I agree, Julisa. Although this has been discussed before on CC, there's a difference between the following:
"Send instructions."
and
"I have a few questions about how you made the flowers.
--Are they all cut out of fondant?
--Can you direct me to someplace that describes how you made the pleats in the circular flowers?
--Were all the colors airbrushed or did you color and blend fondant?"
Most people are more than willing to help when you at least show that you have thought about your questions and you are specific enough so that it doesn't take half a day to compose a response. Onus is on the requester.
I agree, Julisa. Although this has been discussed before on CC, there's a difference between the following:
"Send instructions."
and
"I have a few questions about how you made the flowers.
--Are they all cut out of fondant?
--Can you direct me to someplace that describes how you made the pleats in the circular flowers?
--Were all the colors airbrushed or did you color and blend fondant?"
Most people are more than willing to help when you at least show that you have thought about your questions and you are specific enough so that it doesn't take half a day to compose a response. Onus is on the requester.
yes. 
I agree, Julisa. Although this has been discussed before on CC, there's a difference between the following:
"Send instructions."
and
"I have a few questions about how you made the flowers.
--Are they all cut out of fondant?
--Can you direct me to someplace that describes how you made the pleats in the circular flowers?
--Were all the colors airbrushed or did you color and blend fondant?"
Most people are more than willing to help when you at least show that you have thought about your questions and you are specific enough so that it doesn't take half a day to compose a response. Onus is on the requester.
To the OP I can't imagine how angry it must have made you, but I love your cake, and it seems like alot of other CCers do too. Nothing against Fair judges but, I'd bet that the majority of frequent members here have a better ability to properly judge a cake than they do.
About the asking for instruction issue. I'm very new to cake world (still in my first dozen cakes haha). But when I see a picture of an amazing cake in a gallery with 20 or more posts of people listing off their email addresses so that they can be sent instructions I get shocked.
I agree that asking people specific questions and specific aspects of their cakes is more than okay, and I love all the people who are willing to help others out with that. But honestly I think when people ask for full out tutorials/how to's they are kind of taking advantage of the generosity of others. Of course no one is every under any obligation to send everyone a tutorial/how to, so I guess its all up to the individual.
Most people who are beggining to learn don't have the privledge of spending the extra $$ for trial and error.
Excuse me???? 
But since you evidently assume that I *DO* "have the privilage" to spend MY money for trial and error .......? Just what is it about me or any other caker on here that makes you think we HAD the "privilage" of spending extra money to learn what we know?
Your comment is just another example of the entitlement syndrome that is running rampant. If someone else has it (the house, the car, the info), then that someone is just suppose to hand it over. Because they have it and you don't.
Now i"m starting to get pi$$ed off.
Again I'll say: I and many others on here have demonstrated in no uncertain terms our willingness to share and teach others. I've shared my business plan with CC'ers too numerous to count and that plan cost me over $3000.
Show me the $3000 worth of info that YOU'VE given away. Then and only then will you have the "privilage" of telling me what I am "required" to share.
You really never know how the judges are going to vote. What you think is a definite winner or a drop dead cake, they might go for the one that you would least expect After entering in competitions myself, I got really frustrated with the way some judges judge. (and I didnt even think mine should of won or placed, but the one cake that I thought was very badly done got second over a cake I thought had much more skill to it. It was suppose to be a sculpted cake and it was a ten inch square, how hard was that?).
You really cant go in it and expect anything. Except challenging yourself and learning from it that is. Oh, and dont forget to have fun. Otherwise its pointless to enter.
But your cake is awesome and you should be very proud of yourself for making it and challenging yourself.
Most of the judges that Ive seen are veterans in the cake world. I dont understand how it all works but just for example on one of my entrys I got a perfect score on my table decorations and another judge gave me a 3 (on a scale of one to 10, 10 being the highest) and the comment was that one of my daisy's had a frayed petal. So that makes the whole thing below average? Think not. Just one person's taste is either dramatically different or one person is hypercritical.
