I have been thinking a lot about what qualifies certain "gurus" and powerful public figures to give anyone advice. Especially if their area of expertise can't be quantified by certifications and degrees. If someone's specialty is organization, let's say, perhaps they've come by their skills through trial and error and not by earning a Master's Degree in Orderliness and a Bachelor's in Efficiency. So, as long as these self-proclaimed experts aren't hurting anyone, does it really matter if they are authorized in some concrete or academically approved manner? If there are people who believe their lives to be improved by Oprah's advice, than who am I to judge? Whether we see Oprah as "qualified" or "sincere," does it matter as long as her words have positive impact on her fans? Maybe the message and its result are more important than the messenger.
So, I wanted to get back to some folks who have questioned me about whether or not I'll be following the suggestions of Oprah's lieutenants (ie. Nate Berkus, Jean Chatzky, Peter Walsh or Dr. Mehmet Oz). I will, if Oprah tells me to. If she says I must read Dr. Oz's new book, then I will. But without her advice, I won't. I think this will dilute the project a bit too much as I am specifically focused on Oprah.
Also, indeed, I will be shopping for products and clothing as economically as possible. I can't go to Neiman Marcus to shop without sending myself into immediate debt. It's out of my budget. So, I'll be hitting discount retailers and online sources to shop as Oprah suggests. If I can't afford to buy a book (unless she says it's a must), I'll take it out of the library or borrow it. I will be keeping track of what I spend, but also how much it would cost to buy the item/service in its traditional way.
And yes...to those who have asked if they'll see any video online, I will be creating some. Chances are, you'll see me attempting some of the feats (ok, ok, for me, plucking my eyebrows is a feat of great personal determination) prescribed by Oprah in future posts on this site.
And finally, no...so far there is no plan to create a WWOD (What Would Oprah Do?) bracelet, but I encourage you to do that, if it strikes your fancy.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
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3 comments:
http://www.robotcow.com/shirtdetail.php?did=20
WWOD shirt, already created by someone!
Hiya, gal!
two things - no, three. I am loving this and so proud of you for doing this, excited for you to take on this challenge, and excited for the rest of us to go on this journey with you. Second, I have checked your blog about four times today waiting for today's update (I know, I know, I have a little free time on my hands right now! - not for long); am wondering if there is a way to subscribe and get notified when there is an update? Third, Brett said there is a problem in that one can't get to you without the "www" and just the "livingoprah.com" - don't know if it matters to you, but you might want to consider this...?
let us know if there's any way we can help; it might take a village to live as oprah prescribes :-)
Hi - a mutual friend linked me to your blog, and I think this is totally freaking awesome. I don't watch Oprah, nor do I prescribe to any of her tenants, but nonetheless...awesome! I enjoy how you seem to be doing this so sincerely while simultaneously taking a shot at Americans' obsession with celebrities as gurus.
I'm also a web designer/developer; if you need any assistance with the site moving forward, let me know.
Jeanne - subscribe to the RSS feed to get updates.
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