I can almost 100% guarantee you that Litabells isn't going to SO. I was told that she said to TDC that she had a "new opportunity" that she couldn't pass up, and it didn't sound like it was related to digi designing alone. Whatever it was, it required her to close her TDC shop. Guess I will have to PM my TDC snitch for more details, LOL.
As for TDC and FPD merging, HA HA HA HA! That's funny! Good one. It's not like there's any space over at TDC, they have like, what, 30 or 40 designers already?
funky michelle is at TDC? sounds like FPD is getting ready to go belly up. haven't a lot of other designers left there recently? hmm wait, I just checked their site and their store collabs are all on clearance. smells like a store closing to me.
Personally, I blame the bi-monthly blog train idea for perpetuating the freebie "gimme more for less" mentality that plagues this industry. I wish the train would go away. It does little to bring scrappers to community sites. It just keeps the trolls fed. It's like hanging a free crack carrot over their heads every 2 months. __________________________________
I'm kind of with you on this. There are so many blog trains now that a scrapper really doesn't have to buy anything anymore, just wait for the trains. And it's not just the DST one, there's a few more out there that have quite a few designers taking part.
It's sort of a tricky position - as a designer you want to get your items out there so people can see your work, but if when so many do that on such a regular basis no one needs to buy anything anymore.
Personally, I blame the bi-monthly blog train idea for perpetuating the freebie "gimme more for less" mentality that plagues this industry. I wish the train would go away. It does little to bring scrappers to community sites. It just keeps the trolls fed. It's like hanging a free crack carrot over their heads every 2 months.
I'm not anti-freebie, but I am anti-freebie in this huge, regular fashion. We need to bring more people into the scrapping industry to SCRAP and share and BUY. Not to spend countless hour upon hour taking freebies and giving nothing in return.
Oh, and Trish. I'm well aware of the things said about Simon (and the other reviewers here) by your camp. If you want people to tell you things to your face, perhaps you should start practicing what you preach.
___________________________
Believe me not everyone thinks this is the big Black Plague. You have no proof and no numbers as to whether blog freebies get designers new customers or not. All I can say is that my sales go up when doing a blog train so that tells me right there your statement isn't accurate.
I'm not a camp follower either but I do think that you think a lot of yourself that you have deemed to be the critique critic of the moment. No one knows who you are, how long you have been designing or scrapping, and what your other accomplishments are that make you critique correct. I don't think ugly swatch and mishy mashy kit are going to teach anyone a whole lot. Plus, I'm really tired of hearing about ugly swatches. There are some very good swatch makers out there so I can't really think that someone is just pulling colors out of the sky. I would probably say that it's more like colors you don't like or wouldn't work with. I have to laugh that so many think your word is the Bible of Designing!!! Maybe if I really knew who you were I could take a more serious attitude of your critiques. I feel bad for the new designers who listen to this crap.
I'm not a camp follower either but I do think that you think a lot of yourself that you have deemed to be the critique critic of the moment. No one knows who you are, how long you have been designing or scrapping, and what your other accomplishments are that make you critique correct. I don't think ugly swatch and mishy mashy kit are going to teach anyone a whole lot. Plus, I'm really tired of hearing about ugly swatches. There are some very good swatch makers out there so I can't really think that someone is just pulling colors out of the sky. I would probably say that it's more like colors you don't like or wouldn't work with. I have to laugh that so many think your word is the Bible of Designing!!! Maybe if I really knew who you were I could take a more serious attitude of your critiques. I feel bad for the new designers who listen to this crap.
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I'm an established designer in a high-end store, and I listen to this crap. Because this "crap" isn't actually crap... it's usually pretty damn accurate. And we're not taking Simon's word as "The Bible" of digital design, you moron. A number of people have offered up reviews, and many of them have been different in certain areas... but the underlying theme of all of them is pretty similar and pretty damn accurate. I've been selling long enough to know what sells, and how, and why, and when. I'd have to say, from what I have read, that Simon and Piers and the gang do, too. If you don't agree w/ what they're saying, maybe you should look at your own designs/business/sales and decide if they're all where you want them to be. Not selling as much as you'd like? Chances are, one of the people on this blog who have been reviewing things could tell you a thing or two. If I had more time, I'd do it, too.
funky michelle is at TDC? sounds like FPD is getting ready to go belly up. haven't a lot of other designers left there recently? hmm wait, I just checked their site and their store collabs are all on clearance. smells like a store closing to me. --- actually no, it's not closing, michelle sold it.
actually no, it's not closing, michelle sold it. August 18, 2011 3:06 PM
She sold it to Connie Prince and Trixie Scraps so they could bring over Mye De Leon and all make the same things. Then they'll bring over their armies of CT members (probably at least 60 scrappers) and they'll rule the world.
There are so many blog trains now that a scrapper really doesn't have to buy anything anymore, just wait for the trains. And it's not just the DST one, there's a few more out there that have quite a few designers taking part.
What other digi kit blog trains are there besides the DST one?
"She sold it to Connie Prince and Trixie Scraps so they could bring over Mye De Leon and all make the same things. Then they'll bring over their armies of CT members (probably at least 60 scrappers) and they'll rule the world."
"wrong, someone internally will be taking over at FPD, michelle will still be there helping out."
"Trixie sells at FPD... so that is an internal take-over."
"Wrong but nice try. Not even close."
Ill try and copy and paste more carefully if you promise to keep up with the conversation.
To the DSA contestant that was disappointed in her scores, I just wanted to say, that this is the part of the contest that I hate most. It has to be done, and I hope at least that y'all are learning something and enjoying it. <3
I liked the way Ripple conducted her challenge much better. Everyone who entered received the prize for that round and everyone who finished all 6 rounds received the grand prizes. No one was scored and everyone learned something.
I liked the way Ripple conducted her challenge much better. Everyone who entered received the prize for that round and everyone who finished all 6 rounds received the grand prizes. No one was scored and everyone learned something. --- 1. I'm not trying to be a copy of Ripple. 2. They're all getting CU gifts each round.
I liked the way Ripple conducted her challenge much better. Everyone who entered received the prize for that round and everyone who finished all 6 rounds received the grand prizes. No one was scored and everyone learned something.
^^^ To be honest, it was public up front that there would be scoring - it would be public and it would be cumulative. While I know not everyone is happy with their scores, it's not like it was a surprise that there was scoring.
She sold it to Connie Prince and Trixie Scraps so they could bring over Mye De Leon and all make the same things. Then they'll bring over their armies of CT members (probably at least 60 scrappers) and they'll rule the world.
August 18, 2011 3:14 PM ^^^^ ROFLPIMP! That is a good one. Personally, I think that Michelle sold it to TrishH and she is going to require all of the FPD designers to use only her nasty palettes and do blog trains on a weekly basis.
If I were Trish, I don't know that I'd be able to see past the nasty things that had been said about me, and still try to take on some of the suggestions as well. --------
That nastiness thing said about Trish on this blog, until the washed up designer comment, was that she can't choose a color palette and she's unorganized. If those were the nastiness things said about me, I wouldn't be taking it personally. Some people are just way too sensitive. However, I have no clue what was said in the DCR. Maybe it got nasty in there.
To the DSA contestant that was disappointed in her scores, I just wanted to say, that this is the part of the contest that I hate most. It has to be done, and I hope at least that y'all are learning something and enjoying it. -----------
Thanks Sara. It wasn't a big deal, I was just having a bad day at the time and I honestly thought my papers would do better than they did. I knew there was judging and scoring, so it wasn't that.
I liked the way Ripple conducted her challenge much better. Everyone who entered received the prize for that round and everyone who finished all 6 rounds received the grand prizes. No one was scored and everyone learned something. --------
It was a different sort of contest, you can't compare the two. Sure, no on was scored in the other contest, but then, no one was offered a guest spot in a store either. DSA is about finding new talent while the other contest was more about finding out new things.
More than "where can I get free stuff", I find almost worse the "anyone has a Buy my store sale?" I mean designers' work is already undervalued, and then someone will ask to pay even LESS for a whole store? Ok, who would not jump if the offer is there, but to ASK for one? THAT is a mentality of "give me everything for peanuts". (and I find it even worse when a designer is asking for a Buy my CU store!)
More than "where can I get free stuff", I find almost worse the "anyone has a Buy my store sale?" I mean designers' work is already undervalued, and then someone will ask to pay even LESS for a whole store? -----------
That's a part of the industry. Don't like it, move on.
I'm so tired of the moaning and bitching about things that are part and parcel of the industry. Any designer that started within the last 5 years should know that. It's like taking a job stacking shelves and then complaining about all the heavy lifting.
More than "where can I get free stuff", I find almost worse the "anyone has a Buy my store sale?" I mean designers' work is already undervalued, and then someone will ask to pay even LESS for a whole store? Ok, who would not jump if the offer is there, but to ASK for one? THAT is a mentality of "give me everything for peanuts". (and I find it even worse when a designer is asking for a Buy my CU store!)
------------ You can probably buy Royanna's shit quality stuff for maybe $10.
Any ESTABLISHED and high quality producing designer has a Buy my store sale? I might not know everything that is going on, but I don't remember seeing THEM with such "desparate" sales (except if they retire).
No one knows who you are, how long you have been designing or scrapping, and what your other accomplishments are that make you critique correct. --------
To be honest, it was public up front that there would be scoring - it would be public and it would be cumulative. While I know not everyone is happy with their scores, it's not like it was a surprise that there was scoring.
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Agreed. I wouldn't go so far as to say I was unhappy with my score, but I was a little disappointed. Oh well, lesson learned, be big and bold, not subtle :)
Agreed. I wouldn't go so far as to say I was unhappy with my score, but I was a little disappointed. Oh well, lesson learned, be big and bold, not subtle :)
------- Remember that trends change, opinions change, styles change. Maybe, if you were "judged" last year, or if you were to be judged again next year on the same products, the rating would also change. Stick with your style, even if it does not please the judges. Take their comments and rating, and see if it is something that can be improved, or something that is just not THEIR style.
Honestly, you have to do this for yourself. If you liked what you made, if it was an artistic expression of your heart, then what others say shouldn't matter (as long as the quality is there).
SO's newsletter said that something big is coming from Samara. since she and Lita just launch an Art Journaling blog I would bet that Lita is going to SO and her and Samara are bringing art Journaling to SO.
Honestly, you have to do this for yourself. If you liked what you made, if it was an artistic expression of your heart, then what others say shouldn't matter (as long as the quality is there).
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I won't disagree with you. I'm pretty sure the quality is there, I'm pretty vigorous when it comes to making sure about strays, blurriness etc.
Personally, I blame the bi-monthly blog train idea for perpetuating the freebie "gimme more for less" mentality that plagues this industry. I wish the train would go away. It does little to bring scrappers to community sites. It just keeps the trolls fed. It's like hanging a free crack carrot over their heads every 2 months.
I'm not anti-freebie, but I am anti-freebie in this huge, regular fashion. We need to bring more people into the scrapping industry to SCRAP and share and BUY. Not to spend countless hour upon hour taking freebies and giving nothing in return.
===========================
I so agree with this. And to add to it, I have never seen any industry that needs to be entertained and spoon fed creativity as much as the scrapbooking industry does for so little return.
So Michelle (the Funky Bitch) is abandoning ship on FPD. I guess she isn't the business genius she wanted everyone to believe. I wonder who the fool is who payed money for the store?
