“DSP is the biggest digital scrapbook store on the internet and one of the longest standing.”
“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!”
“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!” ________________
Very curiously, someone here on this blog seems to have a LOT of details about DSP... site traffic info... date of origin... etc. Hi, Robyn!
And no, sweetie, all of the designers there are NOT some of the "best in the biz." But we're already aware (from your CT call ad ...scratch that, "contest" ad) that you think rather highly of yourself and your store.
I had to go look at the site (scrappity-doo-dah). The design really isn't "THAT bad". The colors are nice and don't hurt my eyes like many others. It's not my style, but there are a lot worse sites. A LOT of them in fact.
Bringing them up like that does make it seem like you have an issue with the site.
The ad says DSP's team members need to create 8-10 layouts a month?! Either the site owners are delusional or their team members are crazy, I would never agree to that many pages! I CT for some stores that many here say are top tier, and none of them require more than 4 layouts a month.
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.
^^^^^^^^^^^^
I feel the same way about the products at DSP as well. I've seen equal quality kits from other designers at other stores for significatnly less (or, if it is $4.00, they include more in it).
I'm not looking to get 35 papers and 100 elements for $4.00 but a bit more than 4 papers and 8 elements would be nice. I like to get as many pages as I can out of a kit without each page looking identical to the one before. I don't care how good of a scrapper you are, there's just so much you can do with that few papers/elements without having a sameness.
The ad says DSP's team members need to create 8-10 layouts a month?! Either the site owners are delusional or their team members are crazy, I would never agree to that many pages! I CT for some stores that many here say are top tier, and none of them require more than 4 layouts a month. ----------------- ALso in the ad is something about not allowing their CT members to be on ANY other CT while they're working at DSP. So maybe that's why they feel they can require so many LO's each month(?). I still agree that it's a crazy high number, but at least most other sites know/understand that their CTM's are also doing CT work elsewhere (and are probably doing 8-10 LO's a month, combined, KWIM?)
I had to go look at the site (scrappity-doo-dah). The design really isn't "THAT bad". The colors are nice and don't hurt my eyes like many others. It's not my style, but there are a lot worse sites. A LOT of them in fact.
Bringing them up like that does make it seem like you have an issue with the site.
-----
Okay I honestly just posted it as a joke, thinking it would get a laugh, since not very long ago (when they redid the site from the older, cuter design to this new mishy-mashy one) there was a big discussion here at this blog about how horrible it was. This was around the same timeframe that COLS was supposed to show up at SDD to sell, remember? Someone joked that COLS maybe designed the site. Anyway, this time the joke fell on deaf ears and I retract it. Sorry! Geez. (I still think it's horrendously ugly, but yes, there are a million worse sites)
ALso in the ad is something about not allowing their CT members to be on ANY other CT while they're working at DSP. So maybe that's why they feel they can require so many LO's each month(?). I still agree that it's a crazy high number, but at least most other sites know/understand that their CTM's are also doing CT work elsewhere (and are probably doing 8-10 LO's a month, combined, KWIM?)
August 22, 2011 12:43 PM
------------------------------ I don't see a problem with them doing that. I wish I could do that with my personal team and "get away with it." I know if any designer dared to want some exclusive team members this industry would crucify them for it. But in all honesty, there are too many people out there who are willing to CT for 10, 15, even 20 CTs at a time. It makes zero sense to me why some designers are willing to have people on their team whose loyalty is divided in so many directions. In GENERAL, those people with so many teams end up being flaky because they can hardly keep up with that many designers.
I've gotten to the point where I won't even look at someone who is on more than 5 or 6 CTs, no matter how great a scrapper they are. And if they are on store CTs, they get pushed to the bottom of my applicant pile. I like to give newer (talented) scrappers a chance. And I dislike the greedy, grab-it-all culture of some of the scrappers in the CT community. If everyone could learn to spread the wealth a little bit, we'd have more people getting an opportunity to CT and we'd potentially have more people buying kits because there'd be less going out the door "for free."
And really? If you are on a store team and you have 20+ designers to choose from, do you really NEED to CT for other stores or individual designers? Or are you just being greedy and trying to snag as much as you can for free? We've developed a very spoiled culture in this business.
Just my opinion, feel free to disagree. But I talk to enough designers that I know there are many who agree with me.
I have said it before and I will say it again, I really think all personal CT's should be cut and just stick with store CT's. It would make being on a CT more of a challenge and honor. I think designers require way too much of their personal CT's now, if you really think you need the help keep like 2 or 3 on as assistants and utilize the store CT. Just my opinion.
ITA. But you're right, we'd all get crucified for trying to set limits. People would say we were full of ourselves, or worse, for wanting CTM's who actually wanted to help promote our designs and not just get free kits.
oops that last one was in response to 1:11 and not the one after it. I actually don't agree w/ the last comment, b/c not all designers have the luxury of a store CT. but something definitely needs to change overall, because individual designers having 20 CTM's on their team is RIDICULOUS.
oops that last one was in response to 1:11 and not the one after it. I actually don't agree w/ the last comment, b/c not all designers have the luxury of a store CT. but something definitely needs to change overall, because individual designers having 20 CTM's on their team is RIDICULOUS.
August 22, 2011 1:22 PM ----------------------------- I made the comment at 1:11 and I agree with you about designers having large CTs. But, I have a pretty big CT myself (15 girls) and I wish I didn't have to. But, even though I look for people that aren't on more than 5 CTs, they are a) hard to find and b) once you find them, nothing stops them from adding a ton of CTs after they are on your team. So, then you are left with a few people who will work with almost every release and many who are very sporadic and help out "here and there." In order to advertise well, and considering you are dealing with people whose loyalties are divided, you almost have to keep a bigger team on hand. I'd love to have a team of no more than 5 or 6 people who work ONLY with my designs, but it's just not possible unless you're willing to stick your neck out there and try it (and be harassed about it here).
It's a no-win situation. I see designers get knocked here for having large teams. But, if they tried to make a move to have a smaller, exclusive team, they'd get ripped apart for that, too.
I wouldn't crucify designers for wanting more dedicated team members as long as you put out product consistently so your team members have enough to keep busy. I'm on one store CT, I've never applied for another one because I have open access to all of the store's items. Why would I need to be on another team when I can take whatever I want from the one I'm on? I know it's not the popular opinion, but I would feel greedy if I applied to a second store.
Strangely, the issue of "more dedicated" CT members is similar to the "almost exclusive" clause some stores put for their designers. What is the difference? Some stores DO have an exclusivity clause, and it works. Why would a designer suggesting an exclusivity clause for a CT member any different?
I wouldn't crucify designers for wanting more dedicated team members as long as you put out product consistently so your team members have enough to keep busy. I'm on one store CT, I've never applied for another one because I have open access to all of the store's items. Why would I need to be on another team when I can take whatever I want from the one I'm on? I know it's not the popular opinion, but I would feel greedy if I applied to a second store.
---------------
You should start a clinic and teach everyone this point of view. The scrappers wouldn't pay you for the course, but maybe their designers would foot the bill... LOL
It's a no-win situation. I see designers get knocked here for having large teams. But, if they tried to make a move to have a smaller, exclusive team, they'd get ripped apart for that, too. ____________
Well, technically no designer should be basing what they do in their business life on what people have to say on this blog. I know, I know, we all *do* figure in other people's opinions (even from those on this blog) to what we do. But in theory, it shouldn't matter, at all.
I wasn't here yesterday but I would have appreciated the Scrappity-Doo-Dah joke! That site went from being really cute to being really ugly. I do think it is THAT bad - the colors are awful and it has a doodled bird on a real tree. Maybe I wouldn't think it was so bad if I didn't see how cute it was before, but I do remember it and so it just seems like the redesign was a big fail.
Before you accuse me - I have never applied there for any team and I have never been rejected by them. I used to really like that site but they have changed over time and that redesign is a good representation of how they have NOT changed for the better.
I wasn't here yesterday but I would have appreciated the Scrappity-Doo-Dah joke! ------------------ TYVM! I knew that someone out there had to remember our conversation from a while ago! Last time I go making any jokes around here for a while, though...
Well, technically no designer should be basing what they do in their business life on what people have to say on this blog. I know, I know, we all *do* figure in other people's opinions (even from those on this blog) to what we do. But in theory, it shouldn't matter, at all.
August 22, 2011 2:06 PM --------------------------------- In theory, yes, this is true. But, in reality, this blog could be viewed as a microcosm of the general public opinion, at least for some.
If it would be an unpopular, torn-apart move to most of the people here, then it would be the same to people "out there," too.
I also remember the SDD new look discussion - and I still think it looks awful. But then, with the 'new crop' of designers they have....awful is a word they had better get used to hearing!
Back to the CT and exclusivity discussion. I like the way Shabby Princess does about this. Their CTM work for them exclusively and get paid for that, as in money, not just coupons or products. The CTMs have to do blogging as well as scrapping but while they can maintain their personal blogs, they cannot be on other CTs or be a designer themselves. I think it's a win-win situation as the people who took the "job" are obviously happy with the deal and SP has top quality bloggers and scrappers working for them exclusively. And uh no, I'm not one of those CTM and has no connection with the place whatsoever. I just think it's pretty interesting how they make it work for them. (It's not for me, though. I don't scrap in that style and can't/won't limit myself to only one place.)
Very curiously, someone here on this blog seems to have a LOT of details about DSP... site traffic info... date of origin... etc. Hi, Robyn! -----
I know all that stuff about DSP too and I'm not Robyn, not a designer, not a CT and in fact don't really shop anywhere just now. But I guess that makes me Robyn not admitting to being Robyn.
I think designers require way too much of their personal CT's now, -----
No. I CT for four designers and not one requires way too much. One LO per kit, post in three galleries. That's all. Anything else would be nice, but not required.
But in all honesty, there are too many people out there who are willing to CT for 10, 15, even 20 CTs at a time. It makes zero sense to me why some designers are willing to have people on their team whose loyalty is divided in so many directions. In GENERAL, those people with so many teams end up being flaky because they can hardly keep up with that many designers. ----------
My problem with this is that you end up with so many LOs that look exactly the same. Which is where I think part of the 'same old same old' comes from. I agree completely on the loyalty issue.
ITA. But you're right, we'd all get crucified for trying to set limits. People would say we were full of ourselves, or worse, for wanting CTM's who actually wanted to help promote our designs and not just get free kits. --------
Maybe on this blog, but not generally. IF you want to set limits, set the damn limits and don't worry about what people on this blog say. Do you really care if someone thinks you are full of yourself?
Maybe on this blog, but not generally. IF you want to set limits, set the damn limits and don't worry about what people on this blog say. Do you really care if someone thinks you are full of yourself?
-------------
Personally, I don't care whether other people think anything about me... but I also know that in this business, your image is part of your brand. If you get talked about negatively too often, it starts to hurt your brand, and thus your sales/$. Not always worth it. So you pick and choose your battles.
It's a no-win situation. I see designers get knocked here for having large teams. But, if they tried to make a move to have a smaller, exclusive team, they'd get ripped apart for that, too. ----
By whom? The people here? Are you still in high school that you care so much what this blog things? Geez louise, grow up and be professional. No one is going to rip you apart. It's a win situation if you have the guts to do it.
I'm on one store CT, I've never applied for another one because I have open access to all of the store's items. Why would I need to be on another team when I can take whatever I want from the one I'm on? I know it's not the popular opinion, but I would feel greedy if I applied to a second store.
---------------
You should start a clinic and teach everyone this point of view. The scrappers wouldn't pay you for the course, but maybe their designers would foot the bill... LOL ---------
Lots of scrappers have this view. I'm not sure why you think the OP should teach everyone else. Maybe you need to get away from this blog and look at the rest of the digi world.
I'm interested to know who y'all think are top designers and what about their style makes them a top designer. Always looking to find new designers to try out and new styles too.
In theory, yes, this is true. But, in reality, this blog could be viewed as a microcosm of the general public opinion, at least for some.
If it would be an unpopular, torn-apart move to most of the people here, then it would be the same to people "out there," too. ----------
Um, no. A lot of the opinions expressed here are not the opinions that I see expressed elsewhere.
August 22, 2011 6:14 PM -------
I was thinking the same thing. This blog could be considered a fair sampling of the "general public" only if you equate "general public" with mostly designers, store owners, CTMS and very very few regular scrappers. This blog does not represent the opinion of the average digi scrap customer.
I'm interested to know who y'all think are top designers and what about their style makes them a top designer. Always looking to find new designers to try out and new styles too.
^^^^^^^^
for heavens sake, go READ thru the posts here. This has been done so many times - and turns into a CT-pimping session.
I was thinking the same thing. This blog could be considered a fair sampling of the "general public" only if you equate "general public" with mostly designers, store owners, CTMS and very very few regular scrappers. This blog does not represent the opinion of the average digi scrap customer.
------------
Idiot, the original question was whether it would hurt a designer (or get them "crucified" here on this blog) if they decided to limit their CT and force them to be exclusive. So the question DOES relate to the group(s) you described (including CTM's)... and not the "average digi scrapper" as you put it. Basically, you just made our point for us. Being: if this blog would crucify the designer for doing so, that crucifixion would stem from and involve CTM's. Leave yourself a breadcrumb trail next time you venture out too far, will ya?
To the the name caller @ 7:06 PM... The topic was on how getting a bad reputation would effect sales (because, really, that's what it all comes down to).
While there may be digiscrap buyers on this forum, most likely the majority of buyers are NOT reading this smack. And most buyers could care less how many CT members are on a designers team. Yes, there are a lot of scrappers who are very in-the-know but most are just looking for kits they like and have no clue about all the politics.
I have some stale bread for you if you'd like to make yourself some crumbs to follow, Meany.
Idiot, the original question was whether it would hurt a designer (or get them "crucified" here on this blog) if they decided to limit their CT and force them to be exclusive. So the question DOES relate to the group(s) you described (including CTM's)... and not the "average digi scrapper" as you put it. Basically, you just made our point for us. Being: if this blog would crucify the designer for doing so, that crucifixion would stem from and involve CTM's. Leave yourself a breadcrumb trail next time you venture out too far, will ya?
August 22, 2011 7:06 PM --------
I am the "idiot" to whom you were speaking. We were actually discussing whether people should base their business decisions what the is said about them in the community. So what I was trying to say was that the things said here about them, may not reflect the way their actual paying customers think. Therefore, we might not want to consider this blog the general public.
Also, you are going to pop a blood vessel if you keep allowing yourself to get all wound up over relatively unimportant, non-controversial subject matter.
I am curious to see what's up with those who seem to hate SDD designers.
No I am not a designer there or a CTM and don't know any of them but people seems to know and hate Monkey Mesh designs and I have never heard of her before.
I am curious to see what's up with those who seem to hate SDD designers.
No I am not a designer there or a CTM and don't know any of them but people seems to know and hate Monkey Mesh designs and I have never heard of her before.
August 22, 2011 8:08 PM
Me too. I don't think people ever pick on stores/designers, especially ones that aren't on the top end, without some sort of personal grudge or issue.
about a year ago, SDD was a much different store. Better designers and a much better look and feel to the shop. While Bekah, DigiOverdose and IBDD are still hanging in there - many have left, and the replacements are awful. Monkey Mesh has a HUGE attitude problem, and quite honestly her 'designs' suck. Today , for example - Snackpackgu joined SDD. She has posers in her kits. POSERS. Yes, I'm a Poser hater. They always have/always will remind me of creepy tagger stores. While there is a place for everything....that crap does NOT belong in a 'regular' type scrap shop. My opinion only. Sweet Mesquite is an absolute horror. The bottom half of their designer list is awful. I don't know what Yvonne is thinking..but I'm VERY glad I don't sell there.
But in all honesty, there are too many people out there who are willing to CT for 10, 15, even 20 CTs at a time. It makes zero sense to me why some designers are willing to have people on their team whose loyalty is divided in so many directions. In GENERAL, those people with so many teams end up being flaky because they can hardly keep up with that many designers.
