The DST Blog Train is out and it seems those who commented can't find much that they like in it. What blog trains do you like, and why do you like them?
I see a few comments from from CT members. I'd like to take this opportunity to speak up as a customer. PLEASE make some pages for the regular scrapper. I'm a sahm to 4 children, and don't have 4 hours in a week let alone a day to work on layouts. I want to see normal, everyday layouts, ones I can do quickly, and they might look nice too. Ones that are organized, with a few embellishments, but not the whole kit thrown on the page. Please!! Make life easier for a poor mom.
I have seen a few decent designers pop up on Etsy. Do many people buy digiscrap kits there? -------------
Check out their sales. The information is on their store page. Designers who have just found Etsy as a selling point are not going to do any where near as well as those designers who have been there for a few years. Etsy just isn't what it used to be.
#2, ITA with 3. Try out a template if you haven't already. They REALLY help cut down on the time it takes to scrap. And there are so many different template designers out there. If you don't want lots of stuff on your page, try Amy Martin. She's got great "simple" templates that still are fun. (Sometimes "simple" templates look boring IMO. Hers don't. And before people bash me let me just say I am not on her team or on TLP's). You could try out some of the P365 template makers if you want to just show off the pics with a few elements. (With 4 kids, I'm gonna assume you've got lots of pics!) I like Cluster Queen Creations at SM for a more clustered look, as well as Fiddle-Dee-Dee (at Scrap Orchard). If you already know about these people, don't feel annoyed--it's tough to tell over the internet what someone already knows about. ;)Otherwise, what about making a few templates of your own? Like, I took a LO I made and loved and turned it into a template by placing a vector shape over every element layer (and deleting the "LO" layers). That cuts down on time when I want to scrap something that doesn't need lots of inspired Art to it, ykwim?
As far as making a LO that a "regular" scrapper can make: as a CTM, I refuse to throw stuff on my page to show off a kit. I like making pages that look great but are also element-vomit free.
I'm 2. Thanks for the posts and the suggestions. I didn't mean it to look like I didn't like the CTMs layouts. I do like them, I just want to see things that might be attainable to a regular person with limited scrapping skills, and not much time to scrap. Thanks for the names of designers that make those templates. I do use templates. I'll check out those designers though.
As a designer, I completely understand the desire for customers to see more minimalist layouts, but the point of CTM layouts is to showcase the product. I definitely don't want element-vomit pages either, but I also hate when a CTM creates a layout using so few elements that it doesn't represent the kit at all either.
Another pet peeve (and I know I'm not the only designer that feels this way) is when CTM's use pets on a bunch of their layouts. I'm a pet lover and have four of my own, but the fur colors of my cats and dogs don't always match the color scheme of the kits and it can really throw off a great layout (with regard to marketing). I appreciate that we love our fur babies just like our kids, but if you don't have other photos to scrap with, I'd recommend asking a friend for a few or just pass on the kit altogether. Which brings me to another point... please edit photos for better quality. A crappy photo can really mess up a great layout so I would hope that my CTM's know the basics of photo editing (brighten, overlay adjustments, color adjustments, or at least B&W if the photo has bold colors that don't match and throw off the layout).
One of my pet peeves of a few ct members at SSD is poorly edited photos. Some of the photos are absolutely awful. I'm not talking a little blur or even problems because of lighting. Photos that appear to be intentionally poorly edited "for artistic reasons" are my complaint. YUK.
I appreciate that we love our fur babies just like our kids, but if you don't have other photos to scrap with, I'd recommend asking a friend for a few or just pass on the kit altogether. ---------
So, as a customer, I should pass up on your kit because the colors don't match my pets and I don't have kids; so I need to ask a friend for a photo so I can use your kit. Don't you realize you are alienating those kinds of customers? When I see a kit, I like to see it used in a number of different ways. A boy kit using just boy photo LOs is one I'm going to pass up, a boy kit using girl or pet photo LOs is one I would buy because of it's obvious versatility.
A crappy photo can really mess up a great layout -------
Only for you as the designer. Most customers don't even notice nor care.
-- Bull shit. I'm a customer and I notice crappy photos ALL the time. They do, indeed, mess up a great layout AND really detract from the kit itself. Don't even begin to speak for "most customers" when you have no clue what they notice or care about.
12-Some designers don't allow that either. Their contract with the CTM reads the CTM is to do a layout (or two) with each release. -- See, I didn't realize this. Thanks for the info. Having never done any ct work, I was unaware that some designers want something from each kit.
So, as a customer, I should pass up on your kit because the colors don't match my pets and I don't have kids; so I need to ask a friend for a photo so I can use your kit. Don't you realize you are alienating those kinds of customers?
---------------
Not the OP but I'm pretty sure this was only meant for creative team members, not customers. Besides, I think pets are fine when they don't completely clash with the kit. CTM layouts are not meant for the user to download and add their own photos. They are meant to be visually appealing for marketing purposes. If you aren't bright enough to look at an attractive layout and figure that out on your own, then perhaps you better resort to QP's. By the same token, if awful layouts make you want to purchase a kit, then that's good news for those designers who create shitty kits and hope some dumb ass with no taste will spend money on it.
So, as a customer, I should pass up on your kit because the colors don't match my pets and I don't have kids; so I need to ask a friend for a photo so I can use your kit. - This isn't what the op is saying at all. I have a feeling explaining to you the meaning would be an exercise in futility so I won't even try. I swear some of you either just decide to be dense here to screw with people or you must be a big bunch of fun to deal with IRL.
Not the OP but I'm pretty sure this was only meant for creative team members, not customers. Besides, I think pets are fine when they don't completely clash with the kit. CTM layouts are not meant for the user to download and add their own photos. They are meant to be visually appealing for marketing purposes. If you aren't bright enough to look at an attractive layout and figure that out on your own, then perhaps you better resort to QP's. By the same token, if awful layouts make you want to purchase a kit, then that's good news for those designers who create shitty kits and hope some dumb ass with no taste will spend money on it. __ ^^LOVE!^^
So, as a customer, I should pass up on your kit because the colors don't match my pets and I don't have kids; so I need to ask a friend for a photo so I can use your kit. ----------------------- This isn't what the op is saying at all. I have a feeling explaining to you the meaning would be an exercise in futility so I won't even try. I swear some of you either just decide to be dense here to screw with people or you must be a big bunch of fun to deal with IRL. ----------------------
Agree! If you walked through a department store and saw a mannequin wearing a rust and brown plaid, wool skirt with a fuchsia colored knit t-shirt and blue and white striped knee socks, would you think to yourself, "OMG! I gotta have that outfit!" or would you wonder what employee was on crack when they whipped up that sexy little ensemble?
Agree! If you walked through a department store and saw a mannequin wearing a rust and brown plaid, wool skirt with a fuchsia colored knit t-shirt and blue and white striped knee socks, would you think to yourself, "OMG! I gotta have that outfit!" or would you wonder what employee was on crack when they whipped up that sexy little ensemble? __
This isn't what the op is saying at all. I have a feeling explaining to you the meaning would be an exercise in futility so I won't even try. I swear some of you either just decide to be dense here to screw with people or you must be a big bunch of fun to deal with IRL. -----
Nice, you have conveniently not read the rest of my point. Just another person who reads what they want to read. You must be fun IRL.
If you aren't bright enough to look at an attractive layout and figure that out on your own, then perhaps you better resort to QP's. By the same token, if awful layouts make you want to purchase a kit, then that's good news for those designers who create shitty kits and hope some dumb ass with no taste will spend money on it. ---------------
Charming. I must be dumb, I must be stupid, I must like shitty products just because I made an observation contrary to yours.
Bull shit. I'm a customer and I notice crappy photos ALL the time. They do, indeed, mess up a great layout AND really detract from the kit itself. Don't even begin to speak for "most customers" when you have no clue what they notice or care about. Jul 10, 2013, 10:29:00 PM ------
Agree! If you walked through a department store and saw a mannequin wearing a rust and brown plaid, wool skirt with a fuchsia colored knit t-shirt and blue and white striped knee socks, would you think to yourself, "OMG! I gotta have that outfit!" or would you wonder what employee was on crack when they whipped up that sexy little ensemble? -------
how is that even remotely relevant? I mean, I know what you are trying to say in your oh-I'm-so-funny-and-sarcastic-way, but it's apples and oranges.
Besides, I think pets are fine when they don't completely clash with the kit. -------
How can pets completely clash with a kit? Sure, if the kit is about, say, space, then yeah, I guess they could 'clash', but anyone with reasonable scraping skills could make it work.
Bull shit. I'm a customer and I notice crappy photos ALL the time. They do, indeed, mess up a great layout AND really detract from the kit itself. Don't even begin to speak for "most customers" when you have no clue what they notice or care about. Jul 10, 2013, 10:29:00 PM ------
Quit thinking it's all about you. It isn't.
------ Yeah, the difference is I don't attempt to speak for everybody as you did. News flash: You haven't a clue what others see and care about unless you're clairvoyant.
Apples and oranges? Really? Visual marketing and display IS the point, regardless of the product moron. ------ You're confusing this nimrod with logic and fact. How dare you!
Nice, you have conveniently not read the rest of my point. Just another person who reads what they want to read. You must be fun IRL. ----- I read everything you wrote which pisses me off because that's time I'll never get back. I just happen to think you're wrong and missed the op's point entirely. I'm not altogether sure what your point was then or is now. Trying to figure that out would be a real time-waster so I will refrain from doing so.
Charming. I must be dumb, I must be stupid, I must like shitty products just because I made an observation contrary to yours. ----- You didn't make an observation that was contrary to this person's; you made a post that was nonsense and you keep doing it over and over and over.
As far as you being dumb and stupid-you said it, we didn't. Maybe you are clairvoyant after all!
So, as a customer, I should pass up on your kit because the colors don't match my pets and I don't have kids. ----- Yes, please. Don't ever buy any of my kits. You are banned from them because you don't have any children. I never sell to childless people ever. Idiot.
Honestly I'd like to see more layouts with pets. I get tired of only seeing kids in layouts. (Although I realize cute kids "sell" a kit better) ------ I love pet pages! Luckily, I have a black kitty so he goes with just about any color scheme
I hate it when a designer says I can't use photos of my pet. I don't have and never will have kids due to medical reasons. Don't have nieces/nephews/cousins either that I can scrap but I DO love to scrap. And since I 'hate' scrapping pics of myself, the only one left, is my pet!