I'm an established designer in a high-end store, and I listen to this crap. Because this "crap" isn't actually crap... it's usually pretty damn accurate. And we're not taking Simon's word as "The Bible" of digital design, you moron. A number of people have offered up reviews, and many of them have been different in certain areas... but the underlying theme of all of them is pretty similar and pretty damn accurate. I've been selling long enough to know what sells, and how, and why, and when. I'd have to say, from what I have read, that Simon and Piers and the gang do, too. If you don't agree w/ what they're saying, maybe you should look at your own designs/business/sales and decide if they're all where you want them to be. Not selling as much as you'd like? Chances are, one of the people on this blog who have been reviewing things could tell you a thing or two. If I had more time, I'd do it, too.
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Well sweetie so am I, in a high end store, and what my customers buy and what they tell me is all that matters to me. If I didn't have any customers or sales then maybe I'd think differently about it but I wouldn't take the word of someone I don't know. I'd go to someone who I respect for their honesty and who has been in the business for more then 5 minutes. I've never had a problem getting into a store and since I don't know who Simon or any of the other critics are why should I take their word. This is all done anon and so let it stay anon but if I was a fairly new designer I'd be seeking advice elsewhere.
Well sweetie so am I, in a high end store, and what my customers buy and what they tell me is all that matters to me. If I didn't have any customers or sales then maybe I'd think differently about it but I wouldn't take the word of someone I don't know. I'd go to someone who I respect for their honesty and who has been in the business for more then 5 minutes. I've never had a problem getting into a store and since I don't know who Simon or any of the other critics are why should I take their word. This is all done anon and so let it stay anon but if I was a fairly new designer I'd be seeking advice elsewhere.
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Very southern of you to call me sweetie when what you're really calling me is bitch, LOL.
Seriously, though. I agree with everything you just said EXCEPT you didn't mention whether you tend to agree w/ most of what's been said in the reviews or not. Yes, this is all anon, and can't be taken as the Bible for anyone who reads it, but does that mean it isn't accurate or doesn't have some merit? I think you're right, if you REALLY want to seek advice and get better, you find a real mentor. Yes yes and yes. But if multiple people on this blog are saying, "wow, person A's previews are a blurry, flat mess" and you're person A, don't you think you'd take that into consideration? Just because everyone's anon here doesn't mean they're not offering up solid points/advice/etc. Should it be a designer's ONLY resource? HELL NO. Nobody said that.
So answer this: do you, or do you not, agree w/ a majority of what's been said in the reviews? Curiosity has the better of me.
(p.s. notice how I am trying to have a conversation with you, without being all condescending and calling you sweetie?)
Sometimes I think it would just be better to close a store than sell it like ScrapArtist or LDD. I can't think of one store that has improved after changing ownership. They all go downhill IMO because no one has the same vision for it as the original owners. You could argue that ES did get better after Angie bought it from Jodee, but it ultimately closed in the end.
I think it's great of you self-righteous, "established" designers in "good" stores to come here and put down the reviews of people who have actually taken the time to give SOME kind of feedback to new designers. Other than the superficial "love this" BS people leave in comments.
Not a single one of you "established" designers are offering up mentorship, critiques, or ANYTHING to a new designer. If your advice is to come to one of you honest, been in the business longer than 5 mins, never had a problem getting into a store designers, then put up or shut up.
In fact, it's designers like you who don't even give new designers the courtesy of an email response. Simon may not be perfect and socially graceful, but she at least gave me the time of day and was honest about her feedback and it wasn't anything different than a non-anonymous store owner had already told me.
I'll take some good, solid, anonymous feedback any day over the self-important, I'm cool and you should be just like me BS swill put out there by you "established" designers.
I'm not a designer, just a scrapper, but I don't understand why a new designer should think that an established designer should be pleased to offer them help. If you think about it, you are their competition in this marketplace. Why would they participate in aiding their competition?
NEW designers are not competition to anyone. They are struggling to get known, get their stuff out there....and any advice or help is usually appreciated. Even once they get known just a little, IF they are good...they won't be direct competition to an established designer anywhere. People that 'make it' stand on their own merit.
I'm not a designer, just a scrapper, but I don't understand why a new designer should think that an established designer should be pleased to offer them help. If you think about it, you are their competition in this marketplace. Why would they participate in aiding their competition? August 19, 2011 11:05 AM
My response was to the "established" designers advice to "I'd go to someone who I respect for their honesty and who has been in the business for more then 5 minutes." If this is their advice, then they should make themselves available. As if any new designer really has access to an established designer's ear. Sorry, I'm not one of the chosen, ass-kissing elite that has faked her way onto one of your CT's.
And to the whole competition thing - 11:15 said it all.
So we've heard from 2 new designers, how about some established ones. Are new designers potential competition? Just because you're not yet known does not mean you are not competition in the same marketplace. You are selling, or attempting to sell, like products and services to the same buying public.
I do agree that if an established designer is saying that they want another established designer to critique their designs, they should be willing to do the same.
what two new designers? you got two opinions ABOUT new designers.
and re-read this:
NEW designers are not competition to anyone. They are struggling to get known, get their stuff out there....and any advice or help is usually appreciated. Even once they get known just a little, IF they are good...they won't be direct competition to an established designer anywhere. People that 'make it' stand on their own merit.
New designers are NOT competition - not in the way you are thinkings. To other newbies, perhaps. Once they have gained a little confidence and reputation - they can become more competitive, but as a designer - with their own style - they will stand on their own. Do you honestly think for one minute (and don't shoot me for using SBG as an example) - that Flergs and Lorie Davision at SBG are in competition with each other? that ANY of the designers at SBG are in competion with each other? NO. They stand on their own merit. Individuality is whats important here. Design Style. You can have competition between stores...but even then its all customer preference.
My response was to the "established" designers advice to "I'd go to someone who I respect for their honesty and who has been in the business for more then 5 minutes." If this is their advice, then they should make themselves available. As if any new designer really has access to an established designer's ear. Sorry, I'm not one of the chosen, ass-kissing elite that has faked her way onto one of your CT's.
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Just because one "established designer" came here and posted the above, doesn't mean that should represent all of us. I'm the one she was responding to, in fact... the first person who said "I'm established and in a top store" and I WAS defending the Simon and Piers and Randi critiques. So please don't get your panties in a wad over one person's rant/response. Mmmm kay?
So we've heard from 2 new designers, how about some established ones. Are new designers potential competition? Just because you're not yet known does not mean you are not competition in the same marketplace. You are selling, or attempting to sell, like products and services to the same buying public. ___________________
I'm a strange breed of new and established, if that makes sense. I started selling less than a year ago, but was selling in what many people here would call (and have called) one of the "top stores" within 3 months. I already have consistent and reliable sales, a group of repeat customers, and a good following in terms of social media and marketing.
To answer the question from my perspective, I think you certainly CAN be competition for established designers if you're new in the business, but you can't be new at designing. What I mean is this: if you're just learning your way around Photoshop, and have no idea how to make things, then no... you're not competition for anyone, for a long long while. But if you start out and already know a lot, and have a unique or distinguished style that can draw in a following, then yes you are competing for CUSTOMERS and SPENDING DOLLARS with the established designers. I think I did (and do) that. I also don't think many new designers pull that off, and I know I am really really lucky. That doesn't mean I am going to steal away another designer's fans or anything. Once a scrapper loves a designer's creations, that sorta endures no matter what. But when it comes to spending money, most scrappers have a limited amount they're going to spend, whether each week... each month... each NSD sale weekend... etc. And when someone new has something that intrigues people, it might mean that money is now being spent elsewhere.
I think this market is saturated, but I also know (from experience) that if you have a product people want, they'll buy it. Or pirate it. Groan. But that's another discussion.
So we've heard from 2 new designers, how about some established ones. Are new designers potential competition? Just because you're not yet known does not mean you are not competition in the same marketplace. You are selling, or attempting to sell, like products and services to the same buying public.
Of course new designers are competition. Not everyone out there is gung ho over extreme quality, etc. If a scrapper likes a kit and can scrap with it, they probably don't care if there is a slight jaggy item or two or not. They buy what they like. It's when designers buy other designers products that they are more in tune to the not so great quality and will make a point of it. The big thing is to not have like items as everyone else out there or that you use them in a very unique way. Scrappers want variety and I think they want that more then total quality.
I'm not a designer, just a scrapper, but I don't understand why a new designer should think that an established designer should be pleased to offer them help. If you think about it, you are their competition in this marketplace. Why would they participate in aiding their competition?
Because there are designers out there like myself that will help a new designer if they honestly want the help. I don't think a new designer is competition or even a not so new designer is in direct competition. I give out help because I'm secure in the fact that the ones I help really want to learn. I had help when I started out and if I hadn't had it I probably would have quit a long time ago. Not everyone in this industry is scared of their shadow or competition. I happen to be in one store where the designers there openly offer help and give and take. It's a really nice atmosphere to sell in.
Ditto this. You have to enjoy doing this, or you stop. Because it's not like you're making tons and tons of money. But if you love it and work with others who do, too, it makes it worthwhile. Sounds cheesey I know but oh well.
(p.s. notice how I am trying to have a conversation with you, without being all condescending and calling you sweetie?)
Sorry if sweetie offended but after reading all the BS here it tends drive me crazy because so much of it is just that BS.
I did happen to look at some of the kits and I don't think they are all that bad and if I was going to critique I would do it in more words then gross palette, just fugly and mishy mashy. Not everything in a kit has to match with everything else so mishy mashy to me means that the person doing the critique just honestly didn't like the stuff that was put in the kit. I don't look at stuff as to whether I like it or not because if you do then you can't give honest advice. Again I don't think that designers should be taking critiques off a smack blog because honestly designers have been run off just because a few decided to be the big bad bully. As we are reminded constantly this is a SMACK BLOG not a teaching site.
Can somebody in the know please help out Catscrap? They are sinking fast!
Their blog is a disaster and no information of worth is getting to the customer. Their mystery "extra 10%" off birthday sale plan, if it was a plan, has totally backfired. I missed the first couple days of the sale, then nearly the whole rest of it sale because I couldn't figure out what was on sale, EVERYTHING that was on sale, and got pissed because I didn't have enough time. Then the chat last night was pretty much empty if you don't count people who work there. Their contact us form hasn't worked in years, and now we find the blog train is a total disaster, announced too early, then re-announced before all the stops were up. Not that unusual, but over half the stops weren't up when I went through. And it was only QPs on a very odd Orange and Purple kit. What has happened to Catscrap???
So, you're saying that you don't think reviews should be dished out here because it might "run some designers off" because they're "being bullied"? You think a smack blog should operate otherwise? Hmm.
SERIOUSLY? A 5 year anniversary and the Catscrap blog hop has QPs?
I can understand the CT giving QPs, but the designers could have done something different. A mini would be nice.
(And I only went because someone said what was wrong with CS, I'm not a regular customer of theirs. So it's not like I'm ungrateful, etc -- maybe this is what's wrong with them).
Did anyone here participate in the design factor challenges? The CU "prizes" from NDISB are gross! Poor quality, and just plain crap!! delete delete delete. Now I know one more place not to shop.
To me, SBB isn't a "bad" store, but it's also not a "good" store (anymore, anyway). It's like Gotta Pixel, in my mind. A place where designers who have 45 different shops all set up residence, because it gets just enough traffic to make it worth while financially, but there's nothing really special there and you've seen it all before in 45 other shops. KWIM?
I have never seen any industry that needs to be entertained and spoon fed creativity as much as the scrapbooking industry does for so little return. ------
Again I don't think that designers should be taking critiques off a smack blog because honestly designers have been run off just because a few decided to be the big bad bully. ------
Really? Any designer that has been run off by anything said on this blog is better out of it any way. If they take to heart what a few people on here have said instead of checking what others may say, well, sucks boo to them. This industry, like any industry, is no place for whimps.
