"Where Have You Been ...?"

It's a semi-philosophical day for Trollhound. Many have written to ask about us since we've not been as active on the Blog lately.

Trust that it's not for lack of caring. Quite a while back, we started a business - and it is active, challenging, and thriving. As these things are known to do, is has recently taken on a life of its own! Which is a good thing ... unless you like to sleep.

A few of you have asked, "Where have you been, where are you at, and what have you been doing?" Well, our physical location is irrelevant - but you can always find us on the web. In fact, I'll be willing to bet you already know us, but don't know you know us. We're definitely on the planet.

We're in the Northwest, Southeast, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, Northeast, Southwest, Yukon Territories ... you name it. At times, we enjoy the sun of Miami, Florida, and at other times, we bask in the nightlife and beauty of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

We have been having a fun, exciting and joyously eventful and extraordinary life in the last few months!! New business opportunities, new people, new customers, new family ... ... and I sincerely hope that each of you is enjoying the opportunity to spend time with your own family and friends. Kids grow too fast, families change, friends move far away, old friends resurface, and new friends arrive ... so be sure to value each day, because you just can't stop the clock!

I encourage everyone to find your true passion and calling in life ... and work towards that.

Life can be wildly tragic at times, and I've had my share. But whatever happens, you need to keep your humor and maintain a slightly comic attitude. In the end, you can't forget to laugh. Heartily and out loud.

Share your life and share the humor, but, if you have an evil side, keep it under control. Never say what can't be taken back.

Remember that ninety-nine percent of who you are is invisible and untouchable; and you want to be cautious enough to make sure to only share the best of you.

You never really and truly know a person unless they let you know them; and if you show an ugly side, that will be all that people remember.

Be careful what you show, because you are alone when you see yourself in your own mind's eye. Don't disappoint yourself, because there is very little value in self-forgiveness or excusing your own bad actions.

You cannot change other people, but you can choose your own reaction to other people. Or even choose to not react at all.

It's a personal choice - make the right one.

With age, it occurs to you that your mother knew what she was talking about when she gave you the childhood instruction of "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

Stay happy and safe!

Update - May 15, 2008 - 12-Bead Unique Amber Kits

Hello, Trollbeads fans!

We've posted a new query and and answer about our posting from January 27, 2008 - about the 12-Bead Unique Amber Kits. If you have an interest in Trollbeads' Amber - and the 12-Bead Unique Amber Kits, in particular - be sure to check the newly-added information!

If Life Just Isn't a Bowl of Cherries!

Literate and knowledgeable comments submitted to this blog will be cheerfully and fairly published - whether they agree or disagree with the words posted in this blog. Rants are not acknowledged, tolerated or published. Personal slurs and slanderous name-calling will not win you the favor of having your words be posted. Nor will the words even bother me, to be honest.

Trollhound continues to respect the rights of others and will not ever stoop to using crass, vile or vulgar words to make any point. It is neither an expectation nor a demand that anyone - much less everyone - agree with anything that is written in this blog. However, maintaining respect for others is a different story entirely.

It seems that SOMEBODY got their panties all in a bunch, and decided that if they send me more than half a dozen rewrites of an illiterate, raging, and maniacal email, just the shear number of submissions would cause their rants to miraculous be posted here.

Ain't happening. Nighty-night.

Quick Little Follow-Up :-)

Trollhound is nothing if not fair. To everyone. We are truly happy that everyone has an opinion, and I encourage everyone to proudly share your opinion. But remember - opinions, as much as everyone loves to share them, do not automatically translate to absolute fact. :-)

Because I have a strong personal commitment to treating everyone with absolute fairness - including Trollbeads, Pandora, and my new friend, Pia - I am sharing another bit of information in follow-up to the April 21 posting.

I heard back from Pia (about the postings on April 21 and March 24), and it seems that she is truly blessed by living in Denmark. (Trust me that there are times that I wish I could just up and move there, myself!) Retailers that sell both Trollbeads and Pandora outside of the US are not currently living under the same fears, directives and sanctions that are being forced on US retailers. No, I’m afraid that this appears to be the “brainchild” of Pandora's US representatives.

Pia’s words to me were very sweet and considerate. I want to share them with you so that everyone can experience her true kindness. As before, I posting her words without editing. (Just as an FYI, I am choosing to not post Pia's comments by using the generally-accepted method of "moderating comments" because she included her email address in the text. It would certainly be unfair to her to do that.) :-)

uh I'm so sorry! :-S that's really arwfull! I kinda got a little upset because it's not true in Denmark, I didn't thought about how it could be in other countries... In Denmark we are really lucky, I can understand from your newest blog. I'd really hope you too were that lucky!and the Troll"d"eads were a
mistyping, not on purpose ;)Kindest regards, Pia

(Note: Pia, I did not think you made the "Troll-d-eads" reference intentionally. It was just that, given the circumstances, it struck my funny bone square in the nose!)

I wish the US distributors of Pandora would follow the lead of the rest of the world and to just leave “well-enough alone.” Or, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

I still stand firmly behind my previously-spoken words that refer to the feud that is brewing between Trollbeads and Pandora. Yes, this is currently a US issue. However, there is a particular global initiative that has me keeping a keen and cautious eye focused directly on Pandora and their future plans.

And by "future plans," this time I do mean to imply this as having an impact on all Pandora retailers … and not only on US-based retailers. It might be recommended that Pandora revisit their plans and options, because there are those of us who are aware of future plans and we are watching closely. Yes, I am intentionally speaking in riddles, and I am not divulging it directly, because I remain hopeful that a review of "future plans" might result in a better destiny.

Time has a way of revealing all truths, and once in the past, they become fact. Only the future can be changed. The simplest of words for retailers, distributors and retail production: if you have happy customers, they return and purchase more. If you have unhappy customers, they leave and purchase elsewhere.