Perhaps you aren't a good fit to be a CT member, then. I think most designers would look for people with well-rounded galleries who can help show off their kits. You love to scrap, and you are documenting your life, which is great. More power to you. I just don't think you should get your nose out of joint when a designer tells you that your pages need to be about more than just your pet in order to best showcase her kits, or that you should expect to get kits for free if all you can scrap about is one topic (your pet) over and over again.
Seriously? Bitching because someone scraps their pet? Just when I thought this blog couldn't get any more ridiculous. As a designer, if you think scraps of a pet are what hurt your sales, you need to pull your head out of your ass if you can. It's so far up there, it might not come out.
A CTM scrapping pictures of her cat over and over again is absolutely NO DIFFERENT than someone scrapping pictures of her kids over and over again.
Good lord. Do you get sick of seeing ethnic kids, too? Some of you need to realize there are lots of different people out there who have different lives than your own.
21, you're right that CT LOs are about marketing. But you're also missing a point: The clothes are the selling point, not the mannequin, just as the elements/papers are the selling point, not the pic. I was going to say that when I look at clothes in magazines, I don't pay attention to the model. I pay attention to the clothes and I think "Would they work for me and my body?" If a model is blond and blue-eyed, I don't think "Oh, I couldn't wear that outfit because I am different." I do the same thing with a LO. I think "Would that kit work for me and my pics?" I don't give a shit what pics are used--although if the pic is bad, I'll try to imagine the LO without it.
And minimalist pages sometimes show off a kit better than a "clustered" page because I can see better detail on the few elements that on featured--or, I can see ALL of the element, instead of just the parts poking out from behind foliage on a clustered page.
But yes, a CT LO as a whole works better with exceptional photos because people are more likely to pay attention to it in the gallery.
#2 - if you want simple and easy, how about you just make photo books? I'm not trying to be snarky, but if scrapbooking is too much time for you, there are other options to capture your memories.
I don't see the point of a CT layout with a paper or two and one or two elements at all. Why would someone need this inspiration? It seems basic enough. Choose your favorite paper or two and put on your photo/s and then place a few of your favorite elements on there, journal, and done. I can't see how a page like that would take more than 15 minutes.
Also to the designer complaining that her CTM scraps her pets over and over, WHY is she on your CT? YOU picked her. Or if you feel her photos clash, ask her to switch them to B&W and sepia, which go with everything! Don't pick on people who don't have kids, there are many reasons why they don't. And FTR, I DO have a child, but it's perfectly fine for people to scrap about their pets. What I hate is those stupid stock photos!
#2: "I want to see normal, everyday layouts, ones I can do quickly, and they might look nice too. Ones that are organized, with a few embellishments, but not the whole kit thrown on the page. Please!! Make life easier for a poor mom."
I think she is saying that she would love to see examples of the kit used in a similar style to how she would use the kit. It makes perfect sense to me. I know that I am inspired by pages that resonate with my own style.
I can't believe how many people are not getting the point. The point is NOT about scrapping their pets. It's about doing something about the coloring to match better with the kits (for marketing purposes). Scrapping kids over and over is different. Their clothing and atmosphere change so it is easier to choose photos to suit a theme or color scheme. The same cat or dog, with the same fur, does not go with every kit. Why does everyone assume this about customers not being able to scrap their pets? Or CTM's? You get a kit for free. At least provide a layout that lends itself to a positive visual impact color-wise. Is it really asking too much? No one said your pets aren't valued for hell sake. Get over it.
I made sure to only ever own neutral colored pets so that I can be on CT's or scrap with any kit possible. I hate the way those purple cats and green dogs clash with so many kits out there.
#53 - Again, why is the designer complaining about her CTM like she has no say in the matter? I'm sure she didn't magically appear on your team one day. Tell her to use B&W photos or drop her.
#53 And you don't seem to get that most people DON'T care if the photos match the kit. I understand it is for marketing purpose, but customers want to "identify" themselves with the layouts. I am sure most of them don't care if the kit is pink, yellow and white and the dog is brown with orange spots.
53, I wish I knew who you were talking about, not because I want to gossip about her but because I've never looked at a LO and thought "Why the hell did she use a pic of her DOG with this kit?! And FFS, that's the third time in a month she's scrapped her pet!" And to say a dog's fur doesn't "match" the colors of the kit is like saying a person's hair or skin color doesn't match. It's ridiculous. And I am not a fan of pets. (I refuse to clean up something's shit unless I've given birth to it. Or, in hopefully very old age if at all, unless I married it.)
As far as "everyone" missing the point, it seems that you are taking anonymous comments about many subjects way too seriously. Quite a narcissistic thing to do. Perhaps you also think your CTMs bought Kit Clashing Cats on purpose, just to thwart your business?
And 52--I think you're right and I think it also makes sense (wanting to see pages scrapped in a way similar to her style). There are certain designers I don't buy from because I've never seen a CT LO using their kits in a manner similar to how I scrap. It makes me think that the designer's style won't mesh with my style...it's also a good reason for a designer to pick CTMs with different styles.
Not ethnic ones, but I do get sick of seeing the same kids from the people who are on every CT. -- I don't mind seeing the same kids but I DO mind seeing the same photos of the kids. My goodness, get your camera out and take some new shots!
-it's also a good reason for a designer to pick CTMs with different styles. -- -and why they don't lots of times is beyond me. It's to the designers' advantage and you'd think they'd make a point of doing it.
As far as "everyone" missing the point, it seems that you are taking anonymous comments about many subjects way too seriously. Quite a narcissistic thing to do. - YOU need to look up the word "narcissistic." It's obvious you have no idea what it means by the way you've used it in the above sentence. Just because someone thinks someone misses a point that is trying to be made does not mean they are taking the situation too seriously. It simply means they think people are missing the point. I hope you speak better than you write and are more intelligent than you sound.
I think she is saying that she would love to see examples of the kit used in a similar style to how she would use the kit. It makes perfect sense to me. I know that I am inspired by pages that resonate with my own style. --- ^^this^^
#53 And you don't seem to get that most people DON'T care if the photos match the kit. I understand it is for marketing purpose, but customers want to "identify" themselves with the layouts. I am sure most of them don't care if the kit is pink, yellow and white and the dog is brown with orange spots. -- Quit speaking for "most people." You are not the designated spokesperson for digiscrappers everywhere. I realize you're attempting to make a point but exaggerating to do it is not the way to go.
And I am not a fan of pets. -- Being an animal rights activist myself, I cannot tell you how good this makes me feel. The idea that someone like you doesn't have pets soothes me. Thanks.
A CTM scrapping pictures of her cat over and over again is absolutely NO DIFFERENT than someone scrapping pictures of her kids over and over again. -- Except my animals are more cooperative than my kids when it comes to taking photos of them!
I can't believe how many people are not getting the point. - Really? It's rather common around here. People go off on tangents (defending childless people and anger over the devaluation of pets) that have absolutely NOTHING to do with original posters' points (I know this because the op's say it over and over again). That's just in the past two or three pages. If it wasn't so comical, it would be very aggravating.
52-Yes, you are right. I'm the poster WAY back there that suggested that. I can't believe this has taken on a life of it's own. I can understand the designer wanting to have the CTM show the kit well. I think the designers should have a variety of scrappers on their team, that when I look at the layouts as a whole, I can see the kit used in different ways. It seems like most of the layouts I see from CTM on most teams look like the same person could have made them. I'm not saying the layouts look bad. I'm saying like someone already mentioned, I want to see layouts I can do easily. Just have a variety of scrappers on your teams and I'll see most of the kit used nicely. Remember a lot of us sahms are busy people, and moms are busy if we are work outside the home moms too. I didn't mean to start a firestorm about dogs, cats, and childless layouts at all.
This has become utterly ridiculous. (And yes- please go ahead and call me names)- but seriously- posting nastiness about WHAT or WHO is scrapped (whether it is kids- dogs- or my auntie's pearls) ???? Really??? Wow.
Paislee Press is one designer who comes to mind who has an entire team that makes all the same pages. And since each of her new kits seems to contain half of her last kit recolored it all blends together. But it must work for her.
This has become utterly ridiculous. (And yes- please go ahead and call me names)- but seriously- posting nastiness about WHAT or WHO is scrapped (whether it is kids- dogs- or my auntie's pearls) ???? Really??? -- Oh, get over yourself. If you're so offended and shocked by what is posted here, go elsewhere.
Paislee Press is one designer who comes to mind who has an entire team that makes all the same pages. And since each of her new kits seems to contain half of her last kit recolored it all blends together. But it must work for her. ___________ PP has always amazed me because the designs and templates are so simply done that anyone could replicate them.
This has become utterly ridiculous. (And yes- please go ahead and call me names)- but seriously- posting nastiness about WHAT or WHO is scrapped (whether it is kids- dogs- or my auntie's pearls) ???? Really??? -- Oh, get over yourself. If you're so offended and shocked by what is posted here, go elsewhere. ___________ Really. Just.Go.Away.
I didn't mean to start a firestorm about dogs, cats, and childless layouts at all. _________ Those posts had nothing to do with what you posted. You didn't start anything.
She's baaacckk! Royanna is at it again. Came across my feed. Wonder if she is part owner or not.
Royanna Hohl Fritschmann posted to Designer & CT Calls
My former business partner Laura White (Princess Lala Designs) opened a BRAND NEW AMAZING Digital Scrapbook & Hybrid Store called Smashing Scraps at | www.smashingscraps.com | or "Like Us" on Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SmashingScraps | I am EXCITED to announce I will be a part of the design team and would love to have you enjoy this amazing new store - It will feature a blend of mix and match digital & hybrid scrapbook supplies, as well as SMASHbooks, Project Life, Quickpages, and Art Journaling. The focus is on Life scrapping with purpose and an emotional connection to document our story/legacy from a daily perspective! Join the SMASHING revolution and head over to SMASHING SCRAPS - "Mix it, Mash it, SMASH it!" every story deserves to be SMASHING!
Welcome to the internet, Rachelle Anne Miller. The internet is filled with people from countries that don't care about copyrights. My world will not collapse because her work is being copied. Good luck getting a lawyer to take that case.