What about TDC? It has had, if my memory serves, four owners, including the current one. -------- I don't know the owner, what I have seen her post online, she seems to be nice and know what she is doing, but IMO the quality isn't there like it used to be. They seem to just be another blip on the digi map now, a lot of the same old, same old. Plus their turnover rate seems to be pretty high, so that leads me to think something must not be right. When I started digi they were one of the top shops, now they just seem to be another stepping stone store.
When I started digi they were one of the top shops, now they just seem to be another stepping stone store. --------- My thoughts exactly. Other than SO, where are they going?
Do you feel better now? For the love of pete, stop with the goddamn corrections because you are, once again, incorrect. It's also whimps. Geez, look these things up before being a smart ass because you just look like a dumb ass.
They seem to just be another blip on the digi map now, a lot of the same old, same old' -------
Well, see, I think they are all just blips on the digi map now. Nothing stands out for me. It's all the same old same old, which is probably a good thing for me because it means I'm not spending any money.
When I started digi they were one of the top shops, now they just seem to be another stepping stone store. --------- My thoughts exactly. Other than SO, where are they going?
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If they're really only going to SO, then I'd disagree that they're just one of the stepping stone stores. I'd revise: SO seems to be a place that can get designers to leave from just about anywhere, but everyone coming to SO is from SM, TDC, 9&B, etc. And the people leaving those stores are basically only going to SO. So I'd say they're all top-tier, but SO is the new hot thing that everyone thinks has greener grass.
I think what the OP was referring to (about TDC anyway) was related to what was said here a day or two ago about shops not doing well if they change owners. TDC might be one of the few places that has done very well after changing hands. Nicole seems to have done a great job with TDC, but most other owners who take over something that wasn't "theirs" to begin with aren't so lucky (or talented?). It's the exception, not the norm. I think that was the point anyway.
I liked the way Ripple conducted her challenge much better. Everyone who entered received the prize for that round and everyone who finished all 6 rounds received the grand prizes. No one was scored and everyone learned something.
________________
Ripple's contest was a feel good festival that gave noobs little information on how to improve. I doubt any of those designers actually improved or learned anything other than from the occasional tutorial that was posted by a host. (Which was probably already available on the web somewhere had you looked)
Maybe you just don't like that someone told you to improve on something
Ripple's contest was a feel good festival that gave noobs little information on how to improve. I doubt any of those designers actually improved or learned anything other than from the occasional tutorial that was posted by a host. (Which was probably already available on the web somewhere had you looked)
Maybe you just don't like that someone told you to improve on something.
_______________________________
What makes you assume anything about me? I didn't even enter the DSA contest - I didn't like the way it was set up for established designers. Who wants a guest position at scrap matters? Not me. And the prizes weren't anything I'd want either - but even if I did, not everyone would receive them.
Actually, a lot of people who participated in Ripple's challenge said they learned a lot. Where do you get off making such a stupid statement - do you have any facts to back it up? No.
"So what makes a 'top store' a top store? Why is SO so 'hot' and the place to be at the moment?"
"Because it is a fun place to 'hang out' and there is a little of something for everyone."
That'sfunny b/c this is the same thing I often hear about TDC (the something for everyone part). I'm just a scrapper, not a designer with an agenda or anything, but every time I stop by TDC the forums are fun and now that they've brought back challenges I actually go there again. I know they get slammed for having so many designers and an annoying menu, which don't even bother me, but to me I don't see the difference btwn TDC and SO, other than Digiscrapapalooza. Other than that, what's the difference?
So Michelle (the Funky Bitch) is abandoning ship on FPD. I guess she isn't the business genius she wanted everyone to believe. I wonder who the fool is who payed money for the store?
^^^ probably related to the same fool who spelled "paid" the way you just did...
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OK so I made a spelling error. Doesn't change my point - paying for a store that is obviously NOT successful is moronic.
I don't see the difference btwn TDC and SO, other than Digiscrapapalooza. Other than that, what's the difference?
^^^
I think that is the difference, actually. People love the chance to get together with the SO designers and site staff ... it creates a community around them that no online community can replace.
Personally I can find more I like at SO than at TDC. I also hate the menu at TDC which keeps me from browsing there for the most part. I don't participate in the forums at either or any forum really so I don't care how fun they are or aren't.
OK so I made a spelling error. Doesn't change my point - paying for a store that is obviously NOT successful is moronic. ---- Depends on how much they paid for it and how much the store actually makes.
Everyone says the learned so much but the proof is in the results. That or maybe DSA just got better designers to join their contest than Ripple did.
August 20, 2011 2:33 PM
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Flawed thinking IMO. Part of the reason the DSA contest results look better is because the challenges are easier there. For instance in Ripple's contest, there was a challenge where they had to use super badly done nasty CU products for a huge part of their submission. And the palettes they were given to color the elements with were hideous. It was next to impossible for a newbie designer (or even an experienced one) to have good results from that kind of challenge.
If someone quizzed me on who sells at TDC vs. SO, I'd be able to list more SO designers.
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Ironically someone around here is always asking "find any new to you designers lately?" and we all know it's fun to find someone new whose products you like, so who cares if you already know everyone at SO? Doesn't mean the designers at other stores (not just TDC) aren't good, or that you couldn't find a new gem or two here or there. I don't think being able to name designers at one store or another has anything to do with what place is better.
Is this a copyright violation? http://heartbeatzcreationz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_231&products_id=10588
^^^^
I can't tell, my eyes reuse to stay on that site long enough. Seriously, who thinks that those colors look good? Like Simon I can only think of one word: gross.
Is this a copyright violation? http://heartbeatzcreationz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_231&products_id=10588 ^^^^^^^^^^
gotta ask WHY you even look around there anyway - bunch of crap by crappy designers. I won't even bother to look at that product - because if its the ONLY copyright violation there I'd be surprized. and I don't want to hurt my eyes.
gotta ask WHY you even look around there anyway - bunch of crap by crappy designers. I won't even bother to look at that product - because if its the ONLY copyright violation there I'd be surprized. and I don't want to hurt my eyes.
---- Wasn't shopping there. I saw it on facebook on a digital scrapbooking group.
What does everyone think about this: http://scrapassistant.com ? Worth the price or not? It sounds interesting but I'm not sure I want to pour money into it. Opinions?
What does everyone think about this: http://scrapassistant.com ? Worth the price or not? It sounds interesting but I'm not sure I want to pour money into it. Opinions?
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I thought the price was kind of outrageous when I saw it. And do CT's really want another place to have to check?
What does everyone think about this: http://scrapassistant.com ? Worth the price or not? It sounds interesting but I'm not sure I want to pour money into it. Opinions?
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I thought the price was kind of outrageous when I saw it. And do CT's really want another place to have to check? August 20, 2011 6:53 PM
I thought it was expensive, too. As if you can't tell who is active on your CT and who isn't. How self-important do you have to be to have a real NEED for that product? Seriously.
SM and SBG are much easier to navigate than TDC, which gives it the appearance of being too congested and unappealing (to me at least). I have visited TDC on several occasions to check out certain products, and have gotten annoyed every time with the drop down lists, so I end up buying nothing. Not worth the hassle when there's plenty of other sites out there, carrying almost identical products, that are much more user-friendly.
I have a question: I admit I'm a coward but is there any good way to resign from a CT team without lying? I love the designer (she's creative and sweet) but her products are often sloppy and I have already notified her of flaws in previous kits so many times. (Flaws: jagged edge, wrong alignment, wrong shadowing, wrong bevel, strange crops, etc.) She thanked me every time and always said she'll make adjustments accordingly. But now it gets to the point where I think if I keep QCing, she'll feel I have something against her personally. Any suggestion? Have you been through something like this as a CTM or designer?
Thanks Simon for the part review of oscraps. I was intrigued by feifei designs & so checked her out , really liked her, she is new to ....keep them coming. My wallet might not agree....
I have a question: I admit I'm a coward but is there any good way to resign from a CT team without lying? I love the designer (she's creative and sweet) but her products are often sloppy and I have already notified her of flaws in previous kits so many times. (Flaws: jagged edge, wrong alignment, wrong shadowing, wrong bevel, strange crops, etc.) She thanked me every time and always said she'll make adjustments accordingly. But now it gets to the point where I think if I keep QCing, she'll feel I have something against her personally. Any suggestion? Have you been through something like this as a CTM or designer?
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It happened to me before and even if the designer didn't like it.. I told her the truth when I resigned.
I have a question: I admit I'm a coward but is there any good way to resign from a CT team without lying? I love the designer (she's creative and sweet) but her products are often sloppy and I have already notified her of flaws in previous kits so many times. (Flaws: jagged edge, wrong alignment, wrong shadowing, wrong bevel, strange crops, etc.) She thanked me every time and always said she'll make adjustments accordingly. But now it gets to the point where I think if I keep QCing, she'll feel I have something against her personally. Any suggestion? Have you been through something like this as a CTM or designer?
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First, Kudos on being honest instead of the usual fluff I see CT give their designers just so they can have the free stuff.
Second, either she's going to get her feelings or she's not regardless of what or how you tell her.
To me it sounds like she doesn't give a shit about what you think of her products anyway so I would tell her like it is and go.
If a designer can't take the time or doesn't know how to QC her own products, I'd leave. I'm on a CT to scrap, not QC someone's crappy stuff. I don't care how nice they are. I'd leave and I'd tell her why. That's your name out there endorsing her crappy products, too.
I'll have to agree with this one. It's not like SO customers are sitting around thinking "wow, if only designer XYZ were selling here so I could actually buy her products!". They can buy them. It's the internet, idiots.
The only, and I do mean ONLY, people who get excited when a designer changes stores are the CTM's at the new store, who will now get the designer's products for free. To everyone else, a designer changing stores is nothing but a hassle and an annoyance.
I'll have to agree with this one. It's not like SO customers are sitting around thinking "wow, if only designer XYZ were selling here so I could actually buy her products!". They can buy them. It's the internet, idiots.
I disagree. SO has that reward program so that customers earn discounts through purchases and challenges. If a designer you love moves to a store with a discount plan, you could save a good deal of cash. I don't have any idea if other stores have discount plans though. And no, I'm not on SO's team, just a customer.
^^^^^^^^ I should have said I don't know if other stores have plans where you earn discounts through purchases. I know lots of them let you earn discounts by participating in challenges.
I know that the new store Scrapping Fairytales does the rewards for purchases program (as well as additional rewards earned for doing challenges) all for spending in the store.
I know that the new store Scrapping Fairytales does the rewards for purchases program (as well as additional rewards earned for doing challenges) all for spending in the store.
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Go at DST to enable your store cause we don't really care here !!
The only, and I do mean ONLY, people who get excited when a designer changes stores are the CTM's at the new store, who will now get the designer's products for free. To everyone else, a designer changing stores is nothing but a hassle and an annoyance.
^^^
I don't know many that don't offer points discounts while shopping or coupons for challenges - but really? Moving stores causing headaches? They're likely moving to a better store - that also has challenges/coupons/discounts - in this case Litabells has only been out of retirement for a bit - her "following" should be happy she's moving somewhere with points + coupons
disagree. SO has that reward program so that customers earn discounts through purchases and challenges. If a designer you love moves to a store with a discount plan, you could save a good deal of cash. I don't have any idea if other stores have discount plans though. And no, I'm not on SO's team, just a customer. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I know that the new store Scrapping Fairytales does the rewards for purchases program (as well as additional rewards earned for doing challenges) all for spending in the store.
