Tuesday, December 30, 2008

2008 - The good, bad and ugly

Here is some new space for you.

Seems like a good time to do a reader contribution Digi year in review. Were there any digi moments worth remembering? What digi trends exploded in 2008? Any predictions for the new year?

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

MyPicTales

Here is some new space for you.
I have really lost interest in the message boards, and found that I have been getting a lot more scrapping done!

I did a quick scan at DST and the thread that jumped out at me was about MyPicTales. Seems there are more than a few gals disappointed in the product, customer service and turnaround time. Seems that the owner of MPT, and DST staff have requested that criticism be kept off the board. In my opinion she can't have it both ways. She used that board like crazy to promote her product, coupons, and now that there are service issues they are requesting they be kept private. I personally would like to know both sides of the story, and I applaud those that have publically shared their experiences, both positive and negative.

Sorry - for those wanting gossip...I am just not in the "know" - I can only speculate with the rest of you on the flight of designers from SBG etc.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

October Hot Product

Ok - So it looks like the first Hot product to be featured in the DST insider and on the home page of DST is a Mystery Mega Collab Kit by the Scrap Orchard Designers.

If you want to see the contents, it was revealed here:
Mega Collab Revealed

Looks like it currently is selling for $3.00 and the product listing says that the price will increase in one week. I don't know when that will be.

Remember, "The introductory cost for this package is $350.00" I don't know if this is what they actually paid.

Let's discuss.
How did the DST CT team do using the kit?
Do you think this was cost effective advertising for this product?
Did you click on the DST link to take a closer look?
Did you buy this kit? Are you planning too?
Do you look at reveals before purchasing?
Do you think the store covered the fee, or did the designers all chip in?

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

What's new?

I spent a little time tonight surfing DST and MSA and couldn't find much that was worthy of a blog post. Gina Miller had her baby, and I thought it was interesting Shannon announced it at DST, and indicated she had been in contact with Gina. There was much speculation on the blogs about a falling out between the two when she split and started MSA.

Seems a couple of traditional scrappers (or CK featured) have found their way into the digital market. CD Muckosky is selling at LDD. Ali Edwards has been selling bits and templates at Designer Digitals. Any others out there tapping into the digital market?

What else is new around digi land? I must admit I haven't been keeping up with the scene. Apparently this blog is a haven for grandmas and mormons. Here is a shout out to all you grannys out there.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Changing Seasons

Hold on to your hats, we are moving into Autumn. Good bye beach kits. Hello leaves, Halloween and Christmas.
I must say I have been pleased lately with the variety of non-seasonal kits (birthday, outdoors etc.), and multi purpose kits being released. It feels like even though kit prices have gone up I can get multiple pages from the same kit, and because of the variety (extractions, doodles) in that kit, the pages have a completely different feel.

What "trend" are you loving these days?
What "trend" is going to pass you by?
Amy Martin has won two big (traditionally paper) scrapping contests this year. Do you think this will help bring newbies over to digital?
Have you entered any scrap contests outside of the Digi community?

Lets try to keep the pirate talk to the blogs devoted to the topic. (Just a request, but as always discuss what you want.)

Sunday, August 10, 2008

New Space

New space for the new week. I am too tired to think of a topic, and need to get back to packing for my trip. Someone did share something with me via email, and I am torn on what to do with it. I need to sleep on it.

For those still wondering, no one from the police department has stopped by for a visit.

Have a good week. Play nice.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

I think you meant Libel...

Sticking to my promise, new space for you all, this one is for you 8pm. I know my blog readers have attempted to change the topic to anything remotely digi, but I feel the need to throw in my 2 cents, as these comments are directed towards me.

By Amanda Dykan -
"I was told that the owner(s) of the blog would receive a visit from their local precinct this week. And, now that I know who that party is, I am seriously thinking of filing for penalties against her- for defamation of character, slander and malicious persecution (to say the least)."

*removed name due to a polite designer request*
"Go for it. Seriously."

Go for it. Seriously? She is being encouraged? I can't figure out my criminal role here, so if someone can enlighten me, I will begin working on my defense strategy. I know I wasn't in Dallas over the weekend shootin' up the town, so if Amanda can let me know when the local PD will be stopping by my house, I will be sure to be home, I wouldn't want to miss their visit. If I have cell block internet access, I will be sure to post an update and give you an address in which you can send bail money. Witch hunt? Scare tactic? I don't know, I don't care, but I am not losing sleep over this because I have done nothing wrong. I truly hope Amanda knows FOR SURE who she has targeted as the blog owner, and I hope that she realizes the burden of proof that I personally did any of the following: defamation of character, slander and malicious persecution falls to her. Good luck.

Here is my topic for discussion:
Does the behavior of a designer, her CT, her supporters, or the company she chooses to "clique" with influence your purchasing decisions? Is it just about the product someone is selling, or does personality, professionalism, marketing strategies influence how you spend your dollar? Feel free to give some specific examples if you wish.

