Seeing as we have some fresh space thought I'd actually kick off with a serious-ish question.
Here we are in a New Year and mostly settled back into our routines after the "fun" of Christmas and New Year.
What are you aiming for this year with your scrapping?
Personally I just want to get scrapping again, I haven't made a page in over a year and haven't bought anything in that time either. I also intend to not spend anything this year and actually start trying to use my stash creatively. I might buy some CU so I can quickly make something to finish a layout off but I'm promising myself not to buy any more than 12 kits over the next year.
Anyone intending to start designing? stop designing?
One thing I can predict with impunity is that there will be at least 1 Disney copyright comment per thread ;o)
I have a question.. Can you really trademark a kit title that is simply common sayings or words? Like Christmas Past or single words like Fussy or Grimm.
can I ask which kits those might be? I can't imagine anyone paying the trademark fees, which are high for a name on a kit....
Kits are the same title as mentioned. By Sarah Barber Designs at Divine Digital. She has TM after several of here kit names on her previews and it had me wondering.
I was under the impression that registering a trademark is a rather difficult and expensive process. I could be wrong. I haven't researched it extensively.
I'm not sure why anyone would bother. It's a digital scrap kit. It's not a multi million dollar movie, book or brand name.
I've had my kit names turn up later- and even used some inadvertently that had been used before mine. I'd like to see her TRY and enforce that one! With the hundreds of designers on the scene, you'd certainly run out of names rather quickly.
Trademarks, unlike copyrights, are not fixed from the time something is created. A trademark has to be registered with the government which can be an expensive and sometimes lenghth procedure. Just to file and application for a trademark will cost upwards of $300 (that's not including attorney's fees).
As far as trademarking "common words", from my admittedly limited knowledge of trademark laws the answer to that is "it all depends". For instance, apple is a common word. However, in the case of personal computers, Apple is trademarked. The reason is that it's an arbitary word when it comes to computers. However, a trademark for apple would not be granted with regards to fruit where it's not an abitrary word.
Given the cost of obtaining a trademark and the complexities to what can and can't be trademarked, I'd hazard a guess that the designer is question is arbitrarily adding the TM to her design titles and that it has no weight at all.
I will say, if I saw a designer doing that, it would turn me off of buying from her/him. I'd see it as either being deceitful or incredibly ignorant - neither of which is a selling point for me. It doesn't take a whole lot of internet searching to find out even a little bit about trademarks.
Maybe it is an honest mistake, and maybe she should just be informed of the matter. It is not like you see TM in many digiscrap products so, it is possible that it is an error. Why should anyone assume the worst case scenario?
Maybe it is an honest mistake, and maybe she should just be informed of the matter. It is not like you see TM in many digiscrap products so, it is possible that it is an error. Why should anyone assume the worst case scenario?
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That's precisely why a worst case scenrio is assumed. It's not used in any digiscrap products that I've seen. It's not like it's a commonplace thing and she assumed "oh, I guess it's normal to put this here". That leaves the choices that she either has chosen to deliberately mislead people or that she's ignorant about it and couldn't take the time necessary to educate herself.
The use of the symbols TM or SM are not governed by federal law. However, sometimes these symbols are governed by local, state, or foreign laws. Otherwise, you can freely use the symbols TM for trademark or SM for service mark to indicate that you are claiming rights to the marks without (or before) having federal registration. Federal Registration Symbol ® The traditional trademark symbol or federal registration symbol may be used once the mark is actually registered with the USPTO. Even though an application is pending, the registration symbol may not be used before the mark has actually become registered. The federal registration symbol should only be used on goods or services that are the subject of the federal trademark registration.
There are two symbols commonly used to mark trademarks: ® and ™.
The ™ symbol may be used whenever a company wants to indicate any mark that they consider to be a trademark. A company need does not need to file any paperwork or receive permission to use the ™ symbol. Use of the ™ symbol can put your competition on notice that you consider a mark your trademark.
The ® symbol may ONLY be used AFTER the US Government grants a Federal registration certificate. The ® symbol may not be used while the Federal application is pending. Additionally, the ® symbol may only be used in connection with the goods and services listed on the registration certificate.
Back to the original question..... I am trying to do the same. I would like to get back to doing my own scrapping. I am so far behind on my P365 layouts that I still have half the year of last year to do!
I would like to start using the kits I already have more creatively too. So I ditto that post!
Sooooooo does anyone know for sure about TM. I mean really, here are those that say you can't use it unless you register it and others saying you can use it until you register it and then you can use the other mark. Again that's why people need to do their own research and contact a TM or Copyright attorney before doing anything. People read what's on the internet, take parts and think they know the laws. I do have to agree though that putting a TM on a scrap kit is pretty rediculous.
completely off subject here. Barb Speck put a new photo of herself for her avatar at DST. nuttin wrong with that. It was bugging me tho....cuz that photo...well, she looked like someone, but I just couldn't think of who. It hit me this morning. That photo of her looks just like Michael Jackson....in the later years. I'm still laughing.
Just thought I'd leave a little designer to designer inspiration for any new designers struggling to get their name out there. I've been designing for a year and a half and feeling so frustrated in regards to the lack of financial return. I was making about $30 a month in kit sales and wondering if this was the right business to be throwing my time and creativity into. I decided to finally aim for a top notch store, put in my app, and landed it. Based on how poor my sales had been I was shocked to be welcomed to my dream store. Waiting for my grand opening was seriously freaking out a bit wondering how my sales would be and if a big name shop would truly make the difference. My first month I grossed $300. Second month $500. Six months later my sales are still growing at about $50-$100 a month. I couldn't believe that even my old kits were selling like crazy...particularly ones that I hadn't sold any of at previous stores. Point here being to stick it out ladies. If you truly have a creative talent and a love for digital design, be prepared to give yourself at least two years to get your feet in the industry before giving up. For me it's been absolutely worth the wait and all the initial frustration. Aim high, create products that are unique, dedicate yourself to networking your brand and creating unique advertising and use CU tools as a creative AID rather that the substance of your products.
Congrats to you. I gave up after a year. I was in a couple of stores (they weren't very well known) but sold very little. It just wasn't worth my time.
That's great that you're starting to make it in sales. I went ass-backwards. Almost right from the get-go, my sales were fantastic, landed a great store from the start and received lots of praise from my customers. Now, my interest has plummeted and I hardly put any effort at all into it at all anymore, so my sales and production of new things has dropped significantly. I think I just loved it so much at first, I went into it hard and fast and just burnt myself out too quick. Most days, I cringe at the thought of opening Photoshop. It puts me in a whole new perspective of doing what you love....because, for me, the moment it started to become more of a chore than fun, it was no longer what I loved.
My piece of advice on that if you're looking to become a designer. Be eager, love it but -pace yourself-
I don't have intentions to quit just yet but in the near future, I can see myself exiting out of the store I sell in and just keeping my blog for freebies when the mood hits. I never wanted to do it for the money, I just happened to do the right things at the right time and the money was just there. I think this year, I'll focus on getting my own scrapbooks in order and maybe print some out for decorating my really bare walls. LOL Maybe that'll spark some new inspiration for me.
A palette can be as pretty or ugly as you feel, it can be used creatively and still yield great results. When i was younger, my dad bought a needlepoint canvas and sent my mom the list of colors so she could buy them (they were not living together). The colors were ugly, and she was really worried what kind of canvas he bothered to buy. But in the end, it was a beautiful landscape, with subtle winter colors. You could never have guessed how beautiful it turned out. So, if a palette is not inspiring, that is one thing, but a good creative designer can surely find a way to use this palette (that you obviously do not like) to make something great.
(granted, not all the participants in a blog train or a collab are that creative!)
As long as she can do what the designers require, what does it matter? She clearly has something that designers want, or she wouldn't be on so many teams.
Some designers are very particular about how many teams a person is on, and some others aren't.
Sorry you got turned down, but maybe you just weren't their style.
OMG. Just saw the palette for the February mega blog train. Fugly, fugly, fugly. ---------------------------- They don't seem ugly to me at all. I picture using those colors in the autumn. Apples and cinnamon colors.
I miss Tandika and Amanda Dykan... good bitching times --------------------------------- I really liked Tandika and I wish things had worked out differently. I do not share everyone's animosity towards her. Amanda...on the other hand...she was a piece of work. I wonder what kind of trouble she has stirred up in the photography world.
For a time, Tandika was the only one with top shelf tutorials for digital scrapbook design. Probably because of that people starting stealing her tutorials and posting them as their own. She just went over the edge and pulled her site down over night - leaving a lot of subscribers in the lurch. While I get why she snapped, the way she did it was very unprofessional.
That said, to this day her actions are perfection and I use them all the time.
Yes, that's a shame she disappeared. I wanted so badly to have her felt action. It was the most realistic ever and no one ever came with one like that after her. Even scanning real felt is not as good! She would have been so successful.
I agree about Tandika's actions and tuts; they were amazing! She had the best PS tutorials (and actions) ever made for digi-scrappers. I have several of her actions and they are still among the best ever made, and are some of my favorites.
I also really liked and respected Tandika, but the way that she or behaved in the end was appalling. To have promised, in her site TOU, that she would "make every effort to refund" in the event of the site closing, and then completely ignoring the TONS of people who had just purchased a brand-new annual subscription within days of when she closed the site down, was absolutely inexcusable. I had just renewed my subscription, not long before she closed the site. :(
Very few people can afford to just lose $35 overnight, with nothing to show for it. I lost all respect for Tandika when she lied to Paypal, saying it was only for "instant" access to the site, and not for ongoing, year-long access. Her argument was that since the customers had accessed her site at least once, they got what they paid for. Bullshit.
Many years ago I lost $60 from a site called Scrap Angels. I loved their monthly newsletter and I was devastated when the site disappeared shortly after I paid the annual subscritpion price. That hit hard back then. I also paid for Tandika's site and I wish I had printed more of the tuts. I guess I always felt I had all the time to get them printed. But site subscriptions are only as good as long as the site stays up. It is so incredibly easy for a site to go down and someone to disappear from the internet world. Sites like Jessica Sprague and big Picture Scrapbooking have "forever" excess. But in the digital world what is forever? I have purchased classes from both that I have yet to do. A part of my mind says they will always be available but another part of my mind knows the site could disappear overnight! I am more leery of online subscriptions but I will still subscribe. But I go in now knowing that there is a risk. It is buyer beware when it comes to online subscriptions.
Not just online subscriptions. Real life magazines have just disappeared too.
I paid a sub to Tandika's site as well. When it went down, I only had about a month or two left. To be honest, in the whole time before that, I only accessed the site four or five times as I was extremely disappointed with the tuts and the way they were set out. I didn't learn anything new and found better tuts online for free.
Have you ever deleted a kit you bought some time ago? I am in the process of cleaning my EHD and I find some old kits that are just... yuck! Some are freebies, but others are paid kits... OMG, why on earth did I buy them in the first place? Has my taste changed so much over a couple of years?
Have you ever deleted a kit you bought some time ago? I am in the process of cleaning my EHD and I find some old kits that are just... yuck! Some are freebies, but others are paid kits... OMG, why on earth did I buy them in the first place? Has my taste changed so much over a couple of years?
January 14, 2011 6:14 PM -------------------------------------
Yes, I have almost nothing from when I started scrapbooking 4 or 5 years ago and what I do have I never use and will probably be pitched soon.
Tastes, styles and quality have changed vastly since the early days when most kits and elements were made by members of groups and shared within those groups. Once the first few stores started cropping up and more people started selling, the quality definitely started improving. Way back when, the goodies that were available, while not being of the same quality as today, were all we had. I have culled my stash and have very little of those early items but there were a few gems I kept.
Looking for an opinion, not that its gospel or anything. But I'm seeing a lot of "gaming" type kits with replicas of the game system controllers in them.
Have you ever deleted a kit you bought some time ago? I am in the process of cleaning my EHD and I find some old kits that are just... yuck! Some are freebies, but others are paid kits... OMG, why on earth did I buy them in the first place? Has my taste changed so much over a couple of years?
January 14, 2011 6:14 PM
LOL! Believe it or not I burned most if not all, of my old stuff from, I think I started in 2003, to CDs! LOL! I guess it's nostalgia, either that or OCD and hoarding even though I VERY rarely purchase or even use ready made product!
Looking for an opinion, not that its gospel or anything. But I'm seeing a lot of "gaming" type kits with replicas of the game system controllers in them.
Copyright violation, or no? Discuss....
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No, it isn't. You cannot copyright a shape, and the game controllers are a shape. It may be an infringement on a design patent, but it's not a copyright violation.
I also burnt a lot of my first digi kits on CDs and DVDs and then deleted them from my hard drive. I'm pretty sure I will never use them again but I don't like to delete things without making a back up first.
will someone, for the love of GOD tell Meg, aka Ocean Wide Designs, to shut the hell up? I am SO tired of her "I know everything" attitude, and hearing about how wonderful she is.
^^^^^ Why? because she is bringing up a situation that can affect several designers or stores? What would you prefer she does? If someone knows SOMETHING, it does not mean they automatically have a "know-it-all attitude". C'mon!
Another case of anyone with a computer thinking they can design - http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/scrap-talk-65/i-need-help-im-not-sure-what-do-266300/
will someone, for the love of GOD tell Meg, aka Ocean Wide Designs, to shut the hell up? I am SO tired of her "I know everything" attitude, and hearing about how wonderful she is.
January 16, 2011 4:20 PM -------------------------------------
Another case of anyone with a computer thinking they can design - http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/scrap-talk-65/i-need-help-im-not-sure-what-do-266300/
January 16, 2011 5:59 PM -----------
Huh? As I can't find any kit made by her, I can't judge if she can design or not. More super power to you, that you can.