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Go at DST to enable your store cause we don't really care here !! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Damn! I was just adding information to the discussion because SO is not the ONLY store that offers rewards for purchases and the OP said they didn't know of any others. So - get the stick out of your ass and stop being a bitch.
Damn! I was just adding information to the discussion because SO is not the ONLY store that offers rewards for purchases and the OP said they didn't know of any others. So - get the stick out of your ass and stop being a bitch.
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Good god, I can't think of many stores that DON'T have some sort of incentive program for purchases and/or challenges. So to me, the "moving to a store w/ a better situation for customers" argument is a non-argument.
I agree that a designer moving stores is more often a hassle than not, because people (customers) usually don't want to have to check 100 different digi stores each week. They get hooked on a few, and comfortable hanging out at those few, and when a designer they like moves, it's a hassle to follow. Either the designer leaves and you don't follow her, or you DO follow but you have to re-register at new places, check new places, sign up for new newsletters, etc. Also, any products you have from those designers often have to be removed from your gallery (in LOs you did) and you can't use those products for challenges at that store anymore. HASSLE. IMO as a scrapper, anyway.
Yeah, it's a hassle, but no one is stating the obvious - Litabells has her stuff on a big discount at the old store. Smart customers from SO will head there, buy as much as they care to buy and use it to scrap at SO to earn points or prizes. It's usually a way better deal to order from the old store.
I'm the OP of the discount comment and I didn't make myself very clear (I tend to do that, which is why I don't post in forums very often). I was just replying to the idea that only CT members get excited about a new designer in a store. I think customers actually do get excited if it's a designer they like coming to a store where the customer already does a lot of shopping. That way discounts can be earned and used on more of their purchases, because more of their preferred designers are in the same store.
It IS snobby for the simple fact that they "think" they are the "best" because they "say" they are the best. LOL It's a matter of opinion........ definitely not mine though.
Yeah, what site would advertise... "come and join us. We have been in business for a few years and we don't really know why because so many other shops are better than us with better products and better designers. Well, if you are still interested in dragging your feet with our more-than-ordinary group of designers and CT Members, please apply here."
um, no. I think you just answered your own question w/ your first sentence.
August 22, 2011 6:06 AM --------------------------------- Ok because one anon person hasn't heard of a store, that says it all?Hardly. LOL There are people who haven't heard of SBG, DD, SO or any number of the 'top' stores out there.
DSP is the biggest digital scrapbook store on the internet and one of the longest standing.
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Do we have to keep reminding everyone here that this isn't a damn enabling thread? It's so obvious when someone from a store is the one talking about it. Go to DST and tout yourselves there, please.
I've also been in the industry for a while now, and haven't ever visited that site or shopped there. I just went and checked it out before posting. Most of it is pretty amateurish-looking, but I did find a few designers whose products I could see being sold at a top store. I liked Meryl Bartho's items, which are for those w/ a paper-scrapping style (like me). A lot of the rest of it is super digital looking and (IMO, due to my style preferences) pretty bad/ugly. I don't think it's the kind of place I would go back to. The storefront itself is horrible looking... looks like the cart software right out of the box, barely customized (or if it is, it's not done professionally). So the whole operation ends up looking amateurish. IMO, there's a reason that the SO's and SSD's and TDC's and SM's of the world are viewed as top shops and are taken seriously... it's not just the designers in them, but it's also the way the shop looks/feels when you visit it. I know there are a few other "top shops" I didn't mention, but those 4 are the ones that look the nicest/most professional (again, IMO). And this DSP place doesn't even come close. It "feels" more like a personal shop, from just how it looks.
Ok because one anon person hasn't heard of a store, that says it all?Hardly. LOL There are people who haven't heard of SBG, DD, SO or any number of the 'top' stores out there. ---------------
I hope DD does not mean Divine Digital. They're definitely not a "top" store unless you're measuring by the amount of drama surrounding its owner.
I agree, DSP needs a site overhaul, but the designers there are some of the best in the biz, you won't see many designers around creating flowers and ribbons from scratch because they can't because they only ever learnt to scan! Not everyone dislikes digital. I prefer it!
I've never heard of them before and I've been in the industry for 2 years.
August 22, 2011 7:14 AM ------------------------------- Oh and 2 years makes you a veteran! ROFL! DSP was started in early 2004 FYI. It also has a higher traffic ranking than most digital stores out there, so clearly because you have never heard of it, doesn't mean nobody has!
I've never heard of DSP or any of those designers listed either and I've been in the community since 2003. So I guess that makes 2 of us unimportant anon posters that haven't heard of them.
my 'problems' with DSP are that they are overpriced....4 bucks for 4 papers and elements is nuts, I don't care who is making it, all digital or not. AND can't stand R. Gough - who is probably the one who enabled DSP a few threads up. Snobby bitch, who thinks her way is the only way to scrap. I have watched her tear newbies apart for using CU - not telling them or leading them or pointing them in the right direction to learn how to do it that way (as if they would want to), but simply telling them what morons they are for even using CU in the first place.
Scrappity-Doo-Dah is not the worst looking shop out there. What is your hard-on for them anyway? Get turned down from their store?
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um, no. never applied, never would. I'm happily at home in another shop and don't plan on leaving.
also, please explain your 2nd sentence. just because I think their site design is awful, it means I have a hard-on for them? obviously you have NO idea what the term "hard-on" refers to, or how to use it properly. ROFLMAO.
and finally, yes... their site design is THAT bad. and it's been discussed on here before, recently, so I figured it would give everyone else a giggle to bring it up.
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
2,374 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 801 – 1000 of 2374 Newer› Newest»I can almost 100% guarantee you that Litabells isn't going to SO. I was told that she said to TDC that she had a "new opportunity" that she couldn't pass up, and it didn't sound like it was related to digi designing alone. Whatever it was, it required her to close her TDC shop. Guess I will have to PM my TDC snitch for more details, LOL.
As for TDC and FPD merging, HA HA HA HA! That's funny! Good one. It's not like there's any space over at TDC, they have like, what, 30 or 40 designers already?
funky michelle is at TDC? sounds like FPD is getting ready to go belly up. haven't a lot of other designers left there recently? hmm wait, I just checked their site and their store collabs are all on clearance. smells like a store closing to me.
Personally, I blame the bi-monthly blog train idea for perpetuating the freebie "gimme more for less" mentality that plagues this industry. I wish the train would go away. It does little to bring scrappers to community sites. It just keeps the trolls fed. It's like hanging a free crack carrot over their heads every 2 months.
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I'm kind of with you on this. There are so many blog trains now that a scrapper really doesn't have to buy anything anymore, just wait for the trains. And it's not just the DST one, there's a few more out there that have quite a few designers taking part.
It's sort of a tricky position - as a designer you want to get your items out there so people can see your work, but if when so many do that on such a regular basis no one needs to buy anything anymore.
Wow.
The whole Trish thing.
Personally, I blame the bi-monthly blog train idea for perpetuating the freebie "gimme more for less" mentality that plagues this industry. I wish the train would go away. It does little to bring scrappers to community sites. It just keeps the trolls fed. It's like hanging a free crack carrot over their heads every 2 months.
I'm not anti-freebie, but I am anti-freebie in this huge, regular fashion. We need to bring more people into the scrapping industry to SCRAP and share and BUY. Not to spend countless hour upon hour taking freebies and giving nothing in return.
Oh, and Trish. I'm well aware of the things said about Simon (and the other reviewers here) by your camp. If you want people to tell you things to your face, perhaps you should start practicing what you preach.
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Believe me not everyone thinks this is the big Black Plague. You have no proof and no numbers as to whether blog freebies get designers new customers or not. All I can say is that my sales go up when doing a blog train so that tells me right there your statement isn't accurate.
I'm not a camp follower either but I do think that you think a lot of yourself that you have deemed to be the critique critic of the moment. No one knows who you are, how long you have been designing or scrapping, and what your other accomplishments are that make you critique correct. I don't think ugly swatch and mishy mashy kit are going to teach anyone a whole lot. Plus, I'm really tired of hearing about ugly swatches. There are some very good swatch makers out there so I can't really think that someone is just pulling colors out of the sky. I would probably say that it's more like colors you don't like or wouldn't work with. I have to laugh that so many think your word is the Bible of Designing!!! Maybe if I really knew who you were I could take a more serious attitude of your critiques. I feel bad for the new designers who listen to this crap.
I'm not a camp follower either but I do think that you think a lot of yourself that you have deemed to be the critique critic of the moment. No one knows who you are, how long you have been designing or scrapping, and what your other accomplishments are that make you critique correct. I don't think ugly swatch and mishy mashy kit are going to teach anyone a whole lot. Plus, I'm really tired of hearing about ugly swatches. There are some very good swatch makers out there so I can't really think that someone is just pulling colors out of the sky. I would probably say that it's more like colors you don't like or wouldn't work with. I have to laugh that so many think your word is the Bible of Designing!!! Maybe if I really knew who you were I could take a more serious attitude of your critiques. I feel bad for the new designers who listen to this crap.
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I'm an established designer in a high-end store, and I listen to this crap. Because this "crap" isn't actually crap... it's usually pretty damn accurate. And we're not taking Simon's word as "The Bible" of digital design, you moron. A number of people have offered up reviews, and many of them have been different in certain areas... but the underlying theme of all of them is pretty similar and pretty damn accurate. I've been selling long enough to know what sells, and how, and why, and when. I'd have to say, from what I have read, that Simon and Piers and the gang do, too. If you don't agree w/ what they're saying, maybe you should look at your own designs/business/sales and decide if they're all where you want them to be. Not selling as much as you'd like? Chances are, one of the people on this blog who have been reviewing things could tell you a thing or two. If I had more time, I'd do it, too.
funky michelle is at TDC? sounds like FPD is getting ready to go belly up. haven't a lot of other designers left there recently? hmm wait, I just checked their site and their store collabs are all on clearance. smells like a store closing to me.
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actually no, it's not closing, michelle sold it.
actually no, it's not closing, michelle sold it.
August 18, 2011 3:06 PM
She sold it to Connie Prince and Trixie Scraps so they could bring over Mye De Leon and all make the same things. Then they'll bring over their armies of CT members (probably at least 60 scrappers) and they'll rule the world.
wrong, someone internally will be taking over at FPD, michelle will still be there helping out.
FPD site:
The Funky Playground Designs Store will be down for scheduled maintenance on August 31, 2011. Customer Service will also be closed.
They are also having a collab closeout. Closing or change of ownership.
"Anonymous said...
wrong, someone internally will be taking over at FPD, michelle will still be there helping out.
August 18, 2011 3:18 PM "
Trixie sells at FPD... so that is an internal take-over.
Michelle has been friends for years with Nicole, so her going back to the Digichick is not a surprise.
It is a change of management/ownership. They are not closing although it seems like they've been slowly sinking for awhile.
I can almost 100% guarantee you that Litabells isn't going to SO.
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and i can almost 100% guarantee you that you are wrong
I can almost 100% guarantee that cheese is fucking delicious.
^^^
It's true.
I can almost 100% guarantee that cheese is fucking delicious.
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LMAO. Thanks.
I can almost 100% guarantee that cheese is fucking delicious.
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I dunno, I like most cheese, but some is pretty gross.
Trixie sells at FPD... so that is an internal take-over.
August 18, 2011 3:37 PM
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Wrong but nice try. Not even close.
I can almost 100% guarantee that cheese is fucking delicious.
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lol enough that i wish i was not lactose intolerant
@4:50
http://www.funkyplaygrounddesigns.com/store/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=104
That looks like she sells @Funky Playground to me
There are so many blog trains now that a scrapper really doesn't have to buy anything anymore, just wait for the trains. And it's not just the DST one, there's a few more out there that have quite a few designers taking part.
