Janie Daniels
Many of you have asked why Janie Daniels has not been interviewed, so I decided to interview her for an article on our web site. Several visitors to our web site suggested many of the tough questions we sent to Janie. I would also like to offer some of our experiences in working with Janie.
Ms. Janie is truly one of the most unselfish persons I know, who gives up most of her free time to help others with her knowledge, experiences, and generous work with charities. Besides the many great articles and helping with the most difficult visitor questions, Ms. Janie helps us with contests and charitable efforts. One example recently was a request by a visitor to our web site to help a grade school class with a research project on beanies. Not only did she help with their research, she also donated a book for their class along with some others items for the class.
We receive many positives comments on Janie's work. Some quotations from visitors include the following:
"A tear in my eye as I read . . "
"I found myself cheering for her . . ."
"I can't wait until her next article"
"I was surprised how quickly she responded".
". . . you work hard to bring Beanie lovers the best."
"your stories are great incentives for children to read."
"It's people like you who make the world a better place to live in."
"an unorthodox look at the Beanie Baby market."
"Thanks for sharing your hospitality and time to make students at Ferry Farm Elementary excited about reading and collecting."
"It was the most entertaining and enjoyable journary I have made in a long time (The Beanie Invasion)"
". . an energy level far in excess of us mere mortals . ."
". . one of the finest representatives of the Beanie community . . "
"Your book was one of the most informative ones that I have seen (I've read 4 others)"
"Bravo! Well Done!! . . .you have done a great service to both buyer and seller " (in reference to secondary market article)
"I thank you for your straight forward honesty and candor!!!"
If you have not read her book The Beanie Invasion, you are missing a great book. Unlike other publications that target the secondary market with price guides and trader tips, Ms. Janie's The Beanie Invasion is written for collectors and children with stories about people who collect beanies. Even the clear and colorful pictures in the book are about people and beanies.
We respond to hundreds of e-mail requests weekly and I pass on the most difficult questions and issues to Ms. Janie. She never fails to respond with utmost honesty and professionalism. She may not know the answer to every question, however she does know where to find the answers. This is why she has earned the "Beanieologist" title.
Below you will find a series of questions we asked Ms. Janie and her responses. We also included several pictures provided by Ms. Janie.
Janie Daniels
Jennifer Daniels 12 years old. Jennifer is in
6th grade and is in a program called Signet. Every two weeks,
Jennifer attends High School for extra challenging projects. She
is a bright and excellent student who always strives to reach
the top.
David Daniels 6 years
old. David is in first grade and is enrolled in a Flip program.
The Flip program enables David to learn half of his subjects in
English and the other half in Spanish. I am extremely proud of
David’s progress, ‘I just wish I knew what he was saying
in Spanish half the time’.
Does this sound like a proud Mom of both, or what?
Janie
The readers would like a bio (More on the personal side versus the Ty side) and picture (feel free to pick, I did with mine on the home page of www.ctoys.com). Please provide a biography, especially covering your writing experiences and hobbies prior to "The Beanie Invasion".
I was born on August 14, 1959. I have been married to the same man for 20 years. I have two wonderful children, Jennifer Marie - age 12 and David Michael - age 6.
I have 12 years of schooling and took extra courses in economics.
My employment status is as follows: I worked as a office manager for eight years, I owned and operated my own Daycare Preschool for twelve years. Currently, I am enjoying raising my children, the way children need to be raised. I am extremely involved in their lives and I am also a room-mom at school.
I feel that community involvement is very important. I am the Chairperson for an Architectural Review Board, Chair an Orientation Committee, and I head a New Construction Committee.
My hobbies are being a mom, writing, singing, bowling and gardening. The only writing experience I have, is what I learned in school. While in school, I did receive a few writing awards. I always enjoyed essays and research, I also enjoyed writing poetry. My parents and my husband have always encouraged me to write. I know my mom has saved poems which I have written over 20 years ago. I have never considered myself a outstanding writer, but I have prided myself on honesty, research, and common sense. I have always found that if you write about something you believe in, your story will read better and your readers will appreciate it.