^^^^ Yeah but if they dont, then they are perceived as "naive". Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Anyone on this blog can twist just about anything to find a reason to complain!
Another case of anyone with a computer thinking they can design - http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/scrap-talk-65/i-need-help-im-not-sure-what-do-266300/
January 16, 2011 5:59 PM -----------
Huh? As I can't find any kit made by her, I can't judge if she can design or not. More super power to you, that you can.
Another case of anyone with a computer thinking they can design - http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/scrap-talk-65/i-need-help-im-not-sure-what-do-266300/
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She needs to work on her English skills before anything else. I've seen better English from non native English speakers.
Another case of anyone with a computer thinking they can design - http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/scrap-talk-65/i-need-help-im-not-sure-what-do-266300/
-------------- Wonder how much she masters her program: http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/software-specifics-13/learning-about-psp-x2-266250/
Huh? As I can't find any kit made by her, I can't judge if she can design or not. More super power to you, that you can.
January 16, 2011 6:44 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ On her blog here: http://mommyandwife2011.blogspot.com/2011/01/lovely-pink-kit.html __________
Oh geez! What's with the 'I just finished designing my first kit ever and I want to sell it' attitude these days? I gave freebies (and learned to master my program) for over a year before joining a store.
"I found these bows on a CD I had. I believe I found them on google (not to sure though). I was massing with the Adjust>Color>Channel Mixer in PSP. This product you may use has commercial and scrap for hair use."
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Giving away items from a CD is a no no and I don't believe I've ever found a "hair use" for any digi items thus far LOL LOL
Oh, my bad. I guess she had found them on google and saved to a cd. Nonetheless, she shouldn't be sharing them and they are probably only 72ppi if she found them on the net anyway..........and she plans on teaching others with her tuts! LOL I think she needs to work with her program a bit more before she tries "teaching" others. LOL
That pink kit is a hodgepodge of resolutions. A couple of ribbons were 299ppi but the rest of the junk was a mixture of 99 and 100ppi. Papers were 100ppi and only 1200x1200.
Want to join her creative team? Only the best need apply as you'll need to perform miracles LOL http://mommyandwife2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Creative%20Team
Meg AKA OceanWideDesigns - another case of someone actually knowing things and having an opinion, causing so many of you to feel threatened.
Seriously people, it's OK for designers to know things you don't and have opinions on things stronger than or different than your opinions. It doesn't make them 'know-it-all.' Leave the elementary school playground behind, finally.
I'm not normally one to scream "Bully!" but gosh, y'all... this poor girl is just excited about what she has learned (though, yes, she still does have a lot to learn) in digi-scrapping, and she is in a place where most of us have been at one time: wanting to share what we are learning, and thinking maybe - just maybe - someone else might like what we made too. I am NOT saying this girl should be jumping right into selling her designs. (I'm most definitely not saying that, because she's not ready) But could we be just a little bit less gleeful about making fun of her, please?
I really hope she doesn't find this page, and I hope a good friend will tell her, honestly, that she has much to learn before selling her designs. But do y'all really want to tear her apart just for the fun of it, because she is excited about something she is learning? Really?
OK. Now I know someone is going to tell me I'm a sanctimonious bitch, and ask if I feel better since preaching a sermon, and that's fine. Slam me and give this poor girl a break.
I don't see anyone "tearing" anyone apart, stop being so gosh darn melodramatic.
I do see people criticizing her work. She is giving it away, we have a right to our opinion and criticisms in that case.
Please, stop with the whole Thumper philosophy already. The lack of constructive criticism over the last few decades has churned out a bunch of under achievers and whiners. In real life, there are no medals for coming last.
On Meg/aka OWD - yes, her attitude is/has been very know it all. Depending on what blog/forum you are reading - you can find her last word on medical advice, web solutions, schools for the blind, and a host of other things. Try telling her she is wrong, or share a different opinion - and you get attitude - just like she gave Laura Banasiak in that CT thread at DST. Did you notice that several of the people on that thread did NOT have a problem with that CTM? Yet - OWD was there to tell them of her opinions - and where are the FACTS? was there PROOF that this girl did something wrong? NO - just that she hadn't uploaded LO's in a timely way. I agree, the situation needed looking into - but they tore that girl apart. Laura Banasiak comes in and says what alot of us were thinking...and she gets torn torn by OWD.
You can have her. She's a freaking drama queen - and her buddy Shilo (who just wrote a Why Do Designers Turn Snobby? post at DST is obvious reference to L.B.) and her other bestest buddy COLS - if they all left the business - it would definitely be quieter. For a while.
Sorry to steer the thread into a different direction, but I have a question about grab bags. Does it bother anyone else when a designer (or group of designers--such as a store grab bag) includes a CU item that is readily available to anyone who owns PS/PSE? I purchased a couple of grab bags from a store that shall remain nameless, and one of the designers included a fish shape--the exact same one that comes with PS. Another designer who contributed created a pattern using a standard shape found in PS/PSE. On the whole, the grab bag was quite disappointing.
Shouldn't a grab bag be stuff that a designer actually had to put in some time on (more than 10 seconds)?
BTW: I didn't ask for a refund. I'd earned a gift certificate to the store through participating in their challenges.
Does it bother anyone else when a designer (or group of designers--such as a store grab bag) includes a CU item that is readily available to anyone who owns PS/PSE? I purchased a couple of grab bags from a store that shall remain nameless, and one of the designers included a fish shape--the exact same one that comes with PS. Another designer who contributed created a pattern using a standard shape found in PS/PSE. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Not knowing here, who did what, is it possible that the designer created that in a different program not knowing it was standard in PS/PSE? Although, i agree that anything sold (in grab bag or not) should be made by the designer and not distributing something they have just obtained somewhere.
Not knowing here, who did what, is it possible that the designer created that in a different program not knowing it was standard in PS/PSE? Although, i agree that anything sold (in grab bag or not) should be made by the designer and not distributing something they have just obtained somewhere. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt. She has PS tutorials on her blog, however, so that makes it less likely that she didn't know the shapes weren't standard to PS.
You can have her. She's a freaking drama queen - and her buddy Shilo (who just wrote a Why Do Designers Turn Snobby? post at DST is obvious reference to L.B.) and her other bestest buddy COLS - if they all left the business - it would definitely be quieter. For a while.
-------------------- Yeah, but LB (Laura Banasiak for those not in the know) has ALWAYS been a snooty bitch. Any niceness she displays in forums is a very fake act. VERY fake. The fact that Shilo is just now seeing it probably just means they're not being snooty together anymore.
You think Meg was bing rude to Laura? Laura says this:
i'll admit that i didn't read any replies, but it makes me wonder why you accepted her to your team if her gallery reflects that she uses mainly over airbrushed stock photos rather than her own.
Did FPD change their designer exclusivity requirement? I thought they had a no more than 1 or 2 other store requirement, but I see there is at least one designer there now with 3 other stores + a personal store.
I tried to contact them to ask, but the contact us link isn't working right for me.
It certainly looks like they did. Which is funny in a not-laughing way because Michelle was a total bitch about it being the best business decision. Then she quietly changes her own rules without ever announcing it or stating she was wrong in the first place.
Does anyone see anythign exciting for sale in that store? I don't.
Did FPD change their designer exclusivity requirement? I thought they had a no more than 1 or 2 other store requirement, but I see there is at least one designer there now with 3 other stores + a personal store.
^^^
Nope - that's the policy. However, maybe the designer in question has a different arrangement? But that is the policy.
I agree that L.B. can be a snooty little bitch. However in that thread I actually agree with her. If you don't like LO's that are scrapped with stock photos why would you take someone who primarily uses them on to your team?
That being said, it's threads like that, that give the DCR a bad reputation. OWD overstepped her boundaries by openly posting that girls name. I think OWD likes the attention and drama, and is using this whole thing to start up her idea to have a place to “rate” CT members again.
------------- Trixie Scraps is the one that stands out for me. She's at ScrapMatters, Gotta Pixel, and Scrapbook-Bytes. I think she has a personal store, too. I'm not sure about the others.
Not sure why anyone would make an exception for her. Probably friends with the owner. Which, in digiland, makes you above any "rules."
Speaking of lame names, I've seen a few. Litterbox Designs/creations (whatever it was) stuck out the most for the "eew" factor but I'll give her credit: Her designs definitely fit her name. I have no idea who she is or where she sells or even if she still does. I just remember seeing that designer name in a store somewhere and saying WTF? about the name. LOL
You think Meg was bing rude to Laura? Laura says this:
i'll admit that i didn't read any replies, but it makes me wonder why you accepted her to your team if her gallery reflects that she uses mainly over airbrushed stock photos rather than her own.
And you think that Meg is the one being snotty?
January 17, 2011 10:46 AM
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I don't know anything about the thread, as I'm not in the DCR, but Laura's reply seems a fair call to me. Nothing snotty there.
I find it funny that when people call it like they see it they are either snotty, snobby or a know it all. What's wrong with being honest?
I'd rather more people were honest. Sadly, Laura is one of those people who thinks only her opinion matters. When others are straight-forward with her, she'll be fake nice to your face and then trash talk you behind your back.
It gets tough to listen to people like that - even if they occasionally make a valid point.
No, the snotty part was that Laura didn't bother reading the thread to see what was actually being discussed. It's pretty bitchy to come in and make a judgment when you haven't actually bothered taking your oh-so-precious time to read through and see what was really going on.
It wasn't about the stock photos per say, that is just one of the warning flags of this T member that in retrospect OWD was saying should have caused her to think twice about bringing her on. It's not a case of 'oh I don't like CTs who use stock photos, why did I bring her on?' It's a case of 'Huh I guess I should have looked at this and other things when I brought her on, too bad I didn't trust my gut'
Of course, Laura is far too busy and important to actually have read the thread to see that. She even said as much - that no one should tell her to read the whole thread before replying. WTF?
If someone buys it, more power to her. I'm never amazed at what people make, but I'm constantly amazed at what people buy. -------------- IF they buy. I know some designers making worse products, and i KNOW they dont sell, even if at $1.50. I am mostly amazed that those "designers" keep trying!
"Thanks for explaining. See, this is what happens when only part of the dirt comes here, I get confused."
I'll second this. Sometimes I want to make some lame buttons to sell in stores, just so I can get in DCR to read more on the dirt you designers are smacking about here. LOL
If someone buys it, more power to her. I'm never amazed at what people make, but I'm constantly amazed at what people buy. -------------- IF they buy. I know some designers making worse products, and i KNOW they dont sell, even if at $1.50. I am mostly amazed that those "designers" keep trying!
January 17, 2011 8:42 PM
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How do you KNOW? The only way you can know for sure is if you are a store owner. So you are one aren't you?!
No, the snotty part was that Laura didn't bother reading the thread to see what was actually being discussed. It's pretty bitchy to come in and make a judgment when you haven't actually bothered taking your oh-so-precious time to read through and see what was really going on.
It wasn't about the stock photos per say, that is just one of the warning flags of this T member that in retrospect OWD was saying should have caused her to think twice about bringing her on. It's not a case of 'oh I don't like CTs who use stock photos, why did I bring her on?' It's a case of 'Huh I guess I should have looked at this and other things when I brought her on, too bad I didn't trust my gut'
Of course, Laura is far too busy and important to actually have read the thread to see that. She even said as much - that no one should tell her to read the whole thread before replying. WTF?
-------------- It kills me to say it but I still don't see any harm in what Laura asked.
I have read that entire thread the OWD said in the inital post that one of her red flags about the CT member was that:
"I thought she was a little fishy, because the LOs in her gallery here at DST seem to be stock photos & then the same overly airbrushed photos of her again and again, and only spans back a month or two."
Now I realise that wasn't OWD main concern or point of the thread, but if that is soemthing that is "fishy" to you why would you even take that member on in the first place?
I think LB had a valid point to make it just maybe wasn't worded correctly.
How do you KNOW? The only way you can know for sure is if you are a store owner. So you are one aren't you?! ------------ I am not the store owner, but I know the store owner who happened to tell me.
I'd rather more people were honest. Sadly, Laura is one of those people who thinks only her opinion matters. When others are straight-forward with her, she'll be fake nice to your face and then trash talk you behind your back.
Oh you mean sort of like here because that's exactly what some designers do here now isn't it only they can really slam you here and you don't have any idea who they are.
So what difference does it make to anyone if a designer has one store or 10. I can't imagine the time it takes to sell in 10 stores but obviously these designers must be making some money or why the heck would they bother and I just don't why others care so much. Same with a store policy on how many stores a designer can sell in. Who gives a crap-it's between designer and store owner.
Also anyone who has a gazillion CT members are just asking for trouble. There has always got to be a bad apple somewhere in the mix at some point in time-law of averages. That's what some designers get for wanting the same CT as everyone else has! They can't even be original in who they get to create for them.
^^^^^^ As a costumer, it pretty matters to me if a designers sells at one shop only or at ten differente shops. I won't go hunting for the best deal (sale, FWP, coupons etc). This is why I prefer exclusive stores, or at least exclusive products. Isn't it frustrating when you buy something full price and an hour later you find it half price elsewhere?
^^^^^^^^^ You don't want to do the work of checking to see if something my cheaper somewhere else but you want to complain when you find out it is after paying the higher price. I'd have to say that's your fault. If you know the designer sells in more than one store and you want the best price, common sense says you shop around. If you too lazy to do that, suck it up, pay the higher price and don't complain.
Poor thing...what'd ya waste? A whole dollar? Ouch.
To be honest, I think this whole "different prices in different shops" thing is total bullshit. I've been in the industry for quite a long time now and have never seen a product priced differently when in multiple stores. That would be a beyond stupid thing for any designer to do business wise and I've never seen it once in 5 years. For once let's see an example if your going to pout...but I'm still calling bullshit.
