I've taken classes at Jessica Sprague but not SO. I've also taken a photography workshop at GP. I was pleased with both. Learned a lot about my camera.
^^^ absolutely not a rumor. their design team has been finding new homes for the past few weeks, and the ones who are left there are (mostly) already guesting at the places they'll be moving once the announcement is made. they're closing. this I know for a fact.
Krisi's Kreations has announced she is at SO Jady Day has announced she is closing at SM on Nov. 11--is guesting at SO so my guess is that's where she is staying. WM2 has already announced she is at SO. HSG has announced her store is closing Nov. 11 and she is currently guesting at SO as well-again I think she may be staying. They also picked up Secret Stash I noticed.
Everyone is assuming they are closing because several of the long time designers are leaving. I've bought from there for ages and all those designers listed have been there for a very long time. People move on. Yeah, its odd they are moving on at the same time but maybe they were offered something to move to SO? It still offers no proof of closing.
I agree, I just think if they were closing, they would. We've heard the 7th, now we hear the 12th... It's like that doomsday prophet... the world is going to end on "x-x-x". We are still here typing.
Krisi's Kreations has announced she is at SO Jady Day has announced she is closing at SM on Nov. 11--is guesting at SO so my guess is that's where she is staying. WM2 has already announced she is at SO. HSG has announced her store is closing Nov. 11 and she is currently guesting at SO as well-again I think she may be staying. They also picked up Secret Stash I noticed.
November 10, 2011 8:40 AM ---------------------------------- And Inspirations by Day is retiring Elise's Pieces is guesting at TDC geniaBeana is guesting at TDC KimB recently started designing for Sugar Hill Co. and is guesting at Pickleberry Pop Wimpychompers is guesting at Gotta Pixel
In light of all that - I can't see how anyone thinks Scrap Matters isn't closing! And if just some of those guesting switch to those stores like the ones moving to Scrap Orchard, Scrap Matters will be gutted and in my opion can't retain it's spot as one of the better stores out there.
So, that leaves the following designers who haven't announced anything (that I've seen) or who aren't "guesting" somewhere else. Please update if you have seen announcements/guest spots.
Andilynn Designs Band Geek Designs Crossbone Cuts Down This Road Designs Graham Like the Cracker Haynay Designs Jeanine DeOre LDrag Designs Plum Dumpling Designs Simply J Studio Steph.designs Stolen Moments The Design Girl True Blue Studio
That's still quite a few designers, but none of them are very active at all. I can't see them maintaining enough business to stay open.
ou don't know anything for a fact. how on earth could you know that for a "fact"... you are such a joke.
--------------------
The only person who would post something like this is the owner herself, Andilynn. Otherwise there's no way this person could know that anyone else doesn't "know anything for a fact." So Andilynn, if you're here reading, get off your fat ass and tell everyone what's going on. Your silence is akin to guilt... we know something is up because you refuse to say otherwise. Your business sense is staggeringly horrid. The bottom line is that as long as you stay silent, you're pissing off your customers and they're leaving you in droves. I can't tell you how many new designers, CTM's, and customers/forum members have just popped up from SM at both SO and TDC (two other places I frequent a lot). Your store is bleeding into those 2 places like a river. So if you're not closing, you better do something soon because otherwise you will be closing anyway, not by choice. Follow me?
SM will close...when is anyone's guess at this point. I have two reasons to believe this. One - I have a freind who is a longtime store CT, who was around the day all this talk started. All she will say (and I give her credit for this) is that there was a huge 'blowup' in the 'backroom' of the shop ... and that while she doesn't know WHEN...she does know that it IS closing. Andy isn't being forthcoming with anyone over there. The second reason I know they are closing is that the owner of the shop I design for has been inundated with emails since this whole thing started. all of them stating the same thing....my shop WILL be closing..and I need a new home type of thing. Yeah, they are closing.
What I find interesting is that if there were a backroom blow-up there must be some kind of loyalty to someone since NOBODY is talking. What the hell happened?
Andilynn Designs Band Geek Designs Crossbone Cuts Down This Road Designs Graham Like the Cracker Haynay Designs Jeanine DeOre LDrag Designs Plum Dumpling Designs Simply J Studio Steph.designs Stolen Moments The Design Girl True Blue Studio
That's still quite a few designers, but none of them are very active at all. I can't see them maintaining enough business to stay open.
November 10, 2011 11:13 AM ------------ At least three more of the people from this list have spots lined up. I will not say who, though. It is their privilege to announce their plans. And with how fast that ship seems to be sinking, I assume announcements will be made very soon.
Just wanted you to know the list of "who's left" is (or will be) even smaller than the one you posted.
The second reason I know they are closing is that the owner of the shop I design for has been inundated with emails since this whole thing started. all of them stating the same thing....my shop WILL be closing..and I need a new home type of thing. Yeah, they are closing. ---------------- Ditto this. Our shop owner has had to turn people away, because we can't take everyone on. Her e-mail account has been going bleeping crazy.
Has anyone stopped to think that maybe the closing is simply a rumor, as a result of the supposed "blowup"?? Just a thought. I don't know, maybe they are closing. Or maybe everyone is blowing it out of proportion. Only time will tell.
Has anyone stopped to think that maybe the closing is simply a rumor, as a result of the supposed "blowup"?? Just a thought. I don't know, maybe they are closing. Or maybe everyone is blowing it out of proportion. Only time will tell.
November 10, 2011 4:44 PM _________________________
Give it a break, Andilynn. Just tell the fucking truth, already. It's getting old and you're boring us.
don't you gals have something better to talk about? you don't know anything and yet you are still rattling on. ^^^^^^^^^^
'scuse me. Designers leaving a shop enmass is one more than obvious sign that its closing. and I agree with the previous posters. My shop owner bosslady has told us how she has been overwhelmed with emails from SM designers, CT members...you name it. They are closing. The only think left to discover is WHEN.
SM isn't closing NOW. She has decided to sell it instead of close it. Too bad she waited till her team all decided to leave before she realized she could make a profit off selling it.
SM isn't closing NOW. She has decided to sell it instead of close it. Too bad she waited till her team all decided to leave before she realized she could make a profit off selling it. ---------------- Unless she is giving it away, who the F would want it? Seriously, it was a store going downhill fast before the designers all abandoned shop.
If I was one of the "retiring" designers, I'd truly be pissed at Andilynn.
You can count 4 all you want, based on Andilynn's stupid newsletter... but the fact remains that there are only 2-1/2 in the New Releases section of the shop. MHK and Crossbone Cuts (and a collab of hers w/ WM2, which is NOT in WM2's shop, so it doesn't count as a third designer IMO). If the releases shown in the newsletter are actually new releases, why aren't they in the new releases area of the shop? Riddle me that, genius.
LOL about this argument. I just stumbled in here and would side w/ those who say 2-1/2. But more importantly, looking at those new releases up close just now... made me think of Scrapable. As in, SM's designs (this week, anyway) remind me of what you find in Scrapable's shop (speaking of other sites that used to be worth something and have fallen from grace...).
I too was expecting the store to still have the sale on today. It said Nov 4-11. I was planning on doing my shopping today because today's my pay day. I had a TON of stuff on my wish list that I would have bought. Pretty sad.
I too was expecting the store to still have the sale on today. It said Nov 4-11. I was planning on doing my shopping today because today's my pay day. I had a TON of stuff on my wish list that I would have bought. Pretty sad.
^^^^^^
I know with Happy Scrap Girl's store, it is on sale when you add it then go to the cart.
Because she appears to have used the actual pictures she grabbed from somewhere. If you looks at Chelle's they don't have the eyebrows, they are close but not exact copies. Chelle doesn't have the pigs either. I don't think Chelle crossed the line whereas this other kit does.
The description of "Mad Birds" Yes, I'm addicted to the game Angry Birds! And my addiction spreaded throughout my family too! Some fun photos from me and my family playing and a suggestion in our forum made me try to create a kit to scrap those photos. If you are a fan of the game and have some photos this is the kit for you!
if you read copyright laws, Chelle's would be an infringement as well if they wanted to come after her. Anyone can look and know that it is an angry birds kit. It doesn't have to be an actual image. A likeness, etc is still technically wrong even if you draw it yourself
Not excusing her grammar, but she's not a native English speaker. ^^^^^^^^^^ Then if she is working in an English speaking shop, she needs someone to check this. There was a flair that were not right either. (I'm an addicted).
I sold at Stuff To Scrap one. The owner, Nicole, actually sent an email to designers that making 'tribute' kits was OK because you weren't likely to be prosecuted by the big companies.
She also deleted every single thread in the designer forum about Miss Tina and the copyright issues, saying it was all 'high school gossip.'
She had a mass outflux of designers right after that.
I sold at Stuff To Scrap one. The owner, Nicole, actually sent an email to designers that making 'tribute' kits was OK because you weren't likely to be prosecuted by the big companies. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
So instead of sending the store owner the link, it should go to Rovio Mobile?
I hate to be a bubble burster but some of the SO designers are great, but the site itself sucks. Its way too large, not very personable and doesn't seem to welcome new people. I just don't like it at all there. There are a lot better sites community wise.
ITA about SO. One of the designers I CT for just moved to TDC (well she's guesting there, but I think she'll stay?) and the environment at TDC is 100% different from SO. People are so friendly and helpful and I felt comfortable there right away. I tried hanging out at SO a few months ago and felt like I was breaking into a high school clique's party.
There are going to be "cliques" everywhere, since obviously people who have been together for a long time will know each other and be closer than they will be to a newcomer. However, I do agree that SO is more high schoolish than most. And SSD is not far behind.
As a side note, as a regular on a couple forums, it's highly annoying when there's a CT call and the applicants converge on the forums and start posting 50 times a day to suck up. Then as soon as the call ends, they're gone as fast as they arrived.
Not saying any of the previous posters were doing that, just putting it out there as a peeve.
I bet you are talking about TLP... There was one girl who posted a whole bunch... but she made it and I didn't so I guess they like that kind of sucking up.
Agree on the SO issue. I started to hang out there during Iron Scrapper but they really did nothing to make us feel welcome and feel like sticking around.
You get the sense that they are so big, and so busy because they are big, that they don't have time or inclination to make new members feel welcome.
November 12, 2011 7:07 AM ITA about SO. One of the designers I CT for just moved to TDC (well she's guesting there, but I think she'll stay?) and the environment at TDC is 100% different from SO. People are so friendly and helpful and I felt comfortable there right away. =========== That might be the case if you haven't been in the back of the action @ TDC. My back still hurts from all the back stabbing! I do agree the SO is very clique-y.
November 12, 2011 7:07 AM ITA about SO. One of the designers I CT for just moved to TDC (well she's guesting there, but I think she'll stay?) and the environment at TDC is 100% different from SO. People are so friendly and helpful and I felt comfortable there right away. _____________________________________
now I have found the opposite. I tried hanging out at TDC and felt ignored. Posted layouts, commented on other pages, played the challenges, chats, posted in forums....but didn't feel a part. SO have felt welcome, comments on pages, love their challenges and found my questions were answered. I do not CT for anyone there or anywhere for that matter, not looking to get in the CT game either :)Don't want deadlines.
I have never seen a better community anywhere than DSP. The members there are more welcoming than I have seen anywhere else, and there are tons of challenges to join in on.
I have never seen a better community anywhere than DSP. The members there are more welcoming than I have seen anywhere else, and there are tons of challenges to join in on.
----
WHO? Last time I checked we were talking about SO and TDC. Go do your pimping at DST.
Agree on the SO issue. I started to hang out there during Iron Scrapper but they really did nothing to make us feel welcome and feel like sticking around. ...................................
Just curious, what do you think they should have done to make you feel welcome. I started hanging out there at just about the same time, posted a 'howdy' thread in their intro forum, got a ton of responses, and have hung out there ever since. I felt welcome right away, so I'm curious what your expectations were.
