Saw the request for new space. Debating over a topic...Steakums or DST downtime.
For those of you that are gold and diamond members there, does the frequent and extended down time irritate you? Do you feel like the money you paid for "membership" give you special gripe privileges? Does it irritate you enough to complain to Shannon?
As always discuss this or anything else...I still check in on you, and will post new space around Easter or sooner if requested. Have a good one...off to drink a pint.
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491 comments:
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What's going to happen--the DST mod squad is going to come get us for posting here??
SO what's the verdict so far on digiscrapaddicts?
Yay? Nay?
I am still undecided...
March 23, 2009 10:11 AM
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It will be all great in the beginning, and then go the way of DST or MSA, either too much drama or not enough participation.
So far I am enjoying it much more that DST. It has way more of a fun vibe so far and I can actually get in, so that is a plus.
SO what's the verdict so far on digiscrapaddicts?
I'm liking it actually, it's quick and seems to have caught on. They have forums for tutorials but nothing there when I looked last, wonder what that is about? Good freebies too, better than the crap at dst!
I was there are the beginning of DST. It was a ton of fun, lots of great freebies and everything. DSA is going to go the same way. Just watch. The bigger the group gets, the worse it gets.
With regard to freebies, from a designer perspective these are sales tools. If you as a buyer are downloading the freebies you like and then buying from the designer, you are contributing to the circle.
If you are just shopping for freebies and don't financially support the designers, then eventually they stop putting out their best work or providing them at all - and for completely legit reasons.
You can't live off of kindness alone. They are in business and some make their sole living off of this industry. While we want to provide and reward our customers with terrific freebies, if the give and take becomes imbalanced, then the freebie market can easily dry up.
So, I would always suggest you make sure you are supporting your favorite designers who provide the kind of freebies you like - shop at their stores, write them notes to let them know you are out there and give a crap.
You know, as a designer I get a bit weary with the drive by freebie grabbers - they come into the store, reach deep in our basket and then have the nerve to unsubscribe from our marketing ads right after. Like, its okay to come in and take the free products, but not at least read about our new products or events.
A lot of designers are feeling this way and soon, the freebies may go away completely. I think a there is a professional mindset to move towards gift with purchase promotions, rather just giving product away for free.
Stores take money to run. Designers pay commission fees and paypal fees to sell. Nothing we do to bring products to you is free.
Anyway, this is going to be a front page discussion in the design world soon enough - just saw the post about the crappy freebies at DST and wondered if anyone had seen the light bulb yet.
You know, as a designer I get a bit weary with the drive by freebie grabbers - they come into the store, reach deep in our basket and then have the nerve to unsubscribe from our marketing ads right after. Like, its okay to come in and take the free products, but not at least read about our new products or events.
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What a crappy comment. If a freebie exists, customers have every right to be "drive by" customers and take the freebie, remove themselves from any mailing lists and never come back.
There are lots and lots of people who realize there are FAR enough free resources out there to keep even the most hard-core scrapper busy for a very long time. I have over 20 gigs of items I have gotten free off a multitude of websites. ALL kinds of stuff including kits, paper packs, templates, brushes, fonts, shapes and more I just can't think of right now.
Now, I have twice that amount of stuff I've actually purchased but I never bought a thing for at least 6 months after starting out. There are a lot of people out there, I would bet, that simply don't have any money to spend and can only collect free stuff. There isn't anything wrong with that at all.
I also wanted to add but forgot, that I, as a customer, owe absolutely NOTHING to you as a designer, whether I get your item for free or otherwise. I don't always care to know what's going on with new stuff, I never subscribe to newsletters or mailing lists. I shop digiscrap like I shop wal-mart. I go there when I need something. I might check out a flyer if one comes through the mail but mostly I throw them away. If they give away a product sample, I take it if I'm interested and move on. I don't feel obligated in any way to purchase anything further, nor will I ever feel guilty because I'm not supporting the manufacturer.
That's a great attitude. You want the art but don't want to support the artists.
I don't think the poster meant that you OWE them anything. I think the point was to make sure you are offering some level of support to the hand making the art that you greedily fill up your hard drive with.
Cool. I can quit the freebie business. Made enough money without giving away anything for free, and was just trying to give something nice back. Now I see there's no need. Thanks for sharin.
I've been hearing the threats from a few designers for over THREE years now, that freebies will become a thing of the past.
I call BS. There always have been and always will be QUALITY designers who don't think that customers owe them anything.
If YOU are tired of giving out freebies, by all means, quit doing it. Just don't presume to speak for all the designers out there. It just makes you look hysterical and silly.
Made enough money without giving away anything for free, and was just trying to give something nice back. Now I see there's no need. Thanks for sharin.
March 24, 2009 3:36 PM
^snicker^
Riiiiiight. If you're making plenty of money, what reason to you have to be bitchin?
"It just makes you look hysterical and silly."
LOL. Ooookay.
You go with your bad selves. If having an opinion and reminding you freebie lovin folks to show appreciation to the hands that draw for ya is hysterical and silly, enough said.
You forget...if there wasn't a customer, you'd have no one to peddle your little wares to. I'm not trying to be negative. I just want to know why digital scrapbook designers feel so high above the rest of the world as to actually expect a certain behavior from their customers? Sure, LOTS of people like to be active in the community, even praise their favorite designers. I'm just saying it should NEVER be expected and if you DO expect certain behaviors, you'll be sadly disappointed.
I think a lot of people looking for digital scrapbook freebies simply take them and go about their day. Probably most people. Some people WILL buy more from your store and then circle of digiscrapping sales is completed. Freebies are a promotional tool and if they drum up even one sale, you should be happy.
Whoever said they can stop making freebies now...well, good for you. I'm confused; Was that supposed to be some kind of threat or something? Is all of digital scrapbooking supposed to come crawling to you on their knees now begging for you to keep on giving shit away?
Hey knuckleheads. Never said the freebies were disappearing. Just said I was glad to be out of the freebie business. You've all proven what I suspected. Better off spending my time on the money makers. And no, I was not, nor am I now complaining. Snicker.
You go with your bad selves. If having an opinion and reminding you freebie lovin folks to show appreciation to the hands that draw for ya is hysterical and silly, enough said.
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LOL that's about the most idiotic comment I've ever read. "...show appreciatoin to the hands that draw for ya..."
LOLOLOLOL OMG. Seriously.
Every single digital designer out there could stop designing right now and pull all their crap off the shelves and you know what, I'm sure all us customers would find a way to cope. Fer cryin' out loud.
Back in 2002 when SBB first started and was just about the only digi site on the net, nobody was selling anything. Digi scrapping was a HOBBY and people were learning how to do digi scrapping. That's when freebies started happening. It was a smaller amount of people back then and it was all about leaning how to scrap and how to make your own items. There were Yahoo Groups for the purpose of learning how to make elements and sharing them.
Then a few people started selling kits. At first it was a trickle and then gradually over the years it increased. It's accelerated particularly in the last 2-3 years. The market is huge now but people still expect freebies. Having a few freebies is fine but why should designers give so much away just so people (yes, some greedy - and some with limited income)can grab and run?
Freebies are a sample. Designers give a sample of their work in the hope that you will like it and perhaps visit their store and purchase something.
It's the EXPECTATION of freebies that is out of hand.
This industry was born from smaller groups of people whose only interest was making nice layouts and perhaps learning how to make a few elements themselves. People shared things they made, offered help when asked, asked for help etc. The close knit groups have since gone by the wayside. Groups who at first had lots of participation from all members whittled down to just a few givers but far too many takers. That's when the greed started and people expected to get freebies all the time.