So far, Trollbeads has taken and stuck to the highest of high roads. In the US, Pandora is choosing to blaze their own haphazard trail; and it is not painting a pretty picture since they are trampling all over others in the process.

I always offer the kindest of thoughts and prayers to everyone, but in this particular situation, I am directly addressing the fans and admirers of both Trollbeads and Pandora. Let’s all keep encouraging them both by pushing them to the places we want them to be.

We need to stand firmly behind both Trollbeads - AND - Pandora and reminding them that peaceful coexistence is what will keep their customers the happiest.

I Wish It Was True ... I Really Really Do ... [Trollbeads vs. Pandora, Part II]

Earlier today, I received a "comment" from a reader who identified herself as Pia. Pia wrote because she has concerns about my posting on the Trollbeads vs. Pandora situation; and she asked me to "correct the misunderstanding" that I had posted. While I would happily write directly to her to explain why I cannot do that, she chose to comment “anonymously,” without providing her email address.

That left me in a dilemma, with only a few options: I could simply publish her comments; I could ignore or disregard her comments; or I could create a posting to address her comments.

Of these options, “ignoring” didn’t strike me as the most favored response. And I choose to not "publish" her comment as an attachment to that posting, because, while I do respect that everyone has their choices, opinions and options, for this particular situation, that didn’t feel appropriate.

Therefore, I’m choosing to create a posting to respond to Pia’s concerns.

The comment is quoted below, with absolutely no editing; although my sense of humor causes me to be amused at the “Freudian slip” when referring to Trollbeads as “Trolldeads":

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NO!! that is NOT true!! Pandora is not trying to force retailers to drop Trollbeads. They have just made an initiave that "forces" retailers to make a choice aboyt what kind of customer they wants to be; Gold, Silver or White. If you are a gold-member (the best) it means among other things, that you are REQUIRED TO HAVE a certain percent of pandoras selection, I think it is 75 or 80%. But IT DOESN'T mean that your are not allowed to sell Trolldeads! I know, because I work in a "Gold"-retailer and we still sell Trollbeads :) So I really hope that you'll correct the missunderstanding.

---

At this point, I insert a big heavy “sigh.” It is not at all that simple, Pia. Don't I wish it was all just a "big misunderstanding."

As happy as it would make me to have actually had that posting be a nice work of fiction or speculation, Pia, I regret that this is truly not a simple matter of opinion or interpretation. There is a heavy battle occurring right now between the two companies … and there are some seriously “bad things” being forced upon Pandora retailers who will not drop their Trollbeads accounts. The situation is fact.

Unfortunately, this was shared as factual knowledge and not speculation. While I will never share the exact sources, the knowledge is out there for anyone who cares to research a bit. The knowledge is verifiable, consistent, and is conveyed through sources that include attorneys, sales representatives, “repping companies,” and, yes, retailers. The intention of my posting was not because I wanted to either feed or create any conspiracy theory. It is shared as fact. I am hoping that by speaking out loud about the situation, customers who didn’t know about it will find a way to express their own concerns to Pandora. As customers, we each can have a love for products created by either or both companies; and in fact, we consider the overall product selections to be dramatically different from each other. Pandora’s offerings and Trollbeads’ offerings are as different as the minds of the creative geniuses who actually design the products at each company.

Differences are what define us as unique. Choices and options create a balance in the world. If either Trollbeads or Pandora had a monopoly on the industry, it’s the customers would suffer the most. Our choices would be neither as colorful nor as intriguing. If a company has no competition, there is no impetus or motivation to move further along any creative path.

If the retailer/store where you work has not been exposed to the dark underbelly of this latest dirty secret in the industry, well, I am positively thrilled for you, your store’s “gold-account status,” and your faith. Perhaps you will be rewarded and not be exposed, because I cannot state for fact that this is happening to every dual product retailer. Your store is fortunate to be among the very few that I know of as having not received that directive.

There are retailers who would give their “eye teeth” to uncover the strategy of avoiding the “make-a-choice” situation. And these retailers include “gold-level” Pandora retailers who have had documented outstandingly high Pandora sales. That has not protected their accounts; and some of these same retailers have been forced to “make a choice.” And then, due to their refusal, they have truly “lost their Pandora accounts.” Pandora does not show consideration about past or current sales volume; and does not care if the retailer is “gold, silver, white” – or red, green, pink, black, or copper.

I have personally been a customer of Trollbeads’ and Pandora’s products in the past, and this situation really ticks me off.

My original post was not speculation. It is highly unfortunate, but it is fact.

Lund Trading/Trollbeads to Be Featured on Montel Williams - May 2, 2008!

Found this little blurb on Lund Trading's website, under the "Press" section - so thought I'd share!!

Such a nice feel-good story!! We should all send a big THANKS to Lund Trading for their generosity in participating with the Make-a-Wish Foundation ... and for making some wishes come true for those who are so desperately in need of joy, warmth and smiles.

I, for one, really appreciate it when I hear of companies that "give back" to those in need.

I suggest that we all set our TIVO's right now, folks!

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Montel Williams Show: Friendship
Airing May 2, 2008

The Make-a-Wish Foundation along with The Silver Spoon, an event planning company, hosted a party as part of the "Living Well" Segment of The Montel Williams Show. The Make-a-Wish Foundation chose M'herdes for the show as she is a 15 year old girl living with lupus. She is very involved at school and in her community.

A Hollwoodesque party was held at The Pink Taco Restaurant in Los Angeles, CA. with plenty of food, activities and, of course, gift bags. Lund Trading contributed gifts for M'herdes and her guests. Lund Trading sent bracelets and trays full of Trollbeads for M'herdes and her friends to create their own bracelets. Representatives from Lund Trading and Scandihoovians, a local Trollbeads retailer in LA, were on hand to help the young ladies.

At the taping of the show in New York City, Lund Trading gave 175 bracelets, decorated with the Friendship bead, to each of the audience members so they can begin to tell their own story with Trollbeads.