That's why I don't have a CT any longer-more trouble then they were worth.
about a year ago, SDD was a much different store. Better designers and a much better look and feel to the shop. While Bekah, DigiOverdose and IBDD are still hanging in there - many have left, and the replacements are awful. Monkey Mesh has a HUGE attitude problem, and quite honestly her 'designs' suck. Today , for example - Snackpackgu joined SDD. She has posers in her kits. POSERS. Yes, I'm a Poser hater. They always have/always will remind me of creepy tagger stores. While there is a place for everything....that crap does NOT belong in a 'regular' type scrap shop. My opinion only. Sweet Mesquite is an absolute horror. The bottom half of their designer list is awful. I don't know what Yvonne is thinking..but I'm VERY glad I don't sell there. ______________________________________________________________________________
What the heck are you going on about? I just looked at the SDD designers and I don't see any problems. When I read stuff like this, I know you must have been turned down by that store.
Monkey Mess has some actions and lightroom presents (which look pretty good), a few commercial items and a few kits. Some of the colors aren't my taste, but they look fine. Snackpackgu doesn't have any of those ugly tagger type items, she's going for cute and some of them actually are. The kits are fine if you like whimsy. Sweet Mesquite is clearly a beginner but her templates look a bit promising. To add to the CT conversation, my team is actually pretty small - less than 10 - but I'm OK with that. They can be on as many other teams as they want to as long as they post my layouts. They're working for free product not money.
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.
August 22, 2011 10:09 AM ----------------------------- If you have been in the community since 2003 you would have had to have heard of Digital Scrapbook Place, since they were one of only a handful of sites which started shortly after that.
Very curiously, someone here on this blog seems to have a LOT of details about DSP... site traffic info... date of origin... etc. Hi, Robyn! -----
I know all that stuff about DSP too and I'm not Robyn, not a designer, not a CT and in fact don't really shop anywhere just now. But I guess that makes me Robyn not admitting to being Robyn.
August 22, 2011 5:52 PM ------------------------
Precisely! It is not exactly private information! All of it is freely available!
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.
August 22, 2011 10:40 AM ----------------------------- I remember that thread and she never called anyone a moron. Someone asked how else they could create an element if they can't scan it and she said something along the lines of you learn your program and make it yourself. Makes sense to me. Just because some newbies took took offence to that doesn't mean she called them morons. She just offered them an alternative option.
Exclusive CT's makes perfect sense to me, I would much prefer a loyal CT member than someone split between a dozen different teams. A loyal CT member has to be a lot more effective.
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. --------
I have never ever seen Robyn tearing anyone apart or calling them morons or stupid, even when she was posting in Hot Topics. She doesn't think that her way is the only way. It's quite obvious you have a bee up your butt about her. I'll admit, the way she word things some times can come across the wrong way, but it's not intentional.
I'm not for or against her, but when I see BS rants like this, I just have to speak out.
actually an indentured servant would probably fit your bill as a CT, that way they could just wait til you come out with your one kit a week and just make 4-5 pages each due to the pure gratefulness of you letting them be on your team? since they have no other kits to play with, they can spend time they would be making pages for other designers, they can be out enabling just you! only you!! you know last time I checked we are living in FREEDOM and if a designer wants a CT that is on a whole bunch of other teams, so be it...or maybe, one of the really good scrappers, hasn't applied for your sorry designs... ...now you can pull the clique card or high school meanie card or what ever card on how you can't find good CTs. Some of these ladies on multiple teams are down right fantastic scrappers, make their deadlines and other scrappers look at their pages and go, dang, if I get that kit, maybe I can pull that off!
Obviously you can't force anyone to be on an exclusive ct just like no one can force a designer to be exclusive to one store. They'll just have to go somewhere they can be non-exclusive.
you know last time I checked we are living in FREEDOM and if a designer wants a CT that is on a whole bunch of other teams, so be it...or maybe, one of the really good scrappers, hasn't applied for your sorry designs... ------
No one is making anyone do anything, get a grip! People are offering their opinions which is their right as free individuals. Lighten the heck up
I'm with whoever posted about SDD. Its been on a downhill slide for a while now. To the person who felt the need to let us all know that POSER is a program - we know that. Items made within that program have been collectively called 'Posers' for quite a while. It might be a matter of taste, but...I agree. Ugly stuff.
I have never applied to SDD, and never will. I am quite happy where I am. It is sad, tho - to see the so-called talent that Yvonne is bringing in. Would love to have Simon critique that shop!
I'm interested to know who y'all think are top designers and what about their style makes them a top designer. Always looking to find new designers to try out and new styles too.
^^^^^^^^
for heavens sake, go READ thru the posts here. This has been done so many times - and turns into a CT-pimping session.
August 22, 2011 6:45 PM
I don't think the OP meant a CT-pimping session out of this it seems like a genuine question. Have YOU tried reading through the thousands of comments here to find particular information? This may be a smack blog but common courtesy doesn't need to go by the wayside.
as the poster above you said...everyone is entitled to their opinion. noted.
HOWEVER - keep in mind this IS a smack blog...not a 'well, I like so and so because' blog. She/he wants to know who people's favorites are and why? ask at DST in scrap talk. THAT is the place for it.
HOWEVER - keep in mind this IS a smack blog...not a 'well, I like so and so because' blog. She/he wants to know who people's favorites are and why? ask at DST in scrap talk. THAT is the place for it.
August 23, 2011 2:32 AM
I'm not the OP or the other commentor but since a lot of the anon posters here seem so in the know and give reviews etc I know I'd be interested in actually hearing who or what they like and think is good design. I also agree that it is a PIA to go through thousands of posts to try and find anything. Perhaps it is just that many of the so called anon experts are scared that they really are not experts or that good themselves and are worried they will be found out I dont understand why you are so scared to answer a simple question. We hear so much about what you all hate or dislike why not shout out about positive examples in our industry. I don't want to know what scrappers think (my personal opinion) I'd rather hear what designer peers think. A smack blog doesn't have to be one long tirade of abuse would it hurt to be positive about anything?
Easy ladies. To the OP, the way I see it, there are reasons why it is probably pointless to ask who we think are top designers and why.
First and foremost, we are almost all anonymous here. While that is useful for smacking (we can be honest without having to worry about our "reputation"), it's completely different for praising. If/when you get the answers, how would you know it's not the designers themselves or their CTM's or even store owners posting? Or, worse, it could be someone throwing some names in just because they love to see those designers being smacked even harder here.
It's quite natural for this blog - someone or some place got praised as a top something, many more come out to tell you why they are so nowhere near the top. That's why no one has answered you so far. Some regulars here might want to give you an honest answer but they don't want their real favorite designers get smacked for no reason. -- Or at least that's the case for me.
I'm just tired of reading the same old crap. Who's your favorite and why comes up at least once every couple of weeks. So does "what do you consider top-tier?
There has been plenty of decent conversation here lately with the addition of the reviews. I maintain what I said before. You want to know who everyone's favorite is, ask at DST where the CT people will be more than happy to oblige.
While there may be digiscrap buyers on this forum, most likely the majority of buyers are NOT reading this smack. And most buyers could care less how many CT members are on a designers team. Yes, there are a lot of scrappers who are very in-the-know but most are just looking for kits they like and have no clue about all the politics.
August 22, 2011 7:42 PM ---------------------------- Absolutely agree with this! I've been smacked here a bunch in the past, but I can tell you that every month as I watch my Paypal come in, I just smile and think the people who love to hate on me here don't have a clue.
My customers love me. And that is all that matters. I would not worry about what the people on this blog will say. You should do what works best for you and your business. Most of your customers don't care what is written here and don't read this blog. Heck, I would imagine a large number of them don't even know it exists.
This might be an entertaining read now and again. The recent reviews have been thought-provoking. And every now and again, some crazy lunatic sells some tickets to watch her jump off the cliff and it makes for some good drama for a few days. But, many of the things written here are not motivated by the truth. This is the green-eyed monster's favorite place to hang out.
I dont understand why you are so scared to answer a simple question. We hear so much about what you all hate or dislike why not shout out about positive examples in our industry. I don't want to know what scrappers think (my personal opinion) I'd rather hear what designer peers think. A smack blog doesn't have to be one long tirade of abuse would it hurt to be positive about anything? ------------------
I'm not scared, where the heck did you get that idea from? I'm tired of the same conservations. As the previous poster pointed out, this topic comes up every few weeks. There's also been a lot of positive talk on here over the last few weeks, but typically, only the negative is pointed out and remembered.
Besides, if we are all anon, how the heck do you know who is a designer or not when giving their reviews on who is 'top'?
I've been smacked here a bunch in the past, but I can tell you that every month as I watch my Paypal come in, I just smile and think the people who love to hate on me here don't have a clue.
My customers love me. And that is all that matters. ------------
I had to go look at the site (scrappity-doo-dah). The design really isn't "THAT bad". The colors are nice and don't hurt my eyes like many others. It's not my style, but there are a lot worse sites. A LOT of them in fact. -----------
Name me five of them. Shouldn't be that difficult as there are so many of them
I've been smacked here a bunch in the past, but I can tell you that every month as I watch my Paypal come in, I just smile and think the people who love to hate on me here don't have a clue.
My customers love me. And that is all that matters. ------------------ 100 bucks says that Mye posted this. She posted almost the same thing, verbatim, a while back in our store forum when the issue of the smack blog came up. Something about how every time she gets smacked, poor thing, her sales go up and her Paypal increases.
There you go, Mye, figured I would earn you some more money by posting about you here today. You're welcome.
I've been smacked here a bunch in the past, but I can tell you that every month as I watch my Paypal come in, I just smile and think the people who love to hate on me here don't have a clue.
My customers love me. And that is all that matters.
ROFL I read this and reread this thinking I don't remember posting this. I think I've said the same thing a time or two and yes if you get slammed here, all it does is make others interested in you so it is is good for business for some of us. So slam away!!!!!!!
Some of us really do want to know who the good designers are - review away. I've thrown a name or two out before but was accused of being CT... which I'm not. It was honestly a new to me designer I discovered. I'm still looking for great designers - without having to waste my money. I will NOT ask at DST because I don't want rampant CT answering. I want honest answers which I thought I could get here. And who cares if this has supposedly been brought up before? I read here every day and I'm still interested. Great new designers emerge all the time. Some of us want this info. Who is anyone to say we all have to be bitches all the time?
You aren't going to get honest answers here. It is even easier on a smack blog for an anonymous person to list themselves or a designer they CT for as a great designer that they love. At least on DST you can usually see in someone's signature that they are on the persons CT.
Some of these ladies on multiple teams are down right fantastic scrappers, make their deadlines and other scrappers look at their pages and go, dang, if I get that kit, maybe I can pull that off! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I'm not a desinger or on anyone's CT. I can tell, at least from my point of view, that the above doesn't speak to everyone. I look at some of those "fantastic" CT pages and my thought is that I'm not going to bother with the kit since none of the CT pages are remotely in a style I scrap. I don't use layer after layer of clusters and I, unfortunately, my family/friends don't look like those in the stock photos that are generally used. Maybe it would benefit some designers if they thought about using fewer of the "fantastic" CT's and maybe a few of the "every day" scrappers...and no...I have no desire to be on a CT. I'd like to have a life beyond pimping someone's kits.
Some of us really do want to know who the good designers are - review away. I've thrown a name or two out before but was accused of being CT... which I'm not. It was honestly a new to me designer I discovered. I'm still looking for great designers - without having to waste my money. I will NOT ask at DST because I don't want rampant CT answering. I want honest answers which I thought I could get here. And who cares if this has supposedly been brought up before? I read here every day and I'm still interested. Great new designers emerge all the time. Some of us want this info. Who is anyone to say we all have to be bitches all the time?
----------
It would probably benefit you to stay tuned and pay attention to the reviews that are being done lately, then. When Simon and Piers and the others do reviews of stores, you might find a new-to-you designer that way. Or better yet, go back and read the blog train reviews from earlier this month... I found a couple of really great designers I hadn't actually known about before, after reading a few different people give their blog train mini's good reviews (amongst a ton of horrible reviews for others).
Name me five of them. Shouldn't be that difficult as there are so many of them
August 23, 2011 4:17 AM
ANY of the tagger stores Gingerscraps StufftoScrap Scrapping Fairytales Digitals Scrapbird
took a look at all of the above and agree with most but not all. IMHO I happen to like the Scrapping Fairytales look as it is cohesive and on a theme plus there is plenty of white to counteract bright colors. It might be a bit gimicky in the whole fairytale thing but if that rocks their boat! Stuff to Scrap is just plain awful in design and quality. Gingerscraps is even more gimicky than Scrapping Fairytales and is yuck. Digitals? could not find that so assumed you meant designer Digitals which is so bland and boring I cannot be bothered with it. After I had stopped laughing at the little bird Scrap bird is not offensive in terms of design.
August 23, 2011 10:16 AM ------------------------ So far you've done SO, SM?, SSD, GP?, OScraps and 9&B. Am I missing any? To be honest, I'm having a hard time remembering which stores have been done.
How about one of these: Catscrap, TLP (or did you do that one?), SBG, A5D, TDC or SBB.
before I get smacked down! Is there a way to get the store reviews posted somewhere that we can find them more easily? It takes forever to go through the thousands of comments and different threads to find anything and I think to save people keep asking the same old questions if things could be put somewhere where they can be found then hey that should help!
before I get smacked down! Is there a way to get the store reviews posted somewhere that we can find them more easily? It takes forever to go through the thousands of comments and different threads to find anything and I think to save people keep asking the same old questions if things could be put somewhere where they can be found then hey that should help!
August 23, 2011 10:27 AM --------- I kind of like that idea. What if they were just posted on Simon's blog? Maybe that's too much to ask. Don't want to create extra work for you.
Would you consider doing a CU only store like digiscrapwarehouse, commercialuse.com or cudigitals?
--------------
Um, you can't really do a good review of a CU-only store unless you can get a sample of every designer's product at that store, in order to check quality. I mean, you can "review" whether you think the products look good/useful or not from a preview... but what everyone would really want to know is about the quality of the products, before they purchase there. So this doesn't seem possible to me. Just IMO.
is yuck. Digitals? could not find that so assumed you meant designer Digitals which is so bland and boring I cannot be bothered with it. After I had stopped laughing at the little bird Scrap bird is not offensive in terms of design.
Digitals is Digital Scrapbook Pages and has been around a long time. They have a large customer base and many designers there that have designed for a long time.
August 23, 2011 4:15 AM ------------------------------ And I happen to think you're a bitch. Good thing your opinion matters as little to me as mine likely does to you.
So if Simon can't review CU based on previews, why don't other designers go ahead and review some CU that they've purchased and have experience with? Tell us who to avoid and why.
I've only seen part 1 of Oscraps reviewed by Simon - up to Kitty Designs I believe. I'd love to see the rest, in particular Paislee Press and One Little Bird. Did I miss part 2?
Name me five of them. Shouldn't be that difficult as there are so many of them
August 23, 2011 4:17 AM
ANY of the tagger stores Gingerscraps StufftoScrap Scrapping Fairytales Digitals Scrapbird
took a look at all of the above and agree with most but not all. IMHO I happen to like the Scrapping Fairytales look as it is cohesive and on a theme plus there is plenty of white to counteract bright colors. It might be a bit gimicky in the whole fairytale thing but if that rocks their boat! Stuff to Scrap is just plain awful in design and quality. Gingerscraps is even more gimicky than Scrapping Fairytales and is yuck. Digitals? could not find that so assumed you meant designer Digitals which is so bland and boring I cannot be bothered with it. After I had stopped laughing at the little bird Scrap bird is not offensive in terms of design.
I think Digital Scrap Designs is worse
August 23, 2011 9:22 AM
Just wondering did you buy from some of these stores? If you haven't then how do you know about their quality? I do a agree that sometimes the look of a store can through you off, but if you haven't brought something and looked at it close up, then you have no clue what the quality is.
Not the person you were talking to before, not a designer, and not on any CTs. Just a scrapper in my own time.
Just wondering did you buy from some of these stores? If you haven't then how do you know about their quality? I do a agree that sometimes the look of a store can through you off, but if you haven't brought something and looked at it close up, then you have no clue what the quality is.
Not the person you were talking to before, not a designer, and not on any CTs. Just a scrapper in my own time.
August 23, 2011 3:46 PM ____________ The topic was how the store looked and the quality of the store design (not the store's products or designers)
I was a little confused on that one as well. Thanks for making that clear.
BTW wasn't me who posted that other comment. Just in case you was wondering.
I haven't been on here since 2/3 months ago and I'm happy it has changed to designers products and not the designers her/his self. I'm always up for improving my designs even though I'm new.
