Tuesday, February 14, 2012

New Blog, Same Smack

For your smacking pleasure.

202 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 202   Newer›   Newest»
DigiSmacker said...

Test.

Anonymous said...

yawn, this is boring

Anonymous said...

Of course it's boring. Not everyone knows about it, yet.

Anonymous said...

is there even anything going on that's smack worthy? All seems pretty quiet on the digifront.

Anonymous said...

We could always smack Happy Tits. Or maybe some of the designers stupid enough to bring her on their team.

Anonymous said...

What about the scrappers stupid enough to apply for her ct call?

Anonymous said...

Well, in all fairness to scrappers, I don't think most of them know about her drama. Sadly, once they're on her CT, they'll learn all about it and then some!

Anonymous said...

It's always quiet, but someone will find something

Anonymous said...

What about all the designers stupid enough to sell their products at her store?

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know how to change the embedded replies? And number the comments? Blogger changed their platform, and I can't figure it out.

Anonymous said...

I think we need someone completely new to smack on. Someone that we have never talked about before. There has got to be someone out there that is smack-worthy. I know there has to be some CT members that visit here and create for a insane designer. Ya'll got anything good?

Anonymous said...

How about some smack-worthy store owners?

Anonymous said...

I prefer the embedded replies, that way, we know who's replying to what!

Anonymous said...

I read somewhere recently that one of the Me So Scrappy designers is looking for a new home because MSS "isn't really working out." Anyone got any scoop on that store?

Anonymous said...

I'm finding this blog format extremely annoying.

Anonymous said...

No inside scoop, but is that really such a surprise? How many digistores has Jac seen come and go and she thinks she can do better by doing the same thing? Makes no sense to me.

Anonymous said...

I kinda like it! It is easier on the eyes. =)

Anonymous said...

It's the new format, get used to it, but I have to say that I don't like the color.

Anonymous said...

I used to open the tab in firefox and the comments would open up where they left off and I would refresh and the new comments came up underneath. Now, when I refresh, the page goes back to the post and I loose my spot. So yeah, I find it annoying.

Anonymous said...

That's what I thought too, but you have to wait an extra second and then the comments come back up.

Anonymous said...

Amanda Carlson is going to Funky Playground. I am just a forum user there (no inside scoop), but she has exclusive designer under her name.

Anonymous said...

lose

Anonymous said...

I' not liking the nested replies - it's too hard to tell if there are new comments without scrolling all the way up, which will be really annoying when there are 1200 comments.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, you have to read everything over again to see if there are new comments. It's easier to see what is being replied to though. On the fence.......any change is going to be annoying at first and then we'll get used to it. I like the way the comments are posted though.

Anonymous said...

Here's the problem with nested comments: nobody will see them if someone comes along and posts a reply to something from a week ago. But w/ the current (on the "original" blog) format, everything shows up chronologically. It makes way more sense for people like myself who do not check this blog but once a week or so. It should be chronological, without nested comments. Otherwise, most of the conversation is going to end up being lost on those who don't want to have to actually search for new comments throughout the entire thread. Make sense?

DigiSmacker said...

That's my concern with the nested comments, too. I will try to change it, but as I said, Blogger changed the whole thing. The dashboard doesn't look anything like what I'm familiar with.

I'm not going to let the comments go up to 1200... that irritates the hell out of me. I'll shoot for around 200.

Anonymous said...

If you can't find a solution with blogger, then maybe wordpress free blog might suit.

Anonymous said...

oh you fixed it - thanks!!

Anonymous said...

I was a designer at Funky Playground a few months ago and left when they changed hands. Now I look at the designer list and most of the people that were in the store then are no longer there. Michelle isn't even there anymore. Hmm......

Anonymous said...

Amanda Carlson is going to Funky Playground. I am just a forum user there (no inside scoop), but she has exclusive designer under her name.
11:11 PM

^^^
That's hardly a surprise - she left there (as an exclusive designer) a few months ago. She's just going back. But yeah - the designer turnover at FPD has been nuts since Michelle stopped being the owner. Wouldn't be surprised if a few more left too.

Anonymous said...

Funky Playground was sold again? I didn't hear that, weird. Not that I hear a lot of that, but still, weird.

Anonymous said...

I don't know if I'm getting jaded in my old age, but I'd say an easy 75% of kits out these days are things I would never use. Even kits by designers that I know make quality stuff are completely boring to me ... and some of them are just weird. Is it just me? Or is it just that there's too much available and nothing is interesting anymore?

Anonymous said...

I think that there are alot of the same themes and colors going around. So, it's like seeing the same thing over and over again.

Anonymous said...

At the end of February there will be SIX designers leaving FPD. That doesn't leave them with very many designers.

Anonymous said...

Wow sounds like it is going down hill. Wonder what is going on there!

Anonymous said...

At the end of February there will be SIX designers leaving FPD. That doesn't leave them with very many designers.
--------
Care to share who?

I know they had a call recently, is anyone else starting, or are people avoiding them?

Anonymous said...

Funky has gone down hill very fast. Digi Deb is there, she pretty much ruins the whole store.

http://www.funkyplaygrounddesigns.com/store/product.php?productid=26717 Really?

Anonymous said...

Yeah that item you listed is pretty scary.

Anonymous said...

That is horrible.

Anonymous said...

Certainly not the worst, but I'd think she would be selling at Stuff To Crap, not Funky.

Anonymous said...

The designers leaving FPD are: Sherry Ferguson, Kreations by Kami, Crossbone Cuts, Plum Dumpling Designs, Ocean Wide Designs and Jeanye Labaya.

Anonymous said...

WOW. Anyone joining besides Amanda?

Anonymous said...

Looks like Mirelle Candeloro, Blue Umbrella Designs and jusme Digital are going to be at FPD.

Anonymous said...

Blog is back to old format. Thank you blog owner.

Anonymous said...

Blue Umbrella Designs is Amanda Carlson

Anonymous said...

jusme Digital is a JOKE.

Anonymous said...

I've never heard of them. Does she sell anywhere now?

Anonymous said...

I've never heard of them. Does she sell anywhere now?
5:03 PM

And a simple, quick google search will tell you.

