This is going to sound like I'm being funny, but I'm really not intending it to be like this. I get several PM messages every day asking for instructions for how to make cakes on 'my photos' and I started off being really conscientious and replying to them all with detailed instructions but it's just taking too long now! I don't want to be rude and not reply to people and nor do I want to be abrupt and reply with a really short reply. I can't do tutorials as I don't have pictures to show the making process. I've PM'd two people asking them how they did something and received very helpful replies so I know how useful it can be and that's what's nice about CC.

So how do I get around this without seeming, or indeed being, rude? How do you all cope? How many requests are you getting? Someone please help me, I'm sinking under PM's!!

Here is what I do........when I have someone ask.....I go into the "notepad" thingy on my comp. and type it all up and save it to a file named "cake instructions"...then I have it all ready next time someone else asks. Then I just go to that file and search through for the name of the cake and shoot the file over to them in email. Easy as....................cake lol

Wish I could be of help, but I don't have that problem as I've only had one decent cake.... hahaha.

I do agree though that it's great when people are willing to help out and let you know how they did something.

I think KHalstead's idea is great... then you only have to do each instruction once.

I have certain cakes that people ask me about--My embroidered rose cake and popcorn cakes. And to add my experiment with the Ornament cupcakes.
I just cut and paste my original post to the new message and send. It is hard because you want to help but can get overwhelming.

I don't have the problem of too many pm's (My cakes aren't that good!) But I always try to remeber if I ask someone a "How to" question, that they are problably just as busy as I am. I don't get offened if someone says no, or just doesn't reply.

By the way, your cakes are so cool! I so understand why people ask questions. (You could always write a book, then make millions, and live happily ever after! I want to be put on the list for the 1st publishing though!)

Well, I'm green with envy...no one askes me..and I'm going to have to PM EMMAS CAKE to get on the trend too..lol

Emmascakes, how gracious you are to be concerned and how loving a person you must be! the solutions given to you by the previous posters are as gold.

I too will start to keep detail instructions and I'm going to when I have down time and do my practice runs, take photos of my cakes in progress....I would LOVE to do an EROTIC CAKE BOOK...I even have a working name..

Hope no one is offended....

CAKE PORN

so NO ONE can pick up the cake by mistake! lol

I can only imagine how many you are getting - all of your cakes are beautiful! I know it can get overwhelming just by the number of requests i've gotten from my cowboy hat cake alone.

I did what KHalstead did and created a document and when someone asks - I send them the document. I also asked Jackie and she's given me permission to put my document in the articles section even though I don't have pictures to put with them so I can direct CCers there. ( I just haven't had time to do that yet) If you do create any documents i'm sure you could do the same thing - pictures or not.

Debbie

It is kind of like a movie star, when fans stop asking is when you need to worry. Actually I think that is why most people belong to a forum, to share their work and to ask for help. I would do as suggested, type up a how to and save it to send on when asked. Or, if you don't want to be PMed I believe there is a way in your profile to block PMs. I have a feeling people who have contacted you will be hurt by your response and I'm pretty sure your pms are going to slow down considerably.

Perhaps you can direct them to the person whom you have already sent the instructions to. you know, time for them to "Pay it Forward" I am sure they wouldnt mind since you have been so nice.
Your cakes are gorgeous you should write a book.
--Anu

I haven't had too many pm's, but once in a while if I get a question that is real simple, I'll post a brief reply along with the comments under the picture. Then anyone looking at the picture can skim the directions too and save both of us time. If they're lengthy, I pm back. That's a great idea to save the instructions though. Hopefully I will have to use that idea sometime!

YOUR CAKES ARE ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. I DOUBT ANYONE COULD REPLICATE THOSE - THE DIRECTIONS MUST BE 20 PAGES LONG. WOW. THAT WOULD TAKE A LIFETIME TO LEARN. YOU ROCK!

WRITE A BOOK I agree! You have awesome cakes - I'm sure I've asked for instructions before - probably! The whole copy-paste thing is good too or you could write articles - heck why not? Just put a picture of the finished cake and write your instructions out..... you don't have to have step by step pictures - heck a lot of cake books don't do that! I'd write the articles and maybe even put that you've written an article in the description section underneath the photo in your gallery.... then when people click on the picture and say "oh I want to know how to do that" they can read in your description that you've already posted an article on it and then they can go search from there......

We all appreciate your help and your beautiful cakes that you share with us! Please don't be discouraged to keep sharing! And get started on that book already!

Hi Emma!

How's your competition cake coming along?
Cann't wait to see it !

Is there a way to make a "sticky" post on it, so it stays near the top, and title it something obvious so people can find it?

Every time I got someone how wants directions ,I go to my sent box where I just copy and paste the direction from the first pm ever sent out.

WOW!!! You have some of the most amazing cakes I've ever seen. I wish you could come over to the United States and do some classes. Even the cakes you thought were simple were outstanding! Please keep sharing your pictures, and if you cannot come to the U.S., please think about publishing a book or making some videos/DVDs. I think you could make a fortune!

Keep up the good work! You're definitely an inspiration.

Your cakes are STUNNING, that's the problem. Writing a book is a great idea, I for one, would love to have a copy. I was wondering if the questions couldn't be grouped together, and one answer posted rather than trying to answer each one individually. Or send a "group" answer rather than a personal one. Your cakes are originals and catch everyones attention. The first thing that comes to mind when I see one of your cakes with all its "bits" is "HOW DID SHE DO THAT"? You are an important part of the CC family and everyone wants to see you happy posting your ideas and your photos. I sincerely hope you are able to find a way to reconcile the pressure we CCers apply and the demands of your life.

re your cakes: gasp! oh my! ::bows down:: ::picks jaw up off of floor:: these are just so awesome!!!!

and yes...as others have suggested....write a book!!

I agree with the person that wrote and said people who have asked for help might be embarassed or hurt to find out how you really felt about helping them.

You are better off being honest about how little time you have. I don't get asked about much at Cake Central because I don't have much posted and I don't know a whole lot but when I do get inquiries, in addition to sharing what I have learned so far, I ususally direct people to the source of my success- the many books that have helped me. My favorite or most used books to date are Cakes to Dream On by Collette Peters and Wedding Cakes you Can Make by Dede Wilson.

Most of what I know so far about cake decorating and desgning has come from these two books, from the tidbits I pick up from this site and my own trail and error learning.

Continue to be as gracious as you can and remember that it is a Forum where people are trying to learn from each other.

Everyone has made really good suggestions. I hope some of them are useful to you so that you can continue to help others. Maybe you can put together a basic tutorial. It would be a great tryout for your upcoming book!

By the way your cakes are extraordinary!

Emma, can you please PM me with the directions for that pillow cake?...

JUST KIDDING!!!


Don't feel overwhelmed....just help when you can. I have pm'd people and asked them if they wouldn't mind waiting a while to get the requested directions. I leave their PM in my inbox, and whenever I get a chance, I cut and paste and send it to them. Sometimes, it's a day....sometimes it's a month!