I asked last month but the question was never answered, so maybe it will be answered this time... Does anyone know if ScrapMatters has a monthly quota and what that amount is?
Agreeing about Paislee Press... she also came to my mind when we talked about CT teams that make the same layouts. But... I guess the minimalist, modern style appeals to a certain crowd.
Can some of you ladies help me out here? I have been out of the digi scrapping world for a few years, but recently got back into it. When I was last active on DST it was really hopping - incredibly busy and it was THE place for digi scrappers to hang out. (Before that it was 2Peas...) But I come back now and find it all but dead! What has happened? Is digi scrapping much less popular than it used to be, or is there a new big forum that most people are calling home these days?
Notice how she words it? " would love to have you enjoy this amazing new store " have you ENJOY She may have put it in Designer and CT calls but no where does it say they are looking for designers or CT. It's the same exact wording she has been posting all over facebook and probably anywhere else. It's an add, not a CT or designer call. The store has been out there a couple of months with stuff from Laura in it only but with Ra listed as a designer in a few places.
I'm surprised there's been no P&Co Cropped smacking. -- After looking at their forum and the entries, I wish I'd have entered now. I think it would have been fun. I've really enjoyed looking at how everyone does their layouts.
She's baaacckk! Royanna is at it again. __________ Oh, YAY! Now we get to read post after post about this woman whom no one appears to like. It's great though that you feel the need to give her lots of attention in spite of that!
#84 she rises from the ashes once again. will she never go away!. ________________ Not as long as people like you keep giving her the attention she apparently doesn't deserve. I think some of you are obsessed with this woman. I kind of feel sorry for HER!
88-That took longer than I thought it would. I wonder who would be stupid enough to apply to that CT. ___________ Or stupid enough to post about her ad nauseum.
88-That took longer than I thought it would. I wonder who would be stupid enough to apply to that CT. -------------------------- Or stupid enough to join her store.
why not bash her ad nauseum? There might be a newbie who hasn't heard yet.
Somebody was asking for new topic earlier. Other stores/people get bashed ad nauseum. Do you not want her bashed because you are her friend? Or maybe because she's so sick?
I'm surprised there's been no P&Co Cropped smacking. ______
Why? What's there to smack? ________ Nothing, imo. I'm very impressed by the amount of people who entered (94, I think), who the judges have picked to go to round 2, the talent of most of the entrants and the qualifications and backgrounds of the judges. Even some of the most critical, unreasonable and misguided people on this blog would be hard-pressed to find fault with this competition.
why not bash her ad nauseum? There might be a newbie who hasn't heard yet. - I don't think most newbies give a shit about her. It's a select few of you on this blog who seemingly have a grudge against her because of previous experiences or whatever.
Do you not want her bashed because you are her friend? __
No, I don't know her from Adam and couldn't care less what she does or doesn't do. It's amazing how some of you seem so interested in what is going on with her.
Speaking of Pixels and Co., I just bought some items from their dollar day sale and am very pleased. I wish they'd come down a bit on their regular prices, however.
it's amazing to me how interested some of you are in other designers and their kids and hubbys, etc..... ---------
Agree. I don't care what a designer does in her personal life, what her children look like and/or whether her husband works. I do care how much she charges, if the quality of her work is consistently excellent and if I can incorporate what she does into my scrapbooking. I shudder when people make fun of someone's family in any way. It's childish and vicious and says so much more about the poster than anyone else.
Do they have the 'winning' layouts posted collectively anywhere? I don't know everyone's user name to go and see which ones go with that list. -- This is my only gripe. I wish the winning pages could be paired up with owner name and not user name.
On the FB page, SSD has decided to ask if people attend church. My favorite response so far is this: "What are you trying to learn from this question?"
117 - Talk about alienating your customers and giving a soapbox for holier than thou Christians. "Angela Bowe: Remember there is only one church. Christ church. Study the Bible and find out what God wants from HIS church and then it's easier to pick."
Whoever posted that question should be reprimanded if not removed from SSD. It's one thing to have your own beliefs, but to link it to a business that houses multiple designers who all have different beliefs.... If I sold there, I would be outraged.
"I regret to inform you that the shop, forums, and gallery at Design House Digital are closing. We appreciate all of the support you have given our site and our designers over the years, but lately our shop has struggled to cover operational costs, and we have to close our doors. We aren't having any additional discounts related to the store closing. Some designers will move their designs to new stores, and some will retire permanently from digital scrapbook design.
"The last day you can order products will be July 15, 2013 at 11:59pm Mountain Time. The shop's user accounts will also be removed, and you won't be able to access your downloads after July 19, 2013 at 11:59pm Mountain Time. Be sure to complete all of your download activity before July 20."
On the FB page, SSD has decided to ask if people attend church. My favorite response so far is this: "What are you trying to learn from this question?" ----- This and the wicca!
On the FB page, SSD has decided to ask if people attend church. My favorite response so far is this: "What are you trying to learn from this question?" -- I'm not particularly offended by it, however, I choose not to answer it. I do find it a very, very strange question coming from a scrapbook business. I also find it predictable AND irritating that some would feel the need to pontificate about their choices on a Facebook digital scrapbook site.
We aren't having any additional discounts related to the store closing. _
I think they'll regret this unless they're not interested in making some (maybe a lot) money at the end. It's almost as if it's a kind of bitter thing and they're cutting off their noses to spite their faces.
I'll tell you exactly why SSD posted that on their FB page: because they will post anything to get people to respond and interact with their page because it boosts their ratings on FB and makes it easier for them to market and know that more customers will see their posts. It's smart, even if that question is a terrible pandora's box just waiting to be opened. They should stick to asking customers whether they like to jog or take walks or surf or ski whether they prefer the mountains or the ocean.
Whoever posted that question should be reprimanded if not removed from SSD. It's one thing to have your own beliefs, but to link it to a business that houses multiple designers who all have different beliefs.... If I sold there, I would be outraged. __
I'll tell you exactly why SSD posted that on their FB page: because they will post anything to get people to respond and interact with their page because it boosts their ratings on FB and makes it easier for them to market and know that more customers will see their posts. It's smart, even if that question is a terrible pandora's box just waiting to be opened. They should stick to asking customers whether they like to jog or take walks or surf or ski whether they prefer the mountains or the ocean. __
I also thought this might be why but didn't know enough specifics about FB to speculate.
127 - Because there is such a thing as bad press in this industry. I don't want my customers to feel like they can't interact with my store because they're not religious and/or attend church regularly. I do not want their opinion of my store to have any negative associations.
In my opinion, SSD crossed the line with that post and people wont forget it (in a bad way) too soon. They get slammed on this blog all the time and their forums are not overly friendly to non-regulars, but many customers don't see those two things. They do see Facebook, though, and now their once hidden exclusive mentality is coming out more in public and that is not a good thing.
As someone who keeps my personal beliefs and practices private, I wouldn't want that post to reflect upon me as a business woman - as if somehow I am intolerant or actually care if my customers attend church or don't. Why is it their business?
"I don't want my customers to feel like they can't interact with my store because they're not religious and/or attend church regularly. I do not want their opinion of my store to have any negative associations."
On the FB page, SSD has decided to ask if people attend church.
wtf? how is that scrapbook related? (I mean from a business point of view). That was the company officially asking the question, not just a customer, right?
I am a regular SSD customer, and I find that question extremely offensive, it is absolutely none of their business and just gives more space for those self-righteous religious types just like the above post by Angela Bowe. I think this is a great way to alienate a lot of potential customers.
127 - Because there is such a thing as bad press in this industry. I don't want my customers to feel like they can't interact with my store because they're not religious and/or attend church regularly. I do not want their opinion of my store to have any negative associations. -------- I'm 127 and I totally get what you're saying now. I'd be pissed too if I was a designer. I wasn't looking at it from that vantage point so didn't even think of it along those lines. Thanks for clarifying.
I am a regular SSD customer, and I find that question extremely offensive, it is absolutely none of their business and just gives more space for those self-righteous religious types just like the above post by Angela Bowe. I think this is a great way to alienate a lot of potential customers. ---- Anytime a venue is provided for the over-zealous, religious types, it's a BAD THING!!!!!!
Why do you care if DHD has sales or not? If you didn't shop there before why would you now that they are closing? Ridiculous! --- Wrong. I've shopped many close out digi scrap store sales if they have killer prices and a few I'd never shopped at previously. For instance, Shabby Pickle was one I'd never bought a thing from until they had a great sale at the end. It's only ridiculous if you're a close-minded fool who thinks her limited experiences are everyone else's.
#139- that's not the kind of loyal customer most designers are seeking. Anyway, many of the designers there are having their own closing sales just not a site wide one. Sorry if you only bargain shop!
143 - most of them are unknown to me. I remember seeing in the Call thread in the forum, at least 4 members who said they were not picked, and I know of 2 more who have applied but didn't post on that thread.
The list of new designers at GS is one big "meh" IMO. B2N2's stuff in particular is unimaginative and oversaturated. Created by Jill's stuff is OK but her previews are atrocious. Keystone Scraps stuff is boring. M&M--OMG she needs someone to help her with her English.
Re: The Fix - I didn't renew my advertising there recently and I probably won't be doing the Fix ever again, unless Christine starts to show some better business sense. The Fix used to be quality stuff and if I was the other sponsors this month I'd be angry to have my stuff up next to that crap. Not as many people will buy it and the reason to give away stuff to things like the Fix is to get your stuff out there to more customers.
151- I agree, and I'm one of the contributors to the Fix this month. I'm pissed! At least it's a store collab and I didn't make much. If I had made a whole kit I'd be really mad.
Its both. Her quality has been awful since she began a few years back and her standard response for strays and jaggies has always been "its art!" This was when she was making regular kits. She is also Jewish, no problem there , but she has a bad habit of using it as an excuse for things. She continually violates copyright by using images from the web in her kits. It's all just fine for Amanda, but not anyone else. Just ask her! She is one royal PITA and a very poor 'artist'.
"Anonymous said... 158 Its both. Her quality has been awful since she began a few years back and her standard response for strays and jaggies has always been "its art!" This was when she was making regular kits..."
But now she's been designing for much longer. Is this still a problem? And if you don't use her work, how do you know?
"She is also Jewish, no problem there, but she has a bad habit of using it as an excuse for things."