The party as well as an interview with M'herdes, will air on The Montel Williams Show May 2, 2008.

A Quick Post to Share Info About Some Nice People, Great Customer Service and Some Very Pretty Unique Beads!

After that little rant about the Trollbeads and Pandora situation, I want to share something nice about some very special people.

When we shop for Trollbeads, many of us purchase online; and I am sure we each have our own favorites. Personally, when I shop for Trollbeads, I always return to the same very few online retailers. You know who you are. But then again, you might not know this is me! What a dilemma!

Anyway, sometimes I don't even want to share the names or places because I'm, well, let's call it "link-hoarding!" And yes, I just made that up. I'm calling it "link-hoarding" because it means I'm afraid that if I share my sources with EVERYONE, it decreases my chances of getting those newly-posted special little lovelies! What if you get there first? ACK!

But, alas, there are some things in life that I just have to share. And this would be one. Since I have already shared one of my favorite retailers (TrollbeadsGallery.com), I guess the time has come to share another favorite.

The people at American Diamond Importers are very special. And, in my personal experience, I am happy to mention April by name. She is a true joy to work with and always has a warm thought and a kind word to share.

Not only has ADI always provided me with superior customer support, but their very joy in working with customers is always apparent. They treat me as if I am the only one, the only thing, the only project or task that they have on their agendas. They have always succeeded in making me feel so special, that I just can't keep on being quiet about them.

They are a true sparkling gem in a world of too-busy wanna-be's and I want to humbly offer my sincere thanks to them for being so joyfully cheerful and consistent with all of the warmth they've shared with me. Remember Trollies, it only takes a moment to say or do something nice.

Visit American Diamond Importers and (sigh) take a look-see at their Unique/OOAK selections! Maybe I will have left something behind and you can make a purchase!

Go on. Just tell them Trollhound sent you.

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Trollbeads vs. Pandora :: Can't We All Just Get Along?

What is UP with the talk I hear about Pandora's latest so-called business initiative? Are they really trying to force retailers who sell Pandora to drop Trollbeads?!

Okay, folks. I'm taking off the gloves for this one. It's hand-to-hand combat now, and I haven't yet shared this ... but the time has now come.

Time for some serious Trollhound from-the-gut honesty. (Remember - you'll always get honesty at Trollhound.) See, generally speaking, I believe that your average person who hasn't yet succumbed to the dreaded, life-altering Bead Collector Syndrome (which I will lovingly call "BCS"), well, these people might actually (gasp!) say, "Who cares? What's the difference? A bead is a bead is a bead is a bead!"

The horror! The pain! Agony!!!

Well, as you might have come to expect, I'm going to express an opinion. While that little ditty ("a bead is a bead") might play out as somewhat true ... it's not actually true. Especially if you are talking about Trollbeads and Pandora beads. Or Trollbeads versus Pandora beads (which is just plain ridiculous - that "versus" thing). And, if you are like me, you even have a pretty doggone strong personal preference about which of those two company's products occupy most of the available space in/on your chains (or are responsible for those gaping holes in your bank account!).

My simple - yet very solid - belief is that there isn't really grounds for much comparison between the two companies.

Especially when you note that the products that you actually are able to buy from each company differs in a very vast way.

First, let's talk about glass.

Trollbeads' glass and Pandora's glass beads. Pandora's glass beads are ... pretty ... pretty boring. And limiting. If I've counted right, Pandora has an offering of less than 50 standard glass beads. Trollbeads' standard glass beads number around 150 ... and then they even release for public consumption (or for Trollhound's singular consumption!) an uncountable number of "Unique/One-of-a-Kind" ('OOAK") glass beads. These Unique/OOAK glass beads are almost always the most highly sought-after glass beads there are. They are sooooo cool (and MINE, if I find them first!)!

So let me remind you: this is my own opinion. I truly do find many of Pandora's metal beads (silver, gold, mixed) to be fabulously awesome! And, in spite of the fact that the wearer might be led to believe that there would be an all-out dog-fight on the bracelet, my beads seem to happily and peacefully coexist quite well ... right next to each other! And - grand shocker here! - I think they might even have become friends!!!

So, basically, I personally think Trollbeads glass beads just plain ROCK way above Pandora's glass beads. The end. Contest closed. And in turn, I will cheerfully give a highly-deserved nod towards Pandora's metal beads. I think that the metal beads are Pandora's brightest star ... and that, as a business mission, they should focus clearly and closely on that effort.

So, now I'm going to get to the real point of this posting.

I've been hearing A LOT of very unpleasant talk about Pandora and how they are becoming quite the little ... um, hmm... how do I put this? I got it! Whether they know it or not, they are now being viewed as the TOWN BULLY. It seems that they have begun to believe that they really are "all that." Well, they ain't.

I'm becoming concerned that, if we, as collectors of both Trollbeads and Pandora (and other brands), do not speak up, we might just find ourselves suddenly backed into a corner with icky beads being force-fed down our throats, while our wallets are gleefully raided by Pandora's wicked upper elite (who refer to themselves as "executive management").

What I am hearing is that PANDORA is actually forcing their retailers to DROP Trollbeads from their sales inventory. Meaning, close the account. As in telling their retailers something like, ''If you want to sell Pandora, well, nanny-nanny boo-boo, then you can't sell Trollbeads. And if you defy us, we'll go out and find some other retailer local to you, and we'll set up an account with them just so that we can promote them over you and cause you to have wasted all that $20M that you invested in our beads when you decided to become a Pandora retailer." (Okay, so I'm exaggerating that $20M thing, but you get the point.)

Now that just doesn't sound very nice, does it? Sounds like a kindergarten slapping contest to me.