What other digi kit blog trains are there besides the DST one?
http://www.funkyplaygrounddesigns.com/store/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=104
That looks like she sells @Funky Playground to me
August 18, 2011 4:59 PM
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Never said she didnt. She isnt the new owner of FPD is what I was referring too.
Never said she didnt. She isnt the new owner of FPD is what I was referring too.
August 18, 2011 5:38 PM
Then just say so instead of copy and pasting the part about her selling there. Geesh.
Oh, for fucks sake. Let me spell it out for you.
"She sold it to Connie Prince and Trixie Scraps so they could bring over Mye De Leon and all make the same things. Then they'll bring over their armies of CT members (probably at least 60 scrappers) and they'll rule the world."
"wrong, someone internally will be taking over at FPD, michelle will still be there helping out."
"Trixie sells at FPD... so that is an internal take-over."
"Wrong but nice try. Not even close."
Ill try and copy and paste more carefully if you promise to keep up with the conversation.
Geesh.
well - who is it then? JenC?
nothing newsworthy ^^^, I just couldn't spell.
To the DSA contestant that was disappointed in her scores, I just wanted to say, that this is the part of the contest that I hate most. It has to be done, and I hope at least that y'all are learning something and enjoying it. <3
I liked the way Ripple conducted her challenge much better. Everyone who entered received the prize for that round and everyone who finished all 6 rounds received the grand prizes. No one was scored and everyone learned something.
To the person who asked about other blog trains ..... this site has started running one.
http://www.digiscrapforum.com/forumdisplay.php?s=7d3051e6eaf3c25444cc784eca9615d4&f=44
I liked the way Ripple conducted her challenge much better. Everyone who entered received the prize for that round and everyone who finished all 6 rounds received the grand prizes. No one was scored and everyone learned something.
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1. I'm not trying to be a copy of Ripple. 2. They're all getting CU gifts each round.
To the person who asked about other blog trains ..... this site has started running one.
http://www.digiscrapforum.com/forumdisplay.php?s=7d3051e6eaf3c25444cc784eca9615d4&f=44
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But look at the designers who are participating. Gross.
I liked the way Ripple conducted her challenge much better. Everyone who entered received the prize for that round and everyone who finished all 6 rounds received the grand prizes. No one was scored and everyone learned something.
^^^
To be honest, it was public up front that there would be scoring - it would be public and it would be cumulative. While I know not everyone is happy with their scores, it's not like it was a surprise that there was scoring.
She sold it to Connie Prince and Trixie Scraps so they could bring over Mye De Leon and all make the same things. Then they'll bring over their armies of CT members (probably at least 60 scrappers) and they'll rule the world.
August 18, 2011 3:14 PM
^^^^
ROFLPIMP! That is a good one.
Personally, I think that Michelle sold it to TrishH and she is going to require all of the FPD designers to use only her nasty palettes and do blog trains on a weekly basis.
But look at the designers who are participating. Gross.
____________________________
That was an incredibly immature and mean spirted thing to say.
^^^
Well, at least she spelled it right.
That was an incredibly immature and mean spirted thing to say.
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But it's true.
If I were Trish, I don't know that I'd be able to see past the nasty things that had been said about me, and still try to take on some of the suggestions as well.
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That nastiness thing said about Trish on this blog, until the washed up designer comment, was that she can't choose a color palette and she's unorganized. If those were the nastiness things said about me, I wouldn't be taking it personally. Some people are just way too sensitive. However, I have no clue what was said in the DCR. Maybe it got nasty in there.
Personally, I blame the bi-monthly blog train idea for perpetuating the freebie "gimme more for less" mentality that plagues this industry.
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really? That mentality was around way before the blog train was even the grain of an idea.
To the DSA contestant that was disappointed in her scores, I just wanted to say, that this is the part of the contest that I hate most. It has to be done, and I hope at least that y'all are learning something and enjoying it.
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Thanks Sara. It wasn't a big deal, I was just having a bad day at the time and I honestly thought my papers would do better than they did. I knew there was judging and scoring, so it wasn't that.
I liked the way Ripple conducted her challenge much better. Everyone who entered received the prize for that round and everyone who finished all 6 rounds received the grand prizes. No one was scored and everyone learned something.
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It was a different sort of contest, you can't compare the two. Sure, no on was scored in the other contest, but then, no one was offered a guest spot in a store either. DSA is about finding new talent while the other contest was more about finding out new things.
To the person who asked about other blog trains ..... this site has started running one.
http://www.digiscrapforum.com/forumdisplay.php?s=7d3051e6eaf3c25444cc784eca9615d4
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Invalid link?
More than "where can I get free stuff", I find almost worse the "anyone has a Buy my store sale?" I mean designers' work is already undervalued, and then someone will ask to pay even LESS for a whole store? Ok, who would not jump if the offer is there, but to ASK for one? THAT is a mentality of "give me everything for peanuts". (and I find it even worse when a designer is asking for a Buy my CU store!)
But look at the designers who are participating. Gross.
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They aren't all gross.
To the person who asked about other blog trains ..... this site has started running one.
http://www.digiscrapforum.com/forumdisplay.php?s=7d3051e6eaf3c25444cc784eca9615d4
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Invalid link?
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some of that link is missing in the c&p, try this
http://www.digiscrapforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=44
More than "where can I get free stuff", I find almost worse the "anyone has a Buy my store sale?" I mean designers' work is already undervalued, and then someone will ask to pay even LESS for a whole store?
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That's a part of the industry. Don't like it, move on.
I'm so tired of the moaning and bitching about things that are part and parcel of the industry. Any designer that started within the last 5 years should know that. It's like taking a job stacking shelves and then complaining about all the heavy lifting.
some of that link is missing in the c&p, try this
http://www.digiscrapforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=44
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Thanks, I found it.
More than "where can I get free stuff", I find almost worse the "anyone has a Buy my store sale?" I mean designers' work is already undervalued, and then someone will ask to pay even LESS for a whole store? Ok, who would not jump if the offer is there, but to ASK for one? THAT is a mentality of "give me everything for peanuts". (and I find it even worse when a designer is asking for a Buy my CU store!)
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You can probably buy Royanna's shit quality stuff for maybe $10.
Or is she waiting for another crisis?
Any ESTABLISHED and high quality producing designer has a Buy my store sale? I might not know everything that is going on, but I don't remember seeing THEM with such "desparate" sales (except if they retire).
No one knows who you are, how long you have been designing or scrapping, and what your other accomplishments are that make you critique correct.
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there's correct critique?
To be honest, it was public up front that there would be scoring - it would be public and it would be cumulative. While I know not everyone is happy with their scores, it's not like it was a surprise that there was scoring.
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Agreed. I wouldn't go so far as to say I was unhappy with my score, but I was a little disappointed. Oh well, lesson learned, be big and bold, not subtle :)
Agreed. I wouldn't go so far as to say I was unhappy with my score, but I was a little disappointed. Oh well, lesson learned, be big and bold, not subtle :)
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Remember that trends change, opinions change, styles change. Maybe, if you were "judged" last year, or if you were to be judged again next year on the same products, the rating would also change. Stick with your style, even if it does not please the judges. Take their comments and rating, and see if it is something that can be improved, or something that is just not THEIR style.
^^^^^
Honestly, you have to do this for yourself. If you liked what you made, if it was an artistic expression of your heart, then what others say shouldn't matter (as long as the quality is there).
SO's newsletter said that something big is coming from Samara. since she and Lita just launch an Art Journaling blog I would bet that Lita is going to SO and her and Samara are bringing art Journaling to SO.
^^^^
Wow, art journaling, what a novel idea. *intense sarcasm*
Honestly, you have to do this for yourself. If you liked what you made, if it was an artistic expression of your heart, then what others say shouldn't matter (as long as the quality is there).
_______________
I won't disagree with you. I'm pretty sure the quality is there, I'm pretty vigorous when it comes to making sure about strays, blurriness etc.
Simon said...
Wow.
The whole Trish thing.
Personally, I blame the bi-monthly blog train idea for perpetuating the freebie "gimme more for less" mentality that plagues this industry. I wish the train would go away. It does little to bring scrappers to community sites. It just keeps the trolls fed. It's like hanging a free crack carrot over their heads every 2 months.
I'm not anti-freebie, but I am anti-freebie in this huge, regular fashion. We need to bring more people into the scrapping industry to SCRAP and share and BUY. Not to spend countless hour upon hour taking freebies and giving nothing in return.
===========================
I so agree with this. And to add to it, I have never seen any industry that needs to be entertained and spoon fed creativity as much as the scrapbooking industry does for so little return.
So Michelle (the Funky Bitch) is abandoning ship on FPD. I guess she isn't the business genius she wanted everyone to believe. I wonder who the fool is who payed money for the store?
^^^
probably related to the same fool who spelled "paid" the way you just did...
Cindy is buying FPD
Fruit Loop Sally is retiring again. Wonder how long before she'll be back?
I'm an established designer in a high-end store, and I listen to this crap. Because this "crap" isn't actually crap... it's usually pretty damn accurate. And we're not taking Simon's word as "The Bible" of digital design, you moron. A number of people have offered up reviews, and many of them have been different in certain areas... but the underlying theme of all of them is pretty similar and pretty damn accurate. I've been selling long enough to know what sells, and how, and why, and when. I'd have to say, from what I have read, that Simon and Piers and the gang do, too. If you don't agree w/ what they're saying, maybe you should look at your own designs/business/sales and decide if they're all where you want them to be. Not selling as much as you'd like? Chances are, one of the people on this blog who have been reviewing things could tell you a thing or two. If I had more time, I'd do it, too.
---------------------------
Well sweetie so am I, in a high end store, and what my customers buy and what they tell me is all that matters to me. If I didn't have any customers or sales then maybe I'd think differently about it but I wouldn't take the word of someone I don't know. I'd go to someone who I respect for their honesty and who has been in the business for more then 5 minutes. I've never had a problem getting into a store and since I don't know who Simon or any of the other critics are why should I take their word. This is all done anon and so let it stay anon but if I was a fairly new designer I'd be seeking advice elsewhere.
Well sweetie so am I, in a high end store, and what my customers buy and what they tell me is all that matters to me. If I didn't have any customers or sales then maybe I'd think differently about it but I wouldn't take the word of someone I don't know. I'd go to someone who I respect for their honesty and who has been in the business for more then 5 minutes. I've never had a problem getting into a store and since I don't know who Simon or any of the other critics are why should I take their word. This is all done anon and so let it stay anon but if I was a fairly new designer I'd be seeking advice elsewhere.
----------------
Very southern of you to call me sweetie when what you're really calling me is bitch, LOL.
Seriously, though. I agree with everything you just said EXCEPT you didn't mention whether you tend to agree w/ most of what's been said in the reviews or not. Yes, this is all anon, and can't be taken as the Bible for anyone who reads it, but does that mean it isn't accurate or doesn't have some merit? I think you're right, if you REALLY want to seek advice and get better, you find a real mentor. Yes yes and yes. But if multiple people on this blog are saying, "wow, person A's previews are a blurry, flat mess" and you're person A, don't you think you'd take that into consideration? Just because everyone's anon here doesn't mean they're not offering up solid points/advice/etc. Should it be a designer's ONLY resource? HELL NO. Nobody said that.
So answer this: do you, or do you not, agree w/ a majority of what's been said in the reviews? Curiosity has the better of me.
(p.s. notice how I am trying to have a conversation with you, without being all condescending and calling you sweetie?)
August 19, 2011 6:18 AM
Anonymous said...