Take all the freebies you can if you don't want to open your purse BUT don't have the gall to complain when there aren't enough.
Just remember:
Freebies are not an entitlement. They are a bonus.
How the heck does the designer know if I'm a drive by freebie grabber or a legit customer or both? Simple answer, they don't.
I'm so tired of the complaints about the freebies. For the designer, either make them or don't. I don't care if it didn't get you sales, I don't care if no one thanked you. You tried a sales gimmick and it didn't work. Suck it up, it's all part of being in business.
For the scrapper, either grab them or don't. I don't care if it was crappy, I don't care if was just recolored items. You got it for free, so you got what you paid for.
Some of us are just over the whole freebie thing.
Just remember:
Freebies are not an entitlement. They are a bonus.
March 24, 2009 4:59 PM
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Exactly, so designers should stop bitching about it. They offered the bonus to me, it was their choice.
Some of us are just over the whole freebie thing.
March 24, 2009 5:00 PM
A-effin'-MEN!!
You want to quit making freebies? Go right ahead. Somehow, I doubt that your "generosity" will be missed.
A lot of designers are feeling this way and soon, the freebies may go away completely. I think a there is a professional mindset to move towards gift with purchase promotions, rather just giving product away for free.
^^^^
Hey, this sure sounds like a threat of no more freebies (from more than just 1 designer) to me.
But what do I know? I'm just a SHOPPER who has spent plenty over the past 5 years or so. I've spent enough that I could scrap from now and until I die without needing one more new thing.
So if you think that your NO SOUP FOR YOU threat has me quaking, think again.
And no, I was not, nor am I now complaining. Snicker.
March 24, 2009 4:48 PM
You are too stupid for words.
Every single digital designer out there could stop designing right now and pull all their crap off the shelves and you know what, I'm sure all us customers would find a way to cope. Fer cryin' out loud.
March 24, 2009 4:50 PM
SPOT.ON.
I'd stake money that the designer doing the complaining has crap designs to begin with. There are not very many quality designers who act like such total shits.
Actually, I don't need or want freebies at all.
Thanks to the surplus of CU goods on the market, I can now make or recolor anything that I could ever want or need.
I've accumulated some very versatile things, and I don't spend at all anymore. A freebie certainly wouldn't change things at this point in the game.
I really think designers did themselves a disservice when they started rampantly selling the CU items. Now, everyone's either a "designer" or they are scrappers who can make whatever they want to themselves.
"How the heck does the designer know if I'm a drive by freebie grabber or a legit customer or both? Simple answer, they don't."
Wrong. If you register in the store, your activity in that store is tracked. It's how they would determine if giving freebies are worth the time and effort - if you all are not buying and just "drive by'ng" the have this data.
Some designers just like to give freebies. Not once did I hear Shabby Princess complain about the grab and runs. I know, because I used to be a designer and in the DCR when other designers would bitch and moan about the whole freebie situation. The ones who have kept my business are the ones who didn't moan about it, and those who just stopped giving the freebies, without going on about it. They made a business decision, and I can respect that.
Wrong. If you register in the store, your activity in that store is tracked. It's how they would determine if giving freebies are worth the time and effort - if you all are not buying and just "drive by'ng" the have this data.
March 24, 2009 5:58 PM
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Only if the freebie is available in the store via registration, in which case, I don't grab it.
Only if the designer has access to this information, which some don't.
Only if the freebie is available in the store in the first place. I know the reason there are more freebies on blogs, and that's because a lot of store owners don't want freebies in their store as it's not cost effective.
Far too many variables.
Some designers just like to give freebies. Not once did I hear Shabby Princess complain about the grab and runs. I know, because I used to be a designer and in the DCR when other designers would bitch and moan about the whole freebie situation. The ones who have kept my business are the ones who didn't moan about it, and those who just stopped giving the freebies, without going on about it. They made a business decision, and I can respect that.
March 24, 2009 6:03 PM
ITA.
March 24, 2009 5:43 PM
And you are even moreso for writing some down, butthanksferplayinganyway.
March 24, 2009 5:43 PM
And you are even moreso for writing some down, butthanksferplayinganyway.
March 24, 2009 7:48 PM
^^^
The short bus riders have arrived.
"And you are even moreso for writing some down, butthanksferplayinganyway."
___________________________________
I am not the other person that you are feuding with... but that was a dumb response.
March 24, 2009 4:59 PM
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I just want to say to you that you are not alone to think like you do. I agree with you.
That's when the greed started and people expected to get freebies all the time.
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Ahem, what about greed on the part of the designers? Remember when you could get a kit for $3.00 or less? Now you can barely get one for $6.00. The so called 'greed' is on both sides of this equation. Or, it's just part of the growth of the industry. Greed is a little harsh.
just to add my two cents... I'm a designer who gives freebies away on my blog on a regular basis.
I like making freebies, I like giving them away.
I love hearing from my customers and freebie grabbers alike when they leave comments thanking me, but I don't expect it.
If people like what I do and want to shop in my store, wonderful! If they can't afford to or chose not to, that's fine too.
Like anything in life, one should give with a generous heart, expecting nothing in return. THAT is when good things happen to your and your or business.
And honestly? WHO CARES? Seriously? In the grand scheme of things, if I spent 2 hours making and posting a freebie, why should I care if 100 customers, who shop in my store download it, or if 1000 freebie hunters grab it? I'm not out any additional time, right? I gave... people visited my blog, maybe they shop with me, maybe they don't. But I don't give it another thought - nor do I live or die by how many of them thank me. I know that my work was appreciated either way.
8:12 - Your attitude is refreshing. Unusual around here.
It seems like the original point has been completely missed. It's been replaced by a mob mentality that the designer is greedy. This could, if not so completely offbase, be funny.
I find that digi designers are the most generous of any craft. I mean, do you get freebies from kit manufactures in your paper store? How about free paper samples or embellishments from your local scrapbook or craft stores? And I am not talking about on an occasional basis, but weekly - and how about the discounts? When is the last time the paper industry offered up the constant deep pocket sales that you get with digi products. Do you realize that when someone posts a product for a buck, they make about .60 or less after the store commission and paypal fees are extracted. Then, they pay additional paypal fees to receive the money into their own paypal accounts.
To come back at these designers with a "we don't need you" attitude is just downright nasty. I think all the op was trying to convey is that in these tough times, it should be a time when you show your support for the stores and designers you want to keep in business. If you want to keep getting the perks, just be sure to keep them in business.
8:12 - Your attitude is refreshing. Unusual around here.
March 25, 2009 10:39 AM
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Her attitude isn't that of a business person, it's that of a hobbyist. Which some around here seem to want--that is, until they expect great customer service, or a designer not to have (or voice, rather) an opinion about something, or for every situation to be handled with grace. Then some around here bitch and moan about professionalism. Business professionals don't give gobs of products away for free without a very specific return. They give products away strategically and track if it's a worthwhile marketing promotion. I think very few designers in this industry accurately analyze their numbers, which is fine if you're looking to be a hobbyist as opposed to a business owner. But by the same rationale, customers can't reasonably expect business-level service. The phrase "you get what you pay for" comes to mind.
And whoever mentioned Shabby Princess--yes, she is a VERY nice person, but she treats her business like a business and I can say that from experience. You also can't glaze over the fact that she doesn't give out freebies like tic-tacs either.
in these tough times, it should be a time when you show your support for the stores and designers you want to keep in business. If you want to keep getting the perks, just be sure to keep them in business.