From what I've seen, it appears that Pandora's leadership has begun to indulge in too much of their own self-generated hype. And with that over-inflated, puffed-chest, huge-market share, ego-lead belief, they now seem to be pointing themselves down that seductive path that always has a pretty front picture and a horrendous outcome.

I sense a very painful lesson of "suffering the consequences of your own actions or misdeeds" approaching.

Yo! Pandora!! Yoooo hooo!!!? Are you listening??? This is important, and I truly wish that Pandora's leadership would pay attention to the shouts of customers: CAPITALIZING ON MARKET SHARE DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE TO ABOLISH, DESTROY or STOMP ALL OVER YOUR "COMPETITION."

That is disgusting and repulsive. If they subscribe to that as a base of their business practice, how could any upstanding person keep wanting to do business with them?

One of life's best lessons is that competition that makes you better. If competition is gone, where's the motivation to improve on your own product? If you believe you are perfect, where do you go from there? Nowhere. And then we, as the customer, would suffer from the lack of innovation that is often spurred by competition.

THIS is where I believe that Pandora now is. And I feel that, as a company, they are on the very edge of making a very fatal turn. As a customer, I can honestly say that, if they jump into that pit of self-serving notoriety, stepping all over companies like Trollbeads (and any other bead companies) in the process, well, I think that they will suddenly and painfully find themselves neck-deep in quicksand. If that happens, I, for one, will not be throwing a rope or shedding any tears.

If you have no enemies, then it can be said that you consider no one to be your friend; if you have no friends ... you have nothing. If you have no customers ... you have no business.

I ask all fans of Trollbeads, Pandora, Biagi, Chamilia (or whatever your "bead of choice" might be) to stand together and let Pandora know that this is unacceptable. We all want to make our own choices, make our own decisions, and buy whatever the heck we want!!

This is a mess, and I fear that it ultimately may prove to be a business plan that will cause pain, frustration and irritation to all bead collectors. As customers, do we really want to support a company that disregards the fact that we like having the freedom of choice?

I am capable of making my own choices - and flat-out possessive of my right to do so. I don't want ANY company dictating what style I buy, what retailer I buy from, or what brand I buy. If Pandora keeps playing childish kindergarten sandbox games, I will refuse to spend any more money on their products.

Integrity matters more to me than any product. Everyone wants a choice, and we have fought long and hard to be graced with the options of making choices.

If Pandora chooses to take away our right to choose, by essentially eliminating their perceived competition, aren't the customers the ones who will actually suffer? Do you want to support that?

I suggest that, if Pandora wants to win over more customers, they should follow a typical and respectable success-drive business plan: make a better, more appealing product.

---

Why don't you go ahead and send an email to the "head-dude" at Pandora? Let them know how you feel about Pandora messing with your right to choose and trying to force Trollbeads out of business.

---

Dollars and Sense - What’s With That Price, Anyway?!

Do you live in the United States? Do you feel like you are constantly researching to try to understand how the pricing structure works for Trollbeads? Do you sometimes feel that prices are out of whack – be it by retailer, country of sale, or eBay seller? Does it sometimes seem that prices are just unexplainable? Well, you can obviously feel perfectly free to continue doing all that research – or you could just stop, and read what I’m about to share. Because, trust me folks, I’ve done a ton of legwork. And maybe even two tons. And I am practically world-famous for ferreting out a deal, a bargain, a sale, a secret or a steal. (Not that I’ve actually participated in stealing! :-)

In writing this post, I was TRYING to find a nice balance between providing enough of an explanation to help address some questions or concerns … while also respecting that old adage of KISS (which is “Keep It Simple, Stupid!”)! But. I’m thinking that’s KISS thing hasn’t really been accomplished, because it got more complicated than I’d have thought.

I suggest you read on.

In this particular posting, let’s assume that, when I refer to “Trollbeads,” I am referring to “Authentic, Genuine, Original” – and neither “knock-offs” or “fakes.” If I address anything that is talking about “knock-offs” or “fakes,” I’ll state that. Directly.

If you’ve read any of my blog postings, you should already know that I am neither a Trollbead Retailer, nor an employee of Lund Trading. I’ve never talked to or met the folks over there. But, maybe they’ll hire me some day. :-) Anyway, like I said, I research a LOT. And I retain what I learn.

If you read nothing else in this post, read this: stop sitting around and moaning about prices and blaming the US Retailers for what you think are unfair prices.

Instead, I have two suggestions for you:

1. Read on and get an overview of basic sales policies and the costs of both production and distribution; and


2. Don’t forget to look at the current exchange rate between the US Dollar and … just about any other country in the world. In that comparison, the US loses in just about every head-to-head battle.

If they operate like most other well-run businesses, Lund Trading has a basic policy for “fair trade” among their authorized retailers. What that means is, in the interest of being fair to all US Retailers, the prices are already determined by a contract between Lund Trading and the US Retailers. No lows, no highs, no sales. The price just IS what it IS. Every US Retailer is treated as equal. And, neither these US Retailers, nor Lund Trading, are trying to “rip anyone off.” It’s a business, folks; not a charity.

I encourage you to please read this very very carefully – maybe twice – and to stop bad-mouthing US Retailers or Lund Trading. I’ve seen a number of unfortunate accusations flying around that are founded on nothing other than speculation and inaccurate and inconclusive logic. With a strong dose of uneducated self-righteousness thrown in a few screams of “I want mine cheap! You’re cheating me!” All this does is stir up the resentment in the world for the rest of us Trollbeads buyers.

Unfortunately, most such “assumptions and accusations” are truly ignorant; because people don’t really understand either the basic economics of supply and demand; and manufacturing, distribution costs and pricing policies. (BTW – just to be clear, “ignorant” does not mean “stupid.” Ignorance is the basic lack of knowledge, education or training about a particular subject. Stupid is a term used to imply that someone is foolish, dull or senseless.)

So, here we go. And I want to RESTATE that I am talking about Genuine, Authentic, Original, Legitimate, Real, Honest-to-Goodness Trollbeads.

