This is my first time visiting here and I'm just a customer. I must say that you all seem to take all of this a little too seriously. Maybe get lives? I know, I know. I must not have a life either if I'm posting here right? Okay. I can take that.
Even if you aren't a designer or CT member you all sounds like miserble people that are just jealous of the next person.
As a customer I must say I really don't care who has a bad reputation...who makes disney stuff...who does anything a lot of you don't like. I don't even care if an element has a few jaggies as no one...including myself looks at my printed pages that closely. I will buy from whoever..whenever bad reputation or not! If I like it, I buy it.
anyone who reads here knows that a lot of scrappers out there in digiland think the sun rises and sets at SSD. It doesn't mean EVERYONE thinks so. But since they (and the Lilypad, as well) are the "in" thing there will be a certain group of scrappers who will ONLY scrap with their products, and a certain group who NEVER will scrap with their products. And then there will be a pretty large group of the above "customer" who buys what they want, because they want it.
I buy regularly from SSD, but I also buy a bit from TLP, GP, and TDC. I look at other shops and I would buy if I liked more of their items, but I don't. Almost everything elsewhere is so juvenile as if everyone needs 40 kits to scrap their kids first time on the potty (or something similar).
SSD is my preferred shop because most of the designers make products that aren't for pictures of 3 year olds and the quality has always been good in my experience.
The biggest difference between someone like KCB compared to JenC is the quality of the papers and variety of unique elements (and quality of recolors). KCB's kits are far superior in paper patterns and texture and her elements are almost always perfection (for the style). JenC's kits are flat, ordinary, and lifeless in comparison.
I'm not saying that to knock Jen C. I'm sure she's a nice person, but her kits really can't compete with someone like KCB IMO.
As a customer I must say I really don't care who has a bad reputation...who makes disney stuff...who does anything a lot of you don't like. I don't even care if an element has a few jaggies as no one...including myself looks at my printed pages that closely. I will buy from whoever..whenever bad reputation or not! If I like it, I buy it.
Get over yourselves. -----------
Get over yourself, seriously. What a sanctimonious, arrogant rant.
As a customer, I do care about jaggies and who breaks copyright. If a designer has a reputation for bad customer service, I want to know about that too.
If you are so happy in your own little mud puddle, why not say there, instead of coming here and delivering your woeful little hand slap in order to make yourself feel like the better person.
This week's releases has 41 products, 2 hybrids for kids, 1 kit definitely for kids (Ju Kneipp's) and 1 kit for kids (Heather Roselli & Meghan Mullens), but could easily be used for other things if the flowers weren't so horribly recolored! YUCK!
Last week's releases had 34 products. Only 1 kit is more kiddish than general (by Heather Roselli).
The week before that had 22 products. 2 kits are kiddish, but definitely have enough general elements to be used for anything (by Jady Day Studio and one by Heather Roselli & Studio Basic).
Before that had 44 products. 2 hybrids for kids, 3 kits for kids, but all have enough general elements to be used for anything (2 by Ju Kneipp & Meghan Mullens and 1 by Jenn Barrette).
The last new release category has 32 products. 2 hybrids for kids, 7 kits are very kiddish. Big week for kids since it was all mostly Easter stuff.
I'd say SSD has grown up. You might want to check before you share your opinion.
The biggest difference between someone like KCB compared to JenC is the quality of the papers and variety of unique elements (and quality of recolors). ----------
I have a few KCB kits that I bought on sale and this is the content of one of them - unique elements?
Two flowers, each recolored three times One button, recolored three times One label, recolored four times One butterfly, recolored twice
It's a 40/60 ratio of one of a kind vs. recolors. For me, those ratios need to be reversed, so there's more one of a kind and less recolors.
Granted, the recolors are very well done and I have no issue with her quality, but I do find her kits bland. Why did I get them? Because the previews looked good, they were on sale but the kits themselves when opened were boring.
I have to say, I own many of KCB's kits and I generally love her stuff. But, I'm not so blinded by fandom as to say it's perfect. She occasionally has quality issues, just like any designer. And sometimes I find things in her kits that are probably more of a preference thing than a mistake. But still, not always perfect.
One of the things she does a lot that drives me bonkers is forgetting to remove the shadow from her button string inside the button holes. Because if she forgets, then when I try to shadow the button itself, it looks all weird and too dark inside the button holes. Small complaint? Yes, I suppose. But, I find it in her kits so frequently and it's such a simple, two minute thing to take care of that it just looks lazy & rushed. And since her guest CT call all but admitted she is always working up till the last minute before release, I guess I shouldn't be surprised little details like that aren't noticed.
Hi, I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a place that has good digi chats. Also are they on a particular day or time? I'd be interested in ones that are more industry or designer related in topics, discussing photoshop techniques etc...
A few years ago there used to be a group of nice people who chatted in ShabbyPrincess's chatroom once a week. Anyone know where these girls ended up? (I don't remember any of their last names otherwise I'd search for them myself).
Just checked out TLP's retirement sale. OMFG, there is some old, shitty shit in that sale. DESIGNERS: If the product you're retiring no longer represents your style, then you should just quietly retire that shit without some big, fussy Retirement Sale bullshit bringing that crap to light. Or at least update your previews before deciding to promote your 2- to 3-year-old shit. And before some sanctimonious White Hat steps in, I know I said "shit" a lot.
I have spent the better part of an hour searching through SSD's shoppe. I say again (I'm 190 from the previous page), I just don't get it! The kits look fine enough, there are even a couple I might buy, but there are definitely not better quality or more original than Connie Prince. Actually I see some of the kits by Traci Reed, Zoe Pearn, and Erica Zane that are extremely similar to kits Connie already has out there. I guess it is just preference, but, I would rather shop her store than any of the ones at SSD. JMHO.
There seems to be a few here who think they know who the popular shops and designers are. This is based on what, your opinion? There are many designers making outstanding kits and earning lots of money and are not mentioned here as being popular or in popular stores. Those designers are laughing all the way to the bank!
Connie is hardly original. Nice to see her fan club's here.
11 - I like KCB, too but think maybe she should "take a week off" and push back the release date so that her kits aren't rushed. It is a simple easy fix that even newbie designers gets smacked for. Surprised Robin hasn't caught on and said something.
Really now I am part of Connie's fan club just because I state that she is just as good, if not better than anything that I see at SSD. Fine, glad to be. Just take a look at how long each of these designers have been in business and you'll see who is original. Just sayin'.
The reason everyone's kits begin to look the same is that there are too many designers in this business and if one comes up with something a little different 50 other designers will love the idea and make their own. There are still some original designers out there you just have to go look for them. Sometimes you'll even find a designer who never gets mentioned here because you don't know about them. I like going through stores jus tot see who's doing what. Great way to find new things.
But then again I don't think you really care to know that because you constantly whine about the same designers time and time again. Obviously you are looking in the wrong places and don't ask me to go naming a few. Find your own!!
#13 you're just being mean. I'm a customer and I buy from many designers and almost all the shops if I find something on sale. TLP is one of my favorites. I wish I had the money to buy 80% of the stuff on the site. Their retirement sale products are 10 times better then a lot of bad digi stuff that is made and sold today.
#19 I totally agree with you about one designer making something original and then 50 designers copying that with their own style. In the end we see many similar things over and over again. There are just too many designers in digi land, I doubt there are that many customers to buy all these new kits that come out every week and all the stuff that are already packed in stores. I spend tons of money on digi supplies and I think I have everything I need X 20. I'm tired of buying. Something has to be very unique, on a great sale or being retired for me to buy something these days.
Yes, a lot of stuff starts to look alike, even some "styles" are being taken left and right by other designers. Yet, it is interesting how sometimes, one designer will be criticized for "coyping" someone else's idea, whether it is a theme, a specific element, a style, a color palette, etc. Even without looking around, a designer might end up creating something similar to someone else, unintentionally if you consider the number of designers out there! Maybe just buy what you like, from who you like, even if it is similar to someone else.
There is nothing original in digi. Nothing. It's all "inspired" by something else. Art journaling is not original, hand-crafted isn't original, traditional scrapping is obviously not original. Nothing at TLP, SSD, SBG, etc is new or original.
Have fun on your quests for the Holy Grail of scrapbooking supplies. I'll be scrapping with my ordinary, non-original kits and even some templates (gasp) and enjoying every minute of it.
18 - not the op but yeah, kind of the definition of fan club? Connie isn't original at all and her kits are full of cu. Not sure she creates anything of her own actually. Doesn't surprise me that half of the products in any collection of hers are done by her ct.
I'm not saying they aren't ok looking or have decent colors. but like others have said, they aren't original. Very little in the business is. But it's laughable that you pick Connie as an example for originality.
20, I'm post 13. I am not being mean: I'm telling the designers that most of what's retiring isn't really up to the same standards as what (most of) the designers are currently releasing. They should take that as a compliment because it means they've evolved as designers.
And if you like the stuff, then good for you because you get to buy it at half off. I like TLP and spend way too much money there. This weekend, however, none of that money was on "retirement pad" stuff.
25 are you kidding me with the cu comment? Have you browsed through SSD lately with your eyes open?? If you are going to be honest, those kits are laden with cu!
There seems to be a few here who think they know who the popular shops and designers are. This is based on what, your opinion? There are many designers making outstanding kits and earning lots of money and are not mentioned here as being popular or in popular stores. Those designers are laughing all the way to the bank! ---------
The reason everyone's kits begin to look the same is that there are too many designers in this business and if one comes up with something a little different 50 other designers will love the idea and make their own. --------
The funny thing is that this is the exact same complaint that was made 6 years ago, which means things haven't changed at all.
most of what's retiring isn't really up to the same standards as what (most of) the designers are currently releasing.