I bet you are talking about TLP... There was one girl who posted a whole bunch... but she made it and I didn't so I guess they like that kind of sucking up. --- Did she stop posting once she got the spot? I guess it's one thing if she's going to be that active after the fact, too.
I have known quite a few designers that have large teams because the CT team where they sell at doesn't use their products very often. Does it really matter how many team members a designer has?
I am on QOH's CT team and most everyone there is freelance. We have no requirements at all. Which is why there are many team members. Is it really any of your business?
Can someone tell me whatever happened with 9th&B. I know Holly made an appearance and took the blame, but what else happened? Did all the designers find new homes?
On the topic of CT members, Cindy Schnieder at SSD has a ton also, I think 20, maybe more. Plus, she just added about 5 or 6 more over DSD with her contest. If it works for the designer then it works for them. Some can't keep up with that many CT members.
So what do you guys think of the TLP CT call results? I lurk around the Lilypad and I have never seen some of these girls scrap with the products let alone post there. Well, except for when the call posted.
Agree on the SO issue. I started to hang out there during Iron Scrapper but they really did nothing to make us feel welcome and feel like sticking around. ................................... Just curious, what do you think they should have done to make you feel welcome. I started hanging out there at just about the same time, posted a 'howdy' thread in their intro forum, got a ton of responses, and have hung out there ever since. I felt welcome right away, so I'm curious what your expectations were. ----------------
I totally agree. I started hanging out there over the summer and have felt extremely welcomed. Great challenges, well organized, all the designers seem to hang out in the forums and not just hide to themselves. What would you want them to do? Heck I got about $20 in products from various designers saying welcome with a little gift code to go and use... that was NICE!
^^^^^^^ I thought SM was closing?? Its suddenly coming back from the dead now?
------
It was never announced that it WAS closing. It was posted today that they would not be closing (probably from rumors saying it would) but that there would be new stuff happening. We shall see!
Not many forums offer a goodie packet. So I have to say that is really awesome of SO to do that. As for SM, a few of the designers had said that SM was closing. Maybe they weren't aware that the doors decided to stay open? WHY as a store owner would you NOT tell your designers this so that they WONT leave? Isn't the object of a store to actually have designers?
I HATE forums where the designers DONT talk to people or just mainly talk to the other designers or CT members of that store. Talking to the customers and people in the forum goes along way IMO.
^^^^^The Lily Pad has a huge team and so does Mscraps. Mscraps has about 40 CT members if not more. The Lilypad, I think might be at 25team members. What people don't understand is that each member might have a different CT duty. Some might be full-time, some might be freelance, some might just be on a challenge or blog team. In some cases from being on CT teams myself, is that the designers have friends on their team that don't actually create but are there because the designer wants them there. If it works for a designer or a store then it's really not my concern how many people they have creating for them. Unless there is a limit as to how many people one can have on a CT team?
I totally agree. I started hanging out there over the summer and have felt extremely welcomed. Great challenges, well organized, all the designers seem to hang out in the forums and not just hide to themselves. What would you want them to do? Heck I got about $20 in products from various designers saying welcome with a little gift code to go and use... that was NICE!
So, you didn't feel at like it was all about the site team or the designers? Or clique-ish?
Anonymous said... ^^^^^^^ I thought SM was closing?? Its suddenly coming back from the dead now?
------
It was never announced that it WAS closing. It was posted today that they would not be closing (probably from rumors saying it would) but that there would be new stuff happening. We shall see!
November 13, 2011 12:51 AM
----------------------------------
It might not have been PUBLICLY announced, but their designers WERE told it was closing.
Yes, designers at SM were told that it was closing. It is a complete shock that it is now staying open. But perhaps Andi got someone to buy it. Good luck to that person since all the best designers are now gone.
So what do you guys think of the TLP CT call results? I lurk around the Lilypad and I have never seen some of these girls scrap with the products let alone post there. Well, except for when the call posted. ---
meh. I could care less about forums and being included. It's all fake anyway since these people don't know me IRL.
I buy stuff I like. I might participate in a challenge that is interesting. And I don't post layouts for comments. I'm not seeking attention or friendship because it's really a stupid thing to do in an online forum. And I think to expect people to fall all over you because you are new to a forum is petty.
Can someone tell me whatever happened with 9th&B. I know Holly made an appearance and took the blame, but what else happened? Did all the designers find new homes?
______________________________
Nothing else happened. Holly took the blame a couple of days after the problem with paypal and a few days after that she closed the door entirely. Most of the designers have found new homes and a couple of them, I think, have decided to retire.
meh. I could care less about forums and being included. It's all fake anyway since these people don't know me IRL.
I buy stuff I like. I might participate in a challenge that is interesting. And I don't post layouts for comments. I'm not seeking attention or friendship because it's really a stupid thing to do in an online forum. And I think to expect people to fall all over you because you are new to a forum is petty.
November 13, 2011 8:36 AM ----------- Well, good for you. Aren't you just perfect?! What a condescending bitch you are. Good thing you don't seek friends because, judging from this attitude, not many people would WANT to be friends with you.
Nothing else happened. Holly took the blame a couple of days after the problem with paypal and a few days after that she closed the door entirely. Most of the designers have found new homes and a couple of them, I think, have decided to retire.
^^^^^ Well, did the designers get paid from that month? Is anyone going to take legal action if they didn't?
I bet you are talking about TLP... There was one girl who posted a whole bunch... but she made it and I didn't so I guess they like that kind of sucking up. --- Did she stop posting once she got the spot? I guess it's one thing if she's going to be that active after the fact, too.
------------- not quite, but she did post a few more... nothing like before if you ask me.
^^^^^^^ I thought SM was closing?? Its suddenly coming back from the dead now? -------------------- SM never said they were closing. There was apparently talk about it being a possibility behind the scenes and I heard that was what made the designers run rather than stick with the community while it revamps what works and what didn't. The reasons behind it don't matter. I think they will be a strong community again very quickly. They've always been one of the most friendly communities out there. I'd much rather be there than at SO where high school meets scrapbooking.
^^^^ You have no idea what you are talking about. The designers, admin and CT were all told the store was closing this month. Now that it isn't is news to all of us. Of course the designers left, they were told the store was closing.
Well, good for you. Aren't you just perfect?! What a condescending bitch you are. Good thing you don't seek friends because, judging from this attitude, not many people would WANT to be friends with you.
November 13, 2011 10:45 AM ---
And you just confirmed my suspicion that you are lacking in the adult socializing skills that are necessary for real life. I understand why you have turned to forums.
Is anyone else getting TONS of emails from Sweet Shoppe today? I don't shop there alot, but it seems every order I've placed since last year is making its way into my inbox again. Along with some spam from some kind of place that you can download movies at. Just me?
Agree on the SO issue. I started to hang out there during Iron Scrapper but they really did nothing to make us feel welcome and feel like sticking around. ...................................
Just curious, what do you think they should have done to make you feel welcome. I started hanging out there at just about the same time, posted a 'howdy' thread in their intro forum, got a ton of responses, and have hung out there ever since. I felt welcome right away, so I'm curious what your expectations were.
^^
I'm the OP on this, so I'll answer your question. I didn't get comments on my layouts, no one really chatted with me, and when I asked questions, I got really brief, to the point answers without any friendliness to them or anything like that. I don't post in welcome threads, but I don't think that should be a pre-requisite to people actually chatting with me.
I didn't get any welcome coupons.
Some forums have people who watch for new sign ups and go out of their way to greet people when they join.
I'll admit I am shy - both online and off - but some forums do a better job of making new members feel included.
It's like when you show up at a party where you only know the host ... if the host waves at you but stays where they are and keeps talking to someone else, you stand aside and feel awkward ... but if the host comes over to you, greets you, and walks you into the conversation ... you feel included.
You have no idea what you are talking about. The designers, admin and CT were all told the store was closing this month. Now that it isn't is news to all of us. Of course the designers left, they were told the store was closing.
November 13, 2011 1:42 PM ------------- and how do you know what they were told? I heard they were told "might" and they all ran squawking... great job for a community who built your name up to what it is.
I also never get comments on my layouts at SO, and only at few at other stores... which I think is super ridiculous... if you want us to post there, well, be kind enough to find something you like and say something about it. I agree with the one word answers, IF you get an answer at all...
How the heck do you think I know? I'm one of them. Again, there was never a "might" close. It was definite.
November 13, 2011 5:44 PM ---------------------- Prove it... I think you are just some bitch causing trouble... and you want to make up shit to excuse your behavior. If you really were an DT, admin or CT over there, you wouldn't be sharing the information anyway... I have a friend who said she couldn't tell me what the deal was because she signed a confidentiality clause... now that the announcement was made, she said they were never SURE about any closing or anything. So who the fuck are you? Post your name then cowardly bitch. I love SM, they've been such a friendly community since the day I joined and guess what, good riddance to the designers who left... I like the ones who are staying anyway. I'd rather be at a friendly site with newer designers than at a b.s. filled site with a bunch of bitches who they they are all the shit. Oh, wait, I bet you are one of them. That makes sense now.
^^^^^^^ PS, before you ask, I am JUST a customer there, I shop at a few sites but only visit THIS one regularly b/c I haven't found another one with such nice people. Glad they making it even better personally
You know what, I don't have to prove anything. I know the truth. Thing is, it doesn't really matter. I'm glad they are staying open. But the truth is, if there was any chance of that before, the designers wouldn't have left like the did. Do you really think Wendy and some of the others who have given everything to that site would just up and leave if they were just making some changes? No. They were closing. That's a fact. Now they aren't. It will be interesting to see what happens.
I also never get comments on my layouts at SO, and only at few at other stores... which I think is super ridiculous... if you want us to post there, well, be kind enough to find something you like and say something about it. I agree with the one word answers, IF you get an answer at all...
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I agree with this. I am a designer in a mid-sized small store (used to be a pretty "big-ish" store, but I've heard it's gone down, I however love it).
I comment on ALL my LOs. As long as I can find them (in my gallery). I think designers who do not find 45 minutes a week to comment and connect with a customer is sad.
I also never get comments on my layouts at SO, and only at few at other stores... which I think is super ridiculous... if you want us to post there, well, be kind enough to find something you like and say something about it. I agree with the one word answers, IF you get an answer at all...
^^^^^^ Personally, I try to comment on pages when I have time. I'm not a designer, but I am on a site ct. Do you know how hard it is to keep up with an active gallery? I could leave 30 comments in the morning and by evening, I'd need to do 30+ more. I do my best, as do the other girls, but we all have outside lives!
Personally, I try to comment on pages when I have time. I'm not a designer, but I am on a site ct. Do you know how hard it is to keep up with an active gallery? I could leave 30 comments in the morning and by evening, I'd need to do 30+ more. I do my best, as do the other girls, but we all have outside lives!
--------- Oh, there's no way for everyone to comment on everything. But if the store is big enough to have a very active gallery, I think the CT could comment on a few that do not have comments, and designers should comment on all of theirs. No excuse not to (other than being lazy asses). I am also a believer if you upload a LO, you should comment on someone who posted before you.
Oh, there's no way for everyone to comment on everything. But if the store is big enough to have a very active gallery, I think the CT could comment on a few that do not have comments, and designers should comment on all of theirs. -----------------
I agree about the designers. As far as the CT goes, alot of galleries don't let you see how many comments are on a layout when you're just looking at the general gallery. To find layouts that don't have any comments you'd have to open up every layout. That can take a long time in itself.
This is the timeline that the designers, CT and admin at SM were emailed.