Say what?? I do believe she's an evangelical christian ...
"She continually violates copyright by using images from the web in her kits. It's all just fine for Amanda, but not anyone else. Just ask her!"
#153 - you should be! I almost always buy the Fix because it's such a good deal, but there's only 3 kits this month, and one of them is from OTBDS, and I do not want my dollars supporting her in any way. And yes, I do like art journaling, but I don't like crap (which it is, IMHO).
The only decent thing in this month's Fix is the contribution from TDC and even the templates in that are hideous. STS's contribution is just as horrible as OTBDS's. It's not worth $3 and that is sad.
Wish their regular prices were a bit lower too! - Ditto. Loved some of their dollar stuff and bought it but I refuse to pay their regular prices when just as talented designers charge less. Being a newish store, you'd think the prices would be more competitive but they are not at all. Therefore, I will keep looking at their dollar sales when they appear but will never shop there seriously outside of those.
I think The Digi Chick has every right to be pissed right off about who they are grouped with this month - especially if they waited a long time for that spot.
I guess it goes to show how much of The Fix was chosen based on taste - Christine takes over and the entire tone of The Fix changes.
I don't mind STS as much as OTBDS; I actually prefer their star templates to TDC's. It's also a huge kit, so there's bound to be something workable in there. OTBDS's stuff, on the other hand...
Christine's bottom line is $$$. OTBDS started sponsoring when Christine took over. Designers/stores with any good sense will be dropping like flies. All you have to do is look at her CUDigitals shop - she will take just about anyone, claim its all "quality" - just for an almighty $$. Now she is doing it to DSA.
Ever stop to think that all the good designers won't even give DSA a second look because of the way it was run into the ground before Christine bought it?
I was a sponsor, once upon a time. I had an upcoming spot for the FIX, too, but I won't be taking it. Considering the way things were mismanaged by the previous owners, Christine has a long road to travel before it will be worth associating with the site again. It's hard to pick good designers for the Fix if they just aren't interested.
172, there have been a few good designers recently, but you're right: it would appear based on this month's picks that quality designers are NOT interested in the fix anymore. (I'm assuming, since a designer needs time to design, that the last few months' designers were chosen before Christine took over, but I could be wrong.) July designers appear to have been hand-picked by Christine. She may like OTB Designs, but maybe this month's Fix sales numbers will persuade her otherwise.
176, that's unfortunate for you/the store. I wonder if OTB was a replacement for someone? I know sometimes designers drop out at the last minute and the Fix (or TDF) scramble to fill the spot.
Has anyone here downloaded the free sampler MMullens-AsBigAsTheSky from SweetShoppeDesigns?
There is a white paper in there called "mmullens-bigasthesky-solid3". I'm not sure if it's just my monitor but it shows up as plain solid white for me (no texture). If anyone else has this could you please let me know what type of texture or design is on this paper. I'm concerned my monitor settings are off & that's why I can't see any detail on the white paper.
Thank you in advance to anyone who takes time to look at this, I appreciate it. :)
well 178, you got me curious so I downloaded it, looked at it, and threw it away. Talk about oversaturated papers! There is an extremely subtle texture on the white. She was/is going for a bright white (probably to go with the oversaturated blue and red), which can be difficult to show texture on. It's there, but you'll never see it unless you zoom on in.
So what happened to DHD? Just not enough sales? Did anyone even shop there? Wondering why they closed... ------- Well, apparently people didn't shop there enough because they closed due to lack of business. They were going broke and to making enough to keep the site operating. They were in trouble for several months before they called it quits.
What is up with some designers and their stupid design names? This has long been a pet peeve of mine, but I thought about it most recently when I saw the new template designer at SM... Zoliofrope? Come on, don't make me sound like an idiot when I say your brand name out loud. There are others that bug me too. IMO, just use your real name or something simple and sophisticated.
There are other names that are odd. I can think of QueenBRAT and SugarBUTT. Not that they are hard to pronounce but they are just odd names that are not really associated with scrapbooking or designing.
178, I was just about to complain about another SSD freebie: the wood grain paper in Optimistic by Kristin Cronin-Barrow is super pixel-y.
Does SSD not require QC by the designers (or a store team of QCers)? I know it's a freebie, but freebies are supposed to make you want to BUY stuff. Quality issues like these turn me off from the designer.
173- I believe Sara Schiller/KSCWgirl used to own DSA, but not 100% sure. My emails about the fix used to come from her, but it's been a while since I got any of those emails.
I was looking at some (some good and some are really awful) layouts for SO's Iron Scrapper and wanted to know - what is the plastic wrap technique done here? anyone know? I tried in ps, but it didn't look the same.
I keep getting a message from FF saying that TLP's store is "untrusted" and, if I've visited the site before, that I should worry the site might be compromised. Anyone else have that message?
#189, what do you mean by the plastic technique? I couldn't see what you're talking about in that photo. I have that kit, and I know that background paper has a faded area in the middle, and it looks like they just masked the photo over that - is that what you're talking about?
#186: I agree about freebies making you want to buy from a designer. I don't know if they have a QC team or not. I purchased some stuff from Sahlin a while back and the wood grain paper was not at all crisp. There was also a butterfly in the kit that was pixellated. It's made me really hesitant to purchase from her again, especially since her stuff is priced on the higher side (for what you get).
#188: They removed it. They never should have posted it in the first place.
Are customers still shopping? I can't remember the last time I bought anything digital. ----- The industry is alive and well. Just like any other, it has it's peaks and valleys. A new store opens; another closes and so on. You must not scrap much or you use the same stuff over and over if you haven't bought in ages.
Not all buyers are really "discriminative" and they might not see much difference between a good and bad designer. ------ Not all buyers would agree what is good and what is bad. I think Studio Basic is awful and others swear by her stuff. I think about half the Lily Pad designers suck as well. Others disagree.
I keep getting a message from FF saying that TLP's store is "untrusted" and, if I've visited the site before, that I should worry the site might be compromised. Anyone else have that message? ------- I got this msg. too. Have been there many times as well and now it's dangerous so I ain't going
191, 193 Yes, the blended picture. It has a funny sort of plastic look to it, and she says it is plastic wrap filter. That filter is in photoshop, but when I tried it it didn't look like that. she must have done other things to the mask or photo. Thanks for looking at it for me.
976 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 600 of 976 Newer› Newest»I see a few comments from from CT members. I'd like to take this opportunity to speak up as a customer. PLEASE make some pages for the regular scrapper. I'm a sahm to 4 children, and don't have 4 hours in a week let alone a day to work on layouts. I want to see normal, everyday layouts, ones I can do quickly, and they might look nice too. Ones that are organized, with a few embellishments, but not the whole kit thrown on the page. Please!! Make life easier for a poor mom.
#2
It really helps to use a template for a jumping off spot.
I have seen a few decent designers pop up on Etsy. Do many people buy digiscrap kits there?
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Check out their sales. The information is on their store page. Designers who have just found Etsy as a selling point are not going to do any where near as well as those designers who have been there for a few years. Etsy just isn't what it used to be.
#2, ITA with 3. Try out a template if you haven't already. They REALLY help cut down on the time it takes to scrap. And there are so many different template designers out there. If you don't want lots of stuff on your page, try Amy Martin. She's got great "simple" templates that still are fun. (Sometimes "simple" templates look boring IMO. Hers don't. And before people bash me let me just say I am not on her team or on TLP's). You could try out some of the P365 template makers if you want to just show off the pics with a few elements. (With 4 kids, I'm gonna assume you've got lots of pics!) I like Cluster Queen Creations at SM for a more clustered look, as well as Fiddle-Dee-Dee (at Scrap Orchard). If you already know about these people, don't feel annoyed--it's tough to tell over the internet what someone already knows about. ;)Otherwise, what about making a few templates of your own? Like, I took a LO I made and loved and turned it into a template by placing a vector shape over every element layer (and deleting the "LO" layers). That cuts down on time when I want to scrap something that doesn't need lots of inspired Art to it, ykwim?
As far as making a LO that a "regular" scrapper can make: as a CTM, I refuse to throw stuff on my page to show off a kit. I like making pages that look great but are also element-vomit free.
Ones that are organized, with a few embellishments, but not the whole kit thrown on the page. Please!! Make life easier for a poor mom.
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I never throw the whole kit on the page. None of the CTMs I work with do either.
I'm 2. Thanks for the posts and the suggestions. I didn't mean it to look like I didn't like the CTMs layouts. I do like them, I just want to see things that might be attainable to a regular person with limited scrapping skills, and not much time to scrap. Thanks for the names of designers that make those templates. I do use templates. I'll check out those designers though.
I didn't take it to mean you didn't like the LOs, just that you're a busy SAHM want to scrap a less...involved LO. I totally get that.
It's tough because the more kids we have, the less time we have to scrap about them all. ;)
As a designer, I completely understand the desire for customers to see more minimalist layouts, but the point of CTM layouts is to showcase the product. I definitely don't want element-vomit pages either, but I also hate when a CTM creates a layout using so few elements that it doesn't represent the kit at all either.
Another pet peeve (and I know I'm not the only designer that feels this way) is when CTM's use pets on a bunch of their layouts. I'm a pet lover and have four of my own, but the fur colors of my cats and dogs don't always match the color scheme of the kits and it can really throw off a great layout (with regard to marketing). I appreciate that we love our fur babies just like our kids, but if you don't have other photos to scrap with, I'd recommend asking a friend for a few or just pass on the kit altogether. Which brings me to another point... please edit photos for better quality. A crappy photo can really mess up a great layout so I would hope that my CTM's know the basics of photo editing (brighten, overlay adjustments, color adjustments, or at least B&W if the photo has bold colors that don't match and throw off the layout).
^^^^^
Yes, this!
One of my pet peeves of a few ct members at SSD is poorly edited photos. Some of the photos are absolutely awful. I'm not talking a little blur or even problems because of lighting. Photos that appear to be intentionally poorly edited "for artistic reasons" are my complaint. YUK.
"just pass on the kit"
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Some ct people don't seem to know they can do this!
12-Some designers don't allow that either. Their contract with the CTM reads the CTM is to do a layout (or two) with each release.
A crappy photo can really mess up a great layout
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Only for you as the designer. Most customers don't even notice nor care.