Almost all of them are MADE IN CHINA, folks. Yes. China. Designed in Denmark, manufactured in China. That does NOT mean they are “fake or knock-offs.” “Made in China” IS a real and authentic Trollbead. Keep reading.

Glass I Trollbeads (and many of the Gold and Silver Trollbeads) are made in China. Not designed in China – manufactured in China. Since labor in China is so much more cost-effective, the labor part of the process is contracted from the people in Denmark to China. If each Trollbead were actually physically manufactured at Trollbeads Denmark; you can best believe that the costs would skyrocket and the prices would rise to a level that is entirely unaffordable for most customers.

After the Trollbeads are created, cleaned (and, in the case of the glass beads, had the silver core inserted) they are packaged and prepared for shipment. They are then sent directly from China to both the US Distributor of Trollbeads (Lund Trading) and to Trollbeads Denmark. There is no middle-man or additional step to be accounted for to impact their pricing in the US. To explain it directly, their route, after packaging, is this: China to Lund to US Retailer; or China to Trollbeads Denmark to European Retailers. Therefore, the pricing appears to be “across the board” similar if not exact (especially, if you ignore the impact of the phenomenally low value and exchange rate of the US Dollar).

Now I want to talk about the Prism Trollbeads, since it seems that those particularly are a bit of a lightening rod right now. The Prism Trollbeads are not only designed in Denmark, but they are also manufactured in Denmark. This means that the distribution goes through more steps before arriving in the hands of the US Retailers – and also passes through a very bad financial exchange rate (bad from the US viewpoint). Trollbeads Denmark already has them in their hands and can obviously sell them at any price they’d wish. Distributed from Denmark, to Lund Trading, and then to US Retailers causes the prices to be a bit higher – not only because of the shipping and distribution costs, but because Lund Trading has to pay an incredible amount for them. Nothing is free, although it would be really spiffy to think it would be.

Now, before I go any further in explaining the Prism prices, let’s talk about that lovely little thing we all know and love (ha) and call the US Dollar. Anyone else notice how the Federal Reserve lowered the short-term interest rates for the sixth time in six months, by ¾ of a percentage? They are trying to increase consumer confidence and spending to help stabilize the US financial market. That means they want to improve the exchange rate for foreign countries.

As I write this, the current exchange rate between the US Dollar and the EURO, which is the currency most used in Europe) is pretty scary. To explain that, the conversion is like this:

30.00 USD = 19.1370 EURO
30.00 EUR = 47.0293 USD

25.00 USD = 15.9491 EURO
25.00 EUR = 39.1911 USD

(I suggest that it might be interesting to you to see what the exchange rate might be at the time you are reading this.)

So, exactly what does that mean, anyway?

The bottom line is this: because the US Dollar is so weak overseas, it is quite possible that Lund Trading is spending more by bringing the Prism Trollbeads to US for the US Retailers than they can recover through distribution.

Most especially when you consider that there are shipping, packaging, processing and distribution expenses to add to that bottom line.

Those of us that love Trollbeads should be ringing the bells of joy and thanking both Lund Trading and our committed US Retailers and offering our solid respect and appreciation for forging on ahead and bringing the Prism Trollbeads to the US, in spite of the financial obstacles.

Neither Lund nor the US Retailers deserve to be the subject of our disdain and mistrust. If you choose to buy directly from Trollbeads Denmark instead of one of our dedicated US Retailers, you can look in the mirror and thank yourself for helping to bring the US economy and US dollar even lower.

Life and Trollbeads: What's It All About???

Well, folks, here I am. For better or for worse.

Sorry for the really (really!) long delay, but I have had a very busy life lately. Like with my real life. The one that supposedly pays the bills. Yes, Trollbeads are my true love and are the joyful part of my life, but they don't pay the bills. (As a matter of fact, so far, they've just added to the bills!!) So, commitments elsewhere have made it so I,unfortunately, haven’t had the time to write anything here that could be interpreted as interesting – by me or anyone else.

What’s the latest? Well, right now I am working on updating two websites with major changes; and I am also building three new websites from the ground up. (My passion and specialty in life – other than Trollbeads – is web and graphics design.) So, why am I sharing this? Because the best part of working on the two new website is that one of them is a Trollbeads website! With that, you can best believe that I am having THE time of my life!

As for my opinion about the new "Winter 2008" Trollbeads release … well … I think they are absolutely SPECTACULAR! But … I only have three so far. I have the Green-Turquoise Silver Trace, the Turquoise-Purple Chess, and the Turquoise Feather. And, well, the only reason I have those three at all is because I ordered them through Trollbeads Denmark. It seems that there’s been a tiny bit of a delay for some reason on the US distribution, but I have been told by a couple of US Trollbeads dealers that TrollbeadsUS is working as hard as possible, and shipping as fast as it can and that I will be getting all of the beads I order very soon. Which, for my order, means A LOT of beads. What do you expect? It's hard to be patient, but I have a LOT OF FAITH in TrollbeadsUS and Lund, and I know they are doing their absolute BEST to get the new beads out. Me first! (Okay, let's be fair ... I'll wait ... like everyone else!)

While I have been busy with my own life’s real challenges, I also want to confess that I am unbelievably and absolutely amazed -- and way more than a little disappointed -- by a certain “Trollbeads Rumor Gossip Mill” topic. I’ve tried my best to ignore it, but that doesn't appear to be much of a possibility anymore. I think that the time has finally come for me to acknowledge the ridiculousness that is circulating.