Cindy is buying FPD
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
which one is Cindy (design name)? I have no idea...LOL
She's not a designer. Scribler is her name.
ah, OK. someone had said the sale was to someone within the store...my fault for assuming it was a designer.
Sometimes I think it would just be better to close a store than sell it like ScrapArtist or LDD. I can't think of one store that has improved after changing ownership. They all go downhill IMO because no one has the same vision for it as the original owners. You could argue that ES did get better after Angie bought it from Jodee, but it ultimately closed in the end.
Well it seems that there are a few designers at FPD leaving... Amanda and Siamese Studio.
And I agree that stores changing owners don't last long.
'Cause you can never have enough new designers using CU (free, please)
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=285044
really? That mentality was around way before the blog train was even the grain of an idea.
August 18, 2011 8:46 PM
Hence the word "perpetuating".
Who the heck is Cindy Scribler. It was said like we should just KNOW her. And know her by first name only.
I think it's great of you self-righteous, "established" designers in "good" stores to come here and put down the reviews of people who have actually taken the time to give SOME kind of feedback to new designers. Other than the superficial "love this" BS people leave in comments.
Not a single one of you "established" designers are offering up mentorship, critiques, or ANYTHING to a new designer. If your advice is to come to one of you honest, been in the business longer than 5 mins, never had a problem getting into a store designers, then put up or shut up.
In fact, it's designers like you who don't even give new designers the courtesy of an email response. Simon may not be perfect and socially graceful, but she at least gave me the time of day and was honest about her feedback and it wasn't anything different than a non-anonymous store owner had already told me.
I'll take some good, solid, anonymous feedback any day over the self-important, I'm cool and you should be just like me BS swill put out there by you "established" designers.
I'm not a designer, just a scrapper, but I don't understand why a new designer should think that an established designer should be pleased to offer them help. If you think about it, you are their competition in this marketplace. Why would they participate in aiding their competition?
NEW designers are not competition to anyone. They are struggling to get known, get their stuff out there....and any advice or help is usually appreciated. Even once they get known just a little, IF they are good...they won't be direct competition to an established designer anywhere. People that 'make it' stand on their own merit.
I'm not a designer, just a scrapper, but I don't understand why a new designer should think that an established designer should be pleased to offer them help. If you think about it, you are their competition in this marketplace. Why would they participate in aiding their competition?
August 19, 2011 11:05 AM
My response was to the "established" designers advice to "I'd go to someone who I respect for their honesty and who has been in the business for more then 5 minutes." If this is their advice, then they should make themselves available. As if any new designer really has access to an established designer's ear. Sorry, I'm not one of the chosen, ass-kissing elite that has faked her way onto one of your CT's.
And to the whole competition thing - 11:15 said it all.
So we've heard from 2 new designers, how about some established ones. Are new designers potential competition? Just because you're not yet known does not mean you are not competition in the same marketplace. You are selling, or attempting to sell, like products and services to the same buying public.
I do agree that if an established designer is saying that they want another established designer to critique their designs, they should be willing to do the same.
^^^^^^^^^^
what two new designers? you got two opinions ABOUT new designers.
and re-read this:
NEW designers are not competition to anyone. They are struggling to get known, get their stuff out there....and any advice or help is usually appreciated. Even once they get known just a little, IF they are good...they won't be direct competition to an established designer anywhere. People that 'make it' stand on their own merit.
New designers are NOT competition - not in the way you are thinkings. To other newbies, perhaps. Once they have gained a little confidence and reputation - they can become more competitive, but as a designer - with their own style - they will stand on their own. Do you honestly think for one minute (and don't shoot me for using SBG as an example) - that Flergs and Lorie Davision at SBG are in competition with each other? that ANY of the designers at SBG are in competion with each other? NO. They stand on their own merit. Individuality is whats important here. Design Style. You can have competition between stores...but even then its all customer preference.
My response was to the "established" designers advice to "I'd go to someone who I respect for their honesty and who has been in the business for more then 5 minutes." If this is their advice, then they should make themselves available. As if any new designer really has access to an established designer's ear. Sorry, I'm not one of the chosen, ass-kissing elite that has faked her way onto one of your CT's.
-----------------
Just because one "established designer" came here and posted the above, doesn't mean that should represent all of us. I'm the one she was responding to, in fact... the first person who said "I'm established and in a top store" and I WAS defending the Simon and Piers and Randi critiques. So please don't get your panties in a wad over one person's rant/response. Mmmm kay?
So we've heard from 2 new designers, how about some established ones. Are new designers potential competition? Just because you're not yet known does not mean you are not competition in the same marketplace. You are selling, or attempting to sell, like products and services to the same buying public.
___________________
I'm a strange breed of new and established, if that makes sense. I started selling less than a year ago, but was selling in what many people here would call (and have called) one of the "top stores" within 3 months. I already have consistent and reliable sales, a group of repeat customers, and a good following in terms of social media and marketing.
To answer the question from my perspective, I think you certainly CAN be competition for established designers if you're new in the business, but you can't be new at designing. What I mean is this: if you're just learning your way around Photoshop, and have no idea how to make things, then no... you're not competition for anyone, for a long long while. But if you start out and already know a lot, and have a unique or distinguished style that can draw in a following, then yes you are competing for CUSTOMERS and SPENDING DOLLARS with the established designers. I think I did (and do) that. I also don't think many new designers pull that off, and I know I am really really lucky. That doesn't mean I am going to steal away another designer's fans or anything. Once a scrapper loves a designer's creations, that sorta endures no matter what. But when it comes to spending money, most scrappers have a limited amount they're going to spend, whether each week... each month... each NSD sale weekend... etc. And when someone new has something that intrigues people, it might mean that money is now being spent elsewhere.
I think this market is saturated, but I also know (from experience) that if you have a product people want, they'll buy it. Or pirate it. Groan. But that's another discussion.
^^^^^
trying to think of who fits that criteria....and who you are.
FPD definitely will not last long if Scribler is taking over. She is sweet and is good at running a CT but I do not think she has any business sense.
^^^^^
trying to think of who fits that criteria....and who you are.
__________________
Does it matter? Is her point valid, or not?
it's not like she said anything controversial that would make for an exciting "outing" even if you figured it out. yawn.
Maybe Sahlin or Chelle.
Maybe Sahlin or Chelle.
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Idiot. Both Sahlin and Chelle have been selling for more than a year.
I'm an idiot because I don't stalk as well as you do. Silly me.
So we've heard from 2 new designers, how about some established ones. Are new designers potential competition? Just because you're not yet known does not mean you are not competition in the same marketplace. You are selling, or attempting to sell, like products and services to the same buying public.
Of course new designers are competition. Not everyone out there is gung ho over extreme quality, etc. If a scrapper likes a kit and can scrap with it, they probably don't care if there is a slight jaggy item or two or not. They buy what they like. It's when designers buy other designers products that they are more in tune to the not so great quality and will make a point of it. The big thing is to not have like items as everyone else out there or that you use them in a very unique way. Scrappers want variety and I think they want that more then total quality.
I'm not a designer, just a scrapper, but I don't understand why a new designer should think that an established designer should be pleased to offer them help. If you think about it, you are their competition in this marketplace. Why would they participate in aiding their competition?
Because there are designers out there like myself that will help a new designer if they honestly want the help. I don't think a new designer is competition or even a not so new designer is in direct competition. I give out help because I'm secure in the fact that the ones I help really want to learn. I had help when I started out and if I hadn't had it I probably would have quit a long time ago. Not everyone in this industry is scared of their shadow or competition. I happen to be in one store where the designers there openly offer help and give and take. It's a really nice atmosphere to sell in.
^^^
Ditto this. You have to enjoy doing this, or you stop. Because it's not like you're making tons and tons of money. But if you love it and work with others who do, too, it makes it worthwhile. Sounds cheesey I know but oh well.
(p.s. notice how I am trying to have a conversation with you, without being all condescending and calling you sweetie?)
Sorry if sweetie offended but after reading all the BS here it tends drive me crazy because so much of it is just that BS.
I did happen to look at some of the kits and I don't think they are all that bad and if I was going to critique I would do it in more words then gross palette, just fugly and mishy mashy. Not everything in a kit has to match with everything else so mishy mashy to me means that the person doing the critique just honestly didn't like the stuff that was put in the kit. I don't look at stuff as to whether I like it or not because if you do then you can't give honest advice. Again I don't think that designers should be taking critiques off a smack blog because honestly designers have been run off just because a few decided to be the big bad bully. As we are reminded constantly this is a SMACK BLOG not a teaching site.
Can somebody in the know please help out Catscrap? They are sinking fast!
Their blog is a disaster and no information of worth is getting to the customer. Their mystery "extra 10%" off birthday sale plan, if it was a plan, has totally backfired. I missed the first couple days of the sale, then nearly the whole rest of it sale because I couldn't figure out what was on sale, EVERYTHING that was on sale, and got pissed because I didn't have enough time. Then the chat last night was pretty much empty if you don't count people who work there. Their contact us form hasn't worked in years, and now we find the blog train is a total disaster, announced too early, then re-announced before all the stops were up. Not that unusual, but over half the stops weren't up when I went through. And it was only QPs on a very odd Orange and Purple kit. What has happened to Catscrap???
So, you're saying that you don't think reviews should be dished out here because it might "run some designers off" because they're "being bullied"? You think a smack blog should operate otherwise? Hmm.
Because there are designers out there like myself that will help a new designer if they honestly want the help.
--------------------------
Excellent! Where do we email you then, because I'm extremely interested in working with some of my friendly, knowledgeable, helpful fellow designers.
SERIOUSLY? A 5 year anniversary and the Catscrap blog hop has QPs?
I can understand the CT giving QPs, but the designers could have done something different. A mini would be nice.
(And I only went because someone said what was wrong with CS, I'm not a regular customer of theirs. So it's not like I'm ungrateful, etc -- maybe this is what's wrong with them).
I hope these reviews "run off" a bunch of "designers." Most of them have no business calling themselves that anyway.
It's called weeding out the herd.
You weed a garden. You cull or thin a herd.
And yes, the "designing" herd needs to be thinned.
Will anyone be doing a reveiw on Scrappityy-doo-dah? Yes i am a Designer there.
Scrappity-Poo-Dah: gross. Newbie designers with little to no skill. Next.
Scrappity-Poo-Dah: gross. Newbie designers with little to no skill. Next.
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Well they actually have some very good designers.. Inspired by Dominic designs being the best But I agree that some are annoying.
Inspired by Dominic? Are you kidding? Maybe her CU is good but if she had any skill as a kit designer, she would be in a better store.
She is at SBB too.. unless I am wrong that is a good store right ?
Did anyone here participate in the design factor challenges? The CU "prizes" from NDISB are gross! Poor quality, and just plain crap!! delete delete delete. Now I know one more place not to shop.
To me, SBB isn't a "bad" store, but it's also not a "good" store (anymore, anyway). It's like Gotta Pixel, in my mind. A place where designers who have 45 different shops all set up residence, because it gets just enough traffic to make it worth while financially, but there's nothing really special there and you've seen it all before in 45 other shops. KWIM?
I think Inspired by Dominic Designs is a great designer.
I have never seen any industry that needs to be entertained and spoon fed creativity as much as the scrapbooking industry does for so little return.
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Really? I have.
They all go downhill IMO because no one has the same vision for it as the original owners.
-----
What about TDC? It has had, if my memory serves, four owners, including the current one.
Again I don't think that designers should be taking critiques off a smack blog because honestly designers have been run off just because a few decided to be the big bad bully.