I appreciate that we love our fur babies just like our kids, but if you don't have other photos to scrap with, I'd recommend asking a friend for a few or just pass on the kit altogether.
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So, as a customer, I should pass up on your kit because the colors don't match my pets and I don't have kids; so I need to ask a friend for a photo so I can use your kit. Don't you realize you are alienating those kinds of customers? When I see a kit, I like to see it used in a number of different ways. A boy kit using just boy photo LOs is one I'm going to pass up, a boy kit using girl or pet photo LOs is one I would buy because of it's obvious versatility.
A crappy photo can really mess up a great layout
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Only for you as the designer. Most customers don't even notice nor care.
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Bull shit. I'm a customer and I notice crappy photos ALL the time. They do, indeed, mess up a great layout AND really detract from the kit itself. Don't even begin to speak for "most customers" when you have no clue what they notice or care about.
12-Some designers don't allow that either. Their contract with the CTM reads the CTM is to do a layout (or two) with each release.
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See, I didn't realize this. Thanks for the info. Having never done any ct work, I was unaware that some designers want something from each kit.
So, as a customer, I should pass up on your kit because the colors don't match my pets and I don't have kids; so I need to ask a friend for a photo so I can use your kit. Don't you realize you are alienating those kinds of customers?
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Not the OP but I'm pretty sure this was only meant for creative team members, not customers. Besides, I think pets are fine when they don't completely clash with the kit. CTM layouts are not meant for the user to download and add their own photos. They are meant to be visually appealing for marketing purposes. If you aren't bright enough to look at an attractive layout and figure that out on your own, then perhaps you better resort to QP's. By the same token, if awful layouts make you want to purchase a kit, then that's good news for those designers who create shitty kits and hope some dumb ass with no taste will spend money on it.
So, as a customer, I should pass up on your kit because the colors don't match my pets and I don't have kids; so I need to ask a friend for a photo so I can use your kit.
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This isn't what the op is saying at all. I have a feeling explaining to you the meaning would be an exercise in futility so I won't even try. I swear some of you either just decide to be dense here to screw with people or you must be a big bunch of fun to deal with IRL.
Not the OP but I'm pretty sure this was only meant for creative team members, not customers. Besides, I think pets are fine when they don't completely clash with the kit. CTM layouts are not meant for the user to download and add their own photos. They are meant to be visually appealing for marketing purposes. If you aren't bright enough to look at an attractive layout and figure that out on your own, then perhaps you better resort to QP's. By the same token, if awful layouts make you want to purchase a kit, then that's good news for those designers who create shitty kits and hope some dumb ass with no taste will spend money on it.
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^^LOVE!^^
So, as a customer, I should pass up on your kit because the colors don't match my pets and I don't have kids; so I need to ask a friend for a photo so I can use your kit.
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This isn't what the op is saying at all. I have a feeling explaining to you the meaning would be an exercise in futility so I won't even try. I swear some of you either just decide to be dense here to screw with people or you must be a big bunch of fun to deal with IRL.
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Agree! If you walked through a department store and saw a mannequin wearing a rust and brown plaid, wool skirt with a fuchsia colored knit t-shirt and blue and white striped knee socks, would you think to yourself, "OMG! I gotta have that outfit!" or would you wonder what employee was on crack when they whipped up that sexy little ensemble?
^^^^^
LMAO!!!!! Good one!
Agree! If you walked through a department store and saw a mannequin wearing a rust and brown plaid, wool skirt with a fuchsia colored knit t-shirt and blue and white striped knee socks, would you think to yourself, "OMG! I gotta have that outfit!" or would you wonder what employee was on crack when they whipped up that sexy little ensemble?
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^^YES!^^
hey, with the right accessories, that could totally work ;)
This isn't what the op is saying at all. I have a feeling explaining to you the meaning would be an exercise in futility so I won't even try. I swear some of you either just decide to be dense here to screw with people or you must be a big bunch of fun to deal with IRL.
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Nice, you have conveniently not read the rest of my point. Just another person who reads what they want to read. You must be fun IRL.
If you aren't bright enough to look at an attractive layout and figure that out on your own, then perhaps you better resort to QP's. By the same token, if awful layouts make you want to purchase a kit, then that's good news for those designers who create shitty kits and hope some dumb ass with no taste will spend money on it.
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Charming. I must be dumb, I must be stupid, I must like shitty products just because I made an observation contrary to yours.
Bull shit. I'm a customer and I notice crappy photos ALL the time. They do, indeed, mess up a great layout AND really detract from the kit itself. Don't even begin to speak for "most customers" when you have no clue what they notice or care about.
Jul 10, 2013, 10:29:00 PM
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Quit thinking it's all about you. It isn't.
Agree! If you walked through a department store and saw a mannequin wearing a rust and brown plaid, wool skirt with a fuchsia colored knit t-shirt and blue and white striped knee socks, would you think to yourself, "OMG! I gotta have that outfit!" or would you wonder what employee was on crack when they whipped up that sexy little ensemble?
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how is that even remotely relevant? I mean, I know what you are trying to say in your oh-I'm-so-funny-and-sarcastic-way, but it's apples and oranges.
Besides, I think pets are fine when they don't completely clash with the kit.
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How can pets completely clash with a kit? Sure, if the kit is about, say, space, then yeah, I guess they could 'clash', but anyone with reasonable scraping skills could make it work.
how is that even remotely relevant? I mean, I know what you are trying to say in your oh-I'm-so-funny-and-sarcastic-way, but it's apples and oranges.
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Apples and oranges? Really? Visual marketing and display IS the point, regardless of the product moron.
^^^^
Oh, you had to resort to name calling. Can't make a relevant point?
Oh, you had to resort to name calling. Can't make a relevant point?
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And your "...oh-I'm-so-funny-and-sarcastic-way," was name calling? It's still an attempt at being demeaning. So you're the better person I guess?
Bull shit. I'm a customer and I notice crappy photos ALL the time. They do, indeed, mess up a great layout AND really detract from the kit itself. Don't even begin to speak for "most customers" when you have no clue what they notice or care about.
Jul 10, 2013, 10:29:00 PM
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Quit thinking it's all about you. It isn't.
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Yeah, the difference is I don't attempt to speak for everybody as you did. News flash: You haven't a clue what others see and care about unless you're clairvoyant.
Apples and oranges? Really? Visual marketing and display IS the point, regardless of the product moron.
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You're confusing this nimrod with logic and fact. How dare you!
Nice, you have conveniently not read the rest of my point. Just another person who reads what they want to read. You must be fun IRL.
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I read everything you wrote which pisses me off because that's time I'll never get back. I just happen to think you're wrong and missed the op's point entirely. I'm not altogether sure what your point was then or is now. Trying to figure that out would be a real time-waster so I will refrain from doing so.
Charming. I must be dumb, I must be stupid, I must like shitty products just because I made an observation contrary to yours.
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You didn't make an observation that was contrary to this person's; you made a post that was nonsense and you keep doing it over and over and over.
As far as you being dumb and stupid-you said it, we didn't. Maybe you are clairvoyant after all!
Honestly I'd like to see more layouts with pets. I get tired of only seeing kids in layouts. (Although I realize cute kids "sell" a kit better)
So, as a customer, I should pass up on your kit because the colors don't match my pets and I don't have kids.
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Yes, please. Don't ever buy any of my kits. You are banned from them because you don't have any children. I never sell to childless people ever. Idiot.
Honestly I'd like to see more layouts with pets. I get tired of only seeing kids in layouts. (Although I realize cute kids "sell" a kit better)
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I love pet pages! Luckily, I have a black kitty so he goes with just about any color scheme
Oh, you had to resort to name calling. Can't make a relevant point?
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Sometimes calling someone a name that fits is THE relevant point.
^^^^^
Exactly!
I hate it when a designer says I can't use photos of my pet. I don't have and never will have kids due to medical reasons.
Don't have nieces/nephews/cousins either that I can scrap but I DO love to scrap. And since I 'hate' scrapping pics of myself, the only one left, is my pet!
Perhaps you aren't a good fit to be a CT member, then. I think most designers would look for people with well-rounded galleries who can help show off their kits. You love to scrap, and you are documenting your life, which is great. More power to you. I just don't think you should get your nose out of joint when a designer tells you that your pages need to be about more than just your pet in order to best showcase her kits, or that you should expect to get kits for free if all you can scrap about is one topic (your pet) over and over again.
Seriously? Bitching because someone scraps their pet? Just when I thought this blog couldn't get any more ridiculous. As a designer, if you think scraps of a pet are what hurt your sales, you need to pull your head out of your ass if you can. It's so far up there, it might not come out.
A CTM scrapping pictures of her cat over and over again is absolutely NO DIFFERENT than someone scrapping pictures of her kids over and over again.
Good lord. Do you get sick of seeing ethnic kids, too? Some of you need to realize there are lots of different people out there who have different lives than your own.
As long as the pics aren't indecent or pornographic, who cares? I'd rather have a CTM use pictures of her pets or kids than use stock images.
^^^^
This
Good lord. Do you get sick of seeing ethnic kids, too?
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Not ethnic ones, but I do get sick of seeing the same kids from the people who are on every CT.
I'm not the OP, though.
21, you're right that CT LOs are about marketing. But you're also missing a point: The clothes are the selling point, not the mannequin, just as the elements/papers are the selling point, not the pic. I was going to say that when I look at clothes in magazines, I don't pay attention to the model. I pay attention to the clothes and I think "Would they work for me and my body?" If a model is blond and blue-eyed, I don't think "Oh, I couldn't wear that outfit because I am different." I do the same thing with a LO. I think "Would that kit work for me and my pics?" I don't give a shit what pics are used--although if the pic is bad, I'll try to imagine the LO without it.
And minimalist pages sometimes show off a kit better than a "clustered" page because I can see better detail on the few elements that on featured--or, I can see ALL of the element, instead of just the parts poking out from behind foliage on a clustered page.
But yes, a CT LO as a whole works better with exceptional photos because people are more likely to pay attention to it in the gallery.
#2 - if you want simple and easy, how about you just make photo books? I'm not trying to be snarky, but if scrapbooking is too much time for you, there are other options to capture your memories.
