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March 30, 2009
Open Thread
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i did not expect to see this thread today.. where's all the stupidhead usual suspects this morning?
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at March 30, 2009 9:18 AM
1st
Has anyone noticed that many restaurants are serving lower than quality food? I eat out A LOT and I've noticed that everyone- from Chinese to Mexican to Arabic to delis to chi-chi trendy restaurants, from the Slope to Coney, from Williamsburg to Carroll Gardens are serving smaller portions and mediocre food.
The economy is killing food quality. Is it just me?
Posted by: Prodigal_Son at March 30, 2009 9:19 AM
TO: BAY RIDGE GIRL
RE: MIES VAN DER ROHE'S BIRTHDAY
There are traces of a Mies project in Brooklyn: University Terrace near Pratt Institute in Clinton Hill, a Mitchell-Lama project, originally planned by Mies.
Although the firm Kelly and Gruzen ultimately did the architecture, Mies' "slab block" principles are still evident in the three towers that leave most of their superblocks open for lawns and parking lots, quite similar to the Colonnade Apartments in Newark and Lafayette Gardens in Detroit, contemporary urban renewal projects designed by the Great One.
I learned this when friends of my parents bought an apartment at University Terrace when I was a boy. I recall the project's original name as "The Quadrangles," no doubt referring to the Pratt campus, and appearing on maps of Brooklyn at the time.
University Terrace was definitely one of the better looking Mitchell-Lama projects. It was built by the Tishman group which, the project's brochures proudly announced, were responsible for many of the "fine" cooperatives along Park Avenue.
Our friends' apartment was quite nice and had a big, square living room in the corner of the building, unusual when most other new buildings had bedrooms at this location. This arrangement was similar to Mies' Lake Shore Drive Apartments in Chicago, where as many living rooms as possible are located at corners to take advantage of the view. But the Brooklyn apartments had an advantage over the Chicago numbers: they had balconies extending the living rooms' width.
I remember thinking University Terrace very sleek, with its plate glass lobbies approached by private driveways. I don't know the condition of the project now, but in its day it represented The New for a segment of middle-class Brooklynites who didn't move to the suburbs.
Nostalgic on Park Avenue
Posted by: NOP at March 30, 2009 9:20 AM
Today, let’s play “Educate Snappy!”
Last night I watched “Buying & Selling: 20 Best Kept Secrets” on HGTV. As a novice in this area, I have some questions for you seasoned home-owners out there. All of the questions below come from their ‘best kept secrets’ regarding selling. Answer one, answer none, it’s up to you ☺
1. Babs Corcorcan said you should under-price your house to get a quick sale and likely multiple offers. I couldn’t help but wonder how that jives with what many of you have said wrt her site (seriously price inflation to the point that many of you believed the broker and/or seller were smoking some green!). Yes, the seller gets the final say, but have any of you as a seller here ever felt you were being pushed toward pricing higher than you thought home was worth or the market could bear? What was the result?
2. Leave closets half empty to give the illusion of tons of storage. Anyone here ever done that?
3. Remove all signs of pets including food, litter, dog bed, etc? Is that realistic? Have any of you ever done that? Yeah, you can take dog out with you when you leave for an open house, but what the hell do you do with your cat? Has anyone ever walked by a bowl of cat/dog food and been sickened by the smell – enough to run you out of the house and take it off your list of homes to consider for purchase?
4. Don’t over-upgrade. I’m wondering what would be an over-upgrade in Brownstone Brooklyn? I don’t think anyone expects a soaker tub, granite counters and travertine floors in so-called “fringe” neighborhoods, but is there such a thing say in Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights for example? (For this one, I’m only asking about houses, not co-ops or condos.)
5. Under the category of what they called “making your home anonymous,” the advice was “Remove everything about your personality from your home.” Some of the examples given included a Star Wars collection and neon wallpaper (ok, I understand the neon wallpaper one!). Anyone here ever hired a stager? What did it cost you? Was it worth it?
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 9:20 AM
NOP--saw your post over the weekend. University Towers is doing great actually. Still well maintained and good value housing comparable to other things in the neighborhood.
Posted by: wasder at March 30, 2009 9:22 AM
I was over commenting on topic in the Renter thread when randolph (he says he's a he but his profile says "female"...what's that all about???) came along and went off topic.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 9:23 AM
Can someone tell me how This Old House works? Is everything donated and then homeowners just pay gift tax? That's how I assumed it worked, but I'm watching the Brooklyn series and don't get it -- they carve up the house a LOT for the rental income and then laboriously restore wood/plaster, get custom kitchen everything, and furnish it with oriental rugs and furniture from ABC.
I think normal mortals would choose to keep the top floor for themselves (that 5 year plan seems whack to me) and perhaps skip the pot filler, stain the wood without the artisan, and use the furniture from their old lives for a while.
I must be missing something here.
Posted by: Ringo at March 30, 2009 9:23 AM
Snappy...I think taking serious the advice from HGTV is akin to representing yourself in court when you're not a lawyer.
That said, removing personal things is basically saying get rid of all the clutter.
In all my years of buying and selling I've never heard that someone should "underprice" their house.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 9:25 AM
Dave, Randolph likely did that just to take you off topic and then be able to complain later about 'usuals' hijacking a thread talking about nonsense. Don't take the bait!
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 9:27 AM
I know Dave. I don't take advice from them! That's why I'm asking the questions here.
Babs was saying that by slightly underpricing one's home, you garner more attention for it and possibly end up in a bidding war where you can get what you actually want for it and the sale happens faster (less time on the market.) I have heard that before, but not sure if anyone ever really does that.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 9:29 AM
Good morning all! I'm in San Jose. Spent a nice day yesterday in San Francisco.
NOP and all, one other point regarding University Towers: that project had a significant role in the downfall of Robert Moses. In my mind, that is a lamentable occurence, and for that reason,I have a grudge against this project!
I am still really, really pissed at Mr. B. about last Friday. I don't have time to write now, but will do so soon.
Posted by: benson at March 30, 2009 9:31 AM
Snappy,
1) Yes if you need to get it sold. There's no law that says that if someone offers asking then you have to sell it but at least you can get a good mark of what the current offer will be.
2) Yes. Have a spring clean and throw out all the years of accumulated crap. If you can't bear to throw stuff out then put it into storage temporarily.
3) Impractical and not really something that should put a buyer off unless they leave a strong odour, in which case you should air out the place before every single viewing and keep the pets outside during.
4) No problem with over-upgrading as long as you acknowledge that you won't get your money back. If anything, under-upgrading is a no-no. You don't want to see a $5k kitchen in a $2m brownstone but you wouldn't mind seeing a $200k one ;)
5) Yes. You want the prospective buyer to "picture" themselves living in your house. Anything that helps with that (removing collections, neutral colours) is good.
Posted by: the chicken at March 30, 2009 9:32 AM
I thought This Old House was basically owner paid... with the exception of "special" things the This Old House crew wants to showcase etc.
As far as furnishings etc. They may get some donations given the dropping of the decorator/supplier name... but I think a lot of it is just there for the final party, and it gets picked up that night or in the morning -- basically rental furniture.
HOWEVER, this Brooklyn Brownstone project... the owners don't seem to want for $$$. But isn't that the case with Brownstone folks in general? More cash than sense? :-)
Posted by: tybur6 at March 30, 2009 9:34 AM
Thanks chicken. Let me ask you this: I would tend to agree about the 5k kitchen in a 2mm bstone. But, does it ever help to say, 'yeah, this kitchen is a tear-down, but you can build your own dream kitchen as opposed to living in the previous owner's dream'. This of course with a pricetag on the house that reflects the fact that the kitchen is a POS.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 9:36 AM
I really disagree with the "underpricing" comments.
There's no such thing. Either you need to sell or you don't.
It's common practice with auctions and guide prices - throw out a low guide price to ensure that you get lots of interest beforehand and then let them fight it out.
If you took a 10% discount to comps 12-18 months ago you would probably have got it sold. Today, houses are sitting well below even that mark with zero interest.
Posted by: the chicken at March 30, 2009 9:37 AM
Usual-asshat-suspect reporting for roll call.
I'm surprised the OT is here too Rob, delighted, but surprised.
The venom in the 'Commenting' thread was a little over the top, no?
Prodigal, I have noticed same in take out food. Have not noticed this in sit-down restaurants—but haven't been out to many lately.
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 9:38 AM
Benson and NOP : are we confusing Univ.. Towers near LIU with what I think NOP was referring to as Univ Terrace up by PRatt (with blaconies).