OK, I'm not trying to stir anything up, I promise. I was just searching for a photographer today and found this: http://mulberrylanestudio.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html
I thought this part was hysterical and wanted to share: "I'm a simple girl. Simple enough to be down to earth and real.." Written at a time when she was pretending to be someone else.
LOL I really do think this is funny. I know who I am (I can go into detail if you want me to) and I'm not scared to show my face or name.
Just a quick little question. Are you getting laid? Because it seems like you need to relieve some stress. No one in their right mind would be like that unless you are a marine (USMC).
ROFLMAO!!! Lovely Creations, aka Wife and Mommy - the one who can't design worth a crap or spell. The one who posted this is in the thread at DST in the DCR where Trish was going off about this blog:
Also these people have been "bashing" me since January 2011 when I was just learning how to digital scrapbook design. I'm guessing they would add my link to the smack blog, talk about what I was doing, and some would go to my blog and leave tons of rude comments. It was like they was trying to kick me out of the designing world or something. I was clueless of this blog when I was starting out and I was wondering why so many anonymous people would leave rude comments at my blog. Oh and in my life I really don't have time to read those kinds of blogs. I'm mostly taking care of my son, cleaning house, and designing all day long. For the weekends I spend time with my family.
Don't have time to read these types of blogs, huh? LOLOL! and I DO hope your fellow designers at STS see your "Lovely" comments.
I'm so happy you have so much time on your hands to go and look all of this up. I'm so proud of you.
Needless to say you don't know anything about me. If you don't think I can't design then that's you. I do this because I enjoy it, not to please you. And yes I don't have time to read this blog. This is the first time I have came to this blog since 2/3 months ago.
I really just wanted to see what you will say and now I know. To me this is really funny. I'm laughing my but off!! LOLOLOLOL
Thanks you 4:55 PM for your
" I think you should rethink your choice to post here like that under your design name. It has never ended well for anyone. "
If I comment again it will be anonymous but I don't think I will need to comment. I really don't have time for this. :D :D :D :D (big big smiles)
I'd be happy to review a store. Anyone got one that they want reviewed? It might take me a day or so to get it done, but I'll give it a shot.
August 23, 2011 5:42 PM
------
I posted this. I know that there were stores listed earlier today. But I'm assuming people want Simon to review those. If anyone wants a non-Simon review I'm up for it.
August 23, 2011 4:15 AM ------------------------------ And I happen to think you're a bitch. Good thing your opinion matters as little to me as mine likely does to you. -----
Why, because I was honest? I would never ever say my customers love me and that I got smacked a bunch of times on here. Sounds like you are trying to make yourself seem important. What an egotistical thing to say. Although, the fact that you called me a bitch for no real reason would tell me that you were really smacked, and for being a bitch and an egotist.
I think she called you a bitch for a very good reason. You come off as a bitch. Case in point, your last post. Bitchy. -------
I was a bitch for calling someone an egotist? How is that bitchy? It was the truth. But we all know, truth equates to bitch. I'll admit my last post was bitchier, but seeing as I was called out and all, why not go with it. Calling someone a bitch is much more bitchy than being one.
You should review whichever store you feel like... don't worry about if Simon will or not. You are your own person with your own opinions - and I for one love to read everyone's opinion.
My customers love me. And that is all that matters. **************
They may like you, but I don't think they love you. What an odd thing to say.
---------
English is maybe not her first language. Others like french for example use the same word for like and love so it can be difficult to always remember the difference you make between them.
Calling someone a bitch is much more bitchy than being one.
^^^^^^^ THE most inane thing EVER, that I have wasted my time reading. Kudos. You win the most silliest \, most insignificant contribution to a discussion EVER award.
New space? Already? We normally let it get up to around 2000 before we start whining about a new space... don't we? Otherwise it's *THAT* much harder for the noobs to find the old posts, and catch up, and stop asking dumb questions.
Holy moly, I go offline to live my life for a few hours, and the whole place blows up! People are throwing insults left and right... Lovely Creations stopped by to ensure her demise as a digi designer... people are freaking out about a new space... wow. Quite a lot got accomplished here in the past few hours, kids. Kudos to everyone.
THE most inane thing EVER, that I have wasted my time reading. Kudos. You win the most silliest \, most insignificant contribution to a discussion EVER award. ------
You're kidding, right? There's been much worse, including yours by the way.
Holy moly, I go offline to live my life for a few hours, and the whole place blows up! People are throwing insults left and right... Lovely Creations stopped by to ensure her demise as a digi designer... people are freaking out about a new space... wow. Quite a lot got accomplished here in the past few hours, kids. Kudos to everyone. ------------
August 23, 2011 10:21 PM ---------------------------- And you have a propensity for being judgmental. Probably the same person who likes to call people "egotists."
We're all very impressed with your handle on the big impressive words. Here's your medal. Can you shut up now? YAWN.
I am officially unsmacking Mye. She is my new hero and her designs are growing on me (or she's getting better which is more likely).
That girl works harder than any newbie I've seen since Fruit Loop Sally. (Of course that didn't turn out so good, but still...) If there is a store to guest at, a birthday sale to jump in on, a blog train or collab to join, that Mye is there. She is giving away freebies, blogging, guest blogging, and working chats...she is everywhere. THAT is what a store owner wants.
I think the only time I ever posted about her was when I said I thought she had a pretty name that sort of rolled off the tongue. __________
How exactly can you "unsmack" someone you never actually smacked in the first place. It would be one thing if you mind about her had actually changed. But you can't unsmack someone just because you like her if you never actually participated or agreed with the smacking in the first place can you?
And you have a propensity for being judgmental. -----
No, you did exaggerate. Anyone can see that, no judging required. The place didn't blow up, insults were not thrown left and right and only one person freaked out about new space. That's a far cry from what you were posting about.
I am officially unsmacking Mye. She is my new hero and her designs are growing on me (or she's getting better which is more likely).
That girl works harder than any newbie I've seen since Fruit Loop Sally. (Of course that didn't turn out so good, but still...) If there is a store to guest at, a birthday sale to jump in on, a blog train or collab to join, that Mye is there. She is giving away freebies, blogging, guest blogging, and working chats...she is everywhere. THAT is what a store owner wants.
August 23, 2011 10:46 PM
^^^^^
This is the biggest load of bull posted here in a while. The last time I downloaded anything from Mye, the designs were loaded with jaggies and poorly extracted photos with bad lighting. As Simon says, nothing but mish-mash. Also, there doesn't seem to be an original thought in her head. She's nothing but a copycat who steals product and advertising ideas from other designers. And, she isn't really a newbie, either. She started out as Bubblescraps or something like that probably 2 years ago. But thanks for the plug, CT member.
Damn, sometimes this place really looks just like DST.
^^^^^^ I would like to know why every time Mye's name gets mentioned, someone throws in Connie and Trixie? From what I can tell by a quick search, Connie and Mye haven't released anything together for almost a year. And there is only one collab that I can find between Trixie and Mye, also released almost a year ago.
Connie and Trixie are certainly attached at the hip and have similar styles. But it doesn't seem to me like Mye is buddies with either of them at all. I don't think they have similar styles, either. I'm not a customer of any one of them, but I think it's a stretch to make this association all the time. Are you basing it on something in particular? Or do you just have a personal grudge? It sounds personal to me.
And you have a propensity for being judgmental. -----
No, you did exaggerate. Anyone can see that, no judging required. The place didn't blow up, insults were not thrown left and right and only one person freaked out about new space. That's a far cry from what you were posting about. ________________________________
First of all, I am the OP of the "blowing up" comment from last night, and I never came back and posted anything... so you're arguing w/ some other random person who has nothing to do with this.
Second of all, I wasn't being LITERAL, you jackasses. Of course this blog didn't blow up. I was simply commenting on the sudden change of "activity" around this place. For days, all we've discussed is boring ho-hum things like CT requirements/exclusivity, the reviews we'd like to see (though nobody has gotten off their butts to do one), etc. And then all of the sudden, Lovely Creations comes roaring in here like a hurricane, and juices the place up a bit. And people WERE hurling insults left and right... there was a whole section of "no, you're a bitch... no, you're an egotist!" not too far up. So yes, while I may have used an exaggerative phrase (I know that's not a word, live w/ it)... I don't really think I was that far off.
Besides, my main point was to be funny while pointing out that things had livened up a bit. Apparently falling on deaf (dumb?) ears. My apologies.
Just a quick little question. Are you getting laid? Because it seems like you need to relieve some stress. No one in their right mind would be like that unless you are a marine (USMC). ---------------------------
So the only people who get stressed out are Marines? Puh-leez. Any shot you, Lovely Creations, had of getting me to buy your stuff is gone. You want to pick on people, fine, but don't pick on people who put their lives on the line for you everyday.
So the only people who get stressed out are Marines? Puh-leez. Any shot you, Lovely Creations, had of getting me to buy your stuff is gone. You want to pick on people, fine, but don't pick on people who put their lives on the line for you everyday.
What a classless individual you are. ________________
AMEN! For real, Lovely... what in the shit were you thinking when you posted that?! There is something seriously wrong with you, and it's not just your inability to use the English language properly (or to spell).
So, what is the deal with Scrappity Doo Dah. They brought on a few new girls, giving them a chance, I get that. But wow they need to be worked with, a lot. And what's wrong with Sweet Mesquite? I looked at her store, and I don't get it? She's definitely not as bad as a few of the others in the store. I really would like to see a review of that store, so I can compare opinions. Because I think SM has cute stuff, but that Monkey whatever, wow, what is wrong with her eyes? Those colors! and Danospooky is pretty bad. Dylabel is not horrible, but I do not like her previews. I won't touch Farynar's Wings, I have had dealings with her at another store and do not think I can be unbiased. Jellebelly has templates that are boring and unimaginative. Lollipop looks very new. Mandy King's products are actually very cute, I have added a couple to my cart to purchase! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!
Many designers make pre-made items such as papers and have for a long time. Pre-made page borders have existed in the paper industry for many years. None of this is original to anyone in digi.
I think Mye comes off as sweet, but really does have a huge ego. That rubs me the wrong way. But, as far as her products, that's like saying "Oh, she sells kits just like Connie. She's a copy cat."
Most designers are willing to make anything that sells, and if pre-made papers sell and you want to make them, more power to you.
My personal experience is, it helps if many designers do carry the same products in a store. I know my templates always sell more in stores where there are already template designers. It means they have that customer base. So, if lots of designers make pre-made papers in a store, then it likely helps ALL of them sell more.
"Just a quick little question. Are you getting laid? Because it seems like you need to relieve some stress. No one in their right mind would be like that unless you are a marine (USMC)."
"So the only people who get stressed out are Marines? Puh-leez. Any shot you, Lovely Creations, had of getting me to buy your stuff is gone. You want to pick on people, fine, but don't pick on people who put their lives on the line for you everyday.
What a classless individual you are."
"AMEN! For real, Lovely... what in the shit were you thinking when you posted that?! There is something seriously wrong with you, and it's not just your inability to use the English language properly (or to spell)."
"ha-ha according to her blogger profile, she is married to a marine. she must hate it or him." --------------------------- Do we think there is ANY chance that someone other than "Lovely Creations" logged into her account and posted yesterday's crazy rants and tirades? When I was reading it yesterday, it just seemed odd to me that she would suddenly go off and post something like the "getting laid/marines" comment. Now, reading the PP's info about Lovely Creations' husband being a marine, well... it is all very strange. Never mind the fact that anyone who's read here for even 10 minutes knows not to sign-in as themselves and ruin their reputation. So to do that, AND post the type of thing she posted yesterday, just doesn't add up. IMO.
I know I posted that second half of Oscraps, but I don't see it anywhere. Must have gone to Blogger Heaven. I will repost it when I get home.
I think I'll review Scrappity Doo Dah next since that store keeps coming up here. I've never heard of anything but positive things about the owner, but other than that, I'm not familiar with most of the designers mentioned that sell there. I wont have time until the weekend most likely, though. So, you'll have to hold onto your panties for a few days.
As for starting a Simon blog, I'm not sure about it. While it would be nice to take the reviews away from the "you're a bitch" "no, you are" BS that happens on this blog, I feel like it would limit others from doing their own reviews. And honestly, I don't think the children would stay away from that blog either. So it would just morph into this blog anyway. But, I'm open to suggestions.
So, what is the deal with Scrappity Doo Dah. They brought on a few new girls, giving them a chance, I get that. But wow they need to be worked with, a lot. And what's wrong with Sweet Mesquite? I looked at her store, and I don't get it? She's definitely not as bad as a few of the others in the store. I really would like to see a review of that store, so I can compare opinions. Because I think SM has cute stuff, but that Monkey whatever, wow, what is wrong with her eyes? Those colors! and Danospooky is pretty bad. Dylabel is not horrible, but I do not like her previews. I won't touch Farynar's Wings, I have had dealings with her at another store and do not think I can be unbiased. Jellebelly has templates that are boring and unimaginative. Lollipop looks very new. Mandy King's products are actually very cute, I have added a couple to my cart to purchase! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction! ________________
This is one of the weirdest, most random posts ever. It starts out as though you're getting ready to smack SDD a little, and by the end you're thanking us for pointing you in the direction of SDD? Either you need to lay off the drinking, or else you're doing a pretty bad job of trying to enable Mandy King. Either way, it's just weird.
Hello kids, sorry I've been MIA these past couple of weeks. Real life took over. We've all been there.
I liked the recent idea of a space where the reviews are easy to find, so I just created it.
http://dsthofreviews.blogspot.com
It'll be organized by store/event, so it should be easy for people to look through the archive for exactly which store/event they want to see a review for.
Right now it's just a blank skeleton, but we can beef it up in the coming days. I've set up a space for a few of the stores I can remember already being reviewed, and I'll set up more spaces later when time permits.
Do we think there is ANY chance that someone other than "Lovely Creations" logged into her account and posted yesterday's crazy rants and tirades? When I was reading it yesterday, it just seemed odd to me that she would suddenly go off and post something like the "getting laid/marines" comment. Now, reading the PP's info about Lovely Creations' husband being a marine, well... it is all very strange. Never mind the fact that anyone who's read here for even 10 minutes knows not to sign-in as themselves and ruin their reputation. So to do that, AND post the type of thing she posted yesterday, just doesn't add up. IMO. ----------------------------
My gripe is that she's been designing for a millisecond and has decided she should be dispensing advice about how to do things.
Personally, I like the reviews posted here so I don't have to go searching all the time to see when a new one was posted - so please don't stop posting them here!
^^^ totally disagree. can't stand trying to go back to find a review within the "mishy-mashiness" (LOL) of this blog. how about if reviewers just post a link to the other site/each review whenever they post one? that way, we only have to check the other blog when there's something new, but we can always find reviews if necessary.
Hello kids, sorry I've been MIA these past couple of weeks. Real life took over. We've all been there.
I liked the recent idea of a space where the reviews are easy to find, so I just created it.
http://dsthofreviews.blogspot.com
It'll be organized by store/event, so it should be easy for people to look through the archive for exactly which store/event they want to see a review for.
Right now it's just a blank skeleton, but we can beef it up in the coming days. I've set up a space for a few of the stores I can remember already being reviewed, and I'll set up more spaces later when time permits.
-------------------------------- if we want to add our review do we do it under comments or post it here first and you can transfer over to the 'review' blog?
It would be great if we could keep the reviews blog as actual reviews also. Not just "I hate this designer. She sucks". If she sucks tell us why she sucks (design-wise). Keep the personal vendettas here.
if we want to add our review do we do it under comments or post it here first and you can transfer over to the 'review' blog? ----------------- Randi: for now, just post any NEW reviews over at the review blog under the "comments" for that store/event. If the store/event you want to review isn't listed, make a request here (or e-mail me at piersunhacked at gmail dot com) and I will add it ASAP.
For old reviews that are already posted here on this main blog, I'll try to cut/paste and transfer them to the review blog as time permits. Or, if you happen to know where your own reviews are on this main blog, feel free to do the same. I won't turn away helpers!
^^^ totally disagree. can't stand trying to go back to find a review within the "mishy-mashiness" (LOL) of this blog. how about if reviewers just post a link to the other site/each review whenever they post one? that way, we only have to check the other blog when there's something new, but we can always find reviews if necessary.