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 11:46 PM Subject: Changes at ScrapMatters
Tentative timeline--on Nov 1 we will be downsizing our server, since we have fewer designers now I think that should be fine, but I did break up the announcement to the public to try to spread out our sales: Oct. 20 - Please do not take more than one item total from the shop, until closing, now that you have been notified, if you need to do CT assignments obviously there will be an exception to this. If there is something more you would like please contact the designer directly for a gift code. Oct. 31- announce closure to CT and SMG. No CT assignments for November. The CT/admin/ DT codes will be turned off. All CT and SMG will get a coupon for $5 as a thank you. Announce that we are taking a break from MOS for November and no banking of points from October. Nov. 4-6 - DSD sale--40% off. If you want to back out of the collab that's fine--although the FWP collab will help to generate sales. Nov. 12- announce closure to general public on SM blog - designers can set their own sale amounts. Limited blog posts after this. Nov. 15- announce closure to general public via newsletter Nov. 22 - final day of sales - 8 days remaining to clear up any CS issues--server will be closed on Nov 30.
I've never posted here before and am hesitant to do so due to the negativity from so many who do post. However, I feel like I need to chime in and say something regarding SM. The above post with the timeline that was supposedly emailed to all the admin, designers and CT members was NOT emailed to me and I am a member of the CT. That leads me to believe that whoever the poster is - and whoever has been leaking information here and elsewhere - is a member of either the admin or the design team. I have to say, I'm disgusted. Seriously, how could anyone who is behind the scenes in such an intimate way betray the site like this? We all signed confidentiality agreements. We all read Andrea's request to keep the changes private until she has a chance to publicly announce them. Why on earth do you think it's ok to reveal things that aren't yours to reveal? It truly baffles my mind. I can only assume that if you are an admin or a designer for SM you CARE about the site and love it as much as the rest of us working there do. I find your treatment of this entire issue deplorable, disrespectful, and totally self-serving. And I honestly hope that you are one who has chosen to move on from SM. We don't need dishonest people behind the scenes.
I'm sure someone is going to tell me to get off my high horse or something else of that nature, but this needed to be said.
You know what, I don't have to prove anything. I know the truth. Thing is, it doesn't really matter. I'm glad they are staying open. But the truth is, if there was any chance of that before, the designers wouldn't have left like the did. Do you really think Wendy and some of the others who have given everything to that site would just up and leave if they were just making some changes? No. They were closing. That's a fact. Now they aren't. It will be interesting to see what happens.
November 13, 2011 5:58 PM -----------------
Actually some of the DT members had been inactive or barely active for sometime, so yeah, I think they would. It's no secret that SO is trying to dominate to digi scrap industry by creating some power trip empire... why wouldn't they try to steal other stores designers... or maybe when Chelle moved over, she told her good designer friends at SM that she had better sales, or whatever and they all followed behind her. I'm less likely to buy from any of them being over at SO. I hate that place.
That might be the case if you haven't been in the back of the action @ TDC. My back still hurts from all the back stabbing! I do agree the SO is very clique-y.
--------------
This statement is ridiculous. I have been "in the back of the action" at TDC for a long time and this couldn't be more inaccurate. While there are instances of people getting annoyed with each other on occasion (we're women, after all), TDC is one of the least drama-filled backstabby places I've ever been. I'm curious to know who you are and what grudge you hold, to have posted this.
Does anyone else find it ironic that the poster of the timeline is being tagged by 8:49 as somebody with no integrity because they posted this top secret email - the same email that outlines the closing of the site and a systematic release of information in an effort to "spread out sales". If this email is legit than Andi intended to deceive from the very beginning and yet the integrity of the poster is being weighed against that of SM's valiant owner. Interesting...I'm glad I don't have a horse in this race.
We all signed confidentiality agreements. We all read Andrea's request to keep the changes private until she has a chance to publicly announce them. ---------------------- So basically you are upset with her for posting that and sharing information about the closing and changed, but at the same time confirming that it's true.
And I do have to say if the poster of the e-mail is a designer, I can understand why she posted it.
If I had been told the store was closing at a time of the year when designer really depend on sales, only to find out they it was sold instead, the whole situation can be very disheartening.
As a CT member you're just losing your ticket to free supplies. She is losing income, sometimes sales (depending on what store she ends up in), it's a very stressful situation to be in.
And no I am not a designer at SM but I went through a similar situation when the store I was selling in closed.
A friend of mine is a CTM at Scrapdish, and was told today that they are closing at the end of December unless someone buys it. They don't have a lot of "big-name" designers but they do have a few really talented ones who've been there a long time. I think they are one of the oldest digi stores.
Does anyone else find it ironic that the poster of the timeline is being tagged by 8:49 as somebody with no integrity because they posted this top secret email - the same email that outlines the closing of the site and a systematic release of information in an effort to "spread out sales". If this email is legit than Andi intended to deceive from the very beginning and yet the integrity of the poster is being weighed against that of SM's valiant owner. Interesting...I'm glad I don't have a horse in this race. ---------------------------------- ^^^
And here you've hit upon the reason why everyone had been keeping zipped (due to contract) but now are loosening their lips. Very frustrating to have the rug pulled out from under you only to have it then laid back out after you've landed on your ass. Not a whole lot of warm fuzzy loyalty left after that sort of treatment.
The posted timeline is legit and as of DSD the intent as told to the backroom was still to close Nov 22. The decision to stay open is VERY recent. I suspect some of the designers left quickly because they didn't want to be part of the whole drag out the sales thing once it leaked. The intent wasn't to deceive as no one was supposed to know it was closing until after DSD. The intent was to let the designers have good DSD sales and still have a store closing sale.
That said however, once the cat was out of the bag she should have just fessed up to having troubles and trusted her customers to stay loyal to their designers until the end. The secrecy was more harmful than the fact of closing imho.
If they try to keep the site going I can't see it being more than a shadow of its former self.
The time table above was true. Now it is not. Andilynn changed her mind. Poor business decision to plan out the closing of your shop and not be committed to it.
Andilynn hasn't been a huge part of the site for a long time though. She rarely speaks on the forums or participates in anything else. With so many of the key people leaving, or left, I don't think it's the same place anymore.
I'm sorry to the customer above that really loves it there. I did too.
That said however, once the cat was out of the bag she should have just fessed up to having troubles and trusted her customers to stay loyal to their designers until the end. The secrecy was more harmful than the fact of closing imho.
If they try to keep the site going I can't see it being more than a shadow of its former self.
---------------------------------- Absolutely agree with you. Not knowing what was really going on made people feel angry, frustrated, worried, etc. Seeing that something has to be going on with so many people leaving, and being told another just raises our alarm bells.
I don't like being lied to. I would've preferred she just say that she is not able to keep up with the site, or whatever, and it will be closing. Allow the designers to search out their future homes and let the sunset go down gracefully. All the deception just shows that she wasn't fully committed to the decision to close, so she shouldn't have set forth the plan until she was.
Of course, it's entirely possible that SM will still close and Andi doesn't want to hurt sales up until that time. She hasn't been publicly forthcoming so far. I wouldn't expect her to be now.
The fact that the CT didn't receive that email proves nothing LOL. If you actually read it, it says they would tell the CT the site was closing Oct. 31. Since the email is dated Oct. 20, well that wouldn't make much sense to have sent it to the CT as well, would it?
I also doubt someone would have went to all the trouble to make up something so detailed just to post here. If so, kudos to them for having no life. While it's probably not very cool to post confidential information like that, you can have a confidentiality clause a mile wide, but you should realize that anything you put out there has the potential to be leaked, even more so when it's big shocking news. You shoul think before you put something out there in cyberspace because you can't trust anyone.
Can someone please tell me what part of SM is not closing do you not get?
------------- Can you please tell me why Andilynn said it WAS closing and all of a sudden it's NOT?
That was a crap thing to do to the designers who were there. I hope they make 10 times more at their new stores and that she really regrets her choices.
^^^ Can someone please tell me what part of SM is not closing do you not get?
November 14, 2011 8:26 AM
Why would there be a post saying they aren't closing and then a post announcing new challenges coming in Dec. At this point I don't see any reason for her to keep up the facade especially since it is past this supposed deadline to make it public. Maybe she changed her mind or maybe there is a sale transaction?
Can you please tell me why Andilynn said it WAS closing and all of a sudden it's NOT?
That was a crap thing to do to the designers who were there. I hope they make 10 times more at their new stores and that she really regrets her choices.
To the person who asked about SSD and lots of weird e-mails this weekend... yes I got them, too. I didn't get order e-mails, but I got about 5 random newsletter e-mails, dating back as far as July. Obviously their server had a large hiccup this weekend.
...which CLEARLY STATES "They may not be used in a collection of like products -- for example, flowers may not be used in an all flower elements pack."
What the EFF is wrong with people, that they can't even be bothered to read a TOU?
Obviously, different people understand the meaning of CU differently and simply assume that the rest of the TOU will say the same thing they think it means. And some people are just too lazy to read altogether!
So did you report it to the 2 designers in question? Posting here does no good unless you know for a fact they read here. I'd report it to each of them, and to the owner/admins at SM.
I don't know of many CU designers (especially not reputable ones w/ good quality) that allow you to create just an element pack using their flowers. So it would seem that this is either a case of EXTREME LAZINESS (as in, Tanya's never read a TOU in her entire life???), or else she just didn't care and made the product anyway. I'm probably going with the latter...
I reported the Flowergate scandal to SM and Wendy Page, in case nobody else had done it.
Also, I just found a request from a couple of weeks ago to set-up a section for people to comment/review Atomic Cupcake on the review blog... sorry it took so long. DSD had me swamped and I am just now making my way back out again.
Here's the link to the review blog: http://dsthofreviews.blogspot.com/ (the new AC section is up at the top on the main page, until/unless anyone requests new stores to be listed)
Sounds like someone has a vested interest in sweeping this under the rug...........
We still find the topic interesting. If you don't, feel free to talk about something else, but that doesn't mean everyone else will. When we're tired of it, we'll naturally move on. Until then, stop trying to tell others what to talk about.
Why does it not closing mean it's a dead horse? How it was handled was still very wrong.
November 14, 2011 2:20 PM ---
I'm not sure that it was handled poorly. What if none of the stuff about the store closing was true and it was just a bad case of rumors? Nothing has really proven that they were closing. Other than some supposed email that clearly had an incorrect timeline. Designers left, but that happens when a store is dropping in popularity or even when a better store opens their doors for more designers.
Oh please. Designers didn't just leave. There was a mass exodus that all took place at the SAME TIME, within a week or so, right before one of the biggest sales weekends of the year? It wasn't a coincidence, and you're either an idiot for thinking otherwise... or trying to insinuate that we're all idiots b/c you think we'll buy that. We're not buying that.
Have there been any shops that were sold that were successful for the new owner? -------------------------- The Lilypad. I don't even think most people know it was sold.
No, I don't think you're an idiot for believing that there was always a plan to close. I never called you that or insinuated such a thing by stating *my* thoughts on the matter. I'm just saying that there may be other possibilities and SM has been in the crapper since that stupid designer contest. It seems that people have been unhappy with them and all it takes is some bad blood to get something circulating.
And if you were a designer and SO asked you to come on board, wouldn't you consider it if you have been watching your store decline? And SO probably was taking advantage of the DSD weekend to bring them aboard to boost sales. (I'm not a designer but I generally love to buy at SO. If I was a designer, I would probably want to be there. They seem pretty busy and stable!)
I'm sure there is so much more to this story though...
And if you were a designer and SO asked you to come on board, wouldn't you consider it if you have been watching your store decline? And SO probably was taking advantage of the DSD weekend to bring them aboard to boost sales. (I'm not a designer but I generally love to buy at SO. If I was a designer, I would probably want to be there. They seem pretty busy and stable!)
----------------
Except what you don't realize is that SO didn't send out invites to the new designers. Those designers (well, most of them) contacted SO when they were told SM was closing, and asked to come on board. Likewise, a bunch of designers from SM also contacted TDC and asked to come there, as well. So it's not like those designers were happy at SM and contacted out of the blue by the other shops... it was quite the other way around.