Besides, only desperate, bottom tier designers are selling in multiple shops. Why the hell are you buying from them anyhow?
Just like how most bottom tier designers (almost all DST, DCR posters) are constantly brought up on here. No one that anyone here is actually buying from...which leaves me to believe that the only designers actually posting on this blog are those exact bottom tier, DST frequenting, worthless designers! Makes since right? Big name designers avoid DST like the plague. To be honest, any designers I see frequently posting and begging for business at DST are instantly lowered in my eyes.
Gracious. I promised myself long ago I would not post here again. No one ever delivered any truly good gossip. Bunch of chickens.
I came to read up and oh my heavens...I cannot believe how over and over again you poor dears are talking about copyright, Disney kits, how you did or should have reported them, whether or not a batman shape is the exact copy of the original or a facsimile thereof.
If I might be so bold as to express my own opinion about the subject.
I think you all are PISSED because you know that these kits are selling like crazy and making the kit designers gobs of money.
I can't thank you enough for linking to these types of kits. Many of them are well done and I have purchased them after following your links. Without your help I would never have found them as I am much too lazy to cruise every store out there.
In summation, the complainers don't have THE BALLS to make these kits, legal or illegal, because they are law abiding citizens or just too afraid of being caught. Either way, it is your choice.
If you are of the opinion it is illegal. Don't buy them. Do you really involve yourself in other peoples sins in the same way you do copyright infringements? Probably not.
All that said...please do continue with the links. I have found some real gems thanks to you all!
Gracious. I wondered when yo would be back. You have such an incredibly snobby 'holier than thou' way of speaking, did you know that? I'm surprised you bother to come here at all ... I guess it's a bit of slumming-it entertainment.
Well, I for one am sick of OWD's know-it-all has-to-have-the-last-word-on-everything attitude. I can barely stomach reading anything she posts because of her superior attitude about most everything. I have no idea what her designs even look like, but even if they were the greatest thing ever I would not buy them. Fine, you know a few things about a few things. But you don't have to cram it down everyone's throat and its possible that someone else may know a thing or two about it, too. Enough already.
(And yes, I do post to DST and even the DCR from time to time, but I don't think that makes me a bottom tier designer. ;))
I am not the store owner, but I know the store owner who happened to tell me. ------------------------------- A store owner talking to someone about another designers sales??? Pretty unprofessional in my opinion.
Besides, only desperate, bottom tier designers are selling in multiple shops. Why the hell are you buying from them anyhow?
Just like how most bottom tier designers (almost all DST, DCR posters) are constantly brought up on here. No one that anyone here is actually buying from...which leaves me to believe that the only designers actually posting on this blog are those exact bottom tier, DST frequenting, worthless designers! Makes since right? Big name designers avoid DST like the plague. To be honest, any designers I see frequently posting and begging for business at DST are instantly lowered in my eyes. --------------------------- Well considering that this is the DST Hall of Fame it only makes sense don't ya think!
All that said...please do continue with the links. I have found some real gems thanks to you all!
---------------------------------- Has it occurred to you that it is the designers themselves that come and post smack about their own kits? What better way to get a group of women to check your stuff out.
Gracious. I wondered when yo would be back. You have such an incredibly snobby 'holier than thou' way of speaking, did you know that? I'm surprised you bother to come here at all ... I guess it's a bit of slumming-it entertainment. -----------------------------------------------------------------
Hardly holier than thou. I may have used a few words that you might have had to look up, but I try not to stifle my literacy just for the sake of those who chose not to read anything other than OK magazine.
I actually used words specific to a portion of the community that posts her...Remember I said Balls and Pissed all in the same post. I really thought that might be enough to satisfy some of the creepy little scrap sluts...but maybe not.
As far as following links that designers might have posted - Brilliant! What amazing and innovative marketers they are!
First and foremost......... you CANNOT retrospectively change any TOU. When someone purchases something, the TOU that applied at the time cannot be changed. Joanne CAN change her TOU at any time BUT the NEW TOU only apply to those people purchasing the license AFTER the TOU are changed. If Katelyn has complied with the original TOU included, Joanne has no right to revoke it. I'd like to know what exactly Joanne is accusing Katelyn of.
Hardly holier than thou. I may have used a few words that you might have had to look up, but I try not to stifle my literacy just for the sake of those who chose not to read anything other than OK magazine.
^^^
It's too bad your education wasn't able to help you with your glaringly obvious huge deficits in social skills.
The blog design is a nightmare, I had to go and get my sunglasses.
I can't believe that Chris put that out there. What a baby. Joanne offered to refund the money for the original license purchased. That should have been the end of it. Chris whining on and on about Joanne accusing her of abuse, which I don't get from Joanne's emails she showed on her blog, is beyond me.
You can't change a contract after the contract is agreed upon. And since that is what a TOU is - a contract - no, she can't change it retrospectively.
It sounds like Joanne has contacted all of Katelyn's store owners and complained about something that Katelyn was doing that isn't even wrong. So if anyone is abusing and harassing, I'd say it's Joanne.
Poor thing...what'd ya waste? A whole dollar? Ouch.
To be honest, I think this whole "different prices in different shops" thing is total bullshit. I've been in the industry for quite a long time now and have never seen a product priced differently when in multiple stores. That would be a beyond stupid thing for any designer to do business wise and I've never seen it once in 5 years. For once let's see an example if your going to pout...but I'm still calling bullshit.
January 18, 2011 11:34 AM
______________
Are you kidding me? Who are you? God of digiscrap? It's not because you haven't seen something that it never happened. I used to be in multiple stores and I quit some of them for the following reasons: Every week, there was a storewide sale in one store or a birthday sale in a other store or a discount on elements packs and next on paper packs, and on and on and on... Basically, my products ended up being on sale all the time. Some store owners force you to be part of those storewide sales.
I can't believe that Chris put that out there. What a baby. Joanne offered to refund the money for the original license purchased. That should have been the end of it. Chris whining on and on about Joanne accusing her of abuse, which I don't get from Joanne's emails she showed on her blog, is beyond me. --------------- Even if Joanne offered to reimburse $10, i dont think it would be fair anyways since it is not JUST a matter of money, but a matter of Chris not being able to use some products that she was given permission to use. Joanne paying anyone $10 to say, "stop using my product and shut up" would sound fair to you? I wonder if she will reply herself to it to clarify things.
^^^^ That's irrelevant. Chris can still use the product, just not commercially. Chris paid $10 for the commercial license, Joanne offered to pay it back. Anything else is merely personal. On a strictly business level, the deal is done.
Er, no. There are quite a few instances of retrospective licenses, contracts, TOUs etc being applied and legally viable. Go and look it up. Contrary to popular belief on this blog, the law is not just black and white, especially contract law.
To be honest, I think this whole "different prices in different shops" thing is total bullshit. I've been in the industry for quite a long time now and have never seen a product priced differently when in multiple stores. That would be a beyond stupid thing for any designer to do business wise and I've never seen it once in 5 years. For once let's see an example if your going to pout...but I'm still calling bullshit.
January 18, 2011 11:34 AM ---------
Call bullshit all you want, but it won't make you right and everyone else wrong. I may not be able to give you an example right now, but I've seen different prices by the same designer in different stores.
Joanne paying anyone $10 to say, "stop using my product and shut up" would sound fair to you? I wonder if she will reply herself to it to clarify things.
January 18, 2011 6:56 PM ---------------
I probably wouldn't be happy about it, but I wouldn't whine all over my blog about it. That is beyond unprofessional. The only reason it's out there at all is because they used to be friends. Joanne doesn't have to clarify anything to anyone except Chris, which by all accounts she's done. Just because Chris chose to wash her dirty laundry in public, doesn't mean that Joanne has to join in.
I don't know either of the players in this little soap drama, so nothing personal on my side. Just offering my view, seeing as it's out there.
$10 - 60% off $4 Going out of business sale, closing store
http://www.scrappinwarehouse.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_164&products_id=4407 ----------------- $10 for an action like that???? There must be an error somewhere!
BTW, Joanne put it on her blog first. She has a shame list with Chris' design name on it.
January 18, 2011 8:26 PM -----
That's all I can see. Joanne didn't go and whine all over her blog, and then publish private emails. Putting someone's name on a wall of shame or the like, is no different from stores putting up names of people who have committed credit card fraud or something similar. If people are buying from Katelynn's designs and she's using Joanne's CU, they have a right to know that Katelynn's Designs doesn't have the right to use it.
Except that Katelynn's Designs does have that right. She paid for it. Joanne can't just take it away on a whim because something got personal between them.
However, if Chris followed all the changed TOUs since she first purchased the license, then she has made a tacit agreement. Which means, she agrees to the new TOUs.
I suspect there's more going on here than Chris is letting out, but she's going to make Joanne look like the bad guy because it suits her.
I disagree. Just because I know a designer has changed their TOU, doesn't mean I am bound by the new TOU. I am only bound by the TOU that was in effect when I purchased the item in question.
For example, Scrappin' Cop changed her TOU. I have items I've downloaded from before the change that I can still use without paying the new CU license fee, but if I download anything new, then I'll need to pay the fee per the new TOU.
"Er, no. There are quite a few instances of retrospective licenses, contracts, TOUs etc being applied and legally viable. Go and look it up. Contrary to popular belief on this blog, the law is not just black and white, especially contract law. "
------------------------------------
So if you paid for a CU license today and tomorrow were told "too bad, I changed my mind and you can't us it for CU any longer", you'd think it was okay?? I doubt it.
I disagree. Just because I know a designer has changed their TOU, doesn't mean I am bound by the new TOU. I am only bound by the TOU that was in effect when I purchased the item in question. -----
You may disagree, but that doesn't mean that in law the retrospective TOU is invalid. Besides, I didn't say she knew about the changes, she admitted to actually following the new and changed TOUs, huge difference.
In summation, the complainers don't have THE BALLS to make these kits, legal or illegal, because they are law abiding citizens or just too afraid of being caught. Either way, it is your choice. ------------ You are a complete idiot..but you already know that right? The "complainers" dont have the balls because why? Because we do things legally. Legal or illegal? So it's just a matter of being caught..and that makes it ok? How about we say the same for your child (help us God if you actually have any). How about we say to those contemplating molestation of your child that illegal or not "its your choice"? and hey, have some balls to actually do so..?? Not that I would ever wish that on a soul but you seem ok with it. You truly made your point. Your a complete idiot without so much as a brain cell in your body. Is that how trailer-trash thinks? Probably. You are a LOSER and we all know it.
I know plenty of non-bottom tier designers who sell in multiple stores and lots of people buy from them. Obviously you don't or you wouldn't have made such a stupid comment.
Anonymous said... [...] Your a complete idiot [...] January 19, 2011 5:33 AM And you are a genius that can't even conjugate "I am, you are, he is..." [I am not the OP]
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That was any kind comeback? I think she made a better point than you sweetie. Its a flippin smack blog! When will you people who need to police ever learn. As if it even mattered..ha, ha. Your post was so stupid it was funny! And..Nope, I didnt use the proper form just for you! When you post a real point then maybe someone will actually care but for now YOU ARE the jackass.
http://mommyandwife2011.blogspot.com/2011/01/lovely-pink-kit.html ------------ Wow, just wow. So we went from asking for advice on actually selling her designs to offering tutorials? Holy crap. First, let me say that if she is even able to give any of her work away that would be a miracle. I'm sorry but aside from the poster that noted all the different dpi's used to the absolutely horrific color palette and basic elements and papers (not to mention that it must be 90% cu) this is a massive train wreck. I have to say that it's as bad as I have ever seen in all my 6 years scrapping and I mean even going as far back as the very first designers who had no clue. What ever gave this woman a clue that she could or should design? I have no clue but I'm sorry to see her embarass herself this badly. The only people downloading this junk are going to be people just entering the world of any kind of scrapbooking at all and looking for freebies. Surely they have no idea that other designs exist. At all! To make matters worse I cannot imagine that she should be guiding anyone in a single tutorial since she has no clue herself. I hope people are smart enough to know there are better resources. I've said it before and I'm saying it again - unless you have some sort of artistic background most of these fly-by-night designers looking to make a quick buck need to step aside and stop taking up cyber space. The work is atrocious and I'm willing to bet my 2nd son that she will never amount to much of anything. The only way she's ever going to become known is this way, being smacked here. Do us and yourself a favor please - QUIT NOW.
"5Star Digital Scrapbooking said... Pink is my favorite color thanks for sharing. I'd like to invite you to promote your site on our Digital Scrapbooking Topsite
January 17, 2011 3:58 PM"
is she worth 5 stars? and if that is the case, what is the point of the site?
I downloaded it out of curiosity just to see how bad it was "live". Words escape me to actually describe it. ---------------------------------- I simply clicked on the image and zoomed in...wow. What exactly are 'Hrat Steams' anyway? You were brave to download and actually look at it "live".
What are some of the better stores to design for? I'm looking to move to a new store, but I don't want to waste my time on drama, negativity, low sales or "trendy" here today gone tomorrow sites. Thoughts?
She might be rough and new but I'll give her kudos for not caring what others think. I do kind of feel bad for her (although jealous) because she really hasn't gotten a taste of all of the types that frequent this blog yet....ignorance is bliss, right? A visit here should discourage her right quick. Be sure to pat yourselves on the back and have a beer when she loses her confidence and quits. I'm sure you'll all be so proud of your efforts.
Since there's no real drama going on anywhere, you're just going to pick on the new girls and hope for the best, huh? Make sure to blog about her and start a list on Facebook about all the ladies that should just give it up because they suck and are nothing but a waste of cyberspace. Be sure to put Mommyandwife at the very tip top. Sorry, What's that? Oh, right. You'd never be caught doing such a thing with your actual name.
