Hi, I'm a newbie to decorating but I have been a home baker for over 30 years.  I recently joined CC and have read increasingly frustrated posts by the Pros over having to answer the same questions over and over again and getting into arguments because some take offense to their advice.  To these Pros I want to say your words have not fallen on deaf ears!  Because of your advice and words of wisdom I  filed the paperwork and paid the fees so as not to sell illegally, I have done my own research and do not ask pricing questions, I am trying to charge appropriately but if I discount friends and family I show on the invoice what it should have cost and then the discount so they know, I use the search before I post a question, I have turned down a wedding cake because I have never stacked a cake in my life (I'm mostly a cupcake and cookie girl) and a birthday cake because they wanted a Batman logo on it.  All this is to say your words ARE appreciated please keep up the good work and don't go away!

I am a hobby baker in the UK, and the first time I stacked a cake was a Christening cake.  I still wouldn't attempt to decorate a wedding cake as I would hate that pressure of making it perfect!  I am attempting a second christening cake in the new year and want to try new(to me) techniques on it.  Luckily my friend seems happy for me to experiment.  Lots of inspiration to be had on this site

I'm thankful to the pros and other experienced bakers, too. I've learned lots of tips, found out about all kinds of cake stuff I didn't know existed, stuff I didn't know about gluten-free baking (my dad's had celiac disease about 30 years and I thought my knowledge was pretty good), the legal and customer service conversations are fascinating, and that I will probably NOT be going pro! I can't believe how fast one has to move in a bakery! They make lightning look slow! I think I will stick with baking for home and free for close relatives. .

AI just fell of my chair.

You made my day.

AI hope that doesn't sound all fullnonmyself.

What I really mean is Thank You. Thank you for paying attention, for doing the research, for doing the hard work, and for caring enough to be invested.

I agree 100%, the advice I have got from reading this forum for the last year has been so invaluable, I feel like I owe a lot of people some commission from my business once I have it up and running!

I echo your sentiments as well. It was so well put I have nothing to add ... except ditto!

Pastrybaglady - Sweet! Really, really sweet.

I couldn't have said it better my self.  Thanks Pastrybaglady for posting and thanks to everyone for all the great advice and information.

Bravo Pastrybaglady - well said! 

Very well said!  I completely agree, thank you thank you thank you everyone!  I've been lurking and reading and searching for the past few months and have soaked up so much information without having to ask anything.  I'm about to attempt a three tier cake for my sister's baby shower and I'm not worried at all.  I'm actually looking forward to sharing it with all of you after I'm done and get your feedback and constructive criticism - there's always something I can do better next time!