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Really? Any designer that has been run off by anything said on this blog is better out of it any way. If they take to heart what a few people on here have said instead of checking what others may say, well, sucks boo to them. This industry, like any industry, is no place for whimps.
^^
*wimps
What about TDC? It has had, if my memory serves, four owners, including the current one.
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I don't know the owner, what I have seen her post online, she seems to be nice and know what she is doing, but IMO the quality isn't there like it used to be. They seem to just be another blip on the digi map now, a lot of the same old, same old. Plus their turnover rate seems to be pretty high, so that leads me to think something must not be right. When I started digi they were one of the top shops, now they just seem to be another stepping stone store.
When I started digi they were one of the top shops, now they just seem to be another stepping stone store.
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My thoughts exactly. Other than SO, where are they going?
I think Inspired by Dominic Designs is a great designer.
August 19, 2011 8:58 PM
_____________
http://www.scrappity-doo-dah.com/store/product.php?productid=7535&cat=0&page=1
Um, okay.
^^
*wimps
August 19, 2011 9:38 PM
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Do you feel better now? For the love of pete, stop with the goddamn corrections because you are, once again, incorrect. It's also whimps. Geez, look these things up before being a smart ass because you just look like a dumb ass.
They seem to just be another blip on the digi map now, a lot of the same old, same old'
-------
Well, see, I think they are all just blips on the digi map now. Nothing stands out for me. It's all the same old same old, which is probably a good thing for me because it means I'm not spending any money.
When I started digi they were one of the top shops, now they just seem to be another stepping stone store.
---------
My thoughts exactly. Other than SO, where are they going?
______________
If they're really only going to SO, then I'd disagree that they're just one of the stepping stone stores. I'd revise: SO seems to be a place that can get designers to leave from just about anywhere, but everyone coming to SO is from SM, TDC, 9&B, etc. And the people leaving those stores are basically only going to SO. So I'd say they're all top-tier, but SO is the new hot thing that everyone thinks has greener grass.
I think what the OP was referring to (about TDC anyway) was related to what was said here a day or two ago about shops not doing well if they change owners. TDC might be one of the few places that has done very well after changing hands. Nicole seems to have done a great job with TDC, but most other owners who take over something that wasn't "theirs" to begin with aren't so lucky (or talented?). It's the exception, not the norm. I think that was the point anyway.
So what makes a 'top store' a top store? Why is SO so 'hot' and the place to be at the moment?
Because it is a fun place to 'hang out' and there is a little of something for everyone.
I can understand designers accepting positions because the owners seem pretty business minded.
I liked the way Ripple conducted her challenge much better. Everyone who entered received the prize for that round and everyone who finished all 6 rounds received the grand prizes. No one was scored and everyone learned something.
________________
Ripple's contest was a feel good festival that gave noobs little information on how to improve. I doubt any of those designers actually improved or learned anything other than from the occasional tutorial that was posted by a host. (Which was probably already available on the web somewhere had you looked)
Maybe you just don't like that someone told you to improve on something
Ripple's contest was a feel good festival that gave noobs little information on how to improve. I doubt any of those designers actually improved or learned anything other than from the occasional tutorial that was posted by a host. (Which was probably already available on the web somewhere had you looked)
Maybe you just don't like that someone told you to improve on something.
_______________________________
What makes you assume anything about me? I didn't even enter the DSA contest - I didn't like the way it was set up for established designers. Who wants a guest position at scrap matters? Not me. And the prizes weren't anything I'd want either - but even if I did, not everyone would receive them.
Actually, a lot of people who participated in Ripple's challenge said they learned a lot. Where do you get off making such a stupid statement - do you have any facts to back it up? No.
"So what makes a 'top store' a top store? Why is SO so 'hot' and the place to be at the moment?"
"Because it is a fun place to 'hang out' and there is a little of something for everyone."
That'sfunny b/c this is the same thing I often hear about TDC (the something for everyone part). I'm just a scrapper, not a designer with an agenda or anything, but every time I stop by TDC the forums are fun and now that they've brought back challenges I actually go there again. I know they get slammed for having so many designers and an annoying menu, which don't even bother me, but to me I don't see the difference btwn TDC and SO, other than Digiscrapapalooza. Other than that, what's the difference?
So Michelle (the Funky Bitch) is abandoning ship on FPD. I guess she isn't the business genius she wanted everyone to believe. I wonder who the fool is who payed money for the store?
^^^
probably related to the same fool who spelled "paid" the way you just did...
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OK so I made a spelling error. Doesn't change my point - paying for a store that is obviously NOT successful is moronic.
I don't see the difference btwn TDC and SO, other than Digiscrapapalooza. Other than that, what's the difference?
^^^
I think that is the difference, actually. People love the chance to get together with the SO designers and site staff ... it creates a community around them that no online community can replace.
Personally I can find more I like at SO than at TDC.
I also hate the menu at TDC which keeps me from browsing there for the most part.
I don't participate in the forums at either or any forum really so I don't care how fun they are or aren't.
OK so I made a spelling error. Doesn't change my point - paying for a store that is obviously NOT successful is moronic.
----
Depends on how much they paid for it and how much the store actually makes.
Everyone says the learned so much but the proof is in the results. That or maybe DSA just got better designers to join their contest than Ripple did.
Everyone says the learned so much but the proof is in the results. That or maybe DSA just got better designers to join their contest than Ripple did.
August 20, 2011 2:33 PM
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Flawed thinking IMO. Part of the reason the DSA contest results look better is because the challenges are easier there. For instance in Ripple's contest, there was a challenge where they had to use super badly done nasty CU products for a huge part of their submission. And the palettes they were given to color the elements with were hideous. It was next to impossible for a newbie designer (or even an experienced one) to have good results from that kind of challenge.
If someone quizzed me on who sells at TDC vs. SO, I'd be able to list more SO designers.
Is this a copyright violation?
http://heartbeatzcreationz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_231&products_id=10588
If someone quizzed me on who sells at TDC vs. SO, I'd be able to list more SO designers.
----------------
Ironically someone around here is always asking "find any new to you designers lately?" and we all know it's fun to find someone new whose products you like, so who cares if you already know everyone at SO? Doesn't mean the designers at other stores (not just TDC) aren't good, or that you couldn't find a new gem or two here or there. I don't think being able to name designers at one store or another has anything to do with what place is better.
^^^
I can name a bunch of people at stores who sell crappy products. Doesn't mean I shop there. Just means I know those designers names.
Is this a copyright violation?
http://heartbeatzcreationz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_231&products_id=10588
^^^^
I can't tell, my eyes reuse to stay on that site long enough. Seriously, who thinks that those colors look good? Like Simon I can only think of one word: gross.
Is this a copyright violation?
http://heartbeatzcreationz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_231&products_id=10588
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I wouldn't touch this. For me it is a copyright violation. It looks too much like the real one in the movie.
Is this a copyright violation?
http://heartbeatzcreationz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_231&products_id=10588
^^^^^^^^^^
gotta ask WHY you even look around there anyway - bunch of crap by crappy designers. I won't even bother to look at that product - because if its the ONLY copyright violation there I'd be surprized. and I don't want to hurt my eyes.
gotta ask WHY you even look around there anyway - bunch of crap by crappy designers. I won't even bother to look at that product - because if its the ONLY copyright violation there I'd be surprized. and I don't want to hurt my eyes.
----
Wasn't shopping there. I saw it on facebook on a digital scrapbooking group.
talk about hurting your eyes...
****can you say blinding?****
http://wickedprincessscraps.blogspot.com/2011/08/freebie-alert-ftu-little-birdy-told-me.html
(talking about the page itself, lol)
^^^^^^^
OW!!!
talk about hurting your eyes...
****can you say blinding?****
http://wickedprincessscraps.blogspot.com/2011/08/freebie-alert-ftu-little-birdy-told-me.html
(talking about the page itself, lol)
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OMG She should have a warning for epileptics. This is just so hard to look at.
What does everyone think about this:
http://scrapassistant.com ?
Worth the price or not? It sounds interesting but I'm not sure I want to pour money into it. Opinions?
I sell at TDC and I can't even name all the designers in the shop.
What does everyone think about this:
http://scrapassistant.com ?
Worth the price or not? It sounds interesting but I'm not sure I want to pour money into it. Opinions?
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I thought the price was kind of outrageous when I saw it. And do CT's really want another place to have to check?
I sell at TDC and I can't even name all the designers in the shop.
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Because there are too many there to get to know them all? Or because there are designers there who shouldn't be? Or what? Explain.
What does everyone think about this:
http://scrapassistant.com ?
Worth the price or not? It sounds interesting but I'm not sure I want to pour money into it. Opinions?
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I thought the price was kind of outrageous when I saw it. And do CT's really want another place to have to check?
August 20, 2011 6:53 PM
I thought it was expensive, too. As if you can't tell who is active on your CT and who isn't. How self-important do you have to be to have a real NEED for that product? Seriously.
To be honest, I can't even tell what the heck they are offering. There's a lot of words but they aren't really saying anything.
If all you want to do is keep track of things, what's wrong with using a spreadsheet?
If someone quizzed me on who sells at TDC vs. SO, I'd be able to list more SO designers.
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I don't think I'd be able to name many designers from either. What exactly is your point?
Doesn't change my point - paying for a store that is obviously NOT successful is moronic.
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As Michelle discovered.
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From what I understand, the former owners of FPD wanted a very unreasonable amount ($4-5,000). Hopefully Michelle didn't pay that amount!
Because there are too many designers at TDC to keep track of
I'm not getting the whole TDC has too many designers. They don't look to have more than SBG, ScrapMatters, etc.
SM and SBG are much easier to navigate than TDC, which gives it the appearance of being too congested and unappealing (to me at least). I have visited TDC on several occasions to check out certain products, and have gotten annoyed every time with the drop down lists, so I end up buying nothing. Not worth the hassle when there's plenty of other sites out there, carrying almost identical products, that are much more user-friendly.
I rather have a drop down list than an all-in-one listing of cu items or kits. Is it that hard to add a few categories?
I have a question: I admit I'm a coward but is there any good way to resign from a CT team without lying? I love the designer (she's creative and sweet) but her products are often sloppy and I have already notified her of flaws in previous kits so many times. (Flaws: jagged edge, wrong alignment, wrong shadowing, wrong bevel, strange crops, etc.) She thanked me every time and always said she'll make adjustments accordingly. But now it gets to the point where I think if I keep QCing, she'll feel I have something against her personally. Any suggestion? Have you been through something like this as a CTM or designer?
Thanks Simon for the part review of oscraps. I was intrigued by feifei designs & so checked her out , really liked her, she is new to ....keep them coming. My wallet might not agree....
I have a question: I admit I'm a coward but is there any good way to resign from a CT team without lying? I love the designer (she's creative and sweet) but her products are often sloppy and I have already notified her of flaws in previous kits so many times. (Flaws: jagged edge, wrong alignment, wrong shadowing, wrong bevel, strange crops, etc.) She thanked me every time and always said she'll make adjustments accordingly. But now it gets to the point where I think if I keep QCing, she'll feel I have something against her personally. Any suggestion? Have you been through something like this as a CTM or designer?
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It happened to me before and even if the designer didn't like it.. I told her the truth when I resigned.
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Good for you. I hate when CTMs lie about leaving. Be honest, you won't hurt my feelings.
I have a question: I admit I'm a coward but is there any good way to resign from a CT team without lying? I love the designer (she's creative and sweet) but her products are often sloppy and I have already notified her of flaws in previous kits so many times. (Flaws: jagged edge, wrong alignment, wrong shadowing, wrong bevel, strange crops, etc.) She thanked me every time and always said she'll make adjustments accordingly. But now it gets to the point where I think if I keep QCing, she'll feel I have something against her personally. Any suggestion? Have you been through something like this as a CTM or designer?
