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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?
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450 comments:
1 – 200 of 450 Newer› Newest»My prediction: Scrappers will stop buying and designers will retire in droves. I am already feeling it in my store. :(
Anonymous said...
My prediction: Scrappers will stop buying and designers will retire in droves. I am already feeling it in my store. :(
December 30, 2008 12:32 PM
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Have you felt this way for a long time? Because, in my store, business is slow as well but I think it's just because it's Christmas/holiday time.
I hope you're not right because it would mean the end of digi. :(
2008 trends: worn overlays, natural leaves and branches, curly ribbons
I used to spend at least $100 per month on digi products, but I have not purchased anything in about 6 months. I probably have enough digi products to create a page a day for the rest of my life (on a couple of 500 gb external hard drives), and I think I finally got over the need to keep up with the latest releases. I don't even check the freebie lists anymore (and I've deleted 90% of the freebies I've downloaded).
I'm sorry that it's affecting your businesses, but I do think that's on par with the rest of the nation due to our current economic state. :(
Good luck to those of you who are feeling the crunch.
My situation is similar to 2:27, except I am still buying a few things. Much, much less than I was 6 months ago.
The market is just too flooded. At this point, I think there are more designers than customers.
3:22 PM
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You're right. And there are way too many freebies given. CU products are everywhere and sometimes so cheap that you can create a kit for less than $5 and give it away on your blog to get new customers. It's so easy to become a designer. 2 years ago, it was very different.
Some things need to change for sure.
Freebies aren't the problem. They've always been there and they always will be.
The economy is in the crapper. Things are going to get worse before they get better for most people.
Can someone explain to me why there are owls everywhere? It makes me wonder that in 5 years are people going to be like "Why is there an owl on this page about my dead dog?" Some owls are cute, but it seems like designers put an owl in a kit just to have one there. At least we know wildlife is supported in the digital community. Between owls, chicks, twigs, leaves.. I feel like we are a bunch of nature girls! I'm surprised someone hasn't extracted dirt to put on their scrapbook page. "Hey look, what is this page missing.. Hmmm... I need to add some miracle grow for this twig here.. NOW MY PAGE IS BEAUTIFUL!"
OMG I think the bigger problem is going to be the years of therapy your kids will need after seeing layouts about their dead childhood pets!
Put all the money you save not buying owl kits into savings -- you'll need it for their lithium.
Excuse me, but some people happen to think of their pets as cherished family members. Very WORTHY of having scrapbook LO's of. I suppose if you put pictures of the dog that was run over, that might be a bit extreme, but you'd get a good use of all those splatter brushes you find out int he digital market these days! Hey, there is an original theme for a kit if any designers are reading this. Road Kill. Make sure you include blood splatters.
You're probably the one who DID run over my dog.
Twisted bitch.
My secret is out.. thank goodness you know my name: Anonymous. Don't you hate it when no one is unique? Gah, people! Get your own name already!
***Have you felt this way for a long time? Because, in my store, business is slow as well but I think it's just because it's Christmas/holiday time.
I hope you're not right because it would mean the end of digi. :(***
I wasn't selling last Christmas so I have nothing to compare it to. I hope you're right. It's getting very discouraging.
When there are constantly new designers and everyone is selling the same kind of kits, it has to have an affect on sales. We as consumers are only going to buy a certain amount of the same kind of stuff.
Not that it will be an end to digi...but rather a beginning to competition. Once a market gets over saturated, only the strong will survive.
I'm surprised someone hasn't extracted dirt to put on their scrapbook page.
December 30, 2008 4:55 PM
I'm pretty sure it's already been done. I remember a few paper packs like that for sure.
Not that it will be an end to digi...but rather a beginning to competition. Once a market gets over saturated, only the strong will survive.
December 30, 2008 7:52 PM
Very true. There's so much out there that looks totally cookie cutter. With the current financial climate, it's going to take some talent and originality to stay in the digi business.
I saw dirt in a kit once.
Competition is already there. Everytime someone has a new idea, you see tons of copycats doing the same.
I'd rather scrap about my dead pet than using a fake picture for a CT LO. At least, it means something to me.
I'd rather scrap about my dead pet than using a fake picture for a CT LO. At least, it means something to me.
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I agree 100%! I will never understand why someone would use a stock photo (or worse yet, a stolen photo off the web) to "scrap" memories that never were.
The stock photo layouts are creepy as hell.
I agree the stock photo thing is weird. Are these people who don't have kids or family, but they enjoy scrapping? I guess if they like making pages but just don't have the pics, they don't have much choice other than using stock photos.
Oh, please link some stock layouts. [/watching the car wreck]
I *think* they are using them for the web because they don't want to post pictures of their own kids, then swap them out for their own albums.
I think it's actually pretty wise.
I see glitter as a big trend too.
Oh, please link some stock layouts.
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Check this gallery:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=all&ppuser=18081
Many of her credits state "Photo by JR" (Jacqueline Roberts) or "Photo by google". HUH? She googled the photos and uses whatever she finds.
I think the designers need to be responsible for what their CT's create. Sometimes they don't know the picture isn't the CT members', but come on now...a credit that states Photo by google?? Seriously. Why would you allow any of your CT members to do that?
I *think* they are using them for the web because they don't want to post pictures of their own kids, then swap them out for their own albums.
I think it's actually pretty wise.
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No excuse for using someone else's photos without permission.
Would you think it was wise if they were scrapping with YOUR child's photo? Apparently, if they can google it, it's fair game.
I don't know how you can call that "wise".
If you go to the DST gallery and search on "JR" in the title and description field only, you will get many of the designers that are using Jacqueline Roberts (http://photo.net/photodb/member-photos?user_id=2526972&include=all&unlimit=1) photos.
I actually think her children's photos are a little creepy, but that's just me.
Sorry, I meant you will find SCRAPPERS, not DESIGNERS who use JR photos.
***No excuse for using someone else's photos without permission.
Would you think it was wise if they were scrapping with YOUR child's photo? Apparently, if they can google it, it's fair game.
I don't know how you can call that "wise".***
I meant using stock photos, I didn't know people were using other peoples' pics without permission, I wouldn't be OK with that.
