mnmmom, I think I can safely say that the same idea runs through this thread: put the complainers to work doing whatever it is that they are complaining isn't done right or done enough.
Last time this happened to me, I threw the ball back into her court by very nicely saying" I see you've done this before. How wonderful, maybe next time I can count on you to run it for me. This way it'll be done the right way"
This person never spoke to me again nor has she ever complained again.
I had a similar situation:
We held our 3rd PTO meeting. It lasted about 45 minutes (half the time of the meeting last year.) We accomplished tons of stuff. When the meeting was over, the past vice president came over and complained that I didn't start the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. So, at the next meeting, just before it started I went over to said person and said "I am going to ask you to lead the pledge, okay?". And that was that. If she wants things to be done a certain way, she can take care of it.
Thank you both so much for you input. Any idea how I can address this in a somewhat polite way? I would love to post something on the website under PTO!! or is that not a good idea? I even got grief from the principle that is was very disappointing! I don't want to just let this slide like I have everthing else!
Seeing as Metzy set the tone, I'll follow suit, though I'm itching to give my REAL 0.02!
I absolutely second Metzy with the sign up sheets. The invitation thing I can see being upsetting to people, but I'm totally sympathetic. Mail delivery in my town is less than stellar, and this has been an issue at times. The only way around that is have your list and check it twice--hand deliver if you have to. If someone doesn't RSVP by a certain date call them and ask for their yes or no.
For people to sit there and complain about decorations is going a bit far--if they have that much free time on their hands maybe they should try helping out a little more. It's not as if you were a PAID caterer or party planner--the next time someone offers their "criticism," try this one, "Oh-I'm so sorry you didn't have a good time-I guess party-throwing isn't my forte. Since you seem so well acquianted with the art, perhaps...."