What was it that caused you to become interested in Beanie Babies?
I discovered Beanie Babies in December 1996. I was shopping at a Zany Brainy and for some reason, these cute little critters kept calling my name. I purchased Righty, Lefty, Libearty, and Pinky. It wasn't until Christmas morning, that I even knew what they were. My children discovered their Christmas stocking and found their Beanies, I then got a crash course on what Beanies were all about.
After realizing what I had found, I decided to conduct my own research. I had never used a computer or the Internet and was extremely intimidated by both of them. I crashed and burned a lot, but I finally got the hang of it, this is when Beanies invaded my life!
"The Beanie Invasion" is a great book. Is this the first book you have ever written?
I have written many manuscripts and poems but The Beanie Invasion is the first book which was published.
What are the struggles a first time book writer has to publish a book?
Oh my gosh, I could write a book alone on this question. Writing a book is a lot easier than publishing a book. I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into. At times it seemed as if there was one struggle after another. I often felt like a Yo-Yo! My emotions would run high one day and the next day would bring a whole new set of problems.
As a publisher, you must become familiar with many new aspects. I literally had to take baby steps and teach myself each step of the way.
I started off by calling established publishers, which resulted in enormous phone bills. I then learned that I must hire a editor and a page graphic designer. I found a editor through a friend of mine. My editor is a English teacher and has edited articles for newspapers. The editing process took approx. two weeks.
A publisher had recommended a gentlemen from Eugene Oregon, which I ended up using as my designer. Pictures are very important to a book, although I am not a professional photographer, I can aim and shoot. I did take all of the pictures in The Beanie Invasion and I wrote the poem of the back cover.
Once your manuscript and picture are finished, you forward them to a page graphic designer. The designer takes the manuscript and lays out the pages according to the size of your book. After your pages are laid out and your pictures incorporated in their perspective places, the designer forwards everything for approval. At this time changes can be made and then forwarded back to the designer. This whole process normally takes approx. 4 weeks. The next issue you deal with is your cover. You must decide what point size you want your cover to be. You also have to design the cover or have the designer to design one for you. I choose to design my own. I was very adamant on my cover, it had to be perfect! I rejected eight covers before I finally approved one. Once final approval is given to your page graphic designer, your disk which contains your manuscript is filmed and sent to the printer. Once final approval had been made, the main worrying begins. You have no control over the filming or printing, you just keep your fingers crossed and pray!
My manuscript had to go through many phases before it arrived to the printer. "I was a TOTAL RECK!!! " How would the final product look ? Would people enjoy the book? I must admit, I think I aged myself l0 years just writing this book.
Have you ever talked to Ty Warner about your Beanie book?
I have never personally talked with Mr. Warner. I did send the Ty Company a fax telling them about my book and offering them signed copies. The Ty Company, replied to my fax by thanking me for my overwhelming support and acknowledging that they would like to receive signed copies of the book.
Besides your book The Beanie Invasion, what other works have you done that may of been published in books, newspapers, or magazines?
I was interviewed in April 1997 for my use of the Internet. I was credited for helping collectors across the nation, by answering their Beanie questions. I received approx. 150 to 200 e-mails a day, I currently receive approx. 1,500 to 2,000 a day.
I have worked with many charities for various causes. My last charity involved raising funds for a pediatrics ward at a local hospital. I also sponsored and organized a donation drive for this same hospital . With the use of newspapers and the Internet, both were very successful.
One story in particular was picked up by The Associated Press and appeared in newspapers cross the country.
I have been approached about writing for a few Beanie publications. I had declined because my book required all of my time and attention. Now that I have finished The Beanie Invasion, I would consider writing for magazines.
I have agreed to allow a new Beanie publication to purchase one of my recent articles for their first edition. I am very excited about this opportunity.
How many articles have you written that have been published on Internet web sites?
To Date - approx. 60 to 70 articles.
What are the web sites that you help out by writing articles or other types of sponsorship?
My articles are posted on many sites, some of which I’m unfamiliar with. It always amazes me, when I go into a search engine and find my name used for all sorts of Beanie related items. Many of these sites have never asked for permission but use my name to attract views to their sites. I think the funniest one is, ‘The Yellow Pages’.
