I'm on several "coveted" CTs and I am definitely not an ass kisser and I didn't know the designers personally beforehand at all. I do what's asked of me, but otherwise, do not chat with anyone on the CT or the designer about anything other than CT stuff in the CT forum.
Your pages might be as good as some on the CT who are ass kissers of friends of the designer, but you can also be a damn good scrapper who is hard working and get on those teams.
199 - Nothing says I should be on big name CTs like comparing yourself to the worst scrappers on the CT. At that point, I'd pick my friends, too. If your LOs are just average/okay, why would I pick you over them?
You need to be BETTER than the worst and preferably better than the best to get on those teams.
I'm so sick of average scrappers feeling entitled to be on CTs just because they're good enough. I bet you think losers should be given trophies, too.
Re: girls who always get picked and some never/almost never. It's not only because your style doesn't match with the designer but I am 100% certain it's also a matter of 1: ass kissing and 2: if you're friends with the designer or not.
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^^This^^ Have you noted how some of these people are so far up "their" designers' butts, it's a wonder they can find their way out again? It's nauseating and sad..very sad.
Been a martyr long? We're talking about making a couple layouts on a computer, Cookie, not solving world hunger or discovering a cure for cancer. Get over yourself. Because tastes so vary, there is someone somewhere who thinks your work sucks..big ones. Some of you folks on the "coveted cts" are wretched scrappers imo. No sour grapes, no agenda, just my opinion.
I'm so sick of average scrappers feeling entitled to be on CTs
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And I am sick of average scrappers on the so-called coveted cts thinking their work excels. At SSD, there's a handful of scrappers who are babes or separate designer cts whose work is superb. Most of the others are average and a few are really, really bad.
On the last page someone mentioned not liking anything in this month's BYOC. And I like the colors (and a few of the packs), but I don't do PL or anything hybrid so 90% of the BYOC isn't for me. And it doesn't help that Journaling Card packs make me want to rip my hair out. I mean, who the hell needs 15 journaling cards, even if you are doing PL? And Rachel Young's Brave Girl papers would be great if she had elements to go along with them. Actually, how many element packs--not PL, not doodles, not feathers, but actual ELEMENTS--are there? Like, 8? Doesn't seem like very many for 6 pages' worth of stuff.
I'm not one of Katie's rapid CTMs, but I looked at her store. There is nothing original in there, but I don't see anything wrong with it all. It looks like traditional scrap supplies you'd find at stores like Gingerscraps or Gotta Pixel. I'm not saying that as a bad thing, but it does seem an odd choice for a more Euro store like Scrapflower.
The CT discussion (amount of work you do vs value of a kit) has me wondering if you were to create pages for a designer to sell, what commission percentage do you feel would be fair? I'm thinking along the lines of quick pages, stacked papers...the usual miscellaneous add ons to kits. In this situation, you would be creating 1-2 add ons per kit with 1-2 kits per month and paid directly by the shop. The designer would be doing all packaging and uploading to the shop. --- I made 3 brag book QP albums for a designer once. I could use any of her supplies (and of course I got to DL them for free). She gave me a gift card for $5 for each one I completed. That's not a ton of money, but like I said, I got to raid her store to make the pages and I love her stuff.
I've heard some designers give the QP creator anywhere from 30% to 50% of the total sales. I'd be happy with that, especially if I don't have to do the packaging.
I pay a flat rate to my QP/Brag Book makers ($20-40 depending upon the size of the album). I don't want the hassle of paying them 30-50% and tracking those sales, etc. Do you keep paying them a year later? Seems shitty to just stop paying someone who made those things for you. What if I use them for a FWP promo? How can I not pay someone for that work even if I give it away for free?
I don't know why anyone would just take a percentage. Seems like the short end of the stick to me.
I think the CTs for CatDesignsz at MyMemories make her album templates for her. One of them said (on here) that she gets 40% for each album template. Which is why that designer always gets in the top spot each month as those spots are based on points based on product added. So I suppose if you can get your CTs to do your work, you must be on to something. It just seems like cheating to me.
Personally I think CatDesignz stuff if crap, and that point system is totally wrong to give the designer who puts in the most crap a top spot! Look at all her scanned scrapbook images here....http://www.mymemories.com/store/display_product_page?id=CDCR-CP-1302-27670
Speaking of My Memories designers. How does putting Shutterstock images directly into your kits make you a designer....not ever recolored or anything!!! Does that castle look family? Bet she didn't even pay to use or distribute it. If My Memories are careful they may get sued! Now I know how Touched by a Butterfly can offer her packs so cheap, she doesn't spend the time to make them.
many years ago when I first wanted to do a CTM I thought my pages were good. When I didn't get picked, I found a site that gave critiques/challenges/skills training for improving LO design from designers / CTMs. It was like having mentors. This was invaluable for learning. Getting honest reviews (good & bad but never mean), showing how just the small tweaks can take an ordinary LO to outstanding. Discussing how & whys of great LOS etc. I really enjoyed watching multiple postings of the same layout being worked on to perfection from suggestions of mentors. I did get several CT's and I even taught several classes. Life moved on and I havn't Ct'd/taught for years. I don't see this anymore in forums other than DSP Bootcamp(which I think is good for beginners not someone wanting to CTM outside of DSP). Is there site/store currently that helps those that want to CTM improve their skills?
I pay a flat rate to my QP/Brag Book makers ($20-40 depending upon the size of the album). [i]I don't want the hassle of paying them 30-50% and tracking those sales, etc[/i]. ... I don't know why anyone would just take a percentage. Seems like the short end of the stick to me.
*** It's amazing the things people say to justify their own lazy behavior. I pay my quickpage maker 50% of all her sales. It doesn't take me that long to figure it out every month. And, she makes way more than $20 a pack. You are cheap and you're ripping your people off. They deserve more appreciation than I'm guessing you show them, based on your attitude.
24 - I used to make QPs (multiple packs) for a designer for a percentage of sales. I stopped receiving money a couple months after they hit the store. Never received another penny, even though they're still in her store a couple years later.
I can see why the PP pays a flat rate and why people would take it. I don't think it's about laziness and being cheap. Maybe it is, I don't really know, but I find a flat rate like that more appealing than an offer of maybe remembering to pay me a % for the lifetime of the product.
I'm a CTM for a few designers. I'm an average scrapper. I've never claimed to be anything else. I think it's good for a designer to have average scrappers on their teams because I scrap the way most scrappers scrap, and people can relate to my layouts. They aren't super embellished, but they look nice. Plus I have very nice photos, and I'm courteous to people online. I don't come with a lot of baggage, I love the designers I work with or I wouldn't work with them. So, you don't have to be a super talented scrapper to get on teams. Just be you. Apply apply apply until you find a place you want to be. Good luck.
It's amazing the things people say to justify their own lazy behavior. I pay my quickpage maker 50% of all her sales. It doesn't take me that long to figure it out every month. And, she makes way more than $20 a pack. You are cheap and you're ripping your people off. They deserve more appreciation than I'm guessing you show them, based on your attitude. -----
LOL! I thought the exact same thing! What a a dishonest, sanctimonious jerk.
re QP payment: why not pay a percentage for the first and second packs of QPs--a percentage that the designer and QP maker agree on. Then, after a few months of sales, calculate how much money the QP maker earned and use that as basis for a flat rate for future packs. Or decide that the QPs can be in the store for X number of months and the QP maker gets paid a percentage for each of those months--and will expect a statement from Designer even if no sales were made, just to make sure Designer isn't shirking her duties. I'm sure there are ways to make both parties are happy. This isn't the first commission-based collaboration.
Am I the only one amazed that designers use their CT members to create things for resale? I think someone said that it is cheating. I agree. But I guess all is fair in love and sales.
I made the decision a while ago not to have my CT create QPs for me. It's a lot easier and less headache for me to do it myself. If it's going to have my name on it, I want to be the one who created it. Control freak? Maybe.
26 - it is not "hard" to remember to pay my QP maker every month. It's no harder than remembering to pay collab partners for their half of collabs sold in my store. You enter into an agreement with someone to split sales on something, then honor it. It's simple, really.
30 & 31 - I disagree that it is cheating. I design kits, and don't really get much time to scrap layouts anymore. I personally feel my quick page maker does nicer layouts than I do, so my customers get nicer quick pages than if I were doing them myself. I still do all the QC and packaging of them. Call it cheating if it eases your green-eyed monster. I call it working smarter.
Royanna has anounced that the 40 days freebies will resume on her blog on Monday. Anybody want to make any bets as to whether or not it actually happens? Or how many she posts before stopping?
#36. Maybe Albums to Remember did buy the extended license to use the clipart for commercial use. I think it's only 75 -100 credits, so is that dollars?
I can understand QPs being made by CTs, but album templates for MyMemories is kind of different. It isn't the resale value as much as it's the quantity because that's how you get designer points. Each album template is worth 2 points and the winners each month are those with the most points and featured on the front page. So if your cts are making your albums for you, well it makes it pretty hard for the average designer who is not doing that to make enough albums to even out the points. And this chic - CatDesignsz - yes with a z - has her cts make the albums.
CatDesignz is only on the top list at My Memories because she uploads bulk crap. What happened to quality over quantity. Why make it hard for customers to find the quality stuff at My Memories. They have to sift through all the crap to find the good designs. Not sure how that is good for business. Perhaps crap sells?
Did you ever think that for some designers paying them $20 outright is actually more generous than 40% or 50% or whatever. Most designers don't sell that much!
45 - Most designers sell their quickpage packs for around $3-$4. If they can't sell more than 6 to 8 copies of any individual pack, perhaps they should re-evaluate what they are doing with their time. That is pretty pathetic.
Go with that, if it eases your conscience. Apr 7, 2013, 3:35:00 PM
**** I have nothing to clear my conscience about! There is absolutely nothing wrong with paying someone to make additional products from my kits. To call it cheating is just plain stupid.
I would love for someone to make a convincing case for how or why it's cheating. I doubt it can be done. Business owners pay employees for their time to accomplish all the tasks that need doing in a business. How is paying a quickpage maker any different? Just because I'm a designer doesn't mean I have to go it alone.
If that's the case, every designer in the market should also fire all their CT members, promo people, blog teams, enablers, etc etc. No one should be employing any outside help at all. They should be a one-woman (or one-man) dynamo and do it all themselves, by your logic. Right??