I don't see the point of a CT layout with a paper or two and one or two elements at all. Why would someone need this inspiration? It seems basic enough. Choose your favorite paper or two and put on your photo/s and then place a few of your favorite elements on there, journal, and done. I can't see how a page like that would take more than 15 minutes.
It probably took me longer to type this post.
A CTM scrapping pictures of her cat over and over again is absolutely NO DIFFERENT than someone scrapping pictures of her kids over and over again.
^^^^^
My point exactly!
Also to the designer complaining that her CTM scraps her pets over and over, WHY is she on your CT? YOU picked her. Or if you feel her photos clash, ask her to switch them to B&W and sepia, which go with everything! Don't pick on people who don't have kids, there are many reasons why they don't. And FTR, I DO have a child, but it's perfectly fine for people to scrap about their pets. What I hate is those stupid stock photos!
#2: "I want to see normal, everyday layouts, ones I can do quickly, and they might look nice too. Ones that are organized, with a few embellishments, but not the whole kit thrown on the page. Please!! Make life easier for a poor mom."
I think she is saying that she would love to see examples of the kit used in a similar style to how she would use the kit. It makes perfect sense to me. I know that I am inspired by pages that resonate with my own style.
I can't believe how many people are not getting the point. The point is NOT about scrapping their pets. It's about doing something about the coloring to match better with the kits (for marketing purposes). Scrapping kids over and over is different. Their clothing and atmosphere change so it is easier to choose photos to suit a theme or color scheme. The same cat or dog, with the same fur, does not go with every kit. Why does everyone assume this about customers not being able to scrap their pets? Or CTM's? You get a kit for free. At least provide a layout that lends itself to a positive visual impact color-wise. Is it really asking too much? No one said your pets aren't valued for hell sake. Get over it.
I made sure to only ever own neutral colored pets so that I can be on CT's or scrap with any kit possible. I hate the way those purple cats and green dogs clash with so many kits out there.
#53 - Again, why is the designer complaining about her CTM like she has no say in the matter? I'm sure she didn't magically appear on your team one day. Tell her to use B&W photos or drop her.
#54, lmao!
#54 lol!
#53 And you don't seem to get that most people DON'T care if the photos match the kit. I understand it is for marketing purpose, but customers want to "identify" themselves with the layouts. I am sure most of them don't care if the kit is pink, yellow and white and the dog is brown with orange spots.
53, I wish I knew who you were talking about, not because I want to gossip about her but because I've never looked at a LO and thought "Why the hell did she use a pic of her DOG with this kit?! And FFS, that's the third time in a month she's scrapped her pet!" And to say a dog's fur doesn't "match" the colors of the kit is like saying a person's hair or skin color doesn't match. It's ridiculous. And I am not a fan of pets. (I refuse to clean up something's shit unless I've given birth to it. Or, in hopefully very old age if at all, unless I married it.)
As far as "everyone" missing the point, it seems that you are taking anonymous comments about many subjects way too seriously. Quite a narcissistic thing to do. Perhaps you also think your CTMs bought Kit Clashing Cats on purpose, just to thwart your business?
And 52--I think you're right and I think it also makes sense (wanting to see pages scrapped in a way similar to her style). There are certain designers I don't buy from because I've never seen a CT LO using their kits in a manner similar to how I scrap. It makes me think that the designer's style won't mesh with my style...it's also a good reason for a designer to pick CTMs with different styles.
Not ethnic ones, but I do get sick of seeing the same kids from the people who are on every CT.
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I don't mind seeing the same kids but I DO mind seeing the same photos of the kids. My goodness, get your camera out and take some new shots!
-it's also a good reason for a designer to pick CTMs with different styles.
--
-and why they don't lots of times is beyond me. It's to the designers' advantage and you'd think they'd make a point of doing it.
As far as "everyone" missing the point, it seems that you are taking anonymous comments about many subjects way too seriously. Quite a narcissistic thing to do.
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YOU need to look up the word "narcissistic." It's obvious you have no idea what it means by the way you've used it in the above sentence. Just because someone thinks someone misses a point that is trying to be made does not mean they are taking the situation too seriously. It simply means they think people are missing the point. I hope you speak better than you write and are more intelligent than you sound.
I think she is saying that she would love to see examples of the kit used in a similar style to how she would use the kit. It makes perfect sense to me. I know that I am inspired by pages that resonate with my own style.
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^^this^^
No one said your pets aren't valued for hell sake. Get over it.
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They won't get over it. Believe me.
Talk about missing the point. It's a mighty leap from wanting photos to match kits to not valuing an animal. Good Lord.
#53 And you don't seem to get that most people DON'T care if the photos match the kit. I understand it is for marketing purpose, but customers want to "identify" themselves with the layouts. I am sure most of them don't care if the kit is pink, yellow and white and the dog is brown with orange spots.
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Quit speaking for "most people." You are not the designated spokesperson for digiscrappers everywhere. I realize you're attempting to make a point but exaggerating to do it is not the way to go.
Don't pick on people who don't have kids, there are many reasons why they don't.
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You are truly an idiot if you think this is what the op was doing.
And I am not a fan of pets.
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Being an animal rights activist myself, I cannot tell you how good this makes me feel. The idea that someone like you doesn't have pets soothes me. Thanks.
A CTM scrapping pictures of her cat over and over again is absolutely NO DIFFERENT than someone scrapping pictures of her kids over and over again.
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Except my animals are more cooperative than my kids when it comes to taking photos of them!
I can't believe how many people are not getting the point.
-
Really? It's rather common around here. People go off on tangents (defending childless people and anger over the devaluation of pets) that have absolutely NOTHING to do with original posters' points (I know this because the op's say it over and over again). That's just in the past two or three pages. If it wasn't so comical, it would be very aggravating.
Next topic? ...This one is completely tired!
Next topic? ...This one is completely tired!
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If it's so tired, why don't you start a new topic instead of depending on someone else to do it?
How about a topic of people complaining about the topic but who don't have the wherewithal to start a new one?
You are not the designated spokesperson for digiscrappers everywhere.
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^^Love This^^ LOL!!!!
53, I wish I knew who you were talking about, not because I want to gossip about her
_____________
Riiiiiigggggghhhhhhttttt.
52-Yes, you are right. I'm the poster WAY back there that suggested that. I can't believe this has taken on a life of it's own. I can understand the designer wanting to have the CTM show the kit well. I think the designers should have a variety of scrappers on their team, that when I look at the layouts as a whole, I can see the kit used in different ways. It seems like most of the layouts I see from CTM on most teams look like the same person could have made them. I'm not saying the layouts look bad. I'm saying like someone already mentioned, I want to see layouts I can do easily. Just have a variety of scrappers on your teams and I'll see most of the kit used nicely. Remember a lot of us sahms are busy people, and moms are busy if we are work outside the home moms too. I didn't mean to start a firestorm about dogs, cats, and childless layouts at all.
This has become utterly ridiculous. (And yes- please go ahead and call me names)- but seriously- posting nastiness about WHAT or WHO is scrapped (whether it is kids- dogs- or my auntie's pearls) ???? Really??? Wow.
Paislee Press is one designer who comes to mind who has an entire team that makes all the same pages. And since each of her new kits seems to contain half of her last kit recolored it all blends together. But it must work for her.
This has become utterly ridiculous. (And yes- please go ahead and call me names)- but seriously- posting nastiness about WHAT or WHO is scrapped (whether it is kids- dogs- or my auntie's pearls) ???? Really???
--
Oh, get over yourself. If you're so offended and shocked by what is posted here, go elsewhere.
Paislee Press is one designer who comes to mind who has an entire team that makes all the same pages. And since each of her new kits seems to contain half of her last kit recolored it all blends together. But it must work for her.
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PP has always amazed me because the designs and templates are so simply done that anyone could replicate them.
This has become utterly ridiculous. (And yes- please go ahead and call me names)- but seriously- posting nastiness about WHAT or WHO is scrapped (whether it is kids- dogs- or my auntie's pearls) ???? Really???
--
Oh, get over yourself. If you're so offended and shocked by what is posted here, go elsewhere.
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Really. Just.Go.Away.
This has become utterly ridiculous.
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Thank you, Blog Commander, for calling everyone out. You're a true hero.
I didn't mean to start a firestorm about dogs, cats, and childless layouts at all.
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Those posts had nothing to do with what you posted. You didn't start anything.
http://rachelleannemiller.com/imitation-not-always-best-form-of-flattery/
thoughts?
http://rachelleannemiller.com/imitation-not-always-best-form-of-flattery/
thoughts?
------------------------------------------
time to make a lawyer rich!
She's baaacckk! Royanna is at it again. Came across my feed. Wonder if she is part owner or not.
Royanna Hohl Fritschmann posted to Designer & CT Calls
My former business partner Laura White (Princess Lala Designs) opened a BRAND NEW AMAZING Digital Scrapbook & Hybrid Store called Smashing Scraps at | www.smashingscraps.com | or "Like Us" on Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SmashingScraps | I am EXCITED to announce I will be a part of the design team and would love to have you enjoy this amazing new store - It will feature a blend of mix and match digital & hybrid scrapbook supplies, as well as SMASHbooks, Project Life, Quickpages, and Art Journaling. The focus is on Life scrapping with purpose and an emotional connection to document our story/legacy from a daily perspective! Join the SMASHING revolution and head over to SMASHING SCRAPS - "Mix it, Mash it, SMASH it!" every story deserves to be SMASHING!
Thoughts?
Welcome to the internet, Rachelle Anne Miller. The internet is filled with people from countries that don't care about copyrights. My world will not collapse because her work is being copied. Good luck getting a lawyer to take that case.
I asked last month but the question was never answered, so maybe it will be answered this time... Does anyone know if ScrapMatters has a monthly quota and what that amount is?
Agreeing about Paislee Press... she also came to my mind when we talked about CT teams that make the same layouts. But... I guess the minimalist, modern style appeals to a certain crowd.
#84 she rises from the ashes once again. will she never go away!.
But I thought a phoenix was supposed to be majestic, fiery, and rare? lol Damn, there goes my perception of fantasy.
Can some of you ladies help me out here? I have been out of the digi scrapping world for a few years, but recently got back into it. When I was last active on DST it was really hopping - incredibly busy and it was THE place for digi scrappers to hang out. (Before that it was 2Peas...) But I come back now and find it all but dead! What has happened? Is digi scrapping much less popular than it used to be, or is there a new big forum that most people are calling home these days?