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isn't that the point of a retirement sale? You retire all the crappy stuff that doesn't reflect your design style anymore. It's nice that they did the sale instead of just not having it in their shops anymore. I picked up a few things that have been on my wishlist for awhile, but I didn't like enough to pay full price for.
#35 I browsed through the items on sale at TLP and I agree with you. Some of the good stuff I already have. I think I'll end up buying 2-3 things which is nothing compared to what I usually buy at sales. Maybe I have too much stuff already or maybe the prices are high for the quality of the items. Who knows?
^^^ Who do they think they are? I'd like to see more people share those previews just to spite them. I would do it but I never buy the fix and never intend to. What a bunch of arrogant asses.
Why not go and look and find out? Apr 14, 2013, 9:33:00 PM
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Not the person who first asked, but I figured I'd go have a look, since I haven't been to DSA in a long while. The site is a mess! What is going on over there?
The store appears to be down, so I don't know how they are going to offer the next edition of the Fix. When I tried to find the newsletter, it wasn't easy, but on the page I finally found, it only shows thumbnails from 2011 newsletters and a couple text links for the early part of 2012.
I hope they are just actively working on redoing the site, or something? By the time I finally found a thread regarding the designer call, there was just two posts in it. One was the original call ad which said responses would be sent by April 5th. The other was a post from someone who had applied and hadn't received a response, as of April 9th.
Why does it seem like every time I go to DSA it is being over run with spam???? Are the spammers getting that terrible???? Do other sites have that problem?
Given that the DSA store isn't open yet, it's hardly surprising they've not announced their designers. Yes it would appear there will be a problem with the Fix - it's new that the store link is missing - must be some tech issue
you're in reality a just right webmaster. The site loading pace is amazing. It seems that you're doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterwork. you've done a great activity on this topic!
No, you're not a dumbass. YOU are the bitch. Someone asked a simple question and you have to be a crack about it and then YOU have the audacity to call her a bitch. Well, maybe you are a D U M B A S S!
Really? Saying go and look is being a crack? It was a simple answer to a simple question to which I get the response - fucking dumbass - that's audacious and bitchy.
Yes, really. On top of that, you're extremely annoying. Catch a clue-you're a condescending jerk who tries to justify her bitchy behavior which makes you even more of an asshole.
Anonymous said... 55 I've been waiting for One Story Down to announce the result of their designer call, but so far nothing. It was held a month ago! ---------------
wouldn't it be hilarious if the two fighting over a smack blog actually were friends in scrapland, and just didn't know it. made me laugh, which is probably against the "self-made" rules of smack
Yes, really. On top of that, you're extremely annoying. Catch a clue-you're a condescending jerk who tries to justify her bitchy behavior which makes you even more of an asshole. --------
I'm hoping TLP does, too, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm hoping there are lots of good free with purchase things and great sales (50% or more) at SSD, SO, SM, and SBG. SBG doesn't usually do much as a store, but I hope the designers have some good sales.
I'm looking forward to NSD, too. You're not alone!
I'm glad they get together and have fun, but why should we care? That's what I don't get. They try so hard to be cool that it's kinda pathetic. Are we supposed to want to be there with them and feel sad that we weren't? What's the point?
That's scraping the bottom of the barrel? What planet are you living on? I don't scrap for kids, but her Memoirs stuff is really very pretty. I think she might fit better at SSD or SO than SBG but from the previews looks to be every bit as good as anyone in any of those stores (without the super high prices). Thanks! I've got some shopping to do!
If you don't get why some people won't shop at SBG, I'd guess that you've started scrapping in the last two or three years.
Here are a few reasons why
- Maya is very opinionated and some see it as her being dictatorial and telling people what they should and should not be doing
- one of her designers many years ago took another designer's templates and used them in her work without asking. When the template designer confronted the thief designer, she denied it and Maya went on a rampage about her how designers wouldn't do that etc etc. Turns out the thief designer did steal the template, there were no apologies from Maya. She removed the designer from her store only to put her back on two months later.
- there was another tussle in the DCR (and as I was no longer a member at that stage, I can only tell you how it played out on the old smack blog and if anyone was actually there in the DCR at the time, please feel free to correct me on the details) when Maya blew out Cassel for copying scripts from her designers. Now while a lot of people here don't like Cassel, the way that Maya handled the situation was appalling. Maya later removed all of her incendiary remarks from her posts, which ended up making a lot of other designers look bad.
There were a few other incidences but those are the ones that I can remember.
I think the poster was referring to the Digital Scrapbook Studio, where Digilicious has been selling the last few years, NOT scrapbookgraphics. Hence the comment that Digilicious guesting at SBG was a good thing for her. And I don't know why she doesn't want to shop at the Stupido, other than that navigation is kind of weird.
97. The first story is inaccurate. The designer was removed from the store without any public statements by Maya. She was returned to the store a couple of months later and that was when Maya made a public statement sharing the designer's public apology. The designer claimed ignorance about how she used the template which was probably bogus but Maya decided to give her a second chance. Some people thought that was fucked and that the designer should never have been allowed back into the industry.
The second story is off too. Cassel did not copy scripts but was bitching about asking permission to do so to copy the format of a design she saw, and having her permission denied. Maya came to the defense of the designer who was being complained about and she should just kept her mouth shut, because as it turned out that designer had taken the idea from a public tutorial so it was unnecessary to ask permission for it. Maya deleted her posts when she found out that DST staff had been editing portions. The designer from SBG shut down shortly after.
#102 - no, your version is inaccurate. The designer was never removed from the store during the fiasco, she was only removed later because Maya was basically pressured into it.
Thanks for the clarification on story 2, I did mention that I didn't have all the details so there was no need to tell me that it was off.
Cassel's story is still inaccurate. Cassel initially was asking if a designer was allowed to forbid others from doing something similar. She didn't mention anyone, or any product. She was working on a script that she was asked when she found out the end result was something similar to what one designer at SBG had. She had contacted the designer about that similarity and that is when the designer thought she was asking her permission (which she didn't have to, so why did she think that?). That is when the SBG designers started attacking Cassel for being unoriginal and copying someone else's idea and then Maya came out very strong attacking Cassel for stealing her designers "super unique and original idea" and trying to make money off her "designer's idea", and so on. And then, someone posted the tutorial that was used by the designer, and it was an exact copy (same size, same font, even the same shadowing error). So the "unique" idea was not even her designer's and the tutorial writer was not even credited in her product (of course, she must have presented it as her own unique and totally original idea) and Maya believed her. When that was all in the open, Maya never returned to appologize for her outburst, or any of her comments. The designer was removed "quietly" shortly after.
Oh, that's right and then the designer returned later by 'popular demand' but no longer with the product in question. I also remember that the designer was no longer using her own name but was working in The Lab, which was a 'fusion of designers' or something like that, which was only ever that one designer.
That thing with Cassell and the other designer ... I couldn't' get over how Maya was just raving about her designer, how she was the first in a long time to come up with something truly unique, truly new ... only to be told it was made from a free tutorial on Gunhilde's site. And Maya just disappeared after that - she did not come back and apologize or anything.
Well I for one like the Studio. As someone has already mentioned, the navigation is a bit weird, but apart from that I don't have any problems with it. So WHY do you think Studio = Stupido?
I am not a fan of the Studio. Aside from the fact that I find it nearly impossible to get to without a direct link and then it's crazy difficult to navigate once I get there...if I manage to beat all the odds and get there, the large bulk of the designers just seem yucky to me. Even Digilicious, who I was not familiar with before this blog, just seems ok. NOT SBG quality...which I associate with Flergs. Her first dinosaur kit on her blog is nice, but aside from the Memoirs stuff, everything else looks pretty gross and the Memoirs stuff isn't my style. I happen to love Flergs, but I don't know anyone else who sells at SBG, so Digilicous doesn't fit my perception of what I would find there.
I did mention that I didn't have all the details so there was no need to tell me that it was off.
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Touchy much? Get a grip. You wrote something that wasn't true (even though you said you didn't have all the details); someone corrects you and you get all defensive? Grow up.
@116 How other people scrap their memories has no bearing whatsoever on how I scrap mine, so whether other people use templates matters not in the least.
WHO was the "truly original" SBG designer you guys are talking about? I can't remember her design name for the life of me, even though I read the original Cassel/Maya exchange with a big bowl of popcorn.
116: Why does it bother you? I'm really asking for your opinion--I'm asking in a non-threatening way. Personally, I look at templates as a starting point, just as perusing a gallery for inspiration is a starting point. Plus, I CT for a template designer and I loooove her templates. They allow me to really play with my page because I don't have to worry about figuring out balance: the template already has that, so I can "play" with my elements and papers and feel like the page is balanced even if it's only half-done. (Hope that makes sense!) But that's just me. If you don't like templates, then it's a good thing they're not required in order to scrap. I don't use them on my minimalist pages because I already have the page's LO in my head. But templates help with my full pages.
118 - It was Studio Dutchie, and ex-SBG designer (as you can read by how other SBG designers jumped on that thread). And she was brought back when the scrappers (who didn't know about the behind the scene story) wondered where she disappeared to: http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?p=2604162 And was it an entertaining story to read with popcorn?
Touchy much? Get a grip. You wrote something that wasn't true (even though you said you didn't have all the details); someone corrects you and you get all defensive? Grow up. -------
117-Exactly. I can tell by looking at a template if I'm going to like a layout with it or not. Lots of times I move things around to fit my own ideas of how I want the finished layout. Lots of times I'll use the template out of the box. Whatever, it's my layout, and I like to use them. So what?
122, that wasn't the thread to which I was referring. The thread the PP were talking about was in the Designer-only area. But thanks for trying. -------------------------- Didn't try anything. I was also refering to the thread in the DCR which was pretty long if I remember and full of twists (especially when someone posted the link to the tutorial).
most Ct's these days use templates, which while quick and easy does nothing for individuality. Pages end up looking like others,IMO. Personally it doesn't worry me but I hardly ever use them as why pay good money when I can use design principals and create a balanced LO. Or take a snap shot of LO's that I love and just use that as a guide to placement.