I never knew what those were called. Maybe they are still Mitchell Lama because I don't ever see any for sale.
Univ Towers by LIU I do see those for sale.
Posted by: Petebklyn at March 30, 2009 9:41 AM
The OT is dead. Long live the OT.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 9:41 AM
It depends on the market at the time. While prices were rising rapidly, it made more sense to leave the kitchen undone or just have a basic one because you could just take a slight discount as say "pick your own".
In this environment though I think a seller should go as far as possible to make sure that as much as possible is done. The things that buyers care most about (that are within your control) are kitchens and bathrooms.
If you are buying today, do you want to lay down a big chunk for the deposit and then another big chunk to do up the kitchen and bathrooms? Better to have it already done and factored into the price.
Posted by: the chicken at March 30, 2009 9:42 AM
Good morning, Cobble :) I think you were right that are sing-alongs are no longer welcome! Indeed there was venom spread about the land.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 9:43 AM
Makes sense, chicken. Thanks.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 9:45 AM
On that kitchen issue...a lot will depend upon the situation of the buyer. Can they stay in their old place while the work is being done? Can they get along for a month or so in a "make shift" kitchen?
I did the same thing with my bathrooms when i bought but I had an empty tenants unit to use. that said, it was a real pain in the ass to walk down two flights in the middle of the night after a night out drinking!!!
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 9:48 AM
Brownstoners:
Just to clarify: University Terrace adjoins Pratt Institute. University Towers is near Flatbush Avenue and the old Brooklyn campus of Long Island University.
The Terrace, the Towers, Willoughby Walk, Morningside Gardens, etc. were typical Moses ventures developed in alliance with big schools and institutions that wanted to create middle-class enclaves around their campuses -- bulwarks against the city's spreading blight during the 1950s and 1960s.
I don't know if University Terrace hastened Robert Moses' downfall. The biggest of his housing scandals, according to Robert Caro's book, was Park West Village on the Upper West Side, where thousands of people were displaced for a project built by his cronies, creating overcrowded conditions elsewhere in the neighborhood where the project's site residents moved.
Over the weekend, I Googled the Quadrangles and found Mies' original plan. Although University Terrace is brick and not glass (which would be more typical of Mies), its floorplans are pretty much cribbed from his diagrams, the apartment I recall in the original drawings, right down the corner living room (but without the terrace).
NOP
Posted by: NOP at March 30, 2009 9:48 AM
no probs Snappy, you selling?
Posted by: the chicken at March 30, 2009 9:48 AM
Dave, when you bought were the bathrooms 'unlivable' or simply not to your taste and therefore you renovated them?
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 9:50 AM
No, chicken. I'm just a curious bystander :) I'm a renter who is in no position to buy right now. Real estate just fascinates me :)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 9:51 AM
"Good morning, Cobble :) I think you were right that are sing-alongs are no longer welcome!"
Morning Snappy, Sadly, as we may invite more venom! I liked your posts over there btw.
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 9:52 AM
Snappy....they were both more than livable. I just wanted one really large one (its 10'X14' now)and wanted the other one to be nicer. Kitchen was fine but its not some "dream kitchen" either. I did some cabinet additions and larger refrigerator which luckily worked out with no major construction.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 9:55 AM
Snappy, under-pricing to spark bidding war was great when things were smoking. Drew a lot of people to open houses. I sold my coop thru Corcoran and it worked for me, place went for over ask. These days I don't know...
Posted by: denton at March 30, 2009 9:56 AM
Thanks Cobble :)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 9:58 AM
Have any of you ever felt like your broker wanted to price your place higher than it should have been? What did you do?
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 9:59 AM
Denton, did the underpricing also move the co-op super fast?
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:00 AM
Thought I'd get here before What did...
From the WSJ 3.30.2009: Mortgage Defaults, Delinquencies Rise
... A spokesman for the FHA said 7.5% of FHA loans were "seriously delinquent" at the end of February, up from 6.2% a year earlier. Seriously delinquent includes loans that are 90 days or more overdue, in the foreclosure process or in bankruptcy.
...
The FHA's share of the U.S. mortgage market soared to nearly a third of loans originated in last year's fourth quarter from about 2% in 2006 as a whole, according to Inside Mortgage Finance, a trade publication. That is increasing the risk to taxpayers if the FHA's reserves prove inadequate to cover default losses.
Posted by: the chicken at March 30, 2009 10:00 AM
Ah, Dave, do you have a soaker tub??? If the answer is yes, how do you feel about loaning it out for say two hours or so? :) j/k
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:01 AM
MR. B, TAKE NOTE:
Maybe you should move Snappy's 9:20 post to the front page along with all the other related comments. This is a good topic. "As Seen on HGTV, a Viewer Asks"...or something like that.
This should get alot of comments by regular readers of this site if it's on the front page and shouldn't be lost in the OT that many people don't read, but the 'usual suspects'.
Maybe this can be a regular feature on your site...."As Seen on HGTV"
Posted by: bayridgegirl at March 30, 2009 10:02 AM
Chicken, those FHA delinquencies - are those the loans that I hear about that are able to be restructured to get a lower payment amount each month? Or am I confused? (well, I'm perpetually confused, but hey, what can a girl do!)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:03 AM
Aw...BRG wants to put me on the front page :) You sweet girl you :)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:04 AM
Although, BRG, as I am deemed a 'usual suspect' some people might resent that!
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:05 AM
Yeah, probably in a swimsuit.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 10:05 AM
To all the regular posters;
In line with what THL wrote last Friday, I really believe that the regular posters should stage some type of strike against Brownstoner.
I suspect that Mr. B. is going through some type of burn-out right now, and that is perfectly understandable. I've been there, and one aspect of burn-out is that you wish that you had a "different life". Any professional, however,will refrain from lashing out at those who support you, and that is just what Mr. B. has done here. I actually first felt that he wasn't thrilled with the regular posters at the time of the get-together.
If I were a publisher and I had a dedicated following that had formed a social communiy, I would be thrilled. I would certainly have said a few word of thanks at the event, and I would have also done so on the main pages of my web-site.
Neither happened.
If you take a look at his post last Friday, he dumped everything on the regular posters. WE indimidate the new posters. He cites a non-existent beat-down that he couldn't even recall when pressed about it. He blames the quality of the site on the regular posters, not even mentioning the possible effects of his editorial matter. Note that he also characterized us, tongue-in-cheek, as "spirited".
This is disgraceful. As Troy pointed out in last week's OT, here is a proprietor of a business that has shown no gratitude to his regular patrons. He may have even manipulated the whole issue in order to raise the number of clicks. Finally, he empowered every nut-job lurker out there.
Posted by: benson at March 30, 2009 10:07 AM
LOL Dave!!! Are you saying I have cooties??? :)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:08 AM
No, Snappy, just that BRG would like to see you on the cover of a magazine in a swimsuit. Where did cooties come in???
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 10:10 AM
Ah, Benson. Man after my own heart. I believe it was about click-raising too. And, it was a crappy way to do it. There are possibly dozens of other ways he could have said what he said, like "I'd like to see the OT now become something more substantial" etc. Our feeding hands were bitten.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:11 AM
Dave, I thought you were saying you'd loan me your tub only if I wore a swimsuit :)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:12 AM
benson...I wasn't really offended by that Comments thread. I think he just wanted feedback. The OT isn't going away and people aren't going to be limited in the number of times they can post.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 10:12 AM
Benson, for clarification, are you advocating an all-out strike as in don't visit the page at all and therefore eliminate our source of clicks or just don't comment when we visit the page?
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:14 AM
Not that I normally post here, but I must say that the commenting thread wore me out like no other I can remember, even more than the usual and vitriolic exchanges found throughout Brownstoner, and bloggerdom. Wouldn't surprise me if at least one lurker/commenter was a competing blogger trying to shut down a vibrant community. I sense some deflation in your own posts today, which would be a pity. Nils illegitimus carborundum! (for lack of a better rallying cry). On an entirely other subject, Snappy: I know of a jobsite/openings you might be interested in if you drop me a line at vinca / ymail d com.
Posted by: vinca at March 30, 2009 10:15 AM
NOP,
Thanks for the information about University Towers and now Terrace. I had no idea they were a footprint of Mies. Truthfully I don't know much about the towers but will now read up on them.
Hubby went to Pratt and we walked the nabe often. I must have walked by the buildings 100's of times not thinking anything of them.