March 25, 2009 12:44 PM
In these tough times, maybe designers should be showing some support and appreciation for the customers who are keeping them in business instead of bitching about those who can't afford to buy or choose not to buy.
Being able to work from home in your jammies is a pretty big luxury in any economy, much less right now.
I'm really sick and tired of designers thinking they are OWED something by their customers. If you put out quality designs and treat shoppers with a little bit of respect and courtesy, your customers aren't going to go anywhere.
Business professionals don't whine about people taking freebies and walking away. They woudn't call them greedy and they would never expect anything more. Just because you so generously give away freebies does not automatically obligate me to do anything other than simply take the freebie. The original poster on this topic was not exactly showing her professionalism. Had she been, she wouldn't have made the post to begin with.
Bottom line: If you're giving away freebies and nobody is buying anything more, then you need to either fix YOUR problem (not your customers') or go out of business. Don't expect a bail out (sorry, coulnd't help it) and certainly don't expect any sympathy.
And whoever mentioned Shabby Princess--yes, she is a VERY nice person, but she treats her business like a business and I can say that from experience. You also can't glaze over the fact that she doesn't give out freebies like tic-tacs either.
March 25, 2009 2:36 PM
I don't think anyone who has commented has said that freebies should be handed out like "tic tacs."
And, it's really too bad that there aren't more designers out there like Shabby Princess. She's nice, she's not a publicity/promotions whore, she treats her business like a business, and when she does give out a freebie, it's always very nice and generous--usually full kits.
I'd take 20 Shabby Princess type designers over 5000 of the kind that are here bitching about customers.
For Pete's sake, how much common sense does it take to realize that if you want to whinge and complain about customers, you should at least go to a place that's designers only, so you don't drive off even more customers?!! Shannon has even made it so easy for you lot with her silly little private designer "business" forum!
8:12, I hope that I've bought from you before! Many designers could take a lesson on attitude from your book.
And big boos to the designer/artiste snobs who are now trying to classify each other as 'hobbyists' or 'business people.' I don't care how professional you claim to be, bitching and whining that hobbyists are ruining your business is just laughable.
For Pete's sake, how much common sense does it take to realize that if you want to whinge and complain about customers, you should at least go to a place that's designers only, so you don't drive off even more customers?!! Shannon has even made it so easy for you lot with her silly little private designer "business" forum!
March 25, 2009 3:24 PM
Just a scrapper here, not a designer and I'm honestly not trying to stick up for any of the snooty, bitchy, whiny designers that are here. But honestly, we're all anon so they can carry on like a bunch of spoiled-rotten brats all they want and not have to worry about their business cuz we have no way in hell of knowing who they are. Which is a shame for us.
As for freebies, if you offer them they're gonna get taken, deal with it or stop offering. If you're an unknown designer and I like what you offer I'll be buying from you. If I dl your freebie and the quality sucks, the preview was misleading, etc...I won't be buying simple as that. If you're going to offer up freebies as an incentive to buy they need to be the same top-notch quality that we would expect when we buy a kit. I'm not saying an entire kit, so don't put words in my mouth, I'm just saying 300 dpi, no jaggies, no strays, just a good sample.
So after all that, it's pretty damned simple. Good quality freebies equals future sales. Shitty freebies equals zilch.
And big boos to the designer/artiste snobs who are now trying to classify each other as 'hobbyists' or 'business people.' I don't care how professional you claim to be, bitching and whining that hobbyists are ruining your business is just laughable.
March 25, 2009 3:29 PM
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2:36 here (pointing out the difference between hobbyist and business person). I never once said (and certainly didn't bitch or whine) that hobbyists are ruining anyone's business. I just pointed out the difference. If the same people who hand out several freebies a week are also trying to treat their designing like a business then they're hurting themselves, not anyone else. Freebies have their place in digital scrapbooking, primarily as a way for people to get a look at a designer's quality before buying because it's not like walking into a physical store and getting to touch/feel/inspect a product before buying.
The fact that there are people who grab & go and never have any intention of buying otherwise is not something that is unique to digital scrapbooking. Retailers of all kinds frequently use loss leaders to bring people through the doors. They have statistical data that tell them how many of those people are going to be cherry pickers and how many of them are going to buy something else at full price to make the loss leader worthwhile. Designers who don't get what a great tool a loss leader can be (if properly utilized) probably need to delve into familiarizing themselves with marketing and sales concepts before peddling their wares.
And btw, there IS a difference between a hobbyist and someone running an actual business. The IRS has pretty clear rules regarding that.
4:05-I apologize for misreading the intent of your post.
The fact that there are people who grab & go and never have any intention of buying otherwise is not something that is unique to digital scrapbooking. Retailers of all kinds frequently use loss leaders to bring people through the doors. They have statistical data that tell them how many of those people are going to be cherry pickers and how many of them are going to buy something else at full price to make the loss leader worthwhile. Designers who don't get what a great tool a loss leader can be (if properly utilized) probably need to delve into familiarizing themselves with marketing and sales concepts before peddling their wares.
*************
Totally. spot. on.
It seems like the original point has been completely missed. It's been replaced by a mob mentality that the designer is greedy. This could, if not so completely offbase, be funny.
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No, it's been replaced by a mob mentality on the part of the designers that the customer is greedy. Check the posts. All I see is a bunch of designers whining, yet again, about how people take freebies and expect to have freebies. The customers, on the other hand, seem to be saying, either make them or don't, but shut up about it. There's a lot of stuff out there and it really won't matter if some designers decide to quit giving it away.
So after all that, it's pretty damned simple. Good quality freebies equals future sales. Shitty freebies equals zilch.
March 25, 2009 3:35 PM
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ITA! I've been saying this for a long time. I have purchased from designers and on occasion, I have downloaded a freebie they have offered. Why is is that the freebie is generally sub par to the 'money' product? If the whole idea of the freebie is to give a sample of the work, newbies to the hobby are just going to walk away from that designer.
I would much rather have one really good freebie every few months, a la Shabby Princess, than a bunch of crap handed out like 'tic tacs'.
I used to be a designer, I used to give out freebies. I decided that it wasn't worth the effort. I know that people liked the product as the same people kept downloading the freebies, but they were never going to buy anything. I made the business decision to stop doing them. This worked, as some of those freebie grabbers actually started to buy from me.
Hey knuckleheads. Never said the freebies were disappearing. Just said I was glad to be out of the freebie business. You've all proven what I suspected. Better off spending my time on the money makers. And no, I was not, nor am I now complaining. Snicker.
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Any business person who calls their customers knuckleheads and snickers at them probably won't be in business very long.
Say what you want about freebies. But I love the freebies at Trader Joes. The coffee/freebie spot is my first stop when I go there. I have bought many foods that I would not have purchased if I didn't taste it and really like it.
I think the same goes for digi stuff. Some of my fave designers were found after trying out a freebie of theirs and liking their style and quality.
Some customers complain, some designers complain. After all this is a smack blog and complaining is to be expected.
Personally I am happy for designers that offer freebies and allow me to sample their work. Sure there will be some people who take the freebie and run. But they weren't bound to be a customer anyway so no loss. If you gain a minimum of one new happy loyal customer then I think the freebie would be worth it.
- just saw the post about the crappy freebies at DST and wondered if anyone had seen the light bulb yet.