As I was told by a well known Chef that has had her work on tv, magazines, and is a David Tutera favorite, she told me this "Ive been asked to do Challenges and competitions but I dont. Who gives them the right to tell me that my work is less than anyone elses? One judge may not like a wild and new concept that you might of created because they only like things done in the Old School ways. That doesnt make your work any less fantastic!" Something to that effect but you get my drift. And she is right. Who are they to tell you that someone else's work is better? Their not! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And with all the comments on this cake, its safe to say that this one judge was off their mark. Dont let someones one comment be your self-worth. Who cares that one person didnt like your cake when there are so many of us on here that do? Right? Right.
And on the trolls.....they get a kick out of pissing people off and sitting back and watching the reaction.
And the privalege is that someone on here that shares their talent with you for free. Most people have to spend their time and money to get where they are. Not because they were privaleged. So if they share with you, then you are the privaleged one. So thank them for doing so. So often I get PM's asking me questions on how to do this or that and they cant even bother to thank me for answering them. Manners people. Manners.
I think alot of us would be very flattered that someone asked for instructions, there was no reason to insult someone. The person with the cake in question has every right to ignore the request, if they are too busy, or doesn't want to give away secrets. Now if someone keeps presuring someone for instructions, then that is different matter. The experts on here might be tired of all of the acolades, and are bored by it,or don't have the time for it, but alot of us would be very flattered. I don't see why someone has the need to even comment on her asking for instructions, thats between them. I don't understand why there is so much anger and sarcasm on here. I don't usually comment on things like this, but its getting really tiring, to come on here and see this time and time again.
Most people who are beggining to learn don't have the privledge of spending the extra $$ for trial and error.
Excuse me????
But since you evidently assume that I *DO* "have the privilage" to spend MY money for trial and error .......? Just what is it about me or any other caker on here that makes you think we HAD the "privilage" of spending extra money to learn what we know?
Your comment is just another example of the entitlement syndrome that is running rampant. If someone else has it (the house, the car, the info), then that someone is just suppose to hand it over. Because they have it and you don't.
Now i"m starting to get pi$$ed off.
Again I'll say: I and many others on here have demonstrated in no uncertain terms our willingness to share and teach others. I've shared my business plan with CC'ers too numerous to count and that plan cost me over $3000.
Show me the $3000 worth of info that YOU'VE given away. Then and only then will you have the "privilage" of telling me what I am "required" to share.
I find the community as a whole EXTREMELY giving. I would NOT appreicate being told to post and include directions...Again, Debi is right on. Part of the learning curve is trial and error..it's called PAYING YOUR DUES.
It's a society thing... far from being limited to Cake Central. It rubs me the wrong way everytime I see a new thread being opened on a topic that has been hashed over countless times. I want to draw a BIG GIANT arrow pointing to the "search" box and tell the OP of that thread to use it!
I'm one of those mean old mothers who told and STILL tell her kids to "look it up" or "figure it out".. I'm there for guidance, but I quit spoon feeding when they were able to pick up their own spoon...
I think you guys are being hard on mensch. You may not have like the way she phrased it but in view of her add'l posts, she makes a good point.
I, too, am often puzzled by the many requests that just assume (!) I, or any caker, writes, records or otherwise documents every step of every cake they do.
Just for the record, I never even sketch my cakes. I don't read directions on how to make a cake. I don't write down how I make the cake. I look at a cake, I figure out what needs done, and I do it. This is how I've done it since day one, since I started doing cakes 30 years ago. THere was no internet, no you-tube, no cake shows. All we had was a picture of a cake in a magazine and our ability to "figure it out".
The only reason I've taken any step-by-step photos is for a project I'm working on, or because it's already been a common question on this site .... so if I have a cake coming up, I'll take pics to answer the question and show folks what I mean. But it's not so I can "remember" how I made the cake.
I think I've proven that I'm more than willing to help anyone who asks for or needs help, so I don't think there is any way this can be misinterpreted as any kind of stance on the side of anti-helpful-to-newbies.