Anonymous said...

Justme is retiring from Scrappity Doo Dah

http://www.scrappity-doo-dah.com/store/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=135

And they're having a call:

http://scrappity-doo-dah.com/forum/showthread.php?p=176103#post176103

Anonymous said...

Anyone take classes? I signed up for one of Carina Gardner's at JS and I wanted to shoot myself. Her voice is so annoying and she is such a boring teacher. Plus I could watch free youtube videos to figure out 99% of the unimaginative techniques she teaches.

Anonymous said...

aren't most digi shops a joke? I mean how many are there that seem to actually have ONLY good quality products and designers? I can only think of a handful.

Anonymous said...

I don't think there's anyone decent left at FPD - there used to be some decent designers - this is the current lineup

Amber Shaw
Brenda Neuberger Design
CathyK Designs
Crossbone Cuts Designs
Digi Deborah Designs
Farynar's Wings
Jeanye Labaya
Jen C Designs
Kiki Halbert
Kreations by Kami
Miss Mis Designs
Ocean Wide Designs
Pixelily Designs
Plum Dumpling Designs
Recherché by KH Designs
Roseytoes Designs
Sherry Ferguson
Tracy Martin Scrapbook Designs
Wimpychompers

Anonymous said...

That's a sad line-up at FPD, anyway. With 6 of them leaving, that leaves 13 and Recherché by KH Designs and Kiki Halbert are the same person.

With the new line-up, it looks worse than Stuff That's Crap.

Anonymous said...

Oh, and Sweet Shoppe is having their designer call: http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/index.php/designer-call-2012/

Let the guessing games begin!

Anonymous said...

Amber Shaw (Ruby Lane), Jen C Designs, Kiki Halbert/Recherche by KH and Roseytoes are the only ones who even been there for long time

Anonymous said...

Here are my thoughts on who would be good for Sweet Shoppe. I have no insider information about who is planning on applying, this is just my opinion.

SuzyQ -releases often, has large following, makes quality products, is active in the digi community.

Tracie Stroud - her style fits in well at SSD, has large following, quality products, is active at SSD.

Sahlin Studio - good product fit (makes a nice variety), large following, has an active FB page.

Elise's Pieces - not as much of a following as the others listed so far, but I think her products would be a good fit at SSD. She needs more patterned papers IMO to compete with KCB and Zoe, but the ones she makes already are quite nice.

Kristin Aagard - her CT pages are usually a more non-traditional style, but her kits are traditional style scrapper friendly. Has a good following and makes nice papers (and elements). I don't know much about her personally, so I'm not sure how active she is in the community.

I wish I could recommend...

Jady Day Studio - I know she is a darling to some here, but the girl is a hot mess. I don't think she has the focus and drive to be a good addition at SSD. She makes nice, cute elements, but I wish she'd spend some time working on the papers. They always look thrown together.

Karen Lewis - I think her products would be perfect at SSD, but she's not as active as she used to be and she's not very active in the community. But, I think she has the maturity and professionalism to fit-in well behind the scenes.

Kay Miller - her style and attitude are a good fit, but her papers are so boring. I know she sold there back in the day and not sure why she didn't return. I'd guess it's because she's not an active enough producer. Her templates are a good fit for SSD, too.


I'm sure I can think of more, but those were off the top of my head. It will be interesting to see who moves around and how many SSD takes on.

Anonymous said...

That's a sad line-up at FPD, anyway. With 6 of them leaving, that leaves 13 and Recherché by KH Designs and Kiki Halbert are the same person.

With the new line-up, it looks worse than Stuff That's Crap.
6:43 AM

I agree with this, but Stuff to Scrap is still around. It's sad there is a market for that crap. I think FPD needs to figure out if they want to have quality designers or no designers at all (as in, close), or if they want to scrape the bottom of the barrel and be a low-end shop (like STS).

I would never want my designs next to most of those designers and I know I'm not alone.

Anonymous said...

Why do some people act as if SSD is the pinnacle of digiscrap shops? Most of the designers Simon mentioned are already well established at top shops and already have large followings. They'd be stupid to move. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Anonymous said...

^^^
I agree - but to move there would be a great move for a good designer not already at one of the top shops

Anonymous said...

There is no way SSD is going to take someone who doesn't already have a large following. They would be stupid to do so. That sort of move is done at lower volume shops.

Who would you recommend other than to just say you don't like what's already thrown out there (which is useless)?

The only one I could see not moving because they're already "well established" is Sahlin Studio. I think both SuzyQ and Tracie Stroud would greatly benefit from a move to SSD. I don't consider SO on the same level as SSD and I don't think I'm unusual in that thinking. I could be wrong as far as sales go, but I don't think I am.

I also don't see the "well established" fan bases for Elise's Pieces and Kristin Aagard. I think they would both benefit from a move to SSD, too.

I agree that Jady Day Studio is a "hot mess." I also don't understand why people love her. She's not a nice person and her products aren't the best out there and they're not very original.

I always wondered why Kay never went back to SSD as a designer. We may never know!

I'm not familiar with Karen Lewis, so I can't say anything about her stuff.

I'd like to see SSD bring on more template designers - either ones who make both templates and kits or those who just make templates. I think Nettio is perfect there. She's already active there.

Anonymous said...

From the looks of SSD's actual customer base, I'd say Simon was pretty spot on with who would be a good fit there.

http://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61275

Anonymous said...

Why do some people act as if SSD is the pinnacle of digiscrap shops? Most of the designers Simon mentioned are already well established at top shops and already have large followings. They'd be stupid to move. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
10:20 AM

-----
Yeah, because big companies NEVER scout other big companies for talent in the real world...

I have to agree on SO not being the same as SSD. At least SSD has an owner that focuses her time on SALES and CUSTOMERS and her SITE instead of trying to be a designer and spending entirely too much time worrying about getting far too few people to go to Las Vegas.

If SO was really a top shop, why would the owner still be a designer?

Anonymous said...

If SO was really a top shop, why would the owner still be a designer?
-------

Irrelevant comment. I know some hate SBG, but it is a top shop and the owner is also a designer. I can't think of too many shops where the owner isn't also a designer.