How do you know that they said the shop was closing when the designers contacted them? Did you get to read the emails? Or is this through the grapevine?
Maybe they just weren't happy at SM and had been talking and decided to leave? If I was unhappy and SO or TDC would be willing take on my shop, I would have been out of there too. The store was going downhill. Designers talk and the next thing you know they are all unahppy and leaving.
I can tell you as one of the designers that left SM, that we were all completely blindsided by a email saying that SM would be closing. There was no talk, no warning, nothing. Just an email saying that everything was done. So naturally we all panicked and scurried to find new stores. Now SM is not closing and they have lost most of their designers, admin and creative team.
^^^^^^^^ Which doesn't surprise me because that is exactly how they handled it when they went exclusive, too. I'm on the CT for one of the designers who left back then and she shared with us that there was no discussion, no input requested from the team, nothing. Someone decided it was a good idea and it was done. Andilynn didn't even poll her non-exclusive designers to see if they would even be willing to sell only at SM before making the decision. Don't you think a smart store owner would try to assess how many people she'd lose with such a decision before setting it in stone?
My designer has said she is very glad she didn't go exclusive, and chose not to put all her eggs in Andilynn's basket earlier this year, especially after seeing how they were/are closing already less than a year later. I can't believe Andilynn screwed up yet another DSD sale. Last year, they couldn't get their act together and keep the site up and running during NSD and again during DSD. This year, she decides to close the store during the busiest time of the year? I feel terrible for all the designers who had to scurry for last minute arrangements in new stores just before the biggest sales weekend of the year. Way to look out for the people who have been buttering your bread for years, Andilynn.
I can tell you as one of the designers that left SM, that we were all completely blindsided by a email saying that SM would be closing. There was no talk, no warning, nothing. Just an email saying that everything was done. So naturally we all panicked and scurried to find new stores. Now SM is not closing and they have lost most of their designers, admin and creative team.
November 14, 2011 11:49 PM
------------------ Who is "we"... are you saying you are one of the designers? The truth is a lot different than what you state... maybe this was a whole ploy to weed out those who had no dedication to the site. If I were running a store, I would hope that if a personal issue arose, my team would work with me and help me save the store even if I made a rash decision and said things I regret.
I am not Andilynn by the way, in case anyone is trying to throw that out there... just stating what I see as a scrapper and a customer.
Who is "we"... are you saying you are one of the designers? The truth is a lot different than what you state... maybe this was a whole ploy to weed out those who had no dedication to the site. If I were running a store, I would hope that if a personal issue arose, my team would work with me and help me save the store even if I made a rash decision and said things I regret.
I am not Andilynn by the way, in case anyone is trying to throw that out there... just stating what I see as a scrapper and a customer.
But you can't play with people's livlihoods like that. And as a designer I don't want to stay in a store that may or may not actually stay open. I depend on the sales I make to help pay the bills and I have to take the threat of losing THE ONLY store I sell in VERY seriously.
But if it was a ploy to test dedication to site, it was a horrendously stupid business decision. Because this is a business, not a group of friends hanging out supporting each other, although we often do that too. What it comes down to is the business, plain and simple, when you are talking about the relationship between a store owner and designer.
This may have all played out differently if SM hadn't switched to exclusive. If the designers were selling in several stores and weren't completely dependent on SM as their only source of sales I think many, if not most might have hung around til the end.
Who is "we"... are you saying you are one of the designers? The truth is a lot different than what you state... maybe this was a whole ploy to weed out those who had no dedication to the site. If I were running a store, I would hope that if a personal issue arose, my team would work with me and help me save the store even if I made a rash decision and said things I regret.
I am not Andilynn by the way, in case anyone is trying to throw that out there... just stating what I see as a scrapper and a customer.
November 15, 2011 9:49 AM
---------- I'm not the poster you were responding to. But I think your whole entire response is crap.
First of all, I do think you are Andilyn. If not, you are someone who is very close to her trying to support/defend her. And by the way, you are doing a terrible job at that. You make SM look worse and worse with every post you make. I think that the posts here over the last few days about how SO and TDC are terrible stores were also made by crazy SM-supporter/Andilyn as well.
The designers who left SM and moved to SO applied for a spot. They weren't invited. They applied and were accepted at new stores AFTER Andilyn said she was closing SM.
It would have been absolutely stupid for the designers at SM to stick around and ride a dying site to the grounds for several reasons. One of those reasons being that another big store had also closed that same week and that meant double the number of designers competing for good spots in stores.
People who rely on their designs as a source of income cannot be expected to wait until an obviously flaky and uninvolved store owner decides to quit playing ridiculous games that affect their future income. Andilyn told her designers that SM was closing. They believed her and started looking for a new store to sell their designs. That doesn't make them bad people. It just makes them people trying to look out for their future potential earnings. You can't expect your designers to just listen to you throw a PMS hissy fit, stomp your feet and say you are closing, but stick by your side and hope that you will come to your senses in the end. That is ludicrous and childish.
The worst part about the posts here "defending" SM is that after abruptly announcing that you were abandoning your designers, you are now turning around and talking as if they have stabbed you in the back by trying to find new homes. Trying to bring down the reputation of the designers who stuck with you for years, until the very second you abandoned them right before the biggest digi shopping day of the year AND the holidays, is really low.
Who is "we"... are you saying you are one of the designers? The truth is a lot different than what you state... maybe this was a whole ploy to weed out those who had no dedication to the site. If I were running a store, I would hope that if a personal issue arose, my team would work with me and help me save the store even if I made a rash decision and said things I regret.
I am not Andilynn by the way, in case anyone is trying to throw that out there... just stating what I see as a scrapper and a customer.
November 15, 2011 9:49 AM
-----
That would be a very stupid business move. I would think a store owner knows if a designer is loyal without having to play games like that. And I would certainly be moving on loyal or not because that stupidity would end all loyality. If that's the case Andilynn shot herself in the foot.
If I got an announcement saying the store was cloing, there would not be any "working" with to resolve anything. I woul be moving on. What's the reason to remain loyal?
The designers who left SM and moved to SO applied for a spot. They weren't invited. They applied and were accepted at new stores AFTER Andilyn said she was closing SM.
---- I'm the one who posted that as a possibility. I was just throwing out some ideas. If you are really a former SM designer, then your explanation makes sense and I never said that it wasn't another possible side of this story.
The problem is knowing who and what to believe on this blog. I know for a fact that there has been contrived information posted about stores on this blog and everyone just believes the worst possible scenaria.
Exactly. And as one of the former designers, I appreciate your support. I'm in a better place now with people who actually appreciate me. Good luck to any designer who decides to join SM now. They are going to need it.
I am just an average scrapper, not a designer. I am not active on any CT's, although I have been in the past. I am not active in any "scrapbook community", I don't post on the message boards, and I don't post my layouts online anymore. I read the Digi boards for entertainment, and am constantly amazed at what people share on the internet. I freely admit to reading the scrapbook smack blogs, it is a guilty pleasure.
You can email me at: DSTHallofFame@gmail.com
1,413 comments:
1 – 200 of 1413 Newer› Newest»Whoo hoo. New space!
whatever will we do with it?
the same ol bitching we do every day cuz we are catty like that.
I'm still waiting to hear which Oscraps designers that PP thinks have big egos.
What does the O in Oscraps stand for? What does the M is Mscraps stand for? Just curious...
O = Original
M = Memory
Has anyone taken a class at SO? Are they any good?
From the descriptions, they look over-priced.
I think they are too expensive too but I know the instructors are good, I just can't afford that.
I've taken classes at Jessica Sprague but not SO. I've also taken a photography workshop at GP. I was pleased with both. Learned a lot about my camera.
Considering how much of the stuff they are teaching at SO can be found for free on the internet ... I'd say they are pretty over-priced.
so. any NEW news on SM closing?
You tell us? Are they closing? I think that was a rumor worth shit.
^^^
absolutely not a rumor. their design team has been finding new homes for the past few weeks, and the ones who are left there are (mostly) already guesting at the places they'll be moving once the announcement is made. they're closing. this I know for a fact.
you don't know anything for a fact. how on earth could you know that for a "fact"... you are such a joke.
The forum is filled with designer's announcing that they are leaving this Thursday and Friday. The challenges are "taking a break" in November.
If they're NOT closing the what the hell are they doing?
you don't know anything for a fact. how on earth could you know that for a "fact"... you are such a joke.
----------------------------------
^^^^
maybe she's the owner
or one of the dt
or one of the ct
Someone does know what's going on!
(no joke!)
They will be announcing the closing on the 12th.
Then someone post what's going on. We all want to know.
a couple of the designers have already announced their new homes. I would say that pretty much sums it up about SM.
Designers come and go... that means diddly squat.
Krisi's Kreations has announced she is at SO
Jady Day has announced she is closing at SM on Nov. 11--is guesting at SO so my guess is that's where she is staying.
WM2 has already announced she is at SO.
HSG has announced her store is closing Nov. 11 and she is currently guesting at SO as well-again I think she may be staying.
They also picked up Secret Stash I noticed.
But why are they closing? Somebody has to know the full story, I mean, besides Andilynn.
And why the need to keep it top-frickin-secret? Just tell us!
Everyone is assuming they are closing because several of the long time designers are leaving. I've bought from there for ages and all those designers listed have been there for a very long time. People move on. Yeah, its odd they are moving on at the same time but maybe they were offered something to move to SO? It still offers no proof of closing.
well that many long term designers picking up and leaving certainly makes you wonder what is going on.
I agree, I just think if they were closing, they would. We've heard the 7th, now we hear the 12th... It's like that doomsday prophet... the world is going to end on "x-x-x". We are still here typing.
Krisi's Kreations has announced she is at SO
Jady Day has announced she is closing at SM on Nov. 11--is guesting at SO so my guess is that's where she is staying.
WM2 has already announced she is at SO.
HSG has announced her store is closing Nov. 11 and she is currently guesting at SO as well-again I think she may be staying.
They also picked up Secret Stash I noticed.
November 10, 2011 8:40 AM
----------------------------------
And Inspirations by Day is retiring
Elise's Pieces is guesting at TDC
geniaBeana is guesting at TDC
KimB recently started designing for Sugar Hill Co. and is guesting at Pickleberry Pop
Wimpychompers is guesting at Gotta Pixel
In light of all that - I can't see how anyone thinks Scrap Matters isn't closing! And if just some of those guesting switch to those stores like the ones moving to Scrap Orchard, Scrap Matters will be gutted and in my opion can't retain it's spot as one of the better stores out there.
I've heard the 7th once on here and all it actually was, was a designer leaving on the 7th (I think it was Inspirations from Day).
This is not a case of 'designers come and go' -- EVERYONE is leaving.
Why is it closing? Absent owner could be one of the main reasons. Bad choices by said owner (requiring designers to be exclusive).
I wish nothing but the best for the designers.
Well, it's definitely not closing on the 12th. Dream Big Designs posted her store is closing on the 17th.
http://scrapmatters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26638
So, that leaves the following designers who haven't announced anything (that I've seen) or who aren't "guesting" somewhere else. Please update if you have seen announcements/guest spots.
Andilynn Designs
Band Geek Designs
Crossbone Cuts
Down This Road Designs
Graham Like the Cracker
Haynay Designs
Jeanine DeOre
LDrag Designs
Plum Dumpling Designs
Simply J Studio
Steph.designs
Stolen Moments
The Design Girl
True Blue Studio
That's still quite a few designers, but none of them are very active at all. I can't see them maintaining enough business to stay open.
ou don't know anything for a fact. how on earth could you know that for a "fact"... you are such a joke.