^^^^^ Just meant, don't stop posting them here completely. I think the blog is a good idea for finding stuff - just don't want to miss any. So I hope they will still post here too.
FYI I just transferred all of the reviews (that I could find, that is) that were done in June for Sweet Shoppe Designs. So that section of the review blog now has content. Rejoice.
^^^ The stacked papers. The bundles. The similarities are endless. You must be blind.
August 24, 2011 6:36 AM
^^^^^^^^^^^ I'm not blind at all. I looked at their kits and I think Mye's style is different (and just plain ugly). She uses a lot of really gross extracted photos in her kits and of the three, I think her kits are the MOST mish-mashy (not in a good way). Wow, now I sound like Simon.
Just because Mye can't come up with an idea on her own and keeps releasing the same kinds of products Connie/Trixie does, that certainly doesn't mean they are "pals." I would bet it's quite the opposite. If neither one of them has worked with Mye for the past year, I'd imagine there's a reason for it.
I'm not blind at all. I looked at their kits and I think Mye's style is different (and just plain ugly). She uses a lot of really gross extracted photos in her kits and of the three, I think her kits are the MOST mish-mashy (not in a good way). Wow, now I sound like Simon.
__________
Using the words "mish mashy" and "gross" does not make you like Simon.
Why don't you try and use another description other than "gross" that might be more helpful not just to the designer but all of us. For example:
Her extractions are too sharp (or blurry). I don't like her choice of extractions. Or they have jagged edges or strays or her shadowing is off. Anything that might actually resemble something remotely intelligent.
You bash a designer's lack of originality yet can't come up with an original thought and instead recycle vocabulary and compare yourself to "Simon".
^^^^ Well, I haven't bought from her, so I can't personally say her extractions are jagged. But, just from the preview, those photo extractions do look blurry and the lighting does look off, to me. I wouldn't buy from her based on what I can see.
And I didn't mean to equate myself with Simon. I was more laughing at myself because I was struggling to come up with words other than gross and mish-mashy, which are words she often uses. But thanks for being nasty about it, that's always nice!!
Using the words "mish mashy" and "gross" does not make you like Simon.
Why don't you try and use another description other than "gross" that might be more helpful not just to the designer but all of us. For example:
Her extractions are too sharp (or blurry). I don't like her choice of extractions. Or they have jagged edges or strays or her shadowing is off. Anything that might actually resemble something remotely intelligent.
You bash a designer's lack of originality yet can't come up with an original thought and instead recycle vocabulary and compare yourself to "Simon". ----------------- OMG, even I can tell that this last post is just Mye, pissed off that someone has dared smack her designs.
Listen darlin', I read what she wrote and I believe she was saying nothing about the quality of the extractions... but just that the choice of extracted elements is gross. As in, "she uses a lot of really gross extracted photos". As in, "her eye for design/good taste is seriously lacking" (I'm reading between the lines here, LOL).
But, since you apparently have such a high opinion of Simon and can't stand to have someone else compare themselves to Simon (kinda strange how much that bothered you!), I call for Simon and the gang to review you, Mye. Yes, just you. Not your whole store, just a big ol' reviewfest of Mye DeLeon. It should be really popular, since your customers love you, and all.
Piers, can you make a "Mye DeLeon" category over there on the new review blog? LOL
Simon - do you have an email that we could contact you with? I'd love you to do a personal review for me and I'd gladly pay you for your time :)" ^^^^^^^^ I just created a contact e-mail post at the new review blog, so that it is easier to find any of the reviewers' e-mail addresses (seeing as how we keep posting them here and they keep getting buried). I need Randy's (couldn't find it easily right now, and don't have time to search) -- Randy, if/when you see this, please post again. Thx.
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For the reviews blog, can you tag your posts with the store name so that the stores are easy for everyone to find? ^^^^^^^^ I just labeled each post w/ the store name and the standard abbreviation used (example: SO for Scrap Orchard, SDD for Sweet Shoppe Designs, etc.). HTH.
I just labeled each post w/ the store name and the standard abbreviation used (example: SO for Scrap Orchard, SDD for Sweet Shoppe Designs, etc.). HTH.
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Thanks! Now can you please make it so that we can see the tags on the side of the blog? Right now, we can see the archive, but it will be more difficult when there are more posts.
Second of all, I wasn't being LITERAL, you jackasses. Of course this blog didn't blow up. I was simply commenting on the sudden change of "activity" around this place. ------
I know you weren't being literal, and I could throw an insult in here, but I won't.
now that I think about it...I'm not sure if it was Simon or not..but I remember because I CT for one of the designers there...and was thankful nothing bad was said about the CT work...LOLOL.
^^^ Wow ... someone from SBG is a little bitter. So you didn't get the review you wanted from the "guru" of critique. While sometimes I agree with "Simon", sometimes I don't. If you think you're so wonderful critique your own store
I didn't do SBG, someone dodged that bullet for me. I did do Ninth and Bloom, though.
Piers - I'll take a look at the blog you set-up over the weekend and move any reviews not yet moved at that time. I'm too tired from work to do it now. Thanks for setting that up, too.
My email is simonsaysdigi at gmail dot com for the person who requested it.
Here is the second half of the lost Oscraps review.
Oscraps - continued
Lotta Designs - Very small store, almost 100% CU. I don't have any, so I can't speak to the quality. The two kits she has in her store are realistic and on the fantasy side. They look interesting for that style, but her preview makes the kits seem very small when they have 60+ elements.
Lydia Designs - I think she makes some beautiful word art. I have some of her packs and the quality is great and the pieces are beautiful. Some of her kits are very small especially for the price. She makes some nice papers and some boring ones. She does a nice mix of realistic elements and hand drawn pieces without it looking mish-mashy. I only have her word art and not her kits, so I can't speak to the quality of those. She doesn't have a sample in her store.
MaryPop Designs - Sells a mix of CU and PU. All realistic style. I don't have any of her CU, so I can't speak to the quality. Her kits could be fantasy style, but I would use her kits for my paper style pages. I don't find them over the top fantasy. Lots of flowers and things. Her papers look very pretty for that style and she even does some with soft patterns and decorative edges. I downloaded her Eternity freebie in shop and think her papers are great. The elements are nice, but the image quality on her extracted items is inconsistent. The raffia frame is very blurry and has some jagged edges. The edges are slight enough that I would use it if if weren't for the very noticeable blurriness of the item. The bow has inconsistent lighting, but is a pretty ribbon.
Maya de Groot - Has simple templates that seem fitting for her kit style. Her style is all over the place and sometimes within the same kit. She has some doodled kits, altered art, realistic, etc. I downloaded her Home Sweet Home and Prego freebies. Quality is mostly good. Some jagged edges on the extractions, but very mild. Nothing that would make me not buy from her. Makes some nice patterns and more fantasy style solids. Has mostly nice color palettes. I think her kits are overpriced for the contents, but I would watch her store for a sale. Her previews are horrible.
Merkeley Designs - She's been around a long time and I don't think she's ever retired a thing from her store. She really should. She offers a mix of CU and PU items. I have a couple of her items (PU) and the quality is just OK. Some pieces are really well done and others are poorly recolored or poor quality extractions. Her papers are mostly boring, but she occasionally throws in a decent pattern. Her previews are mostly bad, but some are surprisingly OK. She offers a lot of tools for scrappers and not just designers. I think these are her most useful products. I have one of her "sample it" samples (I didn't see it at O, but her store is massive, I could have missed it) and the quality is good. I would watch her store for useful scrapping tools if I didn't already have them.
Miss Crow's Magickal Emporium™ - I love how her name is trademarked. (eye roll) Her store, however, matches her design name. It's pretty much a bunch of junk with dust on it. She manages to make a few nice papers here and there, but they're mostly plain and boring oversaturated papers. You have to go pretty far back to see any kits. The previews are just bad. BAD. They look like she dumped everything onto the floor and just took a picture of the mess. I don't have any of her things, so I can't speak to the quality, but they look like a hot, mish-mashy mess.
One Little Bird Designs - Mostly nice color palettes and several nice patterns. The single templates are overpriced, but they must sell. I think the kits are overpriced. I wish they sold their papers separately. I'm surprised they don't given the store. The kits are well put together and have a mix of items without being mish mashy. I don't have any of their products and they don't have any kit samples in their store. I would try a product on sale, but I wouldn't pay the full price to try anything. I will watch their store in the future.
Paint the Moon Designs - Has a shabby, vintage, altered art style. Sells some CU, but based on the previews, I wouldn't download it for free. The previews are very busy without focus on anything in the kit. Again, looks like she emptied the junk drawer on the floor, took a photo, and packaged it up as a kit. I understand vintage walks the fine line between mish-mashy and well put together, but she crosses it into mish mashy more than once. Even her collab with SMJ is gross, and I usually like SMJ's stuff. Her products are also very expensive especially for what you get. More than one of her kits has an extracted garden gnome... 'nuff said.
Paislee Press - see One Little Bird review. They're basically the same exact shop with the exact same style kit products. She does offer more element packs (frames, word art, etc) and several simple style templates and photography plates. I find most everything in this store to be overpriced as well, but would consider buying if on sale. Not as vibrant in color palettes as OLB. If I had to choose just one or the other, I would choose OLB for having better palettes. Her store is also very massive and could use some cleaning. No kit samples, so I can't speak to the quality.
Sue Cummings - Overpriced. Seriously. Just highway robbery. And if you're going to charge $8+ for a KIT with 14 papers and a handful of elements, you think you could stretch yourself to write out a proper description of contents? She does make some nice word art and I would consider it if it were on sale. Most of the papers are very boring and plain. Very few patterns. Some of her previews are confusing and difficult to know exactly what is included. The lack of description doesn't help. I'm glad to see she's retiring a bunch of products. She needs to.
TaylorMade Designs - Very much the same as One Little Bird and Paislee Press. I think all 3 of them are 100% interchangable. Simple templates and some are very unique (ie. the ones with Fei fei). Sells CU and PU items. Some nice color palettes and some gross ones. Her more recent kits have better patterns than her older ones which are far more simple and plain. I downloaded her ComposurePLUS: an add-on kit freebie. That had boring papers, but the elements were simple and nice. Includes shadowed versions, but I wish they were in their own folder so I could simply delete. Items are overpriced again, but on sale they would be worth trying.
Three Paper Peonies - Typical, modern style the same as OLB, PP, and TaylorMade. Mostly nice color palettes and makes mostly nice patterned papers. I find her products also overpriced, but would consider them on sale. I wish she sold her papers separately, too. Hers are as good as OLB, who I consider to be the best out of the modern style bunch at the O. Makes some unique elements as well. Small store, but will watch in the future.
Traci Murphy Designs - Her style is all over the place. Some nice patterns, but mostly gross color palettes. Very overpriced for what you get. In this style, a scrapper has countless other designers to choose from who make better looking products with a much lower price tag. Also sells CU, but I don't have any, so I can't speak to the quality. Some of her kits are very mish mashy. She seems like a weak designer for this store.
Vera Lim Designs - In the interest of full disclosure (lol), I have shopped with Vera for years. I love her quirky style - she does a nice mix of realistic items and doodles without it being mish mashy. Some of her doodles can have jaggies, but nothing noticable in print. The quality has never detracted me from buying again. Some of her kit papers can be boring, but then some are greatly detailed and patterned. It's a toss-up. Some of her color palettes are gross, but some are nice. Again. Toss-up. I have some of her CU and the quality has always been good. I think her quick pages are overpriced as well. I only buy from her when items are on sale (PU and CU).
Vicki Stegall - Has a lot of collab products with Sue Cummings. Her kits have mostly boring, repeated patterns and the elements are mostly recolors (poorly recolored at that). For $7+, I expect better. Much better. Sells some overpriced quick pages as well. Some CU, but that is also very overpriced. Her previews are horrible and her products just look cheap. I'm a little surprised she's at this store.
ZuzanaH Designs - Sells CU and PU and is a realistic style leaning towards fantasy designer. I would use some of her kit products, though, on my paper style pages. I don't have any of her CU, so I can't speak to the quality. Mostly boring papers in her older kits, but her newer kits have interesting brushwork for her style. Has mostly nice color schemes and products are priced according to kit contents.
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 1001 – 1200 of 2374 Newer› Newest»“DSP is the biggest digital scrapbook store on the internet and one of the longest standing.”
“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!”
“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!”
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Very curiously, someone here on this blog seems to have a LOT of details about DSP... site traffic info... date of origin... etc. Hi, Robyn!
And no, sweetie, all of the designers there are NOT some of the "best in the biz." But we're already aware (from your CT call ad ...scratch that, "contest" ad) that you think rather highly of yourself and your store.
I had to go look at the site (scrappity-doo-dah). The design really isn't "THAT bad". The colors are nice and don't hurt my eyes like many others. It's not my style, but there are a lot worse sites. A LOT of them in fact.
Bringing them up like that does make it seem like you have an issue with the site.
The ad says DSP's team members need to create 8-10 layouts a month?! Either the site owners are delusional or their team members are crazy, I would never agree to that many pages! I CT for some stores that many here say are top tier, and none of them require more than 4 layouts a month.
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.
^^^^^^^^^^^^
I feel the same way about the products at DSP as well. I've seen equal quality kits from other designers at other stores for significatnly less (or, if it is $4.00, they include more in it).
I'm not looking to get 35 papers and 100 elements for $4.00 but a bit more than 4 papers and 8 elements would be nice. I like to get as many pages as I can out of a kit without each page looking identical to the one before. I don't care how good of a scrapper you are, there's just so much you can do with that few papers/elements without having a sameness.
The ad says DSP's team members need to create 8-10 layouts a month?! Either the site owners are delusional or their team members are crazy, I would never agree to that many pages! I CT for some stores that many here say are top tier, and none of them require more than 4 layouts a month.
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ALso in the ad is something about not allowing their CT members to be on ANY other CT while they're working at DSP. So maybe that's why they feel they can require so many LO's each month(?). I still agree that it's a crazy high number, but at least most other sites know/understand that their CTM's are also doing CT work elsewhere (and are probably doing 8-10 LO's a month, combined, KWIM?)
I had to go look at the site (scrappity-doo-dah). The design really isn't "THAT bad". The colors are nice and don't hurt my eyes like many others. It's not my style, but there are a lot worse sites. A LOT of them in fact.
Bringing them up like that does make it seem like you have an issue with the site.
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Okay I honestly just posted it as a joke, thinking it would get a laugh, since not very long ago (when they redid the site from the older, cuter design to this new mishy-mashy one) there was a big discussion here at this blog about how horrible it was. This was around the same timeframe that COLS was supposed to show up at SDD to sell, remember? Someone joked that COLS maybe designed the site. Anyway, this time the joke fell on deaf ears and I retract it. Sorry! Geez. (I still think it's horrendously ugly, but yes, there are a million worse sites)
ALso in the ad is something about not allowing their CT members to be on ANY other CT while they're working at DSP. So maybe that's why they feel they can require so many LO's each month(?). I still agree that it's a crazy high number, but at least most other sites know/understand that their CTM's are also doing CT work elsewhere (and are probably doing 8-10 LO's a month, combined, KWIM?)
August 22, 2011 12:43 PM
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I don't see a problem with them doing that. I wish I could do that with my personal team and "get away with it." I know if any designer dared to want some exclusive team members this industry would crucify them for it. But in all honesty, there are too many people out there who are willing to CT for 10, 15, even 20 CTs at a time. It makes zero sense to me why some designers are willing to have people on their team whose loyalty is divided in so many directions. In GENERAL, those people with so many teams end up being flaky because they can hardly keep up with that many designers.
I've gotten to the point where I won't even look at someone who is on more than 5 or 6 CTs, no matter how great a scrapper they are. And if they are on store CTs, they get pushed to the bottom of my applicant pile. I like to give newer (talented) scrappers a chance. And I dislike the greedy, grab-it-all culture of some of the scrappers in the CT community. If everyone could learn to spread the wealth a little bit, we'd have more people getting an opportunity to CT and we'd potentially have more people buying kits because there'd be less going out the door "for free."
And really? If you are on a store team and you have 20+ designers to choose from, do you really NEED to CT for other stores or individual designers? Or are you just being greedy and trying to snag as much as you can for free? We've developed a very spoiled culture in this business.
Just my opinion, feel free to disagree. But I talk to enough designers that I know there are many who agree with me.