I don't understand what you mean by 'the studio is impossible to get to without a direct link.'
I don't see anything wrong with the navigation.
And WOW there must be something personal behind calling the owner 'a greedy little piggy.' I don't like her designs much but that doesn't make me angry, which you clearly are.
I wish people would be more descriptive than 'yuckky' and 'gross.'
I really like Digilicious stuff. I feel like she has a really consistent style. Memoirs is not my style, but the Hello Sunshine kit right under it in her store is really cute. There's lots of cute things there.
I don't like her name though. I am sick of the 'icious' variations.
Who cares if CTs use templates? It's not like people are looking in galleries much anymore for inspiration. The entire point of a CT page is to show more of the kit. Period. If they can do that using a template, why the hell do you care as a customer?
Oh, that's right, you're not a customer. You're someone pissed off who didn't make a CT over others who used a template and you didn't. Newsflash - your original pages aren't all that great and likely aren't even "original." Oh wow, good for you. You put 3 pictures in the center of your page all on your own then put some elements around them. HOW CREATIVE! You should make every CT from this point forward.
Thus, there are many broad options for getting to know various kinds of news today and that too through the use of various mediums. We realize that we don't need to listen to outside authorities; we are not guided by our internal authority. Thus they can choose from the many available sources.
Yep I agree with 131, Toiny sucks as an owner unless you make a lot of $$. She admits openly to playing favorites by giving the designers who make more $$ the better promotion slots and more frequently because it's good business for her. Of course it's a vicious cycle then because the designers who make less don't get a chance to make more since those promotions bring in big $$ for the designers who get them. She refuses to do a fair sign-up system and it's a competitive free-for-all trying to get the spots and just because you get a spot, doesn't mean you'll get to keep it if she decides that she'll make more $$ by giving it to someone else even the day before after you've done all the work on the special ads and freebies.
141-Well, that stinks. That doesn't seem quite fair at all. I wonder why the designers there put up with it. There are so many other shops to choose from.
There are so many other shops to choose from. ********************** I honestly wonder what shops are really worth asking to join. The so-called "top" stores are often smacked for whatever reason in here, then others are described as "ugly", "full of crap", or having less-than-professional owners. Looking at the list on the right, I can see several stores that were smacked in here, but I am not sure the other ones are really worth approaching. What do you think?
You just have to find someplace that you feel good about. Don't worry about what is said here, find out for yourself. While some of it might be true, not all of it is.
why pay good money when I can use design principals and create a balanced LO. -- Maybe some don't have your knack for using design principals and/or don't wish to take the time to use them?
I'm surprised TDC is included in that group and that SBG is not. -- I would have agreed with this a while bsck but, personally, I think SBG, as a whole, is really starting to suck big ones. So much of their stuff looks AWFUL! Also, their site, comparatively speaking, looks like crap! It's brick and mortar comparison would be the secondhand looking shop where you have to root through tons of junk to find something you like!
There are so many other shops to choose from. -- Name 'em, please, because I must be unaware of them. I shop exclusively at the ones mentioned. I'd love to spread the wealth but haven't ever found any shop that consistently sells stuff I like. Thanks.
It might be fun to make an anonymous poll on an anonymous smack blog to find worthy places to shop aside from the regularly named and smacked places! Of course, there is a matter of personal taste as to what products appeal to which customers, but as a designer, what stores are worth at least looking into? Maybe rate stores on a 1 to 10 scale (1 being the lowest and 10 the highest)? I would be very curious to see what would come out of such an anonymous poll!
I'm on several CT's and I use templates. Several of the designers I work with also design templates, so I used their templates with their kits. None of the designers I work with discourage their teams from using templates, as long as they are CU templates.
Although it might not be recent, these links might help you:
Review of a SBG designers at the time: http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?postID=8151496515141525505&blogID=611446092248022860&isPopup=false&page=11 (at the bottom)
I'm on several CT's and I use templates. Several of the designers I work with also design templates, so I used their templates with their kits. None of the designers I work with discourage their teams from using templates, as long as they are CU templates. - So?
SBG aren't on the list because they've never been on those lists. It's not what they do.
I don't know why, but there it is.
Perhaps they want to stand on their own, which they seem to have done successfully, despite some of the haters. They are still one of the few stores that doesn't have constant sales. Even TLP and SSD, which used to be like that now have more sales than they used to.
Eh, bottom line is that the store owners are doing what they think is best for business. Of course they want to be on the self-proclaimed elite store list that are allowed to participate in this blogtrain. Most of the designers in those stores don't participate in the DST train anyway, probably because there are so many terrible contributions. I'm sure all the other stores in digiland are whining in their backrooms about not being included because they all want to think they are a top store. There are only a couple that might have a legitimate complaint about not being included. So start your own elite train with stores/designers other than the ones in this new one and see which one comes out with the better stuff. I'd love to see what happens. And for the record, I absolutely believe that another blogtrain could be put together that could rival this one. Just stop being whiny, sore losers and do something about it.
I'm glad to see a blog train that wont be 80% crap with a couple decent contributions. I imagine these stores together will create 80% useable stuff and a few will be crap.
I know this pisses off some people, but if you're so pissed off, do your own blog train. Too many designers at less "elite" stores have no idea what it takes to build a name for yourself because they're too busy putting down those who have already made a name for themselves calling them arrogant, etc.
If you worked as hard as you run your mouths, you might be better designers than you think you are.
I think you'd be surprised how many designers are quietly making a living without proclaiming themselves 'elite.'
I react negatively to the 'parade' blogtrain idea not out of any kind of jealousy but because it's just so arrogant. I'd have to be a designer t be jealous.
I don't get why it's arrogant. Those stores are some of the best, so it's not wrong to deduce that the designers at those stores are some of the best. Besides. I saw the last blog train. The Worst is already covered.
I agree. I'm not a designer, just a customer, and I don't find it arrogant at all. I really don't get how anyone could. I wish the worst would just go away.
164 - "Most of the designers in those stores don't participate in the DST train anyway, probably because there are so many terrible contributions." --------
This. I hadn't done a blog train in ages and ages, because it had gotten to be too horrible to associate with. I'm excited to finally have a group of designers to associate with that won't embarrass me.
Customer here, and I think the new blog train will bring more good than bad. You can be mad about it all you want, but the truth is that barely any designers from those 5 shops have been doing the DST blog train for the past few years, with rare exceptions. It will be nice to see some blog train contributions from designers who haven't done that sort of thing in a long time. I, for one am really looking forward to it.
People on this blog have been talking about starting a new invite-only blog train for as long as I can remember. Quite honestly I'm surprised that it took this long. The only thing that ever held anyone back was the fear of having others look down on them for acting elite or snooty. I applaud that someone finally had the balls to just get it done which is something that the majority of people always wanted to see happen, and I think it's interesting that it doesn't even appear to be based on invites.
I figured that designers from those "elite" stores didn't do the DST blog train (or other blog/fb hops) because they felt they didn't need to give away product when people were so eagerly buying it. (Plus, as others have stated, 99% of the DST blog train sucks.) So, when I saw the announcement of a "best" store blog train, my first thought was "Are their sales hurting?" Why else would they deign to participate in a blog train, even one that's only for the "best" stores?
Not all designers participate in blog trains to "generate sales." I like to just give back. But it's way more fun to take part in a good blog train than one that gets slammed here.
Not Arrogant at all. Good business promotion. The only other shop I would have liked to be in that blog train would be Oscraps. As a customer, Im hoping to get to know some new designers (to me)
'I hadn't done a blog train in ages and ages, because it had gotten to be too horrible to associate with. I'm excited to finally have a group of designers to associate with that won't embarrass me.'
This wouldn't bother me if they worded it differently. I have no problem with a group of people getting together to do something together - I have a problem with a group of people getting together because they all like to tell each other they are better than everyone else.
I think the good designers who to the DST blog train actually have an opportunity to really shine. I have found one or two new favorites that way. It's a great way to share with your community and also show that you don't feel 'to good' to mix with your less successful peers.
I also think it's funny how many times people here smack designers for being arrogant - but now that there's a large amount of (presumable high-quality) freebies on the line, suddenly its OK.
'I hadn't done a blog train in ages and ages, because it had gotten to be too horrible to associate with. I'm excited to finally have a group of designers to associate with that won't embarrass me.' ------
I'd call it honesty, but for some, especially the some on here, that's the same thing.
If you tell it like it is, you are arrogant and if you are polite, you're an ass kisser.
182-said: I have a problem with a group of people getting together because they all like to tell each other they are better than everyone else.
Well, maybe they think they are, and they are trying to be honest. Who cares anyhow? If you like the designers at those stores, and even if you don't, you'll download the FREE kit and then complain about it somehow. That is what happens here. I don't know why the designers even try to put together a free kit for anybody. All they ever get is grief. (It's poor quality, it's not big enough, it's ugly colors, it's not original-so and so's part was junk-and so on and so on.)
The truth here is that no customer out there is going to care or complain about an exclusive blog train that involves top-tier shops and leaves out the riff-raff. The only people who are going to complain are the designers who sell at shops that aren't included on the list and are mad that they are going to miss out on an opportunity that other designers have. It's jealousy pure and simple. Let's not kid ourselves into thinking that non-designers are sitting around thinking "I can't believe the arrogance! Those 5 stores just lost my money! How dare they band together and offer me freebies!"
I think it is a rude comment. You can go about something without putting other people down and making them feel like crap. I bet they were not all perfect right out of the box and some of the people who do the blog trains are new. Dont they get a chance to learn just like everyone else. If you dont like it dont join in or dont download it. No need to be nasty in front of 1000's of people about how much other people suck. Way to motivate and make people feel like they are worth something. Also no I am not someone who does the blog train or even dl's it. I just dont feel like publicly humiliating people is very good customer service.