Thanks again.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at March 30, 2009 10:15 AM
"If I were a publisher and I had a dedicated following that had formed a social communiy, I would be thrilled. I would certainly have said a few word of thanks at the event, and I would have also done so on the main pages of my web-site."
Interesting thoughts, but then why did he and Mrs. B attend the event, benson? I believe he shook my hand. We didn't speak, but he seemed to be socializing with many regulars. Why did you feel he wasn't 'thrilled' with the regulars at the event?
I, too, am dismayed by the tone of his post head. We have created a very strong sense of community, and along with that comes idle chit-chat and commraderie. And why shouldn't it?
I'm not sure about a strike, but I do wish that there was some dialogue with the regulars that wasn't so inviting of derogatory commenting, some kind of more positive statement of action and what Mr. B would like to see. Rather than inviting the 'non-regulars' or 'sometimes regulars' to attack 'regulars' in such an openly hostile way by the tone of his opening statement. I'm trying not to take it personally, but I seriously pondered 'abandoning ship' this weekend.
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 10:16 AM
Benson, it all reminds me of a story...
Once upon a time a Young Graphic Designer was working on a marketing campaign for a major producer of canned soup.
Meeting after meeting occurred, all the usual blather about branding transpired. There appeared to be a crisis, a lack of "emotional attachment to the brand."
Finally, at one point in a meeting, between the Powerpoint presentations and the strategy sessions, the Young Graphic Designer just kind of snapped and muttered, much more loudly than intended, "Make better soup."
Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 30, 2009 10:17 AM
Headline
"Brownstoner: The Swimsuit Edition—see your favorite posters 'suited' up".
tee-hee-hee.
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 10:18 AM
Thanks, Vinca. I'll shoot you an email.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:19 AM
I guess that was Campbell's.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 10:19 AM
I'm striking, don't intend to visit or comment this week apart from this. I'm speaking with the union.
Posted by: dittoburg at March 30, 2009 10:20 AM
Prodigal: "Has anyone noticed that many restaurants are serving lower than quality food? " - You are absolutely right. We ordered a pizza from our usual place and the cheese was scant to put it mildly.
Benson: What are you trying to do making me agree with you?
Dave: I was offended. Maybe it was to get feedback but there was such a passive aggressive tone to it that I'm inclined to think otherwise. It's also quite interesting that he's not yet addressed it today. This leads me further to believe that it really was intended to be a slap the regulars (keep us in line without actually having to come out and say it to our face).
Vinca: I want that recipe! You can email me townhouselady at yahoo dot com.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at March 30, 2009 10:23 AM
ditto...I think you know my position on unions.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 10:23 AM
THL brings about a good point...seeing how that thread inspired so many posts on Friday, why are we not seeing his response today? I'd think that that would be amongst his first priority regarding threads to put up today. I have been waiting for it. And, it looks like I'm waiting in vain.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:26 AM
THL...I had a few email conversations with Mr. B and I assure you that he was not trying to slap the regulars.
The thread brought out some that haven't commented in a long time, some lurkers and a few that just wanted to disrupt things.
I see no harm done. Maybe I have thicker skin.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 10:27 AM
Snappy...he said he's wade through it all over the weekend and post. Give him some time.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 10:28 AM
Dave, I'm an impatient girl :)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:30 AM
Sort of reminds me of that white kitchen thing...where JB took off the post and totally refused to give an explanation...I mean, if it had been a copyright issue (which it probably was,) why not just say so? I found that very rude.
Posted by: cmu at March 30, 2009 10:31 AM
Dave, can I ask about the substance of those emails? If you don't wish to divulge, I understand.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:31 AM
CMU, are you speaking of the white kitchen that got trashed? I think I remember that.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:32 AM
"Maybe it was to get feedback but there was such a passive aggressive tone to it that I'm inclined to think otherwise."
I'm feeling similarly THL. Feedback is a good thing, but openly inviting hostility is, well, just not cool.
So DIBS, tell me something, I've been wondering for while. Are you a financial backer of Brownstoner? A genuine question, as you and Mr. B seem to be connected or closer than some here.
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 10:33 AM
I'd rather not divulge any particulars and since I've deleted them I'd probably get the details wrong anyway.
I don' think any of you should worry your pretty little heads over all of this!!! :)
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 10:34 AM
Friday evening someone and I were talking about the commenting thread and how it really was callous of Mr. B to try to stir the pot the way he did. We also spoke of a possible boycott of the site.
Mr. B TAKE NOTE:
More interesting stories please, where people want to comment on.
I frankly am tired of following F*cking developments. I don't give a sh*t anymore about what new building is going up anymore and how much they're slashing their prices. In light of the economy, I don't care anymore what these developments are doing and they can all rot for all I care.
You need stories that people can relate to, lighten the mood.
- You should have followed the 'This Old House' Brooklyn segment. That would have gotten alot of comments.
- Maybe do more renovation / interior design / architecture. Highlight a different building, it's history, it's style, etc. Let the readers have a go at it. There are lots of knowledgeable people here.
So much more.....
Posted by: bayridgegirl at March 30, 2009 10:35 AM
Backpedaling is marvelous Dave, It really helps to tone your legs.
I'm going to be reducing my "clicking" until it's addressed, publicly.
I leave my Real Housewives fans with 3 hee-sterical things that are sure to bring on the Ha Ha Ha's. Enjoy!
http://prettyontheoutside.typepad.com/gilmore/2009/03/the-real-housewives-of-new-york-city-who-are-you-wearing.html
http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-york-city/videos/bethenny-as-jill-zaaaaaarin-pt1
http://scentedglossymagazines.blogspot.com/
Posted by: TownhouseLady at March 30, 2009 10:36 AM
sadly, I think there is a bigger issue at hand for Brownstoner and that is the bursting of the housing bubble.
From what I've read, Mr B gave up a good job to start this site a few years back when real estate was still really cranking. This site is driven solely on advertising and every ad that I see on the site (apart from a few Google clickads) is for a developer or realtor.
I can imagine how the typical conversation goes;
"Do you want to advertise on my site? We get XXX hits and they are all real estate related"
"We are cutting back on advertising because of the economy and units are just not moving. Anyway, I've seen the site and most of the time people are just talking crap."
"erm...."
To date, Brownstoner has resisted being a shill for the industry which I commend. However without advertising income, there will come a point where Mr B will feel it's not worth carrying on and go back to his old office life.
Alternatively, he can grasp the nettle by the thorns and direct Brownstoner into something it is slowly turning into anyway - a community based forum. Get advertising from restaurants, new venues, local services, hell - start charging $2 for classified ads.
One of the reasons why Brownstoner is more successful than, say, Brooklynian is content. Once a site gets to critical mass, the users start generating content themselves. As the old saying goes, "evolve or die".
Posted by: the chicken at March 30, 2009 10:36 AM
No, cobble, I am not. I don't believe I'm any closer than anyone who might have sent him an email asking a question or making a commet directly to him.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 10:36 AM
> "Backpedaling is marvelous Dave, It really helps to tone your legs."
SOTD.
Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 30, 2009 10:37 AM
Not really sure what I'm backpedaling on. I know my initial comments on the thread were about what might be beneficial to add.
I think I dealt effectively with the logic of those that don't want the OT...something like..."Well then just don't look at it."
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 10:40 AM
"To date, Brownstoner has resisted being a shill for the industry which I commend."
Really? I've always gotten the impression this was very much a pro-development site, although it has always rightly blasted the cutting corners, really ugly development. Hence the realtor/development ads.....can't completely bite the hand that feeds you.
Posted by: nk at March 30, 2009 10:44 AM
Interesting points chicken. Thx.
And thanks for responding DIBS, it was something that's popped into my 'pretty little head' from time to time. : )
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 10:44 AM
"Denton, did the underpricing also move the co-op super fast?"
Snappy, I think it did. Brokers are very good about telling multiple bidders that there are other bidders who really want it.
In my case, not only did I get over ask I got a very nice letter from the buyer explaining why I should sell it to him!
But those were the good ol' days for sellers (3rd quarter 2007). Don't know about that now.
Posted by: denton at March 30, 2009 10:46 AM
Wow, Denton. So, did the letter from the buyer help sway you or were they simply the highest bidder? I think it would be nice to get a letter from a potential buyer. That could especially be useful if you have a home full of period details you'd like to see preserved and you are concerned about whether the buyer would be gutting it or looking to sell it off to a developer.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:50 AM
i think maybe i am a tool...anybody have any thoughts?