Anonymous said...

Would loved to have seen a proper forum rather than the same old format where everyone leaves anonymous comments. With a thousand people all called anonymous it gets a bit frustrating. Anyone want to start one? Somebody must have some time on their hands.

Anonymous said...

^^^

It's been tried and failed. No one really wants a forum.

Anonymous said...

^^^
Oh that's a shame

Anonymous said...

There must be a better way than this though? The thing that annoyed me the most about DST was that you couldn't pick one anonymous user from another.

0886 said...

Some people can choose names.

Anonymous said...

Not enough anonymity on a forum. No one would go for it.

Anonymous said...

With a thousand people all called anonymous
----

A thousand people? I doubt that the regular posters here even get into the high double figures. There may be a lot of posts, but not a lot of people.

Anonymous said...

I personally think a "smack forum" will become quite a mess and it'd better stay the way it is. If the format forces people to use a name, you'll grow attach to that name and at one point you start defending the name instead of the issue, just like other places where you use your "real" name. I can be wrong but I would guess that "Simon" and other reviewers we grew familiar with from the old blog also come back to offer their opinion once in a while under "Anonymous." Because at this point they have a name with somewhat "reputation" now and don't want that name to be affected by the smack they want to do. See what I mean?

Anonymous said...

Well argued, I see your point now.

Anonymous said...

"Would loved to have seen a proper forum rather than the same old format where everyone leaves anonymous comments. With a thousand people all called anonymous it gets a bit frustrating."

"There must be a better way than this though? The thing that annoyed me the most about DST was that you couldn't pick one anonymous user from another."
--------------------
The point of a smack blog is exactly that, that everyone is anonymous and you can't pick one anonymous user from another. We're not here to make friends and be a community. Go to DST if you're looking for that.

Also, while I am sure there are not a thousand users on the smack blog, I am confident that there are easily more than 100. Whoever thinks that it's in the low double digits is in a pipe dream. Think of it this way, if there were just 25 digital shops on the web, it would take just 4 people from each shop on the smack blog to equal 100+. Judging from the shops I have been involved with, there are easily more than 4 people per shop who visit the smack blog. And there are way more than 25 digi shops.

Anonymous said...

I agree with kaagard and Tracie Stroud being good fits. I'd also think Jennifer Labre's stuff is nice and would complement SSD.

As for Fpd, several of their recent adds were from SM. All of those have already gone back to SM or are doing so- Crossbones, mhk, wimpychompers. Plum dumpling was also from there and just announced retirement.


Fpd seems to require lot of free kits from their designers. Is that part of the fail?

Anonymous said...

Fpd seems to require lot of free kits from their designers. Is that part of the fail?
6:05 AM

I'm not sure their exact requirements, but most stores require a monthly or quarterly contribution to a store collab. Also, freebies for store events, challenges, etc. None of that is unusual.

I don't frequent FPD enough to know if they put our more freebies than that. Perhaps you could give more specifics.

Anonymous said...

There must be a better way than this though? The thing that annoyed me the most about DST was that you couldn't pick one anonymous user from another.
5:58 PM

Being able to "pick one anonymous user from another" kinda defeats the purpose of being anonymous in the first place...

Anonymous said...

Nettio at SSD? Really? That girl needs to do templates other than her favorites every single month. And $3.50 for a single template? What kind of pricing is that?

Anonymous said...

What is with all the CT calls lately asking if the applicant is a designer? Does that matter?

Anonymous said...

What is with all the CT calls lately asking if the applicant is a designer? Does that matter?
-----

It matters only in the amount of time they would be able to devote to being on the CT. I think it's a valid question. I don't worry about the 'competition' or anything. I just like to have an idea of their prior commitments.

Anonymous said...

What is with all the CT calls lately asking if the applicant is a designer? Does that matter?
6:49 AM

Most designers are flakes as CT members. Yes, I know there are good CT members who are also designers, but they are the exception, not the norm.

I don't understand "freelance" CT members. Why would you want someone on your team who shows up once every other month to make pages? There was one girl who applied to KCB's call who had a bunch of CTs, then like 3 "freelance" teams. Why would you apply to yet another CT when you can't commit fully to 3 teams already? Just a joke.

Anonymous said...

What is with all the CT calls lately asking if the applicant is a designer? Does that matter?
-----------
A lot of designers who are CTs are trying to network and jocky for designer spots at stores, too. So they target designers at stores they want to sell at and try to get in that way. It works for a lot of people, so I can see why designers try it.

Anonymous said...

Yes to Tracie and Jennifer Labre being good for SSD. What about Mari Koegelenberg?

Agree in Nettio. Her templates are way too expensive for what they are.

Anonymous said...

Being able to "pick one anonymous user from another" kinda defeats the purpose of being anonymous in the first place...
----------------------------
I disagree, it's easier to follow who said what if you can at least separate which anonymous user in anonymous. However, commenter 72 did lay out a convincing argument as commenter 73 said.

Commenter 74 needs to lay of the bitch juice for a while. Get out of the wrong side of bed today did we?

Commenter 71 needs to stop taking things so literally, it's a sign of mental illness too, you know?

Anonymous said...

Am I just being sensitive or is this post by Nicole at TDC the most pretentious thing I've read since she started her sister site:

"I am absolutely LOVING Project Life. I have finished all of January now and it feel amazing to have those pages done and life recorded.

But now that I've found this thing that really works for me (FINALLY!), I'm lost when it comes to back to 12 x 12 pages. I'm starting to look at them on Pinterest and think "That's pretty. But where's the story? What's the point of this page besides being pretty?!" or "Gosh, that's a lot of white space... I can't imagine wasting that much space!"

I know she's talking about finding her own personal style and was asking for help, but EXCUSE ME. You don't find me dissing Project Life just because I don't document it every time my kid farts. I happen to think pretty pages and white space LO's DO tell a story.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm and sounds like commenter 84 had someone piss in their cheerios this morning!

Anonymous said...

Hmmm and sounds like commenter 84 had someone piss in their cheerios this morning!
-----------------------------
Doesn't read like that to me. Feeling a bit sensitive?