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I just did a search for freebies and can't find a post complaining. Link please?
DST is going beserk on me today. Ugh!!!
It's pretty silly to expect all or even the majority of people who take a freebie to buy something. Have you ever seen the sample vultures at places like Sam's/Costco and even grocery stores??
One thing that I haven't seen though, is the store managers standing in the midst of all those sample tables and shouting to everyone that if they don't buy it then they're just greedy knuckleheads.
You really shouldn't be trying to sell anything if you still have the mentality of a ten year old. Children don't make good retailers.
I work 3 jobs, one is as a designer. I don't work in my pj's and I don't consider it a "luxury" job. It's hard work, burning very late hours. I do it because its my passion. I do it because it makes money and furthers my career as a graphic artist. I don't do it half naked with a half ass attitude.
Your false stereotype of a what it takes to be a professional designer is really off.
7:10 - your analogy holds even less logic. Do those old ladies hawking the steakums and frozen quiche give you coupons for half off your entire order or entire cases of the crap to take home in hopes that you will support the brand and come back to buy? No, they give you one bite of the crap and a coupon for a small percent off of one box.
What digiscrappers get for free is a lot more substantial. Regardless of the hopes of the designer for future sales, you still get a boatload of freebies on a annual basis.
Be nice for gods sake.
All this designer attitude makes me think it's time for a break from buying.
Be nice for gods sake.
March 25, 2009 7:20 PM
Right back atcha for doG's sake.
Yikes-I never knew so many people ate those nasty Steakums!
Bought them once and there was so much scary, stinky, yellow grease when I cooked them that into the garbage they went.
To the steakum lover-hope you're shopping for a good cardiologist ;)
No, they give you one bite of the crap and a coupon for a small percent off of one box.
^^^
Hmm, you may have been talking about steakums and frozen quiche, but this is about what I've seen from most digi freebies for a good while now.
All right, now. I can sit through all the bickering name calling and the insults to designers and customers but when you go and insult my steakummmmmmmms, that's crossing the line.
Ah, steakums. Love 'em or hate 'em, but for pete's sake, you need to respect them! :)
No, they give you one bite of the crap and a coupon for a small percent off of one box.
^^^
Hmm, you may have been talking about steakums and frozen quiche, but this is about what I've seen from most digi freebies for a good while now.
March 25, 2009 7:27 PM
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ITA!
I keep hearing about how the customer has this sense of entitlement, well, so do the designers, the ones that come here anyway. I can't speak for those who are a little more professional and don't feel the need to defend themselves on a blog that has no real impact or meaning in the digi world.
I did leave a comment or thank you. Did you leave one on my layout using your product? No, you didn't, did you? Did you send me a thank you email when I purchased your product? No, you didn't, did you?
I don't expect you too, so it doesn't worry me. I don't know why you expect one in return for your product. Get the heck over yourself already. It's a business, treat it like one.
******marking my spot for future reading******
Generally I am a reader to this blog, not for the 'snark' but for ideas and some are pretty good when you get between the lines.
I am a designer, and I do giveaway freebies on my blog. Do I care that I get 100's of downloads and probably 3 TY's, not at all. I am happy enough that the freebie was looked at and liked enough to be downloaded. I treat this as a business, even though for me designing is something I enjoy, and if I make money from it then its a bonus, if not, so what *shrugs* Maybe because I have a paying job away from my laptop, and I am not being sarcastic in saying that, I totally understand that some designers make their living from designing, me personally, I dont.
I have no doubt that every single designer here was/still is a scrapper and have taken their fair share of freebies in the past, and I still see some in the forums stating their thanks for any CU ones that are going around.
Generally freebies are being downloaded by new digiscrappers, I have read many threads at various forums by established scrappers and designers who DONT download freebies because they have enough in their stash, or, they dont want to take up space on their hardrives and that is ok. But, there are many new people coming to digiscrapping who have nothing and freebies are a way to build up their stash, hell, thats how I started off.
But at the end of the day, you have choices, make freebies, dont, download freebies, dont...simple.
For me, I continue to make them, I really doubt that I am raining on someones praide by doing so.
...I don't do it half naked with a half ass attitude.
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I don't do mine half naked, either. I'm completely naked. LOL.
Seriously, though, I have an actual, "real" job that I do for a real employer that I do from home for my full-time income. You bet your butt I do it in my pj's. Sometimes I do it with a half-assed attitude. But that's just because I don't realize how good I have it and I quickly adjust. Like a lot of others, selling my designs is extra income and I don't rely on it but I don't treat it as though it's not important. If I could do it full time and quit my other job, I would in a heart-beat. (and i'd still do it naked.)
Because it's priced higher. You do not get the same amount of ribbons, flowers, papers, etc for the same price as PU.
___________________________________________________
I don't know where you shop but I see plenty of CU item and I think it's priced rediculously low.
I've been hearing the threats from a few designers for over THREE years now, that freebies will become a thing of the past
_____________________________________________________
Freebies won't become non-existent. If nothing else there will be Blog Trains where you can get a gazillion mini kits and never buy a thing. As a designer I don't plan on giving up on allowing customers to enjoy some free product. Treat customers right and they usually treat you right.
I don't know where you shop but I see plenty of CU item and I think it's priced rediculously low.
March 26, 2009 3:10 PM
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I don't buy CU items, I don't need too. I'm capable of recoloring and reworking the items I already have. I also said it's priced higher, because you don't get the same number of items for the same price. Priced 'rediculously' low, maybe, but those low priced CU items are general 'rediculous'.
Priced 'rediculously' low, maybe, but those low priced CU items are general 'rediculous'.
_________
You said it. I never buy $1 stuff just because it's total crap. I'd rather pay more for a higher quality item than a buck for something that will go in my recycle bin.
I will say this just once. The word is spelled "ridiculous." There is no "E" in the damn word.
I know that, which is why I put mine in quotes, as I was quoting the original word. You wouldn't believe how many people spell it incorrectly.
Hi Amanda R.!
who cares?
I HATE Digital Mauve!
Hi Amanda R.!
March 27, 2009 5:45 AM
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Who? The person who said rediculous? Do a search on DST for that word and you'd be surprised at the number of people who write it like that.
who or what the heck is digital mauve?
Oh gawd this is boring as donkey shit on the set of The Wizard Of Oz. I am going to request that you all channel Dorothy and snap those two left feet together and repeat after me, "There is No Place Like Home".
Wash, rinse, repeat until it sets in and you all realize its time to make dinner.
Please start making sense.
Can you talk about something that hasnt been rehash time after time.
Can you not make comments about the fact that the subscription service at DST had crappy--small kits? how so many threads end up being an ad for ADSE? How some of the banner ads are very old?
The fact that SBG is good at changing out their daily deals.
And in the last 2 months they have raised over $3000.00 for fellow scrappers. The new designers are kinda out there.
We are Storytellers is kinda out there but their prices have come down.
There a quite a few designers that treat this like a business and are going a good job.
And there a quite a few that don't treat selling like a business.
The funky playground has had things in the clearance section for months.
The fact that alpha make with clipping mask are something any person can do.
Kits that have multiple colors alphas need to include all the colors not just the one mixed alpha.
The fact that the kit for the SUTCS kit was $5.00. Seems kinda expensive.
How over the last 3 months there haven't been any real WOW kits.
How the foreign designers have really come on in lately.
Can you not find a way to make comments that may actually make some positive changes in the digiworld? People do actually look at this site. Use the chance to have something constructive say.
