The Ruggist Update: NYICS and Other Rug Blogs
The Ruggist Update: NYICS and Other Rug Blogs

The Ruggist Update: NYICS and Other Rug Blogs

“He attacked everything in life with a mix of extraordinary genius and naive incompetence, and it was often difficult to tell which was which.” – Douglas Adams
Welcome to the inaugural post of “The Ruggist” since our dramatic makeover. The old, thrown together in an afternoon without much thought banner has now been replaced with a new, thrown together in an evening banner, albeit one that had a wee bit more thought put into it. Two years ago, who knew that an idea to share my opinions to pass a slow summer would: 1) Still be going. 2) Still be interesting to me. and 3) Still attracts attention. Yay! So there it is, a brand new look that is is a bit more, oh how does one say: BRANDED! That’s right – after my highly critical post of July 28, 2010 I was looking at “The Ruggist” and thought to myself: “I’m such a hypocrite.” – and since no one else has called me out on it, I am going to admit that I too was guilty of not paying attention to my brand. Well problem corrected (mostly), though I still have  a few issues to work out with my web hosting company.
The New Look!
Just yesterday I was discussing with my dear friend Crystal, who if you are in the Halifax area makes the most tasty cakes (though not to be confused with Tastykakes). Check her out here: gateauxrose. Hmmm. Cake. Anyway, we were discussing logos and branding and how even the simplest of logos reflect a great deal of thought and work. Ever so quickly; the new logo was “designed” and we are using that term very loosely, to reflect the personality of The Ruggist. The font is one based directly on my handwriting, and of course the woven section (a future badge?) represents the foundation of rugs, and it is intentionally graphic to allow ease of recolouring and printing as needed. The website colours have been changed to reflect that “old timey” blueprint feel. Does anyone even remember, blue blueprints? Anyway, that’s it! Onward…
NYICS
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, New York is where it is at. This year’s NYICS, which runs from this Sunday, September 12, 2010 until Tuesday, September 14, 2010 is set to be a, and I”m quoting “smorgasbord” of carpet importers/wholesalers. As much as I love Dennis Dodds: Smorgasbord!? Really? I’m glad the circumstances did not allow me to exhibit this year, as I would be right pissed if I my company was described as being part of smorgasbord. **Sigh. Veritable Swedish buffets aside, Dennis has put together a great show, with over thirty (30) exhibitors , which is over a doubling from last year. Kudos to him and to all the exhibitors. Perhaps the optimistic sales mood will continue. I’m looking forward to seeing him and all of the vendors, who may, or may not, welcome me into their booths. Speaking of seeing vendors (notice this very subtle segue)….
The Ruggist is now on Twitter and Facebook
“Saying what we think gives us a wider conversational range than saying what we know.” – Cullen Hightower
That’s right! Irreverent critical commentary, shot right from the hip, as is said. Little to no editing, just straight thoughts and musings that you can read to pass your day. And wait, there is more! The Ruggist will be posting, live as it happens (wait isn’t that how twitter always works!?) reports from NYICS. Find out which importers have great new product, and are wearing the best outfits, and who just gave me the evil eye. Ok. Ok. I’m not writing about all of those things…. Or am I? Oh. We’re also on Facebook. You can use the links below to follow and to become a fan!
And finally….
Several years ago I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Edgar Hagopian, patriarch of the Detroit rug family of the same name of course. The take away message I still recall to this day? “Move next door to your competitors and make it easy for your customers to shop around, they are doing it anyway.” I love, love, love this advice. Competition in the “world of rugs” is such a interesting thing. Pricing, quality and all the other things set aside mean nothing next to the style of the rug and the answer to the question: “Does the customer like it?” Well, if you’re reading my blog you must like it, no? Or maybe you read it because you are a “journalistic” masochist. In either case, The Ruggist will leave you with a annotated listing of other rug blogs! Oh! If I’ve missed a blog you like, send it to me and I’ll add it!
Enjoy and thank you for reading!
The Other Blogs!
The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it. – George Bernard Shaw
I love the name!
I also love this name! This is a good blog in the sense of what a blog should do. It gives us an idea of the personality of the writer.
Also as a footnote: Rugmaster vs Under Cover Rug Lover. You decide!
Written by the very personable Ryan Reitmeyer, this blogs offer a glimpse into the in depth knowledge he possesses.
Focused information providing an in depth look into Lapchi’s designs, and various other company ephemera.
This is the blog “The Ruggist” reads, err read. I wish she would resume posting. Excellent commentary on rug design. The author is also a world of rugs veteran.
Timely snippets of information designed to lure us into buying their Magazine, which I do.
Chronicles the work and studio life of Barbara Barrran.