Number 85 I don't think it comes across like that. I guess it's just her opinion, which she is entitled to of course.

Anonymous said...

Not quite sure why you need to be a full time professional designer to sell at SSD. The quality of stuff I've bought from there doesn't seem any different to what non-full time designers are producing. Not everyone is able to give up full time work to do designing full time. My husband would freak if I gave up my day job, even though I think I could come pretty close with my design sales if I did it full time.

http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=297245

Anonymous said...

^^^
Agreed

Anonymous said...

... even though I think I could come pretty close with my design sales if I did it full time.

--------
Uh, this statement answers your "not quite sure why..."

Full-time designers make more money.

If you're just screwing around and design when the mood strikes you, go sell at ScrapMatters or the countless other stores like that. I'm glad SSD puts focus on designers who actually put our regular product.

0886 said...

Since I started designing "full time", my design income has tripled. Granted, it was only about $2-300 before, but now it's a respectable SAHM income.

Anonymous said...

Who said anything about screwing around - somebody's making assumptions. You don't have to be a full time designer to put out regular good quality products. I'm not a full time professional designer either (I have a full time job), but I also do the same number of hours designing. So, technically not full time professional, but not just "screwing around" either.

Now go pull your panties out of your ass.

Anonymous said...

Since I started designing "full time", my design income has tripled. Granted, it was only about $2-300 before, but now it's a respectable SAHM income.

^^^^^
That's good, glad it worked out for you. I know my husband wouldn't let me give up my regular job. I earn a very good income from my job so, even though I'd enjoy designing for a living, the income would be very unlikely to come close and the pension wouldn't be as good.

Anonymous said...

#87 no I am not being sensitive at all and no I am not any of the commenters she was refering too. But when they say someone needs to lay off the bitch juice or saying someone is having signs of mental illness she is not coming across as pleasant either. But then again not many are pleasant on here. Smacking IMO should be about being able to say that a person has poor quality because ____ or I had bad experiences with this designer because ______ not just be totally rude to others just for the hell of it. Just because it is anonymous does not mean act like a total bitch.

Anonymous said...

FWIW I think the lay off the bitch juice comment was justified. But, I do agree with what you're saying. I wish I saw more of that attitude here, but who's going to be nice when few other people are in here? If you can't beat them, join them, you know?

Anonymous said...

^^^
so true

Anonymous said...

Who said anything about screwing around - somebody's making assumptions. You don't have to be a full time designer to put out regular good quality products. I'm not a full time professional designer either (I have a full time job), but I also do the same number of hours designing. So, technically not full time professional, but not just "screwing around" either.

Now go pull your panties out of your ass.
11:04 AM


And no one has said those who don't design full time have poor quality products. So you may want to brush that chip off your shoulder.

Anonymous said...

I guess that was justified - chips anyone? I still think that's how the ad comes across though - chip or no chip.

Anonymous said...

I don't think so. I think they just want people who design full time as their profession. Not people who design when they have the time after working full time elsewhere. Putting it out there will hopefully make people who are just designing on the side not apply and waste everyone's time - including their own.

Anonymous said...

I see where you're coming from, but I beg to differ that those who don't design for a living wouldn't be worth looking at too. I know of 2 other designers who must design for as many hours as they work - and they still put out quality products regularly.

Anonymous said...

Why do you have to ask your husband's permission to go full time as a designer? Does he own you?

Anonymous said...

Don't designers have to pay taxes on their income or don't the stores sent the IRS any kind of confirmation? When I used to design, I had to fill out a 1099 as an independent contractor. The self-employment tax this year 13.3% (FICA) it's usually 15% .... plus then you have to pay your income taxes. I wonder how many woman aren't reporting?

Anonymous said...

Not the OP but I would never make a major life change like that without my DH's support. After all, marriage is a partnership. Why bother being married if you're going to ignore your spouse's wishes and do whatever you want regardless.

I happen to be a full time designer and SAHM but that was something we both agreed upon.

Anonymous said...

Not the OP but I would never make a major life change like that without my DH's support. After all, marriage is a partnership. Why bother being married if you're going to ignore your spouse's wishes and do whatever you want regardless.
----------------
Exactly! No my husband doesn't own me, but I'd hate to be in your marriage if you were going to make a major life decision like that without considering your husband! Sheesh.

Anonymous said...

Also, while I am sure there are not a thousand users on the smack blog, I am confident that there are easily more than 100. Whoever thinks that it's in the low double digits is in a pipe dream. Think of it this way, if there were just 25 digital shops on the web, it would take just 4 people from each shop on the smack blog to equal 100+. Judging from the shops I have been involved with, there are easily more than 4 people per shop who visit the smack blog. And there are way more than 25 digi shops.
--------

I didn't say that there were less than a 100 who visit, I said that the REGULAR posters, that means people who come here regularly and post, are probably in the low double digits.

Anonymous said...

I know she's talking about finding her own personal style and was asking for help, but EXCUSE ME. You don't find me dissing Project Life just because I don't document it every time my kid farts. I happen to think pretty pages and white space LO's DO tell a story.
----

No, you probably aren't dissing Project Life, you're too busy dissing Nicole instead.

Anonymous said...

Commenter 71 needs to stop taking things so literally, it's a sign of mental illness too, you know?
-----

No, I don't know.

Anonymous said...

102 - if they are making more than 800/yr from their shop, the shop is required to give them a w-9 which means the do - in fact - have to report or risk getting audited for not having the IRS submitted numbers reported.

Anonymous said...

102 - if they are making more than 800/yr from their shop, the shop is required to give them a w-9 which means the do - in fact - have to report or risk getting audited for not having the IRS submitted numbers reported.
3:24 PM

This is not true. Payments from Business to Business do not require a w-9 to be filled out or a 1099-misc to be distributed. BUT that does not mean you don't claim income on your taxes. You're a business, you claim the revenue from your business. There are exceptions to this, such as Paypal, which is now required to send out documents when you do $20,000 in business AND 200 transactions (I am pretty sure it's 200 transactions, but don't quote me).