Let's all see your beautiful, creative masterpieces. Come on...you're all obviously so awesome, so let's see! Money where your mouth is and all that.
^You do realize that just by being here and reading this, you are no better than everyone else here. You didn't put your name to your post either.
She can keep going and designing crap. The problem is she makes excuses and gets defensive when someone does offer constructive criticism. Read her blog and some of the comments. She's actually in a very fortunate place if she takes the criticism and learns from it.
Wenda Top, who apparently owns Digital Scrapbook Playground, regularly adds other people's layouts to her personal gallery. She never credits the scrapper, nor does she ask their permission.
What are some of the better stores to design for? I'm looking to move to a new store, but I don't want to waste my time on drama, negativity, low sales or "trendy" here today gone tomorrow sites. Thoughts?
------------------------- If you don't want to waste your time, find another career.
If designers stopped being crazy, you hurt my feelings, crying babies, then maybe sales would go up. But that would require site owners and designers to treat this like an actual BUSINESS and less like a high school.
Being honest makes you a bitch, so whatever you do, don't do that. Lie and talk behind everyone's back like most of these designers do.
And if you actually have a business opinion, you'll spend most of your time defending it to all the crazy, self-medicating rejects that occupy perfectly good space in most stores. Most of them always have some sort of personal, life altering drama you'll also have to contend with that makes them hyper-sensitive and worthless.
This is what designing is in this industry. Take what you've learned and walk away. Quickly.
Since there's no real drama going on anywhere, you're just going to pick on the new girls and hope for the best, huh? Make sure to blog about her and start a list on Facebook about all the ladies that should just give it up because they suck and are nothing but a waste of cyberspace. Be sure to put Mommyandwife at the very tip top. Sorry, What's that? Oh, right. You'd never be caught doing such a thing with your actual name.
Let's all see your beautiful, creative masterpieces. Come on...you're all obviously so awesome, so let's see! Money where your mouth is and all that.
January 19, 2011 2:42 PM -----
Quit being such a drama queen. I chose not to design because I know I'm crap, that's the difference between me and them.
And if you actually have a business opinion, you'll spend most of your time defending it to all the crazy, self-medicating rejects that occupy perfectly good space in most stores. Most of them always have some sort of personal, life altering drama you'll also have to contend with that makes them hyper-sensitive and worthless.
This is what designing is in this industry. Take what you've learned and walk away. Quickly.
January 19, 2011 4:23 PM ---------
really? I'm so sorry that you've had that experience, all the stores I sell at are perfectly fine with normal people in them.
"5Star Digital Scrapbooking said... Pink is my favorite color thanks for sharing. I'd like to invite you to promote your site on our Digital Scrapbooking Topsite
January 17, 2011 3:58 PM"
is she worth 5 stars? and if that is the case, what is the point of the site?
About this: http://memorieswetreasure.ning.com/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenName=1xda80p0gc910
Wenda Top, who apparently owns Digital Scrapbook Playground, regularly adds other people's layouts to her personal gallery. She never credits the scrapper, nor does she ask their permission.
January 19, 2011 3:56 PM
Looks like all are CT pages. Maybe she has an arrangement with each designers? Most probably she doesn't even know who made those LOs -- maybe that's why she doesn't credit the scrappers, only does for the kit and designers. My guess is she just took them from the kit previews at the stores. For me it's just funny how she says "Get inspired by these gorgeous layouts!" Seeing them like this, all LOs look more or less the same and I couldn't be more uninspired.
My opinions of good stores for designers to sell in.
* Please ignore my spelling of store names... I am just thinking off the top of my head and don't want to go and check each one to make sure I get it EXACTLY right. You will know what store(s) I am speaking of. Of course these are my own personal opinions. I am a designer and have been for quite a while. I would like to think I have useful input.
Good: (in no specific order) • The Digi Chick (used to be much better than it is now) • Gotta Pixel • Scrapbook Elements (used to be a top tier store, but has gone down hill for some time) • Scrapbook Bytes (used to be a top tier store, but has gone down hill for some time) • Funky Playground
Better: (in no specific order) • Scrap Matters • Scrap Orchard • MScraps • After5 • Catscraps (Would be a top tier store, but I don't think they have a large enough customer base. Their designers are top notch.) • Little Dreamer Designs (used to be top tier, but I think that it has lost some of it's appeal) • PickleBerryPop • 9th and Bloom • Shabby Pickle
Top Tier Stores: (in no specific order) • Designer Digitals • Sweet Shoppe Designs • The Lily Pad • Scrapbook Graphics (although they REALLY need to ditch Basic Grey) • Two Peas • Oscraps
I probably have forgotten a few, but that is my list. Take it all with a grain of salt. It is just one person's opinion.
I don't mean that snarky either, just genuinely curious.
-------------
I didn't take it as snarky. As I said... these were my opinions. I am not basing any of them on fact, because these are opinions. I didn't do any research, just stated my opinion. I see my own sales and see what countries my orders are coming from, and I honestly believe that a good portion of digiscrappers are in the US and Australia. This of course if only based on my one personal experience.
I hope that Catscraps does have a larger customer base than I think it does. And you are right, they very well may. I know that most of their designers aren't "store hoppers" so that does indicate that sales are good enough to keep them there. As I said, they have some VERY talented ladies over there.
I guess "top stores" is completely a matter of personal preference for designers. I would consider most of your list correct. I don't consider Scrapbook Graphics or Two Peas on top although there are a few designers at both stores that I consider "top" designers. And IMO After Five and Scrap Orchard are top tier stores.
Shabby Pickle has dropped way down for me and IMO Designer Digitals is not even good enough to be on the "good" list.
When I listed the top tier stores I didn't necessarily mean that they had the very best designers, although most of them do. It is my opinion that if a designer sells at one of the stores I listed as "top tier" they stand a much better chance of making a decent amount of income. When I say decent I mean a VERY minimum of $1500 a month... with the potential of making $3,000 to $4,000+ a month. The upper sale figures are contingent on the designer releasing on a regular basis and being skilled at personal marketing.
All of these "top tier" stores have been around a while, have sound reputations, have a relatively stable group of talented designers, and have a very large customer base. IMO it all comes down to the store's customer base. Meaning customers that purchase on a regular basis.
Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for clarifying. I think that really a designer would do pretty well at any of the stores you listed in your original post.
If your list is based solely on customer base and sales, you left our ScrapGirls and DSP. I know that both stores are not considered to be all that by most on this blog, but both stores have designers that generally stay on.
If your list is based solely on customer base and sales, you left our ScrapGirls and DSP. I know that both stores are not considered to be all that by most on this blog, but both stores have designers that generally stay on. --------------
I knew I forgot a few. You are right, I would put both of those in the category of Top Tier.
My curiosity got the best of me and i DID do some research. According to internet traffic #s ONLY...
The top tier would be: DSP ScrapGirls Designer Digitals Two Peas - hard to determine since their traffic is non-digital as well
Personally I think Scrapgirls has lots of traffic because they do an excellent job of advertising to newbies. Designer Digitals doesn't do as much direct advertising with the exception of Ali Edwards and she alone is TONS of advertising to newbies/hybrids
Second tier would be: Digichick (um...can you say open gallery with links?) SweetShoppeDesigns Scrapbookgraphics GottaPixel Scraporchard After5 designs Oscraps ScrapbookBytes ScrapMatters
And bottom tier would be: Pickleberrypop little dreamer scrapbook-elements funky playground catscrap lilypad mscraps shabby pickle 9th & Bloom
Note: These numbers are based on all traffic to the site as a whole, not just the store.
And it's based on the numbers reported on the internet traffic site I used.
A lot of the traffic on those sites also includes the designers and CT members, so the numbers are going to be skewed. Not to mention attendance in forums, it doesn't mean that those people actually shop there. I drive by on quit a few of those sites, but that's all I do and my visit would be counted.
Some stores offer a daily or weekly freebie to increase their traffic. However, it doesn't mean (at all) that these freebie- hunters are going to become regular customers.
its been over 7yrs since I started out at DSP.... I moved on after a a year when I ventured further afield . I hadnt been back in yrs...decided I would take a look and OMG they havnt changed still the same blah, blah kits, small, predictable, the very reason I moved on... great for getting started. They must sell but only to those dedicated to DSP exclusively..... totally crappy...
I am just an average scrapper, not a designer. I am not active on any CT's, although I have been in the past. I am not active in any "scrapbook community", I don't post on the message boards, and I don't post my layouts online anymore. I read the Digi boards for entertainment, and am constantly amazed at what people share on the internet. I freely admit to reading the scrapbook smack blogs, it is a guilty pleasure.
You can email me at: DSTHallofFame@gmail.com
1,399 comments:
1 – 200 of 1399 Newer› Newest»Seeing as we have some fresh space thought I'd actually kick off with a serious-ish question.
Here we are in a New Year and mostly settled back into our routines after the "fun" of Christmas and New Year.
What are you aiming for this year with your scrapping?
Personally I just want to get scrapping again, I haven't made a page in over a year and haven't bought anything in that time either. I also intend to not spend anything this year and actually start trying to use my stash creatively. I might buy some CU so I can quickly make something to finish a layout off but I'm promising myself not to buy any more than 12 kits over the next year.
Anyone intending to start designing? stop designing?
One thing I can predict with impunity is that there will be at least 1 Disney copyright comment per thread ;o)
I have a question..
Can you really trademark a kit title that is simply common sayings or words?
Like Christmas Past or single words like Fussy or Grimm.
...and I wasn't asking to start any copyright drama. I'm genuinely curious since seeing the TM on several titles of a designers kits.
can I ask which kits those might be? I can't imagine anyone paying the trademark fees, which are high for a name on a kit....
I wonder if some people confuse copyright and trademark?
can I ask which kits those might be? I can't imagine anyone paying the trademark fees, which are high for a name on a kit....
Kits are the same title as mentioned. By Sarah Barber Designs at Divine Digital. She has TM after several of here kit names on her previews and it had me wondering.
omg how many kit names are the same?? I know I have seen some of these names before. I don't think you can trademark generic words though.
I was under the impression that registering a trademark is a rather difficult and expensive process. I could be wrong. I haven't researched it extensively.
I'm not sure why anyone would bother. It's a digital scrap kit. It's not a multi million dollar movie, book or brand name.
I've had my kit names turn up later- and even used some inadvertently that had been used before mine. I'd like to see her TRY and enforce that one! With the hundreds of designers on the scene, you'd certainly run out of names rather quickly.
Trademarks, unlike copyrights, are not fixed from the time something is created. A trademark has to be registered with the government which can be an expensive and sometimes lenghth procedure. Just to file and application for a trademark will cost upwards of $300 (that's not including attorney's fees).
As far as trademarking "common words", from my admittedly limited knowledge of trademark laws the answer to that is "it all depends". For instance, apple is a common word. However, in the case of personal computers, Apple is trademarked. The reason is that it's an arbitary word when it comes to computers. However, a trademark for apple would not be granted with regards to fruit where it's not an abitrary word.
Given the cost of obtaining a trademark and the complexities to what can and can't be trademarked, I'd hazard a guess that the designer is question is arbitrarily adding the TM to her design titles and that it has no weight at all.
I will say, if I saw a designer doing that, it would turn me off of buying from her/him. I'd see it as either being deceitful or incredibly ignorant - neither of which is a selling point for me. It doesn't take a whole lot of internet searching to find out even a little bit about trademarks.
^^^^
Exactly right about the use of common words in trademarks.
I also agree that Sarah Barber has confused trademark and copyright.
If you take into account that each trademark has to be registered separately, Sarah would have had to spent a fortune to register each of those names.
It is illegal to place a TM logo on a non TM product. It is misleading and you can get into big trouble.
Someone should report her to the trademark police, it isn't any different.
Maybe it is an honest mistake, and maybe she should just be informed of the matter. It is not like you see TM in many digiscrap products so, it is possible that it is an error. Why should anyone assume the worst case scenario?
Maybe it is an honest mistake, and maybe she should just be informed of the matter. It is not like you see TM in many digiscrap products so, it is possible that it is an error. Why should anyone assume the worst case scenario?
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That's precisely why a worst case scenrio is assumed. It's not used in any digiscrap products that I've seen. It's not like it's a commonplace thing and she assumed "oh, I guess it's normal to put this here". That leaves the choices that she either has chosen to deliberately mislead people or that she's ignorant about it and couldn't take the time necessary to educate herself.
^^^^^
I vote for the latter. So many people don't know the difference between copyright and trademark.
The use of the symbols TM or SM are not governed by federal law. However, sometimes these symbols are governed by local, state, or foreign laws. Otherwise, you can freely use the symbols TM for trademark or SM for service mark to indicate that you are claiming rights to the marks without (or before) having federal registration.
Federal Registration Symbol ®
The traditional trademark symbol or federal registration symbol may be used once the mark is actually registered with the USPTO. Even though an application is pending, the registration symbol may not be used before the mark has actually become registered. The federal registration symbol should only be used on goods or services that are the subject of the federal trademark registration.
There are two symbols commonly used to mark trademarks: ® and ™.
The ™ symbol may be used whenever a company wants to indicate any mark that they consider to be a trademark. A company need does not need to file any paperwork or receive permission to use the ™ symbol. Use of the ™ symbol can put your competition on notice that you consider a mark your trademark.
The ® symbol may ONLY be used AFTER the US Government grants a Federal registration certificate. The ® symbol may not be used while the Federal application is pending. Additionally, the ® symbol may only be used in connection with the goods and services listed on the registration certificate.
Either way using a TM mark on a scrapbook kit name is ridiculous!
Back to the original question..... I am trying to do the same. I would like to get back to doing my own scrapping. I am so far behind on my P365 layouts that I still have half the year of last year to do!
I would like to start using the kits I already have more creatively too. So I ditto that post!