I just KNOW there are perverts lurking around the digi world. They are posting smut in the forums so I'm sure they are looking in the galleries too.
I for one will not be posting anymore pictures of my own kids.
Sorry, I meant you will find SCRAPPERS, not DESIGNERS who use JR photos.
December 31, 2008 3:43 PM
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Actually, you're part right.
"bisontine", the designer, is using quite a bit of JR's photos.
About the J.R. issue, there is a thread here:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=166070
Photo by Google?!!!!!!!
OMG!!! That's really creepy!
What if she finds our family pictures and starts scrapping our kids?
Geez! Some people have no shame.
That kind of piracy is no less repugnant than sharing digital designs, and should be viewed as such by all digital designers, AS WELL AS DST.
Shame on the designers for allowing their CT members to use stolen photographs, and shame on DST for allowing the layouts to remain posted in their gallery.
You can bet that if the scrapper were using pirated digital designs (credited as "found on the web" or some such nonsense) and it turned out to be Flergs or Michelle Coleman designs, there would be hell to pay. Why the double standard?
Why the double standard?
December 31, 2008 7:31 PM
Good question.
Because the owner of the picture doesn't have a cult following on DST and didn't post a thread pretending to not want to make a big deal about it but oh by the way look what happened to poor me.
10:05 PM: Not sure I understand your point. Are you saying that because the image owner doesn't know DST, it's ok to use his picture?
ITA with 7:31 PM. And do you know the worst? Those pages with stolen pictures get the most comments. Shame.
10:05 PM: Not sure I understand your point. Are you saying that because the image owner doesn't know DST, it's ok to use his picture?
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No, it wasn't what she was saying. What she was saying is that because the others are known at DST, there is a fuss, because they or their CT or followers make the fuss. There is no one standing up for the other person, so no fuss.
Trend for 2008? Far too many 'star' scrappers opening up stores and thinking they can be 'star' designers.
3:09 - I think what she is saying is there isn't a swarm of people trying to get free goods from the photographer so no one is all OMG PIRATE over it like there is with say Flergs or Michelle. I don't think they were implying it was ok - it struck me as saracastic as how it's ok to rip one set of people off but not another, kwim?
Who’s to say that the people using these photos don’t have permission already? I do agree it is wrong if they are using the photos without permission but everyone is accusing without knowing facts.
Also, digital scrapping these days is not all about scrapping for memories but art in another form.
And lastly, it's great to have an oversaturated market. If you don’t like the twigs, leaves, dirt and whatnot then I’m sure there is something out there you will like.
Who’s to say that the people using these photos don’t have permission already?
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If they have permission, then they should say it.
But come on, people crediting as "photo by google" or "photo by JR" don't have permission. I doubt that Jacqueline Roberts is ok with her name being reduced to "JR".
Who’s to say that the people using these photos don’t have permission already?
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Their credits say so. You usually have to put in your credits something like 'photo by John Smith, used with permission'.
That gallery that was linked, she doesn't have permission. She's even using stock photos from Deviant Art and I can bet the terms of those stock photos are that they are to be used only on DA.
Can someone explain to me why there are owls everywhere?
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There are STILL kits with owls in them being released. I think designers may be looking to children's clothing trends for inspiration as owls were rampant on this summer/fall's clothes.
So I suppose that makes some sort of sense. You've got a zillion pics of a kid in owl-covered clothes, so why not follow the theme on the page?
I personally am very, very tired of the owl thing, both in kits and on t-shirts.
Scrap Artist's $1 day has been SUCKING lately.
Scrap Artist's $1 day has been SUCKING lately.
January 2, 2009 1:18 PM
Have to agree. I expect better from them. Maybe I shouldn't bother anymore.
Overdone trend- fantasy layouts
There are some gorgeous ones out there. But, really, the people that have adopted it as a style have just gone way over the top with it.
I can just see some of those kids in 30-40 yrs wondering what the heck their mom was thinking. That, and wanting some authentic pics and LOs of their real-life childhood and day to day events.
I can just see some of those kids in 30-40 yrs wondering what the heck their mom was thinking. That, and wanting some authentic pics and LOs of their real-life childhood and day to day events.
January 2, 2009 4:42 PM
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Do you scrap all the authentic moments, or just the ones you think are fun? If you only scrap holidays and birthdays and fun times, that's just fantasy too.
Scrap Artist's $1 day has been SUCKING lately.
January 2, 2009 1:18 PM
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What kind of attitude is that? Why is it sucking? I just checked it out and there are some really nice things for $1. For a $1 you can afford to delete the stuff you don't want. There's no pleasing some people.
Do you scrap all the authentic moments, or just the ones you think are fun? If you only scrap holidays and birthdays and fun times, that's just fantasy too.
January 2, 2009 5:49 PM
I scrap most things, not just holidays and birthdays.
Why it's sucking:
1)Many of the items listed under Fab Friday are MORE than $1.
2)Most of the designers whose work I like at SA haven't had anything listed during Fab Friday for quite a while now.
3)Whether or not the things offered are "nice" is a matter of opinion.
4)with the current economy, lots of us are being way more careful about spending. It doesn't matter what the cost-I'm not going to buy something if I have to delete a bunch of it-just not worth it.
Someone offered an honest opinion. Deal with it and stop trying to dole out handslaps.
If you want someone to blow sunshine up your ass, head on back to DST.
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What kind of attitude is that? Why is it sucking? I just checked it out and there are some really nice things for $1. For a $1 you can afford to delete the stuff you don't want. There's no pleasing some people.
January 2, 2009 5:53 PM
Someone offered an honest opinion. Deal with it and stop trying to dole out handslaps.
If you want someone to blow sunshine up your ass, head on back to DST.
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Now you've given an honest opinion, before you were just bitching. Why don't you deal with someone asking a question without slapping them.
6:14 here. I wasn't the OP on the Fab Friday topic.
You might take your own advice about slapping people when you're "asking questions."
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Now you've given an honest opinion, before you were just bitching. Why don't you deal with someone asking a question without slapping them.