A restaurant doesn't send a 1099-misc or require a w-9 from the company that gives them meat, for example. But both businesses would claim the revenue (or expenditure) on their taxes. Some stores may be set-up differently based on their own situations, but I've found many stores haven't even consulted an accountant. Which is quite scary.

Any designer who doesn't claim their income, no matter how small, is a moron. All it takes is a store to be audited, or your own taxes to get flagged for audit, and you're really screwed.

Anonymous said...

^^^^
Honestly curious to know... what if owner and designers are in different countries? Not everything follows the US.

Anonymous said...

I can only speak about the country where I live. If you live outside the US, you'll have to ask officials in your own country. Obviously, all countries are different and no one is saying everything follows the US.

Anonymous said...

Honestly curious to know... what if owner and designers are in different countries? Not everything follows the US.
-------

No one said that it did, but the question was about a US tax form. If you are a designer living in another country, you would to check the tax rules for that country.

Anonymous said...

109 - You are very wrong.

You must send a 1099 form to anyone that you pay money to, unless they meet one or more of the following exceptions:

- the recipient is a corporation
- you included the payment in a W-2 form (to an
employee)
- the payment is for a tangible product (office
supplies, computers, etc), or
- the total payments during the calendar year
were less than $600.

A corporation is a specific kind of business. Any United States based DigiScrap Store that does not send out 1099's to their designers who made more than $600 is doing it wrong and could get in big trouble with the IRS.

Anonymous said...

And designer who doesn't pay taxes on their income (in the US) could be in big trouble.

Anonymous said...

Amy Stoffel is leaving MScraps. Where next? Hasn't she pretty much exhausted her options by now?

Anonymous said...

any word on the next blog train?

Anonymous said...

I am surprised this hasn't been brought up:
http://onestorydown.com/2012/02/design-team-call/

I guess Lauren Reid has sold everywhere there is so now she has to open her own shop.

Anonymous said...

"Payments from Business to Business"

your assuming that any of those digi designers have their own corporation - which I bet 95% of them don't. If they are just claiming a sole-proprietorship on their schedule-C then they will be getting a w-9 from the digi shop that is selling their products.

Anonymous said...

Is everyone here a designer? or are there actual digi scrappers who smack?

52 said...

^^^
I'm a CT member.

Anonymous said...

I'm just an average scrapper, not even active on any CT any more. I'm nosy and only read here for fun. :D

Anonymous said...

Is everyone here a designer? or are there actual digi scrappers who smack?
*****
scrapper and designer here

Anonymous said...

A corporation is a specific kind of business. Any United States based DigiScrap Store that does not send out 1099's to their designers who made more than $600 is doing it wrong and could get in big trouble with the IRS.

Nope, I've have had store owners who have been told by their accountants that they don't have to send out 1099s. Something about each designer being an owner of their own products. Can't remember the exact language but know they've not gotten in trouble as yet. Stores outside of the US also usuallyI' don't send out 1099s

Anonymous said...

Then their accountants could get them into big trouble. They are paying their designers money and if it's more than $600 it is supposed to be reported to the IRS in some fashion. Will they get caught? Maybe, maybe not.

Straight from the IRS website:

"File Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, for each person to whom you have paid during the year:

At least $600 in rents, services (including parts and materials), prizes and awards, other income payments, medical and health care payments, crop insurance proceeds, cash payments for fish (or other aquatic life) you purchase from anyone engaged in the trade or business of catching fish, or, generally, the cash paid from a notional principal contract to an individual, partnership, or estate;

Report on Form 1099-MISC only when payments are made in the course of your trade or business. Personal payments are not reportable. You are engaged in a trade or business if you operate for gain or profit."

I think that's pretty plain IMO. Stores not doing this are getting bad advice and should fire their accountant. It's clear that they are engaged in business both the store and the designer and whether you categorize the designer and store as providing services for each other (products for the store a store for the designer) or you consider it income payments (the store is paying the designer what is owed from the sale of their products)money is changing hands and the IRS wants to know about it.

Anonymous said...

I am a CT member, I mostly just read here and rarely post.

Anonymous said...

^^^Same here.

Anonymous said...

116: The palette is full of pastels and has a spring/Easter theme. Some previews have started to show up. Lots of chicks/ducks, eggs, and bunnies. No real train wrecks so far although some designers haven't figured out how to adjust saturation levels when working with pastels.

Stephanne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

So what do I do if my store didn't send a 1099? One of them did and the other didn't even though I made similar amounts at each? I guess just claim the money made at the one with out the 1099 as other business income.

Anonymous said...

I haven't been in there yet to see the previews, it would be a miracle if none of them are trainwrecks.

Anonymous said...

129: Why would you come here for financial advice? Go get an accountant or tax software.

Anonymous said...

We're digiscrappers not accountants, well maybe 124 and 123 think they are.....maybe they will answer you.

Anonymous said...

Enough of the tax advice, I'm bored now

Anonymous said...

It's basically pretty simple, if you made money, you report it to the IRS.

Whether a store sends you a 1099 form in the mail or not doesn't matter to you. That's on them and their own accountants. You do not submit the 1099 forms you receive to the government anyway.

You need to track and report your own payments received and payments expended regardless of what a store does or doesn't do. Period.

Anonymous said...

yawn

Anonymous said...

Blogtrain - there are a couple cute ones and a couple I would consider train wrecks and everything in between. You can only use so many bunnies and chicks though, like the times there were 200 monkeys.

Anonymous said...

Am I just being sensitive or is this post by Nicole at TDC the most pretentious thing I've read since she started her sister site:

"I am absolutely LOVING Project Life. I have finished all of January now and it feel amazing to have those pages done and life recorded.

But now that I've found this thing that really works for me (FINALLY!), I'm lost when it comes to back to 12 x 12 pages. I'm starting to look at them on Pinterest and think "That's pretty. But where's the story? What's the point of this page besides being pretty?!" or "Gosh, that's a lot of white space... I can't imagine wasting that much space!"