Maybe its an age difference. I haven't grown up in the easy access to internet where you can find step by steps to everything. Maybe that's why I don't just assume it's always available. Maybe that's why I never assume it's even an option. Because I grew up in the "figure it out" era.
ANd I think mensch WAS helping that person out by ASKING "why do you need instructions?" It's like when your parent or your teacher wont' GIVE you the answer and makes you "look it up". You learn it better thru trial and error and when you do it yourself as opposed to someone just handing you the answer.
Just my two cents worth ....
I agree with this too.... several people have asked me for instructions and honestly I stack up cakes and start chopping. Really. Alot of times I am not sure what I'm doing until I'm done...and sometimes I can't remember what I did...what size pans...etc.
I try to help the best I can (as anyone who has msged me knows) but on the other hand, I generally don't write out "instructions".
I prefer people to ask specific questions. "What kind of cutter is that" or "What type of internal stand did you use" or "What Americolor shade was that?' rather than "Please send instructions to the following email address."
The cake is so beautiful. You deserved 1st place ... just my opinion 
This thread has made me finally say it out loud..."CC has become so less fun!!" Crying or Very sad The comment about 'how did you do the cake' was a compliment, not an entitlement nor a demand. No reason at all to call down that post.
Wow........
I am sadden to see how 4 of the 5 pages were about this comment. I too have found "CC has become so less fun!" 
as for entitlement...
as one working on the front lines (HS teacher)...
we're all but required to just hand them the answer and even it seems hold their hand an write it for them..
after all --
> can't hurt their self-esteem -- they HAVE to succeed! at everything and always be told they are good and the best!
> those test scores must be high -- no matter how little they really know!
====
so it surprises me not when people just say "send directions" or in my case butter me up with all kinds of empty sweet nothing ans then say "I NEED a ...(template/sketch/etc.) not so much as a please and only sometimes a thank you)
well I don't need you NEEDY attitude. You don't deserve any more than any one else.
and we wonder why there are so many bridezillas -- it's not just them any more.
it's seems we've created a whole generation of MEzillias.
----
and then you wonder why some of us just say less, offer less, be visible less.
===============================
as for original OP.....
oh isn't it just SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO true about small town fairs and the lack of judgement
yuh dun gud! -- be proud
No kidding Doug....I taught Algebra II in a private school and the parents would come up to me saying "My child used to get A's in previous math classes. Why isn't she getting an A now?"
Ummmm because she's not working hard enough for it????
I have found in doing cakes that it does help to get questions answered and stuff, I have done my share of asking people for tips online, and still do sometimes...but the best way to learn is to get in the kitchen and start doing cake!!!! It just takes practice! "How did you get your fondant so smooth?" "Doing it for several years!"
I'm always very grateful for the time people have spent answering my questions or giving me tips...and I always make sure I thank them for their time.
What I have stopped doing is replying to people who ask for instructions in my photo comments. If they PM me, then I gladly send them what I can to help (if I can remember what I did!). But sometimes I feel like some people go around leaving their email addresses under a ton of photos just expecting tutorials to start popping up in their inbox...and that is one thing I think is a little unfair to the people who have actually spent time coming up with cake designs or techniques...while another person sits home at the computer and watches tutorials file in.
I dunno...I love helping people...but I love helping people that are actually in the kitchen trying to figure this out and improve, rather than just expecting someone to give them a step by step on every single cake they do.
I don't think anyone in this thread is the second type...but there are some who lurk that tend towards that, I'm afraid.
No kidding Doug....I taught Algebra II in a private school and the parents would come up to me saying "My child used to get A's in previous math classes. Why isn't she getting an A now?"
for me growing up it was the opposite.
What, he got an A!?!?!?!?!? In MATH??????? What'd he bribe you with? 
Have not read through all five pages but wanted to say, First: Tog, that cake is precious! Blue Ribbon in my book!