--------------------
The only person who would post something like this is the owner herself, Andilynn. Otherwise there's no way this person could know that anyone else doesn't "know anything for a fact." So Andilynn, if you're here reading, get off your fat ass and tell everyone what's going on. Your silence is akin to guilt... we know something is up because you refuse to say otherwise. Your business sense is staggeringly horrid. The bottom line is that as long as you stay silent, you're pissing off your customers and they're leaving you in droves. I can't tell you how many new designers, CTM's, and customers/forum members have just popped up from SM at both SO and TDC (two other places I frequent a lot). Your store is bleeding into those 2 places like a river. So if you're not closing, you better do something soon because otherwise you will be closing anyway, not by choice. Follow me?
SM will close...when is anyone's guess at this point. I have two reasons to believe this. One - I have a freind who is a longtime store CT, who was around the day all this talk started. All she will say (and I give her credit for this) is that there was a huge 'blowup' in the 'backroom' of the shop ... and that while she doesn't know WHEN...she does know that it IS closing. Andy isn't being forthcoming with anyone over there. The second reason I know they are closing is that the owner of the shop I design for has been inundated with emails since this whole thing started. all of them stating the same thing....my shop WILL be closing..and I need a new home type of thing. Yeah, they are closing.
Didn't say they are closing on the 12th, said the announcement would be made on the 12th.
Many of those designers will be retiring when SM closes which is why you haven't heard anything - yet.
What I find interesting is that if there were a backroom blow-up there must be some kind of loyalty to someone since NOBODY is talking. What the hell happened?
There was no blowup.
oh yes there was.
oh yes there was.
-----------------------
If you know so much, why aren't you sharing?
I know you are but what am I?
Andilynn Designs
Band Geek Designs
Crossbone Cuts
Down This Road Designs
Graham Like the Cracker
Haynay Designs
Jeanine DeOre
LDrag Designs
Plum Dumpling Designs
Simply J Studio
Steph.designs
Stolen Moments
The Design Girl
True Blue Studio
That's still quite a few designers, but none of them are very active at all. I can't see them maintaining enough business to stay open.
November 10, 2011 11:13 AM
------------
At least three more of the people from this list have spots lined up. I will not say who, though. It is their privilege to announce their plans. And with how fast that ship seems to be sinking, I assume announcements will be made very soon.
Just wanted you to know the list of "who's left" is (or will be) even smaller than the one you posted.
The second reason I know they are closing is that the owner of the shop I design for has been inundated with emails since this whole thing started. all of them stating the same thing....my shop WILL be closing..and I need a new home type of thing. Yeah, they are closing.
----------------
Ditto this. Our shop owner has had to turn people away, because we can't take everyone on. Her e-mail account has been going bleeping crazy.
Has anyone stopped to think that maybe the closing is simply a rumor, as a result of the supposed "blowup"?? Just a thought. I don't know, maybe they are closing. Or maybe everyone is blowing it out of proportion. Only time will tell.
Has anyone stopped to think that maybe the closing is simply a rumor, as a result of the supposed "blowup"?? Just a thought. I don't know, maybe they are closing. Or maybe everyone is blowing it out of proportion. Only time will tell.
November 10, 2011 4:44 PM
_________________________
Give it a break, Andilynn. Just tell the fucking truth, already. It's getting old and you're boring us.
don't you gals have something better to talk about? you don't know anything and yet you are still rattling on.
don't you gals have something better to talk about? you don't know anything and yet you are still rattling on.
^^^^^^^^^^
'scuse me. Designers leaving a shop enmass is one more than obvious sign that its closing. and I agree with the previous posters. My shop owner bosslady has told us how she has been overwhelmed with emails from SM designers, CT members...you name it. They are closing. The only think left to discover is WHEN.
I would love to know which stores are getting hit up with emails.
My guess would be SO and TDC, it appears that's where most are ending up.
I, personally cannot believe the Dream Big was accepted at SO. Deplorable "quality".
SM isn't closing NOW. She has decided to sell it instead of close it. Too bad she waited till her team all decided to leave before she realized she could make a profit off selling it.
SM isn't closing NOW. She has decided to sell it instead of close it. Too bad she waited till her team all decided to leave before she realized she could make a profit off selling it.
----------------
Unless she is giving it away, who the F would want it? Seriously, it was a store going downhill fast before the designers all abandoned shop.
If I was one of the "retiring" designers, I'd truly be pissed at Andilynn.
speaking of Scrapmatters, I thought their DSD sales went until today the 11th? I checked out the store and nothing is on sale anymore.
no... scrapmatters isn't closing. incredulous LOL. they only have 2 (TWO!) designers w/ new releases this week... but no, they're not closing...
whatever
Can't you count? There were four designers with new releases. LOL
Can't you count? There were four designers with new releases. LOL
^^
MHK
Crossbone Cuts & collab
2 1/2 at best
What are you smoking?
http://scrapmatters.com/wordpress/2011/11/11/whats-new-scrapmatters-18/
I count 4.
You can count 4 all you want, based on Andilynn's stupid newsletter... but the fact remains that there are only 2-1/2 in the New Releases section of the shop. MHK and Crossbone Cuts (and a collab of hers w/ WM2, which is NOT in WM2's shop, so it doesn't count as a third designer IMO). If the releases shown in the newsletter are actually new releases, why aren't they in the new releases area of the shop? Riddle me that, genius.
LOL about this argument. I just stumbled in here and would side w/ those who say 2-1/2. But more importantly, looking at those new releases up close just now... made me think of Scrapable. As in, SM's designs (this week, anyway) remind me of what you find in Scrapable's shop (speaking of other sites that used to be worth something and have fallen from grace...).
Even when Sunshine Studio Scraps announced it was closing, the designers had the decency to stay til the end. There must be bad blood there.
I too was expecting the store to still have the sale on today. It said Nov 4-11. I was planning on doing my shopping today because today's my pay day. I had a TON of stuff on my wish list that I would have bought. Pretty sad.
oh - my previous comment referred to the post about the Scrapmatters sale.
http://scrapmatters.com/wordpress/2011/11/11/whats-new-scrapmatters-18/
I count 4.
-------------
They put them in the wrong category then:
http://shop.scrapmatters.com/home.php?cat=313
RE: Scrapable - What happened with Lisa and Scrapable?
I too was expecting the store to still have the sale on today. It said Nov 4-11. I was planning on doing my shopping today because today's my pay day. I had a TON of stuff on my wish list that I would have bought. Pretty sad.
^^^^^^
I know with Happy Scrap Girl's store, it is on sale when you add it then go to the cart.
http://stufftoscrap.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_148&products_id=6171
Opinions?
http://stufftoscrap.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_148&products_id=6171
Opinions?
^^^^
You'd think there is some sort of copyright violation there.
WOW When will people learn?
Nothing there...? Is it down already?
I still see it.
^^^
For me, the larger preview image won't open in their pop-up lightbox thing. Here's a direct link to the large photo:
http://stufftoscrap.com/store/images/AC_MB_Full_prev.jpg
Here's a question: why would this be any more of a copyright violation than the element pack Chelle's Creations did for DSD (in her grab bag)?
Also, LOL at the flair that says "I'm an addicted" ...instead of "addict". DUH.
Because she appears to have used the actual pictures she grabbed from somewhere. If you looks at Chelle's they don't have the eyebrows, they are close but not exact copies. Chelle doesn't have the pigs either. I don't think Chelle crossed the line whereas this other kit does.
Wow, she really needs a spell checker.
The description of "Mad Birds"
Yes, I'm addicted to the game Angry Birds! And my addiction spreaded throughout my family too!
Some fun photos from me and my family playing and a suggestion in our forum made me try to create a kit to scrap those photos.
If you are a fan of the game and have some photos this is the kit for you!
if you read copyright laws, Chelle's would be an infringement as well if they wanted to come after her. Anyone can look and know that it is an angry birds kit. It doesn't have to be an actual image. A likeness, etc is still technically wrong even if you draw it yourself
Wow, she really needs a spell checker.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Not excusing her grammar, but she's not a native English speaker.
Not excusing her grammar, but she's not a native English speaker.
^^^^^^^^^^
Then if she is working in an English speaking shop, she needs someone to check this. There was a flair that were not right either. (I'm an addicted).
I sold at Stuff To Scrap one. The owner, Nicole, actually sent an email to designers that making 'tribute' kits was OK because you weren't likely to be prosecuted by the big companies.
She also deleted every single thread in the designer forum about Miss Tina and the copyright issues, saying it was all 'high school gossip.'
She had a mass outflux of designers right after that.
She doesn't follow the rules, she interprets them
I sold at Stuff To Scrap one. The owner, Nicole, actually sent an email to designers that making 'tribute' kits was OK because you weren't likely to be prosecuted by the big companies.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
So instead of sending the store owner the link, it should go to Rovio Mobile?
Looks like it's been disabled.
So instead of sending the store owner the link, it should go to Rovio Mobile?
^^^
Yep. Nicole doesn't care. Just have a look through her personal store for Disney kits.
Looks like it's been disabled.
--------------
I still see it...
Who's SO?
Who's SO?
-------
Scrap Orchard
http://scraporchard.com/
It's where all the cool designers hang out now.
I hate to be a bubble burster but some of the SO designers are great, but the site itself sucks. Its way too large, not very personable and doesn't seem to welcome new people. I just don't like it at all there. There are a lot better sites community wise.
Shocked no one has posted this by now. Don't know what kind of "fun" could be had after everyone has left, but whatever....
http://scrapmatters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26651
I 100% agree, 12:08. Tried for a while to hang out there. Community is snobby and cliquish and not welcoming to noobs. Didn't stay long.
I agree, SO is very clique-y. Which stinks because a designer I CT for is moving there.
ITA about SO. One of the designers I CT for just moved to TDC (well she's guesting there, but I think she'll stay?) and the environment at TDC is 100% different from SO. People are so friendly and helpful and I felt comfortable there right away. I tried hanging out at SO a few months ago and felt like I was breaking into a high school clique's party.
ITA about SO's forums. SSD is the same, not very welcoming or friendly to newbies.
Does that girl Whit still hang at SO? She drove me crazy.
There are going to be "cliques" everywhere, since obviously people who have been together for a long time will know each other and be closer than they will be to a newcomer. However, I do agree that SO is more high schoolish than most. And SSD is not far behind.
As a side note, as a regular on a couple forums, it's highly annoying when there's a CT call and the applicants converge on the forums and start posting 50 times a day to suck up. Then as soon as the call ends, they're gone as fast as they arrived.
Not saying any of the previous posters were doing that, just putting it out there as a peeve.
I bet you are talking about TLP... There was one girl who posted a whole bunch... but she made it and I didn't so I guess they like that kind of sucking up.
Anonymous said...
Does that girl Whit still hang at SO? She drove me crazy.
November 12, 2011 8:44 AM
______________________________
I only know one Whit and she never really hung out at SO, even when she CT for Amy Stoffel.
Does that girl Whit still hang at SO? She drove me crazy.
~~~~~
You talking about that Whitneyt chick? She was all over SM making me want to poke my eyeballs out with toothpicks.
I was just shopping at Scrap Orchard and see that Jady Day Studio is one of their designers. Must be her new shop.
I don't like SO either. I hung out there a few times, but it seemed like it was always about the staff and not customers.
Agree on the SO issue. I started to hang out there during Iron Scrapper but they really did nothing to make us feel welcome and feel like sticking around.
You get the sense that they are so big, and so busy because they are big, that they don't have time or inclination to make new members feel welcome.
November 12, 2011 7:07 AM
ITA about SO. One of the designers I CT for just moved to TDC (well she's guesting there, but I think she'll stay?) and the environment at TDC is 100% different from SO. People are so friendly and helpful and I felt comfortable there right away.