Posted by: davidinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 10:50 AM
snappy, yes. I remember about a half-dozen requests to tell us what happened. I cannot imagine that he was slapped with a court injunction to not speak on the issue, which would be the only excuse I might accept (actually, given my disdain for the legal system, maybe not even that ;))
Posted by: cmu at March 30, 2009 10:51 AM
Are you going all existential on us DIBS? Are you a tool? Am I a tool? Will we ever really know our toolness? ; )
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 10:53 AM
I think maybe you're a tool too. Is this Michael again?????
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 10:54 AM
"I think maybe you're a tool too. Is this Michael again?????"
Then I will wear my toolness proudly!
[Who the heck is Michael?]
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 10:56 AM
"To date, Brownstoner has resisted being a shill for the industry which I commend."
Really? I've always gotten the impression this was very much a pro-development site, although it has always rightly blasted the cutting corners, really ugly development. Hence the realtor/development ads.....can't completely bite the hand that feeds you.
Posted by: nk at March 30, 2009 10:44 AM
I suppose it's very much an individual perception thing. It certainly doesn't read like a random stream of gushing realtor prose if that's what you mean.
Posted by: the chicken at March 30, 2009 10:57 AM
Mr. B., if you really want to cut down on sniping, etc. how about prohibiting and refusing to register screennames that are purposely intended to confuse other readers by impersonating someone else (a la davidinbedstuy). *That* is really lame.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 10:58 AM
"Wow, Denton. So, did the letter from the buyer help sway you or were they simply the highest bidder? I think it would be nice to get a letter from a potential buyer."
Snappy, it was one of those things that worked out all around. They weren't the highest bidder but they were the highest with excellent finances, which was important since this was a coop. And they turned out to be wonderful people.
Posted by: denton at March 30, 2009 10:58 AM
cobble...the 10:50 poster...note that its not me really.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 10:59 AM
Snappy...I think he's working on that. Thx. Anybody that goes by the name davidinbedstuy has got to be a real loser anyway. Sounds like the name of a gay hair salon.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 11:00 AM
That makes sense, Denton, as a co-op board is more likely to be worried about the finances of the buyer.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:01 AM
Yes, I see that now. More coffee please.
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 11:01 AM
LOL Dave! I do need a haircut....
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:02 AM
Snappy, do you live near Greenwood Cemetery? Do you have a view of the trees from your Apt?
Can I put you on Cherry Tree blossom watch for the Cemetery?
Can you let me know when they're in bloom, it should be in the next couple of weeks.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at March 30, 2009 11:03 AM
I think some of you have exceeded your posting limits!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at March 30, 2009 11:05 AM
i fart in the bathtub and bite the bubbles
Posted by: FARTslope at March 30, 2009 11:07 AM
I guess Mr. B will take note when he sees that asshole who just posted at 11:04!!!!!
I suspect he is the same one as FartSlope and davidinbedstuy.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 11:07 AM
Wow, someone is having fun creating log-in names.
Hope Mr. B___ deletes some of them. Where are all the Miss _______ when we need them?
Posted by: bayridgegirl at March 30, 2009 11:07 AM
Anyway, he'll be gone after Spring break is over and he's back in Freshman Algebra. His mommy wouldn't let him go to Florida so he has nothing better to do.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 11:09 AM
That is not really brownstoner there....at 11:04. Somebody pulling a prank with the underscores after the name.
Posted by: wasder at March 30, 2009 11:10 AM
BRG, I am a few short blocks from Green-Wood, but can't see it from my windows :( When I walk by I'll try to take note of what is or isn't blossoming for you :)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:10 AM
Rob, chatter away and fret none!
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:11 AM
lol am i the only one who fell for that faker? i was like wow rudey tudey today!
*r*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at March 30, 2009 11:13 AM
Beware of the underscores. Fakers abound.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:14 AM
Thanks Snappy.
Let me know when you see flowers on the trees. Should be mid April.
I'm following the cherry blossom bloom progress on the BBG site and I'm assuming when they're in bloom at BBG, they'll be in bloom at the cemetery.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at March 30, 2009 11:15 AM
The cherry blossoms have just begun in Philly. it'll still be about two weeks before they are in full bloom (some smaller species bloom first). Then it'll be another 2 weeks before they are in bloom here.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 11:18 AM
Davidinbedstuy, please don't talk to me. No OT welcome basket for you.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:20 AM
BRG, would they be visible from the 5th Ave and 25th street entrance? That's the entrance closest to me and the one I tend to walk by.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:21 AM
Nice try InsertSnappvNameHere, but you are fooling no one.
MR. B., PUT A STOP TO THIS!
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:22 AM
Sorry some people felt offended--we can see why but we want you to now that our concern about wanting the site to feel welcoming to new commenters was genuine. To disappoint the conspiracy theorists, the post was not an attempt to generate clicks. We already have hundreds of thousands of existing pageviews that we can't sell ads against, so there's not really any point in juicing the stats. And, contrary to Benson's theory, we're not bailing on the site just because ads are down. We haven't reduced the number of posts in recent months at all and don't plan to. This is our life and our baby. We also happen to think it has a lot of long-term value as a business, regardless of advertising cycles. We haven't had time to digest everything in the thread. In all likelihood, not a whole lot will change but we were alone with the kids and dog over the weekend and didn't have a second to even re-read. One good thing has already come out of the discussion, though: Montrose Morris is going to start writing a column about architectural history and appreciation. Hopefully, that will make a lot of people happy. We're certainly excited about it.
Posted by: brownstoner at March 30, 2009 11:23 AM
Okay, when I first read Snappy's 11:21, I thought this doesn't sound like here and tried to look for a difference.
What's the difference in the name? Am I blind?
Posted by: bayridgegirl at March 30, 2009 11:25 AM
hey isnt tomorrow like april fool's day or something? how many days does march have?
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at March 30, 2009 11:26 AM
We were just alerted to the impersonator who posted above and have deleted the comment.
Posted by: brownstoner at March 30, 2009 11:26 AM
BRG, instead of Snappy, it was Snappv (v istead of the y)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:26 AM
Mr. B, will you also be deleting the folks impersonating myself and the real Dave???
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:29 AM
One good thing has already come out of the discussion, though: Montrose Morris is going to start writing a column about architectural history and appreciation. Hopefully, that will make a lot of people happy. We're certainly excited about it.
Posted by: brownstoner at March 30, 2009 11:23 AM
When in doubt, expand your vision - life will expand to match.
Posted by: infinitejester at March 30, 2009 11:29 AM
1st
Has anyone noticed that many restaurants are serving lower than quality food? I eat out A LOT and I've noticed that everyone- from Chinese to Mexican to Arabic to delis to chi-chi trendy restaurants, from the Slope to Coney, from Williamsburg to Carroll Gardens are serving smaller portions and mediocre food.
The economy is killing food quality. Is it just me?
Posted by: Prodigal_Son at March 30, 2009 9:19 AM
TO: BAY RIDGE GIRL
RE: MIES VAN DER ROHE'S BIRTHDAY
There are traces of a Mies project in Brooklyn: University Terrace near Pratt Institute in Clinton Hill, a Mitchell-Lama project, originally planned by Mies.
Although the firm Kelly and Gruzen ultimately did the architecture, Mies' "slab block" principles are still evident in the three towers that leave most of their superblocks open for lawns and parking lots, quite similar to the Colonnade Apartments in Newark and Lafayette Gardens in Detroit, contemporary urban renewal projects designed by the Great One.
I learned this when friends of my parents bought an apartment at University Terrace when I was a boy. I recall the project's original name as "The Quadrangles," no doubt referring to the Pratt campus, and appearing on maps of Brooklyn at the time.
University Terrace was definitely one of the better looking Mitchell-Lama projects. It was built by the Tishman group which, the project's brochures proudly announced, were responsible for many of the "fine" cooperatives along Park Avenue.
Our friends' apartment was quite nice and had a big, square living room in the corner of the building, unusual when most other new buildings had bedrooms at this location. This arrangement was similar to Mies' Lake Shore Drive Apartments in Chicago, where as many living rooms as possible are located at corners to take advantage of the view. But the Brooklyn apartments had an advantage over the Chicago numbers: they had balconies extending the living rooms' width.
I remember thinking University Terrace very sleek, with its plate glass lobbies approached by private driveways. I don't know the condition of the project now, but in its day it represented The New for a segment of middle-class Brooklynites who didn't move to the suburbs.
Nostalgic on Park Avenue
Posted by: NOP at March 30, 2009 9:20 AM
Today, let’s play “Educate Snappy!”