Sooooooo does anyone know for sure about TM. I mean really, here are those that say you can't use it unless you register it and others saying you can use it until you register it and then you can use the other mark. Again that's why people need to do their own research and contact a TM or Copyright attorney before doing anything. People read what's on the internet, take parts and think they know the laws. I do have to agree though that putting a TM on a scrap kit is pretty rediculous.
completely off subject here. Barb Speck put a new photo of herself for her avatar at DST. nuttin wrong with that. It was bugging me tho....cuz that photo...well, she looked like someone, but I just couldn't think of who. It hit me this morning. That photo of her looks just like Michael Jackson....in the later years. I'm still laughing.
Just thought I'd leave a little designer to designer inspiration for any new designers struggling to get their name out there. I've been designing for a year and a half and feeling so frustrated in regards to the lack of financial return. I was making about $30 a month in kit sales and wondering if this was the right business to be throwing my time and creativity into. I decided to finally aim for a top notch store, put in my app, and landed it. Based on how poor my sales had been I was shocked to be welcomed to my dream store. Waiting for my grand opening was seriously freaking out a bit wondering how my sales would be and if a big name shop would truly make the difference. My first month I grossed $300. Second month $500. Six months later my sales are still growing at about $50-$100 a month. I couldn't believe that even my old kits were selling like crazy...particularly ones that I hadn't sold any of at previous stores. Point here being to stick it out ladies. If you truly have a creative talent and a love for digital design, be prepared to give yourself at least two years to get your feet in the industry before giving up. For me it's been absolutely worth the wait and all the initial frustration. Aim high, create products that are unique, dedicate yourself to networking your brand and creating unique advertising and use CU tools as a creative AID rather that the substance of your products.
Congrats to you. I gave up after a year. I was in a couple of stores (they weren't very well known) but sold very little. It just wasn't worth my time.
Wish i knew what is that dream store that can generate such traffic and sales!!!!
I'd like t know what your store is too!
I miss Tandika and Amanda Dykan... good bitching times
That's great that you're starting to make it in sales. I went ass-backwards. Almost right from the get-go, my sales were fantastic, landed a great store from the start and received lots of praise from my customers. Now, my interest has plummeted and I hardly put any effort at all into it at all anymore, so my sales and production of new things has dropped significantly. I think I just loved it so much at first, I went into it hard and fast and just burnt myself out too quick. Most days, I cringe at the thought of opening Photoshop. It puts me in a whole new perspective of doing what you love....because, for me, the moment it started to become more of a chore than fun, it was no longer what I loved.
My piece of advice on that if you're looking to become a designer. Be eager, love it but -pace yourself-
I don't have intentions to quit just yet but in the near future, I can see myself exiting out of the store I sell in and just keeping my blog for freebies when the mood hits. I never wanted to do it for the money, I just happened to do the right things at the right time and the money was just there. I think this year, I'll focus on getting my own scrapbooks in order and maybe print some out for decorating my really bare walls. LOL Maybe that'll spark some new inspiration for me.
OMG. Just saw the palette for the February mega blog train. Fugly, fugly, fugly.
http://gi345.photobucket.com/groups/p369/QQ3YBGVZUS/MyHeartsDream-Swatch.jpg
A palette can be as pretty or ugly as you feel, it can be used creatively and still yield great results. When i was younger, my dad bought a needlepoint canvas and sent my mom the list of colors so she could buy them (they were not living together). The colors were ugly, and she was really worried what kind of canvas he bothered to buy. But in the end, it was a beautiful landscape, with subtle winter colors. You could never have guessed how beautiful it turned out. So, if a palette is not inspiring, that is one thing, but a good creative designer can surely find a way to use this palette (that you obviously do not like) to make something great.
(granted, not all the participants in a blog train or a collab are that creative!)
OMG. Just saw the palette for the February mega blog train. Fugly, fugly, fugly.
---------------------------------
I thought these colors were better then the last few.
Do designers really look at how many other teams people are on when they are doing a CT call?
I have been turned down by a couple calls latley and was shocked that one woman that made both teams was already on a little over 20 Teams!
^^^^
As long as she can do what the designers require, what does it matter? She clearly has something that designers want, or she wouldn't be on so many teams.
Some designers are very particular about how many teams a person is on, and some others aren't.
Sorry you got turned down, but maybe you just weren't their style.
OMG. Just saw the palette for the February mega blog train. Fugly, fugly, fugly.
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How? I really like it.
OMG. Just saw the palette for the February mega blog train. Fugly, fugly, fugly.
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They don't seem ugly to me at all. I picture using those colors in the autumn. Apples and cinnamon colors.
I miss Tandika and Amanda Dykan... good bitching times
---------------------------------
I really liked Tandika and I wish things had worked out differently. I do not share everyone's animosity towards her. Amanda...on the other hand...she was a piece of work. I wonder what kind of trouble she has stirred up in the photography world.
OMG. Just saw the palette for the February mega blog train. Fugly, fugly, fugly.
---------------------------------
I thought these colors were better then the last few.
January 13, 2011 1:27 PM
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^^Me too.
I guess I entered the digital scrapbooking scene after Tandika - what happened? You can have fun reliving it for all of us newbies if you want :P
For a time, Tandika was the only one with top shelf tutorials for digital scrapbook design. Probably because of that people starting stealing her tutorials and posting them as their own. She just went over the edge and pulled her site down over night - leaving a lot of subscribers in the lurch. While I get why she snapped, the way she did it was very unprofessional.
That said, to this day her actions are perfection and I use them all the time.
Yes, that's a shame she disappeared.
I wanted so badly to have her felt action. It was the most realistic ever and no one ever came with one like that after her. Even scanning real felt is not as good!
She would have been so successful.
any good designer calls going on right now? i wouldn't mind trying a new store out.
I agree about Tandika's actions and tuts; they were amazing! She had the best PS tutorials (and actions) ever made for digi-scrappers. I have several of her actions and they are still among the best ever made, and are some of my favorites.
I also really liked and respected Tandika, but the way that she or behaved in the end was appalling. To have promised, in her site TOU, that she would "make every effort to refund" in the event of the site closing, and then completely ignoring the TONS of people who had just purchased a brand-new annual subscription within days of when she closed the site down, was absolutely inexcusable. I had just renewed my subscription, not long before she closed the site. :(
Very few people can afford to just lose $35 overnight, with nothing to show for it. I lost all respect for Tandika when she lied to Paypal, saying it was only for "instant" access to the site, and not for ongoing, year-long access. Her argument was that since the customers had accessed her site at least once, they got what they paid for. Bullshit.
Many years ago I lost $60 from a site called Scrap Angels. I loved their monthly newsletter and I was devastated when the site disappeared shortly after I paid the annual subscritpion price. That hit hard back then. I also paid for Tandika's site and I wish I had printed more of the tuts. I guess I always felt I had all the time to get them printed. But site subscriptions are only as good as long as the site stays up. It is so incredibly easy for a site to go down and someone to disappear from the internet world. Sites like Jessica Sprague and big Picture Scrapbooking have "forever" excess. But in the digital world what is forever? I have purchased classes from both that I have yet to do. A part of my mind says they will always be available but another part of my mind knows the site could disappear overnight! I am more leery of online subscriptions but I will still subscribe. But I go in now knowing that there is a risk. It is buyer beware when it comes to online subscriptions.
^^^^
Not just online subscriptions. Real life magazines have just disappeared too.
I paid a sub to Tandika's site as well. When it went down, I only had about a month or two left. To be honest, in the whole time before that, I only accessed the site four or five times as I was extremely disappointed with the tuts and the way they were set out. I didn't learn anything new and found better tuts online for free.
Have you ever deleted a kit you bought some time ago? I am in the process of cleaning my EHD and I find some old kits that are just... yuck! Some are freebies, but others are paid kits... OMG, why on earth did I buy them in the first place? Has my taste changed so much over a couple of years?
Have you ever deleted a kit you bought some time ago? I am in the process of cleaning my EHD and I find some old kits that are just... yuck! Some are freebies, but others are paid kits... OMG, why on earth did I buy them in the first place? Has my taste changed so much over a couple of years?
January 14, 2011 6:14 PM
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Yes, I have almost nothing from when I started scrapbooking 4 or 5 years ago and what I do have I never use and will probably be pitched soon.
I used to regularly clean out my digi supplies. I haven't done in it in a while, and I know I need to get in there and junk some of it.
Tastes, styles and quality have changed vastly since the early days when most kits and elements were made by members of groups and shared within those groups. Once the first few stores started cropping up and more people started selling, the quality definitely started improving. Way back when, the goodies that were available, while not being of the same quality as today, were all we had. I have culled my stash and have very little of those early items but there were a few gems I kept.
Looking for an opinion, not that its gospel or anything. But I'm seeing a lot of "gaming" type kits with replicas of the game system controllers in them.
Copyright violation, or no?
Discuss....
Have you ever deleted a kit you bought some time ago? I am in the process of cleaning my EHD and I find some old kits that are just... yuck! Some are freebies, but others are paid kits... OMG, why on earth did I buy them in the first place? Has my taste changed so much over a couple of years?
January 14, 2011 6:14 PM
LOL! Believe it or not I burned most if not all, of my old stuff from, I think I started in 2003, to CDs! LOL! I guess it's nostalgia, either that or OCD and hoarding even though I VERY rarely purchase or even use ready made product!
Looking for an opinion, not that its gospel or anything. But I'm seeing a lot of "gaming" type kits with replicas of the game system controllers in them.
Copyright violation, or no?
Discuss....
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No, it isn't. You cannot copyright a shape, and the game controllers are a shape. It may be an infringement on a design patent, but it's not a copyright violation.
I also burnt a lot of my first digi kits on CDs and DVDs and then deleted them from my hard drive. I'm pretty sure I will never use them again but I don't like to delete things without making a back up first.
will someone, for the love of GOD tell Meg, aka Ocean Wide Designs, to shut the hell up? I am SO tired of her "I know everything" attitude, and hearing about how wonderful she is.
Never heard of her. Where is she being annoying?
^^^^^
Why? because she is bringing up a situation that can affect several designers or stores? What would you prefer she does? If someone knows SOMETHING, it does not mean they automatically have a "know-it-all attitude". C'mon!
Another case of anyone with a computer thinking they can design - http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/scrap-talk-65/i-need-help-im-not-sure-what-do-266300/
will someone, for the love of GOD tell Meg, aka Ocean Wide Designs, to shut the hell up? I am SO tired of her "I know everything" attitude, and hearing about how wonderful she is.
January 16, 2011 4:20 PM
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Amen.
If someone knows SOMETHING, it does not mean they automatically have a "know-it-all attitude". C'mon!
January 16, 2011 5:10 PM
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I'd have to agree with that, but some people see everything as a threat.
Another case of anyone with a computer thinking they can design - http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/scrap-talk-65/i-need-help-im-not-sure-what-do-266300/
January 16, 2011 5:59 PM
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Huh? As I can't find any kit made by her, I can't judge if she can design or not. More super power to you, that you can.
^^^^
Yeah but if they dont, then they are perceived as "naive". Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Anyone on this blog can twist just about anything to find a reason to complain!
Another case of anyone with a computer thinking they can design - http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/scrap-talk-65/i-need-help-im-not-sure-what-do-266300/
January 16, 2011 5:59 PM
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Huh? As I can't find any kit made by her, I can't judge if she can design or not. More super power to you, that you can.
^^^^
On her blog.
Another case of anyone with a computer thinking they can design - http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/scrap-talk-65/i-need-help-im-not-sure-what-do-266300/
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She needs to work on her English skills before anything else. I've seen better English from non native English speakers.
Language has nothing to do with designing abilities. Are you judging a designer by her language skills?
^^^^^
Yep, if she's going to be doing word art of any kind.
^^^^^^
Is she?
Another case of anyone with a computer thinking they can design - http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/scrap-talk-65/i-need-help-im-not-sure-what-do-266300/
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Wonder how much she masters her program:
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/software-specifics-13/learning-about-psp-x2-266250/
Are you judging a designer by her language skills?
January 16, 2011 6:51 PM
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Now that I see she is offering tuts, you bet I'm judging her on language skills.
Huh? As I can't find any kit made by her, I can't judge if she can design or not. More super power to you, that you can.
January 16, 2011 6:44 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
On her blog here: http://mommyandwife2011.blogspot.com/2011/01/lovely-pink-kit.html
^^^
Thanks to both on letting me know where the kit is. I truly wish I still didn't know.
Huh? As I can't find any kit made by her, I can't judge if she can design or not. More super power to you, that you can.
January 16, 2011 6:44 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
On her blog here: http://mommyandwife2011.blogspot.com/2011/01/lovely-pink-kit.html
__________
Oh geez! What's with the 'I just finished designing my first kit ever and I want to sell it' attitude these days? I gave freebies (and learned to master my program) for over a year before joining a store.
^^^^^^
That is the problem, unfortunately. Rushing through things.
From her blog:
"I found these bows on a CD I had. I believe I found them on google (not to sure though). I was massing with the Adjust>Color>Channel Mixer in PSP.
This product you may use has commercial and scrap for hair use."
-----------------------------------
Giving away items from a CD is a no no and I don't believe I've ever found a "hair use" for any digi items thus far LOL LOL
Oh, my bad. I guess she had found them on google and saved to a cd. Nonetheless, she shouldn't be sharing them and they are probably only 72ppi if she found them on the net anyway..........and she plans on teaching others with her tuts! LOL I think she needs to work with her program a bit more before she tries "teaching" others. LOL
I just downloaded her bows and as expected they are 71ppi. Boy she has a lot to learn!
That pink kit is a hodgepodge of resolutions. A couple of ribbons were 299ppi but the rest of the junk was a mixture of 99 and 100ppi. Papers were 100ppi and only 1200x1200.