#48 - wow, way to go off the deep end. I wasn't aware that promo people, blog teams, enablers etc were making items for resale.
Once again, your original valid point- There is absolutely nothing wrong with paying someone to make additional products from my kits - was made completely meaningless by the rest of your post.
Once again, your original valid point- There is absolutely nothing wrong with paying someone to make additional products from my kits - was made completely meaningless by the rest of your post.
I'm not "off the deep end." I just don't see any difference between CT members who assist a designer with layouts, or those who do promo work, or those who make Quickpages for resale. That was my point, and maybe I didn't make it well. There is an endless list of things to accomplish, if you want to be successful. Employing people in various forms, in order to achieve that goal, should not be called cheating.
The point of contention in this whole thing is that a quick page pack is sold under the designers name and not under the CT member's name(s). To me, it's like taking credit for someone else's work.
I would certainly hope that any designer who does this is giving the QP/Stacker/Cluster creator credit in the product description and the TOUs. If not, then yes, that's a bit of a misrepresentation. Stores aren't going to want to add "designers" who only make quick pages, it's not worth it. Even if they did, then the reverse would be true, the QP maker made the QP but the elements and papers aren't designed by them. It's really no different than a collaboration that is sold in my own store but has elements/papers made by another person in it. We split the money.
The point of contention in this whole thing is that a quick page pack is sold under the designers name and not under the CT member's name(s). To me, it's like taking credit for someone else's work.
I would certainly hope that any designer who does this is giving the QP/Stacker/Cluster creator credit in the product description and the TOUs. If not, then yes, that's a bit of a misrepresentation. ---- Exactly. Yes and Yes!!
I'll download QPs from designer's blog if they offer 'em, but the couple of times I've purchased 'em I've gotten burned. I'd rather spend money on the kit and make pages myself.
52 & 54 - I don't know why it matters to you whose name something is sold under. Did either of you ever paper scrap before digi? If you bought Martha Stewart scrapbook paper from Michaels, would you expect that Martha herself designed it? Or, would you reasonably assume that she has people working for her who also design things that are sold under her brand?
It's a very odd thing that this market expects designers to run things solo and not be a "business" with employees. That kind of limiting viewpoint is part of the reason why there are so many designers who make so little money.
It has been pointed out over and over again that the digiworld seems to have a culture of its own, whether it is about pricing, freebies, credits, and more. A totally different world than everything else, isn't it?
I bought a condo a few years back - my real estate agent is the one who's name was on all the paperwork, she got all the credit, the business is in her name, and she had 3 probably 4 junior office assistants preparing paperwork crucial for the sale. Should all of those assistants be 'credited' somewhere?
We have a property management company that manages the building now - one guy, his name is in his company's name, branding, and all over his website. We know that he bills us at $75 an hour, but has junior agents do the less major work for half that rate. We know this because he told us. We don't know the junior agents by name. Should they also be 'credited' on every piece of paperwork they prepare on his behalf?
We just saw a lawyer for an injury claim, and he told us what parts of the claim his junior assistants would handle. The lawfirm is in his name though. Should his junior assistants get 'credit' somehow for every document they prepare?
I could go on ... but I am hoping I don't need to. Almost every business has a model where one person gets the credit for multiple people's work. The people who do the silent 'support' work do so because either a) they aren't the kind of people who want the spotlight on them b) they are learning from the big name person and will eventually branch out on their own or b) they don't have the skills to branch out on their own but they have the skills to be a support person. These arrangements are not 'wrong' and they are really no-one's business other than the people who are in the arrangement.
Anyone else here that has unsubscribed from DigiDesignResort numerous times, and keeps getting added back onto their mailing list again a few months later???
GAWD I am sick of their SPAM! Who can I report them to?
60 - Yes, the "culture" of the digiworld does seem to be that way. I think that any business person who runs their business the exact same way as all their competitors should expect similar results, though. Maybe that's why some designers choose to hire people to help them make additional products from their kits. By doing something different, they hope to have different results.
Regardless, I agree with #65. The "arrangement" struck between a designer and anyone working for her is their business and, as long as both those people are happy with their arrangement, it's not for anyone else to question it or call it wrong.
The "hiring" of people to do work makes you more than a small/single designer business and you should be wary of how that may violate tou's for cu products. Creating something for someone else to sell isn't allowed unless it's a cu for cu product.
66 Who do they send their newsletter through? (Mailchimp, etc). If it's sent just through their store, you can report it to their hosting company. Mailchimp is VERY good at taking care of the situation.
66 - YES! I requested to be removed again today, too, for what seems like the 10th time.
70- They don't use Mailchimp.
68 - Creating products using a designer's kit and then selling them/giving them away under your own business name violates most TOUs. Creating products using the FINISHED product (QPs, clusters, etc) and having the same designer sell them doesn't violate the normal TOUs I've seen (no CU for CU required).
Dst does their blog trains so horribly now. Its so much more time consuming to email all submissions and *hope* it doesn't get lost in spam or wherever.
#67 Your post really cements my opinion that some of the women who get into this business as 'designers' really aren't. True 'designers' are creative, artistic individuals who wouldn't pawn off their name on someone else's work. Just my opinion.
76 said "The was trish ran it was so much better. " -------------------- Interestingly, I remember that Trish's way of doing the blog train was criticized before. Also, the old way always led to some participants not being ready or on time, or have broken links, so it was more work for Trish and annoying for the other designers after those who didn't follow the rules. So now, you prefer that old way because it was Trish who was stuck with the extra work, not you. Right?
I don't know why but I got TWO identical copies of the email from DDR and both sent to the same address (so it is not like I registered twice with different addresses).
I bought a condo a few years back - my real estate agent is the one who's name was on all the paperwork, she got all the credit, the business is in her name, and she had 3 probably 4 junior office assistants preparing paperwork crucial for the sale. Should all of those assistants be 'credited' somewhere?
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Once again, this is not what is being discussed. To use your analogy, if one of the junior assistants had, in fact, sold the condo, and not the realtor, then the credit should go to the junior or the junior should be comparably and additionally compensated for all the work.
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I bought a condo a few years back - my real estate agent is the one who's name was on all the paperwork, she got all the credit, the business is in her name, and she had 3 probably 4 junior office assistants preparing paperwork crucial for the sale. Should all of those assistants be 'credited' somewhere?
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Once again, this is not what is being discussed. To use your analogy, if one of the junior assistants had, in fact, sold the condo, and not the realtor, then the credit should go to the junior or the junior should be comparably and additionally compensated for all the work.
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This example might not hold up, but it happens all the time in the paper world. It isn't often that the person who actually "designs" the papers has their name on the papers. So yeah. It's kind of a high horse. And you are welcome to ride on it, just watch your head on the ceiling ;)
This example might not hold up, but it happens all the time in the paper world. It isn't often that the person who actually "designs" the papers has their name on the papers. So yeah. It's kind of a high horse. And you are welcome to ride on it, just watch your head on the ceiling ;) -----
What high horse? The person who designs the papers in the paper world is paid for their work.
That chip on your shoulder is starting to effect your thinking.
No chip. All parties are satisfied in both cases with remuneration. It's just the equestrian party that thinks it is "dishonest" for the designer. So there are a lot of "dishonest" paper designers, for sure.
81 I'm The OP of thaat comment and I have no idea who you think you're addressing. I never complained about the way Trish ran it. I actually liked it. So don't ASSume.
YOU might not have complained about how Trish ran it, but it has be complained about. Nobody said YOU did. It is just an observation that people complained about the way it was done back then by Trish, others are complaining about the way it is run now at DST. Obviously, no matter who organizes it and how it is run, someone will find something to complain about it.
I bought a condo a few years back - my real estate agent is the one who's name was on all the paperwork, she got all the credit, the business is in her name, and she had 3 probably 4 junior office assistants preparing paperwork crucial for the sale. Should all of those assistants be 'credited' somewhere?
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Once again, this is not what is being discussed. To use your analogy, if one of the junior assistants had, in fact, sold the condo, and not the realtor, then the credit should go to the junior or the junior should be comparably and additionally compensated for all the work.
^^^ How does that work in your head? Both are situations of the 'named' person doing the selling of work done by someone behind the scenes. If you wanted to compare the junior actually selling the condo, you'd have to compare it to CT actually selling the QPs which they aren't.
We are talking about CT workers being paid to assemble secondary products with the things designers create - we aren't talking about designers selling things completely designed by their CT members (which I would agree would be dishonest).
I think the comparisons hold up. Where they differ though is that those people probably have access to sales information and can see that they aren't being shorted. I've worked with designers that are NOT that transparent.
I have also worked fro designers that aren't timely in making payment. I shouldn't have to BEG for my money 3-4 months late. Every. Time.
I'm a designer and i've a CT. I would never ask any member to make QP for me... even if i pay them. If i'm not able to make my own albums, i don't sell any. I just sell what i'm able to create myself. As a customer i wouldn't like to buy something from a designer, not made buy the designer himself !!
My CTm are only required to make me some layout with my products (to pu in my store). Anything they make more than that is their own decision. i'm grateful but i don't ask for.
99 - I think someone above mentioned that they paid their CTs to make QPs but then the math got too complicated, so they STOPPED paying their CTs - that is why people are saying they don't get paid for their work all the time.
78 doesn't care if they get paid or not - just that it's wrong for a designer to "pawn off their name" on someone else's work. And as I said, this happens in the paper world ALL.THE.TIME.
72 - Some designers have their ct create items like journal cards, alphas, and other extras using the ct's personal cu stash. Turning around and selling that product under the designers name is tou violation in most cases.
AFA creating a product like stacked papers or clusters to sell, I suppose that depends on how the creator of the cu looks at it.
They may see it as you providing someone else with their products which they then alter and allow you to sell. It's convoluted, but still worth shooting an email to the cu designer to double check.
97, no she (?) is not a nut. Sounds like they've just run out of patience for receiving unwanted e-mails even after attempting to unsubscribe more than once.
DDR's message at the bottom may say requests to be removed "will be honored and respected" but for some reason the people who have requested to be removed are still receiving e-mail advertisements from them. Apparently requesting to unsubscribe is not working, so reporting them to their ISP (or FTC) seems to be the only option left.
Of course taking a millisecond and hitting delete is much more trouble and takes so much more time than posting paragraphs about it and contacting the FTC. Yeah, she's not nuts.