Last night I watched “Buying & Selling: 20 Best Kept Secrets” on HGTV. As a novice in this area, I have some questions for you seasoned home-owners out there. All of the questions below come from their ‘best kept secrets’ regarding selling. Answer one, answer none, it’s up to you ☺
1. Babs Corcorcan said you should under-price your house to get a quick sale and likely multiple offers. I couldn’t help but wonder how that jives with what many of you have said wrt her site (seriously price inflation to the point that many of you believed the broker and/or seller were smoking some green!). Yes, the seller gets the final say, but have any of you as a seller here ever felt you were being pushed toward pricing higher than you thought home was worth or the market could bear? What was the result?
2. Leave closets half empty to give the illusion of tons of storage. Anyone here ever done that?
3. Remove all signs of pets including food, litter, dog bed, etc? Is that realistic? Have any of you ever done that? Yeah, you can take dog out with you when you leave for an open house, but what the hell do you do with your cat? Has anyone ever walked by a bowl of cat/dog food and been sickened by the smell – enough to run you out of the house and take it off your list of homes to consider for purchase?
4. Don’t over-upgrade. I’m wondering what would be an over-upgrade in Brownstone Brooklyn? I don’t think anyone expects a soaker tub, granite counters and travertine floors in so-called “fringe” neighborhoods, but is there such a thing say in Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights for example? (For this one, I’m only asking about houses, not co-ops or condos.)
5. Under the category of what they called “making your home anonymous,” the advice was “Remove everything about your personality from your home.” Some of the examples given included a Star Wars collection and neon wallpaper (ok, I understand the neon wallpaper one!). Anyone here ever hired a stager? What did it cost you? Was it worth it?
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 9:20 AM
NOP--saw your post over the weekend. University Towers is doing great actually. Still well maintained and good value housing comparable to other things in the neighborhood.
Posted by: wasder at March 30, 2009 9:22 AM
I was over commenting on topic in the Renter thread when randolph (he says he's a he but his profile says "female"...what's that all about???) came along and went off topic.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 9:23 AM
Can someone tell me how This Old House works? Is everything donated and then homeowners just pay gift tax? That's how I assumed it worked, but I'm watching the Brooklyn series and don't get it -- they carve up the house a LOT for the rental income and then laboriously restore wood/plaster, get custom kitchen everything, and furnish it with oriental rugs and furniture from ABC.
I think normal mortals would choose to keep the top floor for themselves (that 5 year plan seems whack to me) and perhaps skip the pot filler, stain the wood without the artisan, and use the furniture from their old lives for a while.
I must be missing something here.
Posted by: Ringo at March 30, 2009 9:23 AM
Snappy...I think taking serious the advice from HGTV is akin to representing yourself in court when you're not a lawyer.
That said, removing personal things is basically saying get rid of all the clutter.
In all my years of buying and selling I've never heard that someone should "underprice" their house.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 9:25 AM
Dave, Randolph likely did that just to take you off topic and then be able to complain
Posted by: InsertSnappvNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:30 AM
Oh lord, now the copy&paste spamming begins again.
Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 30, 2009 11:31 AM
Congratulations, MM. You will be one of the "most read" threads on the site.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 11:31 AM
Some folks just have nothing better to do. And *we* were accused of being lifeless. Ha!
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:33 AM
> "Montrose Morris is going to start writing a column"
That's excellent news.
Now hopefully the current crop of imposters and pasters (impasters?) will get swatted down.
Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 30, 2009 11:36 AM
Well, this jackass is one of the results that came out of the Comments thread. :)
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 11:37 AM
someone is very cle*v*er.
Didn't see it.
That underline hides alot. Maybe Mr. B should get rid of that.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at March 30, 2009 11:37 AM
I do have to say though, the OT has recently gotten to be simply BRG and Snappy going back and forth with some very uninteresting dialogue. The whole foods theme from last week really sucked.
Posted by: infinitejester at March 30, 2009 11:43 AM
Dave, that would be Randolph. Unoriginal as usual.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:43 AM
Excellent news re: MM posting - really looking forward to this.
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 11:44 AM
HALP.
Does anyone recall is there is a new beergarden that opened in Fort Greene? If so, can you help me out with the name? I'm starting to think that I was mentally transferring the new place that opened up in Greenpoint to Fort Greene - Brouwerij (sp) Lane.
Thanks!
Posted by: CG_ups at March 30, 2009 11:47 AM
Hopefully with his full blown spamming we'll never see him again once Mr. B has dealt with his login.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 11:48 AM
brownstoner--right on about having MM write a column here. Great idea! And personally I took no offense from the commenting thread. I can see why some newbies might be a little intimidated. I was a bit myself when I started posting here last summer. But I bet we can figure out how to continue our great little community here without alienating others.
Posted by: wasder at March 30, 2009 11:49 AM
Also, the Dine in Brooklyn at The Grocery is a GREAT DEAL. They are doing nice portions, great selection (small but very good) and lovely service! Still doing great amuse bouche even for the bargain menu. Highly recommended, check it out before the last night on April 2.
Posted by: CG_ups at March 30, 2009 11:50 AM
And Mr. B does what he has to do...
Posted by: infinitejester at March 30, 2009 11:51 AM
Mr. B, if there was a way to use a colored hyperlink instead of an underlined one for the poster's name, that would help a lot.
Posted by: denton at March 30, 2009 11:51 AM
I've been emailing w/ Mr. B in the last few minutes. Hopefully this little issue will be resolved shortly.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:52 AM
Hooray for MM's column!!!
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 11:53 AM
Dave, I wasn't talking about you when I mentioned backpedaling. I was referring to Mr. B.
I'm glad that's he's addressed it and even gladder that MM will be a contributor!
Posted by: TownhouseLady at March 30, 2009 11:55 AM
infinitejester....you haven't liked the food discussions?? Please feel free to make a suggestion of something we might discuss today!!!
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 11:56 AM
Snappv...can you at least be original in your content.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at March 30, 2009 11:57 AM
Mr B...
you need to remove:
davidinbedstuy
FARTSlope
InsertSnappv...
InserPappi...
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 12:01 PM
They grew tiresome and forced, IMO. But I guess I should realize a talk thread will occasionally make me tune out.
Posted by: infinitejester at March 30, 2009 12:02 PM
Yes, jester, the fun ran out of them after the third or fourth. Alas, it proves that Some of the people can be funny all of the time and All of the people can be funny some of the time but.....
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 12:04 PM
Dave, he's working on it. I asked about blocking IP addresses. Waiting to see....
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 12:05 PM
So, what's for lunch folks? (sorry infinitejester!)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 12:09 PM
im skipping lunch today. i feel ill. either that or i have a serious case of the mondays
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at March 30, 2009 12:12 PM
DIBS -
What happened to your Outhouse post on the Forum?
Posted by: SenatorStreet at March 30, 2009 12:14 PM
Probably Chinese. Don't read anything else into that.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 12:14 PM
What are you talking about Senator???
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 12:16 PM
Sounds like "david" was at it again.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 12:17 PM
Probably. It was probably the spammer davidinbedstuy. Which you may have missed if you just logged in.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 12:18 PM
Snappy, turkey bologna on wheat with Ruffles and pomegranate juice. Just sayin' four days of spreadables convo kind of lost me.
Posted by: infinitejester at March 30, 2009 12:21 PM
There was a post on the forum about 20 min ago (that disappeared). The poster was listed as daveinbedstuy and the post asked for info about renovating a 1850s outhouse that the poster wanted to get "up and running" in his backyard!
I found the post histerical and replied (toung in cheek) with details about DOB permitting requirements!
Posted by: SenatorStreet at March 30, 2009 12:21 PM
Since I'm so full of questions today...I'll shoot off another.
Last week I asked about resending a resume to an employer that was again hiring after I'd already had an interview.
Now, I'm seeing today that 2 other employers to whom I sent my resume are still hiring. One ad was never taken down and one was reposted. Neither of them ever responded to my resume (no interview, etc.). Should I bother resubmitting in this instance? Or does it seem like a waste of time all around? (I'm inclined to think the latter, but I'm open to your opinions.)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 12:21 PM
That was david
Posted by: cmu at March 30, 2009 12:22 PM
Let's all make up our spammer alter-egos...
Posted by: infinitejester at March 30, 2009 12:22 PM
Sometimejester
Posted by: infinitejester at March 30, 2009 12:23 PM
Yes, prob was david - looks similar at a quick glance. Anyhow it was funny!!