#136 I don't know what The Studio is actually called and if you google that, digital scrapbooking doesn't even show up on the first page. Impossible is an exaggeration...annoying probably better. I have to add more words to the search, because I always forget the first time. It's a little thing, but it drives me crazy that you can't just go there. If the site is digitalscrapbookingstudio, I wish they would just call it that.
'I hadn't done a blog train in ages and ages, because it had gotten to be too horrible to associate with. I'm excited to finally have a group of designers to associate with that won't embarrass me.'
Did a designer PUBLICLY say that or just "some random person" here?
188 - WTF are you talking about? Are you saying that you think top-tier stores joining together to create one big blog train is intended to "be nasty in front of 1000's of people about how much other people suck" or "publicly humiliate people"? You have to be kidding me. It's not like this blog train's FB page says "we've had it with Crappy Designer A and Crappy Designer B and we're going to list all of the Crappy Designers names here that we felt were dragging us down, and then create a totally new blog train out of sheer nastiness!" And WTF are you talking about customer service for? You're telling me that this new blog train is bad customer service because it makes the designers/shops that are not included feel bad about themselves? How, exactly, is that bad customer service?
The truth is that each of those shops have been running their own blog trains and Facebook trains for the past year or two anyway. So now they finally decided to get together and do one big train to maximize their exposure to customers? This offends you why?
Was anyone mad when SSD held their last FB hop? Did they call it arrogant? What about TLP's FB hop right now? Was anyone considering that to be arrogant? Other designers who don't sell at those shops aren't allowed to participate - because they don't sell at those shops. Plain and simple. It's not arrogance, it's just what it is.
Why does the fact that those shops are now joining together into one blog train make it more arrogant? It doesn't, unless you're a designer who can't get into one of those shops and this just reminds you of it. That's your problem, though, and has nothing to do with arrogance of other people.
'I hadn't done a blog train in ages and ages, because it had gotten to be too horrible to associate with. I'm excited to finally have a group of designers to associate with that won't embarrass me.'
Saying something like that is bad customer service. Would you want to say that to a customers face. Even if it was just said on this blog which I am pretty sure is read by many many people. Customers and fellow designers. Why would you say something like that if you were not one of the designers involved. I am not dissing the blog train at all I have no problem with it I could really care less. I just feel like the above comment was rude and tasteless. Call it what you want! Call me what you want again I could care less and no not crappy designer c thanks! Sadly not enough people will see your rude comment or they will not care because they will be getting something for free. Have fun with your super designer blog train. :)
If adults designers are MADE to feel inferior by what a few people say on Facebook or a blog then they need to do something different with their time. They have a big problem they need to fix within themselves before they get into a competitive market. Bottom Line: As a customer, I feel the best designers for my type of scrapping are at SSD, TLP and a very few at SO. There are several designers at both SSD and TLP whom I can take or leave. There's a few I can't stand. For instance, I cannot stand most of Studio Basic's stuff at SSD. I cannot imagine ever buying anything of hers..ever.
That statement has nothing to do with customer service. Customers are purchasers, not freebie grabbers.
What's more, the statement is true. If you are consistently associated with inferior designs, sooner or later the association will stick in people's minds. I'm sorry if that doesn't fit with your desire to keep everyone equal, but the fact is, they are NOT equal. As many posters on this blog are pleased to proclaim. Some designers are better than others, for whatever reason. It just IS. They have the option to keep improving themselves, but many of them just complain that their creations don't sell because there are too many freebies.
They have the option to keep improving themselves, but many of them just complain that their creations don't sell because there are too many freebies. _____
Ironically, it's these same designers who are clamoring to be a part of an elite blog train where they... give out freebies. SMH. Those designers will never get it.
The color palette alone is so much superior to anything DST has offered in... ever. You might think it's a fun challenge to create something bearable out of a crappy palette, but it is so much more satisfying to start with something nice to begin with. I admit I'm surprised that anyone would complain about a new hop with great designers and good colors that was FREE. Makes me wonder.
Like I said, 199, there's no way it's customers or freebie hunters complaining. It's designers who can't get in at top shops and are jealous and pissed, or it's the people running the DST blog train.
1043 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 600 of 1043 Newer› Newest»This is my first time visiting here and I'm just a customer. I must say that you all seem to take all of this a little too seriously. Maybe get lives? I know, I know. I must not have a life either if I'm posting here right? Okay. I can take that.
Even if you aren't a designer or CT member you all sounds like miserble people that are just jealous of the next person.
As a customer I must say I really don't care who has a bad reputation...who makes disney stuff...who does anything a lot of you don't like. I don't even care if an element has a few jaggies as no one...including myself looks at my printed pages that closely. I will buy from whoever..whenever bad reputation or not! If I like it, I buy it.
Get over yourselves.
anyone who reads here knows that a lot of scrappers out there in digiland think the sun rises and sets at SSD. It doesn't mean EVERYONE thinks so. But since they (and the Lilypad, as well) are the "in" thing there will be a certain group of scrappers who will ONLY scrap with their products, and a certain group who NEVER will scrap with their products. And then there will be a pretty large group of the above "customer" who buys what they want, because they want it.
I buy regularly from SSD, but I also buy a bit from TLP, GP, and TDC. I look at other shops and I would buy if I liked more of their items, but I don't. Almost everything elsewhere is so juvenile as if everyone needs 40 kits to scrap their kids first time on the potty (or something similar).
SSD is my preferred shop because most of the designers make products that aren't for pictures of 3 year olds and the quality has always been good in my experience.
The biggest difference between someone like KCB compared to JenC is the quality of the papers and variety of unique elements (and quality of recolors). KCB's kits are far superior in paper patterns and texture and her elements are almost always perfection (for the style). JenC's kits are flat, ordinary, and lifeless in comparison.
I'm not saying that to knock Jen C. I'm sure she's a nice person, but her kits really can't compete with someone like KCB IMO.
I don't shop at SSD because it seems most of the kits ARE for scrapping children. And I don't.
As a customer I must say I really don't care who has a bad reputation...who makes disney stuff...who does anything a lot of you don't like. I don't even care if an element has a few jaggies as no one...including myself looks at my printed pages that closely. I will buy from whoever..whenever bad reputation or not! If I like it, I buy it.
Get over yourselves.
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Get over yourself, seriously. What a sanctimonious, arrogant rant.
As a customer, I do care about jaggies and who breaks copyright. If a designer has a reputation for bad customer service, I want to know about that too.
If you are so happy in your own little mud puddle, why not say there, instead of coming here and delivering your woeful little hand slap in order to make yourself feel like the better person.
I don't shop at SSD because it seems most of the kits ARE for scrapping children. And I don't.
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Yep and when it's not for kids, it's for moms who love pastels and shabby and seem to still live in the 50s.
Well, I went and actually looked at SSDs store...
This week's releases has 41 products, 2 hybrids for kids, 1 kit definitely for kids (Ju Kneipp's) and 1 kit for kids (Heather Roselli & Meghan Mullens), but could easily be used for other things if the flowers weren't so horribly recolored! YUCK!
Last week's releases had 34 products. Only 1 kit is more kiddish than general (by Heather Roselli).
The week before that had 22 products. 2 kits are kiddish, but definitely have enough general elements to be used for anything (by Jady Day Studio and one by Heather Roselli & Studio Basic).
Before that had 44 products. 2 hybrids for kids, 3 kits for kids, but all have enough general elements to be used for anything (2 by Ju Kneipp & Meghan Mullens and 1 by Jenn Barrette).
The last new release category has 32 products. 2 hybrids for kids, 7 kits are very kiddish. Big week for kids since it was all mostly Easter stuff.
I'd say SSD has grown up. You might want to check before you share your opinion.
The biggest difference between someone like KCB compared to JenC is the quality of the papers and variety of unique elements (and quality of recolors).
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I have a few KCB kits that I bought on sale and this is the content of one of them - unique elements?
Two flowers, each recolored three times
One button, recolored three times
One label, recolored four times
One butterfly, recolored twice
It's a 40/60 ratio of one of a kind vs. recolors. For me, those ratios need to be reversed, so there's more one of a kind and less recolors.
Granted, the recolors are very well done and I have no issue with her quality, but I do find her kits bland. Why did I get them? Because the previews looked good, they were on sale but the kits themselves when opened were boring.
I'd say SSD has grown up. You might want to check before you share your opinion.
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I did, which is why I shared my opinion. I think most of those new releases are kiddish.
I have to say, I own many of KCB's kits and I generally love her stuff. But, I'm not so blinded by fandom as to say it's perfect. She occasionally has quality issues, just like any designer. And sometimes I find things in her kits that are probably more of a preference thing than a mistake. But still, not always perfect.
One of the things she does a lot that drives me bonkers is forgetting to remove the shadow from her button string inside the button holes. Because if she forgets, then when I try to shadow the button itself, it looks all weird and too dark inside the button holes. Small complaint? Yes, I suppose. But, I find it in her kits so frequently and it's such a simple, two minute thing to take care of that it just looks lazy & rushed. And since her guest CT call all but admitted she is always working up till the last minute before release, I guess I shouldn't be surprised little details like that aren't noticed.
Hi, I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a place that has good digi chats. Also are they on a particular day or time? I'd be interested in ones that are more industry or designer related in topics, discussing photoshop techniques etc...
A few years ago there used to be a group of nice people who chatted in ShabbyPrincess's chatroom once a week. Anyone know where these girls ended up? (I don't remember any of their last names otherwise I'd search for them myself).
Thanks!! :)
Just checked out TLP's retirement sale. OMFG, there is some old, shitty shit in that sale. DESIGNERS: If the product you're retiring no longer represents your style, then you should just quietly retire that shit without some big, fussy Retirement Sale bullshit bringing that crap to light. Or at least update your previews before deciding to promote your 2- to 3-year-old shit.