I know she's talking about finding her own personal style and was asking for help, but EXCUSE ME. You don't find me dissing Project Life just because I don't document it every time my kid farts. I happen to think pretty pages and white space LO's DO tell a story.
9:59 AM

------------------

I think it's really funny how you keep going to that site, and reading it, if it bothers you so much and if you think that multiple posts come off as "pretentious". From what you typed above, it's clear that this isn't the first time you've felt this way. Nobody is forcing your web browser to visit her site. It's just like any other blog in the world. Visit if you like it and it inspires you, and don't visit it otherwise. I think it's silly to take time to follow it, just so you can come here and bash Nicole. My guess is that you're likely the same person who's posted about this very issue on the former smack blog back in January. Give it up. We're all adult enough to know that if you don't like a blog, you stop checking it out. I for one do not have time to check blogs I don't find interesting. Maybe you just have too much time on your hands?

Anonymous said...

Not the OP but I would never make a major life change like that without my DH's support. After all, marriage is a partnership. Why bother being married if you're going to ignore your spouse's wishes and do whatever you want regardless.
----------------
Exactly! No my husband doesn't own me, but I'd hate to be in your marriage if you were going to make a major life decision like that without considering your husband! Sheesh.

^^^^

There's a difference between 'that wouldn't work for our family' (which is a team decision) and 'my husband wouldn't let me' (not a team decision at all.)

Personally, I'd hate to be in a marriage where I couldn't follow my dreams because my husband was afraid. The designer who said her husband wouldn't 'let' her design full time also said designing would probably make enough to replace her current job but her husband didn't want her taking the risk.

My husband and I talk things through and come to compromises when we don't agree. Neither of us is 'the boss' and neither of us 'lets' the other make decisions. We encourage each other, take risks for each other, and make sacrifices for each other to follow our dreams. THAT is a partnership.

Anonymous said...

There's a difference between 'that wouldn't work for our family' (which is a team decision) and 'my husband wouldn't let me' (not a team decision at all.)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
It's all semantics. You're reading too much into it.

Anonymous said...

I agree; stop nit picking and find something else to do.

Anonymous said...

It's a sad world when people don't understand enough about language to properly convey what they mean. But hey, keep texting and Facebooking and Tweeting and finding more and more ways NOT to communicate.

You'll live and die in mediocrity and make life less and less purposeful.

Anonymous said...

Jesus, 141, dramatic and dark much???

As for 138's comment, I couldn't agree more. That's the kind of partnership that makes for a good, solid marriage. Semantics or not, reading someone else typing the words "my husband won't let me" just makes me sad. There's a big difference between "my husband doesn't agree" and "my husband won't let me." BIG DIFFERENCE. Blame it on semantics all you want, but it's a difference that matters.

Anonymous said...

Must be a cultural thing - it's all semantics to me. You're still reading too much into it. Don't judge other people's marriages when you know nothing about them.

Anonymous said...

Is this a scrap smack blog or a tax and marriage guidance blog? Talk about boring! You clearly don't know anything about this person's marriage or why she chose the words she did so don't pretend that you do.

Now - can we get back to the job in hand, which is supposedly smacking.

Anonymous said...

So then by all means go ahead and smack instead of just complaining.

Anonymous said...

116: The palette is full of pastels and has a spring/Easter theme. Some previews have started to show up. Lots of chicks/ducks, eggs, and bunnies. No real train wrecks so far although some designers haven't figured out how to adjust saturation levels when working with pastels.
9:14 AM
___________________________________________

I'm probably one of those designers. Anyone in the giving spirit here?Just how do you adjust saturation levels when working with pastels?

Anonymous said...

I don't think anyone was complaining so get your head out of your ass.

----------------------
I'm probably one of those designers. Anyone in the giving spirit here?Just how do you adjust saturation levels when working with pastels?

^^^^^
I noticed that too. To adjust the saturation levels, just do that. Some tweaking on brightness and contrast can sometimes work - just a little adjustment can make a big improvement.

Anonymous said...

It doesn't help when the color scheme you've been given is crap to begin with.

Anonymous said...

Anyone in the giving spirit here?

^^^
You're kidding right?

Anonymous said...

It doesn't help when the color scheme you've been given is crap to begin with.

^
agreed!

Anonymous said...

........

Anonymous said...

http://photobucket.com/guestlogin?albumUrl=http://gs27.photobucket.com/groups/c194/SCYHT7XHLO/

p/w: mar2012btb

Anonymous said...

^^^
Not much of interest there if you ask me, although it is kind of them to have a go. I wouldn't diss something that's free, but I don't think there's anything there that is to my taste.

Anonymous said...

Amy Stoffel is going back to Scrap Matters.

Anonymous said...

That's stupid.

Anonymous said...

I think it's really funny how you keep going to that site, and reading it, if it bothers you so much and if you think that multiple posts come off as "pretentious". From what you typed above, it's clear that this isn't the first time you've felt this way. Nobody is forcing your web browser to visit her site. It's just like any other blog in the world. Visit if you like it and it inspires you, and don't visit it otherwise. I think it's silly to take time to follow it, just so you can come here and bash Nicole. My guess is that you're likely the same person who's posted about this very issue on the former smack blog back in January. Give it up. We're all adult enough to know that if you don't like a blog, you stop checking it out. I for one do not have time to check blogs I don't find interesting. Maybe you just have too much time on your hands?

----------------

And maybe you shouldn't respond to a post without reading it properly. I said she made the comment at TDC, a site I have no problem with, not at her blog, which I ran screaming from after reading the first post or two there. And BTW, I was NOT the OP in the other forum.

I asked if I was being overly sensitive about her comment on the value of memory keeping that didn't follow the Project Life model. Maybe I was, but I guess my skin isn't as thin as some.

Anonymous said...

"There is a couple reason’s I really like these two products for hybrid projects, they essentially look a digital stamp. Also you can change the color to match any paper line you are working with. I love that adding these products to my paper lines make it personal and unique."

from LilyPad http://www.the-lilypad.com/blog/2012/02/20/giving-hybrid-another-chance/?ref=nf

Someone needs to figure out grammar before they post to a blog for a store.

Anonymous said...