90 - "is there a new big forum that most people are calling home these days?"
Yes it's called Facebook. Most people hang in the store's forum or on the FB page.
I'm surprised there's been no P&Co Cropped smacking.
88-That took longer than I thought it would. I wonder who would be stupid enough to apply to that CT.
Notice how she words it? " would love to have you enjoy this amazing new store " have you ENJOY She may have put it in Designer and CT calls but no where does it say they are looking for designers or CT. It's the same exact wording she has been posting all over facebook and probably anywhere else. It's an add, not a CT or designer call. The store has been out there a couple of months with stuff from Laura in it only but with Ra listed as a designer in a few places.
I'm surprised there's been no P&Co Cropped smacking.
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After looking at their forum and the entries, I wish I'd have entered now. I think it would have been fun. I've really enjoyed looking at how everyone does their layouts.
Is digi scrapping much less popular than it used to be?
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Not in my world, it's not. DST, however, is obviously.
She's baaacckk! Royanna is at it again.
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Oh, YAY! Now we get to read post after post about this woman whom no one appears to like. It's great though that you feel the need to give her lots of attention in spite of that!
I'm surprised there's been no P&Co Cropped smacking.
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Why? Do you think there's a problem with it somehow?
#84 she rises from the ashes once again. will she never go away!.
________________
Not as long as people like you keep giving her the attention she apparently doesn't deserve. I think some of you are obsessed with this woman. I kind of feel sorry for HER!
88-That took longer than I thought it would. I wonder who would be stupid enough to apply to that CT.
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Or stupid enough to post about her ad nauseum.
88-That took longer than I thought it would. I wonder who would be stupid enough to apply to that CT.
--------------------------
Or stupid enough to join her store.
http://pixelsandcompany.com/2013/07/cropped-round-2-with-guest-judge-jen-jockish/
There's the 32 who moved on, if anyone cares.
why not bash her ad nauseum? There might be a newbie who hasn't heard yet.
Somebody was asking for new topic earlier. Other stores/people get bashed ad nauseum. Do you not want her bashed because you are her friend? Or maybe because she's so sick?
I'm surprised there's been no P&Co Cropped smacking.
______
Why? What's there to smack?
I'm surprised there's been no P&Co Cropped smacking.
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Why? What's there to smack?
________
Nothing, imo. I'm very impressed by the amount of people who entered (94, I think), who the judges have picked to go to round 2, the talent of most of the entrants and the qualifications and backgrounds of the judges. Even some of the most critical, unreasonable and misguided people on this blog would be hard-pressed to find fault with this competition.
why not bash her ad nauseum? There might be a newbie who hasn't heard yet.
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I don't think most newbies give a shit about her. It's a select few of you on this blog who seemingly have a grudge against her because of previous experiences or whatever.
Do you not want her bashed because you are her friend?
__
No, I don't know her from Adam and couldn't care less what she does or doesn't do. It's amazing how some of you seem so interested in what is going on with her.
Speaking of Pixels and Co., I just bought some items from their dollar day sale and am very pleased. I wish they'd come down a bit on their regular prices, however.
well, she might die, ya know!!
it's amazing to me how interested some of you are in other designers and their kids and hubbys, etc.....
it's amazing to me how interested some of you are in other designers and their kids and hubbys, etc.....
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Agree. I don't care what a designer does in her personal life, what her children look like and/or whether her husband works. I do care how much she charges, if the quality of her work is consistently excellent and if I can incorporate what she does into my scrapbooking.
I shudder when people make fun of someone's family in any way. It's childish and vicious and says so much more about the poster than anyone else.
It's amazing how some of you seem so interested in what is going on with her.
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Yes, this amazes me too.
Why? What's there to smack?
_
Like there needs to be a reason for some of these bored, miserable people to criticize something.
There are a few pages that made it to round 2 of Cropped that I wouldn't have picked, but that has more to do with personal taste than the judging.
Do they have the 'winning' layouts posted collectively anywhere? I don't know everyone's user name to go and see which ones go with that list.
I noticed that a few sugarbabes have entered the P&Co Cropped. I wished I had seen this before, would have entered.
Nothing smack worthy.....
Do they have the 'winning' layouts posted collectively anywhere? I don't know everyone's user name to go and see which ones go with that list.
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This is my only gripe. I wish the winning pages could be paired up with owner name and not user name.
On the FB page, SSD has decided to ask if people attend church. My favorite response so far is this: "What are you trying to learn from this question?"
117 - Talk about alienating your customers and giving a soapbox for holier than thou Christians. "Angela Bowe: Remember there is only one church. Christ church. Study the Bible and find out what God wants from HIS church and then it's easier to pick."
Whoever posted that question should be reprimanded if not removed from SSD. It's one thing to have your own beliefs, but to link it to a business that houses multiple designers who all have different beliefs.... If I sold there, I would be outraged.
I fuck my husband. Does SSD want to know how often and whether I take it up the ass, too?
"I regret to inform you that the shop, forums, and gallery at Design House Digital are closing. We appreciate all of the support you have given our site and our designers over the years, but lately our shop has struggled to cover operational costs, and we have to close our doors. We aren't having any additional discounts related to the store closing. Some designers will move their designs to new stores, and some will retire permanently from digital scrapbook design.
"The last day you can order products will be July 15, 2013 at 11:59pm Mountain Time. The shop's user accounts will also be removed, and you won't be able to access your downloads after July 19, 2013 at 11:59pm Mountain Time. Be sure to complete all of your download activity before July 20."
On the FB page, SSD has decided to ask if people attend church. My favorite response so far is this: "What are you trying to learn from this question?"
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This and the wicca!
I hate waiting so long to know who won TLP challeges in JUNE!
TLP always seems disorganized.
On the FB page, SSD has decided to ask if people attend church. My favorite response so far is this: "What are you trying to learn from this question?"
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I'm not particularly offended by it, however, I choose not to answer it. I do find it a very, very strange question coming from a scrapbook business. I also find it predictable AND irritating that some would feel the need to pontificate about their choices on a Facebook digital scrapbook site.
We aren't having any additional discounts related to the store closing.
_
I think they'll regret this unless they're not interested in making some (maybe a lot) money at the end. It's almost as if it's a kind of bitter thing and they're cutting off their noses to spite their faces.
I'll tell you exactly why SSD posted that on their FB page: because they will post anything to get people to respond and interact with their page because it boosts their ratings on FB and makes it easier for them to market and know that more customers will see their posts. It's smart, even if that question is a terrible pandora's box just waiting to be opened. They should stick to asking customers whether they like to jog or take walks or surf or ski whether they prefer the mountains or the ocean.
Whoever posted that question should be reprimanded if not removed from SSD. It's one thing to have your own beliefs, but to link it to a business that houses multiple designers who all have different beliefs.... If I sold there, I would be outraged.
__
Outraged? Why?
I'll tell you exactly why SSD posted that on their FB page: because they will post anything to get people to respond and interact with their page because it boosts their ratings on FB and makes it easier for them to market and know that more customers will see their posts. It's smart, even if that question is a terrible pandora's box just waiting to be opened. They should stick to asking customers whether they like to jog or take walks or surf or ski whether they prefer the mountains or the ocean.
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I also thought this might be why but didn't know enough specifics about FB to speculate.
Trashy crap
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152992031890357&set=gm.574540522584825&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152992031890357&set=gm.574540522584825&type=1&theater
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Huh? Is that suppose to be a pregnant belly with stretch marks or is that a watermark on the photo?
127 - Because there is such a thing as bad press in this industry. I don't want my customers to feel like they can't interact with my store because they're not religious and/or attend church regularly. I do not want their opinion of my store to have any negative associations.
In my opinion, SSD crossed the line with that post and people wont forget it (in a bad way) too soon. They get slammed on this blog all the time and their forums are not overly friendly to non-regulars, but many customers don't see those two things. They do see Facebook, though, and now their once hidden exclusive mentality is coming out more in public and that is not a good thing.
As someone who keeps my personal beliefs and practices private, I wouldn't want that post to reflect upon me as a business woman - as if somehow I am intolerant or actually care if my customers attend church or don't. Why is it their business?
"I don't want my customers to feel like they can't interact with my store because they're not religious and/or attend church regularly. I do not want their opinion of my store to have any negative associations."
good point
On the FB page, SSD has decided to ask if people attend church.
wtf? how is that scrapbook related? (I mean from a business point of view). That was the company officially asking the question, not just a customer, right?
I am a regular SSD customer, and I find that question extremely offensive, it is absolutely none of their business and just gives more space for those self-righteous religious types just like the above post by Angela Bowe. I think this is a great way to alienate a lot of potential customers.
And while they're at it, why not ask our personal views on the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman trial or whether we've ever had an abortion?
127 - Because there is such a thing as bad press in this industry. I don't want my customers to feel like they can't interact with my store because they're not religious and/or attend church regularly. I do not want their opinion of my store to have any negative associations.
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I'm 127 and I totally get what you're saying now. I'd be pissed too if I was a designer. I wasn't looking at it from that vantage point so didn't even think of it along those lines. Thanks for clarifying.
Why do you care if DHD has sales or not? If you didn't shop there before why would you now that they are closing? Ridiculous!
I am a regular SSD customer, and I find that question extremely offensive, it is absolutely none of their business and just gives more space for those self-righteous religious types just like the above post by Angela Bowe. I think this is a great way to alienate a lot of potential customers.
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Anytime a venue is provided for the over-zealous, religious types, it's a BAD THING!!!!!!
Why do you care if DHD has sales or not? If you didn't shop there before why would you now that they are closing? Ridiculous!
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Wrong. I've shopped many close out digi scrap store sales if they have killer prices and a few I'd never shopped at previously. For instance, Shabby Pickle was one I'd never bought a thing from until they had a great sale at the end. It's only ridiculous if you're a close-minded fool who thinks her limited experiences are everyone else's.
#119- I would like to know LOL!
#139- that's not the kind of loyal customer most designers are seeking. Anyway, many of the designers there are having their own closing sales just not a site wide one. Sorry if you only bargain shop!
Did you see the new Fix? OTBDS really? Blah!
What do you think of the new designers at GS? I'm a little disappointed. Are these the best that have applied??