And before some sanctimonious White Hat steps in, I know I said "shit" a lot.
This is my first time visiting here
___________________________
Liar.
I have spent the better part of an hour searching through SSD's shoppe. I say again (I'm 190 from the previous page), I just don't get it! The kits look fine enough, there are even a couple I might buy, but there are definitely not better quality or more original than Connie Prince. Actually I see some of the kits by Traci Reed, Zoe Pearn, and Erica Zane that are extremely similar to kits Connie already has out there. I guess it is just preference, but, I would rather shop her store than any of the ones at SSD. JMHO.
There seems to be a few here who think they know who the popular shops and designers are. This is based on what, your opinion?
There are many designers making outstanding kits and earning lots of money and are not mentioned here as being popular or in popular stores. Those designers are laughing all the way to the bank!
Connie is hardly original. Nice to see her fan club's here.
11 - I like KCB, too but think maybe she should "take a week off" and push back the release date so that her kits aren't rushed. It is a simple easy fix that even newbie designers gets smacked for. Surprised Robin hasn't caught on and said something.
Really now I am part of Connie's fan club just because I state that she is just as good, if not better than anything that I see at SSD. Fine, glad to be. Just take a look at how long each of these designers have been in business and you'll see who is original. Just sayin'.
The reason everyone's kits begin to look the same is that there are too many designers in this business and if one comes up with something a little different 50 other designers will love the idea and make their own. There are still some original designers out there you just have to go look for them. Sometimes you'll even find a designer who never gets mentioned here because you don't know about them. I like going through stores jus tot see who's doing what. Great way to find new things.
But then again I don't think you really care to know that because you constantly whine about the same designers time and time again. Obviously you are looking in the wrong places and don't ask me to go naming a few. Find your own!!
#13 you're just being mean.
I'm a customer and I buy from many designers and almost all the shops if I find something on sale.
TLP is one of my favorites. I wish I had the money to buy 80% of the stuff on the site.
Their retirement sale products are 10 times better then a lot of bad digi stuff that is made and sold today.
#19 I totally agree with you about one designer making something original and then 50 designers copying that with their own style. In the end we see many similar things over and over again.
There are just too many designers in digi land, I doubt there are that many customers to buy all these new kits that come out every week and all the stuff that are already packed in stores.
I spend tons of money on digi supplies and I think I have everything I need X 20. I'm tired of buying.
Something has to be very unique, on a great sale or being retired for me to buy something these days.
well, I think a lot of paper scrapping supplies look alike, too. And some of the "original" stuff is originally icky.
Yes, a lot of stuff starts to look alike, even some "styles" are being taken left and right by other designers. Yet, it is interesting how sometimes, one designer will be criticized for "coyping" someone else's idea, whether it is a theme, a specific element, a style, a color palette, etc. Even without looking around, a designer might end up creating something similar to someone else, unintentionally if you consider the number of designers out there!
Maybe just buy what you like, from who you like, even if it is similar to someone else.
There is nothing original in digi. Nothing. It's all "inspired" by something else. Art journaling is not original, hand-crafted isn't original, traditional scrapping is obviously not original. Nothing at TLP, SSD, SBG, etc is new or original.
Have fun on your quests for the Holy Grail of scrapbooking supplies. I'll be scrapping with my ordinary, non-original kits and even some templates (gasp) and enjoying every minute of it.
18 - not the op but yeah, kind of the definition of fan club? Connie isn't original at all and her kits are full of cu. Not sure she creates anything of her own actually. Doesn't surprise me that half of the products in any collection of hers are done by her ct.
I'm not saying they aren't ok looking or have decent colors. but like others have said, they aren't original. Very little in the business is. But it's laughable that you pick Connie as an example for originality.
20, I'm post 13. I am not being mean: I'm telling the designers that most of what's retiring isn't really up to the same standards as what (most of) the designers are currently releasing. They should take that as a compliment because it means they've evolved as designers.
And if you like the stuff, then good for you because you get to buy it at half off. I like TLP and spend way too much money there. This weekend, however, none of that money was on "retirement pad" stuff.
This just showed up in my Facebook feed. It makes me wonder if something is going on behind the scenes.
http://withlovestudio.net/blog/2013/04/a-note-about-piracy/
27 - there's definitely a story here - hoping someone shares it here!
I was also wondering why Connie was mentioned about being original....you have to be joking! She is one of the biggest copy cats out there!
25 are you kidding me with the cu comment? Have you browsed through SSD lately with your eyes open?? If you are going to be honest, those kits are laden with cu!
There seems to be a few here who think they know who the popular shops and designers are. This is based on what, your opinion?
There are many designers making outstanding kits and earning lots of money and are not mentioned here as being popular or in popular stores. Those designers are laughing all the way to the bank!
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So?
The reason everyone's kits begin to look the same is that there are too many designers in this business and if one comes up with something a little different 50 other designers will love the idea and make their own.
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The funny thing is that this is the exact same complaint that was made 6 years ago, which means things haven't changed at all.
most of what's retiring isn't really up to the same standards as what (most of) the designers are currently releasing.
__________________________
isn't that the point of a retirement sale? You retire all the crappy stuff that doesn't reflect your design style anymore. It's nice that they did the sale instead of just not having it in their shops anymore. I picked up a few things that have been on my wishlist for awhile, but I didn't like enough to pay full price for.
Has DSA announced their designers yet?
I only picked up 2 things at TLP's retirement sale. I thought almost all of it was a bunch of overpriced crap - even on sale.
Has DSA announced their designers yet?
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Why not go and look and find out?
#35 I browsed through the items on sale at TLP and I agree with you.
Some of the good stuff I already have. I think I'll end up buying 2-3 things which is nothing compared to what I usually buy at sales. Maybe I have too much stuff already or maybe the prices are high for the quality of the items. Who knows?
Hmm. http://thedailydigi.com/have-you-ever-wondered-why-we-keep-it-a-surprise/
^^^^
As I was reading, I was wondering why the hmm, until I got to the penultimate paragraph.
Nice word usage! You just don't get many opportunities to use "penultimate" in a smack blog. ;)
Hmm. http://thedailydigi.com/have-you-ever-wondered-why-we-keep-it-a-surprise/
^^^
Who do they think they are? I'd like to see more people share those previews just to spite them. I would do it but I never buy the fix and never intend to. What a bunch of arrogant asses.
Has DSA announced their designers yet?
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Why not go and look and find out?
Apr 14, 2013, 9:33:00 PM
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Not the person who first asked, but I figured I'd go have a look, since I haven't been to DSA in a long while. The site is a mess! What is going on over there?
The store appears to be down, so I don't know how they are going to offer the next edition of the Fix. When I tried to find the newsletter, it wasn't easy, but on the page I finally found, it only shows thumbnails from 2011 newsletters and a couple text links for the early part of 2012.
I hope they are just actively working on redoing the site, or something? By the time I finally found a thread regarding the designer call, there was just two posts in it. One was the original call ad which said responses would be sent by April 5th. The other was a post from someone who had applied and hadn't received a response, as of April 9th.
So, my guess is they haven't announced yet. o_O
Why not go and look and find out?
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I DID, went to DSA and couldn't find a store link. Went to their FB page and didn't see it.
Quit being such a fucking dumbass.
THANK YOU 42!
Why does it seem like every time I go to DSA it is being over run with spam???? Are the spammers getting that terrible???? Do other sites have that problem?
Given that the DSA store isn't open yet, it's hardly surprising they've not announced their designers. Yes it would appear there will be a problem with the Fix - it's new that the store link is missing - must be some tech issue
you're in reality a just right webmaster. The site loading pace is amazing. It seems that you're doing any unique trick.
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I like how these spammers keep showing up but my comments are always missing.
Nice word usage! You just don't get many opportunities to use "penultimate" in a smack blog. ;)
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No, you don't :)
I DID, went to DSA and couldn't find a store link. Went to their FB page and didn't see it.
Quit being such a fucking dumbass.
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Excuse me? I wasn't being a dumbass. Quite being such a fucking bitch all the time! Yeah, I know it's a smack blog but you take it to the extreme.
43 - it's posted on their FB page that the store is broken. Or were you expecting a handwritten note?
I DID, went to DSA and couldn't find a store link. Went to their FB page and didn't see it.
Quit being such a fucking dumbass.
THANK YOU 42!
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It would seem that you are the dumbass, seeing as you couldn't find it but someone else did.
Am I the only one stalking FB to see the outcomes of the calls that ended this weekend/today?
Which calls?
Am I the only one stalking FB to see the outcomes of the calls that ended this weekend/today?
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Could be
I've been waiting for One Story Down to announce the result of their designer call, but so far nothing. It was held a month ago!
Excuse me? I wasn't being a dumbass.
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No, you're not a dumbass. YOU are the bitch. Someone asked a simple question and you have to be a crack about it and then YOU have the audacity to call her a bitch. Well, maybe you are a D U M B A S S!
^^^^
Really? Saying go and look is being a crack? It was a simple answer to a simple question to which I get the response - fucking dumbass - that's audacious and bitchy.
Yes, really. On top of that, you're extremely annoying. Catch a clue-you're a condescending jerk who tries to justify her bitchy behavior which makes you even more of an asshole.
Anonymous said... 55
I've been waiting for One Story Down to announce the result of their designer call, but so far nothing. It was held a month ago!
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Maybe no one applied?
Crack?
wouldn't it be hilarious if the two fighting over a smack blog actually were friends in scrapland, and just didn't know it. made me laugh, which is probably against the "self-made" rules of smack
I guess there's nothing left to smack when I see anonymous posters diasgree about small things.
Yes, really. On top of that, you're extremely annoying. Catch a clue-you're a condescending jerk who tries to justify her bitchy behavior which makes you even more of an asshole.
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Speaking of yourself, are you?