Want to join her creative team? Only the best need apply as you'll need to perform miracles LOL
http://mommyandwife2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Creative%20Team
Meg AKA OceanWideDesigns - another case of someone actually knowing things and having an opinion, causing so many of you to feel threatened.
Seriously people, it's OK for designers to know things you don't and have opinions on things stronger than or different than your opinions. It doesn't make them 'know-it-all.' Leave the elementary school playground behind, finally.
I'm not normally one to scream "Bully!" but gosh, y'all... this poor girl is just excited about what she has learned (though, yes, she still does have a lot to learn) in digi-scrapping, and she is in a place where most of us have been at one time: wanting to share what we are learning, and thinking maybe - just maybe - someone else might like what we made too. I am NOT saying this girl should be jumping right into selling her designs. (I'm most definitely not saying that, because she's not ready) But could we be just a little bit less gleeful about making fun of her, please?
I really hope she doesn't find this page, and I hope a good friend will tell her, honestly, that she has much to learn before selling her designs. But do y'all really want to tear her apart just for the fun of it, because she is excited about something she is learning? Really?
OK. Now I know someone is going to tell me I'm a sanctimonious bitch, and ask if I feel better since preaching a sermon, and that's fine. Slam me and give this poor girl a break.
I don't see anyone "tearing" anyone apart, stop being so gosh darn melodramatic.
I do see people criticizing her work. She is giving it away, we have a right to our opinion and criticisms in that case.
Please, stop with the whole Thumper philosophy already. The lack of constructive criticism over the last few decades has churned out a bunch of under achievers and whiners. In real life, there are no medals for coming last.
Thumper philosophy?
And since when is dragging her through the smack blog saying things like 'I wish I hadn't seen that' defined as 'constructive criticism'?
It's a SMACK blog, 'nuff said. Nicey nice and constructive can be played out in those places where they are usually played out.
Ok, I am being childish, say whatever you want, but I had a great laugh with that poor girl, aka I-have-a-pc-so-I-can-design:
"Before I take the photos I will try one more thing. What I will try I don't believe anyone has done before. :D "
I wish Maya would read this. We are talking here about an uber original designer!!!!
On Meg/aka OWD - yes, her attitude is/has been very know it all. Depending on what blog/forum you are reading - you can find her last word on medical advice, web solutions, schools for the blind, and a host of other things. Try telling her she is wrong, or share a different opinion - and you get attitude - just like she gave Laura Banasiak in that CT thread at DST.
Did you notice that several of the people on that thread did NOT have a problem with that CTM? Yet - OWD was there to tell them of her opinions - and where are the FACTS? was there PROOF that this girl did something wrong? NO - just that she hadn't uploaded LO's in a timely way. I agree, the situation needed looking into - but they tore that girl apart. Laura Banasiak comes in and says what alot of us were thinking...and she gets torn torn by OWD.
You can have her. She's a freaking drama queen - and her buddy Shilo (who just wrote a Why Do Designers Turn Snobby? post at DST is obvious reference to L.B.) and her other bestest buddy COLS - if they all left the business - it would definitely be quieter. For a while.
Sorry to steer the thread into a different direction, but I have a question about grab bags. Does it bother anyone else when a designer (or group of designers--such as a store grab bag) includes a CU item that is readily available to anyone who owns PS/PSE? I purchased a couple of grab bags from a store that shall remain nameless, and one of the designers included a fish shape--the exact same one that comes with PS. Another designer who contributed created a pattern using a standard shape found in PS/PSE. On the whole, the grab bag was quite disappointing.
Shouldn't a grab bag be stuff that a designer actually had to put in some time on (more than 10 seconds)?
BTW: I didn't ask for a refund. I'd earned a gift certificate to the store through participating in their challenges.
Does it bother anyone else when a designer (or group of designers--such as a store grab bag) includes a CU item that is readily available to anyone who owns PS/PSE? I purchased a couple of grab bags from a store that shall remain nameless, and one of the designers included a fish shape--the exact same one that comes with PS. Another designer who contributed created a pattern using a standard shape found in PS/PSE.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Not knowing here, who did what, is it possible that the designer created that in a different program not knowing it was standard in PS/PSE? Although, i agree that anything sold (in grab bag or not) should be made by the designer and not distributing something they have just obtained somewhere.
Not knowing here, who did what, is it possible that the designer created that in a different program not knowing it was standard in PS/PSE? Although, i agree that anything sold (in grab bag or not) should be made by the designer and not distributing something they have just obtained somewhere.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt. She has PS tutorials on her blog, however, so that makes it less likely that she didn't know the shapes weren't standard to PS.
^^^^
Yup. Good point.
You can have her. She's a freaking drama queen - and her buddy Shilo (who just wrote a Why Do Designers Turn Snobby? post at DST is obvious reference to L.B.) and her other bestest buddy COLS - if they all left the business - it would definitely be quieter. For a while.
--------------------
Yeah, but LB (Laura Banasiak for those not in the know) has ALWAYS been a snooty bitch. Any niceness she displays in forums is a very fake act. VERY fake. The fact that Shilo is just now seeing it probably just means they're not being snooty together anymore.
Breaking up is hard to do...
You think Meg was bing rude to Laura? Laura says this:
i'll admit that i didn't read any replies, but it makes me wonder why you accepted her to your team if her gallery reflects that she uses mainly over airbrushed stock photos rather than her own.
And you think that Meg is the one being snotty?
Did FPD change their designer exclusivity requirement? I thought they had a no more than 1 or 2 other store requirement, but I see there is at least one designer there now with 3 other stores + a personal store.
I tried to contact them to ask, but the contact us link isn't working right for me.
It certainly looks like they did. Which is funny in a not-laughing way because Michelle was a total bitch about it being the best business decision. Then she quietly changes her own rules without ever announcing it or stating she was wrong in the first place.
Does anyone see anythign exciting for sale in that store? I don't.
Did FPD change their designer exclusivity requirement? I thought they had a no more than 1 or 2 other store requirement, but I see there is at least one designer there now with 3 other stores + a personal store.
^^^
Nope - that's the policy. However, maybe the designer in question has a different arrangement? But that is the policy.
Hmmm ... I see who you're talking about. Strange. Guess what's good for some isn't the same for others.
Who is at 3 other stores?
WOW! This CU took a lot of time:
http://funkyplaygrounddesigns.com/store/product.php?productid=23890&cat=0&page=1
Nothing like adding a beveled edge and two holes in the middle of basic PS shapes!
And What a STUPID name. Okie Toothfairy?!?
And Yes I am making fun of that lame ass name!
I agree that L.B. can be a snooty little bitch. However in that thread I actually agree with her. If you don't like LO's that are scrapped with stock photos why would you take someone who primarily uses them on to your team?
That being said, it's threads like that, that give the DCR a bad reputation. OWD overstepped her boundaries by openly posting that girls name. I think OWD likes the attention and drama, and is using this whole thing to start up her idea to have a place to “rate” CT members again.
Who is at 3 other stores?
-------------
Trixie Scraps is the one that stands out for me. She's at ScrapMatters, Gotta Pixel, and Scrapbook-Bytes. I think she has a personal store, too. I'm not sure about the others.
Not sure why anyone would make an exception for her. Probably friends with the owner. Which, in digiland, makes you above any "rules."
Speaking of lame names, I've seen a few. Litterbox Designs/creations (whatever it was) stuck out the most for the "eew" factor but I'll give her credit: Her designs definitely fit her name. I have no idea who she is or where she sells or even if she still does. I just remember seeing that designer name in a store somewhere and saying WTF? about the name. LOL
There are a bunch that have more than 1 or 2 stores, at least 4 others that I see: JenC, RoseyToes, Paper Planes,Brine Design.
I like Okie Toothfairy (terrible name, but she does have some cute templates!)
at her other store, I mean.
Probably friends with the owner. Which, in digiland, makes you above any "rules."
January 17, 2011 3:04 PM
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Er, in real life too. It's not restricted to digi land you know.
That being said, it's threads like that, that give the DCR a bad reputation.
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No, it's you designers bringing your crap to this smack blog and assuming that everyone knows what you are talking about that give the DCR a bad name.
Either give us the dirt, or keep it to the DCR. It's annoying not knowing and I wanna know.
You think Meg was bing rude to Laura? Laura says this:
i'll admit that i didn't read any replies, but it makes me wonder why you accepted her to your team if her gallery reflects that she uses mainly over airbrushed stock photos rather than her own.
And you think that Meg is the one being snotty?
January 17, 2011 10:46 AM
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I don't know anything about the thread, as I'm not in the DCR, but Laura's reply seems a fair call to me. Nothing snotty there.
I find it funny that when people call it like they see it they are either snotty, snobby or a know it all. What's wrong with being honest?
I'd rather more people were honest. Sadly, Laura is one of those people who thinks only her opinion matters. When others are straight-forward with her, she'll be fake nice to your face and then trash talk you behind your back.
It gets tough to listen to people like that - even if they occasionally make a valid point.
No, the snotty part was that Laura didn't bother reading the thread to see what was actually being discussed. It's pretty bitchy to come in and make a judgment when you haven't actually bothered taking your oh-so-precious time to read through and see what was really going on.
It wasn't about the stock photos per say, that is just one of the warning flags of this T member that in retrospect OWD was saying should have caused her to think twice about bringing her on. It's not a case of 'oh I don't like CTs who use stock photos, why did I bring her on?' It's a case of 'Huh I guess I should have looked at this and other things when I brought her on, too bad I didn't trust my gut'
Of course, Laura is far too busy and important to actually have read the thread to see that. She even said as much - that no one should tell her to read the whole thread before replying. WTF?
Thanks for explaining. See, this is what happens when only part of the dirt comes here, I get confused.
Didn't Laura's name come up here before?
WOW! This CU took a lot of time:
http://funkyplaygrounddesigns.com/store/product.php?productid=23890&cat=0&page=1
Nothing like adding a beveled edge and two holes in the middle of basic PS shapes!
-------
If someone buys it, more power to her. I'm never amazed at what people make, but I'm constantly amazed at what people buy.
If someone buys it, more power to her. I'm never amazed at what people make, but I'm constantly amazed at what people buy.
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IF they buy. I know some designers making worse products, and i KNOW they dont sell, even if at $1.50. I am mostly amazed that those "designers" keep trying!
"Thanks for explaining. See, this is what happens when only part of the dirt comes here, I get confused."
I'll second this.
Sometimes I want to make some lame buttons to sell in stores, just so I can get in DCR to read more on the dirt you designers are smacking about here. LOL
If someone buys it, more power to her. I'm never amazed at what people make, but I'm constantly amazed at what people buy.
--------------
IF they buy. I know some designers making worse products, and i KNOW they dont sell, even if at $1.50. I am mostly amazed that those "designers" keep trying!
January 17, 2011 8:42 PM
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How do you KNOW? The only way you can know for sure is if you are a store owner. So you are one aren't you?!
No, the snotty part was that Laura didn't bother reading the thread to see what was actually being discussed. It's pretty bitchy to come in and make a judgment when you haven't actually bothered taking your oh-so-precious time to read through and see what was really going on.
It wasn't about the stock photos per say, that is just one of the warning flags of this T member that in retrospect OWD was saying should have caused her to think twice about bringing her on. It's not a case of 'oh I don't like CTs who use stock photos, why did I bring her on?' It's a case of 'Huh I guess I should have looked at this and other things when I brought her on, too bad I didn't trust my gut'
Of course, Laura is far too busy and important to actually have read the thread to see that. She even said as much - that no one should tell her to read the whole thread before replying. WTF?
--------------
It kills me to say it but I still don't see any harm in what Laura asked.
I have read that entire thread the OWD said in the inital post that one of her red flags about the CT member was that:
"I thought she was a little fishy, because the LOs in her gallery here at DST seem to be stock photos & then the same overly airbrushed photos of her again and again, and only spans back a month or two."
Now I realise that wasn't OWD main concern or point of the thread, but if that is soemthing that is "fishy" to you why would you even take that member on in the first place?
I think LB had a valid point to make it just maybe wasn't worded correctly.
How do you KNOW? The only way you can know for sure is if you are a store owner. So you are one aren't you?!
------------
I am not the store owner, but I know the store owner who happened to tell me.
re: JenC, RoseyToes, Paper Planes,Brine Design.
Jen C - 2 others + personal
RoseyToes - 2 others
Paper Planes - only at FPD
Brine Design - 2 others
All of those designers are following the 2 others + 1 personal max rules
I'd rather more people were honest. Sadly, Laura is one of those people who thinks only her opinion matters. When others are straight-forward with her, she'll be fake nice to your face and then trash talk you behind your back.
Oh you mean sort of like here because that's exactly what some designers do here now isn't it only they can really slam you here and you don't have any idea who they are.
So what difference does it make to anyone if a designer has one store or 10. I can't imagine the time it takes to sell in 10 stores but obviously these designers must be making some money or why the heck would they bother and I just don't why others care so much. Same with a store policy on how many stores a designer can sell in. Who gives a crap-it's between designer and store owner.
Also anyone who has a gazillion CT members are just asking for trouble. There has always got to be a bad apple somewhere in the mix at some point in time-law of averages. That's what some designers get for wanting the same CT as everyone else has! They can't even be original in who they get to create for them.
^^^^^^
As a costumer, it pretty matters to me if a designers sells at one shop only or at ten differente shops. I won't go hunting for the best deal (sale, FWP, coupons etc). This is why I prefer exclusive stores, or at least exclusive products. Isn't it frustrating when you buy something full price and an hour later you find it half price elsewhere?
^^^^^^^^^
You don't want to do the work of checking to see if something my cheaper somewhere else but you want to complain when you find out it is after paying the higher price. I'd have to say that's your fault. If you know the designer sells in more than one store and you want the best price, common sense says you shop around. If you too lazy to do that, suck it up, pay the higher price and don't complain.
