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Not to steer anyone from my beloved TEDDY TALK, but...
I wanted to mention that a week or so ago, when everyone here was talking anxiously about the downturn in teddy sales and the overall depressing mood and market for teddy bear collecting, I posed a question on this topic at the TEDDY BEAR AND FRIENDS forum, hoping a new audience -- maybe even Mindy Kinsey, their capable editor, herself -- might address it with some useful suggestions. As a relative newcomer to this industry, I don't personaly have a very long-term perspective from which to draw conclusions on what's happening... and why.
So I just wanted to share with you all, today, that I just discovered Mindy herself has indeed responded to my query with a most thoughtful and lengthy reply of her own, and she has a lot of great things to say that I, personally, found of interest -- and use. I feel certain, given what's been said here, that many of you will want to see what she's written for yourselves, and maybe even contribute some thoughts of your own.
Please check it out at: http://www.teddybearandfriends.com/foru … owtopic=28
I figure, whatever we as individuals can do to support, grow, and enable this furry industry of ours, in the end helps us all -- supplier, magazine, retailer, and artist alike. And that's a good thing indeed!
bears by beesley TMThank you Shelli. Very provocative subject for all of us. Mindy hit the nail on the head. We must all strive to educate the public and use our knowledge and power of persuasion to invite them to explore and become excited about collecting and the artistry of bear making as a whole. I find at least in my small neck of the woods, teddy bear artistry is a trip to Wal Mart for a $8.00 teddy bear. Go figure. 
We need to educate!
There is something to be said about a teddy bears presence!:)
Hugs Louise
Rufnut Teddy'sShelli, very interesting thanks for sharing this with us.
LuxembearsSUper Shelli! You are an asset to this indusrty.
May I also make another suggestion. Write to your local newspaper. You would be amazed at how many people close to you are so unaware of this type of wonderful art. I have had articles written about me and my bears a few times in our local and county paper. It is a human interest topic, one that reporters have been eager to offer the public...some happy news for a change. 