I guess there's nothing left to smack when I see anonymous posters diasgree about small things.
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A lot of the smack on this blog is about small things.
Crack?
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Yeah, I didn't get that either. Maybe she meant crackpot or something.
um, no. Think "buttcrack" So by being a crack you are being an ass.
Another one who didn't get the reference. If you're the only one who did, it's not a good one.
Why not just say "asscrack"?
Who's counting the days to NSD?
Can't decide where I want to fill my wish list
If you live in your own little world, I guess you get to make up your own little words.
Do you think the NSD sales will be good this year?
I can already hear the complaining in my head if stores don't figure out the magic formula for a good sale.
I don't even know when NSD is, so I guess I'm not counting down the days.
#73 You're on a digi smack blog and you don't know what NSD is?
National Scrapbook Day
#69 me...
I have to spend an afternoon and browse through the stores to update my wishlists.
What stores are you hoping will have good sales? I'm hoping TLP will have a good one but they never do.
I'm hoping TLP does, too, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm hoping there are lots of good free with purchase things and great sales (50% or more) at SSD, SO, SM, and SBG. SBG doesn't usually do much as a store, but I hope the designers have some good sales.
I'm looking forward to NSD, too. You're not alone!
#74 - she said WHEN not what.
#73 - it's the first Saturday in May (4th May). Start looking for sales from about 2nd May.
Scrap Orchard has their annual lip-syncing video up. Oh joy!
With Lena in the bathtub.
I'm glad they get together and have fun, but why should we care? That's what I don't get. They try so hard to be cool that it's kinda pathetic. Are we supposed to want to be there with them and feel sad that we weren't? What's the point?
#73 You're on a digi smack blog and you don't know what NSD is?
National Scrapbook Day
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I said WHEN not WHAT! but thanks
#73 - it's the first Saturday in May (4th May). Start looking for sales from about 2nd May.
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Thanks. I can't afford to shop right now.
#83- What stores are you hoping to shop at?
#84 - I'm not even looking, I literally cannot afford to shop right now, maybe in a month or two.
WTF! Digilicious is guesting at ScrapbookGraphics. Talk about scraping the bottom of the barrel!
^^^^
No, Charly would be scraping the bottom of the barrel.
WTF! Digilicious is guesting at ScrapbookGraphics. Talk about scraping the bottom of the barrel!
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I don't know her from a bar of soap but checked her stuff at SBG. Not my style, but it seem well executed. What's your problem?
86 - I've never heard of her before. I like her products, though. I don't see the problem with her at SBG. Is there something we should know?
That's scraping the bottom of the barrel? What planet are you living on? I don't scrap for kids, but her Memoirs stuff is really very pretty. I think she might fit better at SSD or SO than SBG but from the previews looks to be every bit as good as anyone in any of those stores (without the super high prices). Thanks! I've got some shopping to do!
I LOVE Digilicious, I however will not purchase from her at The Stupido. So this is a good thing for me.
91 - out of curiosity, why won't you buy from here there?
I'm curious, too. I've seen this sentiment before, and I love SBG, so I don't get it?
Digilicious things are super cute if you scrap for kids. I've used her things for several years.
93 - The Studio = The Stupido
Yeah, I got that. But why?
If you don't get why some people won't shop at SBG, I'd guess that you've started scrapping in the last two or three years.
Here are a few reasons why
- Maya is very opinionated and some see it as her being dictatorial and telling people what they should and should not be doing
- one of her designers many years ago took another designer's templates and used them in her work without asking. When the template designer confronted the thief designer, she denied it and Maya went on a rampage about her how designers wouldn't do that etc etc. Turns out the thief designer did steal the template, there were no apologies from Maya. She removed the designer from her store only to put her back on two months later.
- there was another tussle in the DCR (and as I was no longer a member at that stage, I can only tell you how it played out on the old smack blog and if anyone was actually there in the DCR at the time, please feel free to correct me on the details) when Maya blew out Cassel for copying scripts from her designers. Now while a lot of people here don't like Cassel, the way that Maya handled the situation was appalling. Maya later removed all of her incendiary remarks from her posts, which ended up making a lot of other designers look bad.
There were a few other incidences but those are the ones that I can remember.
93 - The Studio = The Stupido
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Since the OP actually mentioned SBG in her post, I think she got that part. I believe she wanted to know why people don't want to shop there.
I think the poster was referring to the Digital Scrapbook Studio, where Digilicious has been selling the last few years, NOT scrapbookgraphics. Hence the comment that Digilicious guesting at SBG was a good thing for her. And I don't know why she doesn't want to shop at the Stupido, other than that navigation is kind of weird.
What haPpened to Sahlin Studios "project life" or pocket pages?
Last week in shoppe now can't find them?
97. The first story is inaccurate. The designer was removed from the store without any public statements by Maya. She was returned to the store a couple of months later and that was when Maya made a public statement sharing the designer's public apology. The designer claimed ignorance about how she used the template which was probably bogus but Maya decided to give her a second chance. Some people thought that was fucked and that the designer should never have been allowed back into the industry.
The second story is off too. Cassel did not copy scripts but was bitching about asking permission to do so to copy the format of a design she saw, and having her permission denied. Maya came to the defense of the designer who was being complained about and she should just kept her mouth shut, because as it turned out that designer had taken the idea from a public tutorial so it was unnecessary to ask permission for it. Maya deleted her posts when she found out that DST staff had been editing portions. The designer from SBG shut down shortly after.
#99 - thanks for clearing that up. I've never heard about Digital Scrapbook Studio which is why I am confused!
#102 - no, your version is inaccurate. The designer was never removed from the store during the fiasco, she was only removed later because Maya was basically pressured into it.
Thanks for the clarification on story 2, I did mention that I didn't have all the details so there was no need to tell me that it was off.
Cassel's story is still inaccurate. Cassel initially was asking if a designer was allowed to forbid others from doing something similar. She didn't mention anyone, or any product. She was working on a script that she was asked when she found out the end result was something similar to what one designer at SBG had. She had contacted the designer about that similarity and that is when the designer thought she was asking her permission (which she didn't have to, so why did she think that?). That is when the SBG designers started attacking Cassel for being unoriginal and copying someone else's idea and then Maya came out very strong attacking Cassel for stealing her designers "super unique and original idea" and trying to make money off her "designer's idea", and so on. And then, someone posted the tutorial that was used by the designer, and it was an exact copy (same size, same font, even the same shadowing error). So the "unique" idea was not even her designer's and the tutorial writer was not even credited in her product (of course, she must have presented it as her own unique and totally original idea) and Maya believed her. When that was all in the open, Maya never returned to appologize for her outburst, or any of her comments. The designer was removed "quietly" shortly after.
Oh, that's right and then the designer returned later by 'popular demand' but no longer with the product in question. I also remember that the designer was no longer using her own name but was working in The Lab, which was a 'fusion of designers' or something like that, which was only ever that one designer.
And then there was the time that Maya publicly declared that customers are basically stupid.
Maya using SBG newsletter for her own notices.
And then there was the time that Maya publicly declared that customers are basically stupid.
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I believe she implied they were lazy, rather than stupid.
Can we just wrap this all up in a nutshell?
Maya is a raging bitch. And some of us prefer not to put any money in her pocket, indirectly, by shopping from the designers at SBG. Enough said.
That thing with Cassell and the other designer ... I couldn't' get over how Maya was just raving about her designer, how she was the first in a long time to come up with something truly unique, truly new ... only to be told it was made from a free tutorial on Gunhilde's site. And Maya just disappeared after that - she did not come back and apologize or anything.
I'm still waiting for an answer to why someone called the Studio the Stupido. It looks ok to me?
I don't scrap with the kid-ish style that Digilicious makes but it looks good for that style. So why call her the bottom of the barrel?
Sounds like someone has stories to tell?
Well I for one like the Studio. As someone has already mentioned, the navigation is a bit weird, but apart from that I don't have any problems with it.
So WHY do you think Studio = Stupido?
I am not a fan of the Studio. Aside from the fact that I find it nearly impossible to get to without a direct link and then it's crazy difficult to navigate once I get there...if I manage to beat all the odds and get there, the large bulk of the designers just seem yucky to me. Even Digilicious, who I was not familiar with before this blog, just seems ok. NOT SBG quality...which I associate with Flergs. Her first dinosaur kit on her blog is nice, but aside from the Memoirs stuff, everything else looks pretty gross and the Memoirs stuff isn't my style. I happen to love Flergs, but I don't know anyone else who sells at SBG, so Digilicous doesn't fit my perception of what I would find there.
I did mention that I didn't have all the details so there was no need to tell me that it was off.
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Touchy much? Get a grip. You wrote something that wasn't true (even though you said you didn't have all the details); someone corrects you and you get all defensive? Grow up.
Okay, I have a beef, am I the only one that is bothered by the fact that it seems everyone is scrapping with templates these days?
@116 How other people scrap their memories has no bearing whatsoever on how I scrap mine, so whether other people use templates matters not in the least.
WHO was the "truly original" SBG designer you guys are talking about? I can't remember her design name for the life of me, even though I read the original Cassel/Maya exchange with a big bowl of popcorn.
116: Why does it bother you? I'm really asking for your opinion--I'm asking in a non-threatening way. Personally, I look at templates as a starting point, just as perusing a gallery for inspiration is a starting point. Plus, I CT for a template designer and I loooove her templates. They allow me to really play with my page because I don't have to worry about figuring out balance: the template already has that, so I can "play" with my elements and papers and feel like the page is balanced even if it's only half-done. (Hope that makes sense!) But that's just me. If you don't like templates, then it's a good thing they're not required in order to scrap. I don't use them on my minimalist pages because I already have the page's LO in my head. But templates help with my full pages.
116 - I can think of a lot of scrappers who don't use templates much at all if ever. Maybe you're not looking hard enough.
