s bonkers lightning and howling wind knocking down tree branches, we didn’t feel comfortable with everyone sitting under tents held up with metal poles.
So everyone from the wedding took cover in the Wren’s Nest.
Yes, all 2 million of ‘em.
And while our air conditioning system ain’t bad, any time you have 2 million people in one house, it’s gonna get hot.
Luckily, the bride and groom invested in awesome fans with their picture on the front.
It’s clear that they know how to throw a party.
Obviously this wasn’t the best case scenario (and especially not from an historic preservation perspective), but folks remained upbeat, and the rain passed quickly.
So it wasn’t too bad. And now the air outside feels nice and cool.
That said, below are my field notes:
- I’ve enjoyed making 2 million new friends.
- We’re lucky that Kay, our friend the bride, is pretty laid back and didn’t flip out when Mother Nature rained on her parade.
- This cannot happen again.
- Sometimes it’s unfortunate that there’s pressure to generate revenue from outside events.
- Sometimes a minor disaster can be great marketing.
- I’ve been at work for way too long, and on a Saturday no less.
- Good thing I brought a few beers.
Wren’s Nest Crows Are Only Alive Because Nannie is Allowing It
Posted by: Amelia // Category: Birds other than wrens, Bravery, Really? // 9:45 am
Today’s Wren’s Nest Revelation:
Nannie can kills crows with a sling shot.
We have a giant crow that lives in the backyard. It’s loud and ominous. Nannie has said that she will bring out the slingshot if it harasses children at Wren’s Nest Fest, while Jeri repeatedly added “They’re scavengers, they’re scavengers” (the crows, not the children).
I’m not sure if Jeri and Nannie were having an actual conversation or just generally speaking about a similar topic, but they sure brought the point home: evil crows will not be tolerated at The Wren’s Nest (Fest).
So if the crows were holding you back, fear no more: the Wren’s Nest is safe!
Never a dull moment, folks.
Comments: 0Jeri Has Returned!
Posted by: lain // Category: Bravery, Storytelling // 9:57 am
With a sling and everything!
(Jeri, before she broke her arm.)
If you’re feeling limber, stop by today to say “What up Jeri!”
Plus, Miss Woodie’s telling stories today at one. Plus, if you’re a card-carrying Atlanta PlanIt member, admission is only a dollar.
If you can’t make it, you’re in luck because I’m feeling generous. Here’s a story from Miss Woodie, new to the internet–
Woodie Persons - Br’er Gator Meets Trouble
Comments: 4Jeri Broke Her Arm
Posted by: lain // Category: Bravery, Very Serious Posts With No Funny Business // 8:57 am
Jeri, one of our sassy and awesome docents, broke her arm yesterday.
(Jeri in happier times.)
She was on her way to the print shop and tripped on some askew bricks in the sidewalk.
A stranger, who found her on the street about three blocks from here, called to say it was an emergency. After putting down the phone, it’s a little hazy but I think I flew out the window, stole Amelia’s car, picked up Jeri, and threw her in the car. She was in a lot of pain.
We spent the afternoon in the red level trauma unit at Grady. The x-ray indicated that Jeri had dislocated and broken one of the bones in her arm. She has a cast and everything.
Remember how you used to sign the casts of your classmates in elementary school?
Well, we don’t quite have that luxury. Luckily for us, our docents take a lot of pride in the Wren’s Nest’s blog. If you feel so inclined, please leave a comment here for Jeri to read during her recovery. Even if you’ve never had the pleasure of taking one of her tours, it will make a difference. No need to be shy.
Having trouble coming up with something to say? Here are some suggestions–
“Get well soon, Jeri” or
“Gosh, feel better, Jeri” or
“Toughen up, you big sissy.”
You get the picture.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that the good doctors and nurses at Grady were exceptional. I don’t know what they could have done better. We were ushered into the trauma unit immediately, and the only waiting we did was for the painkillers to wear off a little so Jeri could return home safely.
EDIT 10:14 am– I should also mention that it’s a good thing that Grady is still open! For a lot of you out-of-town readers, Grady has had some very serious financial trouble of late. I don’t have any comment on the administration because I don’t know anything about it, but our experience was excellent. Thanks, Woodruff Foundation!
Comments: 14Interior Decorating at the Nest
Posted by: Amelia // Category: Bravery, Failed Attempts at Looking Reputable, Nonprofit Management // 10:10 am
As I sit and write to you now, I’ve got three piles of various paper items in the 8 inches between my arm and the phone, am in danger of hitting our new credit card machine with my elbow, and have my salad directly under my arms as I type, because there’s no room elsewhere.
(I’m not proud.)
Sadly, this is not atypical.
Now, I understand if you say “Amelia! Stop being a slob! Put those papers away, stop cluttering electronics near your bony parts, and - wow! that salad looks great!”
First, it is great. Secondly, easier said than done, opinionated reader.