I pay my CT but I didn't ask them to create things for me ... I had one CT member who was so often making me freebies that I finally turned around and offered to pay her for them. How is that wrong?
I think some of you think we are all looking for ways to screw our CT members. Most of us aren't.
I have done both, flat fee and then then % of sales. I like the flat fee, and have a nice little income from many designers for clusters, qps and more. I have a quick turn around and get to keep the kit also. I have only been ripped off by one designer, and she is way gone. I learned from that experience. Everyone else have turned into repeat customers.
I don't see an issue with CTMs creating QPs or clusters with a kit for the designer to sell, if the CT is given credit and is satisfied with her compensation.
I have had CTs make QPs for free and for sale and paid them for their work. And, I have created my own. They tend to sell at about the same rate and the CTMs are credited on my preview and in my TOU. Sometimes its nice to have a different perspective on my kits and have quickpages created by some one else. But the payment is always agreed upon in advance.
Seriously? Never heard of the grab and run CT's that load up on stuff and then disappear? Or the file sharing CT's? Or the ones that talk trash about their designer to their friends and suck up to her face? Or the ones that BEG to be on her team and then never do a layout? I will bet every designer has had at LEAST one of these.
#117- Designers are also known to trash talk their CT to other designers. It goes on with both designers and CTM's. Designers use their CTM's just as much as CTM's use their designers. That will never change.
#117- Designers are also known to trash talk their CT to other designers. It goes on with both designers and CTM's. Designers use their CTM's just as much as CTM's use their designers. That will never change.
How is Mye's baby doing? I looked at her blog, but it hasn't been updated since Feb. I've noticed new products in her store, but haven't seen anything. Anyone know?
How do you guys feel about Paypal wanting her to give back all the fundraising money? She had a big post about it on her FB page. I forgot to find out what the outcome of all that was. I know they freezed her paypal account and whatever money was left in there.
I don't understand: PP didn't want her to have money raised from the collab? Or were people donating directly to her? (Sorry, I can't remember if that was allowed--I just bought the collab.) I thought PP allowed you to give money to friends/family?
PayPal is notorious for being a PITA about fund raising and donations. They froze my account because I was receiving a few dollars for my fonts, which are donation ware - meaning people are free to donate or not. In the last 12 months the total I would have received couldn't have been more than $60, or less, and they froze my account.
DSP I think got sold to someone else and the designers aren't happy about it.. at least that's what I've gleaned from the FB pages I've seen. I don't visit the forum but there might be info there.
Thanks for the update on Mye. I don't use Facebook, but was wondering how the baby was doing. I hope she did something nice for the people who donated to her and glad to hear her Paypal was taken care of.
99 - Because this business has historically been ONE person designing digital products and selling them, not a physical brick and mortar in which several people would be expected to be employed. All of whom are salaried and taxed.
CTM's have never been considered "employees" of a digital designer. Even if you equate this to paper scrapping or Martha Stewart, those employees are ACTUAL employees that are entitled to workman's comp, healthcare, paid vacation, etc.
Even small businesses have to adhere to state and federal laws in regards to employees, minimum wage, etc.
CTM's have never been considered employees. Therefore usage rights of products do not carry over to them. You cannot give them a product made with cu have them alter it and then sell their creation. It can go against the "user" portion of many tou's.
Make sure you have permission in writing from the cu designer before you allow other people to use it for freebies, etc. You cannot pass on a license to use without the cu designers permission. {{Creating and distributing freebies is considered commercial use}}
135: Doesn't the IRS consider CT work as "work"? Like, we should give a percentage of what we "earn" as CTMs to the gov't? (If you DLed $4,000 worth of stuff as a CTM, then you have to pay 30% of that amount to the IRS.) You have to pay taxes on goods received via bartering, and I guess you could look at CT work is a form of bartering. And speaking of bartering: If a designer used a CU product in her kit and then "gave" the kit to her CT for free...doesn't that count as a freebie? Or, as a CU product because the designer expects her CTMs to make LOs for her? (So, not a QP, but a CT LO *is* a promotional item.) OK, it's too late here to think about the IRS and small businesses (which don't always have to follow all state/fed laws that big businesses do, BTW. Ever heard of FMLA and its small business exemption? And don't get me started on how crappy FMLA really is. I mean, the corporate world treats women like crap as it is, but they really treat moms or other caregivers horribly.)
"I hope she did something nice for the people who donated to her" -- Some of us who donated don't need or want something nice done for us. The idea we gave for the baby's surgery and he's doing well because of that surgery is by far enough for me. I, and I'm sure others, don't donate to a cause to get something in return and she HAS thanked the community profusely for all the help she received.
CTM's have never been considered "employees" of a digital designer. Even if you equate this to paper scrapping or Martha Stewart, those employees are ACTUAL employees that are entitled to workman's comp, healthcare, paid vacation, etc.
^^^ Actually most of this is sub-contract work, not employee/employer relationships. We're talking about either flat-rate or commission based contracts, no workman's comp, healthcare, etc.
Thank you for making sense, #140. That is exactly what it is... A subcontractor relationship... Just like each designer's relationship to all these Digi stores!!! Last I checked, I wasn't getting benefits, workman's comp, or tax/SS withholding from my store owner, either!!
Honestly, #135, why the hell do you care what arrangements other designers have with their CTs, anyway? Your "historical" argument is about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Just because the industry started as solo designers who personally made each piece that they sold doesn't mean it has to (or will) stay that way. Industries evolve. Deal with it.
Your "historical" argument is about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Just because the industry started as solo designers who personally made each piece that they sold doesn't mean it has to (or will) stay that way. Industries evolve. Deal with it. ------
That's basically what she said as well but not as rudely.
141 - I doubt many CU tou's cover sub-contracted work {beyond the original concept of layouts for promo work} No where did I (#135) say it couldn't evolve or even shouldn't. I was specifically answering the question on what's the difference between a realtor getting credit for a sale that has employees and a designer selling a ct's creation made with their product. And I guarantee most cu tou's don't cover being able to create something with a product and then allowing someone else to sell it under their name.
I believe the industry does have room to evolve. A thriving industry always will. However, until a couple of years ago, it was pretty rare that any designer had their ctm's doing more than layouts for them. At least one designer has had to start putting her CTM's names on products that were created by them,. {Presumably because the products were made with the ctm's cu stash, or maybe simply because in this business, people may feel it's dishonest to put your name on something you yourself did not create.}
That's not a judgement on what should or shouldn't be. It's simply an observation.
And speaking of bartering: If a designer used a CU product in her kit and then "gave" the kit to her CT for free...doesn't that count as a freebie? Or, as a CU product because the designer expects her CTMs to make LOs for her? (So, not a QP, but a CT LO *is* a promotional item.)
Designer buys my CU product I expect my product to be altered. If the product then is part of a kit and the designer wants to hire her CT to make QPs or clusters, I have no problem with it. If the Designer gives my product to the CT and lets the CT alter the product then I have a problem with it. It's in it's original form and cannot be shared per my TOU.
"I hope she did something nice for the people who donated to her" -- 139 - Some of us who donated don't need or want something nice done for us. The idea we gave for the baby's surgery and he's doing well because of that surgery is by far enough for me. I, and I'm sure others, don't donate to a cause to get something in return and she HAS thanked the community profusely for all the help she received. Apr 11, 2013, 12:07:00 AM
If this community gave me over $20,000 to save the life of my child, you'd be as sure as hell I'd think of something amazing to do for them other than simply saying thank you. Not because it's expected or desired, but because it's the only right thing to do.
I didn't contribute to Mye, but it's interesting to watch something of this magnitude hit the industry and watch what happens. Or doesn't happen as it may be.
The assumption(s) you are making is(are) that every CT lives in the States and/or that every country has the same tax laws. --- I'm 137, and no, I was not assuming everyone is from the States. I intended that post FOR US citizens/workers, though. (Hey, wait: if you're a non-US designer but you SELL in a store based in the US, do you have to pay US taxes as well as taxes in your country of residence? Ouch, that would stink.)
Anyway, my post was about the US and only the US--I thought the term "IRS" made that clear, since that's what the US calls its tax collection department, and the term FMLA. If you don't know what those are, then my post wasn't intended for you. But if anyone outside of the US would like to share their experiences on CT payment and taxes where they live, please share! I always love hearing about other people and how their country squeezes every last dime out of them that it can. (Now I've got that Beatles song "Tax Man" in my head!)
139-Some of us who donated don't need or want something nice done for us. The idea we gave for the baby's surgery and he's doing well because of that surgery is by far enough for me.
And for me also. Seeing how happy that family is such a joy for the small amount of money I was able to give.
Only if they were part owner in a US based business. If you live outside the US and are a part owner of a store or a designer pair, you must pay US taxes too and usually vice versa if the business is based out of another country. You have to pick where your business is based.
I was super surprised to see that the new owners of OSD are from 3 different countries. The girls from Canada and Europe will have to file US taxes as I'm assuming the store is based in the US.
#143, that is actually NOT what she said at all. Seemed to me she was still making an argument (and a very US-only based argument, at that) about why designers shouldn't have their CT's creating things to sell from their kits. The historical argument was dumb, and as far as CU product goes, yes, designers who have their CTs making Quickpages for them should make sure they are following any TOU for the CU they use (if any). Still don't see either as reasons to say designers shouldn't have CT members create Quickpages for them, much less a reason to call it "cheating," which is where all this started.
I didn't contribute to Mye, but it's interesting to watch something of this magnitude hit the industry and watch what happens. Or doesn't happen as it may be. --
It's equally as interesting to me to observe how people who do nothing to help in a situation are often the quickest to say what others should do.
154 - I find people share their idiot opinions too freely when they're anonymous online.
Knowing right from wrong has nothing to do with doing right or wrong.
For example, I'm sure most overweight people know how to lose weight, but yet, they don't. It doesn't mean the statement "a person loses weight by eating healthy and exercising regularly" is wrong just because the person saying it is fat.
one of the first comments about this said "state and federal laws." Umm, since the United States has (gasp) states, this seemed to be a discussion led by--but not excluded only to--US citizens. Why are you so annoyed by that? If you hate the US, why not visit a non-US-based DS blog (blogspot is part of Google)? And if you hate the Westernized world so much, stop reading an English-based blog. Or if you want to hang out here, then contribute instead of telling others their comments are too USA-y. And why is that bad? I mean, I'm pretty sure every country represented by readers/posters here has laws and taxes of some sort. So instead of getting your knickers in a twist about the US stuff, post about your country or change the topic. Or go eat a gallon of Vegemite on top of Bobotie while watching Rede Globo and doing yoga on the floor of your yurt. (I tried to make a lot of assumptions about where you, an anon poster, live since you seem hell-bent on assuming where others might live. Ridiculous, isn't it?) We've had convos held in French before. I didn't get pissed off even though I'm not French (nor speak/read it). So what is your deal? Are you British and still mad the US revolted?