Posted by: SenatorStreet at March 30, 2009 12:23 PM
A banana....it's what's for lunch today. [Don't read too much into that! ; )]
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 12:23 PM
David Foster Wallace Killed Himself and All I Got Was This Lousy Brownstoner Handle
Posted by: infinitejester at March 30, 2009 12:23 PM
Snappy, I find it so odd that they are still advertising since they must have gotten 43,000 resumes, and at least ONE [preferably you] would have been suitable!
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 12:24 PM
infinite...i'll trade you lunches! especially the pomegranate juice! I'm having tuna / crackers and water.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 12:25 PM
I know Cobble. I'm starting to wonder if some of these job ads are total fakes despite being on reputable websites where you have to pay to post the job. Hmmmm....
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 12:26 PM
AsshatLoserInThe Ghetto
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 12:27 PM
I would like to go back to the Cherry Blossom comments and a related topic....
Doesn't the Brooklyn Botanic Garden have a cherry blossom festival?
For you fellow gardeners, when are you planting your flowers this season? I can nenver rememeber from year-to-year when I should be doing that.
Finally, has alergy season started yet? No suffering liek I used to and I am hoping to excapre this year.
Posted by: Miss Chiff at March 30, 2009 12:28 PM
I don't have time to read through every post here, but to respond to the comment about Brownstoner being hurt by the bursting of the housing bubble: The switch from a bull to bear housing market has greatly boosted Brownstoner's audience, as we all try to figure out what the heck is going on. At the same time, blogs in general have seen a drop in advertising quantity and rates -- even though the Internet remains more vigorous than print media and in many ways threatens it.
On another topic: The NYT today has a story about banks walking away from foreclosures (it's not linked on Brownstoner, at least not yet). It's creating a huge mess. Some towns have actually succeeded in suing the banks for letting the properties fall into disrepair -- good for them! I saw a house that epitomizes this trend this weekend. It's the same one I saw about nine months ago that caused me to write about "housing crisis in Bushwick." The door had been bashed in with a tree trunk, which was resting on the porch.
Well, long story short, the house is now for sale as a foreclosure for almost nothing. The plumbing was ripped out. I guess maybe it was stolen for copper? The agent who showed it to us said her company only sells foreclosures and they're going quickly.
A friend of mine who runs a neighborhood blog says he thinks he's noticed cheap places disappearing off the market. Maybe the inventory is finally clearing out in the subprime areas as prices go down into the 300s.
This could mean the bottom is in sight. Not sure what this means for the "prime" areas of Brooklyn -- hm, maybe they will just stay flat for a while? I guess it all really depends on how the job market and employment goes.
Posted by: mopar at March 30, 2009 12:28 PM
My alter-ego: TooBusyWorkingToPostMyUsualDrivelAllDamnDay!
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 12:28 PM
Allergy season has definitely started. At night I go to bed with the cat under one arm and box of kleenex under my other arm.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 12:30 PM
I would like to go back to the Cherry Blossom comments and a related topic....
Doesn't the Brooklyn Botanic Garden have a cherry blossom festival?
For you fellow gardeners, when are you planting your flowers this season? I can nenver rememeber from year-to-year when I should be doing that.
Finally, has alergy season started yet? No suffering liek I used to and I am hoping to excapre this year.
Posted by: Miss Chiff at March 30, 2009 12:33 PM
"...wonder if some of these job ads are total fakes despite being on reputable websites where you have to pay to post the job. "
I have had people call me after seeing my resume on job site, describe a position one way, I glean enough to figure out the employer, hunt on their website, and see that the job is not for me. But, the questions the person asks me are misleadingly stated as in - this isn't a technical position - or some such thing which upon reading the actual company stated job is clearly false. A waste of time for all around.
I suspect they are a) collecting resumes and/or b) padding piles of resumes they are sending to employers - hoping for a 'hit'.
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 12:35 PM
Cobble, I had also wondered if they were recruiters/temp agencies collecting resumes. I've been reading quite a bit lately about unethical practices of them doing such things. I always google the fax number they provide and try to find out who it belongs to before I apply, but most of them only bring up a link to the ad I clicked on in the first place. The same goes for certain email addresses they request that you respond to. It's an especially crappy thing to do in this job market. Argh.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 12:39 PM
Miss Chiff and all,
Yes, BBG has events around the cherry blossoms.
http://www.bbg.org/exp/cherries/sakura.html
You can also check their website and see when the trees are in bloom
http://www.bbg.org/exp/cherries/map.html
I'm monitoring it...I'm on it. It really is spectacular when the trees are in full bloom.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at March 30, 2009 12:42 PM
excuse my spelling above. reread my post. Ugh. And don't know why there was a double post.
Is the next meet up under the cherry trees in the park?
Posted by: Miss Chiff at March 30, 2009 12:46 PM
Few walks of life are as full of smoke and mirrors as the "job search". I always hated job seeking. Haven't done it in a long, long time, but I'm still young enough that it might happen yet, especially in this economy.
Posted by: White and Proud in Crown Heights at March 30, 2009 12:46 PM
Just saw this headline on Yahoo news...
N. Dakota dikes face new threat from wind-whipped floodwaters.
Snappy do you know any of them???? :)
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 12:59 PM
Let's all make up our spammer alter-egos...
Posted by: infinitejester at March 30, 2009 12:22 PM
pick one for me please:
"I can't believe it's not chicken"
"another chicken"
"the goose"
Posted by: the chicken at March 30, 2009 1:00 PM
Very funny, Dave :)
WhiteandProud, what industry are you in?
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 1:01 PM
I like "I can't believe it's not chicken" :) Hysterical
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 1:02 PM
I think he makes sheets.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 1:02 PM
Where the hell is the What today????
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 1:03 PM
Snappy, I am a shareholder in a recruitment/headhunter agency in Asia. This is called "trolling for resumes".
It's chicken and egg for the recruiters. They want to impress their clients (the companies) that they have candidates. They want to impress their suppliers (you) that they have mandates.
They can't just make up candidates because the companies might ask to see them but they can make up job specs to get you to give them your resume.
Posted by: the chicken at March 30, 2009 1:04 PM
Dave, the What was so pleased with my second post on the Comments Thread that he wound up admittedly drunk-typing! He may be still sleeping off the booze! Check out my post from Saturday and his reply.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 1:07 PM
I guess there's no real way to stop the resume trolling. It really sucks though. I get my hopes up saying, "YES! I'm perfect for that job" then I spend the energy writing the perfect cover-letter, double and triple checking my resume and saying prayer after prayer and then, NOTHING.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 1:09 PM
"Where the hell is the What today????"
Right here Dave ** The What shows off his AK-47****.
"Dave, the What was so pleased with my second post on the Comments Thread that he wound up admittedly drunk-typing!"
Not drunk per se but was very happy that someone else is calling Brownstoner on his Bullsh*t!!!!
Ok Boys and girls-- I think Brownstoner is dying. You have to parse his reasons for the Friday Dust Up post! Today the Asshead in charge is at it again!
"Death at Eastern Parkway Drug Den"
"It's Good To Be A Renter Right Now"
"Short Sale at The Washington"
And the knee slapper! Follow Up: Garry's Revealed Garry's Wine & Liquor would go all gentrified on us when it opens at 80 Saint Marks Avenue in the next few weeks.
Gentrified on us?????!!! WTF is that?? Basic Covert Race/Class claptrap!
Now MM is going to post here??!! Boy that's going to be FUN!!!! Anyway you retards have fun because the walls of Jericho are cracking...
The What (Skittles for everyone)
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at March 30, 2009 1:25 PM
About the Cherry Blossom Festival. Go EARLY! Parking lot is full by about 1 hour after the BBG opens. And it is wall to wall people. We showed up at noon one year and couldn't stay. It was literally packed like sardines. Not exactly the most optimal way to enjoy it, but then I'm claustrophobic.
Posted by: CG_ups at March 30, 2009 1:38 PM
I don't think I can go a day without Skittles.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 1:46 PM
I saw Skittles on sale at CVS, called 'crazy colors'!
I almost bought some in honor of you What!
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 1:57 PM
You know something What? There are no white Skittles either.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 1:59 PM
> "I can't believe it's not chicken"
How about tastes_like_chicken?
Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 30, 2009 1:59 PM
"I almost bought some in honor of you What!"
Make sure those skittles are spiked with Oxycontin.
"You know something What? There are no white Skittles either."
Only a retard like you would make that observation...
Hey Dave the 1Q09 reports is coming down the pike!