You see, while we have lots of drawers and files and (go!) cubbies, they entered our lives full of mystery. And there are a lot of them. Which means all of our space is already occupied, but we didn’t get the chance to fill it.
(What’s in there?! I sure hope nothing important.)
What a tricky situation!
But sometimes enough is enough, and Lain and I made bold, vague statements this morning like, “Let’s do this!” and “Yeah! Takin’ care of business!”, in order to ready ourselves for this afternoon’s activity: rearranging and cleaning the office.
Hopefully, we’ll emerge unscathed and be back to talk to you about house museums soon. But I make no promises.
Comments: 13Wes Sarginson and WXIA 11 Alive Visit the Wren’s Nest
Posted by: lain // Category: Bravery, Celebrity Requests, Marketing Tricks, Storytelling // 1:32 pm
It’s not every day you get a phone call from 11 Alive, our NBC local news affiliate. Even better, none other than news anchor journeyman Wes Sarginson was on the phone.
My first instinct was to ask what it was like working with quasi-legendary and unbelievably named weatherman Flip Spiceland, but we had to get down to business.
Wes and Al, the cameraman, stopped by the Wren’s Nest today to film Wes Side Story, a human interest piece that airs every night at 6.
Our segment will air tonight! So, if you’re in or around Atlanta around 6 pm, check out 11 Alive news.
Can’t watch 11 Alive tonight at 6? This page will most likely definitely host the video starting this evening.
If you’re interested in storytelling, the Wren’s Nest, and hearing me stutter and mumble, this is for you. If you’re interested in puppy kicking or not-so-feel good stories, you could stand to miss this one.
Comments: 6West End Foreclosures Continue, According to CNN Money
Posted by: lain // Category: Atlanta, Bravery, Shameless Promotion, West End // 3:06 pm
Yesterday CNN Money reported the 100 worst hit zip codes for foreclosures in December of last year.
Yikes! 30310, the home of the Wren’s Nest (and yeah, okay, a few other things), was the only representative from Georgia.
It’s not all bad news, however.
For those of you looking for to move inside the Atlanta perimeter, there are some ridiculous deals over here, assuming you’re not afraid of renovating an awesome old house in a cool neighborhood. If Patrick and Steffi can do it, how hard can it be?
In case you’re thinking of moving to West End or Westview, here are a few pluses–
- You can hang out with us anytime. Dinner… literally, anytime.
- There’s a Krispy Kreme right down the street.
I’m sure there are more reasons, but hey–let’s not get greedy.
In truth, West End is a great place to spend most of my time. The neighbors are friendly, the neighborhood is convenient to everywhere, we’ve seen a lot of recent investment, and it’s definitely not as dangerous as the media may try to spin it.
If anything, now is a great time to invest. Ten years from now it will have been a no-brainer. Seriously, check out that Westview website, look at how much the houses cost, and try to pick your jaw up off the floor.
Comments: 4Snow! At the Wren’s Nest?! It’s true!
Posted by: Amelia // Category: Atlanta, Bravery, Really? // 11:43 am
Let me tell you something, folks: snow is not so crazy. But snow in Georgia? Absolutely nutty.
(Snow!)
We’re running a skeleton crew here today, thanks to the Bossman’s trip to sunny Phoenix, and frankly, we may be overstaffed.
Saturdays are usually one of our busiest days, but since the general temperament in Atlanta at the moment seems to be “frenzied panic”, I’m not sure house museum visits are high on people’s to-do lists. Sigh.
(Magnolia trees dusted with snow. Neat.)
Luckily, conditions are perfect for hot chocolate and staring out the window, which I’m particularly good at. Plus, it’s sort of fun to think that the way that Atlantans are going berserk at the moment, filled with a combination of giddiness and mild panic, is probably exactly the reaction they had 100 years ago.
I bet Mrs. Harris made a mean hot toddy.
I’ll be updating every so often with more pictures of our increasingly snowy winter (historic house museum) wonderland.
Update: More!
Our lovely reading garden, though today might not be the day to enjoy it for its intended purpose.
The snowy, snowy magnolia trees in back.
We don’t really know what this is, but educated guesses point towards fountainy-type-thingy.
A comparison shot of the magnolia trees in front. Neater!
Right in front of the porch- pretty contrast, no?
Well folks, looks like we may be calling it a day. With zero visitors and questionable driving conditions… well, you snooze, you lose, I guess. Enjoy the snow! Seeya!
Comments: 1Shakespeare Gives Uncle Remus a Hand
Posted by: lain // Category: Amazing Britches, Bravery, Ridiculous Demands, Stuff I Find In the Attic, Uncle Remus, Victorian Christmas // 5:22 pm
This is approximately where I threw out my back. Note the rain drops–it had to be done.
Anyway, like I mentioned in the comments of the last post. We’re looking into restoring these at about $2,000 a pop. Any takers?
Thanks for the picture, Josh.
Comments: 3