#158 - The US has never been #1 in education, to my knowledge. I could be wrong but I"m pretty sure I'm not. What has set us apart and above the rest is our drive to succeed. The push to innovate and invent. The ability to assimilate cultures into our own and create something better, stronger. That's why we're still number 1 in the world.
Oh and we can't be doing too bad educationally, as our universities attract the most international students.
The United States attracts the most international students, according to the Institute of International Education, with 691,000 students studying abroad in the US during the 2009 to 2010 school year. Of students who study in the US, the majority go to California, New York and Texas, respectively.
#157, come back to the shallow end of the pool, honey. I'm afraid you're going to drown out there in the deep end!
FYI, I am an American and I made comment #152. My point was that you cannot/should not discuss the legality, tax and benefit implications of employees and subcontractors from a State/federal viewpoint here because this industry is filled with designers from across the globe. US laws don't apply to everyone, so it's a weak justification for the argument that there is something wrong with designers selling Quickpages made by their CTs.
Oh, and I think you forgot to take your meds today, sweetie. Best get on that and maybe take a nap, too. Sounds like you need one!
Hey, wait: if you're a non-US designer but you SELL in a store based in the US, do you have to pay US taxes as well as taxes in your country of residence? Ouch, that would stink.) --------
If everyone did their own fucking work you wouldn't have to worry about anyone else's taxes or supplying documentation for tax purposes to your ctm's whose items you sell (regardless of where you may or may not live). Hey look, problem solved.
I don't have to worry about supplying my CTMs with tax documents. Unless they receive the equivalent of $600 in product or money, I don't have to supply them with anything. They are responsible for paying their own taxes. And yes, CTMs should could the face value of the product they receive as "income" it can be reported as hobby income or if they receive enough as business income. I'm sure most CTs don't bother to report it. There are probably many designers who don't as well.
If someone sends you an email accusing a designer you work with of piracy from fake email address with no proof included...do you do anything about it?
Wow... so from what I can gather (just kind of guess-timating, from what I read in the forum) is that someone named Margie purchased the site (DSP) from Amanda in/around 2009, and that just recently, due to some unfulfilled contract issue, Amanda has taken ownership back, despite Margie not wanting to sell it back to her... perhaps something similar to a contract-for-deed in real-estate sales? It sounds like Margie tried to do everything she possibly could to keep the site, but Amanda must have had some legal right to take it back, if she wasn't getting the final payments or something like that (?)
So do people like Amanda? It seems like, when I was active there several years ago when she owned it, she appeared (to me anyway) to be pretty snobby and inflexible, and had an "I'm always right!" attitude (to put it nicely) (JMO!)
How is JEN C designs at gotta pixel, gingerscarps AND pickle berry pop? I think her designs are disgusting and her previews are horrible. What's so good about her?
I don't love Jen's stuff but it's not awful either. There's a lot of people out there who are too intimidated or think they can't afford to scrap with SSD quality stuff who will settle for Jen or Connie Prince. And then there's people who just actually seem to like junky stuff with bad palettes and terrible recoloring. I'll never understand it, but there's no accounting for taste.
There's a lot of people out there who are too intimidated or think they can't afford to scrap with SSD quality stuff who will settle for Jen or Connie Prince. --------
I met Amanda a few years ago at the scrapbook convention. I think she did a MyMemoriessuite workshop on behalf of DSP but was not actively involved with DSP at the time. I went to the workshop & she did a fine job presenting the program. I went over to the site last night. Apparently a good number of designers are leaving. I haven't been over there in years.
I don't believe that anything at SSD is better quality or easier to scrap with than Connie Prince, or for that matter, JenC. I don't understand the revelry SSD holds with the posters here. It totally eludes me.
Well, after constantly browsing TLP, SO, SBG and SSD, Sweet Shoppe Designs has it all over the others for my type of scrapping. I shop for templates at other places and get kits, etc. on sale other places too (TLP is having a great retirement sale right now) but as far as good quality, useable kits, SSD is by far consistently the best, imo.
There's a lot of people out there who are too intimidated or think they can't afford to scrap with SSD quality stuff -- Why would someone be intimidated by a digital scrapbook kit? If a person was intimidated, what causes he or she to be more so over one kit/designer/store than another?
DSP has been a part of the industry for 9 years. They were one of the very few first digital scrapbook sites. They are very popular because they have a wonderful community and because a lot of people like and prefer hand created graphics over scanned elements. Designers at DSP are true artists.
Admittedly the site is rather dated, hopefully one day that will improve.
There's a lot of people out there who are too intimidated or think they can't afford to scrap with SSD quality stuff -- Why would someone be intimidated by a digital scrapbook kit? If a person was intimidated, what causes he or she to be more so over one kit/designer/store than another? -- ^^^^^this^^^^^
And the fact that you would call the designers from SSD the "popular kids" is enough to make me puke and NEVER shop there.
I'd rather spend my money with kind, humble and sweet designers like Jen C than with arrogant people who think they are so much better than everyone else.
the fact that you would call the designers from SSD the "popular kids" -- I believe that was meant tongue-in-cheek and was a slam against people who are constantly bitching about SSD. I don't think it was anyone from SSD that posted that. Just mho.
1043 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 1043 Newer› Newest»I've worked with well known and lesser known designers and none of them have required any more than posting LOs to galleries.
good for you. stick up for your designer all you want; all that was originally said was that she had moved to Scrapflower.
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Not the OP but someone else did mention that Katie moved a lot - see post #192.
The rest of your post is the usual mean for the sake of being mean crap.
You would think we were discussing something important. It is scrapbooking, people. Lighten up and enjoy your hobby.
not mean for the sake of mean at all. look at her products. mediocre. blah. uninteresting. bad colors. are you blind as well as dumb?
I'm on several "coveted" CTs and I am definitely not an ass kisser and I didn't know the designers personally beforehand at all. I do what's asked of me, but otherwise, do not chat with anyone on the CT or the designer about anything other than CT stuff in the CT forum.
Your pages might be as good as some on the CT who are ass kissers of friends of the designer, but you can also be a damn good scrapper who is hard working and get on those teams.
But, you probably don't want to hear that...
199 - Nothing says I should be on big name CTs like comparing yourself to the worst scrappers on the CT. At that point, I'd pick my friends, too. If your LOs are just average/okay, why would I pick you over them?
You need to be BETTER than the worst and preferably better than the best to get on those teams.
I'm so sick of average scrappers feeling entitled to be on CTs just because they're good enough. I bet you think losers should be given trophies, too.
Re: girls who always get picked and some never/almost never. It's not only because your style doesn't match with the designer but I am 100% certain it's also a matter of 1: ass kissing and 2: if you're friends with the designer or not.
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^^This^^ Have you noted how some of these people are so far up "their" designers' butts, it's a wonder they can find their way out again? It's nauseating and sad..very sad.
But, you probably don't want to hear that...
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Been a martyr long? We're talking about making a couple layouts on a computer, Cookie, not solving world hunger or discovering a cure for cancer. Get over yourself. Because tastes so vary, there is someone somewhere who thinks your work sucks..big ones. Some of you folks on the "coveted cts" are wretched scrappers imo. No sour grapes, no agenda, just my opinion.
I'm so sick of average scrappers feeling entitled to be on CTs
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And I am sick of average scrappers on the so-called coveted cts thinking their work excels. At SSD, there's a handful of scrappers who are babes or separate designer cts whose work is superb. Most of the others are average and a few are really, really bad.
On the last page someone mentioned not liking anything in this month's BYOC. And I like the colors (and a few of the packs), but I don't do PL or anything hybrid so 90% of the BYOC isn't for me. And it doesn't help that Journaling Card packs make me want to rip my hair out. I mean, who the hell needs 15 journaling cards, even if you are doing PL? And Rachel Young's Brave Girl papers would be great if she had elements to go along with them. Actually, how many element packs--not PL, not doodles, not feathers, but actual ELEMENTS--are there? Like, 8? Doesn't seem like very many for 6 pages' worth of stuff.
not mean for the sake of mean at all. look at her products. mediocre. blah. uninteresting. bad colors. are you blind as well as dumb?
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Nope, just not a bitch for the sake of being a bitch.
You would think we were discussing something important. It is scrapbooking, people. Lighten up and enjoy your hobby.
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This is a smack blog, what do you expect? Sunshine and rainbows?
I bet you think losers should be given trophies, too.
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Only you.
I'm not one of Katie's rapid CTMs, but I looked at her store. There is nothing original in there, but I don't see anything wrong with it all. It looks like traditional scrap supplies you'd find at stores like Gingerscraps or Gotta Pixel. I'm not saying that as a bad thing, but it does seem an odd choice for a more Euro store like Scrapflower.
The CT discussion (amount of work you do vs value of a kit) has me wondering if you were to create pages for a designer to sell, what commission percentage do you feel would be fair? I'm thinking along the lines of quick pages, stacked papers...the usual miscellaneous add ons to kits. In this situation, you would be creating 1-2 add ons per kit with 1-2 kits per month and paid directly by the shop. The designer would be doing all packaging and uploading to the shop.
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I made 3 brag book QP albums for a designer once. I could use any of her supplies (and of course I got to DL them for free). She gave me a gift card for $5 for each one I completed. That's not a ton of money, but like I said, I got to raid her store to make the pages and I love her stuff.
I've heard some designers give the QP creator anywhere from 30% to 50% of the total sales. I'd be happy with that, especially if I don't have to do the packaging.
5 she's a new designer not even designing for 6 month yet. Lay off her. I think she actually has pretty good products for being so new.
I pay a flat rate to my QP/Brag Book makers ($20-40 depending upon the size of the album). I don't want the hassle of paying them 30-50% and tracking those sales, etc. Do you keep paying them a year later? Seems shitty to just stop paying someone who made those things for you. What if I use them for a FWP promo? How can I not pay someone for that work even if I give it away for free?
I don't know why anyone would just take a percentage. Seems like the short end of the stick to me.