I have said it before and I will say it again, I really think all personal CT's should be cut and just stick with store CT's. It would make being on a CT more of a challenge and honor. I think designers require way too much of their personal CT's now, if you really think you need the help keep like 2 or 3 on as assistants and utilize the store CT. Just my opinion.
^^^
ITA. But you're right, we'd all get crucified for trying to set limits. People would say we were full of ourselves, or worse, for wanting CTM's who actually wanted to help promote our designs and not just get free kits.
oops that last one was in response to 1:11 and not the one after it. I actually don't agree w/ the last comment, b/c not all designers have the luxury of a store CT. but something definitely needs to change overall, because individual designers having 20 CTM's on their team is RIDICULOUS.
oops that last one was in response to 1:11 and not the one after it. I actually don't agree w/ the last comment, b/c not all designers have the luxury of a store CT. but something definitely needs to change overall, because individual designers having 20 CTM's on their team is RIDICULOUS.
August 22, 2011 1:22 PM
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I made the comment at 1:11 and I agree with you about designers having large CTs. But, I have a pretty big CT myself (15 girls) and I wish I didn't have to. But, even though I look for people that aren't on more than 5 CTs, they are a) hard to find and b) once you find them, nothing stops them from adding a ton of CTs after they are on your team. So, then you are left with a few people who will work with almost every release and many who are very sporadic and help out "here and there." In order to advertise well, and considering you are dealing with people whose loyalties are divided, you almost have to keep a bigger team on hand. I'd love to have a team of no more than 5 or 6 people who work ONLY with my designs, but it's just not possible unless you're willing to stick your neck out there and try it (and be harassed about it here).
It's a no-win situation. I see designers get knocked here for having large teams. But, if they tried to make a move to have a smaller, exclusive team, they'd get ripped apart for that, too.
I wouldn't crucify designers for wanting more dedicated team members as long as you put out product consistently so your team members have enough to keep busy. I'm on one store CT, I've never applied for another one because I have open access to all of the store's items. Why would I need to be on another team when I can take whatever I want from the one I'm on? I know it's not the popular opinion, but I would feel greedy if I applied to a second store.
Strangely, the issue of "more dedicated" CT members is similar to the "almost exclusive" clause some stores put for their designers. What is the difference? Some stores DO have an exclusivity clause, and it works. Why would a designer suggesting an exclusivity clause for a CT member any different?
I wouldn't crucify designers for wanting more dedicated team members as long as you put out product consistently so your team members have enough to keep busy. I'm on one store CT, I've never applied for another one because I have open access to all of the store's items. Why would I need to be on another team when I can take whatever I want from the one I'm on? I know it's not the popular opinion, but I would feel greedy if I applied to a second store.
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You should start a clinic and teach everyone this point of view. The scrappers wouldn't pay you for the course, but maybe their designers would foot the bill... LOL
It's a no-win situation. I see designers get knocked here for having large teams. But, if they tried to make a move to have a smaller, exclusive team, they'd get ripped apart for that, too.
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Well, technically no designer should be basing what they do in their business life on what people have to say on this blog. I know, I know, we all *do* figure in other people's opinions (even from those on this blog) to what we do. But in theory, it shouldn't matter, at all.
I wasn't here yesterday but I would have appreciated the Scrappity-Doo-Dah joke! That site went from being really cute to being really ugly. I do think it is THAT bad - the colors are awful and it has a doodled bird on a real tree. Maybe I wouldn't think it was so bad if I didn't see how cute it was before, but I do remember it and so it just seems like the redesign was a big fail.
Before you accuse me - I have never applied there for any team and I have never been rejected by them. I used to really like that site but they have changed over time and that redesign is a good representation of how they have NOT changed for the better.
I wasn't here yesterday but I would have appreciated the Scrappity-Doo-Dah joke!
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TYVM! I knew that someone out there had to remember our conversation from a while ago! Last time I go making any jokes around here for a while, though...
Well, technically no designer should be basing what they do in their business life on what people have to say on this blog. I know, I know, we all *do* figure in other people's opinions (even from those on this blog) to what we do. But in theory, it shouldn't matter, at all.
August 22, 2011 2:06 PM
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In theory, yes, this is true. But, in reality, this blog could be viewed as a microcosm of the general public opinion, at least for some.
If it would be an unpopular, torn-apart move to most of the people here, then it would be the same to people "out there," too.
I also remember the SDD new look discussion - and I still think it looks awful. But then, with the 'new crop' of designers they have....awful is a word they had better get used to hearing!
Is anyone going to review the DSA stuff, or are we over the reviews?
And before anyone says, well why don't you, I am just a scrapper so I like to hear what designers think of other designers.
I'd rather hear more store reviews.... that's where my money goes.
Back to the CT and exclusivity discussion. I like the way Shabby Princess does about this. Their CTM work for them exclusively and get paid for that, as in money, not just coupons or products. The CTMs have to do blogging as well as scrapping but while they can maintain their personal blogs, they cannot be on other CTs or be a designer themselves. I think it's a win-win situation as the people who took the "job" are obviously happy with the deal and SP has top quality bloggers and scrappers working for them exclusively. And uh no, I'm not one of those CTM and has no connection with the place whatsoever. I just think it's pretty interesting how they make it work for them. (It's not for me, though. I don't scrap in that style and can't/won't limit myself to only one place.)
Very curiously, someone here on this blog seems to have a LOT of details about DSP... site traffic info... date of origin... etc. Hi, Robyn!
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I know all that stuff about DSP too and I'm not Robyn, not a designer, not a CT and in fact don't really shop anywhere just now. But I guess that makes me Robyn not admitting to being Robyn.
I think designers require way too much of their personal CT's now,
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No. I CT for four designers and not one requires way too much. One LO per kit, post in three galleries. That's all. Anything else would be nice, but not required.
But in all honesty, there are too many people out there who are willing to CT for 10, 15, even 20 CTs at a time. It makes zero sense to me why some designers are willing to have people on their team whose loyalty is divided in so many directions. In GENERAL, those people with so many teams end up being flaky because they can hardly keep up with that many designers.
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My problem with this is that you end up with so many LOs that look exactly the same. Which is where I think part of the 'same old same old' comes from. I agree completely on the loyalty issue.
ITA. But you're right, we'd all get crucified for trying to set limits. People would say we were full of ourselves, or worse, for wanting CTM's who actually wanted to help promote our designs and not just get free kits.
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Maybe on this blog, but not generally. IF you want to set limits, set the damn limits and don't worry about what people on this blog say. Do you really care if someone thinks you are full of yourself?
Maybe on this blog, but not generally. IF you want to set limits, set the damn limits and don't worry about what people on this blog say. Do you really care if someone thinks you are full of yourself?
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Personally, I don't care whether other people think anything about me... but I also know that in this business, your image is part of your brand. If you get talked about negatively too often, it starts to hurt your brand, and thus your sales/$. Not always worth it. So you pick and choose your battles.
It's a no-win situation. I see designers get knocked here for having large teams. But, if they tried to make a move to have a smaller, exclusive team, they'd get ripped apart for that, too.
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By whom? The people here? Are you still in high school that you care so much what this blog things? Geez louise, grow up and be professional. No one is going to rip you apart. It's a win situation if you have the guts to do it.
I'm on one store CT, I've never applied for another one because I have open access to all of the store's items. Why would I need to be on another team when I can take whatever I want from the one I'm on? I know it's not the popular opinion, but I would feel greedy if I applied to a second store.
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You should start a clinic and teach everyone this point of view. The scrappers wouldn't pay you for the course, but maybe their designers would foot the bill... LOL
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Lots of scrappers have this view. I'm not sure why you think the OP should teach everyone else. Maybe you need to get away from this blog and look at the rest of the digi world.
In theory, yes, this is true. But, in reality, this blog could be viewed as a microcosm of the general public opinion, at least for some.
If it would be an unpopular, torn-apart move to most of the people here, then it would be the same to people "out there," too.
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Um, no. A lot of the opinions expressed here are not the opinions that I see expressed elsewhere.
I'm interested to know who y'all think are top designers and what about their style makes them a top designer. Always looking to find new designers to try out and new styles too.
In theory, yes, this is true. But, in reality, this blog could be viewed as a microcosm of the general public opinion, at least for some.
If it would be an unpopular, torn-apart move to most of the people here, then it would be the same to people "out there," too.
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Um, no. A lot of the opinions expressed here are not the opinions that I see expressed elsewhere.
August 22, 2011 6:14 PM
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I was thinking the same thing. This blog could be considered a fair sampling of the "general public" only if you equate "general public" with mostly designers, store owners, CTMS and very very few regular scrappers. This blog does not represent the opinion of the average digi scrap customer.
I'm interested to know who y'all think are top designers and what about their style makes them a top designer. Always looking to find new designers to try out and new styles too.
^^^^^^^^
for heavens sake, go READ thru the posts here. This has been done so many times - and turns into a CT-pimping session.
I was thinking the same thing. This blog could be considered a fair sampling of the "general public" only if you equate "general public" with mostly designers, store owners, CTMS and very very few regular scrappers. This blog does not represent the opinion of the average digi scrap customer.
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Idiot, the original question was whether it would hurt a designer (or get them "crucified" here on this blog) if they decided to limit their CT and force them to be exclusive. So the question DOES relate to the group(s) you described (including CTM's)... and not the "average digi scrapper" as you put it. Basically, you just made our point for us. Being: if this blog would crucify the designer for doing so, that crucifixion would stem from and involve CTM's. Leave yourself a breadcrumb trail next time you venture out too far, will ya?
To the the name caller @ 7:06 PM... The topic was on how getting a bad reputation would effect sales (because, really, that's what it all comes down to).
While there may be digiscrap buyers on this forum, most likely the majority of buyers are NOT reading this smack. And most buyers could care less how many CT members are on a designers team. Yes, there are a lot of scrappers who are very in-the-know but most are just looking for kits they like and have no clue about all the politics.
I have some stale bread for you if you'd like to make yourself some crumbs to follow, Meany.
Idiot, the original question was whether it would hurt a designer (or get them "crucified" here on this blog) if they decided to limit their CT and force them to be exclusive. So the question DOES relate to the group(s) you described (including CTM's)... and not the "average digi scrapper" as you put it. Basically, you just made our point for us. Being: if this blog would crucify the designer for doing so, that crucifixion would stem from and involve CTM's. Leave yourself a breadcrumb trail next time you venture out too far, will ya?
August 22, 2011 7:06 PM
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I am the "idiot" to whom you were speaking. We were actually discussing whether people should base their business decisions what the is said about them in the community. So what I was trying to say was that the things said here about them, may not reflect the way their actual paying customers think. Therefore, we might not want to consider this blog the general public.
Also, you are going to pop a blood vessel if you keep allowing yourself to get all wound up over relatively unimportant, non-controversial subject matter.
Correction:
...should base their business decisions what the is said about them in the community.
Should have said:
...should base their business decisions on what is said about them in the community.
It's been a long day!
I am curious to see what's up with those who seem to hate SDD designers.
No I am not a designer there or a CTM and don't know any of them but people seems to know and hate Monkey Mesh designs and I have never heard of her before.
I am curious to see what's up with those who seem to hate SDD designers.
No I am not a designer there or a CTM and don't know any of them but people seems to know and hate Monkey Mesh designs and I have never heard of her before.
August 22, 2011 8:08 PM
Me too. I don't think people ever pick on stores/designers, especially ones that aren't on the top end, without some sort of personal grudge or issue.
I don't like designers who act like they are all that when in reality they know crap and their designs reflect that.
about a year ago, SDD was a much different store. Better designers and a much better look and feel to the shop. While Bekah, DigiOverdose and IBDD are still hanging in there - many have left, and the replacements are awful. Monkey Mesh has a HUGE attitude problem, and quite honestly her 'designs' suck. Today , for example - Snackpackgu joined SDD. She has posers in her kits. POSERS. Yes, I'm a Poser hater. They always have/always will remind me of creepy tagger stores. While there is a place for everything....that crap does NOT belong in a 'regular' type scrap shop. My opinion only. Sweet Mesquite is an absolute horror. The bottom half of their designer list is awful. I don't know what Yvonne is thinking..but I'm VERY glad I don't sell there.
OMG I just saw Snackpackgu and that is awefull. The colors, the style and the poser... I hate poser and I don't know why they took her.
About Monkey Mesh I don't know her and I've read she came back to design and changed her name.
Poser is a program. She cannot be selling the program. She can sell Poser dolls. Big difference.
But in all honesty, there are too many people out there who are willing to CT for 10, 15, even 20 CTs at a time. It makes zero sense to me why some designers are willing to have people on their team whose loyalty is divided in so many directions. In GENERAL, those people with so many teams end up being flaky because they can hardly keep up with that many designers.
That's why I don't have a CT any longer-more trouble then they were worth.
OK, I was giving SDD a break, but snackpackgu's garbage is just that. OMFG, *seriously*???
about a year ago, SDD was a much different store. Better designers and a much better look and feel to the shop. While Bekah, DigiOverdose and IBDD are still hanging in there - many have left, and the replacements are awful. Monkey Mesh has a HUGE attitude problem, and quite honestly her 'designs' suck. Today , for example - Snackpackgu joined SDD. She has posers in her kits. POSERS. Yes, I'm a Poser hater. They always have/always will remind me of creepy tagger stores. While there is a place for everything....that crap does NOT belong in a 'regular' type scrap shop. My opinion only. Sweet Mesquite is an absolute horror. The bottom half of their designer list is awful. I don't know what Yvonne is thinking..but I'm VERY glad I don't sell there.
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What the heck are you going on about? I just looked at the SDD designers and I don't see any problems. When I read stuff like this, I know you must have been turned down by that store.
Monkey Mess has some actions and lightroom presents (which look pretty good), a few commercial items and a few kits. Some of the colors aren't my taste, but they look fine.
Snackpackgu doesn't have any of those ugly tagger type items, she's going for cute and some of them actually are. The kits are fine if you like whimsy.
Sweet Mesquite is clearly a beginner but her templates look a bit promising.
To add to the CT conversation, my team is actually pretty small - less than 10 - but I'm OK with that. They can be on as many other teams as they want to as long as they post my layouts. They're working for free product not money.
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.
August 22, 2011 10:09 AM
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If you have been in the community since 2003 you would have had to have heard of Digital Scrapbook Place, since they were one of only a handful of sites which started shortly after that.
Very curiously, someone here on this blog seems to have a LOT of details about DSP... site traffic info... date of origin... etc. Hi, Robyn!
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I know all that stuff about DSP too and I'm not Robyn, not a designer, not a CT and in fact don't really shop anywhere just now. But I guess that makes me Robyn not admitting to being Robyn.
August 22, 2011 5:52 PM
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Precisely! It is not exactly private information! All of it is freely available!
Oh wait, I must be Robin too!
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.
August 22, 2011 10:40 AM
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I remember that thread and she never called anyone a moron. Someone asked how else they could create an element if they can't scan it and she said something along the lines of you learn your program and make it yourself. Makes sense to me. Just because some newbies took took offence to that doesn't mean she called them morons. She just offered them an alternative option.
Exclusive CT's makes perfect sense to me, I would much prefer a loyal CT member than someone split between a dozen different teams. A loyal CT member has to be a lot more effective.
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.
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I have never ever seen Robyn tearing anyone apart or calling them morons or stupid, even when she was posting in Hot Topics. She doesn't think that her way is the only way. It's quite obvious you have a bee up your butt about her. I'll admit, the way she word things some times can come across the wrong way, but it's not intentional.
I'm not for or against her, but when I see BS rants like this, I just have to speak out.
actually an indentured servant would probably fit your bill as a CT, that way they could just wait til you come out with your one kit a week and just make 4-5 pages each due to the pure gratefulness of you letting them be on your team?
since they have no other kits to play with, they can spend time they would be making pages for other designers, they can be out enabling just you! only you!!
you know last time I checked we are living in FREEDOM and if a designer wants a CT that is on a whole bunch of other teams, so be it...or maybe, one of the really good scrappers, hasn't applied for your sorry designs...
...now you can pull the clique card or high school meanie card or what ever card on how you can't find good CTs.
Some of these ladies on multiple teams are down right fantastic scrappers, make their deadlines and other scrappers look at their pages and go, dang, if I get that kit, maybe I can pull that off!
Jeez someone's got their tampon in sideways.