The What (I hope this post makes it)
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at March 30, 2009 2:11 PM
Snark- I'm honored. Now I finally have something to hang my hat on!
If your fake count of a husband divorces you can yoiu still refer to yourself as a countess? I'm just wondering because...
http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/252549
Posted by: TownhouseLady at March 30, 2009 2:11 PM
curses Snarky - I always miss the obvious ones!
Posted by: the chicken at March 30, 2009 2:17 PM
Mr. B and Montrose,
Great news about MM's new column, both because of the subject matter and her eloquence. I would love to see more content on houses, architecture, styles, history, etc., and I think this will open up some nice discussions. This site sprang from the myriad topics that Mr. B encountered in taking apart and renovating his house -- historical, stylistic, construction, market, legal, etc. I am interested in more dialogue on what homeowners are doing now in the current market -- still renovating? scaling back? More DIY? Changed plans as to whether to stay, move, ugrade/downgrade? Mostly, those of us that bought, whether in the last 2, 5, 10, or 20, have our homes and enjoy our neighborhoods. Eyeing the market is one small part of the experience of being a homeowner in historic Brooklyn neighborhoods and I am happy for any steps that expand the discussion beyond the daily teams bear v. bull sparring that has gotten quite repetitive and is the source of much of the rancor.
P.S. Mr. B, I took no offense Friday. Apart from the fact that this is your living, I have always seen you as trying to foster good discussion, and i read your query as an attempt to recapture that.
Posted by: slopefarm at March 30, 2009 2:49 PM
what are skittles exactly? are they like M&Ms but with peanut butter inside? I can't seem to recall the essence of a skittle.
Posted by: sam at March 30, 2009 2:54 PM
185 Comments at 3pm, busy day.
Hello everyone. Spent Saturday in P.Slope and had a blast. Lot's of people out and about.
That's all to report. Back to work
Posted by: Adam Dahill at March 30, 2009 2:57 PM
I can't remember Skittles very well. It's been a long time since I 'indulged'. However, I don't recall any chocolate. They're made up of some other kind of candy that's difficult to describe once you get beyond "sweet", "sugary", etc.
Posted by: White and Proud in Crown Heights at March 30, 2009 3:09 PM
Skittle: little ball of bright colored fruit flavored sugar candy.
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 3:15 PM
The key is that supposedly there are no black or brown ones so they are the epitome of racism!!! Yeah, go figure.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 3:18 PM
Oh yeah, and a skittle has sort of a shiny hard shell, and then is sort of gummy/sugery textured inside.
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 3:29 PM
they sound uninteresting. I'll stick to my orange slices and sourballs.
Posted by: sam at March 30, 2009 3:33 PM
"Oh yeah, and a skittle has sort of a shiny hard shell, and then is sort of gummy/sugery textured inside."
This comment is sooo racist!!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at March 30, 2009 3:37 PM
this topic seems to come up fairly regular here on brownstoner, and each time i have to correct everyone who says there are no chocolate skittles. there ARE chocolate skittles, ive had them! they are not popular and i only saw them in the stores once, a few years ago. in the pack are 4 flavors. cappucino, vanilla, coffee, and chocolate. maybe cuz people skip my posts but lo and behold every other day someone brings up the fact that there are no chocolate skittles.
btw they even have tarty skittles with tangy sugar on the outside. those are the best. skittles also come in tropical and other varieties. i think some of you people need to get out more.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at March 30, 2009 3:44 PM
That's me, one big ball of bigotry. Actually...I am bigoted...
I don't like some kinds of candy. I just don't like the look of them. I have no idea what they taste like, good or bad, I just don't like the way they look. So I refuse to eat them.
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 3:45 PM
What are the 'crazy color' skittles, Rob? i saw them in a store this weekend. I almost bought them.
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 3:46 PM
rob...its not what's inside that matters. its the color on the OUTSIDE. A fine example of racism in and of itself.
I'm glad we didn't disappoint the lurkers today now that we are on the subject of racism in the candy world.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at March 30, 2009 3:49 PM
oh i think the crazy color skittles change color in your mouth when you suck on them. like they turn from yellow and blue and stuff.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at March 30, 2009 3:50 PM
Well, out all day looking for a fedora and a suitable antique oak desk for my new writing career. I already have a wonderful vintage Underwood typewriter that I found in the street on trash night. So, I'm ready to go. I'm extremely grateful to Mr. B. for asking me to do a column.
I'm excited about the column, and hope it meets expectations. It's going to be a little info on a lot of things, as the weeks progress, all having something to do with Brooklyn's architectural history, or specific details in historical buildings, different style, trends or otherwise cool things. As time goes by, and my time permitting, I'm going to visit places and topics from all over historic Brooklyn, so it won't be limited to only what I am familiar with, but I am eager to share some of the treasures I've found in my own back yard, as it were.
The hardest part is distilling it all down to a couple of paragraphs. I'll probably be swilling lots of distillation in order to edit myself. Nothing says something like pictures, so there will be plenty of those, too.
Thanks for all of the well wishes, even What wishes. I hope to prove worthy.
Posted by: Montrose Morris at March 30, 2009 3:51 PM
oooooooooh montrose i thought about this weekend and was going to ask you this question earlier but i forgot. anyway my roommate and i want to get an old chair reupholstered. nothing fancy cuz it's an old smelly chair that's only used for the most part by my dog. are there places that do this kind of stuff inexpensively? also can one do it with some fabric and a staple gun? (tho i dont want a repeat of the fiasco the last time i used a staple gun)? what about fabric, where can i get that?
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at March 30, 2009 3:55 PM
MM, Your column is going to be stellar - I just know it! [No pressure ; ) ]
Just remember, for the 'swilling' part...you have to keep a bottle of booze in one of the lower drawers of your new antique oak desk!
I think this is a really great thing!
Maybe NOP will write something, too?
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 3:56 PM
Rob, I think it may be best to let the dog do his own reuphosltery. There is a second hand shop on Atlantic Avenue not far from Floyd's that sells fabric remnants, near there is my upholsterer Gerard Theuns, who is the most g d expensive Belgian upholsterer in Brooklyn.
Posted by: sam at March 30, 2009 4:09 PM
Congratulations, Montrose. And thanks for the nod, Cobblehiller.
Montrose actually made me a Brownstoner. In response to my first post about a building on my old block in Crown Heights, she asked me for comments about an adjacent property.
I've been hooked on this site ever since.
So, thanks, Montrose. And good luck. (Be sure that your fedora has a card sticking out of the band saying "PRESS.")
NOP
Posted by: NOP at March 30, 2009 4:10 PM
Rob, the easiest thing to do is buy a cheap bedspread downtown at Conways or ABC on Fulton Street, and throw it over the chair, tucking it in deeply around the cushions. If the chair is small enough, and the bedspread big enough, and it has a seat cushion, cut off enough to wrap around the cushion so no raw ends are showing, like an envelope, and pin it on the underside with large safety pins. Turn under the raw edges of the spread, and put a few safety pins there, or staple it, or glue, so you have a clean edge, and no unravelling. If you are really ambitious, buy some Stitch Witchery iron on hem tape, and fuse a hem closed with an iron.
With the seat cushion off, drape the bedspread over the chair, tuck everthing in as deeply as possible and pop the seat cushion down, and you are good to go. Get something washable, preferably, so when the dogs go overboard, you can throw it in the washing machine.
As to where to get cheap fabrics, there are still one or two places on Bridge Street, across the street from Macy's on Fulton Street. Near you in Soho, go to P and Son on Broadway near Franklin. They would also have the Stitch Witchery.
Hope that helps.
Posted by: Montrose Morris at March 30, 2009 4:13 PM
Since people are talking about fabric...
MM - I have some Danish modern chairs and the cushions could use new covers. The fabric doesn't have to be cheap, but it shouldn't be crazy expensive either.
Also, any recommendations on somebody who could sew new cushion covers?
Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 30, 2009 4:21 PM
Rob! You can find used remnants of fabrics cheap online like on eBay. It's probably easiest if you search for fancy upholster fabric names you know, like Ralph Lauren, and then see what else they've got in their shop.
I'm going to take a chair down the street to an upholsterer on Wyckoff near Mytrle. Everything in my area is so inexpensive, I'm sure this is too. Like prob $50 to cover a seat and $300 for an upholstered chair (this is a guess).
A colleague of mine found a place in Bay Ridge or someplace that was super cheap and picked up from the antique store, stored, and delivered it to her apt in downtown Brooklyn. It ended up being $1,000 to recover a couch (with new foam for the cushions). She loves it. I thought that was pretty good.