Second: I live in a fairly big city and our State Fair is held there as well. Until THIS YEAR fondant covered cakes were considered "foreign methods" and would consistently be scored lower because the category was for buttercream cakes only. So, even if you had the most gorgeous creation out there, if it was a fondant covered cake, it might have taken third place. After much petition, the Fair Board has changed the rules this year and any method can be entered and considered fairly. We are finally in the 21st Century!
edited 'cause I didn't mean to hit the underline button which probably doesn't matter since the topic has gone so far off the original post anyway!
for me growing up it was the opposite.What, he got an A!?!?!?!?!? In MATH??????? What'd he bribe you with?
LOL! 
This is actually hilarious, was there really just a huge argument with people taking sides??
Yeah, you sound like my high school.
Why does everyone need to post their opinion on this?
Tog, you're cake was incredible, and I to would love to know how you did the flowers, but I won't ask considering that would spur a 4 page argument on me being out of line.
Haha, congratulations on doing a wonderful job, you got first in my mind!
Well now you know why you were the only one that entered. They've probably burned others before. What a shame.
Now to the hijacked subject, lol...
On two different occasions I've had people pm me requests for instructions. Both times I replied asking them if they had any specific questions I could help them with. Both times I never heard from them again. Lesson learned.
I think it's lovely. Did you happen to ask how they came to the second place conclusion?
Sorry, but whether there was 100 entries or just one, you did a fabulous job and deserved the blue!
I agree, Julisa. Although this has been discussed before on CC, there's a difference between the following:
"Send instructions."
and
"I have a few questions about how you made the flowers.
--Are they all cut out of fondant?
--Can you direct me to someplace that describes how you made the pleats in the circular flowers?
--Were all the colors airbrushed or did you color and blend fondant?"
Most people are more than willing to help when you at least show that you have thought about your questions and you are specific enough so that it doesn't take half a day to compose a response. Onus is on the requester.
Ok, I so totally agree with that. Unfortunately as with anything else, if you give an inch some take the whole yard. But then again you have those that are more than willing to give the "whole yard" even when asked a broad question like "what medium did you use?" To them I am sure we are all grateful.
I learned the old fashioned was as well. I took the classes, I bought the books and videos, I did the trial and error, I did the "learn while you work for free" thing. I agree that practice makes you better, unless you are practicing the wrong thing. So, "privilege" was a bad choice of words and "entitlement" was certainly never to be implied. For that I apologize. I was just saying that trial and error IS costly and some of that cost can be waived if one has a LITTLE knowledge going in. But I don't agree with taking advantage of the situation or having someone give you all the answers..
indydebi wrote:Excuse me????
But since you evidently assume that I *DO* "have the privilage" to spend MY money for trial and error .......? Just what is it about me or any other caker on here that makes you think we HAD the "privilage" of spending extra money to learn what we know?
Your comment is just another example of the entitlement syndrome that is running rampant. If someone else has it (the house, the car, the info), then that someone is just suppose to hand it over. Because they have it and you don't.
Now i"m starting to get pi$$ed off.
Again I'll say: I and many others on here have demonstrated in no uncertain terms our willingness to share and teach others. I've shared my business plan with CC'ers too numerous to count and that plan cost me over $3000.
Show me the $3000 worth of info that YOU'VE given away. Then and only then will you have the "privilage" of telling me what I am "required" to share.
First, I don't assume shit. Second, I don't think you or anyone else has/had the privilege of shit. Third, I don't think I am "entitled" to shit, nor do I sit and covet what others do have. IF I want it I work for it. Don't assume I haven't spent "thousands of dollars" on trial and error or teaching or sharing what I know. I just choose not to be bitter and not to put a price tag on the help I GIVE. Fourth, I never said YOU or anyone else was/is REQUIRED to share shit. The only privilege I or anyone else on this site retains is the ability to demonstrate their freedom of speech. Whether you agree with it or not. Get pissed off, get pissed on. It's not going to matter when your dead.
TOG the cake was beautiful. You did an awsome job, and should have won first place/blue ribbon. Small towns are sometimes a hard pill to swallow.
I just choose not to be bitter and not to put a price tag on the help I GIVE.