Awww, the handslappers are back.
It's just laughable that your message is lost among all your grammar and spelling errors.
Do us all a favor and get yourself an education.
Can you not find a way to make comments that may actually make some positive changes in the digiworld? People do actually look at this site. Use the chance to have something constructive say.
__________________
This is a SMACK blog and it means very little in any world.
...and the shit finally hits the fan: http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=182754
Kudos to Sonja for sayout out loud at DST what everyone else who has ever taken a class from Michelle is thinking.
Michelle Pearson's classes suck. She's a thief for taking money for her crappy classes
I think a lot of designers read here (like me), and they are looking for honest opinions that they can use to make better products and produce better services. Not just smack. The smack is fun, but this place has the opportunity for more.
I seriously doubt that anything will happen re Michelle P's classes. There have been lots of complaints about them. It's usually just hushed up at DST, and she reappears after a while.
I think a lot of designers read here (like me), and they are looking for honest opinions that they can use to make better products and produce better services. Not just smack. The smack is fun, but this place has the opportunity for more.
March 28, 2009 4:12 PM
What more?
I seriously doubt that anything will happen re Michelle P's classes. There have been lots of complaints about them. It's usually just hushed up at DST, and she reappears after a while.
------
You're right. It sounds like what just happened in her current class is the same as what happened at the class I took from Michelle over a year ago. She disappeared, posted once in a while that her daughter was sick, and disappeared again. Weeks passed with no comment from her on the private class forum, and during that time she was still posting at DST. When people started complaining on her forum and saying that they wanted their money back, the forum disappeared. WTF???
Here are more of Michelle Pearson's (not-so-)happy students:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=171264&page=3
Lots of "PM me" for info posts. LOL at the "exactly two happy peeps" post. Well, not really LOL. Lots of people are still being suckered in by Michelle. I hate to see people's hard-earned money going toward Michelle's crappy classes.
Lots of people are still being suckered in by Michelle. I hate to see people's hard-earned money going toward Michelle's crappy classes.
March 28, 2009 5:19 PM
That's a huge part of what's wrong with DST. Honesty isn't allowed, so people like Michelle, Ashley Olsen, Tandika, Joedee, etc. all just get away with doing it over and over
I think a lot of designers read here (like me), and they are looking for honest opinions that they can use to make better products and produce better services. Not just smack. The smack is fun, but this place has the opportunity for more.
March 28, 2009 4:12 PM
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Then get a better CT, one who will work with you and not just bow down to everything you make and think it's great. I think it's pathetic that designers come to this blog to get honest opinions because you are never going to get that here.
How the foreign designers have really come on in lately.
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Foreign to whom? The US designers are foreign to me.
I think it's pathetic that designers come to this blog to get honest opinions because you are never going to get that here.
Yeah, here we are too busy trying up quirky statements that make no sense.
"Oh gawd this is boring as donkey shit on the set of The Wizard Of Oz. I am going to request that you all channel Dorothy and snap those two left feet together and repeat after me, 'There is No Place Like Home'."
Don't bother us with thought out "smack" We just want to be shitty and have people read us.
Yes, 8:06, there are some idiots here. That's no different than anywhere else on the net. It's pretty easy to ignore their posts. I think of them as the txmusicmoms of the HOF, shake my head, and move on.
POSTED BY USER: LITTLE KIWI in the DCR
RE: CU Recommendations
As a very new digi designer what would you suggest as essentials as far as commercial use stuff - I'm mainly interested at the moment in things for quick pages & templates but as I am entering a few designer competitions next month anything is fine.
I already have my eye on a few CU items from the Sunshine Studio Scraps Sale especially the Cosmo Cricket albums
__________________
Jeeze Louise! How about you get some skills? How about you learn something? You look like a complete idiot asking about CU stuff as a SO CALLED DESIGNER.
Exact problem with this new inbred line-up of "designers". They have no experience and think they can waltz in and start a business and be successful. Please quit while your ahead kiwi.
She is asking for CU quick pages and templates for a designer contest? Oh my. Yes I have looked at her gallery, I remember her, when she first started scrapping she complained nobody commented on her layouts. Not really the thick skin needed to be a designer. Will she complain on DST when nobody buys her "designs"?
Hopefully someone will be brave enough to step-up and tell her that she will go further in a contest by making her own stuff. No DCR access here!
Hopefully someone will be brave enough to step-up and tell her that she will go further in a contest by making her own stuff. No DCR access here!
March 29, 2009 12:24 PM
It won't be anyone with DCR access telling her that. Unfortunately, they are the ones peddling the CU to people like kiwi, so they are all too happy to see her wasting her time and money.
so I heard SAS might be closing in April.
anyone got more info on the why/how/and so on?
I think of them as the txmusicmoms of the HOF, shake my head, and move on.
____________
That's funny. LOl
Oh....my....goodness..... how can...you... say that?????
What's SAS?
What the hell is this?
http://www.creativeteamappreciationweek.com/
Looks like the CT Appreciation kit (gigantic kit full of all kinds of crap, created by participating designers and then given to all the CT members of those designers as a thank you for their work) is a bit better organised this year. I'm not participating.
Stone Accent Studios???
Do we care?
It won't be anyone with DCR access telling her that. Unfortunately, they are the ones peddling the CU to people like kiwi, so they are all too happy to see her wasting her time and money.
March 29, 2009 1:18 PM
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The DCR sure changed over the last few years. Most of the decent and up front designers left or stopped participating, leaving mostly designers looking after their own agenda.
designers looking after their own agenda.
March 29, 2009 5:09 PM
? What other kind of designer is there?
I never had DCR access so maybe that's why I'm confused-did some designers in the past act as mentors or something?
Oh....my....goodness..... how can...you... say that?????
March 29, 2009 2:55 PM
You folks are just not nice folks are you?.........I really am a nice person.............remember I voted for a black candidate once..........and dont forget Im the one who didnt know my relative was Mexican............until someone had to point it out to me...............I pay so little attention to Mexicans and have nothing against them...........yet I randomly quote the Mexican constitution when trying to make some inane point............what was I saying.........oh yes......I'm such a sweet, sweet gal..........really I am..........
WV=mists
something that you might find in txmusicmoms brain on a daily basis
Not mentors but they did share information and tips etc. If someone asked about CU, instead of having a bunch of designers say, you can buy what you want here, there would be designers who would point out sites and books were you could learn to make it, instead of where to buy it. When I left the DCR, it was mostly just another place for designers to advertise, or at least, that's the way I saw it.
so I heard SAS might be closing in April.
anyone got more info on the why/how/and so on?
March 29, 2009 2:00 PM
Who or what is SAS?
thanks 9:46
Who or what is SAS?
March 29, 2009 9:47 PM
-----------------------------
somebody already answered that at 3:17pm
do pay attention please :)
How the foreign designers have really come on in lately.
_____________________
That's is such a condescending comment.
somebody already answered that at 3:17pm
do pay attention please :)
March 30, 2009 7:54 AM
Since the post at 3:17 had question marks after Stone Accent Studios, I was not positive that was actually the answer. If it was, I'll just echo the who cares....
Well I suppose CU took hold because the great tut sites all but vanished. I mean, Scrapper's Guide is still one of the best, but I don't know any other ones that really hold salt. Tandika has phenom tuts too at one time.
So, now there just aren't good solid tut writers so people just stopped wanting to learn to do it themselves. Some lightbulbs went on and there you go - CU explodes.