Obviously you can't force anyone to be on an exclusive ct just like no one can force a designer to be exclusive to one store. They'll just have to go somewhere they can be non-exclusive.
^^^^
Thanks for the giggle re tampon
you know last time I checked we are living in FREEDOM and if a designer wants a CT that is on a whole bunch of other teams, so be it...or maybe, one of the really good scrappers, hasn't applied for your sorry designs...
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No one is making anyone do anything, get a grip! People are offering their opinions which is their right as free individuals. Lighten the heck up
Last I heard, everyone is entitled to an opinion.
I'm with whoever posted about SDD. Its been on a downhill slide for a while now. To the person who felt the need to let us all know that POSER is a program - we know that. Items made within that program have been collectively called 'Posers' for quite a while. It might be a matter of taste, but...I agree. Ugly stuff.
I have never applied to SDD, and never will. I am quite happy where I am. It is sad, tho - to see the so-called talent that Yvonne is bringing in. Would love to have Simon critique that shop!
I'm interested to know who y'all think are top designers and what about their style makes them a top designer. Always looking to find new designers to try out and new styles too.
^^^^^^^^
for heavens sake, go READ thru the posts here. This has been done so many times - and turns into a CT-pimping session.
August 22, 2011 6:45 PM
I don't think the OP meant a CT-pimping session out of this it seems like a genuine question. Have YOU tried reading through the thousands of comments here to find particular information? This may be a smack blog but common courtesy doesn't need to go by the wayside.
^^^^^^^^^^
as the poster above you said...everyone is entitled to their opinion. noted.
HOWEVER - keep in mind this IS a smack blog...not a 'well, I like so and so because' blog. She/he wants to know who people's favorites are and why? ask at DST in scrap talk. THAT is the place for it.
^^^^
Agreed.
HOWEVER - keep in mind this IS a smack blog...not a 'well, I like so and so because' blog. She/he wants to know who people's favorites are and why? ask at DST in scrap talk. THAT is the place for it.
August 23, 2011 2:32 AM
I'm not the OP or the other commentor but since a lot of the anon posters here seem so in the know and give reviews etc I know I'd be interested in actually hearing who or what they like and think is good design.
I also agree that it is a PIA to go through thousands of posts to try and find anything.
Perhaps it is just that many of the so called anon experts are scared that they really are not experts or that good themselves and are worried they will be found out
I dont understand why you are so scared to answer a simple question. We hear so much about what you all hate or dislike why not shout out about positive examples in our industry. I don't want to know what scrappers think (my personal opinion) I'd rather hear what designer peers think. A smack blog doesn't have to be one long tirade of abuse would it hurt to be positive about anything?
Easy ladies. To the OP, the way I see it, there are reasons why it is probably pointless to ask who we think are top designers and why.
First and foremost, we are almost all anonymous here. While that is useful for smacking (we can be honest without having to worry about our "reputation"), it's completely different for praising. If/when you get the answers, how would you know it's not the designers themselves or their CTM's or even store owners posting? Or, worse, it could be someone throwing some names in just because they love to see those designers being smacked even harder here.
It's quite natural for this blog - someone or some place got praised as a top something, many more come out to tell you why they are so nowhere near the top. That's why no one has answered you so far. Some regulars here might want to give you an honest answer but they don't want their real favorite designers get smacked for no reason. -- Or at least that's the case for me.
Scared? are you kidding?
I'm just tired of reading the same old crap. Who's your favorite and why comes up at least once every couple of weeks. So does "what do you consider top-tier?
There has been plenty of decent conversation here lately with the addition of the reviews. I maintain what I said before. You want to know who everyone's favorite is, ask at DST where the CT people will be more than happy to oblige.
While there may be digiscrap buyers on this forum, most likely the majority of buyers are NOT reading this smack. And most buyers could care less how many CT members are on a designers team. Yes, there are a lot of scrappers who are very in-the-know but most are just looking for kits they like and have no clue about all the politics.
August 22, 2011 7:42 PM
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Absolutely agree with this! I've been smacked here a bunch in the past, but I can tell you that every month as I watch my Paypal come in, I just smile and think the people who love to hate on me here don't have a clue.
My customers love me. And that is all that matters. I would not worry about what the people on this blog will say. You should do what works best for you and your business. Most of your customers don't care what is written here and don't read this blog. Heck, I would imagine a large number of them don't even know it exists.
This might be an entertaining read now and again. The recent reviews have been thought-provoking. And every now and again, some crazy lunatic sells some tickets to watch her jump off the cliff and it makes for some good drama for a few days. But, many of the things written here are not motivated by the truth. This is the green-eyed monster's favorite place to hang out.
I dont understand why you are so scared to answer a simple question. We hear so much about what you all hate or dislike why not shout out about positive examples in our industry. I don't want to know what scrappers think (my personal opinion) I'd rather hear what designer peers think. A smack blog doesn't have to be one long tirade of abuse would it hurt to be positive about anything?
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I'm not scared, where the heck did you get that idea from? I'm tired of the same conservations. As the previous poster pointed out, this topic comes up every few weeks. There's also been a lot of positive talk on here over the last few weeks, but typically, only the negative is pointed out and remembered.
Besides, if we are all anon, how the heck do you know who is a designer or not when giving their reviews on who is 'top'?
This is the green-eyed monster's favorite place to hang out.
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I'm not jealous nor envious of anyone. These are not emotions with which I'm familiar. But then, I don't talk about customers loving me either.
I've been smacked here a bunch in the past, but I can tell you that every month as I watch my Paypal come in, I just smile and think the people who love to hate on me here don't have a clue.
My customers love me. And that is all that matters.
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You're a bit of an egotist, did you know that?
I had to go look at the site (scrappity-doo-dah). The design really isn't "THAT bad". The colors are nice and don't hurt my eyes like many others. It's not my style, but there are a lot worse sites. A LOT of them in fact.
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Name me five of them. Shouldn't be that difficult as there are so many of them
I've been smacked here a bunch in the past, but I can tell you that every month as I watch my Paypal come in, I just smile and think the people who love to hate on me here don't have a clue.
My customers love me. And that is all that matters.
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100 bucks says that Mye posted this. She posted almost the same thing, verbatim, a while back in our store forum when the issue of the smack blog came up. Something about how every time she gets smacked, poor thing, her sales go up and her Paypal increases.
There you go, Mye, figured I would earn you some more money by posting about you here today. You're welcome.
I've been smacked here a bunch in the past, but I can tell you that every month as I watch my Paypal come in, I just smile and think the people who love to hate on me here don't have a clue.
My customers love me. And that is all that matters.
ROFL I read this and reread this thinking I don't remember posting this. I think I've said the same thing a time or two and yes if you get slammed here, all it does is make others interested in you so it is is good for business for some of us. So slam away!!!!!!!
^^^^
Right, whatever makes you feel better.
I'll be honest, I've been smacked a bunch of times and my sales never ever got better.
Name me five of them. Shouldn't be that difficult as there are so many of them
August 23, 2011 4:17 AM
ANY of the tagger stores
Gingerscraps
StufftoScrap
Scrapping Fairytales
Digitals
Scrapbird
Some of us really do want to know who the good designers are - review away. I've thrown a name or two out before but was accused of being CT... which I'm not. It was honestly a new to me designer I discovered. I'm still looking for great designers - without having to waste my money. I will NOT ask at DST because I don't want rampant CT answering. I want honest answers which I thought I could get here. And who cares if this has supposedly been brought up before? I read here every day and I'm still interested. Great new designers emerge all the time. Some of us want this info. Who is anyone to say we all have to be bitches all the time?
You aren't going to get honest answers here. It is even easier on a smack blog for an anonymous person to list themselves or a designer they CT for as a great designer that they love. At least on DST you can usually see in someone's signature that they are on the persons CT.
Some of these ladies on multiple teams are down right fantastic scrappers, make their deadlines and other scrappers look at their pages and go, dang, if I get that kit, maybe I can pull that off!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I'm not a desinger or on anyone's CT. I can tell, at least from my point of view, that the above doesn't speak to everyone. I look at some of those "fantastic" CT pages and my thought is that I'm not going to bother with the kit since none of the CT pages are remotely in a style I scrap. I don't use layer after layer of clusters and I, unfortunately, my family/friends don't look like those in the stock photos that are generally used. Maybe it would benefit some designers if they thought about using fewer of the "fantastic" CT's and maybe a few of the "every day" scrappers...and no...I have no desire to be on a CT. I'd like to have a life beyond pimping someone's kits.
I'll be honest, I've been smacked a bunch of times and my sales never ever got better.
____________
Well, then obviously there was a reason you were getting smacked, huh?
Some of us really do want to know who the good designers are - review away. I've thrown a name or two out before but was accused of being CT... which I'm not. It was honestly a new to me designer I discovered. I'm still looking for great designers - without having to waste my money. I will NOT ask at DST because I don't want rampant CT answering. I want honest answers which I thought I could get here. And who cares if this has supposedly been brought up before? I read here every day and I'm still interested. Great new designers emerge all the time. Some of us want this info. Who is anyone to say we all have to be bitches all the time?
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It would probably benefit you to stay tuned and pay attention to the reviews that are being done lately, then. When Simon and Piers and the others do reviews of stores, you might find a new-to-you designer that way. Or better yet, go back and read the blog train reviews from earlier this month... I found a couple of really great designers I hadn't actually known about before, after reading a few different people give their blog train mini's good reviews (amongst a ton of horrible reviews for others).
Absolutely. I've been loving the reviews and can't wait for more!
This site makes my eye hurt, too: http://4mybabiesscraps.blogspot.com
Name me five of them. Shouldn't be that difficult as there are so many of them
August 23, 2011 4:17 AM
ANY of the tagger stores
Gingerscraps
StufftoScrap
Scrapping Fairytales
Digitals
Scrapbird
took a look at all of the above and agree with most but not all. IMHO I happen to like the Scrapping Fairytales look as it is cohesive and on a theme plus there is plenty of white to counteract bright colors. It might be a bit gimicky in the whole fairytale thing but if that rocks their boat! Stuff to Scrap is just plain awful in design and quality. Gingerscraps is even more gimicky than Scrapping Fairytales and is yuck. Digitals? could not find that so assumed you meant designer Digitals which is so bland and boring I cannot be bothered with it. After I had stopped laughing at the little bird Scrap bird is not offensive in terms of design.
I think Digital Scrap Designs is worse
www.ckscrappers.com
note this is NOT Creating Keepsakes
This site makes my eye hurt, too: http://4mybabiesscraps.blogspot.com
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I agree. I think the patterned letters are just too hard for the eyes.
Which store is next for review?
Blogger Simon said...
Which store is next for review?
August 23, 2011 10:16 AM
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So far you've done SO, SM?, SSD, GP?, OScraps and 9&B. Am I missing any? To be honest, I'm having a hard time remembering which stores have been done.
How about one of these: Catscrap, TLP (or did you do that one?), SBG, A5D, TDC or SBB.
^^^^^^^^^
Would you consider doing a CU only store like digiscrapwarehouse, commercialuse.com or cudigitals?
before I get smacked down! Is there a way to get the store reviews posted somewhere that we can find them more easily? It takes forever to go through the thousands of comments and different threads to find anything and I think to save people keep asking the same old questions if things could be put somewhere where they can be found then hey that should help!
Anonymous said...
before I get smacked down! Is there a way to get the store reviews posted somewhere that we can find them more easily? It takes forever to go through the thousands of comments and different threads to find anything and I think to save people keep asking the same old questions if things could be put somewhere where they can be found then hey that should help!
August 23, 2011 10:27 AM
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I kind of like that idea. What if they were just posted on Simon's blog? Maybe that's too much to ask. Don't want to create extra work for you.
Would you consider doing a CU only store like digiscrapwarehouse, commercialuse.com or cudigitals?
August 23, 2011 10:22 AM
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I love this idea...and it could be SHC, CU4YOU (LOL that I would die to see this one).
SM wasn't reviewed. And I believe Simon said she wouldn't review CU stuff because she doesn't use it often and hard to judge quality from a preview.
Would you consider doing a CU only store like digiscrapwarehouse, commercialuse.com or cudigitals?
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Um, you can't really do a good review of a CU-only store unless you can get a sample of every designer's product at that store, in order to check quality. I mean, you can "review" whether you think the products look good/useful or not from a preview... but what everyone would really want to know is about the quality of the products, before they purchase there. So this doesn't seem possible to me. Just IMO.
How about reviewing GingerScraps?
is yuck. Digitals? could not find that so assumed you meant designer Digitals which is so bland and boring I cannot be bothered with it. After I had stopped laughing at the little bird Scrap bird is not offensive in terms of design.
Digitals is Digital Scrapbook Pages and has been around a long time. They have a large customer base and many designers there that have designed for a long time.
http://digitalscrapbookpages.com/
TLP is closed. still want a review of it?
They don't look closed to me http://www.the-lilypad.com/store/ Maybe I'm missing something
TLP = two (crappy) little pixels. Crappy owner, OK designers.
TLP to me has always meant The Lily Pad. Never heard of the two little pixels and had I, would have likely referred to it as 2LP.
You're a bit of an egotist, did you know that?
August 23, 2011 4:15 AM
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And I happen to think you're a bitch. Good thing your opinion matters as little to me as mine likely does to you.
So if Simon can't review CU based on previews, why don't other designers go ahead and review some CU that they've purchased and have experience with? Tell us who to avoid and why.
Most CU designers have samples so reviews could be done based on those. It's better than nothing.
I've only seen part 1 of Oscraps reviewed by Simon - up to Kitty Designs I believe. I'd love to see the rest, in particular Paislee Press and One Little Bird. Did I miss part 2?
Did Simon ever finish reviewing Oscraps? Did I miss it?
what about mscraps, pickleberrypop, digiscrappersbrasil, sunshine studio scraps, a cherry on top, funky playground designs?
Yeah Simon, you have to finish oscraps before you start a new review...
Has to? I think Simon can do whatever Simon wants.
Name me five of them. Shouldn't be that difficult as there are so many of them
August 23, 2011 4:17 AM
ANY of the tagger stores
Gingerscraps
StufftoScrap
Scrapping Fairytales
Digitals
Scrapbird
took a look at all of the above and agree with most but not all. IMHO I happen to like the Scrapping Fairytales look as it is cohesive and on a theme plus there is plenty of white to counteract bright colors. It might be a bit gimicky in the whole fairytale thing but if that rocks their boat! Stuff to Scrap is just plain awful in design and quality. Gingerscraps is even more gimicky than Scrapping Fairytales and is yuck. Digitals? could not find that so assumed you meant designer Digitals which is so bland and boring I cannot be bothered with it. After I had stopped laughing at the little bird Scrap bird is not offensive in terms of design.
I think Digital Scrap Designs is worse
August 23, 2011 9:22 AM
Just wondering did you buy from some of these stores? If you haven't then how do you know about their quality? I do a agree that sometimes the look of a store can through you off, but if you haven't brought something and looked at it close up, then you have no clue what the quality is.
Not the person you were talking to before, not a designer, and not on any CTs. Just a scrapper in my own time.
I'll be honest, I've been smacked a bunch of times and my sales never ever got better.
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Well, then obviously there was a reason you were getting smacked, huh?
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HA!
Just wondering did you buy from some of these stores? If you haven't then how do you know about their quality? I do a agree that sometimes the look of a store can through you off, but if you haven't brought something and looked at it close up, then you have no clue what the quality is.
Not the person you were talking to before, not a designer, and not on any CTs. Just a scrapper in my own time.
August 23, 2011 3:46 PM
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The topic was how the store looked and the quality of the store design (not the store's products or designers)
^^^
Well I guess I will be smacked now. LOL
I was a little confused on that one as well. Thanks for making that clear.
BTW wasn't me who posted that other comment. Just in case you was wondering.
I haven't been on here since 2/3 months ago and I'm happy it has changed to designers products and not the designers her/his self. I'm always up for improving my designs even though I'm new.
Who the fuck are you? And why do we care?
OK, I'm not trying to stir anything up, I promise. I was just searching for a photographer today and found this:
http://mulberrylanestudio.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html
I thought this part was hysterical and wanted to share:
"I'm a simple girl. Simple enough to be down to earth and real.." Written at a time when she was pretending to be someone else.
Not the original OP but I have purchased at Stuff to Scrap. The grab bags are not worth the money.
Too bad she's not up to something. We could use a little drama around here.