Uh...... To those who I have shared my biz plan with, did I ever send any of you a bill?
I'm sure many will verify that the only "price" I put on it is the request that it be paid forward ..... when the recipient is in a position to help someone else get a step up to start their business, they should pay it forward and help that person tomorrow, like they are being helped today.
I am not bitter and I've no idea what part of your body you pulled that out of. I do not ever begrudge what I have shared. I expect nothing in return except the pay-it-forward concept.
What pushes my hot button is some little girl assuming I and anyone else on here is "privilaged" and have the money from that mysterious silver spoon in our mouth, to do all that we have done, with no regard or info on what it's taken me, and many others on CC, to get where we are. It's not the first time that kind of statement has been made and it's not the first time I've taken the person to task for assuming it.
I will not be reprimanded for the hard work I've put in for the last 30 years and I will not be degraded and talked down to for achieving what I've achieved THRU that hard work..
I just choose not to be bitter and not to put a price tag on the help I GIVE.
Uh...... To those who I have shared my biz plan with, did I ever send any of you a bill?
I'm sure many will verify that the only "price" I put on it is the request that it be paid forward ..... when the recipient is in a position to help someone else get a step up to start their business, they should pay it forward and help that person tomorrow, like they are being helped today.
I am not bitter and I've no idea what part of your body you pulled that out of. I do not ever begrudge what I have shared. I expect nothing in return except the pay-it-forward concept.
What pushes my hot button is some little girl assuming I and anyone else on here is "privilaged" and have the money from that mysterious silver spoon in our mouth, to do all that we have done, with no regard or info on what it's taken me, and many others on CC, to get where we are. It's not the first time that kind of statement has been made and it's not the first time I've taken the person to task for assuming it.
I will not be reprimanded for the hard work I've put in for the last 30 years and I will not be degraded and talked down to for achieving what I've achieved THRU that hard work..
Apparently you have alot of buttons to be pushed. I am far from being a "little girl" I have been doing this for over 15 years. I have paid my dues THRU that same HARD WORK you did. Maybe you should take your Aricept, because I never said I was privliaged. You assume that because I have a voice I have "a silver spoon in my mouth". Don't presume to know me or what I have done to gain my achievements just because you have a few decades on me. Older does not always mean wiser. NO ONE reprimanded you for your hard work. In fact I'm pretty sure it was quite the opposite. Nor did anyone degraded you for your achievements (I know what part of your body you pulled that one out of and it's not the shoulders you carry your chips on). Kudos to you for all of it. You want to "take me to task" for assuming it, go ahead. It's going to be a lonley trip. I have better things in life to waist my time on.
May the good lord bless you and keep you and all your endevors unscathed.
WHOOOOBOY! Lots of drama in this thread...but I must say that I am very grateful to all of the "veterans" out there because you have given me inspiration when i have failed, encouragement when I have attempted to master a technique, and praise when I have succeeded. To all of you, I give you my heartfelt thanks. On the other hand, to all of you young (in the art) ones coming up and needing help, guidance, and a gentle push...remember that many of us have been where you are, and it is a long hard road, and even though we have "mastered" a technique, we all look to this site to learn and grow in our craft. Be thoughtful in your questions, and nearly everyone connected with this site will more than happy to help.
And hopefully to end this unnecessary banter heres how I made the flowers......
They are all fondant.
I used wilton cutters but defined them and made them original with an exacto.
I used petal dust on a dry brush for the color.
I used a shot glass as a cutter for the ruffles ones and placed a toothpick under the piece and traced along its sided using a blunt wilton gumpaste tool.
Hope that helps! Don't be so negative people. Share information if you would like to and don't share it if you don't.
Update....
I picked up the judges review and I guess they thought they were food network challenge judges grading professionals. They thought my colors could have been brighter and a better placement of flowers for eye appeal.
To each his own I guess.
Well then..... So next time, brighter flowers and ummmm, better placement, eh? Good luck, and may you blow them outta the water next year! 
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