January 2, 2009 8:19 PM
Whatever.
who's good at scrap artist? I miss Lisa Whitney. Anyone else worth going there for?
who's good at scrap artist? I miss Lisa Whitney. Anyone else worth going there for?
January 2, 2009 9:53 PM
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I miss her too. I like
Designs by Lili
HGD by Laurie Ann
Gypsy Chick
The Balints
Most of them really. A few I think are ok and they have deals sometimes but I wouldn't buy from them all the time.
Anyone have the skinny on Digital Candy? First they were closing, then they had a new owner, and now almost the entire store seems to have opened a new store? Is there anyone left? I hope the new owner didn't pay too much!
My prediction: Scrappers will stop buying and designers will retire in droves. I am already feeling it in my store. :(
December 30, 2008 12:32 PM
I think with the current state of the economy today's digi scrappers are taking the time to learn their expensive software and make their own things! It's hard to justify spending 100's of $$'s on graphics and digi paper when there's so many resources available out there for free, many of them public domain.
I don't think digi scrapping will come to a end. Just that scrappers are more sophisticated and educated, most out of necessity, to continue their hobby. I also think it's true that the strong stores will survive. There will always be a market for some who are able to spend or the ones that just simply can't make their own products to use. The stores had better be original, with quality products and very, very professional to survive in the end though.
I think one of the reasons people use stock photos is that what they are doing is called "marketing" not "scrapping."
I think one of the reasons people use stock photos is that what they are doing is called "marketing" not "scrapping."
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I agree 100%.
I think another reason people aren't buying is that there are just so many CT positions out there! Every designer and store has something like 8-12 CT members or more. Did you see that poll on DST? So many people are on 5+ CTs! How can anyone hope to sell their products when they recruit all of their biggest fans to be on their CT?
Between familiy, work, friends and household (cooking, cleaning and such) I barely have time to scrap a few layouts. I don't know how people can be on so many CT's. I guess getting the free product is worth it to them.
I wouldn't want the responsibility of having to do "x" amount of layouts and get them posted to certain sites. I don't think I would ever leave my computer if I had to do all that. And the negative to that is my "behind" would get way to big!!!!!
Oh boy here we go with the fat cracks again.
Anyone have the skinny on Digital Candy? First they were closing, then they had a new owner, and now almost the entire store seems to have opened a new store? Is there anyone left? I hope the new owner didn't pay too much!
January 3, 2009 9:49 AM
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The original owner ended up selling it to one of the site members. The great majority of the DC designers left during the month that DC was set to close, but were given the option of staying on with the new owners. Not many stayed on. There were 2-3 decent designers there, but the rest were just your run of the mill newbies. Here's the announcement of the new DC designers: http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=167080
Between familiy, work, friends and household (cooking, cleaning and such) I barely have time to scrap a few layouts. I don't know how people can be on so many CT's. I guess getting the free product is worth it to them.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
It's easy, you just set aside an hour a day, that's five hours a week if you don't include weekends, which I don't. I work on more than one page at a time, which I've found works best for me, otherwise I get bored.
Why didn't the designers stay?
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Why didn't the designers stay?
January 3, 2009 7:37 PM
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I don't think it was anything personal but initially it was announced that the site was closing, not that ownership was being transferred. Once that was announced everyone started applying elsewhere and by the time the new owners took over many designers of the original designers had already found new homes. Several of the designers started a new site opening this month here: www.enchantedstudioscraps.com
Yet another shop to add to the already oversaturated market.
Yet another shop to add to the already oversaturated market.
January 3, 2009 8:17 PM
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And this is a problem because? I like choice, especially as some of my fav places to shop have gone downhill in the last year or so. My only problem with a lot of these places is that they insist on having a forum.
I don't care about forums. I don't have time for fake friendship.
So was the new owner bait and switched into thinking she was buying a store with all these designers that then left?
Seems kinda screwed up. Anyone know how much she paid for it?
So was the new owner bait and switched into thinking she was buying a store with all these designers that then left?
Seems kinda screwed up. Anyone know how much she paid for it?
January 3, 2009 8:50 PM
The new owner was a site CT member at DC prior to buying it, so she would have known who was staying and who was going I think. No idea what the shop was going for, so not even a guess there.
The new owner was a site CT member at DC prior to buying it, so she would have known who was staying and who was going I think.
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Not necessarily. I've been on a site CT and have no clue what the designers do and don't discuss. I also used to be a designer and the site CT didn't know everything that was going on with the designers. It's a good chance she had no clue about who was staying and who wasn't.
I don't care about forums. I don't have time for fake friendship.
January 3, 2009 8:43 PM
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A friendship is as real as you make it.
I agree, I highly doubt the site CT was in the loop where any of that was concerned.
A friendship is as real as you make it.
January 3, 2009 9:46 PM
Yes, that's true on your end of it. Unfortunately, you never REALLY know who you're dealing with on the internet. Just ask those who thought they were good friends with Ashley Olson and Joedee . . .
A friendship is as real as you make it.
January 3, 2009 9:46 PM
Yes, that's true on your end of it. Unfortunately, you never REALLY know who you're dealing with on the internet. Just ask those who thought they were good friends with Ashley Olson and Joedee . . .
January 3, 2009 9:55 PM
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Or in real life, just ask anyone who has ever been cheated by a 'real' friend.
The best solution is to just isolate yourself and be as bitter and lonely as possible! No one will "get" you then!!!
The best solution is to just isolate yourself and be as bitter and lonely as possible! No one will "get" you then!!!
January 4, 2009 7:33 AM
________
stupid bitch
"stupid bitch"
How to win friends and influence people.
The best solution is to just isolate yourself and be as bitter and lonely as possible! No one will "get" you then!!!
January 4, 2009 7:33 AM
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Someone has issues.
You all wouldn't know sarcasm if it pantsed you.
You all wouldn't know sarcasm if it pantsed you.
January 4, 2009 9:03 PM
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I recognize sarcasm when I see it, I just didn't see any.
I can't believe some people are still using Anne Geddes' photos on their layouts and other people leave them nice comments about their extractions. Are they all stealers and hypocrites?
As all Anne Geddes photos have backgrounds, they are nice extractions. I find it funny that people leave comments about the nice photo.