116, it's been annoying me lately too. I noticed it during some of the recent CT calls. Everyone who made it is a template scrapper.
well, everyone is probably an exaggeration, but I saw lots of templates.
118 - It was Studio Dutchie, and ex-SBG designer (as you can read by how other SBG designers jumped on that thread). And she was brought back when the scrappers (who didn't know about the behind the scene story) wondered where she disappeared to:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?p=2604162
And was it an entertaining story to read with popcorn?
Touchy much? Get a grip. You wrote something that wasn't true (even though you said you didn't have all the details); someone corrects you and you get all defensive? Grow up.
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Touchy much?
WHO was the "truly original" SBG designer you guys are talking about? I can't remember her design name for the life of me,
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Studio Dutchie - her real name was Mendy or Melinda or some such thing.
117-Exactly. I can tell by looking at a template if I'm going to like a layout with it or not. Lots of times I move things around to fit my own ideas of how I want the finished layout. Lots of times I'll use the template out of the box. Whatever, it's my layout, and I like to use them. So what?
It was Mendy.
122, that wasn't the thread to which I was referring. The thread the PP were talking about was in the Designer-only area. But thanks for trying.
122, that wasn't the thread to which I was referring. The thread the PP were talking about was in the Designer-only area. But thanks for trying.
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Didn't try anything. I was also refering to the thread in the DCR which was pretty long if I remember and full of twists (especially when someone posted the link to the tutorial).
I thought so. The thread posted above, certainly was not long enough to eat a bowl of popcorn while reading.
#129- LOL! I agree with you on that.
I just think that Toiny (aka Piggy Scraps) really is a greedy little piggy and I refuse to give her a penny.
#131- I wouldn't give her a penny based on her lack of talent. Let me guess a Studio designer?
Whatever, it's my layout, and I like to use them. So what?
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^^Agree!!^^
131 explain
most Ct's these days use templates, which while quick and easy does nothing for individuality.
Pages end up looking like others,IMO. Personally it doesn't worry me but I hardly ever use them as why pay good money when I can use design principals and create a balanced LO.
Or take a snap shot of LO's that I love and just use that as a guide to placement.
I don't understand what you mean by 'the studio is impossible to get to without a direct link.'
I don't see anything wrong with the navigation.
And WOW there must be something personal behind calling the owner 'a greedy little piggy.' I don't like her designs much but that doesn't make me angry, which you clearly are.
So what is your story?
I wish people would be more descriptive than 'yuckky' and 'gross.'
I really like Digilicious stuff. I feel like she has a really consistent style. Memoirs is not my style, but the Hello Sunshine kit right under it in her store is really cute. There's lots of cute things there.
I don't like her name though. I am sick of the 'icious' variations.
Who cares if CTs use templates? It's not like people are looking in galleries much anymore for inspiration. The entire point of a CT page is to show more of the kit. Period. If they can do that using a template, why the hell do you care as a customer?
Oh, that's right, you're not a customer. You're someone pissed off who didn't make a CT over others who used a template and you didn't. Newsflash - your original pages aren't all that great and likely aren't even "original." Oh wow, good for you. You put 3 pictures in the center of your page all on your own then put some elements around them. HOW CREATIVE! You should make every CT from this point forward.
Get over yourself.
Thus, there are many broad options for getting to know various kinds of news
today and that too through the use of various mediums.
We realize that we don't need to listen to outside authorities; we are not guided by our internal authority. Thus they can choose from the many available sources.
Here is my weblog: Latest Daily News
Just saw a link to a new blog train starting for the NSD weekend. Top designers only?
http://digiscrapparade.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/coming-soon-thats-life/
https://www.facebook.com/DigiscrapParade
Yep I agree with 131, Toiny sucks as an owner unless you make a lot of $$. She admits openly to playing favorites by giving the designers who make more $$ the better promotion slots and more frequently because it's good business for her. Of course it's a vicious cycle then because the designers who make less don't get a chance to make more since those promotions bring in big $$ for the designers who get them. She refuses to do a fair sign-up system and it's a competitive free-for-all trying to get the spots and just because you get a spot, doesn't mean you'll get to keep it if she decides that she'll make more $$ by giving it to someone else even the day before after you've done all the work on the special ads and freebies.
Just saw a link to a new blog train starting for the NSD weekend. Top designers only?
http://digiscrapparade.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/coming-soon-thats-life/
https://www.facebook.com/DigiscrapParade
^^^
Seriously???? That is so arrogant it's vile.
ScrapMatters (SM)
Scrap Orchard (SO)
Sweet Shoppe Designs (SSD)
The Digichick (TDC)
The Lilypad (TLP)
ALL of these stores just lost ALL of my business. Get the fuck over yourselves.
ALL of these stores just lost ALL of my business. Get the fuck over yourselves.
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Well I for one am excited. And honey - I doubt they'll miss your business. Please take your own advice!
Interesting - I'm surprised TDC is included in that group and that SBG is not.
SBG is rarely included in anything. They seem to be on their own little planet, I would say.
141-Well, that stinks. That doesn't seem quite fair at all. I wonder why the designers there put up with it. There are so many other shops to choose from.
There are so many other shops to choose from.
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I honestly wonder what shops are really worth asking to join. The so-called "top" stores are often smacked for whatever reason in here, then others are described as "ugly", "full of crap", or having less-than-professional owners.
Looking at the list on the right, I can see several stores that were smacked in here, but I am not sure the other ones are really worth approaching. What do you think?
ALL of these stores just lost ALL of my business. Get the fuck over yourselves.
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Well I for one am excited. And honey - I doubt they'll miss your business. Please take your own advice!
^^^^
Whatever. There is as much if not more total crap in those stores as anywhere else. They need to stop behaving like their shit doesn't stink.
And you have zero idea how much I spend a year, so you have zero idea if they will miss my business. Honey.
So instead of taking part in the DST May blog train, these 'better than the rest of us' designers will have their own blog train?
Very interesting. I will look forward to some reviews on their work.
You just have to find someplace that you feel good about. Don't worry about what is said here, find out for yourself. While some of it might be true, not all of it is.
why pay good money when I can use design principals and create a balanced LO.
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Maybe some don't have your knack for using design principals and/or don't wish to take the time to use them?
I'm surprised TDC is included in that group and that SBG is not.
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I would have agreed with this a while bsck but, personally, I think SBG, as a whole, is really starting to suck big ones. So much of their stuff looks AWFUL! Also, their site, comparatively speaking, looks like crap! It's brick and mortar comparison would be the secondhand looking shop where you have to root through tons of junk to find something you like!
SBG is rarely included in anything. They seem to be on their own little planet, I would say.
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There's a reason for that and it ain't good.
There are so many other shops to choose from.
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Name 'em, please, because I must be unaware of them. I shop exclusively at the ones mentioned. I'd love to spread the wealth but haven't ever found any shop that consistently sells stuff I like. Thanks.
It might be fun to make an anonymous poll on an anonymous smack blog to find worthy places to shop aside from the regularly named and smacked places!
Of course, there is a matter of personal taste as to what products appeal to which customers, but as a designer, what stores are worth at least looking into? Maybe rate stores on a 1 to 10 scale (1 being the lowest and 10 the highest)?
I would be very curious to see what would come out of such an anonymous poll!
I would love to see other stores besides the above critiqued.
Pixels and Company
O Scraps
Pickleberry Pop
Scrapbook Graphics (maybe I'm missing something)
Gotta Pixel
Ginger Scraps
Scrapbook Elements
Anyone have anything on the above?
I'm on several CT's and I use templates. Several of the designers I work with also design templates, so I used their templates with their kits. None of the designers I work with discourage their teams from using templates, as long as they are CU templates.
Although it might not be recent, these links might help you:
Review of a SBG designers at the time:
http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?postID=8151496515141525505&blogID=611446092248022860&isPopup=false&page=11 (at the bottom)
Oscraps:
http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?postID=8244329824004141117&blogID=611446092248022860&isPopup=false&page=4
Gingerscraps:
http://digismack.blogspot.ca/2012/03/march.html?commentPage=3
I am sure others were also reviewed. Just ran out of time to search.
I'm on several CT's and I use templates. Several of the designers I work with also design templates, so I used their templates with their kits. None of the designers I work with discourage their teams from using templates, as long as they are CU templates.
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So?
#158, thanks very much!
SBG aren't on the list because they've never been on those lists. It's not what they do.
I don't know why, but there it is.
Perhaps they want to stand on their own, which they seem to have done successfully, despite some of the haters. They are still one of the few stores that doesn't have constant sales. Even TLP and SSD, which used to be like that now have more sales than they used to.
Whatever. There is as much if not more total crap in those stores as anywhere else. They need to stop behaving like their shit doesn't stink.
And you have zero idea how much I spend a year, so you have zero idea if they will miss my business. Honey.
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Your shit stinks too, stop acting like it doesn't just because of the amount of money you spend.
For those interested for stores that are not mentioned often here on the smackblog check out
http://www.nitwitcollections.com/shop/
There's a 34% sale that ends tonight.
Eh, bottom line is that the store owners are doing what they think is best for business. Of course they want to be on the self-proclaimed elite store list that are allowed to participate in this blogtrain. Most of the designers in those stores don't participate in the DST train anyway, probably because there are so many terrible contributions. I'm sure all the other stores in digiland are whining in their backrooms about not being included because they all want to think they are a top store. There are only a couple that might have a legitimate complaint about not being included. So start your own elite train with stores/designers other than the ones in this new one and see which one comes out with the better stuff. I'd love to see what happens. And for the record, I absolutely believe that another blogtrain could be put together that could rival this one. Just stop being whiny, sore losers and do something about it.
I'm glad to see a blog train that wont be 80% crap with a couple decent contributions. I imagine these stores together will create 80% useable stuff and a few will be crap.