Poor thing...what'd ya waste? A whole dollar? Ouch.
To be honest, I think this whole "different prices in different shops" thing is total bullshit. I've been in the industry for quite a long time now and have never seen a product priced differently when in multiple stores. That would be a beyond stupid thing for any designer to do business wise and I've never seen it once in 5 years. For once let's see an example if your going to pout...but I'm still calling bullshit.
Besides, only desperate, bottom tier designers are selling in multiple shops. Why the hell are you buying from them anyhow?
Just like how most bottom tier designers (almost all DST, DCR posters) are constantly brought up on here. No one that anyone here is actually buying from...which leaves me to believe that the only designers actually posting on this blog are those exact bottom tier, DST frequenting, worthless designers! Makes since right? Big name designers avoid DST like the plague. To be honest, any designers I see frequently posting and begging for business at DST are instantly lowered in my eyes.
Gracious. I promised myself long ago I would not post here again. No one ever delivered any truly good gossip. Bunch of chickens.
I came to read up and oh my heavens...I cannot believe how over and over again you poor dears are talking about copyright, Disney kits, how you did or should have reported them, whether or not a batman shape is the exact copy of the original or a facsimile thereof.
If I might be so bold as to express my own opinion about the subject.
I think you all are PISSED because you know that these kits are selling like crazy and making the kit designers gobs of money.
I can't thank you enough for linking to these types of kits. Many of them are well done and I have purchased them after following your links. Without your help I would never have found them as I am much too lazy to cruise every store out there.
In summation, the complainers don't have THE BALLS to make these kits, legal or illegal, because they are law abiding citizens or just too afraid of being caught. Either way, it is your choice.
If you are of the opinion it is illegal. Don't buy them. Do you really involve yourself in other peoples sins in the same way you do copyright infringements? Probably not.
All that said...please do continue with the links. I have found some real gems thanks to you all!
Carry on.
Gracious. I wondered when yo would be back. You have such an incredibly snobby 'holier than thou' way of speaking, did you know that? I'm surprised you bother to come here at all ... I guess it's a bit of slumming-it entertainment.
Well, I for one am sick of OWD's know-it-all has-to-have-the-last-word-on-everything attitude. I can barely stomach reading anything she posts because of her superior attitude about most everything. I have no idea what her designs even look like, but even if they were the greatest thing ever I would not buy them. Fine, you know a few things about a few things. But you don't have to cram it down everyone's throat and its possible that someone else may know a thing or two about it, too. Enough already.
(And yes, I do post to DST and even the DCR from time to time, but I don't think that makes me a bottom tier designer. ;))
I am not the store owner, but I know the store owner who happened to tell me.
-------------------------------
A store owner talking to someone about another designers sales??? Pretty unprofessional in my opinion.
Besides, only desperate, bottom tier designers are selling in multiple shops. Why the hell are you buying from them anyhow?
Just like how most bottom tier designers (almost all DST, DCR posters) are constantly brought up on here. No one that anyone here is actually buying from...which leaves me to believe that the only designers actually posting on this blog are those exact bottom tier, DST frequenting, worthless designers! Makes since right? Big name designers avoid DST like the plague. To be honest, any designers I see frequently posting and begging for business at DST are instantly lowered in my eyes.
---------------------------
Well considering that this is the DST Hall of Fame it only makes sense don't ya think!
All that said...please do continue with the links. I have found some real gems thanks to you all!
----------------------------------
Has it occurred to you that it is the designers themselves that come and post smack about their own kits? What better way to get a group of women to check your stuff out.
Gracious. I wondered when yo would be back. You have such an incredibly snobby 'holier than thou' way of speaking, did you know that? I'm surprised you bother to come here at all ... I guess it's a bit of slumming-it entertainment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Hardly holier than thou. I may have used a few words that you might have had to look up, but I try not to stifle my literacy just for the sake of those who chose not to read anything other than OK magazine.
I actually used words specific to a portion of the community that posts her...Remember I said Balls and Pissed all in the same post. I really thought that might be enough to satisfy some of the creepy little scrap sluts...but maybe not.
As far as following links that designers might have posted - Brilliant! What amazing and innovative marketers they are!
Have you seen this train wreck?
http://katelynnsdesigns.blogspot.com/
Read the post from 1/17
^^^^^^
Who do you consider the "bad" one in this case?
First and foremost......... you CANNOT retrospectively change any TOU. When someone purchases something, the TOU that applied at the time cannot be changed. Joanne
CAN change her TOU at any time BUT the NEW TOU only apply to those people purchasing the license AFTER the TOU are changed. If Katelyn has complied with the original TOU included, Joanne has no right to revoke it.
I'd like to know what exactly Joanne is accusing Katelyn of.
Hardly holier than thou. I may have used a few words that you might have had to look up, but I try not to stifle my literacy just for the sake of those who chose not to read anything other than OK magazine.
^^^
It's too bad your education wasn't able to help you with your glaringly obvious huge deficits in social skills.
Besides, only desperate, bottom tier designers are selling in multiple shops. Why the hell are you buying from them anyhow?
---------
Really? In your opinion? And how do you define multiple?
First and foremost......... you CANNOT retrospectively change any TOU.
-------
Says who? Says you? You'd be wrong.
Have you seen this train wreck?
http://katelynnsdesigns.blogspot.com/
Read the post from 1/17
January 18, 2011 4:17 PM
--------
The blog design is a nightmare, I had to go and get my sunglasses.
I can't believe that Chris put that out there. What a baby. Joanne offered to refund the money for the original license purchased. That should have been the end of it. Chris whining on and on about Joanne accusing her of abuse, which I don't get from Joanne's emails she showed on her blog, is beyond me.
You can't change a contract after the contract is agreed upon. And since that is what a TOU is - a contract - no, she can't change it retrospectively.
It sounds like Joanne has contacted all of Katelyn's store owners and complained about something that Katelyn was doing that isn't even wrong. So if anyone is abusing and harassing, I'd say it's Joanne.
First and foremost......... you CANNOT retrospectively change any TOU.
-------
Says who? Says you? You'd be wrong.
-----------------------------------
Says Me? NO. Says the law? YES. YOU'D be wrong.
Poor thing...what'd ya waste? A whole dollar? Ouch.
To be honest, I think this whole "different prices in different shops" thing is total bullshit. I've been in the industry for quite a long time now and have never seen a product priced differently when in multiple stores. That would be a beyond stupid thing for any designer to do business wise and I've never seen it once in 5 years. For once let's see an example if your going to pout...but I'm still calling bullshit.
January 18, 2011 11:34 AM
______________
Are you kidding me? Who are you? God of digiscrap? It's not because you haven't seen something that it never happened. I used to be in multiple stores and I quit some of them for the following reasons: Every week, there was a storewide sale in one store or a birthday sale in a other store or a discount on elements packs and next on paper packs, and on and on and on... Basically, my products ended up being on sale all the time. Some store owners force you to be part of those storewide sales.
I can't believe that Chris put that out there. What a baby. Joanne offered to refund the money for the original license purchased. That should have been the end of it. Chris whining on and on about Joanne accusing her of abuse, which I don't get from Joanne's emails she showed on her blog, is beyond me.
---------------
Even if Joanne offered to reimburse $10, i dont think it would be fair anyways since it is not JUST a matter of money, but a matter of Chris not being able to use some products that she was given permission to use. Joanne paying anyone $10 to say, "stop using my product and shut up" would sound fair to you? I wonder if she will reply herself to it to clarify things.
^^^^
That's irrelevant. Chris can still use the product, just not commercially. Chris paid $10 for the commercial license, Joanne offered to pay it back. Anything else is merely personal. On a strictly business level, the deal is done.
Says Me? NO. Says the law? YES. YOU'D be wrong.
January 18, 2011 6:47 PM
------
Er, no. There are quite a few instances of retrospective licenses, contracts, TOUs etc being applied and legally viable. Go and look it up. Contrary to popular belief on this blog, the law is not just black and white, especially contract law.
To be honest, I think this whole "different prices in different shops" thing is total bullshit. I've been in the industry for quite a long time now and have never seen a product priced differently when in multiple stores. That would be a beyond stupid thing for any designer to do business wise and I've never seen it once in 5 years. For once let's see an example if your going to pout...but I'm still calling bullshit.
January 18, 2011 11:34 AM
---------
Call bullshit all you want, but it won't make you right and everyone else wrong. I may not be able to give you an example right now, but I've seen different prices by the same designer in different stores.
Joanne paying anyone $10 to say, "stop using my product and shut up" would sound fair to you? I wonder if she will reply herself to it to clarify things.
January 18, 2011 6:56 PM
---------------
I probably wouldn't be happy about it, but I wouldn't whine all over my blog about it. That is beyond unprofessional. The only reason it's out there at all is because they used to be friends. Joanne doesn't have to clarify anything to anyone except Chris, which by all accounts she's done. Just because Chris chose to wash her dirty laundry in public, doesn't mean that Joanne has to join in.
I don't know either of the players in this little soap drama, so nothing personal on my side. Just offering my view, seeing as it's out there.
$10 - 60% off $4 Going out of business sale, closing store
http://www.scrappinwarehouse.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_164&products_id=4407
Regular everyday price $2.60
http://heartbeatzcreationz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_247&products_id=6407&zenid=b6k0neulgg9ns6dlo1vmklj015
LOL! What a sale!
BTW, Joanne put it on her blog first. She has a shame list with Chris' design name on it.
BTW, Joanne put it on her blog first. She has a shame list with Chris' design name on it.
-------------------------------
Can you link us up?
$10 - 60% off $4 Going out of business sale, closing store
http://www.scrappinwarehouse.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_164&products_id=4407
-----------------
$10 for an action like that???? There must be an error somewhere!
^^^^^
If they were kids, they'd be put in the naughty corner for telling tales.
Can you link us up?
January 18, 2011 8:34 PM
------
Go and look at Katelynn's Designs blog, it's right there on the license.
BTW, Joanne put it on her blog first. She has a shame list with Chris' design name on it.
January 18, 2011 8:26 PM
-----
That's all I can see. Joanne didn't go and whine all over her blog, and then publish private emails. Putting someone's name on a wall of shame or the like, is no different from stores putting up names of people who have committed credit card fraud or something similar. If people are buying from Katelynn's designs and she's using Joanne's CU, they have a right to know that Katelynn's Designs doesn't have the right to use it.
Except that Katelynn's Designs does have that right. She paid for it. Joanne can't just take it away on a whim because something got personal between them.
However, if Chris followed all the changed TOUs since she first purchased the license, then she has made a tacit agreement. Which means, she agrees to the new TOUs.
I suspect there's more going on here than Chris is letting out, but she's going to make Joanne look like the bad guy because it suits her.
I disagree. Just because I know a designer has changed their TOU, doesn't mean I am bound by the new TOU. I am only bound by the TOU that was in effect when I purchased the item in question.
For example, Scrappin' Cop changed her TOU. I have items I've downloaded from before the change that I can still use without paying the new CU license fee, but if I download anything new, then I'll need to pay the fee per the new TOU.
"Er, no. There are quite a few instances of retrospective licenses, contracts, TOUs etc being applied and legally viable. Go and look it up. Contrary to popular belief on this blog, the law is not just black and white, especially contract law. "
------------------------------------
So if you paid for a CU license today and tomorrow were told "too bad, I changed my mind and you can't us it for CU any longer", you'd think it was okay?? I doubt it.
I disagree. Just because I know a designer has changed their TOU, doesn't mean I am bound by the new TOU. I am only bound by the TOU that was in effect when I purchased the item in question.
-----
You may disagree, but that doesn't mean that in law the retrospective TOU is invalid. Besides, I didn't say she knew about the changes, she admitted to actually following the new and changed TOUs, huge difference.
blah, blah, blah - does anyone know anything about domestic violence and would you journal about it?
In summation, the complainers don't have THE BALLS to make these kits, legal or illegal, because they are law abiding citizens or just too afraid of being caught. Either way, it is your choice.
------------
You are a complete idiot..but you already know that right? The "complainers" dont have the balls because why? Because we do things legally. Legal or illegal? So it's just a matter of being caught..and that makes it ok? How about we say the same for your child (help us God if you actually have any). How about we say to those contemplating molestation of your child that illegal or not "its your choice"? and hey, have some balls to actually do so..?? Not that I would ever wish that on a soul but you seem ok with it. You truly made your point. Your a complete idiot without so much as a brain cell in your body. Is that how trailer-trash thinks? Probably. You are a LOSER and we all know it.
[...] Your a complete idiot [...]
January 19, 2011 5:33 AM
And you are a genius that can't even conjugate "I am, you are, he is..."
[I am not the OP]
I know plenty of non-bottom tier designers who sell in multiple stores and lots of people buy from them. Obviously you don't or you wouldn't have made such a stupid comment.
^^^^^
... and some bottom tier designers selling exclusive too! It works both ways.
I think we're skirting the real issue here.
Why would anyone be fighting to use that CU crap? sheesh. There's better stuff out there! Someone really paid $10 for that?
I think we're skirting the real issue here.
Why would anyone be fighting to use that CU crap? sheesh. There's better stuff out there! Someone really paid $10 for that?
January 19, 2011 9:12 AM
---------------------------
My thoughts exactly. I don't get it.
^^^
Bad taste is a human! Although those designs are as ugly as devil!
Anonymous said...
[...] Your a complete idiot [...]
January 19, 2011 5:33 AM
And you are a genius that can't even conjugate "I am, you are, he is..."