Who the fuck are you? And why do we care?
August 23, 2011 4:32 PM
LOL I really do think this is funny. I know who I am (I can go into detail if you want me to) and I'm not scared to show my face or name.
Just a quick little question. Are you getting laid? Because it seems like you need to relieve some stress. No one in their right mind would be like that unless you are a marine (USMC).
Dear Lovely Creations,
I think you should rethink your choice to post here like that under your design name. It has never ended well for anyone.
Just trying to help,
Anon
ROFLMAO!!! Lovely Creations, aka Wife and Mommy - the one who can't design worth a crap or spell. The one who posted this is in the thread at DST in the DCR where Trish was going off about this blog:
Also these people have been "bashing" me since January 2011 when I was just learning how to digital scrapbook design. I'm guessing they would add my link to the smack blog, talk about what I was doing, and some would go to my blog and leave tons of rude comments. It was like they was trying to kick me out of the designing world or something. I was clueless of this blog when I was starting out and I was wondering why so many anonymous people would leave rude comments at my blog.
Oh and in my life I really don't have time to read those kinds of blogs. I'm mostly taking care of my son, cleaning house, and designing all day long. For the weekends I spend time with my family.
Don't have time to read these types of blogs, huh? LOLOL! and I DO hope your fellow designers at STS see your "Lovely" comments.
^^^^^^^
ROFL Lovely Creations - might be time to change that design name!
Checking your spelling won't help when you can't use the correct words.
I'm so happy you have so much time on your hands to go and look all of this up. I'm so proud of you.
Needless to say you don't know anything about me. If you don't think I can't design then that's you. I do this because I enjoy it, not to please you. And yes I don't have time to read this blog. This is the first time I have came to this blog since 2/3 months ago.
I really just wanted to see what you will say and now I know. To me this is really funny. I'm laughing my but off!! LOLOLOLOL
Thanks you 4:55 PM for your
" I think you should rethink your choice to post here like that under your design name. It has never ended well for anyone. "
If I comment again it will be anonymous but I don't think I will need to comment. I really don't have time for this. :D :D :D :D (big big smiles)
Good Bye from Lovely Creations
I really just wanted to see what you will say and now I know. To me this is really funny. I'm laughing my but off!! LOLOLOLOL
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But not your butt? :)
You haven't read this blog in 2-3 months? Somehow I doubt that.
I'd love to go back to reviewing. So much more entertaining to me than the cyber bullying. (Even if she did kind of ask for it.)
I'd be happy to review a store. Anyone got one that they want reviewed? It might take me a day or so to get it done, but I'll give it a shot.
I'd be happy to review a store. Anyone got one that they want reviewed? It might take me a day or so to get it done, but I'll give it a shot.
August 23, 2011 5:42 PM
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I posted this. I know that there were stores listed earlier today. But I'm assuming people want Simon to review those. If anyone wants a non-Simon review I'm up for it.
I'll be honest, I've been smacked a bunch of times and my sales never ever got better.
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Well, then obviously there was a reason you were getting smacked, huh?
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My product has never ever been smacked. I never said the sales decreased, did I? They just didn't increase.
You're a bit of an egotist, did you know that?
August 23, 2011 4:15 AM
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And I happen to think you're a bitch. Good thing your opinion matters as little to me as mine likely does to you.
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Why, because I was honest? I would never ever say my customers love me and that I got smacked a bunch of times on here. Sounds like you are trying to make yourself seem important. What an egotistical thing to say. Although, the fact that you called me a bitch for no real reason would tell me that you were really smacked, and for being a bitch and an egotist.
I think she called you a bitch for a very good reason. You come off as a bitch. Case in point, your last post. Bitchy.
I really don't have time for this. :D :D :D :D (big big smiles)
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Funny how often I see this and yet they still seem to be here.
I think she called you a bitch for a very good reason. You come off as a bitch. Case in point, your last post. Bitchy.
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I was a bitch for calling someone an egotist? How is that bitchy? It was the truth. But we all know, truth equates to bitch. I'll admit my last post was bitchier, but seeing as I was called out and all, why not go with it. Calling someone a bitch is much more bitchy than being one.
Maybe, like you, she was just being honest when she said she thinks you're a bitch.
I don't see the difference. They are both opinions, not facts. Unless you are actually a bitch.
I'm not a bitch, your a bitch.
No I'm not, you are!!
really?
It's technically
You're a bitch.
and yes, really.
You should review whichever store you feel like... don't worry about if Simon will or not. You are your own person with your own opinions - and I for one love to read everyone's opinion.
I don't see the difference. They are both opinions, not facts. Unless you are actually a bitch.
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Or she is :) Or an egotist.
I'm always amazed at some of the things people on this blog find bitchy, and what they don't.
I'm not a bitch, your a bitch.
No I'm not, you are!!
really?
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really what? What's your point?
My customers love me. And that is all that matters.
**************
They may like you, but I don't think they love you. What an odd thing to say.
My customers love me. And that is all that matters.
**************
They may like you, but I don't think they love you. What an odd thing to say.
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English is maybe not her first language. Others like french for example use the same word for like and love so it can be difficult to always remember the difference you make between them.
^^^^^
Fair call, I hadn't thought of that.
Calling someone a bitch is much more bitchy than being one.
^^^^^^^
THE most inane thing EVER, that I have wasted my time reading. Kudos. You win the most silliest \, most insignificant contribution to a discussion EVER award.
NEW SPACE---NEW SPACE---NEW SPACE
New space? Already? We normally let it get up to around 2000 before we start whining about a new space... don't we? Otherwise it's *THAT* much harder for the noobs to find the old posts, and catch up, and stop asking dumb questions.
Holy moly, I go offline to live my life for a few hours, and the whole place blows up! People are throwing insults left and right... Lovely Creations stopped by to ensure her demise as a digi designer... people are freaking out about a new space... wow. Quite a lot got accomplished here in the past few hours, kids. Kudos to everyone.
THE most inane thing EVER, that I have wasted my time reading. Kudos. You win the most silliest \, most insignificant contribution to a discussion EVER award.
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You're kidding, right? There's been much worse, including yours by the way.
People are throwing insults left and right..
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What are you seeing that I'm not?
Holy moly, I go offline to live my life for a few hours, and the whole place blows up! People are throwing insults left and right... Lovely Creations stopped by to ensure her demise as a digi designer... people are freaking out about a new space... wow. Quite a lot got accomplished here in the past few hours, kids. Kudos to everyone.
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You have a propensity for exaggeration.
You have a propensity for exaggeration.
August 23, 2011 10:21 PM
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And you have a propensity for being judgmental. Probably the same person who likes to call people "egotists."
We're all very impressed with your handle on the big impressive words. Here's your medal. Can you shut up now? YAWN.
I am officially unsmacking Mye. She is my new hero and her designs are growing on me (or she's getting better which is more likely).
That girl works harder than any newbie I've seen since Fruit Loop Sally. (Of course that didn't turn out so good, but still...) If there is a store to guest at, a birthday sale to jump in on, a blog train or collab to join, that Mye is there. She is giving away freebies, blogging, guest blogging, and working chats...she is everywhere. THAT is what a store owner wants.
Nice plug, Mye.
Mye doesnt speak that well..must be one of her CTMs.
Nope, not Mye - just saying she's a hard worker.
I think the only time I ever posted about her was when I said I thought she had a pretty name that sort of rolled off the tongue.
Nope, not Mye - just saying she's a hard worker.
I think the only time I ever posted about her was when I said I thought she had a pretty name that sort of rolled off the tongue.
__________
How exactly can you "unsmack" someone you never actually smacked in the first place. It would be one thing if you mind about her had actually changed. But you can't unsmack someone just because you like her if you never actually participated or agreed with the smacking in the first place can you?
*your mind
And you have a propensity for being judgmental.
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No, you did exaggerate. Anyone can see that, no judging required. The place didn't blow up, insults were not thrown left and right and only one person freaked out about new space. That's a far cry from what you were posting about.
Can you shut up now? YAWN.
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No. If I'm annoying you, go away.
I am officially unsmacking Mye. She is my new hero and her designs are growing on me (or she's getting better which is more likely).
That girl works harder than any newbie I've seen since Fruit Loop Sally. (Of course that didn't turn out so good, but still...) If there is a store to guest at, a birthday sale to jump in on, a blog train or collab to join, that Mye is there. She is giving away freebies, blogging, guest blogging, and working chats...she is everywhere. THAT is what a store owner wants.
August 23, 2011 10:46 PM
^^^^^
This is the biggest load of bull posted here in a while. The last time I downloaded anything from Mye, the designs were loaded with jaggies and poorly extracted photos with bad lighting. As Simon says, nothing but mish-mash. Also, there doesn't seem to be an original thought in her head. She's nothing but a copycat who steals product and advertising ideas from other designers. And, she isn't really a newbie, either. She started out as Bubblescraps or something like that probably 2 years ago. But thanks for the plug, CT member.
Damn, sometimes this place really looks just like DST.
ITA with the above. Mye can stay with her pals Connie and Trixie can keep putting out the same stuff, over and over - that she saw someplace else.
by all means, tho - you go support her. you would be close to the only one, other than her CT.
^^^^^^
I would like to know why every time Mye's name gets mentioned, someone throws in Connie and Trixie? From what I can tell by a quick search, Connie and Mye haven't released anything together for almost a year. And there is only one collab that I can find between Trixie and Mye, also released almost a year ago.
Connie and Trixie are certainly attached at the hip and have similar styles. But it doesn't seem to me like Mye is buddies with either of them at all. I don't think they have similar styles, either. I'm not a customer of any one of them, but I think it's a stretch to make this association all the time. Are you basing it on something in particular? Or do you just have a personal grudge? It sounds personal to me.
^^^
The stacked papers. The bundles. The similarities are endless. You must be blind.
And you have a propensity for being judgmental.
-----
No, you did exaggerate. Anyone can see that, no judging required. The place didn't blow up, insults were not thrown left and right and only one person freaked out about new space. That's a far cry from what you were posting about.
________________________________
First of all, I am the OP of the "blowing up" comment from last night, and I never came back and posted anything... so you're arguing w/ some other random person who has nothing to do with this.
Second of all, I wasn't being LITERAL, you jackasses. Of course this blog didn't blow up. I was simply commenting on the sudden change of "activity" around this place. For days, all we've discussed is boring ho-hum things like CT requirements/exclusivity, the reviews we'd like to see (though nobody has gotten off their butts to do one), etc. And then all of the sudden, Lovely Creations comes roaring in here like a hurricane, and juices the place up a bit. And people WERE hurling insults left and right... there was a whole section of "no, you're a bitch... no, you're an egotist!" not too far up. So yes, while I may have used an exaggerative phrase (I know that's not a word, live w/ it)... I don't really think I was that far off.
Besides, my main point was to be funny while pointing out that things had livened up a bit. Apparently falling on deaf (dumb?) ears. My apologies.
Just a quick little question. Are you getting laid? Because it seems like you need to relieve some stress. No one in their right mind would be like that unless you are a marine (USMC).
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So the only people who get stressed out are Marines? Puh-leez. Any shot you, Lovely Creations, had of getting me to buy your stuff is gone. You want to pick on people, fine, but don't pick on people who put their lives on the line for you everyday.
What a classless individual you are.
So the only people who get stressed out are Marines? Puh-leez. Any shot you, Lovely Creations, had of getting me to buy your stuff is gone. You want to pick on people, fine, but don't pick on people who put their lives on the line for you everyday.
What a classless individual you are.
________________
AMEN! For real, Lovely... what in the shit were you thinking when you posted that?! There is something seriously wrong with you, and it's not just your inability to use the English language properly (or to spell).
ha-ha according to her blogger profile, she is married to a marine. she must hate it or him.
So, what is the deal with Scrappity Doo Dah. They brought on a few new girls, giving them a chance, I get that. But wow they need to be worked with, a lot. And what's wrong with Sweet Mesquite? I looked at her store, and I don't get it? She's definitely not as bad as a few of the others in the store. I really would like to see a review of that store, so I can compare opinions. Because I think SM has cute stuff, but that Monkey whatever, wow, what is wrong with her eyes? Those colors! and Danospooky is pretty bad. Dylabel is not horrible, but I do not like her previews. I won't touch Farynar's Wings, I have had dealings with her at another store and do not think I can be unbiased. Jellebelly has templates that are boring and unimaginative. Lollipop looks very new. Mandy King's products are actually very cute, I have added a couple to my cart to purchase! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!
Many designers make pre-made items such as papers and have for a long time. Pre-made page borders have existed in the paper industry for many years. None of this is original to anyone in digi.
I think Mye comes off as sweet, but really does have a huge ego. That rubs me the wrong way. But, as far as her products, that's like saying "Oh, she sells kits just like Connie. She's a copy cat."
Most designers are willing to make anything that sells, and if pre-made papers sell and you want to make them, more power to you.
My personal experience is, it helps if many designers do carry the same products in a store. I know my templates always sell more in stores where there are already template designers. It means they have that customer base. So, if lots of designers make pre-made papers in a store, then it likely helps ALL of them sell more.
"Just a quick little question. Are you getting laid? Because it seems like you need to relieve some stress. No one in their right mind would be like that unless you are a marine (USMC)."
"So the only people who get stressed out are Marines? Puh-leez. Any shot you, Lovely Creations, had of getting me to buy your stuff is gone. You want to pick on people, fine, but don't pick on people who put their lives on the line for you everyday.
What a classless individual you are."
"AMEN! For real, Lovely... what in the shit were you thinking when you posted that?! There is something seriously wrong with you, and it's not just your inability to use the English language properly (or to spell)."
"ha-ha according to her blogger profile, she is married to a marine. she must hate it or him."
---------------------------
Do we think there is ANY chance that someone other than "Lovely Creations" logged into her account and posted yesterday's crazy rants and tirades? When I was reading it yesterday, it just seemed odd to me that she would suddenly go off and post something like the "getting laid/marines" comment. Now, reading the PP's info about Lovely Creations' husband being a marine, well... it is all very strange. Never mind the fact that anyone who's read here for even 10 minutes knows not to sign-in as themselves and ruin their reputation. So to do that, AND post the type of thing she posted yesterday, just doesn't add up. IMO.
I know I posted that second half of Oscraps, but I don't see it anywhere. Must have gone to Blogger Heaven. I will repost it when I get home.
I think I'll review Scrappity Doo Dah next since that store keeps coming up here. I've never heard of anything but positive things about the owner, but other than that, I'm not familiar with most of the designers mentioned that sell there. I wont have time until the weekend most likely, though. So, you'll have to hold onto your panties for a few days.
As for starting a Simon blog, I'm not sure about it. While it would be nice to take the reviews away from the "you're a bitch" "no, you are" BS that happens on this blog, I feel like it would limit others from doing their own reviews. And honestly, I don't think the children would stay away from that blog either. So it would just morph into this blog anyway. But, I'm open to suggestions.
So, what is the deal with Scrappity Doo Dah. They brought on a few new girls, giving them a chance, I get that. But wow they need to be worked with, a lot. And what's wrong with Sweet Mesquite? I looked at her store, and I don't get it? She's definitely not as bad as a few of the others in the store. I really would like to see a review of that store, so I can compare opinions. Because I think SM has cute stuff, but that Monkey whatever, wow, what is wrong with her eyes? Those colors! and Danospooky is pretty bad. Dylabel is not horrible, but I do not like her previews. I won't touch Farynar's Wings, I have had dealings with her at another store and do not think I can be unbiased. Jellebelly has templates that are boring and unimaginative. Lollipop looks very new. Mandy King's products are actually very cute, I have added a couple to my cart to purchase! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!
________________
This is one of the weirdest, most random posts ever. It starts out as though you're getting ready to smack SDD a little, and by the end you're thanking us for pointing you in the direction of SDD? Either you need to lay off the drinking, or else you're doing a pretty bad job of trying to enable Mandy King. Either way, it's just weird.
You can disable comments then it can't turn into this blog. Just a blog with the reviews posted for easy reference.
The stacked papers. The bundles. The similarities are endless. You must be blind.
------------------------------------
Lots of designers do those {or similar things}. It's called making the most out of the products you create.
Thanks Simon. I enjoy your reviews and I know it must be quite time consuming.
Hello kids, sorry I've been MIA these past couple of weeks. Real life took over. We've all been there.