If Beanie web site owners contact me and ask for permission to use my articles on their site, I always grant them the authority to do so. I’ve always taken on the approach as to why not share. I obviously enjoyed writing my articles and I would like to think that collectors enjoy reading them. I do not allow my articles in any form of publication without my expressed written consent. I protect myself and my articles by having them copyright registered.
There are a few main sites which I have been given the pleasure of working with on a regular basis. All of these site owners have been extremely supportive and we have established a good working relationship.
Randy & Sandy Jones - From The Beanie Babies Buddies Club
Joe - aka Beanie Dad - From Beanie World News
Suzy - From Beaniephiles
I have also had articles posted by Sara Nelson - From Beaniemom
I have sponsored many contest for various sites. I have always purchased the items and donated them to the site owners for their viewers. The bottom line is, if it weren’t for these site owners, my articles and contest would never be viewed. I hope each and everyone of them know how much I appreciate everything they do on a daily basis.
How much money are you paid per article?
I realize that this may be hard to believe, but I have never received any money for any of my articles, which are posted on the Internet. I am a Freelance writer and I’m just thrilled at the fact that so many people enjoy my writing, "for the time being, that was payment in it’s self"!
I’m still working off the old saying, ‘You have to crawl before you can walk’. "Believe me, I’ve done enough crawling to last me a life time".
I would love to be considered as a writer for Beanie publications. I have already established myself as a Beanie expert and have earned my reputation. My first purchased magazine article should be released in June. Maybe Ty would consider allowing me to write for the dairy!
I have seen some rewrite articles using your material without credits. How do you feel about other authors or web sites using your material or ideas?
I use to be bothered by others using my material, but then I realized something, it was really a compliment. Writing is very difficult, new ideas must be thought up all the time, if someone expands on a idea I originally came up with, I do not have a problem with it.
The only time I feel credit should be given is in the instance when a author will claim the idea as being their original thought. I have expanded on other authors ideas but have never claimed it to be my original idea. I’m not worried to much about credit due, my main concern is to write well enough where people will enjoy reading my articles. I’m not one of those people who constantly needs a good pat on the back, "I’m just Ms. Janie’". Many collectors have told me that I am the voice of the people, to me, this is the best credit you can ever receive. Suzy, from Beaniephiles calls me the Ralph Nader of Beanies. It’s a good feeling to be recognized and appreciated.
Nearly all of the top beanie experts sponsor some type of commercial activity such as a beanie swap meet or beanie show. Why have you not made guest appearances at these shows or sponsored some type of similar activity?
I have never made guest appearances at a Beanie show because, until recently, I’ve never been asked. I feel that some Beanie experts consider me a Johnny come lately. I’ve also been told that because of my outspokenness, many experts do not know how to receive me.
I have been credited by many newspapers, websites, collectors, and various other sources, as being a honest reliable Beanie source. I always strive my best to include kids in everything I do, "after all, isn’t this what Beanies are all about"? I have had to earn my reputation and establish a name for myself, I do not claim to know every single thing there is to know about Beanies, but I do not hesitate to help a collector by researching or even asking another Beanie experts. My main focus is not to compete with other Beanie experts, it’s merely to help Beanie collectors.
I’d love to see someone put together a Beanie swap met in my local area, not only would I attend, I would get extremely involved.
Do you have special access to Ty Inc. or inside contacts to answer all the questions we have?
I do not have direct access to any one person from Ty, Inc. I have faxed Ty on occasion to ask questions, sometimes they answer and sometimes they don’t.
Most of the questions I answer, result from either my own knowledge or research. I also rely on retailers and Beanie expert friends to either help with information or just share news.
Your Ty Canada interview was great. Would you please tell us what other contacts you have had with Ty Inc since the beginning of the beanie craze?
It’s funny, I live in the US and have been a HUGE supporter of Ty out of Oakbook, IL, but for some reason, I get more response from Ty Canada.
