It's astounding to read the couple of negative reviews here. I've visited Michael at The Gnome Colony many times, yesterday as well, (and yes, through our interactions we have become fast friends) and it was an amazing experience, as always. The place is simply magical and something that should be experienced. It is a place of whimsical fantasy and wonder where people can temporarily escape to a place of happiness...and yes, there is a large sign on the door. Like many stores that have, 'you break it, you buy it' posted, or 'no video or photography allowed,' or, 'no refunds,' The Gnome Colony's is there for a reason. Many of the displays and furniture are either antique or (if newer) not cheap, and are highly susceptible to water damage.
Before the rules were implemented there have been incidents where people have spilled entire frosty frapps, have left water rings on antique furniture, and have left empty drink containers sitting on shelves in the back room. The lack of respect from some people is astounding, so it is no mystery as to why the sign is there. Asking those who enter to please come in, but to have respect for the space you occupy and your surroundings, shouldn't be hard. It's not a place to leave your liter or be defiant for defiant's sake. If someone reads the sign, and still walks in with intent to break those rules, or even asking to bend those rules (for one, for all), shows that you lack the ability to respect other people's boundaries, are a narcissist, or both.
Like walking into a Japanese household you wouldn't enter with shoes on and kick the dirt off. You would be viewed as a rodent. It's not rocket science, this is first grade stuff. And I've see this privileged behavior first hand. To be sure, if Michael doesn't think someone has read the sign he simply lets people know. If being told rules as an adult offends, then maybe reflect on how rules were told to you when you were a child, because temper tantrums get children nowhere if they were raised right. It's astounding how privileged some people think they are. To know that someone's been asked to not photograph or video the inside of the store, interfering with someone else's experience, and then whipping out their phone to do that very thing, it's immensely disrespectful.
Be a good person, come in with an open heart, be respectful of the rules, and you will find that Michael is the kindest, sweetest, and most giving and charitable shopkeeper you could ever encounter. read more