There are lots of great tut sites around, they haven't vanished at all. They just aren't scrap related. I learnt all my best techniques from the non scrap tut sites.
I believe it was more about the demand for realism from the customers that made it so that tuts disappeared and CU sales exploded. (That and Tandika went crazy causing that market concept to crash.)
Less and less scrappers are looking for digitally made flowers and brads and prefer the real/scanned elements. There isn't much instruction needed for scan and extract.
I learnt all my best techniques from the non scrap tut sites.
____
Bingo. I found the (once wonderful) world of Digital scrapbooking after about 2 years into playing with and learning Photoshop.
Who owns digiscrapaddicts?
Anonymous said...
Who owns digiscrapaddicts?
March 30, 2009 9:26 PM
That would be the girls from Scrap Orchard.
Wonder how impartial they can be when people are wanting banner advertisements. Will their "buddies" get priority over everyone else ?
Just another way to make a buck.
Just another way to make a buck.
March 31, 2009 11:19 AM
_____________________________
I agree. the prices are outrageous. $50 bucks for a year? Geez! They have to get over themselves.
I recently checked out their prices for ads etc., but they don't list how much it is to become a sponsor. I'm assuming it's because it's an outrageous price. Anyone know?
I guess I am missing something. What is $50 a year??
Wonder how impartial they can be when people are wanting banner advertisements. Will their "buddies" get priority over everyone else ?
March 30, 2009 10:06 PM
Why? are you planning to pay the bucks for a banner? The person who pays the server bill can run the site however they want and if they fill ad spots with "buddies" that are willing to pay for the ad space, what's the big deal?
I have no intention of paying for advertising there. Besides the fact that their outlandish prices are just laughable, I don't believe they will be impartial, and run it in a professional manner.
DigiscrapAddicts can't be any more unprofessionally run than DST. You think Shannon never did her buddies any favors??
I hope that DSA gives DST some much needed competition.
I don't believe they will be impartial, and run it in a professional manner.
March 31, 2009 3:24 PM
time will tell. But it won't ever satisify this crowd.
I personally don't think it matters who they banners to. And I don't understand why that would make people angry other than you all grew up thinking that life should always be fair. Who wouldn't want to put their friends first?
But it doesn't even matter if the site doesn't ever grow. Then they will only rely on friends for advertising.
If people will pay it, then they are? If people won't they will change their terms. I won't be signing up, but I don't begrudge them their business.
Who cares if the place is impartial. Impartial to what?
I hope that DSA gives DST some much needed competition.
March 31, 2009 3:58 PM
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It won't. Everyone thought that about MSA and that didn't happen.
At least they acknowledge your emails. Shannon lets it go to space and only answers if you ask it publicly, for example, which number you are on the mailing list. I think a generic response is all people want, to know that their email was received. I highly doubt Shannon is too busy for that, but just does not care!
Anonymous said...
I don't believe they will be impartial, and run it in a professional manner.
March 31, 2009 3:24 PM
time will tell. But it won't ever satisify this crowd.
I personally don't think it matters who they banners to. And I don't understand why that would make people angry other than you all grew up thinking that life should always be fair. Who wouldn't want to put their friends first?
But it doesn't even matter if the site doesn't ever grow. Then they will only rely on friends for advertising.
March 31, 2009 3:59 PM
___________________________________
Because if I am paying for advertising on a site, to promote my business, I EXPECT to receive the best possible service, not the second best. If I am paying top dollar, I demand top service.
Number 1 Business Rule: Friends and Business DON'T mix.
If you can't be impartial when running this sort of site, then you have NO BUSINESS running it.
At the moment, I haven't made my mind up about this site, and until I do, I won't be spending a cent to advertise there.
Because if I am paying for advertising on a site, to promote my business, I EXPECT to receive the best possible service, not the second best. If I am paying top dollar, I demand top service.
```````
That would mean that they allowed your banner to run which would make the point of the above poster stating they're only allowing buddies to advertise a worthless point.
Customer service expectations is a totally NEW topic.
And I disagree that friends and business don't mix. If a friend sends me payment for something then there isn't a problem. It's when they don't pay that it can become a problem. And these designers aren't really "buddies" it's more like colleagues. So get over it!!!!
Who cares if the place is impartial. Impartial to what?
March 31, 2009 4:57 PM
Everyone here thinks that there's some sort of conspiracy amongst certain designers to never allow anyone into their circle of friends. When in reality they aren't nearly as close as they appear. Just designers working together and having fun. It's called being social online.
I guess I am missing something. What is $50 a year??
March 31, 2009 1:13 PM
_____________
It's to be allowed to post in the product gallery. At DST, the same service is $10/year and at Digitalscrapbookpreviews.com it's $12/year or $20 for lifetime. So, $50/year IS really outrageous.
Anonymous said...
It's to be allowed to post in the product gallery. At DST, the same service is $10/year and at Digitalscrapbookpreviews.com it's $12/year or $20 for lifetime. So, $50/year IS really outrageous.
March 31, 2009 5:50 PM
_________________________________
Exactly !!!
And if I am going to get the priority that every paying customer deserves, I don't have a problem paying this kind of money. But if I'm going to be shoved down the list in favor if friends when I'm paying top dollar like this, then I have a major problem with it.
There is nothing to get over, I am stating my opinion, without being bitchy or snarky.
It's to be allowed to post in the product gallery. At DST, the same service is $10/year and at Digitalscrapbookpreviews.com it's $12/year or $20 for lifetime. So, $50/year IS really outrageous.
March 31, 2009 5:50 PM
Can I give you designers some honest feedback from a customer standpoint?
The product gallery at DST is a complete and total waste of my time. I have given it a try many times in the past, and could never find what I was looking for. It's unorganized, and there's so much downtime at the DST galleries that I gave up long ago.
I honestly think that if a product gallery is going to be any good to designers and stores, it needs someone running it that is dedicated to it full time, and really trying to make things easier for shoppers. If it's just an add-on to a site, it's going to show, like it does at DST.
At least they acknowledge your emails. Shannon lets it go to space and only answers if you ask it publicly, for example, which number you are on the mailing list. I think a generic response is all people want, to know that their email was received. I highly doubt Shannon is too busy for that, but just does not care!
March 31, 2009 5:00 PM
Shannon ignores everyone-designers, customers, and everyone in between. And ITA that she just does not care.
I am not sure why her attitude is that way. It takes 2 minutes to set an auto response to emails that are received. She doesn't even have to lift a finger. Go figure.
I think it's great that there are other sites besides DST. I tried MSA but there's not a lot of activity, probably because they are very limited in who they let sponsor. It could be me only but I feel it is a little elitist there.
And if I am going to get the priority that every paying customer deserves, I don't have a problem paying this kind of money. But if I'm going to be shoved down the list in favor if friends when I'm paying top dollar like this, then I have a major problem with it.
There is nothing to get over, I am stating my opinion, without being bitchy or snarky.
March 31, 2009 6:12 PM
______
The site is new. There's no evidence to say that you won't be given top priority.
I think it should be approached carefully because that rate is fairly high for a brand new site.
But there's nothing to say that they are favoring anyone right now. There's just paranoid idiots on this blog that think stuff like that when they see designers being nice to each other. Suddenly they're being snobby and exclusive.
It's to be allowed to post in the product gallery. At DST, the same service is $10/year and at Digitalscrapbookpreviews.com it's $12/year or $20 for lifetime. So, $50/year IS really outrageous.
