I decided years ago that the tone of BigKidSmallCity.com would be upbeat and encouraging... simply because I do not want to spend time in a place that is nasty or negative. I find constant complaining, blaming and mean comments to be crushing.
On the website, you never see mean comments about Houston venues, events or people. I will tell you if I had some concerns about our experience, but I'll find a kind, honest and matter-of-fact way to say it. Of course, that doesn't mean you are going to like everything that I like.
In fact, with nearly 3,000 posts on Houston parks, restaurants, events and things to do with kids, I am certain there is going to be a review that is not for you.
I also told you last year that I do want to hear from you. Connecting with Houston parents is one of my favorite things and I often depend on you to keep me updated on my favorite city.
I get lots of good feedback on new construction, recent playground changes, restaurant closures and more. I also learn about good places to try or places you think are too expensive or have too slow of service. Same goes for broken links or outdated information on the website. These comments help me update my posts and recommendations.
But let's be clear... there are upbeat and positive ways to say things. And then there is this way...
Recently two moms told me they came to the event I was working, specifically to tell me how terrible their experience had been at a certain restaurant. They wanted to be sure I knew how wrong I had been in writing about it and how I had ruined their day.
They had planned this meeting, gotten in their cars, found parking spaces and located me at the event, all so they could tell me this. They went back and forth, on and on, telling everyone within earshot that I was wrong wrong wrong and that the restaurant was not kid friendly.
As this conversation went on, the ladies told me that as soon as they had walked in to the restaurant, they knew I had made a bad recommendation. And the funny thing is, this was in a very urban spot with 10 more restaurants on the block, and 1 other in the same parking lot.
I was so surprised to be cornered while trying to run a booth and watch my kids that I did not have much of a response. The restaurant they had had such a hard time at, other people had liked.
Since I did not have my wits about me to respond to them, my request to you is, if you walk into a Houston venue and find it's not for you, please turn around and walk out. Just leave. I'm not forcing you to go or stay anywhere.
Don't let this story discourage you from providing feedback, but try to serve it like a sandwich... put a compliment on each side. Also, try to avoid sentences like "What the hell?", "The stupid chick that wrote this" and "Why on earth would anyone recommend this?". Really. I don't need more of these comments on BigKidSmallCity.
If you don't like a post once in a while, I think we can still agree to be friends. You should even tell me about it, in a kind way. If you don't like most of what I write about, perhaps this page is not for you. The membership fee ($0.00) is completely refundable.
Sandra Guevara says
Well say it Jill. That's a good way to put these people in their place. You are doing a fantastic job doing what you're doing.
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks Sandra!
Jennifer Noland Knupp says
I love your website!! Thank you for sharing all this awesome info. Please don't let the naysayers distract you from the incredible work you're doing...you're sharing YOUR experiences for the benefit of others. That's all anyone can do....to guarantee other people will have the EXACT same experience is just silly. It's quite brave to put yourself out there & share...I, for one, really appreciate it. Carry on, Mama!
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks Jennifer! I really appreciate it!
Leann Wilson says
I enjoy your website! You are doing a great job!
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks Leann!
Lisa Owen says
I'm floored that anyone would take the time to drive to an event just to disagree with you. What is wrong with people? I'm sorry this happened to you. I think unfortunately it goes with the blogging territory. ❤
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks Lisa. Like someone just told me... I must have "made it" as a blogger. 🙂
Ivan Antochiw says
The only complaint that I have is not having enough time to see all the places you recommend on your site... I love BigKidSmallCity... It has brought me and my kids a lot of great time...
Jill Jarvis says
🙂 Thanks Ivan!
Jomana Colbert Rashdan says
I am sorry someone upset you like that! I love reading your posts it gives me energy and inspires me to do more with my kidos I cannot do it all but it reminds me to keep exploring thank you for all your efforts super mama xoxox keep up the great work!
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks Jomana!
Christy Fisher Weenig says
Wow!!! Not nice. I'm glad you share about the places you go because I have small kids and just tend to keep to myself. Thanks for all your work!