===========
That might be the case if you haven't been in the back of the action @ TDC. My back still hurts from all the back stabbing! I do agree the SO is very clique-y.
November 12, 2011 7:07 AM
ITA about SO. One of the designers I CT for just moved to TDC (well she's guesting there, but I think she'll stay?) and the environment at TDC is 100% different from SO. People are so friendly and helpful and I felt comfortable there right away.
_____________________________________
now I have found the opposite. I tried hanging out at TDC and felt ignored. Posted layouts, commented on other pages, played the challenges, chats, posted in forums....but didn't feel a part. SO have felt welcome, comments on pages, love their challenges and found my questions were answered. I do not CT for anyone there or anywhere for that matter, not looking to get in the CT game either :)Don't want deadlines.
You talking about that Whitneyt chick? She was all over SM making me want to poke my eyeballs out with toothpicks.
------------
ummm.... no. not that one. Just Whit.
I have never seen a better community anywhere than DSP. The members there are more welcoming than I have seen anywhere else, and there are tons of challenges to join in on.
I have never seen a better community anywhere than DSP. The members there are more welcoming than I have seen anywhere else, and there are tons of challenges to join in on.
----
WHO? Last time I checked we were talking about SO and TDC. Go do your pimping at DST.
Agree on the SO issue. I started to hang out there during Iron Scrapper but they really did nothing to make us feel welcome and feel like sticking around.
...................................
Just curious, what do you think they should have done to make you feel welcome. I started hanging out there at just about the same time, posted a 'howdy' thread in their intro forum, got a ton of responses, and have hung out there ever since. I felt welcome right away, so I'm curious what your expectations were.
I bet you are talking about TLP... There was one girl who posted a whole bunch... but she made it and I didn't so I guess they like that kind of sucking up.
---
Did she stop posting once she got the spot? I guess it's one thing if she's going to be that active after the fact, too.
So now the challenges at SM are suspended indefinitely.
Would revamping the challenge system cause a mass exodus of designers?
Wonder what "fun, new changes" are coming?
What designer needs a 40+ member personal creative team?
That is more than any Store CT I have seen!
What designer has a 40 member ct???
I haven't heard anyone with 40, but based on the CT appreciate thread at DST, someone has 19. Who needs 19 CT members?
I have known quite a few designers that have large teams because the CT team where they sell at doesn't use their products very often. Does it really matter how many team members a designer has?
What CT appreciate thread?
Queen of Hearts has OVER 40 members.
I am on QOH's CT team and most everyone there is freelance. We have no requirements at all. Which is why there are many team members. Is it really any of your business?
Busy Bee has over 38 members.
Can someone tell me whatever happened with 9th&B. I know Holly made an appearance and took the blame, but what else happened?
Did all the designers find new homes?
Jenn Barrette has about 30 CT members. Whats your point on how many team members a designer has?
On the topic of CT members, Cindy Schnieder at SSD has a ton also, I think 20, maybe more. Plus, she just added about 5 or 6 more over DSD with her contest. If it works for the designer then it works for them. Some can't keep up with that many CT members.
So now the challenges at SM are suspended indefinitely.
Would revamping the challenge system cause a mass exodus of designers?
Wonder what "fun, new changes" are coming?
^^^^^^^ I thought SM was closing?? Its suddenly coming back from the dead now?
So what do you guys think of the TLP CT call results? I lurk around the Lilypad and I have never seen some of these girls scrap with the products let alone post there. Well, except for when the call posted.
Agree on the SO issue. I started to hang out there during Iron Scrapper but they really did nothing to make us feel welcome and feel like sticking around.
...................................
Just curious, what do you think they should have done to make you feel welcome. I started hanging out there at just about the same time, posted a 'howdy' thread in their intro forum, got a ton of responses, and have hung out there ever since. I felt welcome right away, so I'm curious what your expectations were.
----------------
I totally agree. I started hanging out there over the summer and have felt extremely welcomed. Great challenges, well organized, all the designers seem to hang out in the forums and not just hide to themselves. What would you want them to do? Heck I got about $20 in products from various designers saying welcome with a little gift code to go and use... that was NICE!
^^^^^^^ I thought SM was closing?? Its suddenly coming back from the dead now?
------
It was never announced that it WAS closing. It was posted today that they would not be closing (probably from rumors saying it would) but that there would be new stuff happening. We shall see!
Not many forums offer a goodie packet. So I have to say that is really awesome of SO to do that.
As for SM, a few of the designers had said that SM was closing. Maybe they weren't aware that the doors decided to stay open? WHY as a store owner would you NOT tell your designers this so that they WONT leave? Isn't the object of a store to actually have designers?
I HATE forums where the designers DONT talk to people or just mainly talk to the other designers or CT members of that store. Talking to the customers and people in the forum goes along way IMO.
That is more than any Store CT I have seeen!
^^^^^The Lily Pad has a huge team and so does Mscraps. Mscraps has about 40 CT members if not more. The Lilypad, I think might be at 25team members. What people don't understand is that each member might have a different CT duty. Some might be full-time, some might be freelance, some might just be on a challenge or blog team. In some cases from being on CT teams myself, is that the designers have friends on their team that don't actually create but are there because the designer wants them there. If it works for a designer or a store then it's really not my concern how many people they have creating for them. Unless there is a limit as to how many people one can have on a CT team?
I totally agree. I started hanging out there over the summer and have felt extremely welcomed. Great challenges, well organized, all the designers seem to hang out in the forums and not just hide to themselves. What would you want them to do? Heck I got about $20 in products from various designers saying welcome with a little gift code to go and use... that was NICE!
So, you didn't feel at like it was all about the site team or the designers? Or clique-ish?
My damn Iphone. That was supposed to say AT ALL like. I swear i'm going to toss this thing.
Anonymous said...
^^^^^^^ I thought SM was closing?? Its suddenly coming back from the dead now?
------
It was never announced that it WAS closing. It was posted today that they would not be closing (probably from rumors saying it would) but that there would be new stuff happening. We shall see!
November 13, 2011 12:51 AM
----------------------------------
It might not have been PUBLICLY announced, but their designers WERE told it was closing.
Yes, designers at SM were told that it was closing. It is a complete shock that it is now staying open. But perhaps Andi got someone to buy it. Good luck to that person since all the best designers are now gone.
So what do you guys think of the TLP CT call results? I lurk around the Lilypad and I have never seen some of these girls scrap with the products let alone post there. Well, except for when the call posted.
---
Who on the list did you think were deserving?
Who not?
Jenn Barrette has about 30 CT members. Whats your point on how many team members a designer has?
--------------------
I think I'd prefer 5 or 10 good CT members, and let the other 20-25 people actually pay for my products.
meh. I could care less about forums and being included. It's all fake anyway since these people don't know me IRL.
I buy stuff I like. I might participate in a challenge that is interesting. And I don't post layouts for comments. I'm not seeking attention or friendship because it's really a stupid thing to do in an online forum. And I think to expect people to fall all over you because you are new to a forum is petty.
Can someone tell me whatever happened with 9th&B. I know Holly made an appearance and took the blame, but what else happened?
Did all the designers find new homes?
______________________________
Nothing else happened. Holly took the blame a couple of days after the problem with paypal and a few days after that she closed the door entirely. Most of the designers have found new homes and a couple of them, I think, have decided to retire.
meh. I could care less about forums and being included. It's all fake anyway since these people don't know me IRL.
I buy stuff I like. I might participate in a challenge that is interesting. And I don't post layouts for comments. I'm not seeking attention or friendship because it's really a stupid thing to do in an online forum. And I think to expect people to fall all over you because you are new to a forum is petty.
November 13, 2011 8:36 AM
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Well, good for you. Aren't you just perfect?! What a condescending bitch you are. Good thing you don't seek friends because, judging from this attitude, not many people would WANT to be friends with you.
I think I'd prefer 5 or 10 good CT members, and let the other 20-25 people actually pay for my products.
^^^^ What's to say those 20-25 people would actually BUY your stuff? There are alot of CT girls who are just out for free stuff.
Nothing else happened. Holly took the blame a couple of days after the problem with paypal and a few days after that she closed the door entirely. Most of the designers have found new homes and a couple of them, I think, have decided to retire.
^^^^^ Well, did the designers get paid from that month? Is anyone going to take legal action if they didn't?
The designers were paid shortly after the shop closed.
I bet you are talking about TLP... There was one girl who posted a whole bunch... but she made it and I didn't so I guess they like that kind of sucking up.
---
Did she stop posting once she got the spot? I guess it's one thing if she's going to be that active after the fact, too.
-------------
not quite, but she did post a few more... nothing like before if you ask me.
^^^^^^^ I thought SM was closing?? Its suddenly coming back from the dead now?
--------------------
SM never said they were closing. There was apparently talk about it being a possibility behind the scenes and I heard that was what made the designers run rather than stick with the community while it revamps what works and what didn't. The reasons behind it don't matter. I think they will be a strong community again very quickly. They've always been one of the most friendly communities out there. I'd much rather be there than at SO where high school meets scrapbooking.
^^^^
You have no idea what you are talking about. The designers, admin and CT were all told the store was closing this month. Now that it isn't is news to all of us. Of course the designers left, they were told the store was closing.
Well, good for you. Aren't you just perfect?! What a condescending bitch you are. Good thing you don't seek friends because, judging from this attitude, not many people would WANT to be friends with you.
November 13, 2011 10:45 AM
---
And you just confirmed my suspicion that you are lacking in the adult socializing skills that are necessary for real life. I understand why you have turned to forums.
Is anyone else getting TONS of emails from Sweet Shoppe today? I don't shop there alot, but it seems every order I've placed since last year is making its way into my inbox again. Along with some spam from some kind of place that you can download movies at. Just me?
^^^^^^^
I'm not.
Agree on the SO issue. I started to hang out there during Iron Scrapper but they really did nothing to make us feel welcome and feel like sticking around.
...................................
Just curious, what do you think they should have done to make you feel welcome. I started hanging out there at just about the same time, posted a 'howdy' thread in their intro forum, got a ton of responses, and have hung out there ever since. I felt welcome right away, so I'm curious what your expectations were.
^^
I'm the OP on this, so I'll answer your question. I didn't get comments on my layouts, no one really chatted with me, and when I asked questions, I got really brief, to the point answers without any friendliness to them or anything like that. I don't post in welcome threads, but I don't think that should be a pre-requisite to people actually chatting with me.
I didn't get any welcome coupons.
Some forums have people who watch for new sign ups and go out of their way to greet people when they join.
I'll admit I am shy - both online and off - but some forums do a better job of making new members feel included.
It's like when you show up at a party where you only know the host ... if the host waves at you but stays where they are and keeps talking to someone else, you stand aside and feel awkward ... but if the host comes over to you, greets you, and walks you into the conversation ... you feel included.
You have no idea what you are talking about. The designers, admin and CT were all told the store was closing this month. Now that it isn't is news to all of us. Of course the designers left, they were told the store was closing.
November 13, 2011 1:42 PM
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and how do you know what they were told? I heard they were told "might" and they all ran squawking... great job for a community who built your name up to what it is.
How the heck do you think I know? I'm one of them. Again, there was never a "might" close. It was definite.
I also never get comments on my layouts at SO, and only at few at other stores... which I think is super ridiculous... if you want us to post there, well, be kind enough to find something you like and say something about it. I agree with the one word answers, IF you get an answer at all...
How the heck do you think I know? I'm one of them. Again, there was never a "might" close. It was definite.
November 13, 2011 5:44 PM
----------------------
Prove it...