Congratulations, MM, I look forward to reading your column.
Posted by: mopar at March 30, 2009 4:36 PM
thanks for the advice about the chair. i think a bedspread / cover is the way ill go.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at March 30, 2009 4:40 PM
Hey everybody...I have a job interview tomorrow!!! Say a prayer for me, please!!! :) :) :) :)
(Snappy is cautiously happy!)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 4:52 PM
congrats snappy that's great!!! knock em dead! dont over do it with the Britney perfume tho!!!
*r*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at March 30, 2009 4:56 PM
Don't worry, be Snappy!
Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 30, 2009 4:56 PM
Rob, I was thinking of wearing something more 'Hannah Montana' :) j/k
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 4:59 PM
Snark, now I'm tempted to start singing that ridiculous Bobby McFerrin song...someone stop me!
Don't worry be happy now
do do do do do do do do do do do do
Don't Worry...
do do do do do do do
Be Happy...
do do do do do do
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 5:03 PM
MM...looking forward to reading your words. Finally something about architecture and history....YIPPY!!!
This will be good people, this will be good!
Snappy, knock'em dead.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at March 30, 2009 5:03 PM
Snark, that is one of the things I do, when I don't have my Lois Lane hat on. I'm not a reupholsterer, but I can recover cushions, plus make throw pillows, etc.
Please email me at montrosemorrisATyahooDOTcom.
Good luck Snappy!
Thanks for all the well wishes, NOP, Mopar, C'hiller!
Posted by: Montrose Morris at March 30, 2009 5:07 PM
Snark, that is one of the things I do, when I don't have my Lois Lane hat on. I'm not a reupholsterer, but I can recover cushions, plus make throw pillows, etc.
Perhaps I should launch a home sewing/ soft furnishings column, too.
Please email me at montrosemorrisATyahooDOTcom, if you want to discuss further.
Good luck Snappy!
Thanks for all the well wishes, NOP, Mopar, C'hiller!
Posted by: Montrose Morris at March 30, 2009 5:08 PM
Best of luck with the interview Snappy!
And I also am looking forward to reading & learning from your column Montrose.
Posted by: etson at March 30, 2009 5:10 PM
Thank you everybody :) I'm gonna go take my two mile hike now. I think there might be a spring in my step today! Nite all and smooches.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at March 30, 2009 5:14 PM
Thanks MM, I'll be in touch.
Posted by: SnarkSlope at March 30, 2009 5:17 PM
"Hey everybody...I have a job interview tomorrow!!!"
Fantastic Snappy! You're going to be great!
Crossing fingers & toes, and praying HARD for you! : )
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 5:33 PM
Oh Snappy that's wonderful news good luck!
Posted by: mopar at March 30, 2009 5:56 PM
Thanks, BRG. I am a nervous wreck.
Posted by: Montrose Morris at March 30, 2009 5:56 PM
Re that thing about *underpricing* a house and getting multiple bids over ask: Standard practice in the Bay Area during the boom. What's hilarious is Barbara Corcoran recommending it. Is it just me or are Corcoran's list prices usually higher than most?
I cleaned out my closets to sell my apartment. But it's a look I like anyway. I was so proud to have only coats in the coat closet.
My next great ambition in life: built-in bookcases.
Posted by: mopar at March 30, 2009 6:01 PM
"I am a nervous wreck."
That's where the booze in the desk comes in! ; )
Posted by: cobblehiller at March 30, 2009 6:27 PM
Montrose Morris if I said good luck that would be disingenuous but I'm going to be nice. I can't what for your first post and the first retard quote! I wonder how will you handle it and will you have any issues with Brownstoner when he engages in Covert Race/Class warfare?
This going to be good... Ohhhhh Doggie!
The What (Heroin flavored Skittles)
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at March 30, 2009 6:45 PM
Dear Montrose,
Andrew Dolkart once told me that Brooklyn possesses the greatest collection of Victorian domestic architecture in the nation. And only London could perhaps surpass it in the whole world.
It is amazing that there are miles and miles of historic row houses in the Boro. This is a fact that many of our fellow citizens do not know or appreciate. Brooklyn is a special historic city and as such is a treasury of American history. Someone famous once wrote that cities are history in built form. There is no doubt that our streets are like stories from the past that are there for us to enjoy and understand if we take a little time to familiarize ourselves with the vocabulary. Good luck on your new endeavor. For insipirational reading I would recommend Willensky, Dolkart, and Morrone. Bye now.
Posted by: sam at March 30, 2009 7:25 PM
Good luck, MM! Looking forward to seeing what you produce and (here's the shameless neighborhood promotion) hoping some of your energy gets put toward writing about Ditmas Park.
Mopar: My next great ambition in life: built-in bookcases.
Mine too, in the Victorian home in Ditmas Park I'll never have enough money to own.
Posted by: sixyearsandcounting at March 30, 2009 9:52 PM
Thanks, Sam. I have read all three, and have been in awe of Dolkart for years. I have great respect for all of them. The AIA Guide has been in my possession for a long time.
sixyears, I have an idea for a specific DP house, and hope to find out more about the neighborhood as a whole. I hope to do a field trip later in the spring. I love Ditmas, it's a beautiful and amazing neighborhood.
Posted by: Montrose Morris at March 30, 2009 11:22 PM
"And, contrary to Benson's theory, we're not bailing on the site just because ads are down."
Mr. B.,
Excuse me, but where did I write such a thought? I said that I thought you might be "burnt out", which has a whole other meaning. I meant "burnt out" to mean that you had run out of gas for new ideas, and were taking out your frustrations on the regular posters. I never even mentioned the word "ads", for Pete's sake!!
I'm sorry, but I am not assuaged by your statement above. It is not a matter of who "felt" offended - it is a matter of your actions, and you should own up to them, and issue a straightforward apology to your customers. As I write this, I am on a grueling cross-country business trip to meet my customers. The very reason I am on this trip is to seek input from them on new ideas for products, and I could never imagine myself telling them that I am dis-satisfied with their current support, which in fact is what you did.
If your intent was to solicit new customers, then how does that explain why you singled out the quality of the open thread, or the characterization of the existing posters as "spirited", in a clearly derogatory manner? What do these statements have to do with attracting new commenters?
Also, these weren't just statements that you wrote in the heat of a moment, as you had given advanced notice that this issue was of concern to you.
If you think I'm reading too much into this, just take a look at who was perturbed by your post, and who was jumping for joy, the latter being every nutjob lurker or posters who have contributed nothing to this site.
I'm not trying to be hostile, but I think you need to come clean on this one, if you want to set an example of a high-caliber post.
Posted by: benson at March 31, 2009 12:38 AM
congrats to MM as well. Let senatorstreet and me know when you're ready to tackle bay ridge. We're both history nuts and have uncovered oodles of stuff on our neighborhood that can be fun and interesting. This is partly because bay ridge was farmland and wealthy estates long after a lot of brownstone brooklyn was built up so its history is different than a lot of other areas of brooklyn.
eric
Posted by: rickintheridge at March 31, 2009 12:59 AM
sixyears, didn't realise that you are in the nabe! (and I thought you owned too?)
Maybe we should have a mini Ditmas Park / Victorian Flatbush meet? (there's certainly enough of us for to get a table somewhere)
Posted by: the chicken at March 31, 2009 3:25 AM
Benson, I hope you're a woman because you sound like a bitch. If you're unhappy with the way Mr. B runs this site, then take your mindset of entitlement to some other blog. In the meantime, maybe you should focus on your "business trip".
And how are Chia Pet sales these days anyway?
Posted by: 998798668 at March 31, 2009 8:37 AM
I'm totally in agreement with Benson on this. Shoddy to say the least.
Posted by: dittoburg at March 31, 2009 9:08 AM
Latest Restaurant Additions
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Le Barricou
added November 20, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Der Schwarze Kölner
added November 19, 2009 12:00 PM in Fort Greene -
Oak Wine Bar & Café
added November 18, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Mr. Wonton
added November 17, 2009 12:00 PM in Park Slope -
Casa Rosa
added November 16, 2009 12:00 PM in Carroll Gardens -
Cousin John's Café & Bakery
added November 13, 2009 12:00 PM in Park Slope -
Elote
added November 12, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Miracle Grill
added November 11, 2009 12:00 PM in Park Slope -
Phoebe's Cafe
added November 10, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Ruthie's
added November 9, 2009 12:00 PM in Clinton Hill, Downtown Brooklyn
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