I recognize sarcasm when I see it, I just didn't see any.
orly?
ya rly!
omg..they're back!
http://returnofthedarkside-scrapwars.blogspot.com/
yay!
I'm totally confused. What is up with FrkEdwards pretending she's a new designer? She just 'came out' as FrootloopSally or something like that, but she was designing a long time ago under the name Sammy Designs. I got a RAK from Sammy Designs at some point, so I went back and checked the kit, and the TOU was for Sandra Edwards, which is FrkEdwards' name. So why is she pretending to be a new designer? I saw her big coming out thread the other day on DST, but now I can't find it or I'd post it here.
Here's the thread
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=167890
I'm totally confused. What is up with FrkEdwards pretending she's a new designer? She just 'came out' as FrootloopSally or something like that, but she was designing a long time ago under the name Sammy Designs. I got a RAK from Sammy Designs at some point, so I went back and checked the kit, and the TOU was for Sandra Edwards, which is FrkEdwards' name. So why is she pretending to be a new designer? I saw her big coming out thread the other day on DST, but now I can't find it or I'd post it here.
January 6, 2009 10:23 PM
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It's called marketing. It's one way to get sales, isn't it?
I understand marketing, what I don't understand is why she's answering threads like this one http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=167990 trying to make it seem like she's a new designer. Can't she just say she's had a name change? Wouldn't that serve the same purpose? Dishonesty isn't going to get my money.
I've never heard of her, but she really needs to do something about her previews...why would you have 14 background papers and just show one of them? Her elements don't look half bad, but I won't buy a kit without knowing everything that's in it. Regarding the incognito thing, WHATEVER. Kind of silly.
I don't even get it. So all this time she was posting as 2 different people and is now saying SURPRISE ITS ME! ?
Wtf? Someone started this thread about meeting her husband online and someone replied and said that her and her husband are cousins...
"Congrats phenomshel !!! my husband and I are cousins and our love story is already a long time, began when we were children."
Post #7 on this thread:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=168379
Who the hell tells everyone that on a forum? Does she think that's normal?
"...my husband and I are cousins..."
:o
So what if they are cousins? You don't know what kind of cousins they are.
Does it matter what kind of cousins they are? A cousin is a cousin..
Does it matter what kind of cousins they are? A cousin is a cousin..
January 8, 2009 1:46 AM
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Yes, if it's a cousin by marriage, there is no blood relation at all, is there?
omg..they're back!
http://returnofthedarkside-scrapwars.blogspot.com/
yay!
January 6, 2009 4:29 PM
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I'd love to know the hoards of people who emailed them, wanting them back. It's been two days and not a single comment yet.
Actually, believe it or not, it's not illegal for first cousins to marry and there is no greater rate of problems with their children than the average population.
that's just....EWwwwwww
I know, I heard it on the news and thought the same thing.
Now I'm wondering if it was just in the one state they were talking about though.
I should double check my facts before posting them on a smack blog.
Maybe it was just in Arkansas. ;)
Actually, believe it or not, it's not illegal for first cousins to marry and there is no greater rate of problems with their children than the average population.
January 8, 2009 9:54 AM
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That's such a Redneck answer!
"That's such a Redneck answer!"
I ain't no redneck. My ma and pa ain't cousins neither.
Oh please. It's not illegal to marry a cousin. My aunt married her cousin and they had a child. Believe it or not they are all perfectly normal. They have one head and ten fingers each. Get over yourselves.
Sounds like they may be brother and sister.
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I ain't no redneck. My ma and pa ain't cousins neither.
3:22 PM: You're so fucked up!
3:22 PM: You're so fucked up!
January 8, 2009 6:48 PM
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Why? She's right. Maybe you are screwed up? Did you ever think of that or did you in your self righteous manner consider yourself above all that? Hmm?
3 collabs with Amanda Dykan at SSD this week - I swear if that drama queen witch starts selling there they'll lose my business for good
I've pretty much lost all respect and interest for anyone that would be associated, much less collab with Amanda Dykan. Amanda's designs are awful, and she's crazy delusional.
All these collabs with her just confim my suspicions about all the drama and back-biting that goes on at SSD, no matter what kind of syrupy-sweet front they try to present.
I haven't found much there lately, and things have definitely gone downhill now that they're doing so many collabs with sub-par designers. ITA that if they bring Dykan on board as a designer I'll quit shopping there for good.
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3 collabs with Amanda Dykan at SSD this week - I swear if that drama queen witch starts selling there they'll lose my business for good
January 10, 2009 2:01 AM
Agree with you on Dykan, although they have been going downhill anyway, I don't think I have bought there since November.
I have not bought anything from SSD in over a year. All their stuff looks the same. I am really bored with them. They are sooo three years ago.
I recently saw a tutorial by Dykan at penscrappers.com and was appalled at how full of errors it was. It displays a fundamental lack of knowledge on very basic Illustrator functions (such as: not knowing how to confine proportions by holding the shift key, and saying it can't be done in Illustrator; incorrectly calling paths and brush-strokes 'layers' and wrongly stating that Illustrator automatically makes each new path (brush-stroke) into a new layer; making unnecessary points all over the artboard because she doesn't know how to either set her brushes to de-select automatically, or hold down the command-key while clicking so there are no extra points made; not knowing how to correctly adjust live trace to get the results she wants, 'tracing' everything by hand using brushes and taking ten times more time than it should) It made me wonder how she wrote a 'college level' course for Illustrator? Has anyone seen this course?
Another one who will never buy at SSD if Amanda is there. You're right all of their stuff does look the same, but I still go there every Saturday to check it out. I'm going to stop doing that if I see any more Amanda. She just makes me sick!
It does amaze me when I have come across quotes touting that woman as "a digital design expert". Her designs are elementary and fluff, no real technical talent demonstrated and her persona screams LOON to boot. I can bet you a buck that she writes that crap herself because no self respecting PR person would EVER put their name to it.
It is also not at all shocking that her tutorials are subpar and unedited for validity. If you read anything she has supposedly authored, you will find numerous grammatical errors and simple words misspelled.
It isn't that she makes mistakes that is so appalling, but that she hasn't improved creatively in the years she has been in this industry.