From no fewer than FOUR sources, I have heard that people think I am Louise Rogers. (Louise Rogers owns and operates “TrollbeadsGallery.com.”) You know, I’d actually say that I've been “accused” of being Louise Rogers, but the fact is, since I think that Louise is a fabulous business woman who has had great and much-deserved success in her life … the terminology of "being accused” of being her would actually be an incredible compliment to me. (Not so sure how she'd feel about people thinking she was ME, tho!) Louise Rogers has never shown me anything but the most wonderful side of life; and she is a true joy for me to work with – and buy from. She is the ABSOLUTE ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL – almost to a fault. It’s my very extreme experience as an "Internet shopper" that has led me to classify her as someone who often gives above and beyond what is "necessary." Occasionally, that trust can come back to bite one in the butt.

So, let me get straight to it, with no ambiguity: I AM NOT LOUISE ROGERS.

Why in the world would anyone ever think that? Why is there any implied mystery here? What I'm writing about here is BEADS, folks; I'm not sharing national secrets! WHAT is the DEAL???!!

“So,” you persist, “why don’t you say your real name on this blog?”

That is a question that is pretty darn simple for me to answer. Let me just give you the first three that come straight to my mind:

1. Once more, for the record: I AM A TROLLBEADS FAN. I am not a Trollbeads employee, either by hook or by crook. I am a graphics and web designer. Why are you here reading this? I bet it's because YOU are a Trollbeads fan. I'm not demanding to know YOUR name, either.
   
2. I am a very private, quiet and unassuming person. I despise controversy – I HATE IT – and I feel very strongly that my life is my life. I don’t mind sharing opinions, and speaking about something that has brought so much joy to my heart - Trollbeads. I certainly never suspected that my writing about Trollbeads would become controversial. That just frustrates and angers me. What is this about anyway??
   
3. I purchase a LOT of Trollbeads. And I don’t buy from just one source. And, no I won’t share who, where or why I buy from any particular place. Why? Because I feel very strongly that sometimes the best secrets are best kept secret. I would not want to every Trollbead Fan in the world to buy from my places!! No way! After all, it’s always a “first come, first served” song; and I buy a LOT of Unique Trollbeads. “But,” you say, "on your blog you talk about “TrollbeadsGallery.com …” Well, yes, you are right, I do. Happy to do so. And you might then consider that to be contrary to my claims of not wanting to share my sources. Well, it’s really not. Not at all. I browse TrollbeadsGallery.com very often and, while I do often buy Unique/OOAK beads from Louise Rogers, I actually mostly buy current Trollbeads from her.

However, the one POSITIVE side of the "fallout" from these ridiculous rumors, is that it prompted a lot of communication between me and Louise Rogers at TrollbeadsGallery.com; and as a result of our communications, we've become friends! So much so that I have NOW even started helping her with her website/s … and we actually both feel very blessed to be able to share in each others' love of Trollbeads.

The fact that we both have red hair is about as close as we get to being the same person! Other than that, I’m a foot taller and live 500 miles away; she’s married, I’m not; she has kids with kids, I have neither; she has cats, I have dogs … well, you get it.

I have been further honored to be included in a few communications with who I will refer to simply as “the powers that be.” That has brought a bit more light to the unfortunate rumors, and I’ve pretty much reached my own conclusion they are maliciously-created by a disgruntled and very miserably unhappy person. One who’s singular agenda appears to be retribution or to cause harm. Jealousy is evil has no place in an honorable life. I strongly feel that everyone should walk with caution and care for everyone else – malicious actions cannot be defended by any truthful manner. You know who you are. I challenge you to go ahead and try to look yourself in the mirror. Do you see a happy soul? Or do you see one who is only happy by bringing down others?

Fortunately, I’ve determined that the negativity that was apparently hoped to be the intended result is now being simply dismissed with a cheeky roll-of-the-eyes ... by all who are being included and brought into this circle of deceit. I find myself pitying anyone who is so unhappy as to try to cause such harm to others. It would be best for them to just turn now, and walk quietly away.

Happily, tho, even with all of this frustration, I haven’t become entirely jaded. I still truly feel that there is a very small percentage of people who are evil enough to stoop to such a low a level of behavior as this has proven to be. How sad is it when someone tries to impose their own unhappiness onto another.

Especially so when you realize that by their very nature, Trollbeads are really all about beauty. It’s a big BIG world. And there are a lot of Trollbeads fans.

Ultimately, I have found that most people involved in the passion of Trollbeads are entirely fascinating, kind, creative and very much "Unique/OOAK" in their own way! I have even been inspired to drive many miles to meet wonderful people with whom I have become “Trollbeads friends” with – through the Internet! – and it is absolutely fantastic. (You know who you are, TC!!!)

So, come on, folks, let’s treat each other well, okay? Stop this crazy hateful activity and get back to what it really is about. And, if you need a reminder, it really is about treating each other with kindness and compassion, allowing for errors and shortcomings (in others and in our own selves), and trying to create a more harmonious world for us all. Life is not really “all about Trollbeads” – although sometimes I allow myself to wish it was.

But you know, come to think of it ... I have recently been in a store that has a wonderful banner hanging on the wall:

It’s true!
She who dies with the most beads DOES win!

So keep collecting ... I’m way ahead, you've got a lot of catching up to do! :-)

That's why I'm a Trollhound ... I can sniff 'em out anywhere ...

* * * * * * * * * * *

Yes, I Am Still Here ...

Yes, I am still here. No, I haven't fallen off the Earth. Yes, I still love my Trollbeads. I will provide an update soon. I have been joyfully, incredibly busy with web site design projects ... among other things. :-)

Thanks to those who have asked!

New Winter 2008 Trollbeads Release!

Has anyone else seen the New Winter 2008 Trollbeads that will be coming out on February 15th? I've seen them - and on one site, they were even shown as "available for pre-order!" [My mistake. I thought I had read they could be pre-ordered; but it must have been my interpretation, or wishful thinking!. :-) ]

For example, earlier today, I received an email newsletter from RetiredTrollbeads (see image of a screen capture I took of the email). When I first received the newsletter, I followed the link to view the new beads on their website. I was blown away!!! The new stuff is REALLY GREAT!!!