I think the CTs for CatDesignsz at MyMemories make her album templates for her. One of them said (on here) that she gets 40% for each album template. Which is why that designer always gets in the top spot each month as those spots are based on points based on product added. So I suppose if you can get your CTs to do your work, you must be on to something. It just seems like cheating to me.
Personally I think CatDesignz stuff if crap, and that point system is totally wrong to give the designer who puts in the most crap a top spot! Look at all her scanned scrapbook images here....http://www.mymemories.com/store/display_product_page?id=CDCR-CP-1302-27670
Speaking of My Memories designers. How does putting Shutterstock images directly into your kits make you a designer....not ever recolored or anything!!! Does that castle look family? Bet she didn't even pay to use or distribute it.
If My Memories are careful they may get sued!
Now I know how Touched by a Butterfly can offer her packs so cheap, she doesn't spend the time to make them.
http://www.mymemories.com/store/display_product_page?id=TBAB-MI-1210-22886
http://www.123rf.com/photo_7407594_illustration-of-a-magic-fairy-tale-princess-castle.html
I'm not one of Katie's rapid CTMs,
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I'm a rapid CTM but not a rabid one (but neither for Katie). Love this typo!
That's one heck of an ugly kit. Why would anyone pay to get that?
many years ago when I first wanted to do a CTM
I thought my pages were good. When I didn't get picked, I found a site that gave critiques/challenges/skills training for improving LO design from designers / CTMs. It was like having mentors. This was invaluable for learning. Getting honest reviews (good & bad but never mean), showing how just the small tweaks can take an ordinary LO to outstanding. Discussing how & whys of great LOS etc. I really enjoyed watching multiple postings of the same layout being worked on to perfection from suggestions of mentors. I did get several CT's and I even taught several classes. Life moved on and I havn't Ct'd/taught for years. I don't see this anymore in forums other than DSP Bootcamp(which I think is good for beginners not someone wanting to CTM outside of DSP). Is there site/store currently that helps those that want to CTM improve their skills?
I pay a flat rate to my QP/Brag Book makers ($20-40 depending upon the size of the album). [i]I don't want the hassle of paying them 30-50% and tracking those sales, etc[/i]. ... I don't know why anyone would just take a percentage. Seems like the short end of the stick to me.
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It's amazing the things people say to justify their own lazy behavior. I pay my quickpage maker 50% of all her sales. It doesn't take me that long to figure it out every month. And, she makes way more than $20 a pack. You are cheap and you're ripping your people off. They deserve more appreciation than I'm guessing you show them, based on your attitude.
#20 - I wonder if she bought the extended license for the castle? Someone should let the author of the clipart know that she's using it.
24 - I used to make QPs (multiple packs) for a designer for a percentage of sales. I stopped receiving money a couple months after they hit the store. Never received another penny, even though they're still in her store a couple years later.
I can see why the PP pays a flat rate and why people would take it. I don't think it's about laziness and being cheap. Maybe it is, I don't really know, but I find a flat rate like that more appealing than an offer of maybe remembering to pay me a % for the lifetime of the product.
I'm a CTM for a few designers. I'm an average scrapper. I've never claimed to be anything else. I think it's good for a designer to have average scrappers on their teams because I scrap the way most scrappers scrap, and people can relate to my layouts. They aren't super embellished, but they look nice. Plus I have very nice photos, and I'm courteous to people online. I don't come with a lot of baggage, I love the designers I work with or I wouldn't work with them. So, you don't have to be a super talented scrapper to get on teams. Just be you. Apply apply apply until you find a place you want to be. Good luck.
It's amazing the things people say to justify their own lazy behavior. I pay my quickpage maker 50% of all her sales. It doesn't take me that long to figure it out every month. And, she makes way more than $20 a pack. You are cheap and you're ripping your people off. They deserve more appreciation than I'm guessing you show them, based on your attitude.
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LOL! I thought the exact same thing! What a a dishonest, sanctimonious jerk.
re QP payment: why not pay a percentage for the first and second packs of QPs--a percentage that the designer and QP maker agree on. Then, after a few months of sales, calculate how much money the QP maker earned and use that as basis for a flat rate for future packs. Or decide that the QPs can be in the store for X number of months and the QP maker gets paid a percentage for each of those months--and will expect a statement from Designer even if no sales were made, just to make sure Designer isn't shirking her duties.
I'm sure there are ways to make both parties are happy. This isn't the first commission-based collaboration.
Am I the only one amazed that designers use their CT members to create things for resale? I think someone said that it is cheating. I agree. But I guess all is fair in love and sales.
No, #30, you're not.
I made the decision a while ago not to have my CT create QPs for me. It's a lot easier and less headache for me to do it myself. If it's going to have my name on it, I want to be the one who created it. Control freak? Maybe.
26 - it is not "hard" to remember to pay my QP maker every month. It's no harder than remembering to pay collab partners for their half of collabs sold in my store. You enter into an agreement with someone to split sales on something, then honor it. It's simple, really.
30 & 31 - I disagree that it is cheating. I design kits, and don't really get much time to scrap layouts anymore. I personally feel my quick page maker does nicer layouts than I do, so my customers get nicer quick pages than if I were doing them myself. I still do all the QC and packaging of them. Call it cheating if it eases your green-eyed monster. I call it working smarter.
Royanna has anounced that the 40 days freebies will resume on her blog on Monday. Anybody want to make any bets as to whether or not it actually happens? Or how many she posts before stopping?
ooppsss my bad. Resumes Monday the 15th. Hope she already has her taxes done!
Call it cheating if it eases your green-eyed monster. I call it working smarter.
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Go with that, if it eases your conscience.
#20 - I wonder if she bought the extended license for the castle? Someone should let the author of the clipart know that she's using it.
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Why don't you be that someone.
Am I the only one amazed that designers use their CT members to create things for resale? I think someone said that it is cheating. I agree.
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How exactly is it cheating? The CT didn't create the kit, she just made the quick page. If she's getting paid, who exactly is getting cheated here?
Call it cheating if it eases your green-eyed monster. I call it working smarter.
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I agree it's working smarter but what the hell is there to be green-eyed about? Way to invalidate your point.
Anyone know how much is costs for a designer to get 'page' templates converted for Storybook Creator use?
#36. Maybe Albums to Remember did buy the extended license to use the clipart for commercial use. I think it's only 75 -100 credits, so is that dollars?
I can understand QPs being made by CTs, but album templates for MyMemories is kind of different. It isn't the resale value as much as it's the quantity because that's how you get designer points. Each album template is worth 2 points and the winners each month are those with the most points and featured on the front page. So if your cts are making your albums for you, well it makes it pretty hard for the average designer who is not doing that to make enough albums to even out the points. And this chic - CatDesignsz - yes with a z - has her cts make the albums.
CatDesignz is only on the top list at My Memories because she uploads bulk crap.
What happened to quality over quantity. Why make it hard for customers to find the quality stuff at My Memories. They have to sift through all the crap to find the good designs. Not sure how that is good for business.
Perhaps crap sells?
So...wonder who's getting in at DSA.
43 - I did.
Did you ever think that for some designers paying them $20 outright is actually more generous than 40% or 50% or whatever. Most designers don't sell that much!
43- So did I.
45 - Most designers sell their quickpage packs for around $3-$4. If they can't sell more than 6 to 8 copies of any individual pack, perhaps they should re-evaluate what they are doing with their time. That is pretty pathetic.
Go with that, if it eases your conscience.
Apr 7, 2013, 3:35:00 PM
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I have nothing to clear my conscience about! There is absolutely nothing wrong with paying someone to make additional products from my kits. To call it cheating is just plain stupid.
I would love for someone to make a convincing case for how or why it's cheating. I doubt it can be done. Business owners pay employees for their time to accomplish all the tasks that need doing in a business. How is paying a quickpage maker any different? Just because I'm a designer doesn't mean I have to go it alone.
If that's the case, every designer in the market should also fire all their CT members, promo people, blog teams, enablers, etc etc. No one should be employing any outside help at all. They should be a one-woman (or one-man) dynamo and do it all themselves, by your logic. Right??
#48 - wow, way to go off the deep end. I wasn't aware that promo people, blog teams, enablers etc were making items for resale.
Once again, your original valid point- There is absolutely nothing wrong with paying someone to make additional products from my kits - was made completely meaningless by the rest of your post.
Once again, your original valid point- There is absolutely nothing wrong with paying someone to make additional products from my kits - was made completely meaningless by the rest of your post.
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^^^this^^^
I'm not "off the deep end." I just don't see any difference between CT members who assist a designer with layouts, or those who do promo work, or those who make Quickpages for resale. That was my point, and maybe I didn't make it well. There is an endless list of things to accomplish, if you want to be successful. Employing people in various forms, in order to achieve that goal, should not be called cheating.
#49 summed up nicely what I was thinking.
The point of contention in this whole thing is that a quick page pack is sold under the designers name and not under the CT member's name(s). To me, it's like taking credit for someone else's work.
I would certainly hope that any designer who does this is giving the QP/Stacker/Cluster creator credit in the product description and the TOUs. If not, then yes, that's a bit of a misrepresentation. Stores aren't going to want to add "designers" who only make quick pages, it's not worth it. Even if they did, then the reverse would be true, the QP maker made the QP but the elements and papers aren't designed by them. It's really no different than a collaboration that is sold in my own store but has elements/papers made by another person in it. We split the money.
The point of contention in this whole thing is that a quick page pack is sold under the designers name and not under the CT member's name(s). To me, it's like taking credit for someone else's work.
I would certainly hope that any designer who does this is giving the QP/Stacker/Cluster creator credit in the product description and the TOUs. If not, then yes, that's a bit of a misrepresentation.
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Exactly. Yes and Yes!!
I've often wondered who even buys quick pages. I hate them.
You'd be surprised.
I'll download QPs from designer's blog if they offer 'em, but the couple of times I've purchased 'em I've gotten burned. I'd rather spend money on the kit and make pages myself.
WOW...October Dawn Designs is leaving DHD...she didn't say there long...
52 & 54 - I don't know why it matters to you whose name something is sold under. Did either of you ever paper scrap before digi? If you bought Martha Stewart scrapbook paper from Michaels, would you expect that Martha herself designed it? Or, would you reasonably assume that she has people working for her who also design things that are sold under her brand?