From that Pen Scrapper site - Dykans bio: "After taking a Photoshop class at a local community college, Amanda was hooked. She immediately recognized the potential. That same year she was asked to write a book on scrapbooking by a leading publishing company in the craft industry. Today she has released 3 (soon to be 4) books on digital scrapbooking, writes monthly articles for 4 magazines"
So let's get this straight - she took one class on Photoshop and that same year was asked to write a book on scrapbooking for a "leading" publishing company. LOL LOL LOL.
Why are none of the specifics listed in this bio? What publishing company? What magazines?
If you are a truly an established published author you normally name the publications. Its your resume.
This is a just a tragic joke. And to boot, they put her next to Rhonna. If I was Rhonna I would be mortified.
January 10, 2009 1:30 PM
I don't know her, didn't read that tutorial but
to her defense AI brush strokes might as well be called layers
each brush stroke can be moved free even if they are on the same layer - layer. kwim
so as you may not agree,shes sort of right.
for those who don't understand, if you have 2 brush strokes on one layer in AI, then you make the one on the right all swirly etc and the one on the left like a leaf for say you can command the leaf to go under the swirl( yet they are still on the same layer )
now tell me how is that possible if they are not separate "layers" for say?
LOL at the Digital Candy saga, it's about time the (original) owner ducked out of the digi world. Hopefully the new owners didn't pay her as much as she thought she deserved ROFLMAO! If only people REALLY knew what had gone on behind closed doors at that site for years, the sweet dripping sugar fluff and crying over it's anticipated closing would have come to a screeching halt long ago! Good luck to the new owners.
What publishing company? What magazines?
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Design Originals as far as I know.
http://www.d-originals.com/pages.php?cID=4&pID=11
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/a/77a/70b
While I think she is a total fruitcake, I wish I had her contacts.
So now, it looks like everyone is jumping on the CU bandwagon. Why do I need to buy from designers anymore? I can just buy the stuff they buy to create their kits and make my own!
I *think* they are using them for the web because they don't want to post pictures of their own kids, then swap them out for their own albums.
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nah - I think the real reason is because if you use a great photo, it will make your layout better and you'll get more attention/comments etc. I remember that one layout that one Scrappers Choice layout of the year used an Anne Geddes photo. The baby was 'hanging' in the elements and I'm quite certain that layout wouldn't have won with a more average photo.
What 11:13??? How could you possibly top the barf-a-riffic job Karenheckyeah did with Scrap Orchard's CU flowers?
The flowers are actually very cute, when colored well http://scraporchard.com/market/product.php?productid=17343&cat=0&page=1
They're downright nasty when treated with a mud-and-filth color scheme http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=168551
color me confused but it says those flowers are scrap 4 hire friendly (not CU) in the product description at Scrap Orchard. So, ummm...???
They have 2 versions of the flowers. The color ones are scrap 4 hire and the plain doodled outlines are CU friendly.
The Irene Alexeeva flowers say CU ok.
Not sure why someone has such a problem with karenheckyeah? I don't usually see her in the midst of designer drama, and her designs have actually improved quite a bit since she first started.
3:02 - thanks, now I see them. Cute!
I don't have a problem with Karenheckyeah, I have a problem with her kits. :P
"All these collabs with her just confim my suspicions about all the drama and back-biting that goes on at SSD, no matter what kind of syrupy-sweet front they try to present."
Well I am privvy to most things that go on at SSD as I am staff there and I'd like an example of this so called "drama and back-biting" because I have yet to see any? Robin Carlton runs a tight ship. It's well run, very organized and every is friendly and professional. I don't see what your point is with this comment. If the designs aren't your style, no one is holding a gun to your head making you shop there, by why drag their name through the mud with such libel? This is one of THE MOST untrue statements i have seen on one of these blogs yet. There's no syrupy sweet "front". They are just genuinely sweet , smart , intelligent and talented businesswomen and I think you would do well to think twice before you fly off at the keyboard.
They are just genuinely sweet , smart , intelligent and talented businesswomen
_____________________________
Then these businesswomen should be intelligent enough to see the writing on the wall and stop making collabs with Amanda Dykan. It's making them look bad.
Then maybe you can do them a favor and let them know the community is not happy about Amanda Dykan / Sir Scrap Alot collabs.
Oh you are privy at SSD eh? Seems I know a few on the inside and you're talking out your ass saying there isn't any drama.
"Oh you are privy at SSD eh? Seems I know a few on the inside and you're talking out your ass saying there isn't any drama."
and still no examples. No details.
Maybe the reason SSD designers keep doing collabs with Amanda is because no one really cares what this small group of hateful people thinks.
Maybe they think about sales and what brings them in? If they weren't selling, do you think they'd continue to do it?
Maybe your little group here is just a very small drop in the big bucket of SSD sales.
11:00 AM, ITA!
I believe there are no more than 10 people writting on this blog anyway.
And it just so happens to be the only 10 people on the internet that dislike Amanda Dykan! Imagine the coincidence!
re: 10 people being here
Um, sure. And if that were true, what does it say that "staff" from SSD are among that 10???
roflmao
SSD blows
ZaCola3, who CTs for lots of designers at SSD, was outted as a pirate during the whole big pirating/vigilante designer drama that got OneScrappyMom banned from DST for a while.
MizAmyLou (who tried to run Faith True out of designing over Kimberly G's alpha beads) is a SugarBabe
ScrapKitchen and her rabid CT have it in for Maya at SBG over a damn bracket shape
"Insiders" from SSD are always on the smack blogs stirring the shit pot and have been from day 1 of the original smack blog.
Now, SSD is churning out collabs with crazy Amanda Dykan and claiming they're hot sellers?! Whatever.
6:49
Your mis-information is laughable.
8:58, I don't give two shits what's going on at SSD, I personally think their stuff is over saturated crap on toast. However, if you're so concerned about setting the record straight, why not post under your real name so you might have a shred of credibility?
Exactly 10:34
Too many lies floating around these gossip blogs, by people who think what they read on these blogs is true.
Anyone think that maybe FINALLY all the minions at DST have gotten the Gallery Stand-Outs figured out.