I think you are just some bitch causing trouble... and you want to make up shit to excuse your behavior. If you really were an DT, admin or CT over there, you wouldn't be sharing the information anyway... I have a friend who said she couldn't tell me what the deal was because she signed a confidentiality clause... now that the announcement was made, she said they were never SURE about any closing or anything. So who the fuck are you? Post your name then cowardly bitch. I love SM, they've been such a friendly community since the day I joined and guess what, good riddance to the designers who left... I like the ones who are staying anyway. I'd rather be at a friendly site with newer designers than at a b.s. filled site with a bunch of bitches who they they are all the shit. Oh, wait, I bet you are one of them. That makes sense now.
^^^^^^^
PS, before you ask, I am JUST a customer there, I shop at a few sites but only visit THIS one regularly b/c I haven't found another one with such nice people. Glad they making it even better personally
You know what, I don't have to prove anything. I know the truth. Thing is, it doesn't really matter. I'm glad they are staying open. But the truth is, if there was any chance of that before, the designers wouldn't have left like the did. Do you really think Wendy and some of the others who have given everything to that site would just up and leave if they were just making some changes? No. They were closing. That's a fact. Now they aren't. It will be interesting to see what happens.
I also never get comments on my layouts at SO, and only at few at other stores... which I think is super ridiculous... if you want us to post there, well, be kind enough to find something you like and say something about it. I agree with the one word answers, IF you get an answer at all...
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I agree with this. I am a designer in a mid-sized small store (used to be a pretty "big-ish" store, but I've heard it's gone down, I however love it).
I comment on ALL my LOs. As long as I can find them (in my gallery). I think designers who do not find 45 minutes a week to comment and connect with a customer is sad.
I also never get comments on my layouts at SO, and only at few at other stores... which I think is super ridiculous... if you want us to post there, well, be kind enough to find something you like and say something about it. I agree with the one word answers, IF you get an answer at all...
^^^^^^
Personally, I try to comment on pages when I have time. I'm not a designer, but I am on a site ct. Do you know how hard it is to keep up with an active gallery? I could leave 30 comments in the morning and by evening, I'd need to do 30+ more. I do my best, as do the other girls, but we all have outside lives!
Personally, I try to comment on pages when I have time. I'm not a designer, but I am on a site ct. Do you know how hard it is to keep up with an active gallery? I could leave 30 comments in the morning and by evening, I'd need to do 30+ more. I do my best, as do the other girls, but we all have outside lives!
---------
Oh, there's no way for everyone to comment on everything. But if the store is big enough to have a very active gallery, I think the CT could comment on a few that do not have comments, and designers should comment on all of theirs. No excuse not to (other than being lazy asses). I am also a believer if you upload a LO, you should comment on someone who posted before you.
Oh, there's no way for everyone to comment on everything. But if the store is big enough to have a very active gallery, I think the CT could comment on a few that do not have comments, and designers should comment on all of theirs.
-----------------
I agree about the designers. As far as the CT goes, alot of galleries don't let you see how many comments are on a layout when you're just looking at the general gallery. To find layouts that don't have any comments you'd have to open up every layout. That can take a long time in itself.
This is the timeline that the designers, CT and admin at SM were emailed.
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 11:46 PM
Subject: Changes at ScrapMatters
Tentative timeline--on Nov 1 we will be downsizing our server, since we have fewer designers now I think that should be fine, but I did break up the announcement to the public to try to spread out our sales:
Oct. 20 - Please do not take more than one item total from the shop, until closing, now that you have been notified, if you need to do CT assignments obviously there will be an exception to this. If there is something more you would like please contact the designer directly for a gift code.
Oct. 31- announce closure to CT and SMG. No CT assignments for November. The CT/admin/ DT codes will be turned off. All CT and SMG will get a coupon for $5 as a thank you. Announce that we are taking a break from MOS for November and no banking of points from October.
Nov. 4-6 - DSD sale--40% off. If you want to back out of the collab that's fine--although the FWP collab will help to generate sales.
Nov. 12- announce closure to general public on SM blog - designers can set their own sale amounts. Limited blog posts after this.
Nov. 15- announce closure to general public via newsletter
Nov. 22 - final day of sales - 8 days remaining to clear up any CS issues--server will be closed on Nov 30.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Could be made up I guess, but the banked MOS points were converted and are only good through 11/21.
I guess we'll see.
I've never posted here before and am hesitant to do so due to the negativity from so many who do post. However, I feel like I need to chime in and say something regarding SM. The above post with the timeline that was supposedly emailed to all the admin, designers and CT members was NOT emailed to me and I am a member of the CT. That leads me to believe that whoever the poster is - and whoever has been leaking information here and elsewhere - is a member of either the admin or the design team. I have to say, I'm disgusted. Seriously, how could anyone who is behind the scenes in such an intimate way betray the site like this? We all signed confidentiality agreements. We all read Andrea's request to keep the changes private until she has a chance to publicly announce them. Why on earth do you think it's ok to reveal things that aren't yours to reveal? It truly baffles my mind. I can only assume that if you are an admin or a designer for SM you CARE about the site and love it as much as the rest of us working there do. I find your treatment of this entire issue deplorable, disrespectful, and totally self-serving. And I honestly hope that you are one who has chosen to move on from SM. We don't need dishonest people behind the scenes.
I'm sure someone is going to tell me to get off my high horse or something else of that nature, but this needed to be said.
I agree with the above poster... I never got that and I was on the CT.
You know what, I don't have to prove anything. I know the truth. Thing is, it doesn't really matter. I'm glad they are staying open. But the truth is, if there was any chance of that before, the designers wouldn't have left like the did. Do you really think Wendy and some of the others who have given everything to that site would just up and leave if they were just making some changes? No. They were closing. That's a fact. Now they aren't. It will be interesting to see what happens.
November 13, 2011 5:58 PM
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Actually some of the DT members had been inactive or barely active for sometime, so yeah, I think they would. It's no secret that SO is trying to dominate to digi scrap industry by creating some power trip empire... why wouldn't they try to steal other stores designers... or maybe when Chelle moved over, she told her good designer friends at SM that she had better sales, or whatever and they all followed behind her. I'm less likely to buy from any of them being over at SO. I hate that place.
That might be the case if you haven't been in the back of the action @ TDC. My back still hurts from all the back stabbing! I do agree the SO is very clique-y.
--------------
This statement is ridiculous. I have been "in the back of the action" at TDC for a long time and this couldn't be more inaccurate. While there are instances of people getting annoyed with each other on occasion (we're women, after all), TDC is one of the least drama-filled backstabby places I've ever been. I'm curious to know who you are and what grudge you hold, to have posted this.
Does anyone else find it ironic that the poster of the timeline is being tagged by 8:49 as somebody with no integrity because they posted this top secret email - the same email that outlines the closing of the site and a systematic release of information in an effort to "spread out sales". If this email is legit than Andi intended to deceive from the very beginning and yet the integrity of the poster is being weighed against that of SM's valiant owner. Interesting...I'm glad I don't have a horse in this race.
We all signed confidentiality agreements. We all read Andrea's request to keep the changes private until she has a chance to publicly announce them.
----------------------
So basically you are upset with her for posting that and sharing information about the closing and changed, but at the same time confirming that it's true.
And I do have to say if the poster of the e-mail is a designer, I can understand why she posted it.
If I had been told the store was closing at a time of the year when designer really depend on sales, only to find out they it was sold instead, the whole situation can be very disheartening.
As a CT member you're just losing your ticket to free supplies. She is losing income, sometimes sales (depending on what store she ends up in), it's a very stressful situation to be in.
And no I am not a designer at SM but I went through a similar situation when the store I was selling in closed.
And another one bites the dust.
A friend of mine is a CTM at Scrapdish, and was told today that they are closing at the end of December unless someone buys it. They don't have a lot of "big-name" designers but they do have a few really talented ones who've been there a long time. I think they are one of the oldest digi stores.
Does anyone else find it ironic that the poster of the timeline is being tagged by 8:49 as somebody with no integrity because they posted this top secret email - the same email that outlines the closing of the site and a systematic release of information in an effort to "spread out sales". If this email is legit than Andi intended to deceive from the very beginning and yet the integrity of the poster is being weighed against that of SM's valiant owner. Interesting...I'm glad I don't have a horse in this race.
----------------------------------
^^^
And here you've hit upon the reason why everyone had been keeping zipped (due to contract) but now are loosening their lips. Very frustrating to have the rug pulled out from under you only to have it then laid back out after you've landed on your ass. Not a whole lot of warm fuzzy loyalty left after that sort of treatment.
The posted timeline is legit and as of DSD the intent as told to the backroom was still to close Nov 22. The decision to stay open is VERY recent.
I suspect some of the designers left quickly because they didn't want to be part of the whole drag out the sales thing once it leaked. The intent wasn't to deceive as no one was supposed to know it was closing until after DSD. The intent was to let the designers have good DSD sales and still have a store closing sale.
That said however, once the cat was out of the bag she should have just fessed up to having troubles and trusted her customers to stay loyal to their designers until the end. The secrecy was more harmful than the fact of closing imho.
If they try to keep the site going I can't see it being more than a shadow of its former self.
The time table above was true. Now it is not. Andilynn changed her mind. Poor business decision to plan out the closing of your shop and not be committed to it.
Andilynn hasn't been a huge part of the site for a long time though. She rarely speaks on the forums or participates in anything else. With so many of the key people leaving, or left, I don't think it's the same place anymore.
I'm sorry to the customer above that really loves it there. I did too.
That said however, once the cat was out of the bag she should have just fessed up to having troubles and trusted her customers to stay loyal to their designers until the end. The secrecy was more harmful than the fact of closing imho.
If they try to keep the site going I can't see it being more than a shadow of its former self.
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Absolutely agree with you. Not knowing what was really going on made people feel angry, frustrated, worried, etc. Seeing that something has to be going on with so many people leaving, and being told another just raises our alarm bells.
I don't like being lied to. I would've preferred she just say that she is not able to keep up with the site, or whatever, and it will be closing. Allow the designers to search out their future homes and let the sunset go down gracefully. All the deception just shows that she wasn't fully committed to the decision to close, so she shouldn't have set forth the plan until she was.
Of course, it's entirely possible that SM will still close and Andi doesn't want to hurt sales up until that time. She hasn't been publicly forthcoming so far. I wouldn't expect her to be now.
The fact that the CT didn't receive that email proves nothing LOL. If you actually read it, it says they would tell the CT the site was closing Oct. 31. Since the email is dated Oct. 20, well that wouldn't make much sense to have sent it to the CT as well, would it?
I also doubt someone would have went to all the trouble to make up something so detailed just to post here. If so, kudos to them for having no life. While it's probably not very cool to post confidential information like that, you can have a confidentiality clause a mile wide, but you should realize that anything you put out there has the potential to be leaked, even more so when it's big shocking news. You shoul think before you put something out there in cyberspace because you can't trust anyone.
New SM challenges coming 12/1. Huh.
Change of heart?
^^^
Can someone please tell me what part of SM is not closing do you not get?
Can someone please tell me what part of SM is not closing do you not get?
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Can you please tell me why Andilynn said it WAS closing and all of a sudden it's NOT?
That was a crap thing to do to the designers who were there. I hope they make 10 times more at their new stores and that she really regrets her choices.
^^^
Can someone please tell me what part of SM is not closing do you not get?
November 14, 2011 8:26 AM
Why would there be a post saying they aren't closing and then a post announcing new challenges coming in Dec. At this point I don't see any reason for her to keep up the facade especially since it is past this supposed deadline to make it public. Maybe she changed her mind or maybe there is a sale transaction?
^um, nm the post above. I'm kinda a moron without my morning coffee. I missed your "not". ;)
Can you please tell me why Andilynn said it WAS closing and all of a sudden it's NOT?
That was a crap thing to do to the designers who were there. I hope they make 10 times more at their new stores and that she really regrets her choices.
I agree. That was wrong.
To the person who asked about SSD and lots of weird e-mails this weekend... yes I got them, too. I didn't get order e-mails, but I got about 5 random newsletter e-mails, dating back as far as July. Obviously their server had a large hiccup this weekend.