Sorry all you non DCR members but it really fucking irritates me when people post a question asking for your favorites, and then you get a bunch of designers just posting links to their own stores. Not unlike when asking about good stores and ct's just enable their designers instead of giving an honest answer.

I could give a shit less what your store may be selling unless you honestly shop there all the time for that kind of product. But don't just say, "Oh my store has cu products" unless that's your actual favorite place to get your CU.

Fuckers.

And yes, I am fucking ranting, my tampon IS in sideways, and I could give a fuck less that you think I'm having a mental break down.
*
*
*
ok I'm done.

Anonymous said...

There's a difference between 'that wouldn't work for our family' (which is a team decision) and 'my husband wouldn't let me' (not a team decision at all.)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
It's all semantics. You're reading too much into it.

^^^
It's not semantics - there are is a very clear meaning to 'let me' that isn't ambiguous at all. When you say someone won't 'let me' you are stating that person has some amount of control over you.

It's not judging someone's marriage to suggest that they may want to reconsider giving another adult control over them.

Anonymous said...

I'm probably one of those designers. Anyone in the giving spirit here?Just how do you adjust saturation levels when working with pastels?

^^^

Go into adjust hue saturation and push saturation up a bit. I usually check what the saturation of the swatch itself is, then color pick what I'm designing to see how far off it is, then adjust.

That being said, I don't really things it's a problem for things to be less saturated (or more saturated) that the color swatch - it makes for interesting variations within the kit. The bigger problem is when the hue goes off - even by 1 or 2 numbers - because then those items no longer match the swatch at all.

Anonymous said...

Maybe "let me" was the wrong choice of words! FFS - let. it. fucking. go. Like you never choose the wrong fucking words. Clearly, not everyone is as great as you are at selecting words so that nobody can twist them!!!

Anonymous said...

Go into adjust hue saturation and push saturation up a bit. I usually check what the saturation of the swatch itself is, then color pick what I'm designing to see how far off it is, then adjust.

That being said, I don't really things it's a problem for things to be less saturated (or more saturated) that the color swatch - it makes for interesting variations within the kit. The bigger problem is when the hue goes off - even by 1 or 2 numbers - because then those items no longer match the swatch at all.

^
Finally, some helpful advice!

Anonymous said...

Sorry all you non DCR members but it really fucking irritates me when people post a question asking for your favorites, and then you get a bunch of designers just posting links to their own stores. Not unlike when asking about good stores and ct's just enable their designers instead of giving an honest answer.

I could give a shit less what your store may be selling unless you honestly shop there all the time for that kind of product. But don't just say, "Oh my store has cu products" unless that's your actual favorite place to get your CU.

Fuckers.

And yes, I am fucking ranting, my tampon IS in sideways, and I could give a fuck less that you think I'm having a mental break down.
*
*
*
ok I'm done.

^
Grow up

Anonymous said...

Maybe "let me" was the wrong choice of words! FFS - let. it. fucking. go. Like you never choose the wrong fucking words. Clearly, not everyone is as great as you are at selecting words so that nobody can twist them!!!

^^^
Whatever you say somebody will always be hiding in the shadows waiting to twist your words and pretend they know your life better than you do.

Anonymous said...

Sorry all you non DCR members but it really fucking irritates me when people post a question asking for your favorites, and then you get a bunch of designers just posting links to their own stores. Not unlike when asking about good stores and ct's just enable their designers instead of giving an honest answer.

----------------
If you know what's going to be in thread, why do you open it then?

Anonymous said...

116: The palette is full of pastels and has a spring/Easter theme. Some previews have started to show up. Lots of chicks/ducks, eggs, and bunnies.
--------

Sounds gross.

Anonymous said...

The harder you push to get a topic dropped the less likely it's going to get dropped. Why does it bother you so much? Perhaps there is truth here you don't want to be faced with.

Anonymous said...

yeah right LOL

Anonymous said...

Is this a scrap smack blog or a tax and marriage guidance blog? Talk about boring!

Now - can we get back to the job in hand, which is supposedly smacking.
-----

Quit whining about wanting to be entertained and come up with something or go to the naughty corner.

Anonymous said...

The palette is full of pastels and has a spring/Easter theme. Some previews have started to show up. Lots of chicks/ducks, eggs, and bunnies.

^^^
well what do you expect with en easter theme? I hate easter kits so I wouldn't even waste my time on it.

Anonymous said...

Quit whining about wanting to be entertained and come up with something or go to the naughty corner.

^^
I can't, you're already stood in it

Anonymous said...

Re easter kits - they usually are way too pastel for my liking. Can't say I've ever seen a nice easter kit yet. Anyone know of any nice ones that don't feature the usual insipid pastel colors?

Anonymous said...

OK here's something to smack - what the heck is up with some people who put really dark shadows on their elements that are also really far away from the element so it looks like the things are freaking levitating?

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1541316&title=ever-so-softly&cat=500

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1541285&title=play-together&cat=7808

http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1541286&title=softly&cat=500

Anonymous said...

I knew it would be gross when they said pastels in the same breath as bunnies and chicks and I having a look at it, yep, it's gross. The colors really, really don't go together at all.

Anonymous said...

I can't, you're already stood in it
------

Did you mean standing in it? Or I stood in it? If I stood in it, then it's vacant and ready for your use.

Anonymous said...

OK here's something to smack - what the heck is up with some people who put really dark shadows on their elements that are also really far away from the element so it looks like the things are freaking levitating?
------

I don't like it, but I'm not going to smack it. It's a choice. They like it.

Yeah, I will smack product, but I'm not going to smack someone's scrap pages.

Anonymous said...

OK here's something to smack - what the heck is up with some people who put really dark shadows on their elements that are also really far away from the element so it looks like the things are freaking levitating?

------------
Not my choice either but each to their own

Anonymous said...

"There is a couple reason’s I really like these two products for hybrid projects, they essentially look a digital stamp. Also you can change the color to match any paper line you are working with. I love that adding these products to my paper lines make it personal and unique."

from LilyPad http://www.the-lilypad.com/blog/2012/02/20/giving-hybrid-another-chance/?ref=nf

Someone needs to figure out grammar before they post to a blog for a store.