I liked the recent idea of a space where the reviews are easy to find, so I just created it.
http://dsthofreviews.blogspot.com
It'll be organized by store/event, so it should be easy for people to look through the archive for exactly which store/event they want to see a review for.
Right now it's just a blank skeleton, but we can beef it up in the coming days. I've set up a space for a few of the stores I can remember already being reviewed, and I'll set up more spaces later when time permits.
Do we think there is ANY chance that someone other than "Lovely Creations" logged into her account and posted yesterday's crazy rants and tirades? When I was reading it yesterday, it just seemed odd to me that she would suddenly go off and post something like the "getting laid/marines" comment. Now, reading the PP's info about Lovely Creations' husband being a marine, well... it is all very strange. Never mind the fact that anyone who's read here for even 10 minutes knows not to sign-in as themselves and ruin their reputation. So to do that, AND post the type of thing she posted yesterday, just doesn't add up. IMO.
----------------------------
My gripe is that she's been designing for a millisecond and has decided she should be dispensing advice about how to do things.
Personally, I like the reviews posted here so I don't have to go searching all the time to see when a new one was posted - so please don't stop posting them here!
^^^
totally disagree. can't stand trying to go back to find a review within the "mishy-mashiness" (LOL) of this blog. how about if reviewers just post a link to the other site/each review whenever they post one? that way, we only have to check the other blog when there's something new, but we can always find reviews if necessary.
Hello kids, sorry I've been MIA these past couple of weeks. Real life took over. We've all been there.
I liked the recent idea of a space where the reviews are easy to find, so I just created it.
http://dsthofreviews.blogspot.com
It'll be organized by store/event, so it should be easy for people to look through the archive for exactly which store/event they want to see a review for.
Right now it's just a blank skeleton, but we can beef it up in the coming days. I've set up a space for a few of the stores I can remember already being reviewed, and I'll set up more spaces later when time permits.
--------------------------------
if we want to add our review do we do it under comments or post it here first and you can transfer over to the 'review' blog?
It would be great if we could keep the reviews blog as actual reviews also. Not just "I hate this designer. She sucks". If she sucks tell us why she sucks (design-wise). Keep the personal vendettas here.
if we want to add our review do we do it under comments or post it here first and you can transfer over to the 'review' blog?
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Randi: for now, just post any NEW reviews over at the review blog under the "comments" for that store/event. If the store/event you want to review isn't listed, make a request here (or e-mail me at piersunhacked at gmail dot com) and I will add it ASAP.
For old reviews that are already posted here on this main blog, I'll try to cut/paste and transfer them to the review blog as time permits. Or, if you happen to know where your own reviews are on this main blog, feel free to do the same. I won't turn away helpers!
Thx!
^^^
totally disagree. can't stand trying to go back to find a review within the "mishy-mashiness" (LOL) of this blog. how about if reviewers just post a link to the other site/each review whenever they post one? that way, we only have to check the other blog when there's something new, but we can always find reviews if necessary.
^^^^^
Just meant, don't stop posting them here completely. I think the blog is a good idea for finding stuff - just don't want to miss any. So I hope they will still post here too.
FYI I just transferred all of the reviews (that I could find, that is) that were done in June for Sweet Shoppe Designs. So that section of the review blog now has content. Rejoice.
http://dsthofreviews.blogspot.com
Back later.
^^^
The stacked papers. The bundles. The similarities are endless. You must be blind.
August 24, 2011 6:36 AM
^^^^^^^^^^^
I'm not blind at all. I looked at their kits and I think Mye's style is different (and just plain ugly). She uses a lot of really gross extracted photos in her kits and of the three, I think her kits are the MOST mish-mashy (not in a good way). Wow, now I sound like Simon.
Just because Mye can't come up with an idea on her own and keeps releasing the same kinds of products Connie/Trixie does, that certainly doesn't mean they are "pals." I would bet it's quite the opposite. If neither one of them has worked with Mye for the past year, I'd imagine there's a reason for it.
I liked the recent idea of a space where the reviews are easy to find, so I just created it.
http://dsthofreviews.blogspot.com
Thank you!!
I'm not blind at all. I looked at their kits and I think Mye's style is different (and just plain ugly). She uses a lot of really gross extracted photos in her kits and of the three, I think her kits are the MOST mish-mashy (not in a good way). Wow, now I sound like Simon.
__________
Using the words "mish mashy" and "gross" does not make you like Simon.
Why don't you try and use another description other than "gross" that might be more helpful not just to the designer but all of us. For example:
Her extractions are too sharp (or blurry). I don't like her choice of extractions. Or they have jagged edges or strays or her shadowing is off. Anything that might actually resemble something remotely intelligent.
You bash a designer's lack of originality yet can't come up with an original thought and instead recycle vocabulary and compare yourself to "Simon".
^^^^
Well, I haven't bought from her, so I can't personally say her extractions are jagged. But, just from the preview, those photo extractions do look blurry and the lighting does look off, to me. I wouldn't buy from her based on what I can see.
And I didn't mean to equate myself with Simon. I was more laughing at myself because I was struggling to come up with words other than gross and mish-mashy, which are words she often uses. But thanks for being nasty about it, that's always nice!!
Using the words "mish mashy" and "gross" does not make you like Simon.
Why don't you try and use another description other than "gross" that might be more helpful not just to the designer but all of us. For example:
Her extractions are too sharp (or blurry). I don't like her choice of extractions. Or they have jagged edges or strays or her shadowing is off. Anything that might actually resemble something remotely intelligent.
You bash a designer's lack of originality yet can't come up with an original thought and instead recycle vocabulary and compare yourself to "Simon".
-----------------
OMG, even I can tell that this last post is just Mye, pissed off that someone has dared smack her designs.
Listen darlin', I read what she wrote and I believe she was saying nothing about the quality of the extractions... but just that the choice of extracted elements is gross. As in, "she uses a lot of really gross extracted photos". As in, "her eye for design/good taste is seriously lacking" (I'm reading between the lines here, LOL).
But, since you apparently have such a high opinion of Simon and can't stand to have someone else compare themselves to Simon (kinda strange how much that bothered you!), I call for Simon and the gang to review you, Mye. Yes, just you. Not your whole store, just a big ol' reviewfest of Mye DeLeon. It should be really popular, since your customers love you, and all.
Piers, can you make a "Mye DeLeon" category over there on the new review blog? LOL
OMG, even I can tell that this last post is just Mye, pissed off that someone has dared smack her designs.
_________
oh me too. what a joke.
Simon - do you have an email that we could contact you with? I'd love you to do a personal review for me and I'd gladly pay you for your time :)
For the reviews blog, can you tag your posts with the store name so that the stores are easy for everyone to find?
Simon - do you have an email that we could contact you with? I'd love you to do a personal review for me and I'd gladly pay you for your time :)"
^^^^^^^^
I just created a contact e-mail post at the new review blog, so that it is easier to find any of the reviewers' e-mail addresses (seeing as how we keep posting them here and they keep getting buried). I need Randy's (couldn't find it easily right now, and don't have time to search) -- Randy, if/when you see this, please post again. Thx.
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For the reviews blog, can you tag your posts with the store name so that the stores are easy for everyone to find?
^^^^^^^^
I just labeled each post w/ the store name and the standard abbreviation used (example: SO for Scrap Orchard, SDD for Sweet Shoppe Designs, etc.). HTH.
Keep the suggestions coming, I'm open to them.
I just labeled each post w/ the store name and the standard abbreviation used (example: SO for Scrap Orchard, SDD for Sweet Shoppe Designs, etc.). HTH.
------------------------
Thanks! Now can you please make it so that we can see the tags on the side of the blog? Right now, we can see the archive, but it will be more difficult when there are more posts.
Gotta Pixel review 7/27 at 11:40am (3 posts) and a post containing several stores at 7/29 11:22am. Both by Simon. Thanks for doing this!
Second of all, I wasn't being LITERAL, you jackasses. Of course this blog didn't blow up. I was simply commenting on the sudden change of "activity" around this place.
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I know you weren't being literal, and I could throw an insult in here, but I won't.
My gripe is that she's been designing for a millisecond and has decided she should be dispensing advice about how to do things.
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So what? She could have been using PSP for years before deciding to become a designer.
Dont forget to add the Gotta Pixel reviews that were done to the new review blog! I think that was the other store that had been fully done?
Simon did SBG, too.
She did? I must have missed that one.
now that I think about it...I'm not sure if it was Simon or not..but I remember because I CT for one of the designers there...and was thankful nothing bad was said about the CT work...LOLOL.
Please review DSP!
Simon didn't actually DO SBG- a wannabe did
Simon didn't actually DO SBG- a wannabe did
August 24, 2011 9:09 PM
^^^
Wow ... someone from SBG is a little bitter. So you didn't get the review you wanted from the "guru" of critique. While sometimes I agree with "Simon", sometimes I don't. If you think you're so wonderful critique your own store
Simon didn't actually DO SBG- a wannabe did
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A wannabe what?
I didn't do SBG, someone dodged that bullet for me. I did do Ninth and Bloom, though.
Piers - I'll take a look at the blog you set-up over the weekend and move any reviews not yet moved at that time. I'm too tired from work to do it now. Thanks for setting that up, too.
My email is simonsaysdigi at gmail dot com for the person who requested it.
Here is the second half of the lost Oscraps review.
Oscraps - continued
Lotta Designs - Very small store, almost 100% CU. I don't have any, so I can't speak to the quality. The two kits she has in her store are realistic and on the fantasy side. They look interesting for that style, but her preview makes the kits seem very small when they have 60+ elements.
Lydia Designs - I think she makes some beautiful word art. I have some of her packs and the quality is great and the pieces are beautiful. Some of her kits are very small especially for the price. She makes some nice papers and some boring ones. She does a nice mix of realistic elements and hand drawn pieces without it looking mish-mashy. I only have her word art and not her kits, so I can't speak to the quality of those. She doesn't have a sample in her store.
MaryPop Designs - Sells a mix of CU and PU. All realistic style. I don't have any of her CU, so I can't speak to the quality. Her kits could be fantasy style, but I would use her kits for my paper style pages. I don't find them over the top fantasy. Lots of flowers and things. Her papers look very pretty for that style and she even does some with soft patterns and decorative edges. I downloaded her Eternity freebie in shop and think her papers are great. The elements are nice, but the image quality on her extracted items is inconsistent. The raffia frame is very blurry and has some jagged edges. The edges are slight enough that I would use it if if weren't for the very noticeable blurriness of the item. The bow has inconsistent lighting, but is a pretty ribbon.
Maya de Groot - Has simple templates that seem fitting for her kit style. Her style is all over the place and sometimes within the same kit. She has some doodled kits, altered art, realistic, etc. I downloaded her Home Sweet Home and Prego freebies. Quality is mostly good. Some jagged edges on the extractions, but very mild. Nothing that would make me not buy from her. Makes some nice patterns and more fantasy style solids. Has mostly nice color palettes. I think her kits are overpriced for the contents, but I would watch her store for a sale. Her previews are horrible.
Merkeley Designs - She's been around a long time and I don't think she's ever retired a thing from her store. She really should. She offers a mix of CU and PU items. I have a couple of her items (PU) and the quality is just OK. Some pieces are really well done and others are poorly recolored or poor quality extractions. Her papers are mostly boring, but she occasionally throws in a decent pattern. Her previews are mostly bad, but some are surprisingly OK. She offers a lot of tools for scrappers and not just designers. I think these are her most useful products. I have one of her "sample it" samples (I didn't see it at O, but her store is massive, I could have missed it) and the quality is good. I would watch her store for useful scrapping tools if I didn't already have them.
Miss Crow's Magickal Emporium™ - I love how her name is trademarked. (eye roll) Her store, however, matches her design name. It's pretty much a bunch of junk with dust on it. She manages to make a few nice papers here and there, but they're mostly plain and boring oversaturated papers. You have to go pretty far back to see any kits. The previews are just bad. BAD. They look like she dumped everything onto the floor and just took a picture of the mess. I don't have any of her things, so I can't speak to the quality, but they look like a hot, mish-mashy mess.
Oscraps...
One Little Bird Designs - Mostly nice color palettes and several nice patterns. The single templates are overpriced, but they must sell. I think the kits are overpriced. I wish they sold their papers separately. I'm surprised they don't given the store. The kits are well put together and have a mix of items without being mish mashy. I don't have any of their products and they don't have any kit samples in their store. I would try a product on sale, but I wouldn't pay the full price to try anything. I will watch their store in the future.
Paint the Moon Designs - Has a shabby, vintage, altered art style. Sells some CU, but based on the previews, I wouldn't download it for free. The previews are very busy without focus on anything in the kit. Again, looks like she emptied the junk drawer on the floor, took a photo, and packaged it up as a kit. I understand vintage walks the fine line between mish-mashy and well put together, but she crosses it into mish mashy more than once. Even her collab with SMJ is gross, and I usually like SMJ's stuff. Her products are also very expensive especially for what you get. More than one of her kits has an extracted garden gnome... 'nuff said.
Paislee Press - see One Little Bird review. They're basically the same exact shop with the exact same style kit products. She does offer more element packs (frames, word art, etc) and several simple style templates and photography plates. I find most everything in this store to be overpriced as well, but would consider buying if on sale. Not as vibrant in color palettes as OLB. If I had to choose just one or the other, I would choose OLB for having better palettes. Her store is also very massive and could use some cleaning. No kit samples, so I can't speak to the quality.
Sue Cummings - Overpriced. Seriously. Just highway robbery. And if you're going to charge $8+ for a KIT with 14 papers and a handful of elements, you think you could stretch yourself to write out a proper description of contents? She does make some nice word art and I would consider it if it were on sale. Most of the papers are very boring and plain. Very few patterns. Some of her previews are confusing and difficult to know exactly what is included. The lack of description doesn't help. I'm glad to see she's retiring a bunch of products. She needs to.
TaylorMade Designs - Very much the same as One Little Bird and Paislee Press. I think all 3 of them are 100% interchangable. Simple templates and some are very unique (ie. the ones with Fei fei). Sells CU and PU items. Some nice color palettes and some gross ones. Her more recent kits have better patterns than her older ones which are far more simple and plain. I downloaded her ComposurePLUS: an add-on kit freebie. That had boring papers, but the elements were simple and nice. Includes shadowed versions, but I wish they were in their own folder so I could simply delete. Items are overpriced again, but on sale they would be worth trying.
Oscraps - final
Three Paper Peonies - Typical, modern style the same as OLB, PP, and TaylorMade. Mostly nice color palettes and makes mostly nice patterned papers. I find her products also overpriced, but would consider them on sale. I wish she sold her papers separately, too. Hers are as good as OLB, who I consider to be the best out of the modern style bunch at the O. Makes some unique elements as well. Small store, but will watch in the future.
Traci Murphy Designs - Her style is all over the place. Some nice patterns, but mostly gross color palettes. Very overpriced for what you get. In this style, a scrapper has countless other designers to choose from who make better looking products with a much lower price tag. Also sells CU, but I don't have any, so I can't speak to the quality. Some of her kits are very mish mashy. She seems like a weak designer for this store.
Vera Lim Designs - In the interest of full disclosure (lol), I have shopped with Vera for years. I love her quirky style - she does a nice mix of realistic items and doodles without it being mish mashy. Some of her doodles can have jaggies, but nothing noticable in print. The quality has never detracted me from buying again. Some of her kit papers can be boring, but then some are greatly detailed and patterned. It's a toss-up. Some of her color palettes are gross, but some are nice. Again. Toss-up. I have some of her CU and the quality has always been good. I think her quick pages are overpriced as well. I only buy from her when items are on sale (PU and CU).
Vicki Stegall - Has a lot of collab products with Sue Cummings. Her kits have mostly boring, repeated patterns and the elements are mostly recolors (poorly recolored at that). For $7+, I expect better. Much better. Sells some overpriced quick pages as well. Some CU, but that is also very overpriced. Her previews are horrible and her products just look cheap. I'm a little surprised she's at this store.
ZuzanaH Designs - Sells CU and PU and is a realistic style leaning towards fantasy designer. I would use some of her kit products, though, on my paper style pages. I don't have any of her CU, so I can't speak to the quality. Mostly boring papers in her older kits, but her newer kits have interesting brushwork for her style. Has mostly nice color schemes and products are priced according to kit contents.
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