My answer: Absolutely, I can say I never have registered in any of Amanda's stores, nor will I make a purchase from her or anyone that has anything to do with her...ever. *removed name*, you can consider me a "former customer." Likewise for other designers that continually exhibit unprofessional, over-emotional behavior. I may be an anonymous blog owner, and the readers here are anonymous blog posters, but please remember that we are your customers, or not. I personally will support designers that exhibit a passion for what they do, those that act professionally and take pride in their work, make contributions to the digital "community" in a positive way, and have a product that is unique and well executed. I am a picky and discerning buyer, I diligently navigate this relatively small industry, and purposely search out designers that exhibit all of the above qualities.
Please don't mistake this as a threat, it is my opinion. Others may share that opinion or disagree, frankly it makes no difference to me. I will leave this blog open for others to freely express their opinions either with me or against me. Game on.

*Edited 8/6* I have received an email from the designer named above, politely requesting her name be removed.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Happy Birthday DST

So let the birthday party begin. What fun and exciting things does Shannon and her crew have in store for us as they kick off another year? I am sure you all are eagerly waiting for the birthday kit, the pass the torch RAK (that has only been passed to beggars and high volume posters), the debut of the DST CT team, and who knows what other new and exciting ideas they will uncork this weekend. Let the shameless plugs and begging begin.

Here is the readers digest version of the last post: The DST CT was announced, vote for me threads should be outlawed, one person hates bracket previews, but most don't care, Rose still hasn't announced her CT, if you want to, you can send care packages to aunt Tilly at the trailer park, somebody is offering services to remove sticks from your ass if you have one stuck there, looks like we need a cure for those that piss rainbows, a Stampin' Up demo hacked Heather Ann's mailing list, dead celebrities and not dead celebrities, shameless RAK begging, Barb Speck is up in arms about the critique and reveal blogs, Gallery standout nomination for the milk lady, and slow pay and disgruntled designers at PPF.

Feel free to discuss my lame topic or anything else digi that you want to discuss. I don't have a mission here, I am not out to accomplish anything or change the digi world. My only pledge to you is to give you a new topic at around 200 posts because my pet peeve is when I have to click an extra time to see what you all are talking about. Have a good weekend. Carry on...

Friday, July 18, 2008

New Space...

Here is some new space....Haven't had much time to keep up with the Digi scene this week. Quick recap...big pirate yahoo group was outted, DST closed the "Law and Order" piracy forum, a few designers switched stores, did Rose Farver announce her CT yet? DST announced....
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=135334

Seems like the same old stuff. Hopefully something entertaining will come up this week...

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Posting layouts in public galleries...

Just got back from being out of town and quickly scanned the hub and didn't see much going on. Still eagerly waiting the CT announcements of Rose Farver and DST. Let's move on from CT's this entry and discuss posting layouts in galleries. I scan the galleries when I am in a slump looking for some inspiration. Sometimes I come across a layout and think why would they post that? I realize other countries are more liberal about sexuality, and scrapping "tough" times is therapeutic, but do they all need to be shared online? What kind of layouts / subject matter has made you feel uncomfortable? Do you post every layout you create on DST? Do you only post your best work? What are your reasons for posting layouts in public galleries? Discuss this or whatever other digi drama pops up this week.

Oh...and a trivia question for you...What is the name of the World's Most digiscrapped dog?

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

DST Creative Team

So Shannon posted her call for the DST creative team. Do you think her inbox is overflowing with designer "applications" for this opportunity? Who do you think will apply and get selected? The requirements don't seem to be unreasonable, the only promotion indicated seemed to be sporting a blinkie, and creating \ posting the layout. Seems she plans on starting this next month, any speculation on the featured designer for August?

http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=132020

This is in support of the following letter that was sent to the designers:
As Digital Scrapbook Designers and Store Owners, we know how important it is to make your product stand out admist a sea of others in this oversaturated market. At DST, we are always trying to think of new ways that we can help you acheive your goals - from the free Digital Directory and Designer Announcements forum, to the low-priced Product Gallery and New Products forum. We know that we often have more advertisers than space to offer so we try to think of various ways that we can offer more to those who want it. Our banner ads are sold out through 2008 with a large waiting list. Our newsletter can only hold so many ads before it becomes overrun by marketing. So we've created another package that we think will benefit the Digital Designer or Store Owner who is looking to showcase one truly fabulous product in the largest way possible.

We're assembling a Creative Team at DST comprised of some of the best digital scrapbookers in the industry. Their job will be to show off the many ways that your one product can be used from a variety of digital layouts (both rectangle and square), to a multitude of hybrid projects to an assortment of cards and invitations. These projects will be featured in the DST Insider along with a large image of your kit preview (linked direct to your store, of course) as well as quotes from each scrapper about what they liked about the kit. Our hope is not only to showcase the product of your choice but to also encourage scrappers to use their digital kits for more than one project and to see the spectrum of potential ideas that your product could be used for. Naturally, our team will be posting their projects in the DST gallery and we will also require that they post it in their other galleries as well (a minimum of 1 additional gallery).