^^^^^^
But people would be buying the product, not her grammar. Granted you could argue her quality could be bad if she can't even grasp grammar, but it would be a weak argument at best. However, first impressions count, so it's not a good move.

Anonymous said...

I can't, you're already stood in it
------

Did you mean standing in it? Or I stood in it? If I stood in it, then it's vacant and ready for your use.

^^^^
Really? I'm not even British and I know that's a British expression. Read a book or several, watch some foreign movies, and you'll see the world exists outside of your country.

Anonymous said...

Am I just being sensitive or is this post by Nicole at TDC the most pretentious thing I've read since she started her sister site:

"I am absolutely LOVING Project Life. I have finished all of January now and it feel amazing to have those pages done and life recorded.

But now that I've found this thing that really works for me (FINALLY!), I'm lost when it comes to back to 12 x 12 pages. I'm starting to look at them on Pinterest and think "That's pretty. But where's the story? What's the point of this page besides being pretty?!" or "Gosh, that's a lot of white space... I can't imagine wasting that much space!"

I know she's talking about finding her own personal style and was asking for help, but EXCUSE ME. You don't find me dissing Project Life just because I don't document it every time my kid farts. I happen to think pretty pages and white space LO's DO tell a story.
9:59 AM

.............
I think you're being sensitive; it doesn't come across pretentious to me. It's just a difference of opinion but who's to say who's right?

Anonymous said...

I don't document it every time my kid farts

Your kids fart? You surprise me

Anonymous said...

Really? I'm not even British and I know that's a British expression. Read a book or several, watch some foreign movies, and you'll see the world exists outside of your country.
--

What? She said - I can't, you're already stood in it.

That translates as - I cannot, you are already stood in it.

That makes no sense whatsoever! It's obvious you aren't an English speaker.

Anonymous said...

And that made sense?

American and British English is not the same. Get over it.

Anonymous said...

OK here's something to smack - what the heck is up with some people who put really dark shadows on their elements that are also really far away from the element so it looks like the things are freaking levitating?

I don't think it's fair to be smacking people's scrapping to be honest. I think that's getting a bit too personal and over-stepping the line.

Anonymous said...

Really? I'm not even British and I know that's a British expression. Read a book or several, watch some foreign movies, and you'll see the world exists outside of your country.
3:54 PM

I'm British and "You're already stood in it" sounds stupid. It's working class slang at best. Please do not insult the British people and declare a saying such as that represents us as a common whole (as if the poor cow should already know what it means).

Anonymous said...

That makes no sense whatsoever! It's obvious you aren't an English speaker.

^^
It's obvious you are completely ignorant. Any Brit would know what that meant.

Anonymous said...

I'm British and "You're already stood in it" sounds stupid.

Make sense to me and I'm in Scotland. I hear that kind of language a lot and not just from the working classes. To say that you must be some kind of southern snob?

Anonymous said...

Anyone care to do anymore reviews? Haven't had any in a while. I could use some new designers to shop with.

Anonymous said...

It's obvious you are completely ignorant. Any Brit would know what that meant.
---

So I'm ignorant because I'm not British? That makes you sound ignorant.

Besides, I knew what it meant, it was poor English, no matter which way you slice it.

Anonymous said...

American and British English is not the same. Get over it.
-----

You forget Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and South African English. As well as the English from places like Jamaica, West Indies, India, Hong Kong etc. Very insular, aren't you?

While I'm quite versed in the different forms and nuances of English, I do not know every single slang version of it.

Maybe you should get over it? Hmm?

Anonymous said...

I'm British and "You're already stood in it" sounds stupid. It's working class slang at best. Please do not insult the British people and declare a saying such as that represents us as a common whole (as if the poor cow should already know what it means).

^^^
Wow.

Anonymous said...

WOW, I can't believe a 'designer' is asking how to adjust saturation!!! If you don't know how to adjust saturation, you should NOT be designing!! Seriously that is REALLY basic stuff that most scrappers know!!!

Anonymous said...

I never knew that as a scrapper, and I see lots of designers who either don't know how to adjust or don't think its important to adjust.

Anonymous said...

Not the OP but #163 must be one of those designers who lists their own stores.

I'm not saying the OP didn't go overboard in her rant, but she has a point. I find it annoying, too.

Anonymous said...

http://www.facebook.com/british.grammar?sk=wall

Anonymous said...

"You're already stood in it" Just piss poor grammar - I don't care what country you're from.

~~You are already stood in it.~~

Plus stood is the past simple and past participle of stand. If you've already stood somewhere, you wouldn't be there now.

Anonymous said...

Who cares if its piss-poor grammar? It's commonly used - so common that a google search shows many discussions of it's usage.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I think I've stumbled into the wrong blog here. Isn't this supposed to be a digi smack blog? I used to live in the UK and even I know that that language is in regular use all over the UK. This isn't a job application form she's completing, so give her a break.

To the person who asked how to adjust saturation, you really should not ask questions like that here because, invariably, you will not get a sensible response! If you need to ask questions like that go to a forum where you can discuss that without people jumping down your throat. I could recommend a couple, but I'd probably be accused of being the owner, so try a Google search.

Anonymous said...

Okay. Grammar - out. Scrap pages - out. Saturation tips - out. What should we discuss here then? Facebook fan count, anyone? ;-)

Anonymous said...

OMG the "POLICE" are out in force. Not everyone comes here just to smak though it is a smak blog. I can't imagine that everyone, at some point in time, uses grammar the wrong way, and yeah ok so the other poster could have googled saturation to find what she needed, but really is it worth taking up that many posts to correct someone. The holier then thous are out in force-enough to gag a maggot!!

Anonymous said...

Okay. Grammar - out. Scrap pages - out. Saturation tips - out. What should we discuss here then? Facebook fan count, anyone? ;-)

Nothing TOO interesting but out of curiosity:
Amy Stoffel is leaving yet ANOTHER store. Any clue where she hasn't been yet that she could be going?

Jeanye Labaya is having a retirement sale? On what? Hasn't she only been open like two or three months and changed stores a few times in those few months? What would there possibly be to retire? WTH?

Any updates on who's applying to the designer call at SSD?

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