I have written to Ty on several occasions regarding many issues. Ty has answered some of my letters which addressed my concerns, other times I have received generic letters which are sent to everybody. I truly do not know, what it will take to get through to Ty, US!!
If I were a company manufacturing a product like Beanies and writers wanted to enhance and promote my product, I would support them 100%. Ty has had the luxury of receiving free publicity for over a year, I would think that they could be more responsive.
How many hours a day do you work with Beanies, and why?
I dedicate several hours a day to Beanies, at night I normally work until 1 or 2 am. I will not disclose how many total hours I work in one day, for fear of being locked away!
Beanies have been a blessings, they have allowed me to grow closer to my children. My children have been my number one fans, they enjoy helping me with ideas for articles, Beanie games and collecting. My love for Beanies is what inspires me to write, it’s that simple.
How do you juggle a family life, book sales, e-mail, and the work on new articles?
I have learned that 24 hours is not enough hours in a day. I average three to four hours sleep a night. My family life takes precedence over everything else, once my family is taken care of, I work with Beanies.
I love e-mail but I have been finding that it is increasing difficult to answer all of my mail. I receive 1,500 to 2,000 message a day, I do attempt to answer as many as possible.
Book sales have been overwhelming. The first edition of The Beanie Invasion is a true collectors item. Currently, I am spending 6 to 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, filling orders. I am not only the author, I am also the publisher and distributor.
I am a 90’s woman, not afraid to tackle new adventures and I believe that dreams are made to be followed. When I arrived at the decision to write The Beanie Invasion, I concentrated fully on the following.
I wanted my product to be the best quality possible. I wanted the pages to be strong enough to withstand wear and tear, my colors in my pictures to be vibrant, text to have substance and meaning, cover to be thick, and it was extremely important to offer seriousness, humor, compassion and a wide variety of topics. I personally believe that these qualities are what made The Beanie Invasion successful.
I was extremely touched when another author took the time to congratulate me on a outstanding product, I felt that I had accomplished my dreams.
Many readers know that you have helped children at the hospital with beanies. What other ways do you help out children and others?
I have visited local schools and given Beanie classes. I have sponsored fund raisers for many schools across the nation by donating signed books and information packets containing Beanie Information. I have sponsored Daisy troops and Girl Scouts troops with fund raisers.
I have also helped a couple of children with term papers being written on Beanies. Children would forward me their questions and I would answer them, I would also send them Beanie balloons and bookmarks to share with their classmates.
I have also had many retailers contact me and ask for my help. I have helped many of them put promotions together for charities and raffles. I have been contacted by a few collectors who have designed new Beanie products and asked for my endorsement.
I have been contacted about helping new Beanie authors write their own book. I relate to this as a complement. It never hurts to establish new friends and help others in need.
I always make time to help others and try to answer their questions to the best of my ability.
Beanies and Beanie related topics, should be fun. There is no real need to be competitive, nasty or greedy. "Life is to short, enjoy the Beanie phenomena, while you can!" I personally know in my heart, when Beanies have run their course, I will be able to hold my head up high and be proud of my accomplishments.
Does Ty help you out with beanies that you contribute to sites, charity’s, and schools?
I have never had any help from Ty in regards to collecting or purchasing Beanies. I stand in lines like everyone else and pay retail price. I have been fortunate enough to meet some very helpful retailers on the Internet, which I purchase from regularly. The only problem is, they never have enough quantity. Believe me when I say, "My credit card company, loves me".
I have also received a lot of help from my friends. Randy Jones has driven 40 miles out of his way just to help me purchase Beanie Babies. The store which he makes his purchases does not have a limit on the quantity they allow you to buy.
The Beanie Invasion book and Beanie special was a tremendous success, but there was a huge problem. Ty was not shipping the quantity of Beanies and I had run out of supplies because I donated them or used them for my book promotion. It saddens me to say that I had to deplete my own collection and a portion of my daughters collection in order to honor my special.