We will be offering this to only one designer or store owner per month so that you can get the full exposure and benefit of the opportunity. The introductory cost for this package is $350. Because we can only offer this to one designer or store owner per month, we encourage you to request a month when you will be releasing a product you are truly excited about or (if you're a store owner) to consider showcasing a collaborative kit that your design team will be releasing together.

If you would like to apply to have your product considered, please email me at shannon@digishoptalk.com with the following information:

First and Last Contact Name:
Contact Email:
Paypal Billing Address:
Month you would like to be featured:
Please also attach a preview of the product you would like featured. The preview should be at least 500x500 pixels so that we can see as much detail as possible.

I'm sorry but we cannot guarantee that everyone will be featured during the month that they would like. We will do our best to accomodate everyone that we can.

If you have any questions or suggestions for this or any other possible promotional opportunity at DST, please feel free to contact me and share your ideas! We look forward to this exciting new opportunity to promote your business and inspire the digital community together.

Shannon Bieger
Owner/Founder

Friday, June 27, 2008

Let's discuss the DST Call Forum....

ok, so material has been a bit sparse over at the hub, so I thought we could discuss the call forum. A quick scroll through the forum I saw a multiple offers relating to digi needs.

CT calls
Designer calls
Advertising Guru
Preview Maker
Ad maker
Guest Calls
Product tester
One time CT opportunities
Publication calls
Site CT
QP Artists
Web site admin \ designer

These two particularly by Seascraps are interesting:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=130776
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=130777

and of course the wildly crazy CT requirements for Rose Farver; and I am eagerly waiting for the announcement of the gals that are looking for this type of gig:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=128827

Do you scan the DST forum for Digi "opportunities"? Designers is this an effective source for recruiting talent? If you had web design \ admin skills, would you offer your services in trade for scrap supplies? If you look at the calls does the quality \ style of the ad make an impression? Is free product enough compensation for the expectations of some of these designer requests? Would targeting your customer base, blog readers, be a better source for potential CT members? Discuss the Call forum, its contents or anything else that might spark some debate.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Fishing for handouts....

I have seen my fair share of internet scams, and while this one was pretty low on my radar, the red flags were still waving.....then low and behold, she posted about miraculous turn of events. These types of posts really used to annoy me, not so much anymore, there will always be scammers, there will always be people that get scammed. It doesn't matter to me anymore, because these people that donate to the cause think they are doing a good thing, but really they are just enabling the behavior, for others to follow. Big surprise, she is on Gabs' promotion team.

The Setup:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=129934

The Followup:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=130200

Friday, June 20, 2008

Let's talk Mo Jackson

Ok, so I know that threads about Mo Jackson usually turn into a train wreck at DST. But I have to say, I am intrigued by her. Let me preface to say, I don't own one thing she has made. I did take a peek at her site, when it was open to the public and it looked to me like her style was vintage, reminded me of KB & Friends. Then apparently she has some boxes, and well now everybody has boxes. My other mental note was her kit prices were really high. So based on my 10 minutes browsing the store, I determined if I want vintage, I can find it on the open market for a better price. Now her business model is what intrigues me - monthly membership for the priviledge to shop at her store, can't be on any CT's, and I don't know what her other rules are, as I have never tried to gain access to MoLand (and my info above may not be factual, again just bits and pieces from lurking around) So is she in it for the fun of it? Why the exclusivity? Any members of MoLand care to fill in the outsiders on any insider information. Is there really no MoLand and she created the front door just to make people curious?

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Is a DST Spinoff brewing?

There seems to be a ground swell of disgruntled scrappers that are tired of the constant CT pimping and overzealous promoting of the latest trends at DST. If a new board were created what would attract you to post there? How could the owner keep the pimping under control? What forums would you suggest? Would the "average scrapper" participate? Ideas for generating site revenue? Can you generate revenue without selling ads and having sponsors?

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

mothers of growing daughters scrap advice please?

Our first discussion topic, I know most of you passed this one by, but what do you really want to say to Carinpixels?
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=129249

Okay this may sound silly, but you know this afternoon me and the girls went for a walk and took the camera, we had loads of fun posing and playing and both girls took pictures as well....
When I got home and uploaded the photos I was kind of shocked.....
my oldest DD is growing boobies.
I know all girls will get to that stage, but uhm I didnt see it earlier, took out pictures from 3 weeks ago and nothing and all of a sudden there they are.
Anyways can I scrap about her growing boobs? Or would that be a no no?
When she was younger she would always look in the mirror, posing shoulders back to see how she would look with boobies, so I was thinking adding journaling about it, like here they are or something...but is that 'polite'?
And offcourse they are dressed pictures hahahahaha

Our Mission

Our mission is simple. They post the material at DST, MSA, or any other digi scrapbook message board, and you can come here and discuss, without fear of backlash from the community. Overzealous CT mob, mother of the year contender, Designer conference room cat fight, charity scandal, a layout that has been posted, whatever you want to have further discussion about, if it has been posted for sharing on a digital scrapbook message board, you are free to link us up for discussion. There have been some classic threads at that message board. Let's preserve them for historical purposes! I am open to suggestions, reader submissions. I was thinking of having Flashback Friday, and some other features.