No more repeats, or at least as many, no more re-posting LO's. I have actually enjoyed(for the most part) glancing through it everyday.
I still think its a select number of scrappers being chosen by their CT buddies, but it is getting better.
I'm impressed.
I don't give two shits what's going on at SSD, I personally think their stuff is over saturated crap on toast.
^^^^^
ITA!
I still think its a select number of scrappers being chosen by their CT buddies, but it is getting better.
I'm impressed.
January 13, 2009 5:30 AM
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Have you ever chosen anybody? Just asking. I know I have when I get sick and tired of the same names turning up.
7:35
I sure have!
well what do you know DSP is now offering 300ppi products! I am so heading back over there!!!
yeah. i'll be pounding down their door for that stuff.
Re: DSP goes 300ppi
I saw that and had to chuckle. After all the time and effort they spent trying to convince the rest of the world that 200 was the (only) correct standard, they finally had to give in and realize that they don't set the standard after all!
I was watching the designer contest they had recently, and saw that they do not allow any photographed or extracted items to be used in their kits. No real ribbons or bows, etc. That is another one of their standards that I think they're going to have to change, if they want to be accepted by the rest of the digiscrap "community"
They do have some talented designers, though.
Link to DSP?
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/
I can almost swear I have seen a few items in kits that were not made completely by hand. For instance, intricate patterns on papers and lace, etc. I can remember being surprised by it.
All in all though - they would have to have one of the most talented designer bases around. If you have to make everything by hand, no one can say you aren't "designing". LOL
Their stuff reminds me of Irene Alexeeva's style
LOL, Irene Alexeeva used to to sell there.
It was my first digihome, but I think they have made quite a few fumbles along the way.
if they want to be accepted by the rest of the digiscrap "community"
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Er, considering how long they have been around, how successful they are, they don't need to do anything to be accepted by the 'rest' of the community, unless you are talking about those shoppers that go to places like Shabby Pickle, Funky Playground, Scrapbook Graphics etc.
After all the time and effort they spent trying to convince the rest of the world that 200 was the (only) correct standard,
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Only? They never did that, they say did say that 200 works just as well as 300, which it does. They never said it was the only way.
was watching the designer contest they had recently, and saw that they do not allow any photographed or extracted items to be used in their kits. No real ribbons or bows, etc.
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Well, considering that the designers who sell there do use real ribbons and stuff, I would think they were only applying this to the contest to see how well people could design without using extractions.
Well, considering that the designers who sell there do use real ribbons and stuff, I would think they were only applying this to the contest to see how well people could design without using extractions.
January 14, 2009 6:52 PM
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People can still use actions (i.e. pushing a button in photoshop). Would it be considered "designing"?
Not sure what the point would be of not allowing them to use extracted items but allowing them to use actions for a call if they were trying to ascertain their true designing abilities.
Using actions is like using CU items, some people just push the button or change the color, other people can manipulate the action to suit them and make it unique.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=169543
I'm amazed how many people screwed up "pick only 3" and "include a link".
I'm amazed how many people screwed up "pick only 3" and "include a link".
January 15, 2009 1:25 PM
Sadly, it's not at all surprising for DST.
Re: the DSP designer contest
The rules of the contest allowed use of certain third party items (brushes, Dover) which had to be both significantly modified from their original form and disclosed along with the contest submissions. This explains why there were some intricately patterned papers.
Third party actions (Atomic Cupcake, etc) were not allowed for contest purposes, but the regular DSP designers are allowed to use CU actions.
"After all the time and effort they spent trying to convince the rest of the world that 200 was the (only) correct standard, "
Yeah, what a load of BS. They have been singing the praises of 200ppi for a long long time. They "claim" to be the "industry leaders" and to have set the "industry standard at 200ppi"........... Hogwash. By now adding 300ppi to their store, they look like they are backtracking and look totally stupid now. What a joke! Since when did DSP decide they were the "industy leaders" anyway. Talk about self-appointed and arrogant. If 200ppi is the "industry standard" why is it that they are/were the only store selling at 200? The 200ppi thing was all bullshit!
"Only? They never did that, they say did say that 200 works just as well as 300, which it does. They never said it was the only way.
January 14, 2009 6:50 PM"
Crap! They have been pushing the 200 ppi argument for a very long time.
They were so emphatic that 200 was the ONLY way to go.
Now they just look like a pack of hypoctites.
DSP are the largest digiscrapping website in the world, and they are making a HUGE amount of money from doing what they do in the way that they do it. It's not unknown for a DSP designer to sell 1000 copies of a single kit. They have full time corporate staff paid for in cash, not product, partnerships with Epson, Adobe and other humungous corporations. The scrap magazines (Memory Makers for example) regularly use DSP product layouts as their Features, and regard DSP as the industry authority on the digi side.
Whether YOU think DSP are the authority or not is irrelevant. The outside world thinks they are, and they are the ones making the gigantic money in digiscrapping. Good luck to them, their quality is good, their designers are talented, they run a VERY tight and successful business, and people love them. Especially when they listen to their customers and give them the thing they wanted: a choice (200 or 300 dpi).
Which is a lot more than you can say for most digiland stores.
Does it matter what kind of cousins they are? A cousin is a cousin..
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Not true. I study geneology and the experts say that most everyone alive today are distant cousins of one another (40th cousins or so). My grandparents were 6th cousins of one another but didn't even know they were related until after they had been married a long while.
Check this out: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2564/whats-wrong-with-cousins-marrying
I have not bought anything from SSD in over a year. All their stuff looks the same. I am really bored with them. They are sooo three years ago.
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ITA SSD never appealed to me anyway. They are old news.
Can anyone reveal what's in the Digi Files grab bag at Janet Phillips site? They emailed grabbagsrevealed and asked that they not reveal it there.
Well probably because they say on the daily digi blog that they are going to do the reveal themselves as part of the features on the contributing designers. Guess they want to maximise their traffic, which seems fair enough to me.
DSP designers stop pimping DSP. I have nothing against them. They really are not my style, I don't get my SSD is being criticized and DSP is being worshipped. Oh wait, that's because some of you new DSP designers came here to pimp. Economy is in the crapper right now and sales suck.