It's a very odd thing that this market expects designers to run things solo and not be a "business" with employees. That kind of limiting viewpoint is part of the reason why there are so many designers who make so little money.
It has been pointed out over and over again that the digiworld seems to have a culture of its own, whether it is about pricing, freebies, credits, and more. A totally different world than everything else, isn't it?
59 - Difference being those designs products for Martha Stewart actually get paid for their work.
Oops, meant to say "those who design products"
Are there any names associated with the DSA designers? Or is it just "me too"?
59 - Difference being those designs products for Martha Stewart actually get paid for their work.
^^^
How is that different? The designer in question pays her CT for the work.
I bought a condo a few years back - my real estate agent is the one who's name was on all the paperwork, she got all the credit, the business is in her name, and she had 3 probably 4 junior office assistants preparing paperwork crucial for the sale. Should all of those assistants be 'credited' somewhere?
We have a property management company that manages the building now - one guy, his name is in his company's name, branding, and all over his website. We know that he bills us at $75 an hour, but has junior agents do the less major work for half that rate. We know this because he told us. We don't know the junior agents by name. Should they also be 'credited' on every piece of paperwork they prepare on his behalf?
We just saw a lawyer for an injury claim, and he told us what parts of the claim his junior assistants would handle. The lawfirm is in his name though. Should his junior assistants get 'credit' somehow for every document they prepare?
I could go on ... but I am hoping I don't need to. Almost every business has a model where one person gets the credit for multiple people's work. The people who do the silent 'support' work do so because either a) they aren't the kind of people who want the spotlight on them b) they are learning from the big name person and will eventually branch out on their own or b) they don't have the skills to branch out on their own but they have the skills to be a support person. These arrangements are not 'wrong' and they are really no-one's business other than the people who are in the arrangement.
Anyone else here that has unsubscribed from DigiDesignResort numerous times, and keeps getting added back onto their mailing list again a few months later???
GAWD I am sick of their SPAM! Who can I report them to?
60 - Yes, the "culture" of the digiworld does seem to be that way. I think that any business person who runs their business the exact same way as all their competitors should expect similar results, though. Maybe that's why some designers choose to hire people to help them make additional products from their kits. By doing something different, they hope to have different results.
Regardless, I agree with #65. The "arrangement" struck between a designer and anyone working for her is their business and, as long as both those people are happy with their arrangement, it's not for anyone else to question it or call it wrong.
The "hiring" of people to do work makes you more than a small/single designer business and you should be wary of how that may violate tou's for cu products. Creating something for someone else to sell isn't allowed unless it's a cu for cu product.
October Dawn needs to learn how to spell.
http://www.designhousedigital.com/digital-scrapbooking-kit/october-dawn/pizza-mia-word-strips
66 Who do they send their newsletter through? (Mailchimp, etc). If it's sent just through their store, you can report it to their hosting company. Mailchimp is VERY good at taking care of the situation.
69- I don't see it - what am I missing?
66 - YES! I requested to be removed again today, too, for what seems like the 10th time.
70- They don't use Mailchimp.
68 - Creating products using a designer's kit and then selling them/giving them away under your own business name violates most TOUs. Creating products using the FINISHED product (QPs, clusters, etc) and having the same designer sell them doesn't violate the normal TOUs I've seen (no CU for CU required).
I think she might be talking about pepperoncini. It can be spelled peperoncini (like it does in the kit) or pepperoncini. Either is correct.
#66 - The same thing happened to me today, too. I requested removal again. If I get another email, I'll officially report her to the FTC.
"Peperoncini" should have 2 p's. is that what you're referring to?
Dst does their blog trains so horribly now. Its so much more time consuming to email all submissions and *hope* it doesn't get lost in spam or wherever.
The was trish ran it was so much better.
73/75 - that was the only one I saw too and yes, either way is correct
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peperoncini
#67 Your post really cements my opinion that some of the women who get into this business as 'designers' really aren't. True 'designers' are creative, artistic individuals who wouldn't pawn off their name on someone else's work. Just my opinion.
78 - Careful you don't fall off that high horse you're on. You'll definitely break something from way up there.
No.
Peperoncini
Peperoncini, are a variety of the species Capsicum annuum.
76 said "The was trish ran it was so much better. "
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Interestingly, I remember that Trish's way of doing the blog train was criticized before. Also, the old way always led to some participants not being ready or on time, or have broken links, so it was more work for Trish and annoying for the other designers after those who didn't follow the rules. So now, you prefer that old way because it was Trish who was stuck with the extra work, not you. Right?
I also received spam today from DigiDesignResort, though I have unsubscribed at least 3 times in the year or so!
RIDICULOUS! I am done pissing around with them, I am going to report to FTC.
NO MORE CHANCES!!
I don't know why but I got TWO identical copies of the email from DDR and both sent to the same address (so it is not like I registered twice with different addresses).
I bought a condo a few years back - my real estate agent is the one who's name was on all the paperwork, she got all the credit, the business is in her name, and she had 3 probably 4 junior office assistants preparing paperwork crucial for the sale. Should all of those assistants be 'credited' somewhere?
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Once again, this is not what is being discussed. To use your analogy, if one of the junior assistants had, in fact, sold the condo, and not the realtor, then the credit should go to the junior or the junior should be comparably and additionally compensated for all the work.
I stopped participating in DST's train when they added the rule about folder naming. I think the DSF train is organised better
What is DSF?
digiscrapforum.com
#83 me too!!
Digidesignresorts email at the bottom:
This email address was given to us by you or by one of our customers. If you
feel that you have received this email in error, please send an email to
info@digidesignresort.com
This e-mail is sent in accordance with the US CAN-SPAM Law in effect
01/01/2004. Removal requests can be sent to this address and will be honored
and respected.
I bought a condo a few years back - my real estate agent is the one who's name was on all the paperwork, she got all the credit, the business is in her name, and she had 3 probably 4 junior office assistants preparing paperwork crucial for the sale. Should all of those assistants be 'credited' somewhere?
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Once again, this is not what is being discussed. To use your analogy, if one of the junior assistants had, in fact, sold the condo, and not the realtor, then the credit should go to the junior or the junior should be comparably and additionally compensated for all the work.
___________________
This example might not hold up, but it happens all the time in the paper world. It isn't often that the person who actually "designs" the papers has their name on the papers. So yeah. It's kind of a high horse. And you are welcome to ride on it, just watch your head on the ceiling ;)
This example might not hold up, but it happens all the time in the paper world. It isn't often that the person who actually "designs" the papers has their name on the papers. So yeah. It's kind of a high horse. And you are welcome to ride on it, just watch your head on the ceiling ;)
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What high horse? The person who designs the papers in the paper world is paid for their work.
That chip on your shoulder is starting to effect your thinking.
No chip. All parties are satisfied in both cases with remuneration. It's just the equestrian party that thinks it is "dishonest" for the designer. So there are a lot of "dishonest" paper designers, for sure.
Do designer's actually pay their CTM's for quickpages they sell?
63 and 67-I agree. It should stay between the two!
81 I'm The OP of thaat comment and I have no idea who you think you're addressing. I never complained about the way Trish ran it. I actually liked it. So don't ASSume.
YOU might not have complained about how Trish ran it, but it has be complained about. Nobody said YOU did. It is just an observation that people complained about the way it was done back then by Trish, others are complaining about the way it is run now at DST. Obviously, no matter who organizes it and how it is run, someone will find something to complain about it.
RIDICULOUS! I am done pissing around with them, I am going to report to FTC.
--
You're a nut.
What high horse? The person who designs the papers in the paper world is paid for their work.
That chip on your shoulder is starting to effect your thinking.
^^^
Are you intentionally ignoring the fact that we are talking about CT members who are PAID for making QPs or clusters or whatever the item is?
I bought a condo a few years back - my real estate agent is the one who's name was on all the paperwork, she got all the credit, the business is in her name, and she had 3 probably 4 junior office assistants preparing paperwork crucial for the sale. Should all of those assistants be 'credited' somewhere?
--------
Once again, this is not what is being discussed. To use your analogy, if one of the junior assistants had, in fact, sold the condo, and not the realtor, then the credit should go to the junior or the junior should be comparably and additionally compensated for all the work.
^^^
How does that work in your head? Both are situations of the 'named' person doing the selling of work done by someone behind the scenes. If you wanted to compare the junior actually selling the condo, you'd have to compare it to CT actually selling the QPs which they aren't.
We are talking about CT workers being paid to assemble secondary products with the things designers create - we aren't talking about designers selling things completely designed by their CT members (which I would agree would be dishonest).
I also received spam today from DigiDesignResort, though I have unsubscribed at least 3 times in the year or so!
----------------
I ended up changing my email address to a fake one. Problem gone.
They never unsubbed me.
I think the comparisons hold up. Where they differ though is that those people probably have access to sales information and can see that they aren't being shorted. I've worked with designers that are NOT that transparent.
I have also worked fro designers that aren't timely in making payment. I shouldn't have to BEG for my money 3-4 months late. Every. Time.
I'm a designer and i've a CT.
I would never ask any member to make QP for me... even if i pay them. If i'm not able to make my own albums, i don't sell any. I just sell what i'm able to create myself.
As a customer i wouldn't like to buy something from a designer, not made buy the designer himself !!
My CTm are only required to make me some layout with my products (to pu in my store). Anything they make more than that is their own decision. i'm grateful but i don't ask for.
That's my point.
99 - I think someone above mentioned that they paid their CTs to make QPs but then the math got too complicated, so they STOPPED paying their CTs - that is why people are saying they don't get paid for their work all the time.
103 - I don't remember anyone saying they stopped paying their CTs. I also didn't see that when I scrolled through the comments.
I did see someone say they paid a flat rate instead of tracking sales, but that's not the same as not paying them at all.
78 doesn't care if they get paid or not - just that it's wrong for a designer to "pawn off their name" on someone else's work. And as I said, this happens in the paper world ALL.THE.TIME.
72 - Some designers have their ct create items like journal cards, alphas, and other extras using the ct's personal cu stash. Turning around and selling that product under the designers name is tou violation in most cases.
AFA creating a product like stacked papers or clusters to sell, I suppose that depends on how the creator of the cu looks at it.
They may see it as you providing someone else with their products which they then alter and allow you to sell. It's convoluted, but still worth shooting an email to the cu designer to double check.
97, no she (?) is not a nut. Sounds like they've just run out of patience for receiving unwanted e-mails even after attempting to unsubscribe more than once.