But, interestingly enough, I just went back to look at the new beads again ... and they aren't there anymore!! The whole new "line" was on the site, for sale - as a pre-order. [Again - my mistake!] Now, even if I "search," I can't find them. The entire section is gone.

So, I'm guessing that the Head Troll at Trollbeads wasn't exactly happy to see the information published to us common folk!! But, when people are excited about something, it's hard to keep a lid on it.

If you REALLY think about it, keeping pictures and descriptions "secret" doesn't make a lot of sense. I mean, exactly why is this a problem? How does it hurt if people see the pictures - or if they read a description about the new beads? It's a PICTURE. It's a DESCRIPTION. I can't print it, trim the picture and wear it on my bracelet!! So, the way I see it, it's really silly to make it be such a huge "Troll Secret."

Releasing information about the new beads only deepen the eager anticipation and whet the appetite of those of us who are already excited about the new Trollbeads! So, what is the big deal, folks???

So, since I caught a glimpse of the new beads, I share my opinion. In other words, if you don't want to know what I think, you don't have to read. :-) I think that these Trollbeads are going to be very special and unbelievably beautiful! I really think that this bunch of beads are the best that Trollbeads has ever produced!!

There are tons of bright and vibrant colors in some really cool styles, textures and patterns - and I am actually beyond excited about seeing the leather bracelets in person. These are Über cool and look like they will be a lot of fun!

I was so surprised, tho, about the rings! When I first learned that Trolbeads was going to make rings as part of their jewelry, I was really skeptical. i thought they wouldbe like those funky chunky style rings that are able to "hold" glass beads (and I don't care a lot for those) - but they aren't! Yay! They are very pretty! Most are silver, and the designs really span many interests: florals, critters, royalty, etc., and some even reflect patterns from certain silver/gold beads. And, a few even have gold, pearls or glass, too! They are quite eye-catching, and I am truly forward to seeing them in person. Or "on-hand." :-)

So, for me, February 15th can't get here soon enough!

I want to send a HUGE thank you to the fabulous Trollbeads designers for the amazing work they have done. I think they deserve a vacation, but not for too long. :-) I love their work so much, that I encourage them to rest up ... and then retun to work, refreshed and rejuvenated ... and ready to start creating again! Personally, I can't even think about facing a life without my Trollbeads! And they just keep getting better and better ... and beter ... and better ... and better .. and better ...!

UPDATE: Unique Amber 12-Bead Kits - Discontinued!!

UPDATE: May 15, 2008

Trollhound was contacted by a loyal reader who posed the following query:

I'm not sure where you got your info on the amber kits being discontinued...US
Trollbeads corporate told my rep that wasn't true???

Trollhound's response:

You are 100% right. There was a time when they had been deemed for
"discontinuation," but they reversed that decision. Thank you for pointing
that out for me. I am going to go in to the blog and make that
update. I appreciate it VERY much!!

-- Trollhound

If any of our readers discovers anything that causes you to pause and wonder, or if you have information that is different from what we have previously mentioned, please always feel free to send a note and we will research and make any necessary corrections. I appreciate that the readers take the time to write and ask questions.

It is extremely helpful for everyone to remain involved! After all ... we all love Trollbeads!!

---

Another collective gasp! from us true Trollbead fans!

The very beautiful 12-bead Amber Kits/Sets are being discontinued, and if you can find one, I suggest you snatch it up. They are very rare and each kit has 12 incredibly beautiful and VERY unique beads. Amber Beads are a true work of art. And the more inclusions, the better. If you are able to find an Amber bead that just looks full of "stuff," you have to take a moment to realize that what you are looking at is a history of our wondrous planet.

Amber is 30-50 million YEARS old. So whatever is fossilized "in" the Amber that Trollbeads uses ... it remains in the bead that you receive. So, when you look into that bead, you have to be a bit awed to realize that you really are looking at our own world history!

If you have the opportunity, I strongly advise you to hunt down and find an Amber 12-Bead Kit/Set that you can lay claim to! I myself have purchased six of them over the past months, but I just might find a way to purchase more. I only know of one online store that currently sells Unique/OOAK Amber 12-Bead Kits/Sets. And, yup! You guessed it! My favorite place to shop!

Go to TrollbeadsGallery.com and view their amazing Amber Kits. If I had the funds (and if I wasn't spending it on Trolls Gold!!), I'd grab another two or three of the sets currently shown on TrollbeadsGallery.com. They are breathtaking and the inclusions are AMAZING (especially set #10)!

A few bits interesting of Amber history is copied below. Read it, and then go find yourself some Danish Gold!!

---

AMBER AND MAGIC
In days gone by, amber was acclaimed to possess the power of healing. Worn as a necklace or charm, or carried around in small bags, amber was believed to be a remedy against such ailments as gout, rheumatism, sore throats, toothache and stomach-ache. It was also believed that amber accelerated birth and was a good remedy against snake bites. To guard against the swapping of a new born baby, the infant it was often given an amber necklace to wear. Amber was supposed to contain magical powers, which is why heart shaped amber charms were carried to offer protection against evil forces and help against witchcraft.

AMBER FACTS

• During the Roman times, higher prices were paid for small amulets in amber than for healthy slaves.


• In 79 AD, Plinius wrote that the women of northern Italy wore amber beads against thyroid.


• Martin Luther carried a piece of amber in his pocket as a protection against kidney stones.


• In ancient China it was customary to burn amber during large festivities. This practice both signified the wealth of the host as well as honoring the guests.


• According to Mohammed, a true believer's prayer beads should be made of amber. The father of healing, Hippocrates, declared amber active against a number of diseases including delirium tremens.


• Over 2500 years ago, Thales of Miletos discovered that when amber was rubbed against cloth, sparks were produced and then the amber attracted husks and small wooden splinters. This force was given the name "electricity" after the Greek word electron which means amber.