It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that I have offered a real deal on my book and Beanie promotion. The promotion included 1 Autographed Copy of The Beanie Invasion, 1 Ty Beanie Baby, 1 Beanie Invasion Bookmark, 1 Beanie Invasion Balloon, 1 Beanie Wish List, 1 Beanie Blooper & Blunder information sheet, the special was shipped Priority mail. This special was offered for $18.00 including Priority shipping. I will be launching a new special as of May lst. Watch for exciting details!
Many of you may ask, "Why would she offer such a deal"? Simple - I wanted to prove that Not all Beanie collectors are greedy and I wanted to thank my supporters.
"By the way - If you are a retailer and need to move Beanie stock, please contact me. I give my word, that I do not sell on the secondary market and that any Beanies I purchase, will only be used for my book special or for donations, give-a-ways or charities."
You must have "inside information" on where to find beanies at regular retail that runs hundreds of dollars on the secondary market. How much money have you made by trading beanies?
I have NOT made any money by selling or trading beanies. I have traded a couple of times, but only Beanie for Beanie. I do not sell beanies. I have included Beanies in my book promotions but I have had to pay retail price for them. I have never had the luxury or even purchasing Beanies at wholesale. The money I spend on Beanies either for the book or for contest, charities, give-a-ways, comes out of my pocket!
How much e-mail do you handle on average from readers?
1,500 to 2,000 a day!!!
Sometimes when I walk away from my computer, everything is just a blurb.
Do you ever receive nasty Beanie remarks about the secondary market? Many are frustrated with the Beanie market blaming Ty Inc., Ty authorized dealers, secondary market dealers, adult collectors, or beanie webmasters. What are your opinions about the high prices on select current styles such as Princess, Erin, or Britannia?
I have received a note or two in regards to my past dislike for the secondary market. I recently researched and wrote a article on this market. Many collectors shared their views about this article, it was very well received.
In reference to high prices on selected current styles. This is a difficult question to answer. As a mom and a collector, I dislike any price over $6.00. As a business person I understand supply verses demand. I was glad to see that Ty addressed this issue, I felt it was long overdue. I personally feel that Ty’s intentions have always been good ones. I also honestly believe that Ty had no idea how popular his Beanies would become. I credit the company for trying to address both sides of the market and still remain fair. Ty has a lot to consider, while they want the current retail market to continue to thrive, they also can’t help but like the secondary market. It’s a difficult position to be in.
I feel that Princess and Erin will become readily available and collectors should be patient. Britannia’s price will probably always remain high, this Beanie was made for the United Kingdom and from what I understand, will not be mass marketed.
I always tell collectors one important fact. A Beanie is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it, no more, no less. Just because a pricing guide indicates that a certain style is worth X amount of dollars, it does not mean you will receive that amount for it. I encourage collectors to research many sources and only buy, sell or trade if they feel comfortable doing so. Do not allow any one source to determine your decision.
Many speculate about the future of the beanie market. Where do you think the beanie craze will end up?
I truly believe the Beanie craze will depend on Ty.
Ty has been extremely careful with their marketing approach. I believe that their strategy has worked well thus far.
I personally think Ty Warner and the Ty Company need to be more open to writers. As a writer, I choose which subjects I care to write about. If information is not available and articles become more difficult to write, the writing process will eventually stop and I will be forced to move on to a new subject.
I would imagine that all writes and website owners feel the same. I credit a lot of Ty’s success to writers and website owners, we keep interest alive and topics fresh.
I recently had a company approach me and offer me money to write and enhance their product. The owner of this company felt I had a very good following and had established myself on the Internet. I declined his offer, for the mere fact that I did not believe in his product.
It’s not everyday we have the opportunity to experience the phenomena that Ty’s Beanies have brought into our lives. I personally hope that Ty has continued success and that Beanies never die, but let’s face it, "everything has to die eventually". I truly believe that Beanies will always remain a part of our lives and 20 years from now, we can all say, we’ve been there, done that. We don’t even have to have a tee-shirt to prove it!
I'd like to close by thanking Ms. Janie for allowing us to interview her. It has been a pleasure to work with someone who works so hard to help others with her experiences and knowledge.
Sincerely,
Joe aka BDad and webmaster for www.ctoys.com