March 31, 2009 5:50 PM
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Especially when preview galleries are a total waste of money and don't generate ANY traffic whatsoever!
I let my subscription to DSP laps because I wasn't getting a single hit from it, good thing I was only out a small amount of dollars... I didn't bother renewing.
DSP used to get a lot of hits, until DST started up. I signed up to DSP and Digi Promo or whatever and used to get a lot of hits, and then nothing.
Why would you pay for DST, DSA or any other when you an advertise for free in so many other places?
Well duh, I think people pay to because they are thinking or hoping that a busy place/hot spot gets more people looking at their stuff.
Anonymous said...
It's to be allowed to post in the product gallery. At DST, the same service is $10/year and at Digitalscrapbookpreviews.com it's $12/year or $20 for lifetime. So, $50/year IS really outrageous.
March 31, 2009 5:50 PM
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Especially when preview galleries are a total waste of money and don't generate ANY traffic whatsoever!
I let my subscription to DSP laps because I wasn't getting a single hit from it, good thing I was only out a small amount of dollars... I didn't bother renewing.
April 1, 2009 1:50 AM
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This is the attitude that I find funny! Maybe your stuff sucks! I've been designing for over a year and I get a lot of traffic to my store from gallery ads that i post at dst and dsp. You can post previews but you can't get people to buy your shit that you used CU products to create with!
I've always wondered why non-English speaking designers, who advertise on predominantly English speaking boards, don't get someone who speaks English to proof their ads?
Why don't CU designers who photograph their extractable material pay attention to the big bright white glare coming back on their extractions? That just looks awful. Can't they photograph in natural light and not get that huge glare?
DSA is not a hot spot. It's a trend like MSA. Anything, to make a quick dollar. So, sad how materialistic the digital scrapbooking community has become. What ever happend to scrapping for the mere fact to capture memories with your photos?
Well duh, I think people pay to because they are thinking or hoping that a busy place/hot spot gets more people looking at their stuff.
April 1, 2009 8:32 AM
Anything, to make a quick dollar. So, sad how materialistic the digital scrapbooking community has become.
Yeah, it's terrible that people are trying to make money. What is the world coming to?
What ever happend to scrapping for the mere fact to capture memories with your photos?
I find it ironic that someone who misses scrapping for the mere fact to capture memories is hanging out on a smack blog. You CAN choose to ignore all this stuff and just scrap.
I've always wondered why non-English speaking designers, who advertise on predominantly English speaking boards, don't get someone who speaks English to proof their ads?
---------------
I've often wondered the same about the English speaking designers.
The only people who spend any time in product galleries are the people posting the products. So, if you want to spend $50 to show your stuff to other designers... hey, knock yourself out.
at both DST and DSA the subscription doesn't just cover the gallery it also covers the ability to post in the new product releases in the forum. I know that it isn't just people posting reading the new products forum.
But $50 is way more than I will be willing to pay!
At least they acknowledge your emails.
March 31, 2009 5:00 PM
Negative on that one. I sent DSA an email 2 weeks ago asking for prices for the sponsor package and have been ignored. I understand they want to help out their friends first but I could at least get a response saying they don't have anymore available spots or something. But, nope, got nothing. Completely unprofessional and will not be inquiring about their services again for my site.
Good to know. I was thinking about inquiring, but I have no tolerance to unprofessionalism. Bye, bye DSA!
More on the Michelle Pearson saga:
Posted by Julie at DST:
Both classes were a HUGE disappointment right from the start, with both starting late - one being postponed due to Superbowl(!) and, in my opinion, both were a complete waste of money. There were many delays, empty promises, we did not receive class materials and ultimately there was no substance to either class. A quick internet search would have provided more information than the sporadic, brief "lessons" that were provided. The only thing I learned is that Michelle uses Imagenomic 100% of the time. I would have rather spent my $125 US (almost 30% more) towards the Imagenomic program than to have wasted it on these classes.
I learned far more about photography from Bryan Peterson's wonderful book "Understanding Exposure" than I did in Michelle's photography class (and the book is much less expensive).
Here's the thread: http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?p=1875046#post1875046
That Michelle is a real train wreck!
11:25 what if 8:24 is just posting some smack and not telling the truth? I wouldn't trust much being posted here.
I'd say 8.24 is telling the truth if the Customer Service ( or lack of ) at SO is any indication. It takes 2 weeks to get an answer from there also.
11:25 what if 8:24 is just posting some smack and not telling the truth? I wouldn't trust much being posted here.
April 3, 2009 1:25 AM
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Hmm, the possibility is there but the wording of the post would say that it's true.
I'm not "in" with the DSA crowd and I am not a big name designer either and I got a reply to my email inquiry the very same day. Maybe your email went to spam or something.
How can you rightfully vote when you can't see the layouts close enough for detail, geeze louise.
http://www.afterfivedesigns.com/poll/SUTUCS.php
Negative on that one. I sent DSA an email 2 weeks ago asking for prices for the sponsor package and have been ignored. I understand they want to help out their friends first but I could at least get a response saying they don't have anymore available spots or something. But, nope, got nothing. Completely unprofessional and will not be inquiring about their services again for my site.
____________________________
We honestly do our very best to answer emails within 24 hours of receiving them at DSA. I apologize if we somehow missed your email. You can email me personally at btbdesigns@yahoo.com and I will personally see that your inquiries are attended to.
Thanks for your time.
-Bren
Hmm, the possibility is there but the wording of the post would say that it's true.
April 3, 2009 4:04 AM
whatever. most things post annon. on this blog are a LIE. I don't know how you can tell by the wording? It seems pretty much the standard they are only going to respond to their friends, I have to take their lack of response personally, type of post which indicates that it is probably a lie.
How can you rightfully vote when you can't see the layouts close enough for detail, geeze louise.
http://www.afterfivedesigns.com/poll/SUTUCS.php
April 3, 2009 7:53 AM
____________________
I agree, they should have linked the previews. I don't want to search in the gallery.
It seems to me that the beginners are not that beginners. My LOs sucked more than that, when I started, lol!
I am also not a friend of DSA nor with the cool crowd but they did not ignore my email. I think your email went to spam 8:24.
who the hell is a "friend of DSA" or "the cool crowd"?
I stopped by SA's Fab Friday, and was surprised to see Lisa Whitney back. Didn't she just "retire" a couple of months ago?
I had to email the admins at DSA, and they were very prompt in getting back to me.
And if they have even a teeny bit of CS, that's way more than DST.
I am most definitely a part of "the cool crowd" and I easily got a banner ad at DSA within hours, and no I do not sell at SO. Isn't it grand to be a well known and respected designer in this community where there are so many wanabees? LMAO
you all suck.
you don't like DST. you don't like MSA. and now you don't like DSA.
seriously, WHAT are you looking for?
AGREED!
What a huge waste of money.
---------------------------
More on the Michelle Pearson saga:
Posted by Julie at DST:
Both classes were a HUGE disappointment right from the start, with both starting late - one being postponed due to Superbowl(!) and, in my opinion, both were a complete waste of money. There were many delays, empty promises, we did not receive class materials and ultimately there was no substance to either class. A quick internet search would have provided more information than the sporadic, brief "lessons" that were provided. The only thing I learned is that Michelle uses Imagenomic 100% of the time. I would have rather spent my $125 US (almost 30% more) towards the Imagenomic program than to have wasted it on these classes.
I learned far more about photography from Bryan Peterson's wonderful book "Understanding Exposure" than I did in Michelle's photography class (and the book is much less expensive).