143 - most of them are unknown to me. I remember seeing in the Call thread in the forum, at least 4 members who said they were not picked, and I know of 2 more who have applied but didn't post on that thread.
Chere Kaye is about as flaky as they come. I give her no more than 3 months and she will be retiring again.
Who do you think should have applied and accepted at GS? What would be your guess?
The list of new designers at GS is one big "meh" IMO. B2N2's stuff in particular is unimaginative and oversaturated. Created by Jill's stuff is OK but her previews are atrocious. Keystone Scraps stuff is boring. M&M--OMG she needs someone to help her with her English.
I've seen a few of the new designers at GS around before, but not all of them. I wish them luck.
I'm not excited about any of those designers but I'm also not shocked about any of them. I don't think any of them are awful.
"Anonymous said... 142
Did you see the new Fix? OTBDS really? Blah!"
I'm happy to see something for art journalers. & I like most of her work.
Re: The Fix - I didn't renew my advertising there recently and I probably won't be doing the Fix ever again, unless Christine starts to show some better business sense. The Fix used to be quality stuff and if I was the other sponsors this month I'd be angry to have my stuff up next to that crap. Not as many people will buy it and the reason to give away stuff to things like the Fix is to get your stuff out there to more customers.
I think all of the new designers are perfectly suited for Gingerscraps... not that it's a compliment.
151- I agree, and I'm one of the contributors to the Fix this month. I'm pissed! At least it's a store collab and I didn't make much. If I had made a whole kit I'd be really mad.
Holy sh*t these are frightening journal cards.
http://outsidetheboxdesignstudio.com/otbds-shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=146
154 - that is... weird
Many people on here have complained about OTBDS. Is her quality bad, or is it HER that you don't like?
Or is it art journaling you don't like?
Its both. Her quality has been awful since she began a few years back and her standard response for strays and jaggies has always been "its art!" This was when she was making regular kits. She is also Jewish, no problem there , but she has a bad habit of using it as an excuse for things. She continually violates copyright by using images from the web in her kits. It's all just fine for Amanda, but not anyone else. Just ask her! She is one royal PITA and a very poor 'artist'.
Sorry if you only bargain shop!
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Sorry you're an ignorant idiot who cannot read.
154 - that is... weird
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that is an understatement!
"Anonymous said... 158
Its both. Her quality has been awful since she began a few years back and her standard response for strays and jaggies has always been "its art!" This was when she was making regular kits..."
But now she's been designing for much longer. Is this still a problem? And if you don't use her work, how do you know?
"She is also Jewish, no problem there, but she has a bad habit of using it as an excuse for things."
Say what?? I do believe she's an evangelical christian ...
"She continually violates copyright by using images from the web in her kits. It's all just fine for Amanda, but not anyone else. Just ask her!"
Um, still? Did she not learn her lesson?
She is one royal PITA and a very poor 'artist'.
Opinion.
Not the OP, but yes her quality still sucks. Yes, she is Jewish. Ask her. No, she did NOT learn her lesson on copyright issues.
She is a PITA and a poor artist. Not opinion.
FACT.
#153 - you should be! I almost always buy the Fix because it's such a good deal, but there's only 3 kits this month, and one of them is from OTBDS, and I do not want my dollars supporting her in any way. And yes, I do like art journaling, but I don't like crap (which it is, IMHO).
The only decent thing in this month's Fix is the contribution from TDC and even the templates in that are hideous. STS's contribution is just as horrible as OTBDS's. It's not worth $3 and that is sad.
How long till DSA goes out of business? Guesses?
Anyone else enjoying the dollar sales at Pixels & Co? I've found a few really cool things there. Wish their regular prices were a bit lower too!
Wish their regular prices were a bit lower too!
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Ditto. Loved some of their dollar stuff and bought it but I refuse to pay their regular prices when just as talented designers charge less. Being a newish store, you'd think the prices would be more competitive but they are not at all. Therefore, I will keep looking at their dollar sales when they appear but will never shop there seriously outside of those.
Wait woah ... OTBDS *and* Stuff That's Crap in the same Fix? I think my head will explode.
I think The Digi Chick has every right to be pissed right off about who they are grouped with this month - especially if they waited a long time for that spot.
I guess it goes to show how much of The Fix was chosen based on taste - Christine takes over and the entire tone of The Fix changes.
I don't mind STS as much as OTBDS; I actually prefer their star templates to TDC's. It's also a huge kit, so there's bound to be something workable in there. OTBDS's stuff, on the other hand...
Christine's bottom line is $$$. OTBDS started sponsoring when Christine took over. Designers/stores with any good sense will be dropping like flies. All you have to do is look at her CUDigitals shop - she will take just about anyone, claim its all "quality" - just for an almighty $$. Now she is doing it to DSA.
Ever stop to think that all the good designers won't even give DSA a second look because of the way it was run into the ground before Christine bought it?
I was a sponsor, once upon a time. I had an upcoming spot for the FIX, too, but I won't be taking it. Considering the way things were mismanaged by the previous owners, Christine has a long road to travel before it will be worth associating with the site again. It's hard to pick good designers for the Fix if they just aren't interested.
Who used to own DSA? Why did they leave/sell the site? What happened before they left?
172, there have been a few good designers recently, but you're right: it would appear based on this month's picks that quality designers are NOT interested in the fix anymore. (I'm assuming, since a designer needs time to design, that the last few months' designers were chosen before Christine took over, but I could be wrong.) July designers appear to have been hand-picked by Christine. She may like OTB Designs, but maybe this month's Fix sales numbers will persuade her otherwise.
So what happened to DHD? Just not enough sales? Did anyone even shop there? Wondering why they closed...
174 - our store (featured this month) signed up for the spot before Christine took over.
176, that's unfortunate for you/the store. I wonder if OTB was a replacement for someone? I know sometimes designers drop out at the last minute and the Fix (or TDF) scramble to fill the spot.
Has anyone here downloaded the free sampler MMullens-AsBigAsTheSky from SweetShoppeDesigns?
There is a white paper in there called "mmullens-bigasthesky-solid3". I'm not sure if it's just my monitor but it shows up as plain solid white for me (no texture). If anyone else has this could you please let me know what type of texture or design is on this paper. I'm concerned my monitor settings are off & that's why I can't see any detail on the white paper.
Thank you in advance to anyone who takes time to look at this, I appreciate it. :)
well 178, you got me curious so I downloaded it, looked at it, and threw it away. Talk about oversaturated papers! There is an extremely subtle texture on the white. She was/is going for a bright white (probably to go with the oversaturated blue and red), which can be difficult to show texture on. It's there, but you'll never see it unless you zoom on in.
So what happened to DHD? Just not enough sales? Did anyone even shop there? Wondering why they closed...
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Well, apparently people didn't shop there enough because they closed due to lack of business. They were going broke and to making enough to keep the site operating. They were in trouble for several months before they called it quits.
**that should be not making enough......**
What is up with some designers and their stupid design names? This has long been a pet peeve of mine, but I thought about it most recently when I saw the new template designer at SM... Zoliofrope? Come on, don't make me sound like an idiot when I say your brand name out loud. There are others that bug me too. IMO, just use your real name or something simple and sophisticated.
my best freind's name is Zoliofrope!! :P
Zoliofrope is better than Wimpychompers or Jimbo Jambo
There are other names that are odd. I can think of QueenBRAT and SugarBUTT. Not that they are hard to pronounce but they are just odd names that are not really associated with scrapbooking or designing.
178, I was just about to complain about another SSD freebie: the wood grain paper in Optimistic by Kristin Cronin-Barrow is super pixel-y.
Does SSD not require QC by the designers (or a store team of QCers)? I know it's a freebie, but freebies are supposed to make you want to BUY stuff. Quality issues like these turn me off from the designer.
173- I believe Sara Schiller/KSCWgirl used to own DSA, but not 100% sure. My emails about the fix used to come from her, but it's been a while since I got any of those emails.
Did the church question disappear from SSD's FB page? I don't see it on there.
I was looking at some (some good and some are really awful) layouts for SO's Iron Scrapper and wanted to know - what is the plastic wrap technique done here? anyone know? I tried in ps, but it didn't look the same.
http://scraporchard.com/scrappin/pics/t/24275.jpg
I keep getting a message from FF saying that TLP's store is "untrusted" and, if I've visited the site before, that I should worry the site might be compromised. Anyone else have that message?
#189, what do you mean by the plastic technique? I couldn't see what you're talking about in that photo. I have that kit, and I know that background paper has a faded area in the middle, and it looks like they just masked the photo over that - is that what you're talking about?
#186: I agree about freebies making you want to buy from a designer. I don't know if they have a QC team or not. I purchased some stuff from Sahlin a while back and the wood grain paper was not at all crisp. There was also a butterfly in the kit that was pixellated. It's made me really hesitant to purchase from her again, especially since her stuff is priced on the higher side (for what you get).
#188: They removed it. They never should have posted it in the first place.
I don't see plastic wrap?
#188 & 192 - well, I guess that's proof that they read here!
http://www.scrapartstudio.com/designers-call/
Are customers still shopping? I can't remember the last time I bought anything digital.
I see more and more stores having sales more often, ie; Scrapgirls is having a sale almost every week, usually a different category.
Other stores are closing.
What I can't figure out is how some of the really bad ones stay open. People must buy from them.
Not all buyers are really "discriminative" and they might not see much difference between a good and bad designer.
Are customers still shopping? I can't remember the last time I bought anything digital.
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The industry is alive and well. Just like any other, it has it's peaks and valleys. A new store opens; another closes and so on. You must not scrap much or you use the same stuff over and over if you haven't bought in ages.
Not all buyers are really "discriminative" and they might not see much difference between a good and bad designer.
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Not all buyers would agree what is good and what is bad. I think Studio Basic is awful and others swear by her stuff. I think about half the Lily Pad designers suck as well. Others disagree.
I keep getting a message from FF saying that TLP's store is "untrusted" and, if I've visited the site before, that I should worry the site might be compromised. Anyone else have that message?
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I got this msg. too. Have been there many times as well and now it's dangerous so I ain't going
191, 193 Yes, the blended picture. It has a funny sort of plastic look to it, and she says it is plastic wrap filter. That filter is in photoshop, but when I tried it it didn't look like that. she must have done other things to the mask or photo. Thanks for looking at it for me.
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