[I am not the OP]
***************************
That was any kind comeback? I think she made a better point than you sweetie. Its a flippin smack blog! When will you people who need to police ever learn. As if it even mattered..ha, ha. Your post was so stupid it was funny! And..Nope, I didnt use the proper form just for you! When you post a real point then maybe someone will actually care but for now YOU ARE the jackass.
http://mommyandwife2011.blogspot.com/2011/01/lovely-pink-kit.html
------------
Wow, just wow. So we went from asking for advice on actually selling her designs to offering tutorials? Holy crap. First, let me say that if she is even able to give any of her work away that would be a miracle. I'm sorry but aside from the poster that noted all the different dpi's used to the absolutely horrific color palette and basic elements and papers (not to mention that it must be 90% cu) this is a massive train wreck. I have to say that it's as bad as I have ever seen in all my 6 years scrapping and I mean even going as far back as the very first designers who had no clue. What ever gave this woman a clue that she could or should design? I have no clue but I'm sorry to see her embarass herself this badly. The only people downloading this junk are going to be people just entering the world of any kind of scrapbooking at all and looking for freebies. Surely they have no idea that other designs exist. At all! To make matters worse I cannot imagine that she should be guiding anyone in a single tutorial since she has no clue herself. I hope people are smart enough to know there are better resources. I've said it before and I'm saying it again - unless you have some sort of artistic background most of these fly-by-night designers looking to make a quick buck need to step aside and stop taking up cyber space. The work is atrocious and I'm willing to bet my 2nd son that she will never amount to much of anything. The only way she's ever going to become known is this way, being smacked here. Do us and yourself a favor please - QUIT NOW.
http://mommyandwife2011.blogspot.com/2011/01/lovely-pink-kit.html
------------
Did anyone read the comments?
"5Star Digital Scrapbooking said...
Pink is my favorite color thanks for sharing. I'd like to invite you to promote your site on our Digital Scrapbooking Topsite
January 17, 2011 3:58 PM"
is she worth 5 stars? and if that is the case, what is the point of the site?
^^^^^^^
Did you catch her latest train wreck? http://mommyandwife2011.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentine-sweetheart-kit.html
I downloaded it out of curiosity just to see how bad it was "live". Words escape me to actually describe it.
And what is with the horrid color palettes? If she can't figure out one by herself, how about giving Kuler or Color Picker a try.
I downloaded it out of curiosity just to see how bad it was "live". Words escape me to actually describe it.
----------------------------------
I simply clicked on the image and zoomed in...wow. What exactly are 'Hrat Steams' anyway?
You were brave to download and actually look at it "live".
^^^
Just yuck. She really shouldn't be wasting her time with *designing*.
:sigh:
http://mwcreativeteam.blogspot.com/
she has a LOT to learn!
ok...who can pick out the nasty product in this thread at DST? what on earth is ScrapbookElements doing with crap like this???? YUCK.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/new-digital-products-33/more-previews-new-scrapbook-elements-266610/
What are some of the better stores to design for? I'm looking to move to a new store, but I don't want to waste my time on drama, negativity, low sales or "trendy" here today gone tomorrow sites. Thoughts?
She might be rough and new but
I'll give her kudos for not caring what others think. I do kind of feel bad for her (although jealous) because she really hasn't gotten a taste of all of the types that frequent this blog yet....ignorance is bliss, right? A visit here should discourage her right quick. Be sure to pat yourselves on the back and have a beer when she loses her confidence and quits. I'm sure you'll all be so proud of your efforts.
Since there's no real drama going on anywhere, you're just going to pick on the new girls and hope for the best, huh? Make sure to blog about her and start a list on Facebook about all the ladies that should just give it up because they suck and are nothing but a waste of cyberspace. Be sure to put Mommyandwife at the very tip top. Sorry, What's that? Oh, right. You'd never be caught doing such a thing with your actual name.
Let's all see your beautiful, creative masterpieces. Come on...you're all obviously so awesome, so let's see! Money where your mouth is and all that.
^You do realize that just by being here and reading this, you are no better than everyone else here. You didn't put your name to your post either.
She can keep going and designing crap. The problem is she makes excuses and gets defensive when someone does offer constructive criticism. Read her blog and some of the comments. She's actually in a very fortunate place if she takes the criticism and learns from it.
What do you think of this?
http://memorieswetreasure.ning.com/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenName=1xda80p0gc910
Wenda Top, who apparently owns Digital Scrapbook Playground, regularly adds other people's layouts to her personal gallery. She never credits the scrapper, nor does she ask their permission.
ok...who can pick out the nasty product in this thread at DST? what on earth is ScrapbookElements doing with crap like this???? YUCK.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/new-digital-products-33/more-previews-new-scrapbook-elements-266610/
January 19, 2011 2:29 PM
------
If you are talking about Ake's beads, you'd be a fool. She's been selling at SBE for at least three years now. However, the templates are truly awful.
What are some of the better stores to design for? I'm looking to move to a new store, but I don't want to waste my time on drama, negativity, low sales or "trendy" here today gone tomorrow sites. Thoughts?
-------------------------
If you don't want to waste your time, find another career.
If designers stopped being crazy, you hurt my feelings, crying babies, then maybe sales would go up. But that would require site owners and designers to treat this like an actual BUSINESS and less like a high school.
Being honest makes you a bitch, so whatever you do, don't do that. Lie and talk behind everyone's back like most of these designers do.
And if you actually have a business opinion, you'll spend most of your time defending it to all the crazy, self-medicating rejects that occupy perfectly good space in most stores. Most of them always have some sort of personal, life altering drama you'll also have to contend with that makes them hyper-sensitive and worthless.
This is what designing is in this industry. Take what you've learned and walk away. Quickly.
Since there's no real drama going on anywhere, you're just going to pick on the new girls and hope for the best, huh? Make sure to blog about her and start a list on Facebook about all the ladies that should just give it up because they suck and are nothing but a waste of cyberspace. Be sure to put Mommyandwife at the very tip top. Sorry, What's that? Oh, right. You'd never be caught doing such a thing with your actual name.
Let's all see your beautiful, creative masterpieces. Come on...you're all obviously so awesome, so let's see! Money where your mouth is and all that.
January 19, 2011 2:42 PM
-----
Quit being such a drama queen. I chose not to design because I know I'm crap, that's the difference between me and them.
And if you actually have a business opinion, you'll spend most of your time defending it to all the crazy, self-medicating rejects that occupy perfectly good space in most stores. Most of them always have some sort of personal, life altering drama you'll also have to contend with that makes them hyper-sensitive and worthless.
This is what designing is in this industry. Take what you've learned and walk away. Quickly.
January 19, 2011 4:23 PM
---------
really? I'm so sorry that you've had that experience, all the stores I sell at are perfectly fine with normal people in them.
:sigh:
http://mwcreativeteam.blogspot.com/
she has a LOT to learn!
January 19, 2011 2:21 PM
---------
Apparently not - blog not found.
Did anyone read the comments?
"5Star Digital Scrapbooking said...
Pink is my favorite color thanks for sharing. I'd like to invite you to promote your site on our Digital Scrapbooking Topsite
January 17, 2011 3:58 PM"
is she worth 5 stars? and if that is the case, what is the point of the site?
January 19, 2011 12:06 PM
-------
Are you stupid or what?
What do you think of this?
http://memorieswetreasure.ning.com/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenName=1xda80p0gc910
------------
All the layouts look the same? What's with that?
About this:
http://memorieswetreasure.ning.com/photo/photo/listForContributor?screenName=1xda80p0gc910
Wenda Top, who apparently owns Digital Scrapbook Playground, regularly adds other people's layouts to her personal gallery. She never credits the scrapper, nor does she ask their permission.
January 19, 2011 3:56 PM
Looks like all are CT pages. Maybe she has an arrangement with each designers? Most probably she doesn't even know who made those LOs -- maybe that's why she doesn't credit the scrappers, only does for the kit and designers. My guess is she just took them from the kit previews at the stores. For me it's just funny how she says "Get inspired by these gorgeous layouts!" Seeing them like this, all LOs look more or less the same and I couldn't be more uninspired.
really? I'm so sorry that you've had that experience, all the stores I sell at are perfectly fine with normal people in them.
-------
By all means, please share where these normal stores are...
^^^^
I don't think so. They are just fine as is. No new blood needed.
My opinions of good stores for designers to sell in.
* Please ignore my spelling of store names... I am just thinking off the top of my head and don't want to go and check each one to make sure I get it EXACTLY right. You will know what store(s) I am speaking of. Of course these are my own personal opinions. I am a designer and have been for quite a while. I would like to think I have useful input.
Good: (in no specific order)
• The Digi Chick (used to be much better than it is now)
• Gotta Pixel
• Scrapbook Elements (used to be a top tier store, but has gone down hill for some time)
• Scrapbook Bytes (used to be a top tier store, but has gone down hill for some time)
• Funky Playground
Better: (in no specific order)
• Scrap Matters
• Scrap Orchard
• MScraps
• After5
• Catscraps (Would be a top tier store, but I don't think they have a large enough customer base. Their designers are top notch.)
• Little Dreamer Designs (used to be top tier, but I think that it has lost some of it's appeal)
• PickleBerryPop
• 9th and Bloom
• Shabby Pickle
Top Tier Stores: (in no specific order)
• Designer Digitals
• Sweet Shoppe Designs
• The Lily Pad
• Scrapbook Graphics (although they REALLY need to ditch Basic Grey)
• Two Peas
• Oscraps
I probably have forgotten a few, but that is my list. Take it all with a grain of salt. It is just one person's opinion.
The only one of your top tier stores I agree on is Oscraps, the rest are okay and mostly, IMHO, over rated.
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I should add, that I don't regularly shop at any of those stores you mentioned, except for Oscraps.
The others I visit and leave, sometimes I'll see something and buy it, but not very often.
• Catscraps (Would be a top tier store, but I don't think they have a large enough customer base. Their designers are top notch.)
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Your opinion is based on what? I think they probably have a very big customer base, but mostly from Europe, instead of North America.
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I don't mean that snarky either, just genuinely curious.
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I don't mean that snarky either, just genuinely curious.
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I didn't take it as snarky. As I said... these were my opinions. I am not basing any of them on fact, because these are opinions. I didn't do any research, just stated my opinion. I see my own sales and see what countries my orders are coming from, and I honestly believe that a good portion of digiscrappers are in the US and Australia. This of course if only based on my one personal experience.
I hope that Catscraps does have a larger customer base than I think it does. And you are right, they very well may. I know that most of their designers aren't "store hoppers" so that does indicate that sales are good enough to keep them there. As I said, they have some VERY talented ladies over there.
I guess "top stores" is completely a matter of personal preference for designers. I would consider most of your list correct. I don't consider Scrapbook Graphics or Two Peas on top although there are a few designers at both stores that I consider "top" designers. And IMO After Five and Scrap Orchard are top tier stores.
Shabby Pickle has dropped way down for me and IMO Designer Digitals is not even good enough to be on the "good" list.
I am the original poster of the list of stores.
When I listed the top tier stores I didn't necessarily mean that they had the very best designers, although most of them do. It is my opinion that if a designer sells at one of the stores I listed as "top tier" they stand a much better chance of making a decent amount of income. When I say decent I mean a VERY minimum of $1500 a month... with the potential of making $3,000 to $4,000+ a month. The upper sale figures are contingent on the designer releasing on a regular basis and being skilled at personal marketing.
All of these "top tier" stores have been around a while, have sound reputations, have a relatively stable group of talented designers, and have a very large customer base. IMO it all comes down to the store's customer base. Meaning customers that purchase on a regular basis.
Just wanted to clarify. :)
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Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for clarifying. I think that really a designer would do pretty well at any of the stores you listed in your original post.
WOW... $1500 minimum! That is still a dream for me! And i thought i was doing really good at $400/month !! Maybe i should inquire at those stores!
If your list is based solely on customer base and sales, you left our ScrapGirls and DSP. I know that both stores are not considered to be all that by most on this blog, but both stores have designers that generally stay on.
If your list is based solely on customer base and sales, you left our ScrapGirls and DSP. I know that both stores are not considered to be all that by most on this blog, but both stores have designers that generally stay on.
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I knew I forgot a few. You are right, I would put both of those in the category of Top Tier.
My curiosity got the best of me and i DID do some research. According to internet traffic #s ONLY...
The top tier would be:
DSP
ScrapGirls
Designer Digitals
Two Peas - hard to determine since their traffic is non-digital as well
Personally I think Scrapgirls has lots of traffic because they do an excellent job of advertising to newbies.
Designer Digitals doesn't do as much direct advertising with the exception of Ali Edwards and she alone is TONS of advertising to newbies/hybrids
Second tier would be:
Digichick (um...can you say open gallery with links?)
SweetShoppeDesigns
Scrapbookgraphics
GottaPixel
Scraporchard
After5 designs
Oscraps
ScrapbookBytes
ScrapMatters
And bottom tier would be:
Pickleberrypop
little dreamer
scrapbook-elements
funky playground
catscrap
lilypad
mscraps
shabby pickle
9th & Bloom
Note: These numbers are based on all traffic to the site as a whole, not just the store.
And it's based on the numbers reported on the internet traffic site I used.
But it's still interesting.
A lot of the traffic on those sites also includes the designers and CT members, so the numbers are going to be skewed. Not to mention attendance in forums, it doesn't mean that those people actually shop there. I drive by on quit a few of those sites, but that's all I do and my visit would be counted.
Some stores offer a daily or weekly freebie to increase their traffic. However, it doesn't mean (at all) that these freebie- hunters are going to become regular customers.
its been over 7yrs since I started out at DSP.... I moved on after a a year when I ventured further afield . I hadnt been back in yrs...decided I would take a look and OMG they havnt changed still the same blah, blah kits, small, predictable, the very reason I moved on... great for getting started. They must sell but only to those dedicated to DSP exclusively..... totally crappy...
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