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First, Kudos on being honest instead of the usual fluff I see CT give their designers just so they can have the free stuff.
Second, either she's going to get her feelings or she's not regardless of what or how you tell her.
To me it sounds like she doesn't give a shit about what you think of her products anyway so I would tell her like it is and go.
If a designer can't take the time or doesn't know how to QC her own products, I'd leave. I'm on a CT to scrap, not QC someone's crappy stuff. I don't care how nice they are. I'd leave and I'd tell her why. That's your name out there endorsing her crappy products, too.
SO just announced a new designer coming. Gee, wonder who? **yawn**
Wow, taking the time to register in a forum under a new name just to be a twat. Way to go, loser.
Wow, taking the time to register in a forum under a new name just to be a twat. Way to go, loser.
August 21, 2011 12:14 PM
^^^
??? Do tell.
Some loser registered at SO just to spoil the fun for everyone else and post "litabells, duh." in the new designer announcement thread.
Who cares? It's not like most of your clientele isn't already here on this blog. Everyone knows about Lita. The cat's out of the bag. Move on.
Who cares? It's not like most of your clientele isn't already here on this blog. Everyone knows about Lita. The cat's out of the bag. Move on.
August 21, 2011 2:24 PM
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Not my clientele, but nice try.
Spoil the fun?
Really?
Are people that clueless to think anyone other than store CT think that is "fun?"
Actually customers and forum posters do get excited about that.
Why don't you pull the stick out of your ass, Crabby Pants.
sounds like you are the crabby one... holy shit
...and no, nobody else is excited about "who's coming here to our store in a week?!"
trust me, nobody but the designer in question is excited. you're crazy if you think otherwise.
I'll have to agree with this one. It's not like SO customers are sitting around thinking "wow, if only designer XYZ were selling here so I could actually buy her products!". They can buy them. It's the internet, idiots.
The only, and I do mean ONLY, people who get excited when a designer changes stores are the CTM's at the new store, who will now get the designer's products for free. To everyone else, a designer changing stores is nothing but a hassle and an annoyance.
I'll have to agree with this one. It's not like SO customers are sitting around thinking "wow, if only designer XYZ were selling here so I could actually buy her products!". They can buy them. It's the internet, idiots.
I disagree. SO has that reward program so that customers earn discounts through purchases and challenges. If a designer you love moves to a store with a discount plan, you could save a good deal of cash. I don't have any idea if other stores have discount plans though. And no, I'm not on SO's team, just a customer.
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I should have said I don't know if other stores have plans where you earn discounts through purchases. I know lots of them let you earn discounts by participating in challenges.
I know that the new store Scrapping Fairytales does the rewards for purchases program (as well as additional rewards earned for doing challenges) all for spending in the store.
And Sugar Hill does it for CU.
I know that the new store Scrapping Fairytales does the rewards for purchases program (as well as additional rewards earned for doing challenges) all for spending in the store.
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Go at DST to enable your store cause we don't really care here !!
The only, and I do mean ONLY, people who get excited when a designer changes stores are the CTM's at the new store, who will now get the designer's products for free. To everyone else, a designer changing stores is nothing but a hassle and an annoyance.
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I don't know many that don't offer points discounts while shopping or coupons for challenges - but really? Moving stores causing headaches? They're likely moving to a better store - that also has challenges/coupons/discounts - in this case Litabells has only been out of retirement for a bit - her "following" should be happy she's moving somewhere with points + coupons
To everyone else, a designer changing stores is nothing but a hassle and an annoyance.
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Which everyone else? It doesn't bother me if a designer changes stores.
disagree. SO has that reward program so that customers earn discounts through purchases and challenges. If a designer you love moves to a store with a discount plan, you could save a good deal of cash. I don't have any idea if other stores have discount plans though. And no, I'm not on SO's team, just a customer.
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I know that the new store Scrapping Fairytales does the rewards for purchases program (as well as additional rewards earned for doing challenges) all for spending in the store.
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Go at DST to enable your store cause we don't really care here !!
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Damn! I was just adding information to the discussion because SO is not the ONLY store that offers rewards for purchases and the OP said they didn't know of any others. So - get the stick out of your ass and stop being a bitch.
Damn! I was just adding information to the discussion because SO is not the ONLY store that offers rewards for purchases and the OP said they didn't know of any others. So - get the stick out of your ass and stop being a bitch.
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Good god, I can't think of many stores that DON'T have some sort of incentive program for purchases and/or challenges. So to me, the "moving to a store w/ a better situation for customers" argument is a non-argument.
I agree that a designer moving stores is more often a hassle than not, because people (customers) usually don't want to have to check 100 different digi stores each week. They get hooked on a few, and comfortable hanging out at those few, and when a designer they like moves, it's a hassle to follow. Either the designer leaves and you don't follow her, or you DO follow but you have to re-register at new places, check new places, sign up for new newsletters, etc. Also, any products you have from those designers often have to be removed from your gallery (in LOs you did) and you can't use those products for challenges at that store anymore. HASSLE. IMO as a scrapper, anyway.
Yeah, it's a hassle, but no one is stating the obvious - Litabells has her stuff on a big discount at the old store. Smart customers from SO will head there, buy as much as they care to buy and use it to scrap at SO to earn points or prizes. It's usually a way better deal to order from the old store.
I'm the OP of the discount comment and I didn't make myself very clear (I tend to do that, which is why I don't post in forums very often). I was just replying to the idea that only CT members get excited about a new designer in a store. I think customers actually do get excited if it's a designer they like coming to a store where the customer already does a lot of shopping. That way discounts can be earned and used on more of their purchases, because more of their preferred designers are in the same store.
is it just me....or does this sound...snobby?
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/showthread.php?p=2966159#post2966159
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It's just you. I think it's awkwardly worded, but not snobby.
It IS snobby for the simple fact that they "think" they are the "best" because they "say" they are the best. LOL It's a matter of opinion........ definitely not mine though.
Umm, they didn't say they were the best they said they were some of the best.. big difference!
I don't have an issue with that, most of them probably are some of the best in the industry.
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Exactly. Every store thinks they are the best or some of the best. Why would they think otherwise?
Yeah, what site would advertise...
"come and join us. We have been in business for a few years and we don't really know why because so many other shops are better than us with better products and better designers. Well, if you are still interested in dragging your feet with our more-than-ordinary group of designers and CT Members, please apply here."
LOL
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ROFL, yeah that would get them knocking down the doors!
Never heard of DSP. Is it a top store? Are they top designers?
Never heard of DSP. Is it a top store? Are they top designers?
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um, no. I think you just answered your own question w/ your first sentence.
Umm, they didn't say they were the best they said they were some of the best.. big difference!
I don't have an issue with that, most of them probably are some of the best in the industry.
August 22, 2011 4:41 AM
Never heard of DSP. Is it a top store? Are they top designers?
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um, no. I think you just answered your own question w/ your first sentence.
August 22, 2011 6:06 AM
Well someone seems to think these are top designers!
DSP is the biggest digital scrapbook store on the internet and one of the longest standing.
um, no. I think you just answered your own question w/ your first sentence.
August 22, 2011 6:06 AM
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Ok because one anon person hasn't heard of a store, that says it all?Hardly. LOL There are people who haven't heard of SBG, DD, SO or any number of the 'top' stores out there.
I've never heard of them before and I've been in the industry for 2 years.
DSP is the biggest digital scrapbook store on the internet and one of the longest standing.
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Do we have to keep reminding everyone here that this isn't a damn enabling thread? It's so obvious when someone from a store is the one talking about it. Go to DST and tout yourselves there, please.
I've also been in the industry for a while now, and haven't ever visited that site or shopped there. I just went and checked it out before posting. Most of it is pretty amateurish-looking, but I did find a few designers whose products I could see being sold at a top store. I liked Meryl Bartho's items, which are for those w/ a paper-scrapping style (like me). A lot of the rest of it is super digital looking and (IMO, due to my style preferences) pretty bad/ugly. I don't think it's the kind of place I would go back to. The storefront itself is horrible looking... looks like the cart software right out of the box, barely customized (or if it is, it's not done professionally). So the whole operation ends up looking amateurish. IMO, there's a reason that the SO's and SSD's and TDC's and SM's of the world are viewed as top shops and are taken seriously... it's not just the designers in them, but it's also the way the shop looks/feels when you visit it. I know there are a few other "top shops" I didn't mention, but those 4 are the ones that look the nicest/most professional (again, IMO). And this DSP place doesn't even come close. It "feels" more like a personal shop, from just how it looks.
you forgot to include Scrappity-Doo-Dah's new site design in your list of stores w/ professional-looking customizations... LMAO
Ok because one anon person hasn't heard of a store, that says it all?Hardly. LOL There are people who haven't heard of SBG, DD, SO or any number of the 'top' stores out there.
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I hope DD does not mean Divine Digital. They're definitely not a "top" store unless you're measuring by the amount of drama surrounding its owner.
you forgot to include Scrappity-Doo-Dah's new site design in your list of stores w/ professional-looking customizations... LMAO
August 22, 2011 7:42 AM
Scrappity-Doo-Dah is not the worst looking shop out there. What is your hard-on for them anyway? Get turned down from their store?
DSP a top shop? lol
I like Meryl's stuff, but it's way overpriced. DSP has a market, I'm sure, but they're no competition for any of the shops listed here.
You couldn't pay me (cash) to be on their CT.
I agree, DSP needs a site overhaul, but the designers there are some of the best in the biz, you won't see many designers around creating flowers and ribbons from scratch because they can't because they only ever learnt to scan! Not everyone dislikes digital. I prefer it!
I've never heard of them before and I've been in the industry for 2 years.
August 22, 2011 7:14 AM
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Oh and 2 years makes you a veteran! ROFL! DSP was started in early 2004 FYI. It also has a higher traffic ranking than most digital stores out there, so clearly because you have never heard of it, doesn't mean nobody has!
I hope DD does not mean Divine Digital. They're definitely not a "top" store unless you're measuring by the amount of drama surrounding its owner.
August 22, 2011 8:33 AM
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Ah NO. DD would be Designer Digitals.
I've never heard of DSP or any of those designers listed either and I've been in the community since 2003. So I guess that makes 2 of us unimportant anon posters that haven't heard of them.
I hope DD does not mean Divine Digital. They're definitely not a "top" store unless you're measuring by the amount of drama surrounding its owner.
Ah NO. DD would be Designer Digitals.
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Whew. Although I haven't heard of Designer Digitals.
my 'problems' with DSP are that they are overpriced....4 bucks for 4 papers and elements is nuts, I don't care who is making it, all digital or not. AND can't stand R. Gough - who is probably the one who enabled DSP a few threads up. Snobby bitch, who thinks her way is the only way to scrap. I have watched her tear newbies apart for using CU - not telling them or leading them or pointing them in the right direction to learn how to do it that way (as if they would want to), but simply telling them what morons they are for even using CU in the first place.
Scrappity-Doo-Dah is not the worst looking shop out there. What is your hard-on for them anyway? Get turned down from their store?
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um, no. never applied, never would. I'm happily at home in another shop and don't plan on leaving.
also, please explain your 2nd sentence. just because I think their site design is awful, it means I have a hard-on for them? obviously you have NO idea what the term "hard-on" refers to, or how to use it properly. ROFLMAO.
and finally, yes... their site design is THAT bad. and it's been discussed on here before, recently, so I figured it would give everyone else a giggle to bring it up.
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