• Amber increases in value with the rarity and perfection of the entrapped object. Complete insect specimens are rare though and command top price.

Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold! (Did I Mention GOLD?)

Ah, the whimsy and joy of Trollbeads. If this game is played properly - with respect for the people who BUY the products - Trollbeads can be the great jewelry find of our lifetimes. Such fabulous opportunities for self-expression, such glorious colors, amazing designs, so .... shiny!! However, if they turn the cards down in glee, shooting for a win with a full-house, all the while trouncing on the customers that got them where they are now, that fragile house of cards could crumble all around the corporate infrastructure that calls itself "Trollbeads."

Here's the deal: have you ever wanted Troll's Gold? Now's the time. (By the way, Troll's Gold is nothing at all like "Fools Gold." Troll's Gold actually has great value - and beauty! And it's shiny!)

As I alluded to previously, prices are going up. "Going up?" you say? "Yeah, yeah, I hear you." Well, I'm not so sure that I've really gotten the point across about the actual degree that it needs to be heard. Here's what "Going UP" actually means when I'm talking about Troll's Gold: 40%. "Did you hear that, Lucy?" "Yes, Ethel, you said 40%."

If you have ever had a taste for, a burning yearning for, Troll's Gold ... now is the time. And if you fear that you might be in line to catch a good case of "Troll's Gold Fever" - or that it's even got potential for EVER landing in your life - I suggest you take out a second mortgage and grab some Troll's Gold. If you wait, you might need to sell your husband and the kids (but always keep the dog) to afford the purchase of even one piece. Come to think of it, keep the kids and the dog, but sell the husband anyway. Trollbead Gold is more fun!

Now, listen up. I am a firm believer in paying the piper. (In this case, the piper is "Trollbeads, Inc.") Trollbeads created these things I obsess over, and they deserve to reap the rewards of their creations' successes. However, running through the fields and chopping the knees of those of us who have helped to lift them to their current (and rather lofty) status is not good. We earned the right to speak up a bit if we are about to be whacked with a 40% increase.

But, don't worry. Too much. Everything that is under the Trollbeads umbrella is not going up 40%. Take heart! It appears that the glass beads will only increase a mere 20%. (By the way, that "only" is said with tongue planted in cheek). So, let's see ... that means that glass Trollbeads will be going up ... to about $25.00. That's about what I predicted.

The announcement on the GOLD prices however, still has me in complete and total $ticker $hock.

MORE New Unique OOAK Beads at TrollbeadsGallery.com!

Just a quick post to help pass the word that I just saw a bunch of new Unique/One-of-a-Kind (OOAK) Trollbeads have been posted at TrollbeadsGallery.com!

Over the past couple of days, I've gotten a few newsletters from some online Trollbead stores, and everyone seems to be posting new OOAK beads. Not a prolem for me! Those Trolls must be hard at work getting their designs "down pat" for the new releases!

But, no matter where I go (online), or who's site I'm looking at, it always seems that TrollbeadsGallery.com has the most fabulous selection.

I even like browsing their "What Might Have Been" section; so I can see what Imissed. Sometimes it makes me frustrated that I wasn't there at that exact moment when that bead was posted for sale; but usually I find myself just excited to discover what new possibilities might be around the corner for us Trollbead Fans!

I've already snatched up a few from TrollbeadsGallery.com, so I don't mind sharing and sending everyone else that way.

Or, in a more direct statement: I got mine - you go get yours! :-)

Changes in the Troll Universe

Wow. News! News! News!!

Here's some long-awaited news for those of us who have been waiting! Read on, but please realize that I am NOT a bona fide "in-the-know" Trollbeadie, but I am a serious Trollbead fan, who is simply sharing news that I have heard. Whether it's true - or even how true - remains to be seen. Soon.

Big news orbiting the Trollbead Universe!

Some good (new beads, new ways to wear Trollbeads!), some bad (price increases, retired pieces), and some that aren't really all that much of a big deal (some kits will no longer be offered as "kits"). Of course, it's all about personal opinion on whether the you think the news is good, bad, irrelevant or ugly.

At this point, I am only aware of one retiree. BUT. That does not mean that there aren't more. That's just the only one I've heard about. :-(

Unfortunately, there also appear to be a lot of price Increases on the horizon. And that horizon is getting closer - very fast (mid-February or March 2008). I've already discovered news of price increases for glass and silver ... and one just has to assume there will also be significant prices for the gold beads, as well.

REMEMBER: this is not being reported as 100% fact, but is strictly the result of my persistent digging for news. As far as the dollar amount of the increase, my best guess is that the price increase for glass beads and/or silver beads is going to be about $5.00-$10.00 US dollars each (for standard beads).

->New Releases

• 22 New Glass Beads
• 2 New Silver Beads
• 3 New Gold Beads (yay!)
• 2 New Silver and Gold Beads
• 1 New Silver and Gold Lock

->New Wearables

• Leather bracelets (I am so excited about this!)
• Leather necklaces
• 12 Trollbead rings (Hmmmm. holding my opinion on this until I see ...)

->Changes

• Glass kits. Retirement for some - as kits. Beige and Designer Glass Kits are no longer going to be offered as kits.
• Glass beads from Brown, Blue, Red and Blue/Green Kits are going to be sold only as single items.

->Retired/Discontinued (Bye Bye Buys)

• Spacers/blocker beads (Oh no! I usually use at least four of these on every bracelet!)

So, Trollies, take the news and run with it. If you have beads you have been saving for ... buy them now!!!!

Or, on the other hand, save your money for the new beads ... :-)

Happy Troll Year 2008 !

Happy Troll Year to all of you who stop by for a visit! May your Trollbeading bring you much continued joy! May you find every bead you are searching for ... after I've already looked and added the hardest to find ones to my own collection.

:-)

Just kidding!! Well, not really ...