Guess again 1.41.
8.42
The only reason "the world" "thinks" DSP is the leader of digi is because they had the forethought to hook up with those companies. Those companies believed DSP's BS about 200ppi and went with it. DSP isn't the best digi site because they are the "best". They are the "best" because they got to those companies first and got all the exposure. You people would be singing the praises of whichever digi site had done the same thing.
4:54 Guess what again? That DSP designers are not here pimping or the economy is not in the crapper?
5:41 I totally agree.
This is not an us against DSP but it really feels like some new designers there are here to promote. And pimping makes me ill.
If anyone wanted to go someplace to promote themselves or their store, I can't possibly think of a worse place than here.
@@ Maybe 5 years ago, but not now.
I really doubt the sudden turn-around on the 300dpi thing was because they want to give their customers options. There have been l.o.t.s. of requests from customers in the past, and they stubbornly refused to budge. Methinks this reversal has lots more to do with declining sales than they'd like to admit.
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Whether YOU think DSP are the authority or not is irrelevant. The outside world thinks they are, and they are the ones making the gigantic money in digiscrapping.
DSP are the largest digiscrapping website in the world, and they are making a HUGE amount of money from doing what they do in the way that they do it. It's not unknown for a DSP designer to sell 1000 copies of a single kit. They have full time corporate staff paid for in cash, not product, partnerships with Epson, Adobe and other humungous corporations. The scrap magazines (Memory Makers for example) regularly use DSP product layouts as their Features, and regard DSP as the industry authority on the digi side.
Whether YOU think DSP are the authority or not is irrelevant. The outside world thinks they are, and they are the ones making the gigantic money in digiscrapping. Good luck to them, their quality is good, their designers are talented, they run a VERY tight and successful business, and people love them. Especially when they listen to their customers and give them the thing they wanted: a choice (200 or 300 dpi).
Which is a lot more than you can say for most digiland stores.
January 16, 2009 8:42 AM
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Hello Robyn. How does it feel to be selling at DSP?
Now now, it could be Ruby and not Robyn. LMAO
If DSP is so popular and the industry experts, why haven't I ever heard of them? I've been very active in the digi community for at least two years. You'd think I would have been directed there somehow by someone by now.
Why nobody pointed you in their direction probably depended on what you're into.
DSP tends to cater more to the people who like the really digitalized look and also more to the beginner scrapper. The layout and design styles there are quite recognizable, with few exceptions. If you are not that kind of scrapper, DSP would be unlikely to come up as an option.
A lot of scrappers start out there and then more often than not leave when they "outgrow" the place and the styles.
If you look at the long term designers there, talented as they may be, their stuff, style and quality rarely changes much over the years.
However, they are also a quite close knit and active community and quite sufficient upon themselves, which makes for a very loyal following and a pretty great income for designers there!
Makes sense, 7:43. Still makes me wonder how anyone can call them the industry authority if their style doesn't change with the times and they cater to beginners. It doesn't sound like they reflect the beyond their little bubble.
Oh yeah, it's bound to be a new designer and not one of the 143,000 members, many of whom have been there for five years, talking up DSP.
Get real.
Oh yeah, it's bound to be a new designer and not one of the 143,000 members, many of whom have been there for five years, talking up DSP.
Get real.
January 17, 2009 3:45 AM
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So true! Don't ya love how people immediately assume someone is pimping.. sounds more like jealousy to me! ROFL
I couldn't be a designer for DSP because of the requirements for their designers. It's one thing to have certain standards when looking for designers but a completely different thing when putting restrictions on where and how you can sell your own art. It's not so much the exclusivity more than the non-compete clause they throw in there.
Not that I'm in a position to be a designer for them...I'm not but If I was, I wouln't try and apply.
I have actually never shopped there and never even really checked them out until this whole discussion on this blog. I've been digiscrapping since about mid-2003. After that holier-than-thou post from whoever it was, I certainly won't go there in the future, either.
"Especially when they listen to their customers and give them the thing they wanted: a choice (200 or 300 dpi).
Which is a lot more than you can say for most digiland stores."
If they listened to their customers they would have dropped the 200ppi BS long ago and provided 300ppi but their arrogance got in their way.
Had another 300ppi store got in with those big companies first, those very companies would be extolling 300ppi.
Godd luck to them for getting in first BUT that doesn't make them the best. Big doesn't always mean best and the number of registered users means shit. Lots of people sign up at sites/forums so they can download freebies but they never participate.
I'd be curious to know how many people have signed up there but have a zero post count.
Uh yeah we are really jealous. Talk about assuming.
They are definitely not the industry authority. A lot of newbies go there but that's because they spend A LOT of money on advertising and being seen by newbies. 75% of the time they leave. That's why they have so many members, they're not actually active members. They do have some talented designers and very pretty kits. I would think though, that if their designers were making so much money, they'd have no reason to leave and pop up at more "trendy" digi stores. I know of designers that do not sell at DSP and make 60 and 70k a year.
Who left to join a trendy digi store? I don't know anything about where people 'used' to sell, but I'm curious now. Anyone I've heard of?
Irene Alexeeva and Beth Nixon come to mind off the top of my head. As to why people would leave when the income was good. Same reason why anyone else would leave a well paid job ... the money isn't everything. People leave because of the working athmosphere, because they don't get on with co-workers, because they feel held back, because they need a change of pace, because their circumstances change, etc
I would imagine it's the same with DSP designers. The money might be good but it's not the be all and end all!
I would imagine it's the same with DSP designers. The money might be good but it's not the be all and end all!
January 17, 2009 6:04 PM
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not the be all and end all but it sure does help! There are not many stores out there that you can earn good money at. Most it is just pocket money.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=170308
****okay she says that she can't fully handle everyone's point of view in the hot topics but then goes on to say that if you aren't Mormon she believes that your beliefs aren't right....hmmmm
Ohhhh I can't stand her "I'm so much better than you, my family has better morals and values than yours" smug-ass attitude. I'd like to bitch-slap her once or twice and let her know what MY beliefs are.