DDR's message at the bottom may say requests to be removed "will be honored and respected" but for some reason the people who have requested to be removed are still receiving e-mail advertisements from them. Apparently requesting to unsubscribe is not working, so reporting them to their ISP (or FTC) seems to be the only option left.
Of course taking a millisecond and hitting delete is much more trouble and takes so much more time than posting paragraphs about it and contacting the FTC. Yeah, she's not nuts.
I just discovered that store. For me this is truly hideous... Who would buy there? http://scrapznmore.com/
I pay my CT but I didn't ask them to create things for me ... I had one CT member who was so often making me freebies that I finally turned around and offered to pay her for them. How is that wrong?
I think some of you think we are all looking for ways to screw our CT members. Most of us aren't.
110 - Sadly, some are and that's what gets talked about. It's no different than any other industry - people talk about the problems.
But then we could start talking about all the CT members who are only out to screw designers. It works both ways. Some people just suck.
How do CT members screw the designers and why do they allow it?
I have done both, flat fee and then then % of sales. I like the flat fee, and have a nice little income from many designers for clusters, qps and more. I have a quick turn around and get to keep the kit also. I have only been ripped off by one designer, and she is way gone. I learned from that experience. Everyone else have turned into repeat customers.
I don't see an issue with CTMs creating QPs or clusters with a kit for the designer to sell, if the CT is given credit and is satisfied with her compensation.
I have had CTs make QPs for free and for sale and paid them for their work. And, I have created my own. They tend to sell at about the same rate and the CTMs are credited on my preview and in my TOU. Sometimes its nice to have a different perspective on my kits and have quickpages created by some one else. But the payment is always agreed upon in advance.
112 - I'd like to know how this happens, too. I've never known a CT to screw over a designer or even think about it.
Seriously? Never heard of the grab and run CT's that load up on stuff and then disappear? Or the file sharing CT's? Or the ones that talk trash about their designer to their friends and suck up to her face? Or the ones that BEG to be on her team and then never do a layout? I will bet every designer has had at LEAST one of these.
#117- Designers are also known to trash talk their CT to other designers. It goes on with both designers and CTM's. Designers use their CTM's just as much as CTM's use their designers. That will never change.
If designers pay their CTM's to make QP's, I don't see what the big deal is.
#117- Designers are also known to trash talk their CT to other designers. It goes on with both designers and CTM's. Designers use their CTM's just as much as CTM's use their designers. That will never change.
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That was my point. Some people just suck.
#120- I agree!
October Dawn needs to learn how to spell.
http://www.designhousedigital.com/digital-scrapbooking-kit/october-dawn/pizza-mia-word-strips
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Interesting, that link is now showing kit not found.
122 - All of her stuff is gone now. Wonder what happened.
How is Mye's baby doing? I looked at her blog, but it hasn't been updated since Feb. I've noticed new products in her store, but haven't seen anything. Anyone know?
Mye's been posting on Facebook. He looks good and like he is happy and growing.
He's doing well, as far as I know. I think Mye's just really busy with a newborn + twins, and I know she moved back to Singapore in the last month. :)
How do you guys feel about Paypal wanting her to give back all the fundraising money? She had a big post about it on her FB page. I forgot to find out what the outcome of all that was. I know they freezed her paypal account and whatever money was left in there.
It turned out OK. But apparently we can't use PP for fundraising.
I don't understand: PP didn't want her to have money raised from the collab? Or were people donating directly to her? (Sorry, I can't remember if that was allowed--I just bought the collab.) I thought PP allowed you to give money to friends/family?
Many people didn't want to donate through a 3rd party site and just wanted to give her money directly.
What happened at DSP? Lots of designers leaving suddenly.
PayPal is notorious for being a PITA about fund raising and donations. They froze my account because I was receiving a few dollars for my fonts, which are donation ware - meaning people are free to donate or not. In the last 12 months the total I would have received couldn't have been more than $60, or less, and they froze my account.
The best site to use for donations is WePay.
DSP I think got sold to someone else and the designers aren't happy about it.. at least that's what I've gleaned from the FB pages I've seen. I don't visit the forum but there might be info there.
Thanks for the update on Mye. I don't use Facebook, but was wondering how the baby was doing. I hope she did something nice for the people who donated to her and glad to hear her Paypal was taken care of.
99 - Because this business has historically been ONE person designing digital products and selling them, not a physical brick and mortar in which several people would be expected to be employed. All of whom are salaried and taxed.
CTM's have never been considered "employees" of a digital designer. Even if you equate this to paper scrapping or Martha Stewart, those employees are ACTUAL employees that are entitled to workman's comp, healthcare, paid vacation, etc.
Even small businesses have to adhere to state and federal laws in regards to employees, minimum wage, etc.
CTM's have never been considered employees. Therefore usage rights of products do not carry over to them. You cannot give them a product made with cu have them alter it and then sell their creation. It can go against the "user" portion of many tou's.
Make sure you have permission in writing from the cu designer before you allow other people to use it for freebies, etc. You cannot pass on a license to use without the cu designers permission. {{Creating and distributing freebies is considered commercial use}}
135 - That MIGHT be true if the designer was re-distributing the original CU to their CTMs to make products, but that's not what we're talking about.
Unless a TOU strictly forbids creation of QPs, clusters, etc with the derivative work, you don't have a leg to stand on.
135: Doesn't the IRS consider CT work as "work"? Like, we should give a percentage of what we "earn" as CTMs to the gov't? (If you DLed $4,000 worth of stuff as a CTM, then you have to pay 30% of that amount to the IRS.) You have to pay taxes on goods received via bartering, and I guess you could look at CT work is a form of bartering.
And speaking of bartering: If a designer used a CU product in her kit and then "gave" the kit to her CT for free...doesn't that count as a freebie? Or, as a CU product because the designer expects her CTMs to make LOs for her? (So, not a QP, but a CT LO *is* a promotional item.)
OK, it's too late here to think about the IRS and small businesses (which don't always have to follow all state/fed laws that big businesses do, BTW. Ever heard of FMLA and its small business exemption? And don't get me started on how crappy FMLA really is. I mean, the corporate world treats women like crap as it is, but they really treat moms or other caregivers horribly.)
^^^^^^^^^
The assumption(s) you are making is(are) that every CT lives in the States and/or that every country has the same tax laws.
"I hope she did something nice for the people who donated to her"
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Some of us who donated don't need or want something nice done for us. The idea we gave for the baby's surgery and he's doing well because of that surgery is by far enough for me. I, and I'm sure others, don't donate to a cause to get something in return and she HAS thanked the community profusely for all the help she received.
CTM's have never been considered "employees" of a digital designer. Even if you equate this to paper scrapping or Martha Stewart, those employees are ACTUAL employees that are entitled to workman's comp, healthcare, paid vacation, etc.
^^^
Actually most of this is sub-contract work, not employee/employer relationships. We're talking about either flat-rate or commission based contracts, no workman's comp, healthcare, etc.
Thank you for making sense, #140. That is exactly what it is... A subcontractor relationship... Just like each designer's relationship to all these Digi stores!!! Last I checked, I wasn't getting benefits, workman's comp, or tax/SS withholding from my store owner, either!!
Honestly, #135, why the hell do you care what arrangements other designers have with their CTs, anyway? Your "historical" argument is about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Just because the industry started as solo designers who personally made each piece that they sold doesn't mean it has to (or will) stay that way. Industries evolve. Deal with it.
Good god, can you imagine if designers all had to do everything the way they started doing it? Gag.
Your "historical" argument is about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Just because the industry started as solo designers who personally made each piece that they sold doesn't mean it has to (or will) stay that way. Industries evolve. Deal with it.
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That's basically what she said as well but not as rudely.
141 - I doubt many CU tou's cover sub-contracted work {beyond the original concept of layouts for promo work} No where did I (#135) say it couldn't evolve or even shouldn't. I was specifically answering the question on what's the difference between a realtor getting credit for a sale that has employees and a designer selling a ct's creation made with their product. And I guarantee most cu tou's don't cover being able to create something with a product and then allowing someone else to sell it under their name.
I believe the industry does have room to evolve. A thriving industry always will. However, until a couple of years ago, it was pretty rare that any designer had their ctm's doing more than layouts for them. At least one designer has had to start putting her CTM's names on products that were created by them,. {Presumably because the products were made with the ctm's cu stash, or maybe simply because in this business, people may feel it's dishonest to put your name on something you yourself did not create.}
That's not a judgement on what should or shouldn't be. It's simply an observation.
And speaking of bartering: If a designer used a CU product in her kit and then "gave" the kit to her CT for free...doesn't that count as a freebie? Or, as a CU product because the designer expects her CTMs to make LOs for her? (So, not a QP, but a CT LO *is* a promotional item.)
Designer buys my CU product I expect my product to be altered. If the product then is part of a kit and the designer wants to hire her CT to make QPs or clusters, I have no problem with it. If the Designer gives my product to the CT and lets the CT alter the product then I have a problem with it. It's in it's original form and cannot be shared per my TOU.
"I hope she did something nice for the people who donated to her"
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139 - Some of us who donated don't need or want something nice done for us. The idea we gave for the baby's surgery and he's doing well because of that surgery is by far enough for me. I, and I'm sure others, don't donate to a cause to get something in return and she HAS thanked the community profusely for all the help she received.
Apr 11, 2013, 12:07:00 AM
If this community gave me over $20,000 to save the life of my child, you'd be as sure as hell I'd think of something amazing to do for them other than simply saying thank you. Not because it's expected or desired, but because it's the only right thing to do.
I didn't contribute to Mye, but it's interesting to watch something of this magnitude hit the industry and watch what happens. Or doesn't happen as it may be.
The Scrapflower owner is a mess! The site has been down more than it has been up! Now it is down because the domain expired.
The assumption(s) you are making is(are) that every CT lives in the States and/or that every country has the same tax laws.
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I'm 137, and no, I was not assuming everyone is from the States. I intended that post FOR US citizens/workers, though. (Hey, wait: if you're a non-US designer but you SELL in a store based in the US, do you have to pay US taxes as well as taxes in your country of residence? Ouch, that would stink.)
Anyway, my post was about the US and only the US--I thought the term "IRS" made that clear, since that's what the US calls its tax collection department, and the term FMLA. If you don't know what those are, then my post wasn't intended for you. But if anyone outside of the US would like to share their experiences on CT payment and taxes where they live, please share! I always love hearing about other people and how their country squeezes every last dime out of them that it can. (Now I've got that Beatles song "Tax Man" in my head!)