Here's the thread: http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?p=1875046#post1875046
That Michelle is a real train wreck!
you all suck.
you don't like DST. you don't like MSA. and now you don't like DSA.
seriously, WHAT are you looking for?
April 3, 2009 8:51 PM
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You seriously said this? How the hell old are you? 10?
How can you rightfully vote when you can't see the layouts close enough for detail, geeze louise.
http://www.afterfivedesigns.com/poll/SUTUCS.php
April 3, 2009 7:53 AM
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No kidding. None of them grab me as is, but maybe if I could see them bigger, I'd be able to tell.
I am most definitely a part of "the cool crowd" and I easily got a banner ad at DSA within hours, and no I do not sell at SO. Isn't it grand to be a well known and respected designer in this community where there are so many wanabees? LMAO
April 3, 2009 7:02 PM
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Fer sure. can you spell loser?
Anonymous Anonymous said...
I am most definitely a part of "the cool crowd" and I easily got a banner ad at DSA within hours, and no I do not sell at SO. Isn't it grand to be a well known and respected designer in this community where there are so many wanabees? LMAO
April 3, 2009 7:02 PM
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Fer sure. can you spell loser?
April 4, 2009 1:30 AM
I doubt it. She can't even spell wannabe's LOL Her wanabees must be buzzing LOL
You seriously said this? How the hell old are you? 10?
April 4, 2009 1:26 AM
Typical response. Deflecting rather than answering the question.
Jen Wilsons site is down again.
Jen Wilsons site is down again.
April 4, 2009 9:41 AM
She is the queen of not following through and bad CS. I'm sort of surprised to hear she's still in business-I gave up on her a long time ago.
You seriously said this? How the hell old are you? 10?
April 4, 2009 1:26 AM
Typical response. Deflecting rather than answering the question.
April 4, 2009 8:29 AM
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Isn't that what you just did?
But, to answer you or whoever wrote the original, I'm looking for a place that won't have an 'in' crowd; somewhere that will answer questions genuinely, instead of hyping or promoting something that has no relevance; a place that will critique honestly, without feeling that they are going to hurt someone's feelings; a place for like minded people to get together to discuss what they like doing in an atmosphere of growth and encouragement.
Satisfied?
What do you think it takes to get into the "in" crowd in digital scrapbooking? AND what/who defines the "in" crowd?
I stopped by SA's Fab Friday, and was surprised to see Lisa Whitney back. Didn't she just "retire" a couple of months ago?
April 3, 2009 4:09 PM
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Same as Nancy Comelab and Anne deJong. It's definitely a marketing tactic but I find it annoying. If you retire, it means you won't EVER be back. Otherwise, it's just called a break.
or they thought they would never come back and they changed their minds. I don't see what the big deal is. It wasn't like they were trying to be deceptive about it.
Same as Nancy Comelab and Anne deJong. It's definitely a marketing tactic but I find it annoying. If you retire, it means you won't EVER be back. Otherwise, it's just called a break.
April 4, 2009 9:03 PM
ITA.
And Nancy Comelab is back? Where is she?
While I don't blame Ann DeJong for wanting to get away from Funky Playground, I don't see why she just couldn't have said she was taking a break, then switching stores.
It gets tedious to follow designers around while they are store hopping and taking frequent breaks. No one said they were being deceptive.
What do you think it takes to get into the "in" crowd in digital scrapbooking? AND what/who defines the "in" crowd?
April 4, 2009 8:52 PM
Unless you're in 7th grade, why would you care about "in" crowds???
Calling it a "marketing tactic" indicates a ploy to get just get our money. Which could be read as if the OP was thinking they planned it from the day of their retirement to come back.
Unless you're in 7th grade, why would you care about "in" crowds???
April 4, 2009 9:18 PM
EVERYONE on this damn blog complains about the "in" crowds at DST/MSA/and now DSA.
While I don't blame Ann DeJong for wanting to get away from Funky Playground, I don't see why she just couldn't have said she was taking a break, then switching stores.
Maybe she really thought that she was retiring and missed designing? So she decided to started selling again. I don't think it had too much to do with switching stores. That's reading a lot into it.
EVERYONE on this damn blog complains about the "in" crowds at DST/MSA/and now DSA.
April 4, 2009 9:21 PM
Over-generalize much?
Unless you're in 7th grade, why would you care about "in" crowds???
April 4, 2009 9:18 PM
My point exactly. Why is everyone so focused on finding a site that doesn't have an "in" crowd? You will not find one. Put on your big girl panties and jump right in!
Maybe she really thought that she was retiring and missed designing? So she decided to started selling again. I don't think it had too much to do with switching stores. That's reading a lot into it.
April 4, 2009 9:25 PM
So if she missed designing, why not go back to her previous store when she decided to design again?
So if she missed designing, why not go back to her previous store when she decided to design again?
April 4, 2009 9:28 PM
Because she probably could make more money at The Lily Pad? If I was a designer and offered a spot their I would take it since they actually sell stuff.
But really who cares? She changed her mind. People do that.
They're just out to get our money.
Money grubbing designers.
If you retire, it means you won't EVER be back. Otherwise, it's just called a break.
April 4, 2009 9:03 PM
Spot on.
there their they're
It's not that hard.
there their they're
It's not that hard.
April 4, 2009 9:52 PM
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There's a test for that on Facebook LOL
the damn grammer police are here. Please go away if you don't have anything better to post.
If you retire, it means you won't EVER be back. Otherwise, it's just called a break.
April 4, 2009 9:03 PM
Spot on.
April 4, 2009 9:40 PM
So I take it you never change your mind? How are they supposed to know fer sure that they aren't coming back? Can you see your future?
While I don't blame Ann DeJong for wanting to get away from Funky Playground, I don't see why she just couldn't have said she was taking a break, then switching stores.
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She did say she was just taking a break.
Why is everyone so focused on finding a site that doesn't have an "in" crowd? You will not find one. Put on your big girl panties and jump right in!
April 4, 2009 9:27 PM
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Way to overlook all the other points that were made. I don't want to be part of the in crowd, but I do get sick of them tramping all over everyone else like they did in high school. They take the focus away from what matters.
I don't see all this in-crowd trampling crap you are talking about. And it's been asked a few times who is in the in-crowd. So I'm not even sure who these people are at DST. I've seen anyone be directly snobby to anyone.
I do get annoyed when an ISO is requested and it doesn't fit. Sometimes I think the person is just trying to help. It doesn't take much to skim past those posts and sometimes they will post something that is cute but it just doesn't quite fit.
And if you want constructive criticism, then you are going to have to ask. Personally I wouldn't want to say anything about someone's layout unless they asked for my opinion. I've seen this done in a nice manner at DST a few times.
So I still don't get what the problem is. Have you considered that it is your attitude and that you are reading too much into the posts?
I've seen anyone be directly snobby to anyone.
That should read, "I've never seen anyone be direstly snobby to anyone."
Sigh, maybe it's your attitude? Did you think of that? No, obviously not. Again, way to deflect. I've been with DST since it started and the last 18 months, it has gone down hill rapidly. It was a lot of fun in the beginning and people were very encouraging and helpful. Now it's nothing more than a pimping machine. I've seen so many newbies post in the scrap chatter or NSBR and just not get answered. I think that's snobby, maybe you don't.
I think you are reading way too much into the 'in' crowd term.
I have discovered that the non US sites are much better, so I'll probably hang around them instead.
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