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks Christy! I actually started the website to get myself out of the house... I also tend to keep to myself. 🙂
Heights Candy Bar says
Well said, Jill! You do a fabulous job - thank you! And, keep up to good work!
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks Tanita!!
Meme R says
My children and I have always had lovely experiences at BKSC events. Even when things get crowded or a bit busy, we bear in mind that we have been given access or an "in" to events we would not have been aware of otherwise. Keep up the great work! Perhaps the rude ladies behaved in the restaurant the way they behaved with you. Food for thought...
Jill Jarvis says
That's a good way to think of it... Thanks Meme!
Kathryn Miller says
I love you ALL the more! Please please don't stop what you're doing. I share almost every single post on my FB and on my school's FB page.
I admire that you put your big girl panties on and said your piece....in a very direct and respectful way.
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks Kathryn! And thanks so much for sharing the content. That is a great compliment.
Michelle Jarrell says
Good for you. Handled like a lady!
Jill Jarvis says
🙂
Amy Esquivel-Golder says
Well said:) I soo appreciate all that you put into this site! It's the best tool in my mommy tool box!!
Jill Jarvis says
Amy - That's great! Jill
Monique Randle Medel says
I don't get out much because of my own personal issues but let me say that I am so glad that I did get out to one of your venues. I've only been to one, mind you but you were extremely welcoming, superbly informative and not just regarding that current locale but overall. I feel comfortable enough to constantly seek YOU OUT FOR YOUR OBVIOUS EXPERTISE. There are so many people in this world we live in today that are overly self-centered and arrogant: YOU are not one of THOSE people. I make an earnest effort to take a look at your suggestions so that when it's in my "comfort zone" to do so, I will feel completely informed within reason. Thank you so much for being so thorough: I will continue to renew my "membership fee" regardless of any derogatory remarks. If I can go to one simple event (and let's just say I don't need any furniture)(LOL)and enjoy the time spent with my children and friend, then to you, "Bravo!"....long live BigKidsSmallCity!!!
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks so much Monique!
Chikako Nakayama says
I appreciate your website! This is the first place I come to when I need some help on planning a day with my kids. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! Don't like? Don't go! You are not responsible for anything. Thank you millions for sharing your reviews. I (and many others, I'm sure) appreciate it very much!
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks!!
Remember says
I'm sorry that happened to you. Just remember, for every 1 person like that there are hundreds more who aren't. The sad part is our brains are naturally wired to remember the 1 insulting person and forget all the 99 nice people who appreciate what you do and who will defend you rigorously if they found out what happened to you. Those mean types of people you can never please no matter how hard you try. Don't waste another minute feeling bad about what they said. They aren't worth your time.
Jill Jarvis says
You are exactly right. Thanks so much for the kind response!
Stormy Gilliam says
Thank you for all you do for our city & the moms in it! We love you Jill & I look forward to your consistently upbeat & well researched posts & recommendations. I'm sorry that happened, social media is wonderful when people remember to be self reflective & kind.
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks Stormy!
Darla Marcel says
Some people are just so ugly but don't let them ruin you! Seriously who hasn't had a bad experience in their own "favorite" little spot?! Geez oh Peez!! Thanks for putting your time into all this, I admire you for trying to give us moms(crazy boring mom of 6...)some ideas on what to do! Ps my response to the ladies would have been as follows: aww it's ok not everyone has a good day sometimes but you can right now and volunteer since you made such a great effort to come on over and find me!!! hope you are enjoying your weekend!!!
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks Darla. 🙂
Kristina McIntosh says
I love the little places you talk about. I'm hoping to find another place to go.
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks Kristina!
Olga Catoni says
Jill, you are one of the most beautiful and giving person that I have ever encountered. I believe that the two women mentioned possibly create drama wherever they go, as they do sound like pros. I mean all I can tell you is that you are doing a tremendous job helping us..
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks so much Olga!