139-Some of us who donated don't need or want something nice done for us. The idea we gave for the baby's surgery and he's doing well because of that surgery is by far enough for me.
And for me also. Seeing how happy that family is such a joy for the small amount of money I was able to give.
148 - No, those outside the US do not have to pay taxes to the American government.
Only if they were part owner in a US based business. If you live outside the US and are a part owner of a store or a designer pair, you must pay US taxes too and usually vice versa if the business is based out of another country. You have to pick where your business is based.
I was super surprised to see that the new owners of OSD are from 3 different countries. The girls from Canada and Europe will have to file US taxes as I'm assuming the store is based in the US.
#143, that is actually NOT what she said at all. Seemed to me she was still making an argument (and a very US-only based argument, at that) about why designers shouldn't have their CT's creating things to sell from their kits. The historical argument was dumb, and as far as CU product goes, yes, designers who have their CTs making Quickpages for them should make sure they are following any TOU for the CU they use (if any). Still don't see either as reasons to say designers shouldn't have CT members create Quickpages for them, much less a reason to call it "cheating," which is where all this started.
#147 Scrapflower is up and running just fine. I just went there.
I didn't contribute to Mye, but it's interesting to watch something of this magnitude hit the industry and watch what happens. Or doesn't happen as it may be.
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It's equally as interesting to me to observe how people who do nothing to help in a situation are often the quickest to say what others should do.
154 - I find people share their idiot opinions too freely when they're anonymous online.
Knowing right from wrong has nothing to do with doing right or wrong.
For example, I'm sure most overweight people know how to lose weight, but yet, they don't. It doesn't mean the statement "a person loses weight by eating healthy and exercising regularly" is wrong just because the person saying it is fat.
You sure proved your point.
(and a very US-only based argument, at that)
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one of the first comments about this said "state and federal laws." Umm, since the United States has (gasp) states, this seemed to be a discussion led by--but not excluded only to--US citizens. Why are you so annoyed by that? If you hate the US, why not visit a non-US-based DS blog (blogspot is part of Google)? And if you hate the Westernized world so much, stop reading an English-based blog. Or if you want to hang out here, then contribute instead of telling others their comments are too USA-y.
And why is that bad? I mean, I'm pretty sure every country represented by readers/posters here has laws and taxes of some sort. So instead of getting your knickers in a twist about the US stuff, post about your country or change the topic. Or go eat a gallon of Vegemite on top of Bobotie while watching Rede Globo and doing yoga on the floor of your yurt. (I tried to make a lot of assumptions about where you, an anon poster, live since you seem hell-bent on assuming where others might live. Ridiculous, isn't it?) We've had convos held in French before. I didn't get pissed off even though I'm not French (nor speak/read it). So what is your deal? Are you British and still mad the US revolted?
The USA - #1 in confidence, #17 in education. That about sums it up.
#158 - The US has never been #1 in education, to my knowledge. I could be wrong but I"m pretty sure I'm not. What has set us apart and above the rest is our drive to succeed. The push to innovate and invent. The ability to assimilate cultures into our own and create something better, stronger. That's why we're still number 1 in the world.
Oh and we can't be doing too bad educationally, as our universities attract the most international students.
http://www.bbc.com/travel/blog/20120926-the-statistics-of-studying-abroad
The United States attracts the most international students, according to the Institute of International Education, with 691,000 students studying abroad in the US during the 2009 to 2010 school year. Of students who study in the US, the majority go to California, New York and Texas, respectively.
#157, come back to the shallow end of the pool, honey. I'm afraid you're going to drown out there in the deep end!
FYI, I am an American and I made comment #152. My point was that you cannot/should not discuss the legality, tax and benefit implications of employees and subcontractors from a State/federal viewpoint here because this industry is filled with designers from across the globe. US laws don't apply to everyone, so it's a weak justification for the argument that there is something wrong with designers selling Quickpages made by their CTs.
Oh, and I think you forgot to take your meds today, sweetie. Best get on that and maybe take a nap, too. Sounds like you need one!
Hey, wait: if you're a non-US designer but you SELL in a store based in the US, do you have to pay US taxes as well as taxes in your country of residence? Ouch, that would stink.)
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No, I don't. Thanks for your response :)
What has set us apart and above the rest is our drive to succeed.
----------
Apart - yes, above - no.
The ability to assimilate cultures into our own and create something better, stronger.
___________________________________
We are Borg. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile.
If everyone did their own fucking work you wouldn't have to worry about anyone else's taxes or supplying documentation for tax purposes to your ctm's whose items you sell (regardless of where you may or may not live). Hey look, problem solved.
I don't have to worry about supplying my CTMs with tax documents. Unless they receive the equivalent of $600 in product or money, I don't have to supply them with anything. They are responsible for paying their own taxes. And yes, CTMs should could the face value of the product they receive as "income" it can be reported as hobby income or if they receive enough as business income. I'm sure most CTs don't bother to report it. There are probably many designers who don't as well.
If everyone did their own fucking work
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My work doesn't involve fucking.
#163 - We actually are a lot like the borg in a paradox type way. We should be dam well proud of it too.
#167 - Who is this 'We' that you speak of?
What happened at DSP?
^^^^^
Comment #133 on this page.
Wow, there's a lot of turmoil over there!
My work doesn't involve fucking.
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Poor you.
maybe DSP will finally allow non digital products in? there kits are all look so 2009 & are small for the prices. Great community, shit product.
My work doesn't involve fucking.
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Poor you.
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Why? I said my work, not my leisure.
If someone sends you an email accusing a designer you work with of piracy from fake email address with no proof included...do you do anything about it?
@175 - anonymous wouldn't bother me, but with no proof, no, I'd just ignore it.
^^^^^^^^^^
What she said.
Wow... so from what I can gather (just kind of guess-timating, from what I read in the forum) is that someone named Margie purchased the site (DSP) from Amanda in/around 2009, and that just recently, due to some unfulfilled contract issue, Amanda has taken ownership back, despite Margie not wanting to sell it back to her... perhaps something similar to a contract-for-deed in real-estate sales? It sounds like Margie tried to do everything she possibly could to keep the site, but Amanda must have had some legal right to take it back, if she wasn't getting the final payments or something like that (?)
So do people like Amanda? It seems like, when I was active there several years ago when she owned it, she appeared (to me anyway) to be pretty snobby and inflexible, and had an "I'm always right!" attitude (to put it nicely) (JMO!)
Why would anyone hang out at DSP??? I've never heard of it before this blog and would never, ever shop there.
$4.99 for this???
http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_282&products_id=17928
You must be joking.
DSP was actually pretty popular... 7 years ago or so. It doesn't seem to have evolved much.
How is JEN C designs at gotta pixel, gingerscarps AND pickle berry pop? I think her designs are disgusting and her previews are horrible. What's so good about her?
181 - her stuff must appeal to lots of people and she must sell or she would not have stayed in those stores!
181 I agreee they look like something I can put together in 15 mins.
Why would anyone hang out at DSP???
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Because they have a nice community.
$4.99 for this???
http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_282&products_id=17928
You must be joking.
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I can go to any store and find any number of products and do the same thing, for example:
$3.99 for this?
http://the-lilypad.com/store/Tomorrow-The-Journal-Cards-by-Lauren-Grier.html
You must be joking!
Um 181 Jen has not been at GS for awhile now. Get your facts straight!
I don't love Jen's stuff but it's not awful either. There's a lot of people out there who are too intimidated or think they can't afford to scrap with SSD quality stuff who will settle for Jen or Connie Prince. And then there's people who just actually seem to like junky stuff with bad palettes and terrible recoloring. I'll never understand it, but there's no accounting for taste.
There's a lot of people out there who are too intimidated or think they can't afford to scrap with SSD quality stuff who will settle for Jen or Connie Prince.
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They are the same thing.
I met Amanda a few years ago at the scrapbook convention. I think she did a MyMemoriessuite workshop on behalf of DSP but was not actively involved with DSP at the time. I went to the workshop & she did a fine job presenting the program.
I went over to the site last night. Apparently a good number of designers are leaving. I haven't been over there in years.
I don't believe that anything at SSD is better quality or easier to scrap with than Connie Prince, or for that matter, JenC. I don't understand the revelry SSD holds with the posters here. It totally eludes me.
Well, after constantly browsing TLP, SO, SBG and SSD, Sweet Shoppe Designs has it all over the others for my type of scrapping. I shop for templates at other places and get kits, etc. on sale other places too (TLP is having a great retirement sale right now) but as far as good quality, useable kits, SSD is by far consistently the best, imo.
There's a lot of people out there who are too intimidated or think they can't afford to scrap with SSD quality stuff
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Why would someone be intimidated by a digital scrapbook kit? If a person was intimidated, what causes he or she to be more so over one kit/designer/store than another?
DSP has been a part of the industry for 9 years. They were one of the very few first digital scrapbook sites. They are very popular because they have a wonderful community and because a lot of people like and prefer hand created graphics over scanned elements. Designers at DSP are true artists.
Admittedly the site is rather dated, hopefully one day that will improve.
186 who cares? Her stuff is still crappy!
I don't love Jen's stuff but it's not awful either.
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Ditto. I've seen much, much worse!
There's a lot of people out there who are too intimidated or think they can't afford to scrap with SSD quality stuff
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Why would someone be intimidated by a digital scrapbook kit? If a person was intimidated, what causes he or she to be more so over one kit/designer/store than another?
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^^^^^this^^^^^
It's probably more likely that there are some stubborn types out there that will do anything BUT scrap with the popular kids' stuff ;)
Or, SSD stuff doesn't appeal to them enough to pay the higher price?
It's probably more likely that there are some stubborn types out there that will do anything BUT scrap with the popular kids' stuff ;)
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Exactly.
Christina Renee is retiring.
And the fact that you would call the designers from SSD the "popular kids" is enough to make me puke and NEVER shop there.
I'd rather spend my money with kind, humble and sweet designers like Jen C than with arrogant people who think they are so much better than everyone else.
the fact that you would call the designers from SSD the "popular kids"
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I believe that was meant tongue-in-cheek and was a slam against people who are constantly bitching about SSD. I don't think it was anyone from SSD that posted that. Just mho.
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