Religous beliefs NEED to stay inside private homes and churches. The reason it doesn't is where most of the world's problems stem from. Not all but most.
I'll stop now because religious discussions should absolutely stay off this blog. LOL
So true! Don't ya love how people immediately assume someone is pimping.. sounds more like jealousy to me! ROFL
January 17, 2009 4:52 AM
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Jealous of what? How old are you, 10?
Anonymous Anonymous said...
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=170308
****okay she says that she can't fully handle everyone's point of view in the hot topics but then goes on to say that if you aren't Mormon she believes that your beliefs aren't right....hmmmm
January 18, 2009 1:39 PM
Yeah, she says she cannot handle the negativity, but it seems she is too stupid to comprehend the irony of the comments she made. That was probably one of the most arrogant posts I have ever seen on DST. She was basically saying "I am right and everyone else is wrong". The idea that only religious people can have good morals, be a nice, decent person is laughable and this poor deluded woman must be pitied for her woeful ignorance. It just serves to remind me why I am allergic to organized religion, lol.
Crap! They have been pushing the 200 ppi argument for a very long time.
They were so emphatic that 200 was the ONLY way to go.
Now they just look like a pack of hypoctites.
January 16, 2009 6:37 AM
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Since when is changing your mind hypocritical?? More people were asking for it, so now they offer both, I don't see any other sites offering both!
Frankly I have scrapped at 200 as well as 300 ppi.
I find that both photoshop and paint shop pro run so much better when scrapping at 200. Also the files at 200 are much smaller. So some people who do not have updated computers are still scrapping at 200 ppi.
Pretty much I now scrap at 300 just because that is what is more widely available. But when I bring a DSP item in that was created at 200 and resize it to fit my 300 layout. The quality is still there.
Also for what it is worth...those of you who don't know DSP are really in no position to criticize.
First off they were not the first. The owners actually came over from Scrapbook-bytes. Lauren came over from I believe Cottage Arts.
Second. I would not say that they are just for beginners. Have you checked out some of their classes? Some advanced stuff there.
Third. I think their quality is excellent. They may not be trendy. But just like my wardrobe doesn't consist of only trendy items. There are a lot of basics there. Although I don't hang at DSP anymore, I find I still use a lot of things I acquired from their site a few years ago.
I don't hang there anymore mainly because I didn't like their exclusivity. I tend to scrap from a wide range of designers and I didn't like being limited to using only DSP products in challenges and not being able to give full credit in the gallery.
But I do not find fault with their rules. They have a right to run their site how they want. I think there are a lot of scrappers who do like their site. It is a comfortable place to be without dealing with a lot of drama and piracy issues.
Thanks for the reminder of a place I used to consider "home". Heck...I haven't been there in a while...I think I'll go check it out today just to see what is up...
Um good for you? I didn't care nor dislike DSP but now for some reason, I am so turned off by it now. Oh wait, that is because I am jealous.
Frankly I have scrapped at 200 as well as 300 ppi.
I find that both photoshop and paint shop pro run so much better when scrapping at 200. Also the files at 200 are much smaller. So some people who do not have updated computers are still scrapping at 200 ppi.
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There is a huge base of people who scrap at 200ppi. Many buy the 300 and then resize down to 200ppi because it is quicker to work with.
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Pretty much I now scrap at 300 just because that is what is more widely available. But when I bring a DSP item in that was created at 200 and resize it to fit my 300 layout. The quality is still there.
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Someone who has actually tried it and knows what they are talking about instead of just spouting about what the 'industry standard is'. Does it really matter? People are obviously buying both so there is obviously a market for both!
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Also for what it is worth...those of you who don't know DSP are really in no position to criticize.
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Agreed.
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First off they were not the first. The owners actually came over from Scrapbook-bytes. Lauren came over from I believe Cottage Arts.
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No I don't believe Lauren has ever been with Cottage Arts, I am pretty sure she started at Pages of the Heart and has been at DSP since. Can't be that bad if she has been there all this time. She sounds like she makes a packet over there.
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Second. I would not say that they are just for beginners. Have you checked out some of their classes? Some advanced stuff there.
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Yup, and have you checked out the gallery, there are some stunning, up with it layouts in there.
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Third. I think their quality is excellent. They may not be trendy. But just like my wardrobe doesn't consist of only trendy items. There are a lot of basics there.
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I wouldn't say they aren't trendy but I wouldn't call it basics either, a lot of it is very elegant and pretty classy, some more modern and trendy stuff too. I think it is more stuff that will last over time and not date as easily as some of the fads do everywhere else.
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I don't hang there anymore mainly because I didn't like their exclusivity. I tend to scrap from a wide range of designers and I didn't like being limited to using only DSP products in challenges and not being able to give full credit in the gallery.
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You can give credit in the gallery, just not link to other websites. Which is fair enough!
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But I do not find fault with their rules. They have a right to run their site how they want. I think there are a lot of scrappers who do like their site. It is a comfortable place to be without dealing with a lot of drama and piracy issues.
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YES! So much less drama than places like DST etc.
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Thanks for the reminder of a place I used to consider "home". Heck...I haven't been there in a while...I think I'll go check it out today just to see what is up...
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Might just see ya over there! I am heading back over too!
I couldn't be a designer for DSP because of the requirements for their designers. It's one thing to have certain standards when looking for designers but a completely different thing when putting restrictions on where and how you can sell your own art. It's not so much the exclusivity more than the non-compete clause they throw in there.
January 17, 2009 7:38 AM
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DSP is hardly the only site that has a non-compete clause! It is a pretty standard thing to have in a contract!
Please go hang out at DSP and show your love there instead of here.
Any good gossip people?
Please go hang out at DSP and show your love there instead of here.
Any good gossip people?
January 20, 2009 8:37 PM
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Why exactly? Oh I forgot second hand gossip and mudslinging is a fun way to waste a day.
Um good for you? I didn't care nor dislike DSP but now for some reason, I am so turned off by it now. Oh wait, that is because I am jealous.
January 20, 2009 6:58 PM
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You are turned off because people like DSP? Why? apart from being jealous of course!?
Why is it that people get turned off a place because other people like hanging out there? Doesn't make sense to me...
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