I know this pisses off some people, but if you're so pissed off, do your own blog train. Too many designers at less "elite" stores have no idea what it takes to build a name for yourself because they're too busy putting down those who have already made a name for themselves calling them arrogant, etc.
If you worked as hard as you run your mouths, you might be better designers than you think you are.
I think you'd be surprised how many designers are quietly making a living without proclaiming themselves 'elite.'
I react negatively to the 'parade' blogtrain idea not out of any kind of jealousy but because it's just so arrogant. I'd have to be a designer t be jealous.
So by that logic, all those ads on TV where they claim they are the best, they are arrogant too?
I don't get why it's arrogant. Those stores are some of the best, so it's not wrong to deduce that the designers at those stores are some of the best. Besides. I saw the last blog train. The Worst is already covered.
I agree. I'm not a designer, just a customer, and I don't find it arrogant at all. I really don't get how anyone could. I wish the worst would just go away.
164 - "Most of the designers in those stores don't participate in the DST train anyway, probably because there are so many terrible contributions."
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This. I hadn't done a blog train in ages and ages, because it had gotten to be too horrible to associate with. I'm excited to finally have a group of designers to associate with that won't embarrass me.
Amen 165!!!
Customer here, and I think the new blog train will bring more good than bad. You can be mad about it all you want, but the truth is that barely any designers from those 5 shops have been doing the DST blog train for the past few years, with rare exceptions. It will be nice to see some blog train contributions from designers who haven't done that sort of thing in a long time. I, for one am really looking forward to it.
Anyone who thinks it's arrogant, is probably very insecure about their own work or some such.
LMAO @ 168 The Worst is already covered. So very true.
People on this blog have been talking about starting a new invite-only blog train for as long as I can remember. Quite honestly I'm surprised that it took this long. The only thing that ever held anyone back was the fear of having others look down on them for acting elite or snooty. I applaud that someone finally had the balls to just get it done which is something that the majority of people always wanted to see happen, and I think it's interesting that it doesn't even appear to be based on invites.
I figured that designers from those "elite" stores didn't do the DST blog train (or other blog/fb hops) because they felt they didn't need to give away product when people were so eagerly buying it. (Plus, as others have stated, 99% of the DST blog train sucks.) So, when I saw the announcement of a "best" store blog train, my first thought was "Are their sales hurting?" Why else would they deign to participate in a blog train, even one that's only for the "best" stores?
And TLP is doing a fb hop right now.
Not all designers participate in blog trains to "generate sales." I like to just give back. But it's way more fun to take part in a good blog train than one that gets slammed here.
Apparently every blog train will get slammed here, 177, because people here have nothing better to do and jealousy knows no bounds.
Apparently every blog train will get slammed here, 177, because people here have nothing better to do and jealousy knows no bounds
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There are are far supporting the new blog train than not. So no, not every blog train gets slammed here.
Not Arrogant at all. Good business promotion. The only other shop I would have liked to be in that blog train would be Oscraps. As a customer, Im hoping to get to know some new designers (to me)
This comment sums up the arrogance completely:
'I hadn't done a blog train in ages and ages, because it had gotten to be too horrible to associate with. I'm excited to finally have a group of designers to associate with that won't embarrass me.'
This wouldn't bother me if they worded it differently. I have no problem with a group of people getting together to do something together - I have a problem with a group of people getting together because they all like to tell each other they are better than everyone else.
I think the good designers who to the DST blog train actually have an opportunity to really shine. I have found one or two new favorites that way. It's a great way to share with your community and also show that you don't feel 'to good' to mix with your less successful peers.
I also think it's funny how many times people here smack designers for being arrogant - but now that there's a large amount of (presumable high-quality) freebies on the line, suddenly its OK.
Apparently every blog train will get slammed here, 177, because people here have nothing better to do and jealousy knows no bounds.
__________________
No need to be superior, you are here too.
This comment sums up the arrogance completely:
'I hadn't done a blog train in ages and ages, because it had gotten to be too horrible to associate with. I'm excited to finally have a group of designers to associate with that won't embarrass me.'
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I'd call it honesty, but for some, especially the some on here, that's the same thing.
If you tell it like it is, you are arrogant and if you are polite, you're an ass kisser.
#181- You can take that comment either way. It sounds arrogant and honest at the same time.
182-said: I have a problem with a group of people getting together because they all like to tell each other they are better than everyone else.
Well, maybe they think they are, and they are trying to be honest. Who cares anyhow? If you like the designers at those stores, and even if you don't, you'll download the FREE kit and then complain about it somehow. That is what happens here. I don't know why the designers even try to put together a free kit for anybody. All they ever get is grief. (It's poor quality, it's not big enough, it's ugly colors, it's not original-so and so's part was junk-and so on and so on.)
The truth here is that no customer out there is going to care or complain about an exclusive blog train that involves top-tier shops and leaves out the riff-raff. The only people who are going to complain are the designers who sell at shops that aren't included on the list and are mad that they are going to miss out on an opportunity that other designers have. It's jealousy pure and simple. Let's not kid ourselves into thinking that non-designers are sitting around thinking "I can't believe the arrogance! Those 5 stores just lost my money! How dare they band together and offer me freebies!"
I think it is a rude comment. You can go about something without putting other people down and making them feel like crap. I bet they were not all perfect right out of the box and some of the people who do the blog trains are new. Dont they get a chance to learn just like everyone else. If you dont like it dont join in or dont download it. No need to be nasty in front of 1000's of people about how much other people suck. Way to motivate and make people feel like they are worth something. Also no I am not someone who does the blog train or even dl's it. I just dont feel like publicly humiliating people is very good customer service.
#136 I don't know what The Studio is actually called and if you google that, digital scrapbooking doesn't even show up on the first page. Impossible is an exaggeration...annoying probably better. I have to add more words to the search, because I always forget the first time. It's a little thing, but it drives me crazy that you can't just go there. If the site is digitalscrapbookingstudio, I wish they would just call it that.
'I hadn't done a blog train in ages and ages, because it had gotten to be too horrible to associate with. I'm excited to finally have a group of designers to associate with that won't embarrass me.'
Did a designer PUBLICLY say that or just "some random person" here?
190, that was posted on this smack blog yesterday. Comment 170.
188 - WTF are you talking about? Are you saying that you think top-tier stores joining together to create one big blog train is intended to "be nasty in front of 1000's of people about how much other people suck" or "publicly humiliate people"? You have to be kidding me. It's not like this blog train's FB page says "we've had it with Crappy Designer A and Crappy Designer B and we're going to list all of the Crappy Designers names here that we felt were dragging us down, and then create a totally new blog train out of sheer nastiness!" And WTF are you talking about customer service for? You're telling me that this new blog train is bad customer service because it makes the designers/shops that are not included feel bad about themselves? How, exactly, is that bad customer service?
The truth is that each of those shops have been running their own blog trains and Facebook trains for the past year or two anyway. So now they finally decided to get together and do one big train to maximize their exposure to customers? This offends you why?
probably because she is crappy designer C
Taking 192's comment a step further:
Was anyone mad when SSD held their last FB hop? Did they call it arrogant? What about TLP's FB hop right now? Was anyone considering that to be arrogant? Other designers who don't sell at those shops aren't allowed to participate - because they don't sell at those shops. Plain and simple. It's not arrogance, it's just what it is.
Why does the fact that those shops are now joining together into one blog train make it more arrogant? It doesn't, unless you're a designer who can't get into one of those shops and this just reminds you of it. That's your problem, though, and has nothing to do with arrogance of other people.
'I hadn't done a blog train in ages and ages, because it had gotten to be too horrible to associate with. I'm excited to finally have a group of designers to associate with that won't embarrass me.'
Saying something like that is bad customer service. Would you want to say that to a customers face. Even if it was just said on this blog which I am pretty sure is read by many many people. Customers and fellow designers. Why would you say something like that if you were not one of the designers involved. I am not dissing the blog train at all I have no problem with it I could really care less. I just feel like the above comment was rude and tasteless. Call it what you want! Call me what you want again I could care less and no not crappy designer c thanks! Sadly not enough people will see your rude comment or they will not care because they will be getting something for free. Have fun with your super designer blog train. :)
If adults designers are MADE to feel inferior by what a few people say on Facebook or a blog then they need to do something different with their time. They have a big problem they need to fix within themselves before they get into a competitive market. Bottom Line: As a customer, I feel the best designers for my type of scrapping are at SSD, TLP and a very few at SO. There are several designers at both SSD and TLP whom I can take or leave. There's a few I can't stand. For instance, I cannot stand most of Studio Basic's stuff at SSD. I cannot imagine ever buying anything of hers..ever.
That statement has nothing to do with customer service. Customers are purchasers, not freebie grabbers.
What's more, the statement is true. If you are consistently associated with inferior designs, sooner or later the association will stick in people's minds. I'm sorry if that doesn't fit with your desire to keep everyone equal, but the fact is, they are NOT equal. As many posters on this blog are pleased to proclaim. Some designers are better than others, for whatever reason. It just IS. They have the option to keep improving themselves, but many of them just complain that their creations don't sell because there are too many freebies.
They have the option to keep improving themselves, but many of them just complain that their creations don't sell because there are too many freebies.
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Ironically, it's these same designers who are clamoring to be a part of an elite blog train where they... give out freebies. SMH. Those designers will never get it.
The color palette alone is so much superior to anything DST has offered in... ever. You might think it's a fun challenge to create something bearable out of a crappy palette, but it is so much more satisfying to start with something nice to begin with. I admit I'm surprised that anyone would complain about a new hop with great designers and good colors that was FREE. Makes me wonder.
Like I said, 199, there's no way it's customers or freebie hunters complaining. It's designers who can't get in at top shops and are jealous and pissed, or it's the people running the DST blog train.
#196- Her stuff is not the worst at SSD by far. Have you seen Melissa Bennett?
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