When will people learn how to read a TOU when using CU items?????
Example of blatant infringement on the original CU designer's TOU:
http://shop.scrapmatters.com/product.php?productid=10240&cat=313&page=1
Here's just one (of the more recognizable) products she used to make it:
http://www.sugarhillco.com/shop/Designer-Stash-61/
And here's the original designer's TOU:
http://www.sugarhillco.com/shop/wendypagetou/
...which CLEARLY STATES "They may not be used in a collection of like products -- for example, flowers may not be used in an all flower elements pack."
What the EFF is wrong with people, that they can't even be bothered to read a TOU?
Obviously, different people understand the meaning of CU differently and simply assume that the rest of the TOU will say the same thing they think it means. And some people are just too lazy to read altogether!
So did you report it to the 2 designers in question? Posting here does no good unless you know for a fact they read here. I'd report it to each of them, and to the owner/admins at SM.
I don't know of many CU designers (especially not reputable ones w/ good quality) that allow you to create just an element pack using their flowers. So it would seem that this is either a case of EXTREME LAZINESS (as in, Tanya's never read a TOU in her entire life???), or else she just didn't care and made the product anyway. I'm probably going with the latter...
I reported the Flowergate scandal to SM and Wendy Page, in case nobody else had done it.
Also, I just found a request from a couple of weeks ago to set-up a section for people to comment/review Atomic Cupcake on the review blog... sorry it took so long. DSD had me swamped and I am just now making my way back out again.
Here's the link to the review blog: http://dsthofreviews.blogspot.com/ (the new AC section is up at the top on the main page, until/unless anyone requests new stores to be listed)
About SM... you people are beating a dead horse... it's not closing... get over it and move on to something else.
Why does it not closing mean it's a dead horse? How it was handled was still very wrong.
Sounds like someone has a vested interest in sweeping this under the rug...........
We still find the topic interesting. If you don't, feel free to talk about something else, but that doesn't mean everyone else will. When we're tired of it, we'll naturally move on. Until then, stop trying to tell others what to talk about.
The SM product is gone - thanks Piers
Have there been any shops that were sold that were successful for the new owner?
The Digi Chick, twice, I believe.
Why does it not closing mean it's a dead horse? How it was handled was still very wrong.
November 14, 2011 2:20 PM
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I'm not sure that it was handled poorly. What if none of the stuff about the store closing was true and it was just a bad case of rumors? Nothing has really proven that they were closing. Other than some supposed email that clearly had an incorrect timeline. Designers left, but that happens when a store is dropping in popularity or even when a better store opens their doors for more designers.
Oh please. Designers didn't just leave. There was a mass exodus that all took place at the SAME TIME, within a week or so, right before one of the biggest sales weekends of the year? It wasn't a coincidence, and you're either an idiot for thinking otherwise... or trying to insinuate that we're all idiots b/c you think we'll buy that. We're not buying that.
Have there been any shops that were sold that were successful for the new owner?
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The Lilypad. I don't even think most people know it was sold.
No, I don't think you're an idiot for believing that there was always a plan to close. I never called you that or insinuated such a thing by stating *my* thoughts on the matter. I'm just saying that there may be other possibilities and SM has been in the crapper since that stupid designer contest. It seems that people have been unhappy with them and all it takes is some bad blood to get something circulating.
And if you were a designer and SO asked you to come on board, wouldn't you consider it if you have been watching your store decline? And SO probably was taking advantage of the DSD weekend to bring them aboard to boost sales. (I'm not a designer but I generally love to buy at SO. If I was a designer, I would probably want to be there. They seem pretty busy and stable!)
I'm sure there is so much more to this story though...
The Lilypad. I don't even think most people know it was sold.
November 14, 2011 8:29 PM
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When was TLP sold and who bought it? I thought that Amy Martin owned it.
I think it was Amy Martin and Amy Wolff who owned it. Now Kelly and Laura do.
And if you were a designer and SO asked you to come on board, wouldn't you consider it if you have been watching your store decline? And SO probably was taking advantage of the DSD weekend to bring them aboard to boost sales. (I'm not a designer but I generally love to buy at SO. If I was a designer, I would probably want to be there. They seem pretty busy and stable!)
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Except what you don't realize is that SO didn't send out invites to the new designers. Those designers (well, most of them) contacted SO when they were told SM was closing, and asked to come on board. Likewise, a bunch of designers from SM also contacted TDC and asked to come there, as well. So it's not like those designers were happy at SM and contacted out of the blue by the other shops... it was quite the other way around.
How do you know that they said the shop was closing when the designers contacted them? Did you get to read the emails? Or is this through the grapevine?
Maybe they just weren't happy at SM and had been talking and decided to leave? If I was unhappy and SO or TDC would be willing take on my shop, I would have been out of there too. The store was going downhill. Designers talk and the next thing you know they are all unahppy and leaving.
I can tell you as one of the designers that left SM, that we were all completely blindsided by a email saying that SM would be closing. There was no talk, no warning, nothing. Just an email saying that everything was done. So naturally we all panicked and scurried to find new stores. Now SM is not closing and they have lost most of their designers, admin and creative team.
^^^^^^^^
Which doesn't surprise me because that is exactly how they handled it when they went exclusive, too. I'm on the CT for one of the designers who left back then and she shared with us that there was no discussion, no input requested from the team, nothing. Someone decided it was a good idea and it was done. Andilynn didn't even poll her non-exclusive designers to see if they would even be willing to sell only at SM before making the decision. Don't you think a smart store owner would try to assess how many people she'd lose with such a decision before setting it in stone?
My designer has said she is very glad she didn't go exclusive, and chose not to put all her eggs in Andilynn's basket earlier this year, especially after seeing how they were/are closing already less than a year later. I can't believe Andilynn screwed up yet another DSD sale. Last year, they couldn't get their act together and keep the site up and running during NSD and again during DSD. This year, she decides to close the store during the busiest time of the year? I feel terrible for all the designers who had to scurry for last minute arrangements in new stores just before the biggest sales weekend of the year. Way to look out for the people who have been buttering your bread for years, Andilynn.
I think it was Amy Martin and Amy Wolff who owned it. Now Kelly and Laura do.
I'm pretty sure it was Amy Martin and Natalie Braxton (retired) who owned it.
I didn't know it was sold. Who are Kelly and Laura?
ave there been any shops that were sold that were successful for the new owner?
DigiScrapWarehouse
I think it was Amy Martin and Amy Wolff who owned it. Now Kelly and Laura do.
I'm pretty sure it was Amy Martin and Natalie Braxton (retired) who owned it.
I didn't know it was sold. Who are Kelly and Laura?
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It was Amy and Amy after Natalie retired.
Laura (lmccandless) and Kelly (emmasmom) are the current owners.
I can tell you as one of the designers that left SM, that we were all completely blindsided by a email saying that SM would be closing. There was no talk, no warning, nothing. Just an email saying that everything was done. So naturally we all panicked and scurried to find new stores. Now SM is not closing and they have lost most of their designers, admin and creative team.
November 14, 2011 11:49 PM
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Who is "we"... are you saying you are one of the designers? The truth is a lot different than what you state... maybe this was a whole ploy to weed out those who had no dedication to the site. If I were running a store, I would hope that if a personal issue arose, my team would work with me and help me save the store even if I made a rash decision and said things I regret.
I am not Andilynn by the way, in case anyone is trying to throw that out there... just stating what I see as a scrapper and a customer.
^^^^^^^^
HELLO!! she just said she was one of the designers!
Who is "we"... are you saying you are one of the designers? The truth is a lot different than what you state... maybe this was a whole ploy to weed out those who had no dedication to the site. If I were running a store, I would hope that if a personal issue arose, my team would work with me and help me save the store even if I made a rash decision and said things I regret.
I am not Andilynn by the way, in case anyone is trying to throw that out there... just stating what I see as a scrapper and a customer.
But you can't play with people's livlihoods like that. And as a designer I don't want to stay in a store that may or may not actually stay open. I depend on the sales I make to help pay the bills and I have to take the threat of losing THE ONLY store I sell in VERY seriously.
But if it was a ploy to test dedication to site, it was a horrendously stupid business decision. Because this is a business, not a group of friends hanging out supporting each other, although we often do that too. What it comes down to is the business, plain and simple, when you are talking about the relationship between a store owner and designer.
This may have all played out differently if SM hadn't switched to exclusive. If the designers were selling in several stores and weren't completely dependent on SM as their only source of sales I think many, if not most might have hung around til the end.
Who is "we"... are you saying you are one of the designers? The truth is a lot different than what you state... maybe this was a whole ploy to weed out those who had no dedication to the site. If I were running a store, I would hope that if a personal issue arose, my team would work with me and help me save the store even if I made a rash decision and said things I regret.
I am not Andilynn by the way, in case anyone is trying to throw that out there... just stating what I see as a scrapper and a customer.
November 15, 2011 9:49 AM
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I'm not the poster you were responding to. But I think your whole entire response is crap.
First of all, I do think you are Andilyn. If not, you are someone who is very close to her trying to support/defend her. And by the way, you are doing a terrible job at that. You make SM look worse and worse with every post you make. I think that the posts here over the last few days about how SO and TDC are terrible stores were also made by crazy SM-supporter/Andilyn as well.
The designers who left SM and moved to SO applied for a spot. They weren't invited. They applied and were accepted at new stores AFTER Andilyn said she was closing SM.
It would have been absolutely stupid for the designers at SM to stick around and ride a dying site to the grounds for several reasons. One of those reasons being that another big store had also closed that same week and that meant double the number of designers competing for good spots in stores.
People who rely on their designs as a source of income cannot be expected to wait until an obviously flaky and uninvolved store owner decides to quit playing ridiculous games that affect their future income. Andilyn told her designers that SM was closing. They believed her and started looking for a new store to sell their designs. That doesn't make them bad people. It just makes them people trying to look out for their future potential earnings. You can't expect your designers to just listen to you throw a PMS hissy fit, stomp your feet and say you are closing, but stick by your side and hope that you will come to your senses in the end. That is ludicrous and childish.
The worst part about the posts here "defending" SM is that after abruptly announcing that you were abandoning your designers, you are now turning around and talking as if they have stabbed you in the back by trying to find new homes. Trying to bring down the reputation of the designers who stuck with you for years, until the very second you abandoned them right before the biggest digi shopping day of the year AND the holidays, is really low.
Who is "we"... are you saying you are one of the designers? The truth is a lot different than what you state... maybe this was a whole ploy to weed out those who had no dedication to the site. If I were running a store, I would hope that if a personal issue arose, my team would work with me and help me save the store even if I made a rash decision and said things I regret.
I am not Andilynn by the way, in case anyone is trying to throw that out there... just stating what I see as a scrapper and a customer.
November 15, 2011 9:49 AM
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That would be a very stupid business move. I would think a store owner knows if a designer is loyal without having to play games like that. And I would certainly be moving on loyal or not because that stupidity would end all loyality. If that's the case Andilynn shot herself in the foot.
If I got an announcement saying the store was cloing, there would not be any "working" with to resolve anything. I woul be moving on. What's the reason to remain loyal?
The designers who left SM and moved to SO applied for a spot. They weren't invited. They applied and were accepted at new stores AFTER Andilyn said she was closing SM.
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I'm the one who posted that as a possibility. I was just throwing out some ideas. If you are really a former SM designer, then your explanation makes sense and I never said that it wasn't another possible side of this story.
The problem is knowing who and what to believe on this blog. I know for a fact that there has been contrived information posted about stores on this blog and everyone just believes the worst possible scenaria.
Exactly. And as one of the former designers, I appreciate your support. I'm in a better place now with people who actually appreciate me. Good luck to any designer who decides to join SM now. They are going to need it.
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